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April 11-17, 2022
DPWH, World Bank line up projects in Sulu SULU - Governor Sakur Tan thanked executives of the World Bank and officials of the Depart-
ment of Public Works and Highways who visited the southern province for possible road and water
projects initially worth some $50 million. DPWH Undersecretary Continue on page 3
A DPWH photo shows Undersecretary Emil Sadain with Sulu Gov. Sakur Tan and Achim Fock, the Manila-based World Bank Operations Manager for Brunei, Malaysia, Philippines and Thailand, and other officials posing outside the Provincial Capitol Building, and site inspection of proposed infrastructure projects in the province.
Cagayan de Oro eyes human milk bank CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY – From advocating health and wellness for women and mothers, the Cagayan
de Oro City Nutrition Committee (CNC) said it will put up a human milk bank at the J.R. Borja General
Hospital (JRBGH) adding to the existing milk bank at the Northern Continue on page 6
Duterte orders massive vaccination drive ‘Some 27 million vaccines expire in July’
D
AVAO CITY – President Duterte has ordered a last minute massive vaccination campaign after reports claim that some 27 million Covid-19 vaccines purchased by the government will expire in July. READ STORY ON PAGE 2
President joins Muslims in Ramadan observance COTABATO CITY – President Rodrigo Duterte has joined Muslims in the
observance of the holy month of Ramadan, hoping for it to bring spiritual
renewal and enlightenment for the benefit of Continue on page 2
A boy looks at Muslims as they pray in Sulu province in southern Philippines. (Image: Al Jacinto)
Alcalde quiere via publica Prioritize environmental issues, green group tells candidates libre de obstrucciones CIUDAD DE ZAMBOANGA - La alcaldesa Beng Climaco ordeno nuevamente a las autoridades que despejen las vias
ARMM
publicas y los espacios de toda obstruccion luego de una reunion del consejo Continue on page 3
Eastern Mindanao
E N V I RO N M E N TA L WATCHDOG BAN Toxics has called on politicians
Western Mindanao
running in the May elections to address sound chemical and waste man-
Cebu
agement in their platform to protect public Continue on page 5
Manila
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April 11-17, 2022
Duterte orders massive vaccination drive ‘Some 27 million vaccines expire in July’
From page 1 Duterte was also quick to say that it is not the government’s fault to buy vaccines proportional to the number of people that would be vaccinated. He then blamed the people for
refusing to be vaccinated. He said the government will try to maximize the use of the vaccines and donate them to countries with low vaccination coverage to avoid wastage even though that many
provinces in the country, especially in the Muslim autonomous region, lack the needed vaccines. Duterte said the government can carry out a last minute vaccination drive, going house-to-
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house to deliver vaccines especially in the countryside. He also warned communist insurgents not to hamper government initiative to reach more unvaccinated people. “Kayong mga NPA, huwag ninyong barahin ‘yung mga tao na aakyat diyan especially the health workers. Sa totoo lang on grounds of humanity, eh kung gusto ninyo magpabakuna, ipasali ko kayo pero huwag ninyong — do not derail the program,” he said. Health Secretary Francisco Duque III said has confirmed that about 27 million vaccines will expire in July. Duterte said: “So itong mga bakuna mag-expire either ibigay natin ito sa mga countries na wala pa or
siguraduhin natin na ano na lang — we'll embark on a program last minute na mag-house-to-house na lang sa mga barangay. At ‘yung hindi pa nabakunahan — marami pa ‘yan — kailangan lumabas na at magpabakuna sila,” he said during his Talk to the People briefing.” “So there is enough — they say there’s an excess. There is no excess actually. Binili natin ‘yan sa numbers. Ngayon kung ‘yung mga tao ay nagtatago o ayaw, mas mabuti na lang ‘yan kay gusto nilang magpabakuna o kailangan mabakunahan tapos wala. Eh mayroon nandiyan na ‘yan and we will try to maximize the use o utilization of the vaccines especially that ‘yung expiry date nila malapit lang,”
he added. The president said the government is not expecting 100% vaccination coverage, adding “at least the vaccines are here and ready to be utilized.” Duque said the country’s vaccine wasting rate is at 1.54% and it is far below the World Health Organization’s 10% suggested wastage rate. He said to widen vaccine coverage, the National Vaccine Operations Center has tapped pharmacies and clinics and tied up with the transportation sector, adding the local governments also conducted house-to-house vaccination to reach senior citizens and people with disability, especially in remote areas. (Mindanao Examiner)
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President joins Muslims in Ramadan observance Continued from page 1 all and the nation as a whole amid the present challenges. “This sacred month is not only a period for Muslim to concentrate on prayer and making amends, but also a time for them to experience and enjoy Allah’s mercy. Similar to how the period of fasting ends with feasting, it is my hope that all your efforts for discipline and reflection will be rewarded with revelation as well as deeper connection with Allah,” Duterte said. “May this occasion likewise allow the teachings of the Qur’an to take precedence over all your decisions – even the smallest ones. Let the enlightenment that comes with your contemplation lead you to live with integrity for yourselves and for the nation, especially now when it is needed most,” he added.
