Batas para sa dagdag ospital sa bansa, isusulong COTABATO CITY – Ipinangako ni Kusug Tausug Partylist Rep. Shernee Tambut na kung muling magwawagi sa halalan ay maghahain ito ng mga batas upang madagdagan ang bilang ng mga
pagamamutan sa buong bansa, lalo na sa mga malalayong bayan, upang masibilhan ang mga mamamayan. Maging ang Zamboanga City Medical Center sa pamumuno ni Dr. Af-
Makikita sa larawang ito si Kusug Tausug Rep. Shernee Tambut (kaliwa) at asawa na si international commercial pilot Capt. Marjani Tambut (likuran) kasama si dating Pangulong Gloria Arroyo sa Pampanga province.
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dal Kunting ay naglabas rin ng pahayag at malaki ang pasasalamat sa Kusug Tausug dahil sa malaking pondong ibinigay nito sa pagamutan sa kasagsagan ng Covid-19 pandemic. At patuloy, ani Kunting, ang tulong ng Kusug Tausug sa mga mahihirap na pasyente mula sa rehiyon. Continue on page 5
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May 2-8, 2022
Muslim leaders support BBM-Sara tandem
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NFLUENTIAL SULU Governor Sakur Tan has led Muslim political leaders in Mindanao in supporting the tandem of presidential aspirant Bongbong Marcos and his running mate Davao City Mayor Sara Duterte. Tan confirmed this, ernors in the Bangsamoro saying he and other govContinue on page 2
Mindanao electricity contracts questioned
Dilapidated electric meters and a broken concrete light pole. (Mindanao Examiner) CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY – The energy advocacy and consumer rights
groups Power for People Coalition (P4P) accused Continue on page 3
A photo from the Partido Federal ng Pilipinas shows presidential aspirant Bongbong Marcos and other Muslim leaders during a recent event at the Manila Hotel.
Omicron’s BA.212 now in the country Public health protocols, paiigtingin pa! MANILA – Philippine health authorities said a sub-lineage of the Omicron variant called “BA.2.12” reached the country after a 52-yearold Finnish woman who arrived here from Continue on page 5
IPINAG-UTOS ni Interior Secretary Eduardo Año sa mga local governments at pulisya ang mas pinaig-
SARS CoV 2 molecules. (Images: U.S. National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases)
PRC volunteers brave remote areas to bring Covid vaccines ILIGAN CITY - While many people living in urban areas across the
ARMM
country have been inoculated against deadly Covid-19 respiratory dis-
ease, there remains a significant number of people Continue on page 6
Eastern Mindanao
ting na pagpapatupad sa public health protocols dahil sa darating na halalan.
Bagama’t wala na umanong mga ipinatutupad na lockdown sa Continue on page 3
Seized Indon fishermen freed KOTA KINABALU - Three Indonesian fishermen who were reported kidnapped off Sabah near the southern Philippine border province of Tawi-Tawi have been freed, reports said. The trio was reportedly taken by gunmen on Continue on page 5
Western Mindanao
Filipino trawlers off the southern Philippines. (Image: Al Jacinto)
Cebu
Manila
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Muslim leaders support BBM-Sara tandem
President Rodrigo Duterte with Sulu Governor Sakur Tan, his sons Rep. Samier Tan (left) and Vice Governor Toto Tan. Continued from page 1 autonomous region recently met with Marcos and other political leaders at the Manila Hotel. “Yes, kay BBM at Sara kaming lahat sa Sulu. Mga mayors natin at mga Tausugs ay behind kay BBM and Sara,” he told the regional newspaper Mindanao Examiner in a brief phone interview from Manila. In 2016 presidential election, Tan was the only governor in the Muslim autonomous region who campaigned hard for Duterte as president; and for Marcos as vice president while all the other governors were behind the tandem of Mar Roxas and Leni Robredo. Tan also rallied allied mayors in Sulu to help him in the campaign. Duterte
eventually won by a landslide in Sulu, the only province in the Muslim region where Marcos won. Marcos, a former senator; and Tan, an ex-congressman; are long-time friends and political allies. The Partido Federal ng Pilipinas (PFP), chaired by Marcos, confirmed this and said Tan promised to deliver the winning vote for Marcos in Sulu, one of five provinces under the autonomous region. “Ayon naman kay Sulu Governor Abdusakur Tan, nakasisiguro siya na kaya nilang ibigay ang mahigit 80 porsyento na boto mula sa kanilang 420,000 na botante sa probinsya,” PFP said. It also quoted Tan as saying: “Pangako ko sa kanya (Marcos) mahina na
Vice presidential aspirant Sara Duterte, the mayor of Davao City, with Sulu Governor Sakur Tan. (Jaques Tutong)
ang 80% na boto sa buong probinsya kasi wala kaming kalaban. Ang probinsya namin 420,000 registered voters halos wala kaming kalaban lahat. Ako, anak ko, vice governor, congressman, dalawang congressman, mayor, walang kalaban.” PFP said Tan and other political leaders in the autonomous region and Mindanao also signed an oath of commitment to strongly support the BBM-Sara tandem. “We the governors, mayors, and traditional leaders of BARMM, commit ourselves to fervently, strongly, and firmly support the unifying leadership and candidacy of Marcos for the position of president of the Republic of the Philippines, and Duterte for the position of vice president of the Republic of the Philippines. We commit to protect the will of the people and safeguard the victory of Ferdinand ‘Bongbong’ Marcos Jr., and Mayor Inday Sara Duterte as president and vice president of the Republic of the Philippines.” it quoted the pledge of commitment of the Muslim governors. “Bitbit ang kanilang command votes, siniguro ng mga opisyal na karamihan sa halos dalawang milyong botante sa BARMM ay magbibigay ng siguradong panalo kina Marcos at Duterte sa Mindanao,” PFP added. Among those in the event were the governors of Basilan, Maguindanao, Lanao del Sur, Tawi-Tawi and their mayors and other leaders. “Hindi na mangyayari na gamitin ang Maguindanao, na gamitin ang probinsya namin para mandaya. Handa kaming protektahan ang inyong
