The Mindanao Cross | March 6, 2021

Vol. LXXIII| No. 5| Cotabato City | Saturday, March 6, 2021 |8 Pages | P10.00

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CHURCH / P6

Officials, partners vow to reduce BARMM malnutrition

TAPATAN / P8

Sr. Salvacion Pagsuguiron, OND, 89

March: Women’s Month Chief Inspector Lucilyn M. Banac-Jusay

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

TOO CLOSE FOR COMFORT. Despite constant reminders by authorities against the spread of COVID-19, Cotabateños seemed to have forgotten to distance themselves as they trooped the newly rehabilitated Rizal Park at the Cotabato City Plaza on Wednesday, March 3, which features a musical dancing fountain.

Valerie Ann P. Lambo

BARMM GETS INITIAL VAX

BY NOEL Y. PUNZALAN / PNA

HEALTH OFFICIALS of the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM) received Thursday from the national government an initial

of 4,200 Sinovac vaccines for its healthliners directly treating coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) patients across the region.

BARMM lauds Tandag The Indigenous Peoples’ mayor for support

BY JOHN FELIX UNSON

THE BANGSAMORO government expressed gratitude Wednesday to Tandag City Mayor Roxanne Pimentel for helping facilitate an outreach operation for hundreds of her typhoonstricken constituents.

The local government, health and social welfare ministries of the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao facilitated the relief mission in Tandag City, badly hit by Typhoon Auring that slammed the Caraga Region about two weeks ago.

“The Bangsamoro government is thankful to the mayor of Tandag for helping us out,” Sinarimbo said.

The relief operation was facilitated

by BARMM’s Rapid Emergency Action on Disaster Incidence, which is operating under Sinarimbo’s supervision.

The BARMM government sent 10 trucks of food supplies, hygiene and sleeping kits to Tandag, which is 12 hours away via overland travel from Cotabato City, seat of the Bangsamoro regional government.

Sinarimbo and Raisa Jadjurie,

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Challenges to Christian Missions 4th & last story on IP

By Fr. Eliseo Mercado, OMI

The vaccines arrived via a Philippine Airlines’ commercial flight from Manila around 11:55 a.m.

Dr. Amirel Usman, acting BARMM health minister, said the vaccines will be

Motherhood: Life and purpose

did you know?

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The Philippines observes National Women’s Month, Fire Prevention Month, and Rabies Awareness Month during the month of March.

March 8 was declared Women’s Rights and Inter national Peace Day by vir tue of Proclamation No. 224 signed in 1988. It also became National Women’s Day, as designated by Republic Act 6949 signed in 1990 by then President Corazon Aquino. The 2021 National Women’s Month Celebration slogan is “Juana, Laban sa Pandemya, Kaya!” #WomenMakeChange

600k inks online PDEA seizes P10.2M petition for extension shabu, arrests peddlers

BY BONG SARMIENTO

BY JOHN FELIX UNSON

KORONADAL CITY—Over 600,000 people have signed as of Thursday morning, 4 March, an online petition asking President Rodrigo Duterte to certify as priority bill the extension of the three-year transition period in the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM) until 2025.

LANAO del Sur Governor has reaffirmed his earlier commitment to support the proposed extension of the Bangsamoro Transition Authority (BTA) when he met Chief Minister Ahod Balawag Ebrahim in the city on Thursday afternoon.

The meeting was not made open to the media due to strict compliance with minimum health standards.

SINOVAC ARRIVES. Officials of the Department of Health in Region 10 receive 18,000 vials of Sinovac anti-COVID-19 vaccines from the national government that arrived via a PAL commercial flight at Awang airport in Datu Odin Sinsuat, Maguindanao on Friday, Photo courtesy of Lean Twinkle Bolongon/PIA March 5.

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kept overnight at their office’s storage facility before its transport to various district hospitals of the region.

“We have prioritized health workers directly treating COVID-19

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Tulunan placed under state of calamity

BY EDWIN O. FERNANDEZ

THE HIGHLY agricultural town of Tulunan in North Cotabato has been placed under state of calamity after recent strong winds and heavy downpour destroyed agricultural crops.

Mayor Reuel Limbungan of Tulunan on Tuesday said most of the damaged crops are beyond recovery and supposedly due for harvest this month.

The Municipal Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (MDRRMC) has recommended to the Sangguniang Bayan to declare state of calamity after more than 45 percent of the total crops due for harvest have been damaged beyond recovery.

The town council passed the resolution putting the entire town under state of calamity on Monday morning.

A total of P184 million worth of crops, palay, corn and other high value crops, were destroyed by recent weather disturbances that hit Tulunan, one of North Cotabato’s rice producing towns.

“With the state of calamity declared, the local government can use its calamity fund to aid affected farmers,” Limbungan said close to 3,000

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FIRST DOSE. Dr. Amirel S. Usman, OIC Minister of Health in the Bangsamoro region, receives his first Coronavac (SINOVAC) on Friday, March 5, at Integrated Provincial Hospital Office (IPHO) in Maguindanao.

Photo courtesy of BIO-BARMM

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March 6, 2021

THE MINDANAO CROSS

Officials, partners vow to reduce BARMM malnutrition

HEALTH AUTHORITIES in the Bangsamoro Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM) are convinced that malnutrition can be reduced, if not eliminated, among the Bagnsamoro people in 2022.

Regional Nutrition Program Coordinator for BARMM Dr. Kadil Sinolinding Jr said the program has been on going and its launching was delayed due to the pandemic.

He said malnutrition can be reduced, if not eradicated, during the short period when the action plan is implemented to the letter.

The Regional Plan of Action for Nutrition (RPAN) 2020-2022, a strategic and comprehensive plan to respond with the nutritional problems in the region, was launched early this week.

Sinolinding was confident malnutrition in the region will dramatically reduce by 2022 as BARMM has earned the support of international partner agencies.

He cited the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) Mindanao Field Officer Chief Mr. Andrew Morris, World Food Program (WFP) Country Director Brenda Barton, Food and Agriculture (FAO)–UN representative Hang Pham, and Health Organization

for Mindanao (HOM).

Sinolinding said the RPAN 20202022 is composed of 11 programs and 53 projects.

The programs include nutritionsensitive and nutrition-specific programs, covering problems on Infant and Young Child Feeding (IYCF) and its first 1000 days, dietary supplementation, micronutrients and supplementation, nutrition promotion for behavior change, mandatory food fortification, nutrition in emergencies, Philippine Integrated Management of Acute Malnutrition (PIMAM), Adolescent health, overweight and obesity management intervention, and nutrition-sensitive and enabling program.

The programs follow certain stages set by the Department of Health (DOH) and the major programs of the Philippine Plan of Action for Nutrition (PPAN) 2017-2022.

Additional programs are also included to reflect the huge challenge of adolescents’ health, particularly

on the prevalence of pregnancy in BARMM. BARMM Executive Secretary Abdulraof Macacua, representing Chief Minister Ahod Balawag Ebrahim, received the documents of RPAN 2020-2022 from Dr. Sinolinding.

Ebrahim, who is also a member of the regional nutrition committee, said via video message that with RPAN 2020-2022, the regional government could figure out necessary measures to ensure a healthy Bangsamoro community.

“The document allows us to see another aspect of rebuilding Bangsamoro, not just during this transition period, but the countermeasures that the Nutrition Council has prepared because of the sudden disaster brought by the Covid-19,” Ebrahim said.

Sinolinding provided data on the prevalence of malnourished and undernutrition among children in the region.

He also underscored the importance of intensifying mobilization of local government units and reaching out Geographically-Isolated and Disadvantaged Areas (GIDAs) and Indigenous Peoples.

“The role of LGU is so important and our local chief executives remain as the champion of nutrition in their own territories,” he said.

Theme for the launching was “Sa RPAN, Maging Malusog, Matalino, at Matangkad ang Batang Moro!”

Those who expressed message of support via teleconferencing were Bangsamoro Transition Authority (BTA) Parliament Speaker Atty. Ali Pangalian Balindong Sr., Health Minister Dr. Amirel Usman, Interior Minister Atty. Naguib Sinarimbo, Education Minister Mohagher Iqbal, Social Services Minister Atty. Raissa Jajurie, Labor and Employment Minister Romeo Sema, and Agriculture, Fisheries, and Agrarian Reform Minister Dr. Mohammad Yacob. Edwin O. Fernandez

DENR-12 donates TV sets to SK schools Proper hygiene, an investment for all, says Iqbal

THE Department of Environment and Natural Resources in the Soccsksargen region has donated 40 television sets to public schools in Sultan Kudarat to help improve its environmental awareness campaign.

A Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) for the donation was signed Wednesday by DENR12 Regional Executive Director Felix Alicer and Sultan Kudarat Gov.

Suharto Mangudadatu.

The donation was part of the implementation of “DENR Environment Natural Resources (ENR) Ambassador Project – Task Force Tayo ang Kalikasan (TFTAK).”

Alicer lauded the provincial government of Sultan Kudarat for welcoming and accepting the challenge in the department’s effort to promote environmental awareness and

s u s t a i n a b l e development.

“The best way to promote environmental consciousness is through behavior change and what better way to affect it but through the youth,” Alicer said.

Gov. Mangudadatu instructed the DepEd Sultan Kudarat to use the television sets responsibly even as he appreciated the efforts Environment Secretary Roy A. Cimatu.

“Everybody is having a difficult time because of the pandemic and the donation you made will surely help our schools in Sultan Kudarat,” Mangudadatu said.

He added that the province is looking forward to a strong partnership with DENR XII on its environmental programs on land management and biodiversity conservation initiatives.

Edwin O. Fernandez

3 new BARMM police advisory bloc members in THE Police Regional OfficeBangsamoro Autonomous Region announced Wednesday PRO-BAR officials were elated with entry of three more sectoral representatives to its advisory council.

The Regional Advisory Council-PRO-BAR is chaired by lawyer Naguib Sinarimbo, local government minister of the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao.

New RAC PRO-BAR members were BARMM Health Minister Dr. Amirel Usman, Christian preacher Jewel Blake Lumasag and Renato Reynaldo Roales, national program

manager of the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crimes.

They were sworn in Friday, February 26, by Brig. Gen. Walfredo Pornillos, PRO-BAR deputy director for administration.

The RAC PRO-BAR is a cross-section bloc of advisers helping the Bangsamoro police command pursue activities essential to law-enforcement missions and promotion of peace and development in all of the autonomous region’s five provinces and three cities.