The Muslim autonomous region, comprising of the province of Sulu, Basilan, Tawi-Tawi, Lanao del Sur and Maguindanao, is observing Ramadan under strict public safety and health protocol due to the Covid-19 pandemic. In Sulu, Governor Sakur Tan met with Islamic religious leaders and discussed health protocols during the monthlong observance of Ramadan where Muslims pray and fast from before sunrise until sundown. During the meeting, Tan outlined the need for the public to strictly adhere to the health protocols by observing physical distance, wearing face masks and frequently washing hands with soap and water to prevent the resurgence or spread of the deadly respiratory disease. Although the province has zero Covid-19 cases, the entire Sulu re-
mains under a moderate community quarantine status. Islamic religious leaders agreed with Tan during the conference attended by Ustadz Sharif Jul Asiri Abirin, Mufti of Sulu, Ustadz Abdul Muhaimin Abubakar; Sulu Ulama Council for Peace and Development representative Fraser Kalayakan; members of the Sabiel Al Motahdeen, among others. Fasting during the month of Ramadan, which ends on May 2, is one of the Five Pillars of Islam. Muslims believe that Ramadan is the month in which the first verses of the Quran were revealed to the Prophet Muhammad more than 1,400 years ago. At the end of Ramadan, Muslims celebrate Eid al-Fitr. In Arabic, it means “festival of breaking the fast.” (Mark Navales)
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Alcalde quiere via publica libre de obstrucciones Continued from page 1 local de paz y orden que ella preside. Climaco ordeno a la Oficina de Gestion de Reduccion de Riesgos de Desastres de la ciudad de Zamboanga, a cargo de Elmeir Apolinario, que se coordine de inmediato con la policia y el Departamento del Interior en las operaciones de limpieza. En diciembre pasado, el alcalde recordo a todos los funcionarios barangay que despejaran las vias publicas de toda obstrucción y que mantuvieran la limpieza de sus respectivos lugares y se aseguraran de que todas las calles y senderos para caminar esten libres de obstrucciones. La alcaldesa noto durante una de sus inspecciones que muchos caminos y senderos están nuevamente obstruidos con autos estacionados, entre otros. Ella dijo que los funcionarios del barangay deben despejar los caminos y espacios publicos de toda obstruccion segun lo ordenado por el presidente Rodrigo Duterte a traves del Departamento del Interior y Gobierno Local (DILG). En julio de 2019, el DILG, por orden de Duterte, emitio el Memorandum Circular 2019-121 que otorgaba a los alcaldes 60 dias “para ejercer sus facultades esenciales para recuperar las vias publicas que estan siendo utilizadas para fines privados, y en el proceso librarlas de estructuras ilegales y construcciones.” Siguiendo la directiva de Duterte, Climaco, junto con los funcionarios del barangay, dirigio una operacion masiva llamada “Oplan Baklas” contra las obstrucciones de carreteras, a pesar de que el gobierno local había estado imple-
Mayor Beng Climaco mentando esto mucho antes de la orden DILG. Debido a los esfuerzos del gobierno local, el DILG cito a Zamboanga por su vigorosa campaña de despeje de calles, incluida la aplicación estricta de las leyes y ordenanzas de la ciudad contra la basura, el transito y la basura. El DILG elogio a Climaco y al gobierno local por sus esfuerzos para implementar la orden de Duterte de despejar las vías públicas de toda obstruccion. Muchos barangays ahora practicamente han vuelto a ser lo que eran antes de la orden DILG a pesar de las repetidas ordenes de Salazar de mantener la limpieza y despejar las vías publicas de obstrucciones. (Mindanao Examiner y Zamboanga Post)
DPWH, World Bank line up projects in Sulu
DPWH and Sulu provincial government photos show Gov. Sakur Tan with DPWH Undersecretary Emil Sadain and Achim Fock, the Manila-based World Bank Operations Manager for Brunei, Malaysia, Philippines and Thailand, and other officials during an inspection of proposed projects in Jolo town. Continued from page 1 Emil Sadain and his team accompanied Achim Fock, the Manila-based World Bank Operations Manager for Brunei, Malaysia, Philippines and Thailand, to Sulu for better cooperation and coordination with the provincial government and appropriate offices in the planning and design of various proposed projects. “It was a fruitful meeting and we discussed a lot of things, especially the road (project) and the problems on the supply of potable water here. We thanked the World Bank (officials) led by Mr Achim and Undersecretary Sadain and (DPWH) Secretary (Roger) Mercado, and of course, our beloved President Rodrigo
Duterte for his continuing support to the province of Sulu and our people,” Tan said Monday by phone from his office. He said they also discussed the following proposed areas for development and rehabilitation – the 200m³ kilometer four water system; construction of deep well solar powered pump to supply the villages of Bootan, An-nur Unmul Qura, Hassiman , Fisheries, Tulay Zone 3 and other parts of Indanan town; the rehabilitation and upgrading of existing 570 m³ water tank at Gandasuli pumping station with provision of chlorination and filtration, and solar powered water pump; and the revision of new transmission lines from Gandasuli
pumping station in Jolo town. Tan said the World Bank executives have identified the need to construct a sewerage and water treatment plant in light of the provincial government plan to develop tourism as a prime industry. Sadain said initial talks have been made with World Bank officials for financing investment on rehabilitation and upgrading and asset preservation of pavement condition to facilitate road accessibility improvements, and to help address the inadequacy of water supply in Sulu. “With the help of the World Bank, we are looking forward to implementing development infrastructure projects in Sulu as an opportu-