boto dito sa Maguindanao,” PFP also quoted Maguindanao Governor Miriam Mangudadatu as saying. PFP said Marcos thanked the governors for their solid support, who said: “It is important to show that the idea of ‘pagkakaisa,’ the idea of ‘unity’ is not only a campaign slogan, it is a cause, it is something that we truly believe. And with your acts, with your actions tonight in coming together, yourselves, in coming together with the UniTeam is a big manifestation that we have the right message that this unity is in fact what we need in this time of crisis, in this time of difficulty that the Philippines is going through.” “Thank you again for your support, but I am also, as for all of you, kung maipanalo natin ito kailangan ko ng tulong ninyong lahat. I need your help, I need your wisdom, I need your advice and because of that you can rest assured that you will always have an ear who will listen to you. You will always have an open door to which you can go,” Marcos added. But Murad Ebrahim, chieftain of the Moro Islamic Liberation Front
and governor of the Bangsamoro region, and his political party called the United Bangsamoro Justice Party, are supporting Marcos’ rival, Robredo and her running mate senator Francisco Pangilinan. Even in the 2016 presidential election, Ebrahim also supported Roxas and Ro-
bredo. Ebrahim signed a peace deal with the Aquino administration in March 2014 and was appointed by President Rodrigo Duterte as governor of the Bangsamoro autonomous region in support of the peace process. (Mindanao Examiner)
Kusug Tausug Rep. Shernee Tan-Tambut
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Government support vital for innovation to flourish CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY - To ensure growth in the country’s national and regional innovation ecosystems, the government must be involved in creating policies and allocating proper funding for our innovators, said National Economic and Development Authority Regional Director Mylah Faye Cariño. She said the government and its stakeholders are largely responsible for creating the optimum environment for Filipinos to materialize their innovations by means of crafting policies and ensuring sufficient funding. “For ideas to take off, most of them would really need the support, not only of the government, but also of other stakeholders. That’s why the
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government's role is to really get out of the way of our innovators, provide the right environment, policy, and financial support,” Cariño said. Stressing the importance of innovation, Department of Trade and Industry Misamis Oriental Provincial Director Almer Masillones also said innovation is a vital component for national development and economic growth. “Innovation is seen to address problems MSMEs, our challenges in the industry. Innovation will actually create better products, better services through utilizing existing resources,” she said, adding the health crisis also widely benefited from innovations and the expansive digitalization of their agency’s operations, as it
allowed them to deliver education, health, and other services online. MSME refers to micro, small and medium-sized enterprises. The steady progress in the country’s innovation landscape has also impacted tech start-ups and small businesses in the region, according to University of Science and Technology of Southern Philippines President Ambrosio Cultura II. “We have to patronize our start-ups, our small businesses, let us prioritize them so that they can also grow. Everyone has a role to contribute in order that we will be able to contribute to economic development through innovation and entrepreneurship,” he said. (Gabriel Andres)
Mindanao electricity contracts questioned Continued from page 1 the Energy Regulatory Commission (ERC) and Department of Energy (DOE) for allowing non-competitive power contracts and high prices of electricity to plague consumers in Mindanao, and demanded immediate action to ensure thorough and equal protection of consumers from power sector abuse. In a 360-page complaint filed before the DOE, the coalition group questioned over 70 power supply agreements entered into or applied for by electric cooperatives and distribution utilities that are in effect, despite not having gone through the Competitive Selection Process (CSP). It said the CSP is important, saying it is intended to protect the public interest against high electricity prices. “Electric cooperatives and distribution utilities in Mindanao have been violating their obligations of offering least-cost prices to consumers and employing acceptable procurement practices, and both DOE and ERC essentially allowed them to do so. By only selectively implementing CSP requirements, they doomed power consumers to at least two and a half decades of non-competitive pricing - the usual lifespan of power contracts,” said Engr. Dave Tauli, Vice President of the Lanao Power Consumers Group. Citing the June 30, 2015 DOE circular mandating all distribution utilities to undergo CSP in securing power supply agreements, invokes a non-retroactivity clause entered into or applied for prior to the circular’s date of issuance. “It took 15 long years from when the Electric Power Industry Reform Act (EPIRA) was passed for the ERC to mandate least-cost pricing. Our energy regulators chose to disappoint further by watering down the protection offered by CSP to consumers.” “The June 30 cut-off for PSAs covered by the CSP is an unnecessary distinction that is telling of just how serious the ERC and DOE are in shielding the public from high prices of electricity, it seems,” said Atty. Luke Espiritu, President of the Bukluran ng Manggagawang Pilipino, who is also part of petitioners’ legal counsel. The coalition also said - according to the DOE’s latest EPIRA report - that power consumers in Mindanao pay the highest electricity rates on
