The Mindanao Examiner Regional Newspaper (July 11-17, 2022)

Health safety warnings vs. noodle brand issued MANILA – France, Ireland and Malta have issued health safety warnings against a popular noodle brand “Lucky Me” due to high levels of Ethylene Oxide, a hazardous chemical commonly used to manufacture pesticides and

Est 2006

disinfectants, reports said.

Ethylene Oxide was found in the batch, which was made in Thailand and has a best before date of July 20, 2022. The pesticide, also known as Oxirane, can be used as a fumigant to control fungi and bacteria growth in dry

mindanaoexaminer.com

food products, according to European Union.

Ireland’s Food Safety Authority (FSAI) said Ethylene Oxide is not authorized for use in foods sold in the European Union countries. It said although the consumption of the Continue on page 6

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July 11-17, 2022

BBM to continue transport subsidies

‘Trike drivers, operators included too’ C OTABATO CITY - President Bongbong Marcos said the government will continue providing fuel subsidies for the transport sector and the program will be expanded to cover tricycle drivers and operators.

“We have enough most of this — for this year we still have to find that Continue on page 2 budget I think to last for and a little bit beyond. But

Toxic chemicals in thermal paper receipts bared CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY - Environmental group EcoWaste Coalition urged the government to implement measures

that will protect the public, particularly cashiers, from being exposed to toxic chemicals lurking in thermal paper receipts.

EcoWaste Coalition president Eileen Sison and the Interfacing Development Interventions Continue on page 6

VP Sara opens satellite offices SURIGAO CITY - Vice President Sara Duterte has opened satellite offices all over the country to help people outside Metro Manila, particularly those living in remote areas, get easier access to social services.

Vice Presidential

Spokesperson and lawyer Reynold Munsayac said the OVP satellite offices were already opened in the cities of Dagupan, Cebu, Tacloban, Zamboanga, Davao, and Tandag in Surigao del Sur. The satellite offices Continue on page 2

Vice President Sara Duterte

Cigarettes seized in Zambo ZAMBOANGA CITY – Police recently seized some P6.7 million worth of smuggled cigarettes and arrested one per-

ARMM

son following a dramatic chase in a village in Zamboanga City in southern Philippines.

Police had to use a he-

licopter which guided ground forces in pursuing the getaway truck full of boxes of New Orleans Continue on page 7

Eastern Mindanao

President Bongbong Marcos (PCOO)

Marcos appeals for unity PRESIDENT BONGBONG Marcos has appealed to all to be part of the solution

and unite for a common goal aimed at leading the country to progress.

Marcos said he is committed to lead the Continue on page 4

China to fund Davao bridge project DAVAO CITY – Chinese Ambassador to the Philippines Huang Xilian said Beijing and Manila have signed the commercial contract of the consulting Continue on page 2

The proposed Davao River Bridge Project.

Western Mindanao

Cebu

Manila

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The Mindanao Examiner

July 11-17, 2022

BBM to continue transport subsidies ‘Trike drivers, operators included too’

Transport sector will continue to received fuel subsidies from the national government, says President Bongbong Marcos. (Photo by Al Jacinto)

VP Sara opens satellite offices Continued from page 1 were launched this month.

These offices are open to the public during office hours from Monday to Friday and will serve as liaison to the Office of the Vice President.

Munsayac said the opening of the satellite offices was part of the vice president’s “earnest efforts” to make sure the OVP is closer to the people.

“These satellite offices were opened to assist individuals to access help,

and for swifter response in times of disasters, Munsayac said.

With the establishment of satellite offices, people wanting to personally see the Vice President would no longer need to travel to NCR. The managers assigned in these satellite offices could provide the assistance needed by the public.

The satellite offices were not set up per region but were handpicked strategically for their location.

A major consideration is

their proximity and accessibility to other areas or islands. Additional offices shall be added once the initial six areas are in full operations.

Appointed managers per OVP satellite offices are Michael Angelo Saavedra for Zamboanga City; Maria Constancia Lim for Cebu; Regina Generose Tecson for Davao; Alan Tanjuakio for Tacloban; Rolmar Basalan for Surigao, and Marc Brian Lim for Dagupan. (Mindanao Examiner)

Continued from page 1 money if we’re going to continue,” he said, adding the government’s Libreng Sakay Program will also continue, but only for the students as they go back to school this September.

However, Marcos said the government will have to eventually phase it out because it cannot afford to keep it going, although students in Metro Manila will ride for free on LRT 2, which is going to the university belt.

Agri is priority Marcos also committed to provide long-term solutions to the problems hounding the agriculture sector as a key to building a strong economy.

The president, who heads the Department of Agriculture in a concurrent capacity, said the agriculture sector has a production shortfall in palay, corn, livestock and fisheries.

“That is why I made agriculture the single, the high-

est priority of everything that we are doing. Because you cannot build a strong economy unless you have a foundation of a robust agricultural sector, which assures food supply even in emergencies.

And that’s what we’re working towards,” he said.

“We need long-term solutions. Solutions that can take care of this problem. We no longer take care of the symptoms, we take care of the disease. And that’s what we are trying to do in agri.

We have a ways to go.”

He said part of the shortterm solutions include increasing production for the rest of the year, with farmers targeting to plant this last cropping season. Among the thrust is to address gaps in the value chain, which Marcos said already exist in the current system.

Although some of the elements are present, there is a need for integration, according to the president.

“So bubuuin — ‘yan ang gusto nating gawin, buuin

natin ‘yun para may savings.

When you vertically integrate, ang daming savings all along the line. And that’s — hopefully gets to the point that we can retail these agricultural products at a good price that’s affordable to people. With regard to grain production, the plan is to increase local production,” the president said.

“So if we are able to increase production sufficiently, then hopefully the importation… We really do not… It’s not really an import substitution measure.