nity to improve social service delivery to reduce poverty and boost peace-building efforts that will help ensure inclusive growth,” he said. He added that the initial budgetary projections for possible road and water projects is estimated at $50 million, saying: “This baseline amount will be provided for the improvement and preservation of 162-kilometer Sulu Island Circumferential Road, and to address the problem of lack of access to safe water through provision of water supply and sanitation service.” At a risk of becoming structurally deficient, about 40% or 64.8 kilometers of the circumferential road is proposed to undergo upgrading and rehabilitation while asset preservation works on the remaining 60% or 97.2 kilometers will extend the lifespan of road pavement, according to Sadain,
chief implementer of Duterte’s Build, Build, Build program. The DPWH and the World Bank teams held project discussions with Tan and officials of the Sulu Mainland Water District officials and also conducted on-the-ground field assessment of the operation of existing groundwater supply sources at Camp Asturias (Kiram Spring) Pumping Station in the capital town of Jolo and the water tank in the neighboring town of Patikul. Tan also led the groups to an inspection of the Port of Jolo. Sadain, also the DPWH’s focal person for infrastructure projects in the Muslim autonomous region, said it was the first time for a World Bank team to reach Sulu. He also thanked Tan for the hospitality. “Thank you for the warm welcome and reception kah Gov Sakur. Truly, infrastructure being a key driver to the growth of national and lo-
cal economy knows no boundary that even the island provinces of BARMM like Sulu, Basilan and Tawi tawi should be given top most priority by the government. Thank you so much President Duterte for the Build, Build, Build Program,” he said. The visit was coordinated by DPWH Project Manager for Sulu, Barlie Nahudan; and engineers Evangeline Fernando and Eileen Diya; and Sulu District Engineers Ajan Ajijul and Az-zamier Arbison. Sadain’s team were composed of Madsmo Hashim, Project Director; engineer Neijam Langa; University Professors Mehol Sadain and Darwin Absari and the World Bank team Madhu Raghunath, Sector Leader for Sustainable Development; Maria Fiorella Fabella, Senior Water Supply and Sanitation Specialist; and Norhana Wakay, consultant. (Mindanao Examiner)
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April 11-17, 2022
Sulu Pictures in the News Sulu provincial government at work. This is where your taxes go. (Photos from the Office of the Provincial Governor, Jaques Tutong, Maimbung Municipal Government, Rep. Shernee Tambut, Noenyrie Asiri, and Aziz Salapuddin)
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April 11-17, 2022
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U.S. Peace Corps, Philippine partners welcome new volunteers
For all your newspaper publications or subscription to The Zamboanga Post and The Mindanao Examiner Regional Newspaper, please call or text Villamero’s Enterprises at these numbers (062) 955-8677 and 0917-1223496. Located at Campaner Street, Zamboanga City and serving Basilan, Sulu and Tawi-Tawi.
Guotana Newspaper Dealer The Mindanao Examiner Regional Newspaper is available in Cotabato City’s lone newspaper dealer Bernadette Guotana at “Goutana Copy Center” at Stall 5. For subscription, please call 09975412615. And for all your publications, please call BARMM Bureau Chief Mark Navales at 0916-6885389
Military ops vs. Abus unrelenting BASILAN – Military operations continue against the Abu Sayyaf group in the southern province of Basilan following sporadic clashes in recent weeks. Four soldiers were wounded and a still unknown number of Abu Sayyaf gunmen had been killed in fighting in Sumisip town since early this month and security forces are in high alert for possible attacks by the terrorist group. The pro-Islamic State fighters are actively operating in Sumisip town, a known stronghold of the Abu Sayyaf. The military’s Western Mindanao Command confirmed the fighting in Sumisip town’s Sucaten village and quoted the army commander on the island province, Brig. Gen. Domingo Gobway, who said that an undetermined number of militants were believed killed in the clashes. The report said the fighting involved at least nine militants, who eventually withdrew but had been caught up by government reinforcements sparking a violent gun battle. “The violent extremists withdrew shortly after the engagement, but responding government forces caught up with them while they were fleeing which led to another armed confrontation. Based on reports, the armed confrontations resulted in an undetermined number of casualties on the enemy side and the recovery of war materials including three M16A1 rifles, 20 long magazines, five short magazines, three bandoleers, and 619 rounds of M16 ammunition,” the report said. No bodies of slain militants were recovered in the areas where the clashes occurred. Gobway said four soldiers were wounded in the firefight. “Battle
U.S. Peace Corps volunteers meet Peace Corps staff and Filipino partners as they begin their virtual assignments. The U.S. Peace Corps recently concluded a weeklong program for American volunteers who will provide virtual technical assistance to three requesting Filipino partners in the next six months. These American volunteers formerly lived and worked in the Philippines as Peace Corps volunteers and are now “returning” to the country virtually to support Filipino host organizations with priority projects as part of the U.S. Peace Corps’ innovative Virtual Service Program, which was introduced due to the pandemic. The Filipino partners are the local government of Ivisan in Capiz, Bataan Peninsula State University, and the Philippine Science High