average among the three island regions. It noted that non-competitive pricing played no small role in hiking power rates, citing as one example the FDC Misamis Oriental Power Plant which charges 1.40 P/kWh which is more than what other generation companies offer to electric cooperatives in the Mindanao Grid. “Even with the CSP, many power companies, especially those relying on coal and other fuels, were allowed to price the electricity they produce and enter agreements with distributors as they pleased. Consumers in Mindanao reap the bitter fruit of this scheme, especially now as the price of coal and other fossil fuels in the global market continues to rise, and they are forced to shoulder higher generation costs. DOE and ERC must immediately amend the CSP rules and enforce them on all subsisting power contracts,” said Gerry Arances, convenor of P4P. The groups also urge the DOE and ERC to take a step further in ensuring just and consumer-centered power procurement processes by leveling the playing field for indigenous and sustainable energy sources. “You have a Mindanao grid teeming with excess and unused electricity supply from coal plants. But electric consumers are suffering from expensive electricity rates while other franchise areas in the region suffer brownouts. This is how mismanaged and convoluted electric power contracting is in Mindanao. It needs to be stopped,” said Ian Rivera, national coordinator of the Philippine Movement for Climate Justice. “The cases of Mindanao electric consumers are filing today is to push power procurement rules and processes for renewable energy to be more accessible, stop unfair charges, and reduce the reliance on electricity sourced from coal,” he added, stressing this will make electricity rates affordable while reducing greenhouse gas emissions, making the Mindanao grid more reliant and green while contributing to much needed global climate action. P4P further said that the matter of unfair rates should be treated by Energy authorities with urgency amid the on-going economic crisis, especially for an island region recording minimum wages that, at P275-352 per day, are on average the smallest in the country. (Mindanao Examiner)
‘Salty’ mission continues in Bukidnon
Public health protocols, paiigtingin pa! Continued from page 1 bansa dahil sa mababang bilang Covid-19 cases, nag-aalala naman umano si Año sa patuloy na pagdagsa ng mga tao sa mga campaign rally at sa Election Day. Ito rin ang kanyang ulat kay Pangulong Rodrigo Duterte. “Ngayon po, Mr. President, sa buong Pilipinas ay zero pa rin ang mga areas na under granular lockdown. So ibig sabihin po ay maganda ang numero natin at mababa ‘yung Covid cases natin. At dalawa po ang ating pinakaimportanteng depensa o sandata dito, ang ating mataas na vaccination rate at ang pagsunod sa ating minimum public health standard protocols,” ani Año. “Ang pinakamalaking challenge po natin, Mr. President, ay ang parat-
ing na eleksyon. Sapagkat ngayong mayroong campaign period, halos araw-araw po talagang dumudugso ang mga tao pag-attend ng mga rallies at mga campaign o kampanya na umaabot sa 300 or umaabot po sa six-digit numbers,” dagdag pa nito. Sinabi ni Año na posibleng umabot sa 60 milyon ang boboto sa Mayo 9 kung kaya’t kailangan magpatupad ng mas mahigpit na alituntunin upang hindi muling kumalat ang Covid-19 sa bansa. “At ang pinakamalaking challenge po natin dito ay ang election day mismo sa May 9. Sapagkat ating ine-expect na 60 million, at least 60 million voters po ay lalabas, magco-converge sa mga presinto kung saan sila boboto. Kaya sisiguraduhin po natin na masusunod ang ating
minimum public health standards or protocols,” wika nito. “So muli po tayong magi-istrikto ang ating kapulisan sa pagpapatupad ng minimum public health standards at tinatawagan din natin ang mga LGUs lalo na po ang mga barangay officials at barangay tanod, ang mga management ng commercial establishments, ang mga community leaders, ang mga campaign organizers na mag — tumulong sa pagpapatupad ng minimum public health standards. Hindi natin papayagan na magkakaroon muli ng Covid surges o spikes dito sa ating bansa. Kahit na mayroon pong projection o prediction na maaaring sumipa ang Covid sa susunod na mga buwan o linggo,” dagdag pa ni Año. (Mark Navales)
Bukidnon ‘Bantay Asin’ Task Force collects salt samples from the largest retail stores within the public market to check if salts sold have adequate iodine content. MALAYBALAY CITY - The Bukidnon Provincial Bantay-Asin Task Force continues to monitor salt traders here to ensure the correct iodine level of the mineral. The task force regularly conducts inspections in public markets. It collects salt samples from the largest retail stores within the public market and tests it to quantify its iodine level, according to Provincial Health Office Sanitary Inspector Sergio Flores.