Lumusag is from the Faith Christian Life in Action Ministry,

a religious community that has members in certain areas in the Bangsamoro region.

Pornillos represented Brig.

Gen. Samuel Rodriguez during the program held in a function facility in Cotabato City.

In a statement Wednesday, Rodriguez welcomed and lauded the three new RAC members for joining the multi-sector council.

The office of Sinarimbo has, since 2019, been working closely with PRO-BAR in furthering its peace and security goals throughout the Bangsamoro region. John Felix Unson

Popcom, partners intensify anti-teen pregnancy advocacy

IN LINE with the advocacy on the prevention of teen pregnancy in the region, the City Population Offices of General Santos and Koronadal, South Cotabato and Cotabato Province and the Family Planning Organization of the PhilippinesSoccsksargen chapter distributed Popcom 12’s SPEAK-UP fans and leaflets to the young people in various areas such as plaza, malls and even in church, in their respective cities and provinces, starting February 12 until Valentine’s Day on February 14.

The SPEAK UP fans and teen pregnancy leaflet of Popcom 12 contains key messages on adolescent sexual and reproductive health, particularly on the prevention of teen pregnancy and STIs including HIV and AIDS. The distribution of these materials was led by the Adolescent Health and Development (AHD) team of each of the city/population offices together with their peer educators and youth volunteers.

Declared as a “national social emergency concern”,

the high rate of teen pregnancy not just in the region, but in the entire country, calls for a sustained and proactive response among the key stakeholders. Overall, the number of Filipino minors (10-17) who gave birth in 2019 increased to 62,510, which was slightly higher than the 62,341 minors in 2018, according to the PSA data.

In SOCCSKSARGEN region, the data revealed that there is slight decrease of pregnancies for minors (10-17) from 3,496 in 2018 to 3,394 in 2019. However,

pregnancies from the entire adolescent population showed that there is a slight increase of 627 or 6% from 10,499 in 2018 to 11,126 in 2019 of live births by mothers aged 10-19, based on the CVRS data of the Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA).

Responding to this, POPCOM XII Regional Director Engr. Edwin Mateo P. Quijano emphasized the need for a prompt multistakeholder’s response to address this issue, as this requires more than a whole-of-government approach. PR

B A N G S A M O R O education minister Mohagher Iqbal emphasized the essential benefits of having good health and practicing proper oral hygiene for children and adults during the culmination of the 17th National Dental Health Month Celebration in the region on Monday.

With the theme “Paigtingin: Oral Health for Juan and Juana sa Gitna ng Pandemya”, the celebration also carried the tagline of the Philippine Dental Association dubbed “Brush at Floss Kontra Tooth Loss, Be proud of your Mouth”.

Pursuant to Presidential Proclamation No. 559 signed by President Macapagal Arroyo dated February 24, 2004, the Philippine Dental Month is observed every February of the year to strengthen public awareness on the importance of good oral health.

In his message read

by Special Asst. to the Education Minister Abdullah Salik Jr.,

Iqbal stated that under the 12 priority areas of Bangsamoro Government’s Ministry of Basic, Higher, and Technical Education (MBHTE), the ministry aimed to implement comprehensive health and nutrition programs for Bangsamoro students and school personnel.

“Every Bangsamoro learner has the potential to do well in their studies.

If we continue to promote the importance of oral hygiene to our students, we contribute to their growth and development and help them attain a life full of possibilities,” Iqbal said.

He also reminded the Bangsamoro workforce to prioritize their physical, mental, and social wellbeing, and told them to “inspire the young people to make healthy choices, even at a young age.”

During the month of February, the MBHTE conducted two online activities for elementary and secondary learners who showcased their talents on Poster Making and Healthy Smile photo contest.PR

SANITATION INSPECTION. Personnel from Health ServicesSanitation Division conduct food safety and sanitary inspection at City Central Arcade (Old Market) on Thursday, March 4, to ensure business owners follow Food Safety Regulations and City Ordinance No. 2430.

Photo courtesy of OHS-Sanitation Division

March 6, 2021

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THE MINDANAO CROSS

The Indigenous Peoples’ Challenges to Christian Missions ...from P4 establish a parallel Church. Instead, as early as the 1st decade of 1900, the Episcopal Churc h has espoused the ministry to the Indigenous Peoples of the Philippines. And it is NO ACCIDENT that the Episcopal Church, in no time, has ordained IPs as deacons, priests, bishops and PRIME Bishops. The Cordilleras in Luzon and Mindanao Highlands have become the ministry EXTRAJUDICIAL SETTLEMENT Notice is hereby given that the late GUIALUDIN DIMALANIS who died on March 23, 1972 at Lebak, Sultan Kudarat, left a parcel of land Lot No. 691, situated in Municipality of Cotabato, covered by TCT No. T-89PN, with an area of 147,987 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. 3014; Page No. 3014; Book No. XXVI; Series of 2021.

MC: Mar. 6, 13 & 20, 2021

of choice for the Church.

The Oblates of Mary Immaculate are not lacking in vision for the IP ministry. But ministering to the ever growing Christian settlers in Cotabato Valley have “captured” the Catholic Mission that it has actually become the “Church of the Christian settlers” with few exceptions.

At the turn of the new millennium, the OMI Missionaries and AFFIDAVIT OF ADJUDICATION

Notice is hereby given that the late MR. ABDUL R. SAHRIN, who died on January 20, 2021 at Zamboanga City, left a Savings Account at Land Bank of the PhilippinesCotabato Branch under Account No. 0377 1979 17 is the subject of an affidavit of adjudication with waiver of rights before Notary Public Atty.

Hisham Nazz Ala Biruar, CPA, as per Doc. No. 381; Page No. 77; Book No. VIII; Series of 2021.

MC: Feb. 27, Mar. 6 & 13, 2021

Notice is hereby given that the estate of the late ATING GLANG who died intestate on March 30, 1994 at Cotabato City, consisting of one parcel of land described in TCT No. T-21084 with an area of 594 square meters, situated at San Isidro, Cotabato City, was the subject of an extrajudicial settlement of the intestate of the deceased Ating Glang with special power of attorney executed by the heirs before Notary Public Renato M. Eugenio of Cotabato City on January 9, 2014, per his Notarial Register known as Doc. No. 215, Page No. 44, Book No. 165, Series of 2014.

EXTRAJUDICIAL SETTLEMENT Notice is hereby given that the estate of the late SPOUSES MARIANO G. RAGONTON and JULIETA TUASON RAGONTON , who died intestate on January 28, 2005 and June 27, 2007, respectively at Midsayap, Cotabato, a parcel of land Lot No. 25, Pls-134, situated at Baguer, Midsayap (now Ulamian, Libungan), Cotabato, covered by OCT No. V-1976, with an area of 82,997 sq. mts., more or less, is the subject of an extrajudicial settlement with waiver and partition of estate before Notary Public Alberto T. Eramis as per Doc. No. 353; Page No. 71; Book No. CCXVI; Series of 2021.

EXTRAJUDICIAL SETTLEMENT

EXTRAJUDICIAL SETTLEMENT

Notice is hereby given that the estate of the late ANECITO C. GUANSING and TERESA FRONDA GUANSING who died intestate on May 28, 2008 and June 20, 2015, respectively at Pob. 3, Midsayap, Cotabato, a parcel of land Lot-2, Psd-000274, situated in Pob. 3, Midsayap, Cotabato, covered by TCT No. T-70011, with an area of 545 sq. mts., more or less is the subject of extrajudicial settlement with waiver of rights of share before Notary Public Rodolfton S. J. De Leon as per Doc. No. 213; Page No. 44; Book No. 71; Series of 2020.

Notice is hereby given that the estate of the late ADELINA CAYBOT who died on July 20, 2015 at Pagadian City, a parcel of land Lot No. 1, Pcs-12-001812, situated in Baguer, Libungan, Cotabato with an area of 562 sq. mts., more or less covered by TCT No. 152-2017003747 is the subject of extrajudicial settlement of intestate estate with simultaneous sale before Notary Public Teresita Carreon Llaban as per Doc. No. 303; Page No. 61; Book No. XX; Series of 2018.

LEGAL NOTICE

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the three ecclesiastical jurisdictions of Cotabato, Marbel and Kidapawan have begun to make IP Ministry a priority. The Dioceses have begun t o h a ve f u l l t i m e I P “coordinators” and IP lay Mission Partners; the OMIs begin to spend resources and assign fulltime ministers and lay mission partners to do EXTRAJUDICIAL SETTLEMENT Notice is hereby given that the late RODOLFO B. LAO, SR. who died intestate on May 13, 2001 at Kidapawan City, left a parcel of land Lot 1, Psd-51374, covered by TCT No. T-41440, situated in Kakar, Cotabato City, with an area of 415 sq. mts., more or less is the subject of extrajudicial settlement with simultaneous sale before Notary Public Atty. Agnes R. de Castro-Jagunap as per Doc. No. 014; Page No. 014; Book No. XXVII; Series of 2021.

MC: Mar. 6, 13 & 20, 2021 Republic of the Philippines Kapatagan, Lanao del Sur Office of the Local Civil Registrar

NOTICE TO THE PUBLIC In Compliance with the publication requirement and pursuant of OCRG Memorandum Circular 2013-1, Guidelines in the Implementation of the Administrative Order No. 1 Series of 2012 (IRR on R.A 10172), Notice is hereby served to the public that AIMAN GUIWAN ABDULLAH has filed with this Office , a petition for change of sex from FEMALE to Male in his certificate of birth who was born on 26 January 1998 at Salaman, Kapatagan, Lanao Del Sur. and whose parents are Acmad Bilalang Abdullah and Soraida Ungkay Guiwan Any person adversely affected by the said petition may file his written opposition with this Office not later than March 15, 2021.

IP work in the Kulaman Mountains, South Upi and Pangipasan IP Community in Lampayan, Matalam.

Bro. Maurici Zuyco, Frs, Dick Weixelman, Raffy Tianero, Michel Lenzen, Jurambelle Sacil, Lauro de Guia and Stephen Ondoy are now the OMI faces devoted to the IP work.