School. The American volunteers engaging with them will collaborate on environmental program sustainability, agro- and ecotourism program development, and information and communications technology. “The U.S. Peace Corps is pleased to support partners in meeting their priority technical assistance needs here in the Philippines, and we plan to continue this unique, highly demanded program even after the pandemic is fully behind us and we have volunteers here in person early next year,” said U.S. Peace Corps Philippines Country Director Jenner Edelman. This is the second time in the past year that former American Peace Corps vol-
unteers have engaged with requesting partner organizations through virtual service, including with a number of new Peace Corps partners. The participating Americans are private citizens who share their professional expertise and dedicate five to 15 hours per week to serve alongside Filipino counterparts. The U.S. Peace Corps is the U.S. government’s premier volunteer service organization and was founded by former U.S. President John F. Kennedy in 1961. Since then, more than 240,000 Americans have served in over 140 countries worldwide, including more than 9,300 volunteers in the Philippines. (Mindanao Examiner)
Prioritize environmental issues, green group tells candidates Army soldiers patrol Isabela City in Basilan province. casualties were immediately extricated from the area and were given proper medication. They are all in stable condition as of press time,” he said. Lt. Gen. Alfredo Rosario, Jr., chief of the Western Mindanao Command, commended the soldiers – all under Gobway’s Joint Task Force Basilan - for “their selfless service and untiring dedication to their sworn duty.” “The remaining members of the terror group who refuse to return to the fold of the law are doing desperate moves to gain popular support after they’ve lost it due to the neutralization of their top leader Radzmil Jannatul, Rosario said, referring to the Abu Sayyaf leader wanted by the United States for the for the kidnapping of an American woman, 43-year old Gerfa Yeatts Lunsmann, and her son, Kevin, 14; and a Filipino nephew Romnick Jakaria, 19, while on a holiday in Zamboanga on July 12, 2011.
The hostages were forced into boats at gunpoint, brought to Basilan and forced to march to a camp where they were held until September 2011. The kidnappers released the mother on October 2, 2011, but retained her son as a hostage, and demanded that she pay a large ransom for his freedom. Jakaria managed to escape from his captors on November 13, 2011; and the teenager eventually escaped from his captivity on December 9, 2011. Jannatul and three other Abu Sayyaf fighters Indama, Muadz, and Abu Basim were indicted by the U.S. Department of Justice for the kidnappings. The U.S. Embassy has not released any statement on Jannatul’s slaying, but Rosario said: “The military continues to intensify the conduct of combat and non-combat operations to end terrorism in Mindanao.” (Mindanao Examiner)
Continued from page 1 health and the environment. The group raised issues surrounding illegal waste importation, plastic and e-waste pollution, and proliferation of mercury-added products that have long plagued the country. “Electoral candidates should look into the long overdue ratification of the Basel Ban Amendment to prevent the Philippines from becoming a dumping ground of toxic and hazardous wastes again. The country has long been a victim of illegal waste trading, with the Canada waste issue in 2013 being a prime example. The government should take a stronger stance against waste trading to prevent this from happening again,” it said. It added that the next set of government officials should prioritize the strict regulation and monitoring
of mercury-added products that are being sold illegally. “While the Food and Drug Administration constantly flags mercury-added products, online monitoring and test buy operations show that it is still widely available in the market. Stricter measures to control products containing mercury should be implemented to protect Filipino consumers from the chemical’s harmful effects,” BAN Toxics said. It also cited another issue plaguing the country - plastic and e-waste pollution, saying the plastic pollution crisis is one of the biggest waste challenges. In 2015, the country ranked third as the world’s greatest plastic waste producer, with 2.7 million tons of plastic waste produced each year. Despite the Philippines’ having one of the highest garbage collection rates among Southeast Asian countries, a 2018 study on waste man-
agement practices revealed the country’s problem with the proper disposal of garbage. “We have yet to see concrete platforms and action plans on health and environmental issues from most of the national electoral candidates. Our government officials and aspirants should also prioritize addressing health and environmental issues among other things,” said Reynaldo San Juan, executive director of BAN Toxics. “Unless the government develops and implements concrete action plans to address environmental issues, Filipinos will continue to be vulnerable to the adverse effects of pollution and toxics. Our right to a healthy environment should not be overlooked. The protection of the environment will also protect the health of the Filipino people,” he added. (Malou Cablinda and Mark Navales)
SUPPORT PEACE IN MINDANAO
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BIDA Kid campaign launched