It is a strategic food supply measure. But of course, if it’s — nagkaka-import substitution, that’s not necessarily a bad thing. So that’s the plan,” he said. Regarding pork and chicken supply, Marcos said the country has to rely on importation because of the effects of African Swine Fever in the swine industry and high feed cost brought about by the conflict in Ukraine. (Mindanao Examiner)

China to fund Davao bridge project Continued from page 1 services for the conduct of detailed engineering design and construction supervision of the Davao River (Bucana) Bridge Project.

Huang branded the signing of the contract as another milestone for the Philippines-China government-to-government cooperation.

He said the China Aid Localized Project for Davao River Bridge is dual twolanes with a total length of around 1,340 meters.

“Once completed, it will largely alleviate the eastwest traffic congestion in the coastal areas of the city and divert about 35,000 vehicles every day, tremendously improve travel efficiency and help boost the rapid development of the local socio-economy.

Moreover, it is estimated that 300 to 500 local people will be employed during the peak construction period,” he explained.

After the contract signing, Huang said the consultant will carry out geotechnical investigation, geodesic surveys and data collection, and further complete the detailed engineering design.

Chinese Ambassador to the Philippines Huang Xilian “The survey and design are scheduled to be completed within six months, and the construction supervision duration of the project is planned to be 24 months. Looking forward to seeing the Davao River Bridge serve the local economic development and people’s livelihood at an early date,” he said.

In December 2020, the Chinese Embassy in the Philippines and the Department of Public Works and Highways signed the

agreement in which Beijing will grant some $60 million for the Davao River Bridge Project.

The Davao River Bridge Project is the third bridge project granted by the Chinese government to the Philippines. The project will adopt the localized implementation mode, which means the Philippine government will be in charge of technical works and project management during the entire process. (Mindanao Examiner)

July 11-17, 2022

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The Mindanao Examiner

July 11-17, 2022

Yay to Shop-o-Rama! Nay to KCC Mall, Yubenco Mall

KCC Mall de Zamboanga continues to violate the local government ban on single use plastic bags during Saturdays and Sundays. And Shop-o-Rama supermarket has finally started using paper bags. (Photos by Al Jacinto) ZAMBOANGA CITY – One of Zamboanga’s oldest supermarkets, Shop-o-Rama, has finally started using paper bags boosting the local government ban on single use plastic bags during Saturdays and Sundays.

The supermarket was one of the top violators of the campaign, but since last month Shop-o-Rama has switched to paper bags and this was also confirmed by their baggers and cashiers. “Yes, we are now using paper bags during weekends,” one bagger told The Mindanao Examiner Regional Newspaper.

But Zamboanga’s biggest shopping centers, KCC Mall de Zamboanga and Yubenco Star Mall continue to violate the ban.

Reynaldo Gonzales, the chief of the Office of the City Environment and Natural Resources (OCENR), has repeatedly told establishments to follow the order. Gonzales was referring to the implementation of Executive Order BC453-2019 signed by then Mayor Beng Climaco.

Climaco signed the order in February 2019 banning the use of non-biodegradable plastic bags during weekends as part of the local government’s ecological solid waste management program.

The order enjoins all business establishments, markets and residents not to use plastic bags and Climaco urged shoppers and market goers here to use paper or buri bags instead of non-biodegradable plastics, and for establishments, especially shopping malls and supermarkets, to make use of eco bags for their customers.

Most plastic bags are considered as non-biodegradable being made of polymer substance known as polyethylene that cannot easily be decomposed by microorganisms and shall remain as environmental pollutant, thus posing health risk. Data on waste characterization showed that non-biodegradable waste accounts for 40% of the total garbage disposed of and 17% of this constitutes plastics.

The executive order is complementary to the existing broad-based and comprehensive approach policy on solid waste management.

The local government also imposed a ban on the single-use plastics on both Great and Little Santa Cruz Islands to combat pollution and protect the environment. Those going to the islands were told to bring their own reusable containers, baskets or ecobags for their provisions, and prohibited the bringing of plastic bags, cups and spoons, forks, water bottles and anything made from Styrofoam and even plastic wrappers of ice candies, among others.

According to plasticfreechallenge.org, single-use plastics or disposable plastics such as grocery bags, straws, coffee stirrers, soda and water bottles and most food packaging are used only once before they are thrown away or recycled.

It said only 10-13% of 300 million tons of plastic are recycled each year because the nature of petroleum based disposable plastic makes it difficult to recycle and they have to add new virgin materials and chemicals to it to do so. Additionally there are a limited number of items that recycled plastic can be used.

“Petroleum based plastic is not biodegradable and usually goes into a landfill where it is buried or it gets into the water and finds its way into the ocean. Although plastic will not biodegrade (decompose into natural substances like soil,) it will degrade (break down) into tiny particles after many years. In the process of breaking down, it releases toxic chemicals (additives that were used to shape and harden the plastic) which make their way into our food and water supply,” it said.

“These toxic chemicals are now being found in our bloodstream and the latest research has found them to disrupt the Endocrine system which can cause cancer, infertility, birth defects, impaired immunity and many other ailments,” it added. (Mindanao Examiner)

Volunteer mothers and Ban Toxics patrollers display different reusable and eco-friendly bags made of natural materials such as bamboo, rattan, pandan, coconut and palm leaves, cloth, textile, and flour cloth to encourage the public to switch to reusable alternatives.

Marcos appeals for unity Continued from page 1 country to a new era of progress and prosperity and rallied everyone to unite to overcome the nation’s various challenges. “These are troubling times. Giving up is not an option. We’ve been through times of bitter division; but united we came through to this when it shall begin again.

But better,” he said.