These attempts, albeit young, show much promise in delivering education to the empower ment of IPs; health care, and agriculture. Another new development is IP Mission communities have also begun to partner with IP advocacy groups for their ancestral domain

EXTRAJUDICIAL SETTLEMENT

EXTRAJUDICIAL SETTLEMENT

Notice is hereby given that the late ARETO A. TADLAS who died intestate on December 17, 2008 at Cotabato City, left a parcel of land Lot 182-B-2-K-2G,Psd-63410 covered by TCT No. T-36605, situated in Bo. Colina, Cotabato City, with an area of 741 sq. mts., more or less is the subject of extrajudicial settlement with simultaneous sale before Notary Public Atty. Abbyr Ahmad Nul as per Doc. No. 403; Page No. 81; Book No. XX; Series of 2021.

MC: Mar. 6, 13 & 20, 2021

Republic of the Philippines Region XII Pikit, Cotabato

OFFICE OF THE MUNICIPAL CIVIL REGISTRAR

NOTICE TO THE PUBLIC In Compliance with the publication requirement and pursuant of OCRG Memorandum Circular No. 2013-1 Guidelines in the Implementation of the Administrative Order No. 1 Series of 2012 (IRR on R.A 10172), Notice is hereby served to the public that MARLYN S. POSADAS has filed with this office, a petition for the change on the day of Birth from 30 to 14 and her name From MARLENE to MARLYN in the Certificate of Live Birth of MARLENE I. SATO at Pikit, Cotabato and whose parents are Nazario Sato and Francisca Intes.

Any person adversely affected by said petition may file his written opposition with this office not later than 10 March 2021

Notice is hereby given that the late SAMMY PENDATUN MAULANA who died on June 20, 2019 at Quezon City, left a Savings Account No. 2163-1779-54 with BPI Bank, Cotabato City is the subject of extrajudicial settlement of estate before Notary Public Atty.

Jaime P. Hechanova as per Doc. No. 103; Page No. 22; Book No. 140; Series of 2021.

MC: Mar. 6, 13 & 20, 2021

Republic of the Philippines Alamada, Cotabato

OFFICE OF THE MUNICIPAL CIVIL REGISTRAR

NOTICE FOR PUBLICATION In Compliance with section 5 R.A No. 9048 a notice is hereby served to the public that JOHN MICHEL B. SEPARO has filed with this office, a petition for change of first name from “ MICHAEL” to JOHN MICHAEL” in the certificate of live birth of Michael B. Separo who was born on 14 February 1986 at Alamada, Cotabato and whose parents are Nicholas A. Separo and Rodora P. Baredo.

Any person adversely affected by said petition may file his written opposition with this office not later than March 17, 2021.

(Sgd) SIMBAIYAN DOMATO BANSIL

(Sgd) EDITHA I. MONTERDE, MAed Municipal Civil Registrar

(Sgd) MA. LENY BUENO BUENAFE

MC: Mar. 6 & 20, 2021

MC: Mar. 6 & 13, 20, 2021

MC: Mar. 6 & 13, 2021

Municipal Civil Registrar

EXTRAJUDICIAL SETTLEMENT Notice is hereby given that the estate of the l a t e E VA N S . O N G who died on May 23, 2010 in Cotabato City, parcels of land Lot Nos. 2937-A, Csd-12-000183 and 2937-B, Csd-12000183, both situated in Sinawingan, Libungan, Cotabato, covered by TCT Nos. T-101899 & T-101900, respectively, with the total area of 40,008 sq. mts., more or less are the subject of extrajudicial settlement with simultaneous deed of absolute sale before Notary Public Alberto T. Eramis as per Doc. No. 242; Page No. 49; Book No. CCXIX; Series of 2021.

MC: Mar. 6, 13 & 20, 2021 EXTRAJUDICIAL SETTLEMENT

EXTRAJUDICIAL SETTLEMENT

AFFIDAVIT OF SELF ADJUDICATION

Notice is hereby given that the estate of the late RAMON J. NAVARRA, SR., who died intestate on December 3, 2020 at Cotabato City, a parcel of land Lot 2 Block 3, Pcs-12-000444, situated at Malagapas, Cotabato City, with an area of 180 sq. mts., more or less, covered by TCT No. T-36706 with improvements and Bank Deposit at BPI Cotabato Branch, under Account No. 2164-0179-26, are subject of Extrajudicial Settlement of estate with simultaneous sale before Notary Public Atty. Eugenio U. Soyao, as per Doc. No. 53; Page No. 11; Book No. 50; Series of 2021.

MC: Feb. 20, 27 & Mar. 6 , 2021

Notice is hereby given that the late ROSALINDA M. DILLERA, who died on November 7, 2020 at Brgy.

Midpapan I, Pigcawayan, Cotabato, left SSS Pension under Account No. 334-333404585-5 at MetrobankMidsayap Branch, Midsayap Cotabato is the subject of Affidavit of Self-Adjudication before Notary Public Renie Jay Abad Soriano as per Doc. No. 3; Page No. 1; Book No. XI; Series of 2021.

Notice is hereby given that the estate of the late RAGA MAMARIONG, who died on August 24, 2017 at Poblacion 2, Parang, Maguindanao, a parcel of land Lot No. 2347-B,TS215, situated at Poblacion 2, Parang, Maguindanao with an area of 121 sq. mts., more or less, is the subject of extrajudicial settlement with simultaneous waiver of rights, before Notary Public Atty. Mimbalawag T. Mangutara Jr., CPA as per Doc. No. 75; Page No. 16; Book No. LVI; Series of 2021.

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EXTRAJUDICIAL SETTLEMENT

Notice is hereby given that the estate of the l a t e M E LV I N P U TO Y MAMUGAY., who died on March 29, 2018 at Davao City, parcels of land, situated at Brgy.

Sinkatulan, Makilala, Cotabato, containing an area of 33,828 sq. mts., more or less, covered by TCT No. CT- 2037 and Lot 4, containing 2 storey building with ARP No. M-21539, Property Index No. 060-07-032-08-001, are subject of Extrajudicial Settlement of estate with waiver of rights before Notary Public Atty. Vilmalen M. Temblor, RCHEM, MCHEM as per Doc. No. 157; Page No. 32; Book No. II; Series of 2019.

MC: Feb. 20, 27 & Mar. 6 , 2021

Municipal Civil Registrar

Republic of the Philippines Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao Parang, Maguindanao

OFFICE OF THE MUNICIPAL CIVIL REGISTRAR

NOTICE OF PUBLICATION In Compliance with section 5 R.A No. 9048/10172 a notice is hereby served to the public that SONIA P. KADIR has filed with this office, a petition for change of Sex from Female to Male in the birth certificate of EZRAEL PIANG KADIR who was born on July 16 1999 at Barangay Sarmiento, Parang, Maguindanao and whose parents are Sammy M. Kadir and Sonia R. Piang.

Any person adveresely affected by said petition may file his written opposition with this office not later than March 17, 2021.

(SGD) KARIM O. OMAR, MPA Municipal Civil Registrar

MC: Mar. 6 & 13, 2021

EXTRAJUDICIAL SETTLEMENT

EXTRAJUDICIAL SETTLEMENT

Notice is hereby given that the estate of the late SPS. NICANOR PADIOS PABIONA SR. and ANGUSTIA PALOMA PABIONA, who died intestate on May 4, 1982 and September 2, 2001 at Matalam, Cotabato and Davao City, respectively, a parcel of land Lot 5, Block 15, Pcs-3679, situated at Bo. Colina, Cotabato City with an area of 400 sq. mts., more or less, covered by TCT No. T-2538, is the subject of Extrajudicial Settlement before Notary Public Atty. Melquiades E. Cedeño, as per Doc. No. 405; Page No. 81; Book No. CCLXXV; Series of 2020.

Notice is hereby given that the estate of the late AMAD MOHAMAD, who died intestate on September 18, 2017 at Biosong, Picong, Lanao del Sur, a parcel of land Lot 284; Pls-767-D, situated at Subuan, Sultan Gumandar (now Biosong, Picong), Lanao del Sur, with an area of 9,628 sq. mts., more or less, covered

by OCT No. PAF-3380, is the subject of Extrajudicial Settlement of estate before Notary Public Atty. Asmira S. Diego, as per Doc. No. 312; Page No. 63; Book No. IV; Series of 2021.

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and their rights to selfdetermination according to the Law of the Land (IPRA) and the Organic L a w o f t h e BA R M M .

This partnership looks very promising for the IP Ministry in the coming years.

Republic of the Philippines CITY GOVERNMENT OF COTABATO Region XII

OFFICE OF THE MUNICIPAL CIVIL REGISTRAR

NOTICE TO THE PUBLIC In Compliance with the publication requirement and pursuant of OCRG Memorandum Circular No. 2013-1 Guidelines in the Implementation of the Administrative Order No. 1 Series of 2012 (IRR on R.A 10172), Notice is hereby served to the public that SOY LADERA ALONZO has filed with this office, correction of entry in sex/ gender from Female to Male in the Certificate of Live Birth of SOY LADERA ALONZO who was born on May 2, 1967 at Cotabato City and whose parents are Consolador Legazpi Alonzo and Amancia Gallano Ladera.

Any person adversely affected by said petition may file his written opposition with this office not later than March 19, 2021

(Sgd) Tohamy M. Lauban Registration Officer IV

MC: Mar. 6 & 13, 2021

EXTRAJUDICIAL SETTLEMENT

Notice is hereby given that the late ABUBACAR P. PIANG and ROSITA R. PIANG, who died on January 29, 2015 and January 27, 2021, respectively at Cotabato City, left real properties: parcels of land covered

by Transfer Certificate Nos. T-49366, T-51502, T-18206, T-2732 and T-154-2019000710, all situated at Bo. Kakar, Bo. Matampay and Bo.Poblacion all in Cotabato City with the total area of 1,291 sq. mts., more or less; an Isuzu vehicle with Engine No. 4JB13C4381A, Chassis No. PABNHR55ELH011160 with FB Body and 2017 series; Bank Accounts at BPI under Account Nos. 2163222968 & 2163221821 and PNB with Account No. 405270002424; Claims and Benefits from GSIS under ID No. 58040702189 and HDMF (PAG-ibig) ID No. 194000166506 , are the subject of Extrajudicial Settlement of estate before Notary Public Atty. Agnes R. De Castro-Jagunap as per Doc. No. 1912; Page No. 1912; Book No. XXVI; Series of 2021.