USAID Philippines Mission Director Ryan Washburn (third from right) joins partners from the Department of Education and the Department of Health, led by Secretary Leonor Briones and Secretary Francisco Duque III, for the launch of the BIDA Kid campaign to support the safe resumption of face-to-face classes. THE DEPARTMENT of Education (DepEd), the Department of Health (DOH), and the United States Agency for International Development (USAID) formally launched the national BIDA Kid COVID-19 prevention campaign to support the safe expansion of face-toface classes nationwide. DepEd, DOH, and USAID kicked off the BIDA Kid national campaign at the SM Mall of Asia Music Hall to encourage learners, teachers, and education stakeholders to keep practicing Covid-19 health and safety guidelines in schools and public spaces. “One of our utmost priorities is the safety of our learners amid the risk of COVID-19. The BIDA Kid campaign is another whole-of-government initiative to encourage everyone to keep our chil-
dren protected while we progressively reintroduce classroom-based learning,” said Education Secretary Leonor Briones. Health Secretary Francisco Duque III reminded education stakeholders to continue observing safety measures in schools and at home despite the improving Covid-19 situation in the country. “A safe school environment is crucial for our children’s development both academically and emotionally. This is only possible if we continue to champion COVID-19 vaccination in our communities and commit to practicing the minimum public health standards everywhere and at all times,” Duque said. USAID Philippines Mission Director Ryan Washburn said he was grateful for the strong partnership between USAID and the national gov-
ernment as a whole-of-society approach ensures that physical classes can be conducted safely. “Face-to-face classes give students better motivation to study, having the opportunity to interact directly with their teachers and classmates. Classrooms offer a supportive environment for learning as well as social and emotional well-being. As your friend, partner, and ally, the U.S. government, through USAID, will continue to collaborate with our Philippine government counterparts so Filipinos are better able to manage the impacts and bounce back quickly from the Covid-19 pandemic,” Washburn said. Nearly 14,000 public and private schools are conducting in-person classes, according to the latest DepEd field report. (Mindanao Examiner)
Organic Kopi Luwak or Civet coffee isn’t really pricey
Cagayan de Oro eyes human milk bank
Caroline Cabunoc, Cagayan de Oro City Nutrition Committee coordinator. Continued from page 1 Mindanao Medical Center (NMMC) here. “So by 2022, gipaningkamutan sa Cagayan de Oro City nga ma-establish na gyod ang Human Milk Bank. As of now, on-going pa ang processing, nagbuhat pa sa building, magpalit pa sa mga equipment para sa human milk bank,” said Caroline Cabunoc, the CNC Breastfeeding and Infant and Young Child Feeding coordinator. But Cabunoc still discourages mothers to depend on milk donations, but to instead practice exclusive nursing or breastfeeding, especially when they have no
health concerns. “Wala nato gina-encourage atong mga ginikanan nga mangayo og human milk sa atong milk bank. Ato gyud silang gina-encourage nga sila jud mismo ang muhatag og milk, sila ang magpadede sa ilang anak kay mas maayo man gyud to kay kung constant ang pagkuha sa milk sa breast sa mama, the more milk it will produce. Dapat ikaw nga ginikanan if wala ka'y ginabati, walay mga kakulian, ikaw gyud among gina-encourage nga ikaw mismo ang magpatotoy,” Cabunoc said. The realization of the human milk bank here is
made possible by the CNC and its working committee, including Dr. Stephanie Denise Alagadan, who heads the Department of Pediatrics at J.R. Borja General Hospital; and consultant Dr. Jessamine Sareno, of Maria Reyna Xavier University Hospital, and the City Health Office that will train health personnel in collecting milk and how to incubate it, to ensure supply of donated human milk. Aside from the human milk bank, CNC’s prenatal services are persistent, which are provided for free in 54 health centers. It include nutrition programs, iron and calcium supplementations, counselling for pregnancy related concerns, and breastfeeding support groups. To further respond to the needs of women, lying-in clinics established, priority lanes for COVID-19 vaccinations are provided to mothers in their third month of pregnancy and to lactating mothers. There are also family planning services, and breastfeeding rooms and adolescent-friendly corners in health facilities. (Rexcelle Tolentino)
KIDAPAWAN CITY Coffee lovers in the Philippines may now enjoy the best and the most expensive coffee in the world - Kopi Luwak - but not as pricey as every connoisseurs think. Kopi Luwak is a coffee that consists of partially digested coffee cherries, which have been eaten and defecated by the Asian palm civet. The cherries are fermented as they pass through a civet’s intestines, and after being defecated
with other fecal matter, they are collected. In Manila, a kilogram of Civet coffee sells for as high as P15,000 and over $500 dollars abroad. But Kopi Luwak can now be enjoyed by every coffee lovers for as low as P150 for a 16 oz. cup that comes with a drip bag, ground organic Civet coffee beans, two packets of brown sugar and a stirrer in a beautiful Kraft paper bag – thanks to the Mindanao Civet Coffee