He also expressed hope for a peaceful and progressive Philippines, in which the young generation could have a brighter future. He asserted that his newly formed government is drawing up a comprehensive and all-inclusive plan for the country’s economic transformation, vowing to build back better through past experiences.

Marcos also promised to fix the agriculture sector, which he said cries for urgent attention, noting that while food self-sufficiency has been the key promise of every adminis-

tration, no one was able to deliver.

Highlighting a looming global food shortage, he said: “Food is not just a trade commodity. Without it, people could die; societies come apart. It is more than a livelihood; it is an existential imperative and a moral one.”

He then vowed to strengthen the agriculture sector through various innovative means and support local farmers and fishermen by bringing importation to lowest possible level.

“An agriculture damaged and diminished by unfair competition will have a harder time, or will have no prospects at all, of recovering,” he said, adding the local problem in energy supply was a result of the ongoing conflict in Europe, including the war between Russia and Ukraine.

Marcos promised to find a way to enhance the country’s energy supply.

He explained the country

is “not far from oil and gas reserves that have already been developed.”

At the same time, he also tackled the need to focus on improving the education sector by putting more attention on sciences, sharpening students’ theoretical aptitude and imparting vocational skills.

Another area he discussed was about the Philippine public health system. “Although Filipino nurses are the best in the world, they suffered the highest casualties during the current health crisis, he said.

Marcos vowed that his administration will fix issues hounding the health sector without hiding anything from the public.

Noting the infrastructure developments under his father, he said that his government would also embark similar programs to help those living in the countryside especially the farmers and fishermen.

(Mindanao Examiner)

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July 11-17, 2022

Senator Marcos disappointed on BBM’s veto of proposed ecozone

Senator Imee Marcos SENATOR IMEE Marcos has criticized her brother President Bongbong Marcos for vetoing the Bulacan Airport City Special Economic Zone and Freeport Act, saying the proposed project will boost jobs and will boost the economy.

“We recognize and uphold the President’s prerogative to veto any bill, but are deeply disappointed the Bulacan ecozone has been cancelled.

It was our hope to generate much-needed jobs in Bulacan and the Central Luzon countryside, enthused by the prospect of the first microchip burning plant in the Philippines to supply Samsung, Apple, etc. and a potential of $200 billion in annual exports, on top of the P740 billion to be invested in the construction alone of the new airport,” she said.

The solon said in view of this development, and her fervent desire to support her brother’s new administration, she urged the new economic team to stake a clear policy on the creation of new ecozones, which are not prohibited under the CREATE (Corporate Recovery and Tax Incentives for Enterprises) law.

“Perhaps the LEDAC (Legislative-Executive Development Advisory Council) should be convened at the earliest opportunity to provide such guidance.It is my hope that the veto does not have a chilling effect on the potential local and foreign investors, whom we need now more than ever, as our economy struggles to recover from the pandemic,” she said.

Defects But Press Secretary Trixie Cruz-Angeles clarified that the President ful-

ly supports the creation of the Bulacan Airport City Special Economic Zone and Freeport and his decision to veto House Bill 7575 was meant to cure the defects found in the measure.

“Presidential Veto is the fastest way to cure the defects of HB 7575 especially the provision which exempts the Commission on Audit to look into the financial transactions on the special economic zone and Freeport. Had the President not vetoed HB 7575, it would have lapsed into law on July 4 or 30 days after the bill was sent by the legislature to Malacanang,” Angeles pointed out.

Angeles reiterated the proposed measure lacks coherence with existing laws, rules and regulations by failing to provide audit provisions for the Commission on Audit (COA), procedures for the expropriation of lands awarded to agrarian reform beneficiaries and a master plan for the specific metes and bounds of the economic zone.

She said all financial transactions in government are audited by COA and the proposed Bulacan Airport City Special Economic Zone and Freeport is no exception.

“Without those neces-

sary amendments indicated in the veto explanation, the law may be vulnerable to constitutional challenge. The delegation of rule-making power on environmental laws which is unique to the special economic zone is of particular concern,” Angeles said.

She also said the construction of the P740-billion international airport in Bulacan will push through as the San Miguel franchise to operate the airport was approved by both the Senate and House on October 11.

“The construction of the Bulacan international airport and aero city is not affected by the veto.

The presidential veto was meant to include the necessary corrections and include the missing processes that might render HB 7575 entirely unconstitutional,” she explained.

Angeles maintained the bill did not provide procedures for expropriation of lands awarded to agrarian reform beneficiaries and granted “blanket powers” to the economic zone authority to handle technical airport operations, which would violate aeronautical laws.

She also pointed out that the proposed ecozone would be located near the Clark Special Economic Zone in Pampanga province that borders Bulacan which runs against government policy on creating special economic zones in strategic locations.

San Miguel Corporation, one of the country’s biggest conglomerates, is investing P740 billion to turn a 2,500-hectare property in Bulacan into an aerotropolis featuring a world-class gateway capable of handling 100 million passengers annually, plus an adjacent urban and industrial hub. (Mindanao Examiner)

Presidential Communications Secretary Rose Beatrix ‘Trixie’ Cruz-Angeles

Construction of SamalDavao bridge to start soon

SAMAL ISLAND– The P23-billion bridge connecting Davao del Norte’s the Island Garden City of Samal to Davao City is set to begin, according to Philippine government officials.

The project is the first loan agreement of the Philippines and China for an infrastructure project under the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH).

The Samal Island-Davao City Connector Project is envisioned as a modern bridge crossing over the Pakiputan Strait. It has a width of 24 meters and a vertical navigational clearance up to 47 meters and will also be supported by two pylons with a height of 73 meters,

according to the DPWH. On July 6, Filipino and Chinese government officials launched the bridge project at the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA).