“This activity is pursuant to the government’s campaign on Republic Act 8172 also known as ‘An Act for Salt Iodization Nationwide (ASIN)’ or ASIN Law,” Flores said, adding the campaign is to use not just iodized salt but adequate iodine in salt, as the Food and Nutrition Research Institute study shows a decrease in the median iodine level of table salt. Flores explained that lack of iodine or iodine de-
ficiency disorder results in a variety of abnormalities, such as goiter, reproductive failures, like miscarriage and stillbirth, as well as, congenital anomalies, like poor growth, and mental retardation. Officials and staff of the City Nutrition Office, City Economic Enterprise Development Office and the City Health Office are part of the inspection team. (Malou Cablinda)
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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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Batas para sa dagdag ospital sa bansa, isusulong Continued from page 1 Nangunguna pa rin ang Kusug Tausug partylist sa mga serye ng survey sa Mindanao na kung saan ay marami itong natulungan na mga mahihirap na Muslim, Kristiyano, at mga natibong grupo. Nitong taon lamang ay napabalitang tinamaan ng Covid-19 si Tambut at nakaligtas mula sa mapanganib na sakit sa
baga matapos na matinding paghihirap nito. Dahil sa kanyang pinagdaanang hirap habang nasa Covid-19 isolation, ipinangako nitong bibigyan ng karagdagang atensyon ang mga pasyenteng nasa publikong pagamutan. Sa kanyang research, nabatid na 1,800 pagamutan lamang ang bilang nito sa buong bansa, at
mahigit sa 700 ang pampubliko. Ayon naman sa data ng Department of Health, nasa control nito ang 66 pagamutan na may total bed capacity lamang ng mahigit sa 27,000. Sa naturang bilang, 38 pagamutan ang nasa Luzon at 14 dito ay nasa National Capital Region; 12 sa Visayas at 16 lamang ang nasa Mindanao. “Majority of the island-towns
Si dating Pangulong Gloria Arroyo at ex-First Gentleman Mike Arroyo kasama si Kusug Tausug partylist Rep. Shernee Tambut.
Omicron’s BA.212 now in the country Continued from page 1 Finland carried the virus. The woman, who was fully vaccinated, arrived last month and had travelled to a university in Quezon City and then to Baguio City where she conducted seminars. But nine days after her arrival, she experienced a headache and sore throat and was tested positive for Covid-19. Health authorities said the woman was isolated for seven days until she recovered and eventually discharged and returned to Finland on April 21. Con-
tact tracing continues even up to now. Scientists are still characterizing these Omicron sub-lineages in terms of transmissibility and whether they can cause more severe disease. Preliminary data have shown that their mutations are associated with higher transmissibility. The Department of Health has assured the public that the country’s surveillance systems are able to detect new cases and characterize their lineage. At present there are
a number of Omicron sub-lineages, including BA.2, BA.4 and BA.5 and another recombinant detected, made up of BA.1 and BA.2, according to World Health Organization Director-General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus. That recombinant is called XE and, until today, was the newest more-transmissible variant raising concern, but the sub-variants BA.2.12 and BA.2.12.1 which are sub-lineages of the BA.2 variant are spreading rapidly around the world. (Mindanao Examiner)
Seized Indon fishermen freed Continued from page 1 April 24 off Pulau Jambongan, their families claimed, adding the kidnappers demanded at least RM70,000 for their safe release, according to the Malaysian newspaper, The Star. The newspaper said Eastern Sabah Security Command Commander, Deputy Commissioner Hamzah Ahmad, confirmed that the crewmen had returned safely. “They are back and we are investigating,” he said without elaborating further, citing the on-going investigation into their disappearance. The identities of the fishermen, all crewmem-
bers of a Sabah-registered trawler, were not made public. The Star, citing Filipino intelligence sources, reported that the owner of the fishing boat had managed to secure the return of the vessel from the authorities in the southern Philippines. Family members in Tawau City said they had been contacted by someone informing them that the trio was being held by gunmen and demanded RM70,000 for the release of the fishermen and the trawler. The newspaper previously reported that the Indonesian consul had met
with the families of the fishermen and in previous incidents, Sabah-registered fishing boats were seized by Philippine maritime authorities for encroaching with owners paying up to secure the release of their fishing boats and crew. It was unclear whether the Abu Sayyaf group, blamed for the spate of piracy and ransom kidnappings in Sabah, was behind the attack. Philippine authorities have not released any report or statement about the kidnappings of the fishermen or whether the Abu Sayyaf was involved or not. (Mindanao Examiner)
in the Visayas and Mindanao have little access to basic health services and no access to specialized health services, except when the sick are brought to the provincial capital. To worsen matters, transport from these small island-towns to the provincial center is rare and often expensive,” wika ni Tambut. “Although Kusug Tausug is active in providing
food and financial assistance to poor people and marginalized sectors in the country, If Allah’s mercy will grant me another chance to be in Congress, I will file bills increasing the number of primary and secondary hospitals throughout the country, making sure that several of these new hospitals will be built in island-towns. In Shaa Allah," dagdag pa nito.