seller in Zamboanga City. The new market player in the coffee business, although small, is now offering affordable organic Kopi Luwak – sourced and picked by farmers from the highlands of Mindanao, cleaned and dried and roasted to perfection to give coffee lovers that distinct aroma of Civet coffee berries – chocolaty and nutty and smooth bodied brewed drink. Mindanao Civet Coffee, which started as a home reseller of coffee beans, now offers organic Kopi Luwak in 250 grams ground Civet coffee and 250 grams Civet coffee beans – all medium roasted to perfection. Kopi Luwak is also available now in 3rd Cup Café at LM Metro Hotel in Zamboanga City, and resellers in Luzon, Cebu and other parts of Mindanao. The Mindanao Civet Coffee is a favorite among travellers and tourists and coffee connoisseurs. And for those who wanted the perfect gift for all occasions, Kopi Luwak is the best choice. And those who are interested to resell or perhaps enjoy a daily hot cup or cold brew of Kopi Luwak may call the Mindanao Civet Coffee at this mobile number 09153976197. (AJC)
April 11-17, 2022
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April 11-17, 2022
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OPINION
RECIPE
Going out of our comfort zone Chili Garlic Crab and Shrimp by Engr. Carlos V. Cornejo (Cebu) I ALWAYS get fascinated with this topic. I’ve read quite a number of articles, even an entire book talking about it. One that stands out is a book by Bronnie Ware entitled “Top Five Regrets of the Dying: A Life Transformed by the Dearly Departing.” In the book, a survey was made of people aged 59 and above, around 235 of them who were asked what were their regrets in life and the common answers were: “I didn’t take enough risks.”, “I played it too safe.”, “I didn’t try enough”, or “I was crippled by fear.” The opposite of the comfort zone is the courage zone. And here’s what Bo Sanchez would say about it: “The ‘Comfort Zone’ refers to the boundaries that we set up to govern the activities we will or will not pursue. If our courage zone is large, we will feel empowered to pursue a whole range of activities—public speaking, writing, athletic pursuits, piano playing, travelling, etc. If it is small, we will feel stressed if we go outside of these boundaries— being subjected to fear and anxiety of trying out a new thing.” The reason why many people don’t go out of their comfort zones is precisely the comfort it affords. We don’t want to go out of it because we want things to be predictable. We want to be sure of what time we wake up in the morning, the things we will do the rest of the day, even the restaurants we choose when we go for an eat out, we stick to the ones we have already tried. The reason for sticking to routine is the fear of the uncertain and the unpredictable. There is an upside to this daily routine though. It helps us develop good habits and aids us in doing things faster. An efficient morning routine for example helps us arrive at the office or school on time. But there are going to be instances in our lives of going out of our usual routine because it is crucial to our personal growth and happiness. Growth and happiness go together. When you know you are improving on something whether it’s knowledge, skill, relationships, or
spiritual life it makes you feel satisfied with life. A small seed is happy growing into a big tree. That’s what a seed is meant to do, grow up and reach its potential, fulfill its purpose. That’s what we are meant to do as well. The reason why those old people in the survey regretted not trying enough is because they felt they have not grown psychologically, academically, spiritually, relationally, health-wise, etc. The only growth they have done is by getting old. When you have an opportunity, for example, to know how to drive a car, go for it because it is one of the most important skills in life. Getting to go places on your own is the most liberating experience in life. It goes without saying of course that you should have the opportunity to own a car. But nevertheless, you can always opt for a motorbike if you can’t afford a car. Another essential courage zone decision you can make is acquiring a degree. Studying for college or masters for example is a package adventure you will never regret. Meeting new people, acquiring more knowledge, going back to school again, etc. these are all priceless experiences. As Bo Sanchez would say, the magic happens in the courage zone not in the comfort zone. And David Viscott would add, “If you cannot risk, you cannot grow. If you cannot grow, you cannot become your best. If you cannot become your best, you cannot be happy. And if you cannot be happy, what else matters?” Movie actor Denzel Washington says, “The things you have not pursued in the courage zone will become your ghosts that will haunt you on your deathbed. These ghosts will tell you that they have been waiting for you to give them life but now they will just go with you to your grave.” We only have one shot at life; we better make use of it. “Regret over things done can be eased over time but regret over good things left unsaid and undone are inconsolable.” (Anonymous)
INGREDIENTS : • 3 lbs. crab cut in half • 1 lb. shrimp cleaned • 1 Knorr Chicken Cube • 1 tablespoon tomato paste • ¼ cup banana ketchup • 3 teaspoons cornstarch • 1 egg beaten • ¾ cup green onion cut into pieces • 3 Thai chili pepper chopped • 1 onion chopped • 1 head garlic minced • 2 thumbs ginger grated • 2 cups water • 4 tablespoons cooking oil • Salt and ground black pepper to taste INSTRUCTIONS : 1. 2.
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Heat oil in a cooking pot. Sauté the onion, garlic, ginger, and Thai chili pepper. Once the onion softens, add shrimp. Cook until the color of the shrimp turns orange. Remove the shrimp and place on clean plate. Set the shrimp aside. Continue cooking by adding the crab. Cook while stirring occasionally for 3 to 5 minutes. Note: I am using blue crab for this recipe. Pour water into the pot and then add Knorr Chicken Cube. Cover the pot and let the liquid boil. Add tomato paste and banana ketchup. Stir. Cook for 2 minutes.