The scale model of the 3.98 kilometers Samal Island-Davao City Connector Project was formally unveiled by visiting Chinese State Councilor and Foreign Minister Wang Yi; Ambassador Huang Xilian, DFA Secretary Enrique Manalo; and DPWH Secretary Manuel Bonoan and his Undersecretary Emil Sadain.

The event was also highlighted by the unveiling of a commemorative plaque for Samal Island-Davao City Connector Project.

Bonoan said the con-

struction of a toll-free, four-lane bridge is good news to commuters and motorists in Davao region because it will mean faster travel time, less traffic gridlock. And once completed in 2027, it would benefit thousands of people as it will only take five minutes to cross the bridge.

Sadain said the bilateral relations between the Philippines and China have significantly grown especially with the completion of the two China-grant bridges namely Estrella-Pantaleon and Binondo-Intramuros Bridges which have become a landmark tourist attraction because of their aesthetic and iconic design.

(Mindanao Examiner)

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The Mindanao Examiner

Health safety warnings vs. noodle brand issued Continued from page 1 contaminated product does not pose an acute risk to health, there may be health issues if there is continued consumption of ethylene oxide over a long period of time.

According to FSAI, the Lucky Me! Instant Pancit Canton Noodles Original Flavour (60g) with a best before date of 20/07/2022 has been recalled due to the presence of an un-

authorised pesticide. It said that exposure to the chemical needs to be minimised and that pointof-sale recall notices will be displayed in stores supplied with the implicated batch of the noodle brand.

The Department of Information of Malta also issued a statement, saying: “In accordance with the Food Safety Act and Regulation No. 178 of

2002 of the European Parliament and of the Council, the Environmental Health Directorate within the Superintendence of Public Health wishes to inform the public that following information received through the Rapid Alert System for Food and Feed said products must not be consumed due to high levels of Ethylene Oxide. (Mindanao Examiner)

Health facilities told to submit reports so it can release benefits THE DEPARTMENT of Health (DOH) has ordered all health facilities to submit all documentary requirements for the grant of healthcare worker benefits related to Covid-19.

These include the Covid-19 Risk Exposure Classification, attestations, and memorandum of agreement; and liquidation reports covering

any previously transferred funds from the DOH must also be submitted to the respective DOH Centers for Health Development.

Timely submission will facilitate the immediate distribution of the Special Risk Allowance; Meals, Accommodation, and Transportation allowance; and One Covid-19 Allowance funds to healthcare

workers and frontliners.

“The DOH is following established government accounting rules and regulations meant to ensure that the public funds for Covid benefits reach each and every healthcare worker they are meant for,” said Health Undersecretary and Chief of Staff Leopoldo Vega. (Mindanao Examiner)

Governor visits islanders, thanks constituents for support SULU – Influential Governor Sakur has thanked his constituents in the island-town of Lugus and lauded Mayor Hadar Hajiri for his unwavering support to the provincial leadership.

Tan, accompanied by other mayors, visited the island by boat, about 24 nautical miles from the capital town of Jolo, where villagers led by Hajiri, welcomed them.

“Your mayor is very important and close to my heart, but more than that, it is you, my constituents who are more dear to me which is why even though the sea waves were a bit rough, we made sure that we are able to come here and be part of your Pagpajamu (tribute),” Tan told a huge crowd.

“As Governor of Sulu and Amah of the Bangsa Sug, I went around the province to spread the call for peace and unity among political leaders, and Alhamdulil-

Lugus Island Mayor Hadar Hajiri embraces Governor Sakur Tan during his recent visit to the town. (Provincial Photo)

lah, they heeded the call and Sulu made history by having the highest number of uncontested electoral positions in the entire country,” he added.

Tan said the recent conduct of the elections in Sulu was one of the most peaceful in the country. “It was no longer tagged as a hotspot and did not have any election-related incidents during the conduct of national and local elections.

I strongly believe that it is through unity that we can ensure a lasting peace and development in our beloved homeland.

Look at your municipality now, much has been done since my last visit here three years ago, and with the support of the community, Mayor Hadar will be able to bring in more development to your municipality,” he said.

Tan was accompanied by Mayors Kerkhar Tan of Jolo; Alkhadar Loong of Parang; Alfrazier Abdurajak of Panamao; and Abdurauf Burahan of Pata; Vice Mayor Anton Burahan of Pata; provincial board member Radz Burahan and Provincial Engineer Abdurasad Baih.

Hajiri praised and thanked Tan for his support and other projects on the island. (Mindanao Examiner)

July 11-17, 2022

FOR SALE Kampilan 21” (P13,000)

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Toxic chemicals in thermal paper receipts bared Continued from page 1 for Sustainability (IDIS) executive director Mark Peñalver have notified Trade Secretary Alfredo Pascual and Undersecretary Ruth Castelo about the hidden hazards posed by such transaction receipts and the need for governmental interventions.

According to the results of a pioneering study by the groups, endocrine disrupting chemicals (EDCs) such as Bisphenol A (BPA) and Bisphenol S (BPS) have been detected in thermal paper receipts collected from business and government establishments in the country. EDCs are non-natural chemicals or mixtures of chemicals that interfere with the way the body's hormones work, causing adverse health effects.

The study was undertaken as part of the recently-completed eight-country EDC-Free Asia Project spearheaded by the Wonjin Institute for Occupational and Environmental Health with support from the Korea Financial Industry Public Interest Foundation.

Laboratory tests performed by WIOEH show that 32 of the 53 analyzed samples from the Philippines (60%) had BPA and 13 (25%) had BPS. The concentration range of BPA for the samples collected from Davao, Makati, Manila, Quezon and Taguig Cities was 0.92 to 1.86%, way above the European Union’s limit of 0.02%. The concentration range for BPS was 0.61 to 1.12%.