Si Tambut ang tumatayong chairperson ng Globalization and World Trade Organization (WTO) Committee sa Kongreso at vice-chairperson ng House Committee on Poverty Alleviation, at majority member ng committees on Economic Affairs, Foreign Affairs, Muslim Affairs, Trade and Industry, Transportation, at Women and Gender Equality. (Mindanao Examiner)
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PRC volunteers brave remote areas to bring Covid vaccines
A volunteer from the Philippine Red Cross in Iligan City vaccinates a resident of the hinterland village of Digkilaan. Continued from page 1 living in the hinterland of Mindanao who are yet to be vaccinated, according to the International Committee of the Red Cross. It said this is primarily because many are unable to bear the cost of travelling to a vaccine center in the city while others fear getting the vaccination owing to misinformation and lack of awareness. As a result, their families and communities remain vulnerable to the threat of Covid-19. Oliver Baton, a resident of Digkilaan village, which is a 45-minute drive from Iligan City, said that transport is expensive and taking a day off from work is a luxury they cannot afford. “Even if we want to get inoculated, the city is far from here and we would have to spend about P200 on the fare. We’d rather tend to our farms and stores than spend an entire day to get vaccinated and lose our income for that day,” the 28-year-old storekeeper said. To help Baton and other residents from rural areas, the Philippine Red Cross (PRC) here is help-
ing the local government to conduct vaccination drives in all the villages. Since the launch of the vaccination drive in January, the National Society has administered 41,959 doses (including first, second and booster shots) in and around Iligan City. Supporting this effort, the ICRC is providing financial assistance to the PRC to acquire equipment for cold-chain storage, personal protective equipment kits and medicines. The money is also used to provide a small allowance to PRC volunteers. “Vaccinating those who live in far-flung places is essential for building herd immunity. But, besides the issue of cost and inconvenience, some people refuse to get the vaccine because of fears triggered by misinformation. Until this is addressed, the pandemic may go on for a long time,” said Michelle Emee Vanguardia, the PRC’s health representative in Iligan. The vaccination drive is also a way for the PRC volunteers to educate residents and debunk vaccine myths, according to Vanguardia, who said that
by going to the areas and directly engaging with the community, volunteers clarify bits of false information and convince people to get inoculated while also making the vaccines accessible. “People in far-flung areas and urban slums should not be forgotten while implementing vaccination programmes, even if it means taking the vaccine to them. In the fight against Covid-19, no one is safe until everyone is safe,” she said, adding residents also receive vaccination counselling, consultation with a doctor and some medicines to relieve possible side effects. The 35-year-old teacher, Ivy Tomarong who is also from Digkilaan village, said she and her colleagues were encouraged to get the Covid-19 vaccine. “Preventing the spread of Covid-19 is a collective effort and we can contribute by getting the vaccine. Initially my colleagues were hesitant, but when they saw that I did not experience any severe side effects after getting my first dose they were also convinced,” she said. (Mindanao Examiner)
Volunteers of the Philippine Red Cross in Iligan City walk through muddy, unpaved roads to reach remote villages and vaccinate residents.
Organic Kopi Luwak or Civet coffee isn’t really pricey
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)
May 2-8, 2022
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Across : 1. Shade tree 4. Jewish feast 9. Major network 12. Iced ___ 13. Kind of number 14. Female fowl 15. Worried 17. Fin. fund 18. Father 19. More inexperienced 21. Expended 23. Legislative body 24. Untrue 26. Dads’ partners 27. Out ___ limb (2 wds.) 28. Author Jules ___ 30. Pep rally sound 33. Water barriers 34. Lions’ sounds 36. Baltimore athlete 39. Baseball glove 40. Bother 42. 60 secs. 43. Self 44. Unrest 48. Sped 49. Male voice 50. Time period 51. Capone and Roker 52. Margins 53. Agent (abbr.)
Answer to last week’s crossword:
Down : 1. List ender (abbr.) 2. Zodiac lion 3. Nelson ___ of South Africa 4. Moved quickly 5. Go wrong 6. Bell sound 7. Ralph Waldo ___ 8. Savior 9. Beijing’s country 10. Flat cap 11. Catch 16. Rascals 20. Naval officer (abbr.) 21. Alien’s ship (abbr.) 22. ___ Diego 25. Assess
26. Mr.’s mate 29. Came out 30. Mount ___ (Seattle view) 31. Museum offering 32. Truman’s monogram 33. Speck 35. Exclude 36. Soap ___ 37. Princely 38. Golf clubs 41. Snger ___ Crosby 42. Disfigures 45. Boot tip 46. Mine find 47. Forty winks
Weekly Sudoku:
MAF Trading Zamboanga 062-9555360 / 0917-7103642
Answer to last week:
Maritess Fernandez Publisher/Executive Producer Al Jacinto Editor-in-Chief
Reynold Toribio Graphics/Video Editor
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OPINION
HEALTH
Let’s have complete trust
Stroke Sa Kabataan
by Fr. Roy Cimagala (Cebu)
Ni Dr. Willie Ong
“FOR THE one whom God sent speaks the words of God.” (Jn 3,34) With these words of Christ, we are made to understand that Christ is the word of God who would lead us to eternal life. The immediate conclusion that we can derive from these words is that we should have full trust in God’s providence. In a sense, while we try our best to make our own life and to shape it according to our freedom, we need to understand that our life can only be properly lived and can be led to its proper end when conformed to God’s will and ways. We need to understand that the ultimate reason we have freedom is for us to freely follow God’s will, for that would constitute the true essence of love which is the essence of God, and which is also meant for us since we have been created in God’s image and likeness. While we have that popular saying, “Like father, like son,” we can also say, “Like God, like man.” It is for this reason that we should really believe in Christ, since he is “the way, the truth, and the life, no one goes to the Father except through me.” (Jn 14,6) That is also why he also said, as if begging us as well as reassuring us, “You believe in God, believe also in me.” (Jn 14,1) We cannot deny that all our life, we would always be hounded by our weaknesses, challenges, difficulties, trials, temptations and, of course, our sins, but as long as we go to Christ, things would just be made right. Only in this way can we aspire to be faithful and live in confidence, peace and joy despite whatever.