MC: Feb. 20, 27 & Mar. 6, 2021

EXTRAJUDICIAL SETTLEMENT Notice is hereby given that the estate of the late SPOUSES BENIGNO ERAMIS and DIONISIA CAMPOSO, who died on January 20, 1995 and October 16, 2001, respectively at Midsayap, Cotabato, a parcel of land HV-22872, Lot No. 738, Pls-134, situated at Bulanan, Midsayap, Cotabato, covered by OCT V-2459, with an area of 68,068 sq. mts., more or less, is the subject of an extrajudicial settlement and partition of estate before Notary Public John Haye C. Deluvio as per Doc. No. 144; Page No. 29; Book No. LXXXIV; Series of 2020.

MC: Feb. 27, Mar. 6 & 13, 2021

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March 6, 2021

THE MINDANAO CROSS

Sr. Salvacion Pagsuguiron, OND dies, 89

TAMONTAKA, Maguindanao — Sr. Salvacion “Sally” Suelo Pagsuguiron, OND peacefully returned to our Creator on March 3, 2021 at 12:30 A.M at the St. Therese Care Home of the Oblates of Notre Dame here.

Sr. Salvacion Suelo Pagsuguiron, OND

Sr. Sally was among the pioneering sisters who celebrated their 60th year of religious life last December 9, 2020 but her degenerating health condition prevented her from attending the Jubilee Eucharistic Celebration.

Sr. Sally was born in Guimaras, Iloilo on August 29, 1931 to Mr. Rufo Pagsuguiron of Antique and Mrs. Norberta Soberano Suelo of Santa Barbara, Iloilo. She was the youngest of four children. Ten years after the third child was born, the family longed for a baby. Her mother invoked the intercession of Nuestra Senora de Salvacion with a promise that should her request be granted, the baby girl would be named Salvacion, and Salvador, if a boy and she/he would be offered to God. Her growing up years had been interspersed by the Japanese and American occupation.

When the Philippines gained independence, she returned to school as grade three pupil. She completed her elementary education in Tupi Elementary School and the secondary school in Notre Dame of Marbel in the early 50s. She studied Nursing at St. Paul’s College in Iloilo City but later joined her brother’s family in Davao City. With

L

her nursing experience she was immediately accommodated at San Pedro Hospital as a Nurse Aide.

While working, she enrolled at the Immaculate Conception College under the administration of the congregation of the Religious of the Virgin Mary (RVM). It was while in college that she was encouraged to consider the religious life. Her spiritual Director, Fr. Joseph Godbout, PIME, encouraged her to visit different religious congregations and she travelled as far as Kidapawan City to visit Fr. Joseph Quinn, OMI who was her religion teacher, softball coach and adviser of the St. Anthony Club at the Notre Dame of Marbel.

Sr. Sally joined the Oblates of Notre Dame in 1958, (two years after the first gathering of the community in November 10, 1956), made the first vows of the evangelical counsels of chastity, poverty and obedience on November 5, 1959, and the perpetual profession on June 10, 1965. Her participation in God’s mission for 62 years had been a living out of her personal motto, “My soul yearns and pines for Thee, O Lord.”

She demonstrated her loving response to God’s mission through her engagements in the early OND ministries as Science Teacher at the Notre Dame of Cotabato of the Marist Brothers, as Directress/Principal in the OND Schools Notre Dame of Genio Edcor in Alamada, and Little Flower School in Dumanjug.

She spent many years at the Apostolic Vicariate of Jolo as Parish Sister in Cagayan de Tawi-Tawi

(Mapun), Directress of the Notre Dame of Bongao and Manager of the Tawi-Tawi Family Life Foundation (TFLF).

Jolo Bishop Charlie Inzon, OMI, DD was deeply saddened by the passing of Sr. Sally. “(I am) saddened by the passing away of Sr. Sally who served the (Jolo) Vicariate, the Badjaos in particular for many years.

She is well loved by them, her 62 years of exemplary missionary life is truly admirable, Bishop Inzon said.

As TFLF Manager, Sr. Sally coordinated the organizing of several communities in Bongao that gave opportunities for children to acquire education from the grade school to college, with concomitant community organizing. This program was extended to the mainland Tawi-Tawi, particularly to BatuBatu. The program was funded by the Christian children fund (renamed later as Child Fund). Many families were recipients of this program that made a positive difference in the lives of Badjao, Muslim and Christian families.

Prof. Eddie Alih, BARMM Member of the Parliament and former Chancellor of the Mindanao State University, Tawi-Tawi College of Oceanography (MSU-TCTO), a longtime friend of the ONDs in TawiTawi, wrote, “Verily, we came from our Lord, to our Lord we shall return. Rest in peace, Sr. Sally. Your kindness and service to my fellow Tawi-Tawians will always be remembered. We surely would miss you.”

In the OND she had served in the ministry of leadership being member of the OND General Council and District

P7

The Indigenous Peoples’ Challenges to Christian Missions (4th & last Article on IP Ministry)

By Fr. Jun Mercado, OMI The Indigenous Peoples in Central and South Mindanao are the Teduray, Lambangian and Dulangan & Arumanen Manobos in Maguindanao, Sultan Kudarat and North Cotabato. They are culturally distinct ye t t e r r i t o r i a l a n d physical proximity and dreams have bound them to each other, in a unique and lasting relationship informed by i n t e r m a r r i a g e s , traditional alliances, i n t e r- t r i b a l wa r s, struggle to reclaim their ancestral domain, including some shared myths, stories and l e ge n d s p a s s e d o n t h ro u g h l i v i n g o r a l tradition.

The Indigenous Peoples, particularly the young, asser t their distinct identity as people with ric h culture, history, social arrangement, and collective aspirations to chart their destiny and to own their homelands.

T h ey a r e d i f f e r e n t and distinct people from the Bangsamoro and Christian settler inhabitants of Mindanao.

The Indigenous Pe o p l e s s h a r e w i t h Maguindanaos the arc hetypal story of frater nal bond and

ent is a time of legal minds. The intention cleansing and is not just to form orderly purifying.

Like a societies by observance of ship that from time to time the laws but to obey the is dry docked to remove will of God who governs the barnacles that keep it the universe with the from sailing efficiently, so natural law and the divine Lent is a time to dry dock laws. We can make a basic Rev. Fr. Antonio P. Pueyo, DCC ourselves. It is a time of examination of conscience tonypoy_dcc0@yahoo.com examination and a time of by going through each of cleansing. the Ten Commandments.

In today’s gospel reading, Jesus is shown as Of course, Jesus made a summary of these laws by cleansing the temple (cf. Jn. 2:13ff.) The outer section giving us the Two great commandments of love – to of the temple which is the courtyard and the place love God with all our heart, soul and mind and to of the Gentiles has become busy with commercial love our neighbor as we love ourselves (Mt. 22:36activity. The commerce was focused on the buying 39). Lent is a good time to examine our conscience and selling of animals for sacrifices as well as the and make the effort to renew ourselves and to get exchange of money. There is a “cartel” operating rid of the barnacles that are obstacles on the road in the selling of animals such as sheep and doves. to holiness.

People who come a long way do not have to bring The second reading taken from St. Paul’s letter their animal sacrifices. They can buy from the temple to the Corinthians gives the motive and the reason for vendors who of course make big profits in cahoots performing this cleansing (1Cor. 1:22ff.). It is for the with the temple authorities. If someone brings his sake of Christ who died on the cross for our sins to own animal for the sacrifice, inspectors may find bring about our redemption. Jesus offered Himself something imperfect in them and one is forced to as a sacrifice on the cross and therefore, although buy from the temple vendors. People from different the cross may seem foolish and meaningless to the places have to go to the money changers because Jews and the Gentiles during Paul’s time, it is the only the temple money is acceptable for commerce. sign of our own salvation for “The foolishness of God Profit is made in the deals which again benefit the is wiser than human wisdom.” The cross which was temple authorities. These shenanigans were public a sign of defeat and scandal is now a sign of victory knowledge but the system remained and it took Jesus and liberation. to challenge the system by driving away the vendors Jesus referred to himself as the temple, which and the animals and overturning the tables of the even when destroyed will be raised up on the third money changers. In modern parlance he “went wild.” day. We too are called temples of the Holy Spirit.

Zeal for the Father’s house consumed him.

We have the indwelling of the Trinity within us – if How do we go about in cleansing our own temple, we remain in the state of grace. Grievous sin cuts our own body, mind, and spirit? The first reading us off from the vine which gives life to the branches. taken from the book of Exodus shows us the Ten Sometimes the branches are just hanging by a small Commandments (Ex. 20:1ff). These were written in thread from the vine. In this season of Lent may we tablets of stones which Moses brought down from Mt. reconnect with Jesus who is the vine. This we can Sinai. Unlike, the other codes written by other tribes do best by recourse to the sacrament of reconciliation and nations prior to Moses, the ten commandments within this season. May we perform a a cleansing came from God. They were not just a product of of our personal temple. MC

Cleansing the Temple REFLECTIONS

legendary peace pact between their ancestors the blood brothers – Mamalu (non-Moro I P ) a n d Ta b u n a way (Islamized IP).

The IPs have occupied their ancestral domain since the time of Mamalu (nonMoro IP) & Tabunaway (Islamized IP); yet, they remain “TENANTS” in their homeland. And their settlements in few remaining forests ad highlands are n ow u n d e r t h r e a t s by coveteousness of the Bangsamoro and Christian settlers. The IPs, except for the few, have NO legal land instruments to “prove” their claims (Torrens Title, Certificates of S t ewa r d s h i p f ro m DENR, CADT from NCIP or CLOA from DAR).

The Indigenous Pe o p l e s c i t e I P R A’s p ro v i s i o n s o n t h e i r Ancestral Domain as their proof of land ow n e r s h i p . B u t t h e in-actions of NCIP on their homelands, the “proofs” of their ownership are verbal and actual occupation.

And the use of force by some “Commanders” with their armed bands covet their homelands, and continue to harass them and make them abandon their

homelands.

The positive note is that despite their marginal situation, the IPs have bounced back time and again to assert their identity and rights. They have put up people’s organizations and advocacies, such as the Timuay Justice and Governance, the Teduray Lambangian Ancestral Domain Claim (TLAMADC), Teduray Lambangian Women’s Organization, Inc. (TLWOI), Organization of Teduray Lambangian Conference (OTLAC), among others.

These groups have positioned themselves to interface with the NCIP and BARMM Government. And their Timuays, Datus, youth leaders and Bliyans are actively keeping the IP culture and identity ever more alive and assertive of their rich culture, history and envisioned destiny in the 21st century.