“Mindful of the adverse effects of EDCs like BPA and BPS on human health and the environment and the need to protect the vulnerable populations, including cashier attendants who are predominantly women, we urge DTI to take the necessary steps,” said Peñalver.

The EcoWaste Coalition and IDIS specifically suggested to DTI to: a. Promulgate as soon

as possible a policy phasing out the use of thermal paper receipts containing BPA and BPS by national and local government agencies, including government owned and controlled corporations; b. Lead an interagency and multi-stakeholder process that will draw up a mandatory national regulation restricting BPA in thermal paper like in the EU, as well as BPS like in Switzerland; and c. Develop strategies and promote activities to reduce employee and customer exposure to BPA and BPS via thermal paper receipts.

Because of its reprotoxic and endocrine disrupting qualities, the European Union has taken action to limit BPA’s use to protect human health and the environment. In 2017, BPA was added to the Registration, Evaluation and Authorization of Chemicals Candidate (REACH) List for substances of very high concern and in 2019 the European Chemicals Agency recommended its inclusion in the REACH Authorization List From January 2020, thermal paper with 0.02% or more of BPA by weight cannot be placed on the EU market. Switzerland in 2019 also banned the use of both BPA and BPS in thermal paper in

concentrations equal to or greater than 0.02% effective June 2020.

The groups expressed concern about the plight of cashiers who touch and handle thermal paper receipts on a daily basis as this may result in high BPA/BPS exposure and cause negative health outcomes, especially for pregnant or nursing women, and women of childbearing age.

To reduce cashiers’ exposure to BPA/BPS in thermal paper receipts, the EcoWaste Coalition and IDIS have recommended the following precautionary measures: 1. Do not mark a thermal receipt using your fingernails; use a pencil or pen.

2. Avoid touching the printed side of the receipt; hold it lightly from the backside.

3. Avoid hand to mouth contact when handling receipts.

4. Wash hands thoroughly during breaks, after changing receipt rolls, and before eating.

5. Refrain from using alcohol-based hand sanitizers before or after handing receipts.

6. Talk to the store management about shifting to alternative paper receipts.

(Mindanao Examiner)

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The Mindanao Examiner

July 11-17, 2022

A Powerful Statement from Scripture

Oddities of Rizal, Bonifacio monuments

by Engr. Carlos V. Cornejo (Cebu) THE TERM powerful here means authoritative and forceful. Holy Scripture contains many powerful statements and one of them is from the Gospel of St. Matthew that says, “What good will it be for someone to gain the whole world, yet lose their soul? Or what can anyone give in exchange for their soul? (Matthew 16:26) No human being past, present or future could utter those words.

No wise man, such as Confucius or Buddha could ever think of making those statements because it is not an earthly statement. It is not earthly wisdom but heavenly wisdom. Literally an out of this world statement. It is not earthly because it talks about the soul not the body. And because it is an out of this world Person that talks about it.

The gospel passage basically means that you might gain all the things that this world would cherish such as wealth, honor, pleasure and power in great abundance and yet that’s nothing compared to losing one’s soul. The loss of one’s soul does not only happen in the next life but starts already in this life. As theologians would say, those who will go to hell, already have lived like hell in this life. The same thing goes for those who will go to heaven because we die as we have lived. In other words, the losing of one’s soul as the Gospel of St. Matthew implies is living a life of losing true happiness in this life in spite of gaining the whole world. Bishop Robert Barron would say that losing one’s soul in this life is living hell not in pain because of flames, but because even after having it all, the soul is still unhappy.

What is our soul? Our soul is the very core of our being. Dr. Peter Kreeft would say it is our very “I”. Our identity remains even after we die. It is still John, Peter, and Sarah even after the soul has separated from the body after death. The soul carries with it everything that happened in this life in relation to God. If the soul, while living in this world is rightly ordered towards God it can handle anything. Honor or dishonor, sickness or health, abundance or scarcity, success or failure, alone or in the company of friends, it can take on whatever life throws at it. But if it is disordered in relation to God, it can’t handle anything, even if it experiences abundance or popularity. The soul could become a victim of its own success. A

number of famous people could not handle losing fame for example, because they’ve made it their security in life. It does not profit a man if he gains the whole word if he loses his soul. But if he possesses his soul in God, he can lose the whole world, and it would not shatter him.

How then can the soul be in the right order towards God? When it abides in the principle of love. To abide in the principle of love is to fulfill the two greatest commandments: “’Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind.’ This is the first and greatest commandment. And the second is like it: ‘Love your neighbor as yourself.” (Matthew 22:37) Only when the soul gives away itself will it be able to possess it and not lose it.

To abide in love means doing everything in the context of love. Business has to be contextualized in love otherwise it becomes crass materialism, relationships without love can become manipulation, recreation and rest not placed in the framework of love can become self-indulgence and most importantly sex should be contextualized in love otherwise it becomes superficial, persons made into objects to be enjoyed and once you get bored with them, they are thrown away or be replaced, commercialized, itemized, for purely self-gratification. When sex is engaged through hook-up culture for pure gratification without the sense of commitment, love and relationship will turn against those persons and they would feel empty because they feel they are just made into an object with the utilitarian mentality: I use you and you use me, outside of that I don’t have real care for you. No wonder many people have anxiety problems, feeling empty, depressed, having a sense of hopelessness and don’t even know what’s causing these.

But true love is to the good of others. Love is a decision to seek what is best for others regardless of feeling good about it or not. Love goes out of oneself rather than going inward by filling it with created things that many mistakenly think could make it happy. It is when we seek to make others happy that we become happy. “Love is not selfish, it does not rejoice in wrongdoing (but rejoices in the good)” (1 Corinthians 13:5-6)

Being Realistic In The World

by Fr. Roy Cimagala (Cebu) “BE SHREWED as serpents and simple as doves.”