We should just strengthen our faith in God through Christ in the Spirit, especially because it is unavoidable that we would encounter in our life forms of hatred, persecution, misunderstanding, and so, we would have to wage continuing struggle. Christ already warned us about this. “If they persecuted me, they will persecute you also,” he said. (Jn 15,20) In another instance he also said, “In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world.” (Jn 16,33) So we need to enliven our faith, always renewing it since we all know that our profession of faith and trust in God, no matter how fervently said, can only go so far. We need to continually renew our faith in order to trust God’s will and ways when we encounter seemingly unbearable predicaments. Remember that episode of the apostles in a boat that was about to sink because of the big waves. (cfr. Mt 8,23-27) Christ reproached them for their lack of faith. And in that parable of the wheat and the weeds, (cfr. Mt 13,24-30) Christ was clearly telling them and us that we should just go on doing a lot of good even if we are disturbed by many evils, because in the end Christ would make the proper judgment. He assures us that with him we will never work in vain and everything would just work out for the good. (cfr. Is 65,23; Rom 8,28) He assures us that as St. Teresa of Avila once said, he can write straight with crooked lines. The whole idea is that we should just keep a strong faith and trust in God’s will and ways.
M
ay tinatawag na “Stroke in the young” kung saan ang kabataan edad 40 pababa ay puwedeng ma-stroke. Sa Pilipinas, pangalawa ang stroke sa 10 pangunahing sakit na nakamamatay. May 110 Pilipino ang nasasawi bawat araw dahil sa stroke. Alamin natin ang mga posibleng dahilan nito: 1. Maling pamumuhay (unhealthy lifestyle) - Dahil maraming kabataan ay may mga bisyo tulad ng hindi masustansyang pagkain, sigarilyo at alak, mas maaga sila nai-stroke. Kahit edad 20 pa lang ay puwede nang magkasakit ng high blood pressure, diabetes, at sakit sa puso. Ito ang nagiging dahilan ng stroke. 2. Rheumatic heart disease – Ang rheumat-
by Engr. Carlos V. Cornejo (Cebu) ANY PURSUIT on worldly things such as money, fame, power and pleasure will always end up making the pursuer wanting for more but never getting satisfied. On the other hand, pursuit for knowledge, skills and loving others makes us full and would happily still want more. With the former it makes the pursuer unhappy. The latter makes the pursuer thankful. What’s more the latter gets to multiply his joy because what he additionally acquires feels like a bonus. In contrast the former may get more but feels he still has less. This reminds me of Bill Gates, Mark Zuckerberg and Elon Musk. They are all very famous people and have altered the world with their inventions. They too are all very rich. They’re worth billions and yet they have not retired. They could have just stopped working, went on a world tour, savored everything that money could buy and still have much money left. But they are still in pursuit of knowledge and inventions because it gives them more satisfaction than wealth. They’ve proven the premise in the first paragraph. The foundation of the virtue of gratitude is that one feels and realizes he has been blessed and is appreciative of it. Francis Schaeffer said, “The beginning of men’s rebellion against God was, and is, the lack of a thankful heart.” So true, Adam and Eve instead of focusing on what they had, focused on what they had not. And what did our first parents have that they should have been thankful for? Freedom from death, ignorance, and pain. Ownership of the entire world. They had more lands than the Ayala
and Aboitiz combined. Being in the state of God’s love and grace. They had everything but felt lacking something. And what was that something? In the end, there are only two things to ultimately choose in this world: created things or the creator. They chose the created thing: themselves. They wanted to be a god for themselves. The devil chose the same thing. He then infected Adam and Eve with the same disease. What happened to our first parents can be summarized by what Max Lucado said, “The devil doesn’t have to steal anything from you, all he has to do is make you take things for granted.” This too can happen to us, when we forget we have been given much, the roof on our heads, the food on our table, and the loving people around us. The key is to be happy with the simple and then be thankful. If not, we could feel miserable. We should have the attitude of George Hubert, when he said, “You O Lord has given so much to me, give me one more thing—a grateful heart.” Our thanks to God should always precede our requests of Him. St. Paul advises us in 1 Thessalonians 5:17-18, “Pray without ceasing. In everything, give thanks.” John Mason said, “Don’t find yourself at the end of your life saying, ‘What a wonderful life I’ve had! I only wish I’d appreciated and realized it sooner.’” An anonymous poem says it all: Thank God for dirty dishes; they have a tale to tell. While other folks go hungry, we’re eating pretty well. With home, and health, and happiness, we should not want to fuss; for by this stack of evidence, God’s very good to us.