The Episcopal Church is the PIONEER in the work among the Indigenous Peoples.

When the Church came after the American conquest of the Philippines, the Episcopal Church decided NOT to “lure” or “convert” the C a t h o l i c s a n d P3

B adaliyya Fr. Jun Mercado, OMI

Short Reflection for the 3rd Sunday of Lent (B) Readings:

Exodus 20: 1-3. 7-8. 12-17; 1 Corinthians 1: 22-25; John 2: 13-25

Selected Passage:

“Jesus said, Take these out of here, and stop making my Father’s house a marketplace.” (Jn.2: 16)

Meditation:

Lent is a special season to cleanse our life of the many “merchandise” that has made God’s abode in us a MARKETPLACE. God’s grace is a GIFT; it is NOT for sale. The kingdom of God is not a merchandise.

DHIKR SIMPLE METHOD Dhikr is an Arabic word for remembrance. In the “tariqa” (the way) movement, dhikr developed into a form of prayer… It is a prayer of the heart… following three simple steps: 1.Write in one’s heart a certain passage of the Holy Writ…

2. Make the same passage ever present in one’s lips.

3. Then wait for God’s disclosure on the meaning of the passage…that interprets one’s life NOW…!

It takes a week of remembering (dhikr)…or even more days to relish the beauty of this method…

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THE MINDANAO CROSS

March 6, 2021 EDITORIAL

Lenten sacrifice

I

n this second week of Lent, every Christian recalls the suffering and death of Jesus Christ. It was the ultimate sacrifice made by the Son of God, to carry the cross and die on this cross.

Compared to Christmas, lent is a season that children may not welcome with open arms. My childhood is full of sad memories of the stations of the cross which culminates on a blessed and happy Easter Sunday…the resurrection of Christ. Unfortunately, Easter is not the happy occasion that Filipino children expect. Our Spanish traditions stressed more on the events of Lent, with Easter celebrated through the “salubong” at the wee hours of Sunday morning.

Non-Filipinos look at this with awe, seeing the way people chose to undergo sacrifice to free them from the punishments of the pre-lenten days. We still have the “flogging” of penitents and the actual crucifixion of the Kristo during the “senakulo”. I remember when a group of teachers from Notre Dame Schools were in Canada, our host invited us to travel and see the Canadian Rockies’ during our Lenten week off. All of us refused, because we think that enjoying during the Lenten season is blasphemous. (I remember my father would not allow me to even play the piano because it’s lent). Our host could not understand why we react that way.

Fortunately, we as Christians now have attempts to make the season of Lent a meaningful time of prayer, fasting, and almsgiving. Many are no longer bound by tradition, and instead we pray together to share our thoughts, hopes, and desires. If not for the Covid 19 scare, the Lenten season would have been a chance for us to come up with novel ideas to bring us closer the God. Here are some creative ideas from LIFE TEEN (a Catholic magazine).

1. “I’m addicted to caffeine so I gave up all drinks but water for Lent ” – Amanda 2. “Last year I didn’t give up anything for Lent, just added more prayer life. This year I am going to add more prayer life and give up Facebook.” – Josephina 3. “I fasted for all of Lent one year. One meal a day really brings souls to Jesus, especially your own!” – Erika 4. “One year for Lent I wrote a letter each day. I made a list of 40 people who have touched my life in one way or another. Each day of Lent, I wrote a person on the list a letter of thanks for how they touched my life and I prayed for that person on that day… it was a wonderful experience!” – Patty 5. “This year, I’m giving up all sweets, and am going to use the constant reminder to pray for one person in particular every day, I made a list/ calendar via Facebook of friends that need/want prayer.” – Aimee 6. “This year I’m giving up having my phone with me during the day because I’m always checking my email throughout the day. My hope is that having moderation I can be more present to the people around me. I want them to see my deeper connection with God.” – Kaitlin 7. “I didn’t do it for all of Lent, but for Holy Week last year I gave up my pillow. Honestly, at first it was fun, but it proved to be hard. But it made me realize how blessed I am to even have a bed.” – Sara These sacrifices may seem quite small, but a personal introspection makes it big for many of us practicing them. Hopefully, those who are “kept at home” or now given permission to be free will still think of Lent as a season of penitence, even if their staying at home is a penitence by itself. MC +

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.

M

indanao Development Authority Chairman Manny Piñol sees brighter days ahead for coconut farmers in Northern Mindanao, the Zamboanga Peninsula, and the Bangsamoro Region. Under development now in Plaridel, Misamis Occidental is a modern coconut processing plant which promises to provide a better price for the produce of coco farmers in the aforementioned areas as well employment for about 2,000 families.

In a recent post on Facebook, Piñol said the processing plant is being put up by Peter Paul Philippines, a 100% Filipino-owned corporation, that will process into Virgin Coconut Oil, Coconut Water, Desiccated Coconut and other high value products.

Piñol said he learned from Quirino Panganiban, Asst. Vice President for Special Projects of Peter Paul Philippines, also known as Consolidated Coconut Corp. and a former subsidiary of the Connecticut, USAbased Peter Paul Inc., that the Plaridel Processing Facility would initially need 250,000 husked coconuts daily. This volume of husked coconuts to be processed would require a manpower complement of 800 workers which could go to as high as 2,000 when the facility goes into full operation. Piñol said that Peter Paul Philippines will be offering a buying price higher than the prevailing farm gate prices offered by traders.

The Plaridel processing plant will be the corporation’s third in the country. Its first plant was established in Candelaria, Quezon in 1946 and while the second one was put up in Sorsogon. The corporation considered Mindanao for its expansion following the improved peace and order conditions and also because of scarce supply of coconut in Quezon and the Bicol Region. Piñol said MinDA will link up coconut farmers associations and cooperatives in Northern Mindanao, Zamboanga Peninsula and the Bangsamoro Region with the new facility.

The Philippines remains as the world’s leading supplier of traditional coconut products, with 59% share in the world coconut exports. The coconut industry is a dominant sector of Philippine agriculture, with 3.25 M hectares of the country’s 12 million hectares of farmlands devoted to coconut, 68 out of 79 provinces are coconut areas with some 3.5 million coconut farmers and farm workers dependent on the industry.

Maguindanao in the Bangsamoro Region is considered among the country’s top five coconut

I

HEARD one crafting a story for having had nothing to birthright “being once a son of a rich man.” Moments a family had shared together in fine times hardly recalled in notes but one of being almost forsaken in hard times.

One single moment that stuck into the fellow’s mind was a served plateful of sliced banana cooked in cocomilk by a caretaker long ago—for a “dinner.”

It was a sight of “neglect” he felt of parents unfairly thought of as having been out for happy days.

The truth, however, was that the mother was helping out an unlettered father cope with a rare experience of being placed under “hotel-arrest” during martial law. I learned that all that was made known to the young man—one he carries through getting old—was a youthful life of being left “alone” with a caretaker while the parents partook of fine dine staying in a popular establishment. I drew some inspiration from the story for these lines that one would wish a power of words to tell the right story and be listened to after all the years that half-truths— keeping a family apart—have been told: Torn in twists twit’s lies Oh Lord of Truth Break no ties; For, Blood blend not in oath Truly, it’s hard to rebuild relationships torn apart in space and time when things roughly told struck harder to memory than those factually obtaining situations, recorded and read. A short story attested to in a literary assembly tells tales least told.

Happy am I at least to find some things kept online of past works. Learners of the Pilipino Language as a school subject had read e-copies of the geography book for which I wrote a regional introductory note on Central Mindanao: A

Better days for coco farmers

Thinking Aloud Carlos C. Bautista caloyb@gmail.com

producing provinces along with Quezon, Davao del Sur, Zamboanga del Norte, and Davao Oriental. Data from the Philippine Statistics Authority shows that in 2014, Maguindanao produced 0.62 million metric tons of coconut placing it in 5th place in the list of the country’s top coconut producers. PSA data also shows that total 2014 coconut production in the then Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao was 1,356,182 metric tons with Maguindanao leading the region’s four other provinces of Sulu, Basilan, Lanao del Sur, and Tawi-Tawi. Combined coconut production in the region for that year is higher than in its neighboring SOCCSKSARGEN which had a combined production total of 1,071,707 metric tons.

Coconut hectarage in the ARMM is also higher as shown by PSA data: 327, 890 hectares, again with Maguindanao in the lead with 109, 752 hectares, as against SOCCSKSARGEN’s 186,111 hectares.

There is no doubt that many coconut farmers in the Bangsamoro, especially in Maguindanao, would see better days if and when the promise of Peter Paul Philippines to buy their produce at prices higher than the prevailing farm gate prices offered by traders indeed comes true.

In his Facebook post, Piñol said the Mindanao Development Authority recently met with Misamis Occidental Congressman Diego Ty, officials of Peter Paul Philippines, and the stakeholders to come up with a plan on how to ensure stable coconut supply for the facility. In a personal message we asked Piñol how the MinDA plans to link up coconut farmers in the Bangsamoro Region to the facility and what the requirement would be for coco farmers in the region for such linkage. We are still waiting for his response, which we hope to get soon.

Coco farmers in the Bangsamoro, especially in Maguindanao, who have long hoped for brighter days would no doubt be interested in these developments. MC

Of tell-tale and heal

Penlight

Nash B. Maulana

nash.penlight@gmail.com

Landmark for which I chose to tell of the Pulangi (the historical Rio Grande de Mindanao), as “The River that Shaped Many Generations.”

Thanks to some academicians who found the piece of work worthy of a space into a page in the website of the Philippine Literature where I saw the article translated into Pilipino.

In one significant literary occasion, the substance of the work which then carried the Filipino title, “Pulangi: Ang Ilog na Humubog sa Maraming Henerasyon” was one of the short stories that occupied a not-soprominent space online for the 21st Iligan Workshop of Mindanao Writers and Teachers (May 23-24, 2014).

Behind the story was a timely referral made on me by a scholar to work on an essay for a prestigious publishing firm, since she was then slated to a flight to Australia when the company representative called her up for the short contract.

It was for 800 to 1,000-character introductory note.

I was happy, too, for the prompt remittance of an impressive pay of P 15,000.00 for a piece filling but hardly one-and-a-half short-sized bond paper pages, so timely as my then toddler son’s fastrate at “draining” (I love it) his bottled meals of a branded powered milk. MC

Truly, it’s hard to rebuild relationships torn apart in space and time when things roughly told struck harder to memory than those factually obtaining situations, recorded and read.