(Mt 10,16) What a combination of qualities Christ is telling us! Hard and even impossible as it may seem, we just have to try our best to achieve such a condition, obviously with God’s grace, because as Christ himself warned us, in this world we would be like sheep in the midst of wolves. We just have to be clever without compromising our human and Christian integrity.

Is it possible? Is it achievable? We can always ask these questions, but in the end, we just have to reconcile ourselves with what Christ is telling us, since he himself will do it for us and with us.

All we have to do is try our best to be like him who precisely epitomizes this most intriguing blend of shrewdness and simplicity.

He could read men’s minds and hearts. He knew where they were coming from and where they were going. He many times caught the supposedly leading men of his time in their fallacies and defective arguments. He knew how to defend himself. But in the end, when the “hour” came for him to offer his life for us, he went to it, obeying the Father’s will and out of pure love for us.

We should try our best to be like him.

We should be simple without being naïve. We should be shrewd and clever without any trace of malice nor of any desire for pure self-interest.

Definitely this is a combination that will be very challenging for us to develop. But we can always try, like taking one step at a time in pursuing this goal. For this, we may have to spend some time studying on how to develop it, coming out with some plans and resolutions along the way.

Truth is, we cannot deny that we are in an increasingly complicated world. There are now many smart people around, quick to rationalize their actions. This is especially true among our political leaders, who in their quest for power, will do everything—mostly unfair means and reasonings—to gain or keep that power.

But it would be a disaster to us if we respond to this complicated mess with our own version of convoluted self-justifications. This happens when we start thinking, judging, reasoning and concluding without God or, worse, when we think God’s clear commandments are already obsolete, irrelevant, a drag to our interests, etc.

Sad to say, there are now many people who think that God’s clear laws are out of touch with reality, and so they craft their own ideologies that are mainly based on what is practical, convenient, popular, or what can gain them power, etc. In history, we have seen many cases like this. There was barbarism, massive persecution of Christians or people not in agreement with the current administration. There was Nazism, Fascism, Communism and some questionable forms of socialism and capitalism, and now, an unhinged Liberalism.

What could be worse were those instances when religion was used to precisely go against God’s clear commandments. Some people have gone to the extent of using their religion to justify divorce, abortion, ethnic cleansing, terrorism, etc. We have to learn how to counter this deadly trend without compromising charity and the truth. And the only way to do that is precisely to follow Christ’s indication that we be both clever like serpents and simple as doves.

The monuments of national hero Dr. Jose Rizal (left) and Katipunan founder Andres Bonifacio found in Novaliches in these photos taken in 2018. The two monuments were erected nine decades apart. (Leilani Samonte-Junio) WHERE IN the Philippines can you find monuments of the national hero Dr. Jose Rizal and Katipunan founder Andres Bonifacio located just a few meters apart and appearing to be walking away from each other, perhaps because of differences in opinion and principle?

If you want to see this, then go to the old poblacion (settlement) of the former town of Novaliches - first a part of the old Bulacan province (1855-1858), then of Manila province (1858-1901), of Rizal province (1901-1903), and finally divided between Quezon City and Caloocan since 1948 until at present.

The two monuments seem to be a dramatization of the supposed disagreement between the two heroes about the premature launching of the revolution against Spanish rule in the Philippines in 1896.

History shows that Rizal was not in favor of Bonifacio’s plan to revolt due to the lack of arms at that time.

Both located at the old Novaliches plaza, the two monuments were erected nine decades apart - the one memorializing Rizal in 1901 and that of Bonifacio’s in 1999 or 98 years later.

Although not intentional, the positioning of the two monuments facing different directions, about 50 meters apart at a 30-degree angle, made it appear that the country's two leading heroes were in disagreement and walking away

from each other.

Rizal’s monument is situated in front of the three-story Novaliches village hall along Buenamar Avenue. On the other hand, the Bonifacio memorial is located near the Novaliches branch of the Quezon City Public Library along Quirino Highway.

The Bonifacio statue, holding a bolo in the right hand and the Katipunan flag in the left one, is facing eastward or toward the neighboring towns of Montalban (now Rodriguez) and San Mateo in Rizal province.

The statue of Dr. Rizal, in an overcoat and holding a bunch of manuscripts, is facing westward or toward the former Bulacan town of Polo, now Valenzuela City named after Dr. Pio Valenzuela, Bonifacio's close friend and co-organizer of the Katipunan.

Unfortunately, the two monuments cannot now be viewed at the same time because of obstructions caused by the erection of government structures between them, including a portion of the local village hall itself.

Visiting the two monuments on the eve of the celebration of Dr. Rizal’s 161st birthday on June 19, I was reminded of the historical accounts of the differing stand between Rizal and Bonifacio regarding the launching of the August 1896 uprising against Spain.

In effect, I thought that the contrasting positions of the two heroes' monuments could

best illustrate their "being at odds with each other" on the matter of obtaining independence from Spain during their youthful years -Rizal at age 35 and Bonifacio at 33.

According to the book “Minutes of the Katipunan” (English edition) published in 1996 by the National Historical Institute, now National Historical Commission of the Philippines (NCHP), in time for the centennial celebration of the Philippine Revolution (1896-1996), Bonifacio sent Dr. Valenzuela on June 15, 1896 to seek the advice of Dr. Rizal regarding the planned armed revolution against Spain.

On June 21, 1896, Valenzuela reported to Bonifacio about Rizal's disagreement with the planned uprising, stressing the need for adequate preparations and arms against the enemies, and recruiting war tactician Antonio Luna as a general in the revolutionary organization.

Despite Rizal’s objection, Bonifacio and his brave Katipuneros, who could no longer bear the tyrannous foreign rule, launched the armed struggle in August 1896. The rest is now history.