at bibilis ang tibok ng puso. Minsan ay hindi nakakayanan ang “pressure” ng mga ugat sa utak at pumuputok ito. 6. Pagbubuntis at may high blood – May mga buntis na tumataas ang presyon kapag lumalaki na ang sanggol sa sinapupunan. 7. Problema sa dugo – May mga sakit na nagpapalapot ng dugo ng pasyente, at nagdudulot ng stroke. Ang halimbawa ay ang protein S at protein C deficiency, at polycythemia vera. 8. Mainit na lugar Kapag mainit ang panahon, maraming tao ang na-stroke. Umiwas sa araw mula 10 ng umaga hanggang 4 ng hapon. May iba pang dahilan ng stroke sa kabataan tulad ng (1) abnormal na tibok ng puso (atrial fibrillation), (2) abnormal na ugat sa utak (cerebral aneurysm), (3) matinding migraine, at (4) oral contraceptive pills. Para maging ligtas, magpa-check up ng regular sa inyong doktor.
RECIPE
Beef Caldereta
OPINION
The Virtue of Gratitude
ic heart disease ay isang sakit kung saan nasisira ang balbula (heart valves) ng puso. Ang kadalasang sanhi nito ay ang simpleng tonsillitis, o impeksyon sa tonsils. Ang bacteria mula sa tonsils ay puwedeng lumipat sa balbula ng puso at sirain ito. Para magamot ang tonsillitis, nagbibigay ang doktor ng antibiotics tulad ng Amoxycillin capsules sa loob ng 7-10 araw. 3. Congenital heart disease – Ang mga batang may butas sa puso (ASD, VSD at Patent Foramen Ovale) ay posibleng mastroke din. Sa butas ng puso dumadaan ang mga nagbubuong dugo at ito ang nagdudulot ng stroke. 4. Illegal na droga tulad ng shabu at cocaine – Huwag gumamit ng droga. Ang shabu ay isang pangunahing sanhi ng stroke sa kabataan. Pinapataas ng shabu ang blood pressure at tibok ng puso. Kumikipot din bigla ang ugat sa puso at utak (spasm). 5. Sobrang ehersisyo – Kapag matindi ang iyong ehersisyo, siguradong tataas ang iyong presyon
INGREDIENTS : • 4 lbs beef short ribs • 1 Knorr Beef Cube • 14 ounces tomato sauce • 1 cup red wine • 2 large potato cubed • 1 large carrot cubed • 1 cup manzanilla olives • 2 bell pepper sliced • 4 sprigs thyme • 2 large onion chopped • 1 head garlic chopped • 3 tablespoons soy sauce • ½ cup liver spread • 1 cup water • ¼ cup extra virgin olive oil • Salt and ground black pepper to taste INSTRUCTIONS : 1.
2. 3. 4. 5.
Heat oil in a pot. Fry the carrots for 2 minutes. Make sure that all sides are cooked equally. Remove from the pot. Set aside. Fry the potato until the color of the outer part turns light brown. Remove from the pot and set aside. Using the remaining oil, sauté garlic, onion, and thyme. Continue sautéing until the onion caramelizes. Add beef short ribs. Cook until the color of the outer part turns light brown. Pour tomato sauce and red wine.
Add Knorr Beef Cube. Add soy sauce and water. Cover the pot. Continue cooking the stew in low heat setting until the beef tenderizes completely. 7. Add liver spread and bell pepper. Cook for 3 minutes. 8. Add carrot and potato. Cook for 3 minutes. 9. Add cheddar cheese and then season with salt and ground black pepper. 10. Transfer to a serving plate. Serve. Share and enjoy! 6.