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March 6, 2021

THE MINDANAO CROSS

Trouble with hello is goodbye

The B Vitamins

Ali Pangalian Balindong, whose biography as a “Revolutionary Democrat” showcased in a book launched recently, said the resounding cry for extension is meant to complete its Charlie Señase legislative mission and csenase@yahoo.com vision as embodied in the OST often than not, doubts and Bangsamoro Organic Law. fear create hesitancy to submit Balindong, a native of Lanao del Sur ourselves to health experts and and erstwhile House Deputy Speaker government authorities. And why is this for Mindanao, said his life story made so? possible by Professor Edmund Tayao It’s because of the varied views and hopes to inspire Bangsamoro youngsters contrary opinions of experts and state to strengthen their faith in love for a more officials that border on the efficacy rate prosperous life and peaceful coexistence. of drugs produced by so-called advanced The regionwide sentiment of support countries. for extension was also raised by the With the arrival this week of the first Mindanao People’s Caucus and the CSO 600,000 doses of COVID-19 vaccine donated Movement for Moral Governance that

by China, where the alleged pandemic conducted a midterm originated, only a review of BTA’s first handful of our health three-year operation Political exercises in electing front-liners agreed which bared the allotted government leaders entail to be vaccinated. period as inadequate.

And immediately expenses and lots of money as After having after, several others registered nearly half-aagainst extension of good and volunteered to million on-line signatures undergo with the honest officials, who will claim of support on its web, these nationwide mandatory people’s organizations along with their mammoth immunization like the President supporters. Would it be possible? would program. to certify pending House Allergy and other Bill on BARMM-BTA physical reactions to Extension as urgent.

China’s Sinovac were reportedly addressed Anything good may be good or even with dispatch by hospital authorities. better, but the problem lies on possible Other hindrance to the mass precedent. inoculation, that we have to free ourselves Political exercises in electing of, is mistrust and distrust to governing government leaders entail expenses and authorities. For all authorities are God’s lots of money as against extension of good appointed when the Messiah said “Render and honest officials, who will claim along to Caesar the things that are Caesar’s and with their mammoth supporters. Would to God the things that are God’s” (Matthew it be possible?

22:21). “Whoever resists the authority Like the proposed Charter Change resists the ordinance of God” (Romans 13). or Cha-Cha, citizens are divided, but the Apart from the global anti-COVID precedent-setting has been there since drive, the much talked about issue in the time immemorial, that the only permanent South is the fate of the interim political thing in life is change even in the great set-up of the Bangsamoro Autonomous beyond.

Region in Muslim Mindanao which will For flesh and blood cannot inherit expire next year. Instead of election by God’s kingdom nor corruption inherit 2022 as mandated by law, incumbent incorruption, but we shall all be changed regional officials and other sectors of – from mortal to immortality and from society support for a three-year extension corruptible to incorruption. Death is of the Bangsamoro Transition Authority. swallowed-up in victory (1 Corinthians Interim BTA Parliament Speaker 15:50-54). MC

If you are 50 and over, it may be helpful if you start taking B vitamins, even in higher doses.

The following are the recommended nutrients: Cheridine P. Oro- Josef, M.D., DFM, FPAFP, FPCGM Vitamin B2 (Riboflavin) cheridinemd@gmail.com plays an important role in maintaining vision and he little world in our bodies seems healthy skin. to function better with adequate Vitamin B6 (Pyridoxine) helps supply of vitamins and minerals. new cells to develop. It boosts the However, as we age, our bodies’ immune system and helps to regulate capacity to absorb vitamins is affected blood sugar levels. Pyridoxine is also a by the physiologic changes in our member of the trio of B vitamins (B6, gastrointestinal system. The decrease B12, folic acid) that help reduce your in taste buds leads to decrease food risk of heart disease by keeping blood intake and consequently, decrease in levels of the amino acid homocysteine supply of multivitamins. In a study low. High levels of homocysteine have d o n e b y t h e F o o d a n d N u t r i t i o n been linked with clogged arteries and Research Institute in 2008, 57-76% heart disease. of Filipinos 60 years Vitamin B12 old and up do not (Cyanocobalamin/ meet at least 80% of cobalamin) is protein requirement. critical for proper Proteins are also good nerve and brain sources of certain development and vitamins. Aside from for the production poor intake, older of healthy red persons metabolize blood cells. If you vitamins more rapidly don’t get enough than they did when of this vitamin, they were younger, mental functioning increasing the need can diminish for it on a daily basis. and balance and As we age, we coordination can be need adequate amounts of the B impaired. Vitamin B12 deficiency is vitamins. The B vitamins are water- estimated to affect 10%-15% of people soluble and play roles as co-enzymes over the age of 60. Although elderly in the metabolism of protein, fat and people with low vitamin B12 status carbohydrates. They support a healthy frequently lack the classical signs and rate of metabolism, a healthy heart symptoms of vitamin B12 deficiency, system and help maintain healthy e.g. megaloblastic anemia, precise skin and muscle. They also support the evaluation and treatment in this immune and nervous system functions population is important. and promote normal cell growth and Folic Acid or Folate may help division. In general, the B vitamins protect against cancers of the cervix, promote energy and a healthy mental colon, and rectum. A low intake of outlook, mood, memory. An Oxford folate may not, by itself, trigger University study showed that intake cancerous changes in cells, but when of higher doses of Vitamin B may help c o m b i n e d w i t h o t h e r p o t e n t i a l l y delay the shrinkage of brain (brain harmful cellular changes, it could set atrophy). These are very important the stage for cancer to take hold. It results as it becomes a promising is also needed for the production of prospect to delay Alzheimer’s in old proteins that build, maintain, and age. repair tissues. MC

arrival of the vaccine was met with expectations and fanfare. Media had much material to feed us all from the airport, at the hospitals.

Those who begged off finally joined in queuing for their Victoria R. Franco, RPh, MS Pharmacy shots. Hopefully, no adverse franco1573victoria@gmail.com effects are observed so far.

Social Media made a lot or a change, yesterday, the city plaza of videos from all over the was festive. In the past months, world, Europe mostly,about those who sunsets signal home bounding have been vaccinated having untoward time. The city is set slumber. Only the reactions like brain damage, paralysis, pharmacies were open, while the rest of affects fertility. the stores closed their doors early.

17 million AstraZenica vaccine is A huge crowd gathered in front forthcoming, Dr. Nicador Austrico is of the now Museum, the former City concerned about the results from South Hall. Food stalls were set up, diners Africa that these vaccines were just like took the opportunity to get together water, non-effective. after a long time. There was a program, March is Women’s Month once again. sponsored by the City Government, to A challenged world is an alert world, and inaugurate the refurbished city plaza. from challenge comes change. So let’s all The gated plaza had fresh and newly choose to challenge. Forge gender equality planted greens, and for in all ages, at all levels the kids, playground and in all walks of life. e q u i p m e n t . T h e March is Women’s Month once A small step, but monument of Dr. Jose again. A challenged world is an big enough for women Rizal, standing tall, at who raise their child on the center was painted alert world, and from challenge their own. Reversing golden. Thank you comes change. So let’s all choose all rulings of the lower Madam City Mayor the Supreme to challenge. Forge gender court, Atty. Cynthia Frances Court grants a child’s Guiani-Sayadi. equality in all ages, at all levels wish to bear his mother’s Nevertheless, obey surname and says we and in all walks of life. the protocols: stay must do away with safe, wear a mask, the patriarchy and don’t leave your facial shield at home, antiquated gender roles. wash your hands, rinse with alcohol, or The petition was filed by Anacleto sanitizer, social distancing, wherever Alanis III who wanted to use the name you are.

Anacleto Vallejo, reflecting the surname Just as I feared, yesterday afternoon, of his mother who “single-handedly raised both parents, kids and young folks him”. Anacleto’s parents separated when were enjoying the new “pasyalan” sans he was 5 years old. He had always used following protocols. Please, whether you Vallejo in local records, including his believe the warnings, for the sake of school’s. others, protect them.

If a surname is significant From the Sanduguan section of The for identifying a person’s ancestry, Mindanao Cross, a Cotabateño weighed interpreting the laws to mean that a in, her quote “Kung ang gagamitin na marital child’s surname, must identify vaccine is yung Chinese brand, ayaw ko only the paternal line renders the mother magpaturok. Baka pagkatapos, maging and her family invisible.

Chinese na ang language ko.”

This in turn, entrenches the patriarchy The pros and cons, from the serious, and with it, antiquated gender roles; anxious, to the funny and ridiculous, we the father, dominant in public, and the eat, drink, discuss, argue abound. The mother, as a supporter, in private. MC

and is willing to part with a titled property to raise the funds necessary to fund the trip overseas and vehicle purchase. The person he would like to do business or negotiate Danny Buenbrazo with for the sale of the danny_buenbrazo@yahoo.com real estate is someone t every aspect of our lives, with money and desires each of us must deal with other to acquire a piece of land (let’s call him individuals and organizations MMM). to obtain things and services that we To come to a satisfactory conclusion need or want. As we grow older, getting in the negotiation of the two parties something would require giving up described above, it is important to know something in return. what they are willing to part with and There are exchanges wherein the what is acceptable to each of them. The terms had been previously established person desiring to travel may want to and people will just have to follow visit at least six countries in Europe the norm. For example, to be able to while the other wants to acquire a lot buy a bottle of soft drink or a pack of to construct an apartment (with at biscuit, a sum certain in money must least four doors) that would give him be paid to the seller. Depending on the a certain amount of annual income. number and market power of sellers What would it cost AAA to visit six of commodities, European countries higher amount of and buy his dream profit could be made, vehicle ? Let’s assume thus, dominating the that the trip would consumers. require P0.5 million It is but natural and the Ford Territory that one wishes to get sells for P1.3 million, more that he or she thus, AAA should be would be providing able to get at least in exchange. In P2.9 million to afford situations where the the planned vehicle terms and conditions purchase.. How much of exchange is not money should be cast in stone, there left to the possible are opportunities to buyer of the aspiring be able to get more or to gain the upper traveler to enable him to construct a hand. When people try to get a huge four-door apartment ? If the person advantage over others, this creates wanting to become a lessor has P5.0 resentment and reduces the chance of million and a four-door apartment the two parties ever repeating a trade would cost P 3.0 million to construct, or transaction in the future. that leaves MMM with P2.0 million to The process by which two or more buy a piece of lot. parties explore ways and means to get Clearly there is a good chance for the most satisfying outcome for each both parties to come up with a price for side or to settle differences is known the titled lot and end up with a winas negotiation. When parties agree win situation. Any price between P1.8 to negotiate, they seek to come to a million and P2.0 million could be hailed mutually beneficial conclusion, that is, as a win for both parties. A price at each of them gets essentially what he the lower range of the spectrum would or she wants. favor the lot buyer while a price near For example, AAA wants to travel P2.0 million gives a higher benefit to abroad and to buy a new Ford Territory the original landowner. MC

True to Form

M

Something new

The Stuff of Life

F

Golden Threads

T

If you are 50 and over, it may be helpful if you start taking B vitamins, even in higher doses.