Dr. Rizal was executed on December 30, 1896, by a Spanish firing squad at Bagumbayan, now Luneta or Rizal Park in Manila. On the other hand, Bonifacio himself was killed in Maragondon, Cavite on May 10, 1897, by a faction of the Katipunan he founded on July 7, 1892. (Severino Samonte)

Cigarettes seized in Zambo Continued from page 1 cigarettes as it snaked through the village of San Roque. The truck was eventually cornered, but two of the driver’s helpers managed to evade arrest and escaped and were being hunted by the police.

A police spokesperson, Maj. Shellamie Chang, confirmed the seizure of the cigarettes and has identified the arrested truck driver as 46-year old Edgar Estrada. She said the op-

eration involved different police units, including the Bureau of Customs (BOC).

Chang said the contraband was turned over to the BOC, adding investigation is going on to determine the origin and owner of the 182 boxes of cigarettes. But an initial report said the truck came from the coastal village of Sinunuc, about 8.6 kilometer from San Roque.

Cigarette smuggling is rampant in Zamboan-

ga and the contraband is widely available in the market because of its cheap prices. Authorities have not publicly identified a single smuggler or financiers despite numerous apprehensions of illegal cigarettes here over the past years. Aside from cigarettes, petroleum products from neighboring Malaysia are also being smuggled by boats through the southern back door. (Mindanao Examiner)

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The Mindanao Examiner Gallery

July 11-17, 2022

Photos from the Office of the Sulu Provincial Governor, Jaques Tutong, Maimbung Municipal Government, Rep. Shernee Tambut, Radyo Pilipinas Jolo, Noenyrie Asiri, and Aziz Salapuddin

9

The Mindanao Examiner

July 11-17, 2022 Across : 1. Free ticket 5. Fabric joint 9. Flightless bird 12. Skin woe 13. Liquid rock 14. Short sleep 15. Liquid measure 16. Batters’ stats 18. Enrolled 20. Snaky curve 21. ___ pilot 22. Serpent’s sound 26. Heel 27. Foul smell 29. ___ preview 32. Bert’s buddy 33. Sailors 35. Common verb 36. Dressed in 37. Afflictions 39. Pub 42. Heal 45. Tubular pasta 48. PDQ’s kin 49. “___ Lost You” 50. Scottish family 51. Pharaoh’s river 52. Workout place 53. Present!

54. Boat bottom

Answer to last week’s crossword:

Down : 1. Father (Sp.) 2. Land measures 3. Catches 4. Highway vehicle 5. Scheduled 6. Roof overhangs 7. Wards off 8. Foal’s mom 9. Liverpool’s country (abbr.)

10. Actress ___ West 11. Raises 17. Stick 19. Tent post 23. Tavern 24. Biology, e.g. (abbr.)

25. That gal 26. Photographer’s need 28. Concise

29. Compass pt.

30. Trinity’s boyfriend 31. Jug handle 34. Actress ___ Kidman 35. Like Swiss mountains 38. Of the moon 39. Count ___ of jazz 40. Start of a Dickens title (2 wds.)

41. Drive back 43. Engrave 44. Military grade 45. Tractor-trailer 46. Climbing vine 47. Ruby, e.g.

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Governor thumbs down proposal to split Cebu C

EBU - Governor Gwen Garcia has thumbed down a proposal to divide Cebu into two provinces and Cebuanos are also strongly opposing it. into four provinces. “I was, and I Garcia said creating more tion of our tourism industry.”

Sitoy was a former Cordova am, and will always be against Sugcongressional districts will be more beneficial to Cebuanos than break- Mayor and head of the Presidential buak. And I know that the people ing up the island. “The solution is Legislative Liaison Office who died of Cebu agree with me. That was shown in the 2007 elections when not to break up this province. If we in April last year.

Netizens also wrote these three congressmen wanted to break want a bigger share from the national coffers, we should add more comments on Chan’s Facebook or dismember our province into four page: “Mayor good evening. You provinces. And in the 2007 elections congressional districts,” she said.

Lapu-Lapu Mayor Junard have a good plan for the future — pwera buyag nangapildi silang Chan floated the proposal and mayor however it is very, very im- tanan,” she said. this was quickly opposed by the mature to realize what was the She added that the creation of Cebuanos. plan of late Sitoy at this time since new provinces is costly to the naFollowing the negative re- we have not yet recuperated our tional government. Such entails a actions of Cebuanos and govern- economy which was affected by plebiscite, creation of new provinment officials, Chan said: “While (Typhoon) Oddette and Covid 19. A cial offices for all government agenI remain supportive of the dream lot of people are still jobless, home- cies, and appointment of new proof the late Sec. Addy (Adelino) less, and hungry and in summary vincial directors and prosecutors.

Sitoy in creating the Province of the basic needs of the common Separating a local government, Mactan, I understand that the masses,” said Anesia Tampus. such as the town of Cordova, from Nathan Paul Pangon said: “I the province of Cebu, would need process entails a thorough study of the pros and cons of such legis- could only agree more with you for the entire province to participate Mayor Chan , Creating the prov- in a plebiscite, the governor said. lative measures.”

“At this point in time when ince of Mactan necessitates more “I don’t know if he is either we are still recovering from the study weighing the pros and cons. misquoted or nakalitan lang si Mayeffects of the pandemic and Ty- the fact that we need more time or Ahong. Kani man gung mo-file phoon Odette, a creation of a to reconstruct our economy and ka’g bill nga mag-create og bag-ong separate province is not in our ut- tourism stability, to me this should probinsya, and in this case iapil ang most priority but rather we must be the priority.”