by Fr. Roy Cimagala (Cebu) “IS HE (Christ) not the one they are trying to kill? And look, he is speaking openly and they say nothing to him. Could the authorities have realized that he is Christ?” (Jn 7,25-26). With these words in the gospel of St. John, we are somehow reminded that if we truly want to be like Christ as we should, we have to expect suffering, for which we have to learn to lose the fear of it. Christ knew from the start of his redemptive life here on earth that he had to suffer and to die for the sins of men. When it was not yet the time to do so, he managed to escape from the hands of those who tried to do him harm. But when the time to consummate his mission on earth came, he made himself totally available for the culminating redemptive act of his passion and death on the cross. We should try to assume the same mind and spirit with respect to the ultimate purpose of our life here on earth. We are not meant only to achieve some earthly and temporal success. Our real success is when we manage to be like Christ all the way, that is, when we would be willing to suffer and die for the sins of men in general, ours and those of everybody else. Thus, we need to learn how to lose the fear of suffering and death. In fact, we have to learn to see suffering and death as the ultimate means of our salvation, of achieving the perfection of our humanity, which is to be like Christ (alter Christus), if not Christ himself (ipse Christus). If we believe in Christ and
follow what he has taught and shown us, we will realize that there is nothing to be afraid of suffering and death, and all the other negative things that can mark our life. He bore them himself and converted them into our way for our own salvation. Yes, even death which is the ultimate evil that can befall us, an evil that is humanly insoluble. With Christ’s death, the curse of death has been removed. “Death has been swallowed up in victory. Where, O death, is your victory? Where, O death, is your sting?” (1 Cor 15,5455) So, we just have to be sport and cool about the whole reality of suffering and death. What we need to do is to follow Christ in his attitude toward them. For Christ, embracing suffering and ultimately death, is the expression of his greatest love for us. We have to enter into the dynamic of this divine logic and wisdom so we can lose that fear of suffering and death. Thus, we have to understand this very well. Unless we love the cross, we can never say that we are loving enough. Of course, we have to qualify that assertion. It’s when we love the cross the way God wills it—the way Christ loves it—that we can really say that we are loving as we should, or loving with the fullness of love. We have to be wary of our tendency to limit our love to ways and forms that give us some benefits alone, be it material, moral or spiritual. While they are also a form of love, they are not yet the fullness of love. (Fr. Roy Cimagala)
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Add the shrimp back into the pot. Also add some green onions. Cover the pot and cook for 1 to 2 minutes. 7. Season with salt and ground black pepper. 8. Add the beaten egg. Stir. 9. Make a slurry by combining cornstarch with 3 tablespoons water. Pour the mixture into the pan. Stir until the sauce thickens. 10. Transfer to a serving bowl. Serve hot. Share and enjoy!
HEALTH
Stroke: Paano Iiwas Ni Dr. Willie Ong
OPINION
Being Christ-like and suffering
panlasangpinoy.com
M
ay 2 klase ng stroke. Kadalasan, ang stroke ay dahil sa nagbara ang ugat sa utak ng tao (Medical term: Ischemic Stroke). Ngunit may pagkakataon naman na ang stroke ay nagmula sa pagdugo ng utak dahil may ugat na pumutok (Medical term: Hemorrhagic Stroke). Parehong seryoso itong sakit at kailangang dalhin agad sa ospital ang pasyente. Ang posibleng senyales ng stroke ay ang panghihina ng isang parte ng katawan, pagkabulol, pananakit ng ulo, at panlalabo ng mata. Noong nakaraan, nabanggit ko na dapat ma-kontrol ang blood pressure, blood sugar at
cholesterol level ng pasyente para makaiwas sa stroke. Ang sigarilyo at alak ay dapat ding itigil. Heto ang ilan pang mga paraan para makaiwas sa stroke: 1. Umiwas sa matatabang pagkain tulad ng karneng baboy at baka. Bawasan din ang pagkain ng mantikilya, cakes at sitsirya. 2. Kumain ng 2 tasa ng gulay at 2 tasa ng prutas araw-araw. 3. Mag-relax at magsaya. Dalhin ng magaan ang iyong trabaho o problema. 4. Huwag palaging nagagalit. Baka tumaas ang iyong blood pressure. Matutong makisama sa ibang tao. 5. Matulog ng 7-8 oras. Magpahinga ng sapat para mapalakas ang iyong katawan. 6. Huwag mag-biyahe ng tuluy-tuloy. Nakapapagod din ang pag-bi-biyahe kapag maraming lugar
kayong pupuntahan. Planuhin ito maigi at bigyan ng sapat na araw para magpahinga. 7. Bawasan ang pag-inom ng kape. Hindi pa klaro kung mabuti o masama ang epekto ng kape sa katawan. Hanggang 2 tasa lang ang inumin at baka magkaroon ka ng high blood pressure at palpitasyon. 8. Panatilihing malambot ang iyong dumi. Kumain ng prutas tulad ng papaya, pakwan, pears at mga gulay para lumambot ang dumi. Uminom din ng sapat na tubig. 9. Uminom ng aspirin kung kinakailangan. Itanong sa doktor kung makatutulong sa iyo ang aspirin 80 mg tablet. 10. Magkaroon ng healthy lifestyle. Mag-ehersisyo, huwag magpataba at kumain ng masustansya. Sundin ang mga payong ito para makaiwas sa stroke.