The following are the recommended nutrients

On negotiating…

Market Driven

A

The process by which two or more parties explore ways and means to get the most satisfying outcome for each side or to settle differences is known as negotiation.

BARMM gets initial vax...from P1

patients for our vaccination rollout,” Usman told reporters in an interview.

He said that for the initial vaccine delivery, Maguindanao will get 1,400 vials; Sulu – 1,032; Lanao del Sur – 972; TawiTawi – 518; and Basilan – 278.

“A total of 2,100 hospital workers in Covid-19 facilities in the region are allotted

two doses each while the succeeding vaccine deliveries will be for other frontline personnel and vulnerable sectors,” Usman said.

In Maguindanao province, health office chief Dr. Elizabeth Samama said they have started the ceremonial inoculation of doctors and nurses at the Maguindanao Provincial Hospital on Friday morning.

BARMM lauds...from P1 local government and social welfare ministers of the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao, respectively, and BARMM Chief Minister Ahod Ebrahim together led the send-off rite for the team tasked to deliver the relief supplies to the local government unit of Tandag City.

Among the provisions carried by ten trucks that departed Friday to Tandag City were food packs consisting of rice and canned goods, 3,000 sleeping kits and 2,500 hygiene kits.

P i m e n t e l , chairperson of the Tandag City disaster risk reduction and management council,

provided technical and manpower support to READI personnel Sinarimbo dispatched to facilitate the relief mission.

“We can’t thank the mayor enough,” Sinarimbo, also BARMM regional spokesperson, said Wednesday.

READI personnel were accompanied by teams from the Tandag City LGU in crossing rivers to deliver relief supplies to residents affected by Typhoon Auring.

T h e R E A D I contingent has emergency responders and disaster response experts easy to mobilize in areas where they are needed.

Other government hospitals in the province includes the Buluan District Hospital, Datu Odin District Hospital, and the Datu Blah District Hospital.

Meanwhile, vaccines intended for the provinces of Lanao del Sur, Basilan, Sulu, and Tawi-Tawi will be transported either by land, airplane or boat with the help of the United Nations Children's Fund

(UNICEF), the BARMM’s partner in providing emergency food and healthcare to mothers and children in poor areas of the region.

He urged the health workers to have themselves vaccinated with Sinovac as it is safe and “halal” or permissive to the Islam faith.

The Ministry of Health– BARMM has an estimated 19,000 workforce. PNA

PDEA seizes P10.2-M...from P1 But it was confirmed by the governor’s younger brother in the BTA, Member of Parliament Zia Alondo Adiong.

Earlier, Governor Adiong was quoted in Northern Mindanao as having requested for a meeting of governors of the five provinces of the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM) in Cagayan de Oro last weekend.

MP Adiong said his brother met the BARMM head Ebrahim to reaffirm his support for the extension of the three-year BTA term.

Similarly, a proposed extension has earlier been sought by the Provincial Board of Maguindanao, the League of Municipalities of the Philippines Tawi-

Tawi Chapter, and the Civil Society Organization Mindanao People’s Caucus (MPC).

The office of Ebrahim said the two leaders have not issued a statement on the unscheduled cordial holiday meeting on February 25, the 31st Edsa 1 Anniversary.

The younger Adiong noted that the governor “rigorously campaigned for the ratification of Republic Act 11054,” the Bangsamoro Organic Law (BOL) in 2019.

MP Adiong said 98 percent of Lanao del Sur’s voting population delivered the affirmative votes that ratified the BOL during the January 2019 plebiscite in five provinces that now constitute BARMM’s basic territory.

Land administration can foster peace in troubled...from P8

were triggered by land conflicts, according to records obtained from provincial police offices in its core territory.

BARMM’s local government minister, lawyer Naguib Sinarimbo, is chairperson of the multi-sector Regional Advisory Council of the Bangsamoro regional police.

Eshan Karl Mabang, director of LMS, told Mindanao Cross their Zamboanga City engagement

Henchman of...from P8 in clashes with pursuing state security forces then.

Dimakuta told reporters he decided to surrender after he got convinced by negotiators, among them Muslim preachers, that there is nothing good in religious extremism.

He surrendered through the backdoor intercession of Brig. Gen. Jose Maria Cuerpo II of the 103rd Infantry

Brigade and Lt. Col. Fernando Payapaya, commanding officer of the Army’s 51st Infantry Battalion.

Dimakuta promised to reform for good after turning over his AK-47 assault rifle to Army officials during a simple surrender rite at the 51st IB’s tactical command post in Munai town in Lanao del Norte. John

Felix Unson

Sr. Salvacion...from P4 and Local Superior.

She is remembered as a storyteller.

The Funeral Mass for Sr. Sally is at Our Lady of Hope Chapel in Tamontaka, and burial rites at the adjacent OND cemetery are set for today, March 6, 2021 with His Eminence Orlando Cardinal B. Quevedo, OMI,DD as main presider.

In her journal, Sr. Sally repeatedly quoted a favorite expression of Fr. George Dion, OMI (Founder of the Oblates of Notre Dame along with Archbishop Gerard Mongeau), that “God walks straight in crooked lines.”

The journey of Sr. Sally from Guimaras to the OND had been a witness to this. She reiterated Bp Dion’s words, “According

to our worldly eyes, most of life’s lines, if not all, are imperfect. Hence, they are seen as crooked to our eyes, but to God’s eyes.

All ways, all lines in this life are a perfect straight line. Discover the inner meaning of your own life lines that lead you to our God.” On behalf of the congregation of the Oblates of Notre Dame, Sr. Erlinda C. Hisug, OND Superior General, conveys her gratitude to all who join the congregation in praying for the repose of the soul of Sr. Sally and in thanksgiving for the support given to Sr. Sally who in life strove to always please God. Sr. Maria Luz

Fernandez, OND/Sr. Erlinda C. Hisug, OND

Tulunan placed under...from P1 hectares of rice and corn fields as well as banana plantation have been affected the weather disturbances.

Limbungan said

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THE MINDANAO CROSS

March 6, 2021

farmers whose crops were not insured with the Philippine Crop Insurance Corporation (PCIC) are first to received calamity assistance.

shall have a follow through for Maguindanao and Lanao del Sur provinces.

There is high prevalence of family feuds, or “rido” in the local languages, in both provinces due to land disputes.

“With good collaboration, we can improve our land management system, one of the surefire solutions to nagging peace and security issues besetting many areas in BARMM,” Mabang said. John Felix Unson

5 shabu peddlers...from P8 BAR, said the duo was arrested last week in Barangay Tugal in Midsayap town in North Cotabato province last week.

The suspects reportedly hid in Barangay Tugal when they learned that Judge Kasan Abdulrakman of the Regional Trial Court Branch 14 in Cotabato City issued on November 23 last year a warrant for their arrest for attempted murder.

A third suspect, Basir Abilusa Kalipapa,

remained at large.

The operation on Friday that resulted in the arrest of the two Kalipapas was led by Guindulungan’s municipal police chief, Lt. Anwar Mambatao and Major Lendsy Sinsuat of the Maguindanao provincial police office.

Rodriguez said the warrant for the arrest of the Kalipapas was served with the help of the Army’s 34th Infantry Battalion and police personnel in Midsayap municipality in the first district of North Cotabato. John Felix Unson

Well-informed and responsible points of view on vital issues Smart and honest opinions from young generation Filipinos.

TWO O CENTS Motherhood: Life and purpose

BY SARAH U. MACALAPIN

W

hat does motherhood mean? Or how does it feel to be like one?

These are the questions frequently asked to me recently. To be honest, sometimes, it’s so easy to be convinced into thinking that motherhood is only making homemade meals, keeping the home neat and clean, helping the kids to be busy in many different activities, and/or preparing everything for the husband and the children. I wish the definition is as simple as that, but no, motherhood is more than that.

New moms like me can most likely feel the pressure of this. There are a lot of arguments that will make you confused — feminism, postpartum depression, teenage pregnancy, and so on. But on top of all that, you must have your own goals, as a mother, that you want to fulfill. Don’t let the pressure around you control what you think being a mother has to be. The Almighty created you as a woman on purpose to show strength through grace, beauty and power.

Motherhood has a way of making you review your life and what life means. For me, becoming a mother, you are really becoming someone else. That’s the part that no one really says out loud. Affirming the purpose of motherhood, Savage (2007) clearly reveals on her article that motherhood is all about influence and deep love. According to her, we cannot underestimate the power of a mother’s love, the value of home, and the significance of our intentional presence. She also added that as a mother, you need to be intentional about your own healing from life’s hurts, taking care of yourself, investing in your marriage, parenting, and homemaking. Also, Hunter (1999) revealed on her book entitled “The Power of Mother Love” that a mother’s love shapes cultures and individual, and it positively affects the way a woman defines herself.

Mothers hold together the relational bonds of life. We create the framework for life; all the moving and shaking in the world would not happen without us. So, when the reality hits that you are that woman who hears everything and has eyes in the back of her head, know that you don’t have to be as perfect as the image of a mom you have in your head. Motherhood is full of purpose, ultimately to change the world with sacrificial love.

Sarah U. Macalapin is an External Stakeholders Coordinator at Al Qalam Institute of Ateneo de Davao University. She is currently earning her Master of Arts in Peace and Development at Notre Dame University.

She believes in the saying that “wherever life plants you, you should bloom with grace.”

600k inks online petition for extension ...from P1 Launched on February 10 in the President’s hometown of Davao City, the online petition (https:// barmm4all2025.com/) targets to gather one million signatures and as of 10:31 a.m. Thursday, 618,496 individuals supported the campaign initiated by the peace advocacy group Mindanao People’s Caucus (MPC).