Cordova, first of all mangutana ta sa channel our focus to the rehabiliGarcia reiterated the lessons mga mayor sa tibuok Probinsya sa tation of our city and the promo- from earlier attempts to divide Cebu Sugbo lakip na ang mayor sa Cordo-

Unity is Cebu’s secret: Garcia CEBU – Governor Gwendolyn Garcia has thanked provincial lawmakers and Vice Governor Hilario Davide III for their support, saying their unity has worked greatly for Cebu in the last three years.

Garcia said the executive and legislative branches work-

ing together harmoniously has benefited the Cebuanos, adding the same desire for unity is also the goal of the new Marcos administration.

“Right here in the Cebu provincial government, we are showing the unity that is needed in order to achieve great things, in the

Board Member Glenn Anthony Soco takes a selfie with Gov. Gwen Garcia, Vice Gov. Hilario Davide III and his colleague board members after their Inaugural Session on Monday, July 4th. (From L-R) Board Members John Ismael “Jiembo” Borgonia, Andrei “Red” Duterte, Kerrie Keane Shimura, Yolanda Daan, Gov. Garcia, Vice Gov. Davide, Board Members Cesar Baricuatro, Caroline Bacaltos, and Stanley Caminero. (Back, L-R: Board Members Mike Villamor, Victoria “Tata” Corominas-Toribio, Raymond Calderon and Raul Bacaltos. (Sugbo News)

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same way that our President had so eloquently expressed during the campaign,” Garcia said.

“We both believe that it is only by getting together, working together in unity can we hope to move on, move forward and soar to great heights of progress and development that all Cebuanos, all Filipinos deserve,” she added.

Garcia praised the Provincial Board, headed by Davide, for never taking a turn against her mandates and policies especially during the most challenging times. Davide even expressed his commitment to continue supporting the programs and initiatives of the Garcia administration.

Garcia said her fresh mandate also spells “great things to come” for Cebu. The governor said there is so much “hope and optimism” as she embarks on an exciting journey ahead. “We hope that this term will finally see the end of Covid-19 pandemic, that we may bring our lives back to normal, not even new normal, mag-normal na ta,” she said. (CL, IPA)

Eastern Mindanao

Lapu-Lapu Mayor Junard Chan & Governor Gwen Garcia. va kon mosugot ba siya nga maapil siya sa bag-ong probinsya; mosugot ba ang ubang mga mayor sa tibuok probinsya nga makuhaan og lungsod, makuhaan og population, duna nay epekto sa atong IRA (Internal Revenue Allotment) – mao nay tawag sa una - karon NTA or National Tax Allocation,” Garcia explained.

With this proposal surfacing, Garcia is reminded of what was mentioned to her by Sitoy to look into the declaration of Lapu-Lapu

as a highly urbanized city that separated it from the jurisdiction of the province of Cebu, if it followed the proper procedure.

The rest of the province was never consulted or participated in a plebiscite during the process. The governor said she will ask her legal team to look into this. “I will ask my lawyers, maybe it will be good. It might enrich our knowledge about whether or not the proper procedure was followed in the declaration of

Lapu-Lapu as a highly urbanized city,” Garcia said.

“But I understand that he has a subsequent statement that, that is not a priority. I hope that it will never become one because there are other more important things to focus on. Ang importante nga atong ma-preserve ang atong unity not just philosophically, not just politically, but physically as well, geography as well - as a people,” she added. (EEV, Cebu Examiner)

Tourism chief to meet officials, stakeholders CEBU - Tourism Secretary Christina Frasco said they will conduct “listening tours” across the country starting as part of their strategy to better connect with stakeholders and to employ a shared tourism governance approach towards industry recovery.

“I will be starting my listening tour as the Secretary of the Department of Tourism to see for myself and to hear the challenges faced by our regional offices and tourism stakeholders across Luzon, Visayas, and Mindanao.”

“The objective being to be at the front and center of the prevailing issues that need to be addressed and to craft solutions that will ensure the full rehabilitation and recovery of the tourism industry,” Frasco said.

Frasco expressed her gratitude to the officials and employees of the Department of Tourism for their hard work and unceasing dedication during the pandemic and for giving her a warm welcome during her initial visit and organizational meetings recently.

“I am fully aware of the service and the sacrifice of our frontliners not only in health, not only in the executive branch of government, in the local government units, but

Western Mindanao

also in the Department of Tourism.

Because, notwithstanding the challenges of the pandemic, the work had to continue if only to ensure that our brothers and sisters whose livelihood depend on tourism would be shielded from the economic impact that the pandemic has left in its wake,” she said.

“To all of you that have continued the good work of the Department of Tourism, whether you are in the central office or in the regional offices all over the country, I thank you. Salamat kaayo sa inyong serbisyo ug sakripisyo taliwala sa tanang kalisod,” she added.

Frasco also underscored the importance of being in touch with the realities on the ground in addition to focusing on the crafting of national policy.

“We foresee a Department of Tourism that is not only focused on the crafting of national policy but, more importantly, to be in touch with the realities on the ground, to give attention to sites, peoples, products that have not necessarily been given equal opportunity to be developed, to reach out to all regional offices, all of our partners in the local government units, to extend to them

Cebu

the hand of collaboration from the Department of Tourism, and to send across the message that we are here to help the industry arise and recover,” Frasco said.

She said this collaborative and consultative approach is in alignment with the overall vision of President Bongbong Marcos for the tourism industry to become one of the major economic pillars for the country under his administration.

Frasco appealed for the support of the DOT workforce behind the President’s directive.

“We must not only continue to do the work that we have been doing, but we must exert extra effort to give everything that we can within what is humanly possible, to ensure that our Department becomes one of the major economic contributors in the Marcos administration,” Frasco stressed.

“I have full trust in the workforce of the Department of Tourism because you have been forged in the fire of the pandemic. We’ve been through it, we have survived, and we have thrived. There is no other challenge that we could not possibly surmount,” she added.

(Cebu Examiner)

Manila