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The Mindanao Examiner
April 11-17, 2022
April 11-17, 2022
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April 11-17, 2022
Duterte, neutral pa rin! ‘Ngunit anak na si Sara, inindorso na’
C
EBU – Muling inulit ni Pangulong Duterte na mananatili itong neutral at walang susuportahang kandidato sa pagka-presidente, ngunit inindorso naman nito ang sariling anak na si Davao City Mayor Sara Duterte nilang bise presidente. “Ako, wala akong makapaglabas ng salapi is anak is anak. Pero maayo na si Inday (Sara) kandidato, hindi ako dahil sa election ban. Todo naman ang sa tinuod lang. Basta namumulitika, I’m just announcing. Wala akong kampanya ni Duterte kay trabaho lang tinarong, kandidato ni sino man sa Sara ng ito ay bumisita sa maayo na si Inday,” wika pagka-presidente. I re- Cebu at sinabing masipag pa ni Duterte. Sinabi pa ni Dutemain neutral. Ang akin at honest ang kanyang kasi eh presidente ako anak. Ito rin ang unang rte na istrikto si Sara tapos magkampi ako ng pagkakataon na inamin pagdating sa trabaho at isa, magdududa ‘yung iba, ni Duterte na ang supor- tunay na maka-masa. “You can’t crowd ginagamit ko ‘yung re- ta nito kay Sara ay bilang sources ng gobyerno, ma- isang ama at nais uma- around waiting for her, gulo na. If you are a pres- no nitong ipagpatuloy ng you will be called one ident and you have the anak ang kanyang sinim- by one instead. But she will talk to you. And resources na nasa beck ulan. “Akong anak moda- that's good, that's actuand call mo, ano man ang gawain mo mag-suspetya ga’g bise-presidente og in- ally good. She can serve ang tao na ginagamit mo yong tan-aw nga...actual- people in an orderly para sa isang kandidato. ly, this is the first time nga manner,” ani Duterte at Even if it is not true,” pali- gigamit nako ang akong pinayuhan pa nito ang pagka-amahan nga, sa anak na maging tapat sa wanag pa ni Duterte. Nag-reklamo rin si anak. Nagkuan ko eh, na- bansa at taong-bayan. Duterte na hindi na ito kaagi’g samok. Pero anak (Cebu Examiner)
Davao Mayor Sara Duterte with President Rodrigo Duterte.
Travellers only need rapid antigen test to enter country Cebu to address worsening garbage problems
THE NATIONAL Inter-Agency Task Force for the Management of Emerging Infectious Diseases has allowed rapid antigen tests as a requirement for all travellers entering the Philippines. It said the use of rapid antigen tests must be administered and certified by a healthcare professional in a healthcare facility, laboratory, clinic, pharmacy, or other similar establishments from the country of origin of travellers. The task force also approved the acceptance and recognition of the national Covid-19 vaccination certificates of Bangladesh, Mexico, Panama and Slovak Re-
ARMM
public. The Philippines earlier announced that foreign nationals may now enter the country without the need of an Entry Exemption Document, but with some conditions. These conditions include: (1) full vaccination of foreign nationals, except only for minor children below 12 years of age traveling with their fully vaccinated parents; (2) They must also carry an acceptable proof of vaccination; (3) Passport valid for a period of at least 6 months at the time of their arrival to the Philippines. Foreign nationals must also obtain, prior to arrival, a travel insurance for Covid-19 treatment
costs from reputable insurance providers, with a minimum coverage of $35,000.00 for the duration of their stay in the Philippines. Exempted from this are foreign spouses and/ or children of Filipino citizens and former Filipino citizens with Balikbayan privileges, including their foreign spouse and/or children who are not Balikbayans in their own right, and are traveling with them to the Philippines. They also must have valid tickets for their return journey to the port of origin or next port of destination not later than 30 days from date of arrival in the Philippines. (Cebu Examiner)
Eastern Mindanao
CEBU CITY – Mayor Michael Rama said the local government will embark on a solid waste management action plan to address the worsening garbage problem here. Rama rallied support from the public and private sector in crafting a novel system of waste disposal, including waste segregation and recycling. He said the local government has yet to come up with a comprehensive plan for disposing of tons of garbage generated by the thousands of households, manufacturers, and business establishments here. He pointed out the need to create a system that will prevent environmental degradation due to the indiscriminate disposal of garbage. Rama also recalled that as a young boy, he enjoyed shallow seawater fishing at the coastal area of Sitio Alumnus of Basak-San Nicolas village which now has murky water gushing through the filthy sewerage system in the southern district.
Western Mindanao
Cebu Mayor Michael Rama (Fb page) “I am emotional when we talk about the environment because God gives us the gift of life and what humanity (has) done, the indiscretion of life, of this world, have destroyed what was supposed to be the wonderful creation of the Almighty,” Rama said. Rama cited the effort of Cebu City Community Environment and Natural Resource Officer, lawyer Jigo Dacua, for initiating
Cebu
a platform that will allow stakeholders to converge and discuss means to resolve challenges on garbage disposal. “This is not for myself alone. This is for your family. This is for my family,” he said, adding that he wants to leave a legacy that is anchored on competence, action, and sensitivity to the plight of his constituents,” he said. (John Rey Saavedra)
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