Lawyer Mary Ann Arnado, MPC secretary general, said on Tuesday it is vital for the President to certify as urgent the various bills pending before the Senate and the House of Representatives given the 27 remaining session days before the Second Regular Session of the 18th Congress adjourns sine die on June 5.

“We are running out of time…

We only have a limited window until June 4. It is crucial that the President certify as urgent the measures seeking the extension of the transition period in the BARMM so that Congress will fast track their work on the matter,” she said in a virtual presser.

In March 2019, Duterte inaugurated the BARMM, which is governed by the interim Bangsamoro Transition Authority (BTA) whose mandate will end on June 30, 2022,

when the new set of elected officials shall have taken their oath.

The Bangsamoro government, seated in Cotabato City, was established two years ago following the plebiscites that ratified Republic Act 11054 or the Organic Law for the BARMM, more popularly called the Bangsamoro Organic Law (BOL).

Arnado said that various groups in Mindanao have been pushing for the extension of the transition period in the BARMM “because three years are not enough for the BTA to enact priority legislations as well as the proper implementation by the BARMM and national governments of the normalization track of the CAB,” partly due to the disruptions caused by the coronavirus disease pandemic since a year ago.

The online signature campaign, which is steadily gaining support with organizers expecting to achieve the one million target on or before March 10, sought the President’s urgent certification for Senate Bills 2019 and 2025, and House Bills 8116, 8117, 8161 and 8277.

These measures seek to amend the BOL’s Section 13 Article XVI, for the extension of the transition period

for three years and setting the first regular election of the Bangsamoro government to May 2025.”

According to Arnado, Duterte made known last October that he was in favor of the extension of the transition period in the BARMM, and that the peace movement in Mindanao believes that his stance remains to date.

Sulu Governor Sakur Tan has opposed the extension of the transition period in the BARMM, while Basilan Rep. Mujiv Hataman, former governor of the defunct Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao, has asked for a review of the accomplishments of the BARMM government.

Ustadz Juhan Alihuddin, a Tausug representing the Save Sulu Movement, belied the claims of Tan that “the people in Sulu” do not want the transition period to be extended.

Known personalities who supported calls for extension of transition period include retired Orlando Cardinal Quevedo, OMI, DD, North Cotabato Gov. Nancy Catamco, Lanao del Sur Gov. Mamintal Adiong, Maguindanao Gov. Bai Mariam SangkiMangudadatu and Maguindanao Rep. Esmael Mangudadatu, among others.

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March 6, 2021

THE MINDANAO CROSS

TAPATAN SA OBLATE MEDIA

In the male-dominated Bureau of Fire Protection (BFP), it is rare to see women in leadership positions. An indication that this has changed over the years is the first ever female fire marshal of BFP-Cotabato City — Chief Inspector Lucilyn M. Banac-Jusay.

Banac-Jusay grew up in Cotabato City and Makilala, North Cotabato. She is a mother of three and wife to Supt. Anastacio Jusay, Jr., also a BFP Officer. Her family moved to Manila when she was in 6th Grade. She has a degree in Bachelor of Science in Tourism (Cum laude) at the University of the Philippines Diliman in 1992. She then went on to take up units for here Master of Arts in Communication Research at the same University.

C/INSP. LUCILYN M. BANAC-JUSAY COTABATO CITY FIRE DIRECTOR

In her free time, she teaches women and BFP female personnel how to make soap, dishwashing liquid and hanging plant holder.

She is passionate about anything do-it-yourself—crochet, sewing, and macramé, a form of textile produced using knotting (rather than weaving or knitting) techniques. She is a certified baking instructor of TESDA and owns a bakeshop called Pan De Jusay.

She is also a vlogger documenting her simple life.

Our statistical and historical data shows that the most common cause of fire is Electrical related. It could be either short circuit and overloading. Next would be unattended open flames like stoves, candles and match sticks. The best way to prevent fires is to be conscious about fire safety all the time and avoid neglect. Be responsible in proper storage of candles and match sticks. Ask a licensed electrician for a regular inspection of electrical wires. Give equal importance to safety, and not focus too much on security of the house alone. In your workplaces, be sure to know where the fire exits are. Also, learn how to use the fire extinguishers. Participate in fire drills.

BCPCH showcases Bangsamoro artistry To culminate the National Arts Month celebration in the region, Bangsamoro Commission for the Preservation of Cultural Heritage (BCPCH) has announced the winners of cultural photography and essay writing contests.

Twenty contestants participated joined the competition sponsored by BCPCH at Bangsamoro Museum in the city.

“As the BCPCH-BARMM joins the nationwide festivities of the National Month for the Arts, we are also showcasing the intrinsic artistry of the Bangsamoro People,” BCPCH Exec. Director Ardan Sali said The regional celebration, in collaboration with Members of Parliament Engr. Don Mustapha A. Loong and Atty. Maisara Dandamun-Latiph, was anchored with the National Commission for Culture and the Arts’ (NCCA) theme “Alab Sining, Alay Sigla.”

For the cultural photography contest, freelance photographers from Cotabato City, namely Raimarie S. Losaria, William S. Solano Jr., and Raoul C. Gratuito Jr., bagged 1st, 2nd, and 3rd

places, respectively.

MP Latiph and cultural travel photographers, Noel B. San Andres and Paul Qiambao, critiqued the photographs.

The photographers submitted photographs that captured the festive mood of places, people, tribes, and activities in the Bangsamoro region.

Meanwhile, Honee Dyanne Masurong from the Ministry of Finance and Budget Management (MGBM) topped the onthe-spot essay writing competition while Janna Jane Berja from the Ministry of Indigenous Peoples’ Affair (MIPA) got the second spot and third was Manal J. Sugadol of the Ministry of Public Order and Safety (MPOS).

Their pieces were critiqued by Communication Arts Professor, Judy L. Giguiento, from Notre Dame University; and seasoned journalist, Nash B. Maulana. Bangsamoro Information Office

Land administration can foster peace in the troubled south

The police supports the efforts of the Bangsamoro government to maximize its land management system, the lack of it blamed for most bloody clan wars in the local communities.

Brig.

Samuel Rodriquez of the Police Regional OfficeBangsamoro Autonomous Region said that they appreciated the initial dialogue this week on extensive land

administration among personnel of the region’s environment and natural resources ministry.

The February 23-24 activity in Zamboanga City of the Land Management Services of the Ministry of the Environment, Natural Resources and EnergyBangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (MENREBARMM), involved employees from the island

provinces of Basilan, Sulu and Tawi-Tawi.

Rodriguez said the MENRE-BARMM and the Ministry of the Interior and Local Government are both essential to efforts PNP and AFP in putting negotiated closure to clan wars sparked by squabbles for ownership of lands.

No less than 80 percent of still unresolved clan wars in the Bangsamoro region

P7

Challenges are really part of our territory. It's something we cannot do away with. Our number one problem is traffic congestion. The loud sirens help but we also appreciate motorists giving way for the firetrucks. I have requested the city mayor to transfer the fire station to a much better location and she is supportive to the idea.

We also encounter problems such as low-lying electrical wires in depressed areas. We are already coordinating with Barangay Officials to police their residents and avoid illegal connections of electrical wires. At the fire scene, one problem we encounter is when home bystanders grab our nozzles and hoses to use it themselves to save their houses.

The male personnel were already familiar with my leadership style as I was their provincial director prior to my current post. I could say I have earned their respect and support. At work, I don't push my weight around so we don't have problems at all. I don't act like I know everything at the fire station. Even if I am their chief, I still consult them and ask for their opinions when I needed to.

BUSTED. Anti-narcotics agents arrested drug suspects Saidin Campong and Salipudin Usop in Cotabato City who yielded P3.4 million shabu were confiscated from them in an entrapment witnessed by Mayor Cynthia Guiani-Sayadi in Barangay Poblacion 2.

Photo courtesy of PDEA-BARMM

5 shabu peddlers, 2 wanted men nabbed

Yes, there were situations where I had to prove my worth. Like any other family, we do have internal conflicts at the fire station too. And when conflicts arise, I have to call my shots, stand my ground while being true to my principles. I was able to overcome them through engaging everybody's cooperation and by connecting emotionally to my team. I have noticed that it is my strong sense of empathy that helps me in most difficult situations I am in.

I often get this remark that sayang daw I did not become a lawyer or a doctor, sayang nasa BFP lang daw ako. But I am happy where I am, really.

I would advise my younger self to establish good habits because habits are very powerful. And to be careful with her thoughts because thoughts become things…to pursue what makes her happy and not what others think would make her happy.

COTABATO CITY FIRE STATION HOTLINE NUMBERS:

LAND LINE: 064 552 1785

SMART: 0946 221 2139

Inteview by Valerie Ann P. Lambo

TM/GLOBE: 0926 256 2447

Personnel of the Maguindanao provincial police nabbed five shabu peddlers and two attempted murder suspects in separate operations last week.

The feats were announced this week

by Brig. Gen. Samuel Rodriguez of the Police Regional Office-Bangsamoro Autonomous Region.

Rodriguez said five shabu dealers were arrested one after another in Montawal, Maguindanao.

Captain Razul Pandulo of the Montawal municipal police and his subordinates first intercepted four shabu dealers in a security roadblock and, subsequently, arrested another a day

later.

The five men are now detained, to be prosecuted for possession of shabu, or methamphetamine hydrochloride.

Rodriguez said vigilant residents of Montawal town in the second district of Maguindanao have actively been providing them information on the activities of local residents involved in trafficking of shabu.

Two of three men wanted for attempted murder, the relatives Benny Abilusa Kalipapa and Muslimin Abilusa Kalipapa, are now clamped down in the detention facility of the municipal police station in Guindulungan, Maguindanao.

Rodriguez, director of PRO-

P7

Henchman of slain Maute founders surrenders A henchman of the two slain Maute terror group founders surrendered to the military and pledged allegiance to the government Wednesday.

The 40-year-old terrorist whom the Army’s 103rd Infantry Brigade identified only as Dimakuta for his

safety pending relocation somewhere far from reach of hardcore Maute members, also turned an AK-47 rifle to military officials who convinced him to return to the fold of law.

Dimakuta was a henchman of the slain siblings Omarkhayam

and Abdulla Maute, the founding leaders of the Maute terror bloc fashioned from the Islamic State of Iraq and Syria, who instigated the deadly May 23 to October 16, 2017 siege of Marawi City.

The Maute brothers were killed

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