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Cebu iconic landmark inaugurated ‘CCLEX is longest, tallest bridge in country’
C
EBU – President Rodrigo Duterte led officials in the inauguration of the 8.5km Cebu-Cordova Link Expressway (CCLEX), now the longest and tallest bridge in the country. The bridge links Cebu City with The opening of the CCLEX coincid“It is also such an opportune and Cordova on Mactan Island. More than ed with the 501st commemoration of the relevant time to inaugurate the CCLEX 50,000 vehicles are expected to use the Kadaugan sa Mactan or Victory in Mactan, as it coincides with the celebration of our bridge daily, cutting the travel time be- which marks the victory of the warriors of ancestors’ victory in Mactan more than 500 tween Mactan and Cebu International Mactan under chieftain Lapulapu over the years ago. I am glad to see the sheer will Airport by 40 minutes, and relieving Spanish armada led by Portuguese explor- and determination of our forebears being congestion on the existing inter-island er Ferdinand Magellan. resonated in our people today as we open crossings. “I congratulate Metro Pacific this transport facility to the public. This Project developer Cebu Cordova Tollways Corporation, Cebu Cordova state-of-the-art infrastructure will provide Link Expressway Corporation (CCLEC), Link Expressway Corporation, the lo- a solution to the perennial traffic issues of a subsidiary company of Metro Pacific cal government units of Cebu City and Metro Cebu,” he added. Tollways Corporation (MPTC), said the Cordova on the completion of this new MPTC Chairman Manuel PanCCLEX will not only decongest traffic iconic landmark, despite the challenges gilinan also thanked Duterte for leading in the two existing bridges, but also in- brought about by so many problems, the the inauguration ceremony. “We are crease economic activities in Cebu and pandemic and (Typhoon) Odette. Your happy and honored to have come to this throughout the Visayas Region. support for this Administration’s goal to point, opening the biggest infrastructure Operated as a toll expressway, the boost regional development, provide a project in this part of the country. We artistically designed CCLEX will have comfortable life for every Filipino and thank President Duterte for honoring us two lanes in each direction and 51-me- realize our vision of a strongly connected by being part of this historic event.” ter navigational clearance for shipping nation is truly commendable, while your “Not far from here 501 years ago, traffic. With its design speed of 80 kilo- hard work and dedication to ensure the the Cebuanos celebrated a victory in a meters per hour, CCLEX is expected to completion of this monumental task are pitched battle against a superior force. serve at least 50,000 vehicles daily. equally noteworthy,” Duterte said. Today, we mark a different milestone, a
The 8.5km Cebu-Cordova Link Expressway. modern victory not of arms but of engineering and construction that gave us such a beautiful structure that has now become an icon of Cebu,” he added. Work on the CCLEX started on July 5, 2018, with ceremonies marking the beginning of civil works. It is MPTC’s first toll road project outside Luzon. CCLEX has a design speed of 60 to 80 kilometers per hour (kph) and a navigational clearance or
height of 52 meters to allow large vessels to pass underneath the bridge. CCLEX will use an all-electronic toll collection system. To give more time to motorists to have the RFID sticker installed on their vehicles, cash payments will be accepted in the meantime. The full electronic toll collection will be implemented by June. CCLEC President and General Manager Allan Alfon said that motor-
cycles below 400cc will be allowed on the CCLEX. “This is to make this facility more inclusive and accessible to residents and answer a strong clamor from motorcycle users. We encourage motorists to have the CCLEX RFID installed on their vehicles, including motorcycles, in preparation for the electronic and automated toll collection by June,” he said. (Cebu Examiner)
Durano supports BBM-Sara; Davide remains with Robredo CEBU CITY – The camp of presidential aspirant Bongbong Marcos Jr. has welcomed the support of gubernatorial candidate and former Tourism Secretary Ace Durano. Erik Miguel Espina, a former Cebu City councilor and UniTeam Alliance-Cebu director, said Durano has announced his decision to go with his political party, Partido Pilipino Pagbabago (PPP), in supporting Marcos. “All hands on deck. Unsolicited support from any Juan de la Cruz in politics is welcome, for the greater cause. Current politicization is no longer addition, but multiplication,” Espina told the Philippine News Agency. He said the political phenomenon of contending local candidates endorsing a common presidential candidate is not new in the country’s politics after several politicians in the province, even those running against each other, is not new in Philippine settings. Espina said old alliances and affinities of political families in a locality are mostly what would count in choosing a national party or alliance. “The stronger and leading candi-
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date/tandem is always a preferred advantage for creating new alliances, to furthering/cementing long-standing affinity, from fathers to sons, especially among the old political names. This is realpolitik, inured and strengthened under the debased status of our party system,” he said. Realpolitik refers to a system of politics or principles based on practical rather than moral or ideological considerations. Espina said the tandem of Marcos and Davao City Mayor Sara Duterte continues to gain huge support not only from the masses, but also the stellar leaders of Cebu. He said Durano’s support would mean that his camp and his rival, incumbent Governor Gwendolyn Garcia, are now supporting Marcos. In 2004, the Garcias and Duranos also endorsed a common presidential candidate and delivered votes for former President Gloria Arroyo. Durano said the PPP recently issued a manifesto supporting Marcos’ candidacy. “It was published…and I was personally informed by the PPP national chairman (about this decision),” he said
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following his public announcement of supporting Marcos. Durano is a scion of a political clan that founded the Barug Alang sa Kauswagan ug Demokrasya (Bakud) which earlier pledged support to the tandem of Marcos and Duterte. He also informed Marcos’ rival Vice President Leni Robredo’s camp of the PPP’s decision to support the UniTeam candidates. Durano’s camp was supposed to join Robredo’s campaign in Talisay City, but this was cancelled following the PPP’s decision. “As such, we apologize to those who expected VP Leni to attend such gathering… Like Vice Governor Junjun’s statement, from the start we already expected the possibility of supporting different presidential candidates,” he said. Davide, who is Durano’s running mate, is supporting Robredo. Despite their different presidential candidates, the duo continues their campaign in different parts of Cebu and is leading against their local rivals. (John Rey Saavedra. With additional reporting from Cebu Examiner.)
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