The Mindanao Examiner Regional Newspaper (January 30-February 5, 2023)

Camiguin reaps awards, recognition

ORO CITYDespite the community

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Camiguin bags the Civil Service Commission's PRIME-HRM Bronze Award for excellence in human resource management. Also, through the provincial government’s transparency and accountability in the management and implementation of local projects, Camiguin placed third in the SubayBAYANI Award by the DILG.

ZAMBOANGA CITY – Smuggling is so rampant in this southern Filipino port

AMBOANGA CITY – is so rampant in this southern port city that even red onions are now being sneaked into Zamboanga, a known city that even red onions are now being sneaked into a known entry point of contraband in Mindanao region entry of contraband in Mindanao region.

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BTA lawmakers seek to establish, upgrade hospitals in Basilan,Tawi-Tawi

COTABATO CITY Bangsamoro lawmakers are pushing for the upgrad-

ing and constructions of hospitals in the provinces of Basilan and Tawi-Tawi

in an effort to meet the growing health and social Continue on page 4 Continue on page 4

New military chief vows to work hard for peace in Sulu

SULU – New Western Mindanao Command Chief Continue on page 4 Continue on page 4 Sulu Gov. Sakur Tan is flanked by senior military officials led by new Western Mindanao Command Chief Maj. Gen. Roy Galido and Maj. Gen. Ignatius Patrimonio, commander of the 11th Infantry Division during a courtesy call on Monday, January 23. (Sulu Provincial Photo)

Country leads world in economic recovery, says Marcos

Revisiting: The artistry of Abdulmari Asia Imao

first and only Muslim Filipino National Artist in Sculptor, 2006. Drawing inspiration

from the indigenous arts of his Sulu homeland, Imao incorporated Continue on page 4 Continue on page 4

OVERSEAS FILIPINO workers (OFWs) worldwide have kept the economy afloat even during Continue on page 5 Continue on page 5

A photo released by the Bureau of Customs shows the confiscated smuggled cigarettes it publicly destroyed on December 13, 2022 in Zamboanga City in southern Philippines.

President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. (OPS)

Smuggling rampant in Zamboanga

Continued from page 1

Continued from page 1

Just last week, authorities seized some 44 tons of smuggled red onions and 300 drums of fuel in separate operations here. The operations were launched by the Naval Forces Western Mindanao together with the Philippine Coast Guard, Marine Battalion Landing Team-11, Joint Task Force Zamboanga and the Bureau of Customs.

The Navy said security forces intercepted a truck transporting some 3,000 bags of onions in the village of Cawit, and a maritime patrol also stopped a boat, ML Marisa, which was loaded with 8,000 bags of onions off Cawit. Each bag of onions weighs four kilos.

Another boat with 300 drums of smuggled fuel was also intercepted the same day off the coast of Cawit, according to the Navy.

“The vehicle and watercraft and the smuggled items are still being held and are subject for proper inventory before we turn them over to the appropriate agency for proper disposition,” the Navy said.

“This accomplish-

ment is part of Naval Forces Western Mindanao and Western Mindanao Command’s strong resolve and commitment to assist other government agencies and LGUs on their campaign to eradicate smuggling and other illegal activities in the region,” it added.

Police also reported seizing nearly P9 million worth of smuggled cigarettes and onions in separate operations in Zamboanga Peninsula.

Patrolling members of the 2nd Zamboanga City Mobile Force Company and the Bureau of Customs, Intelligence and Investigation Service and Enforcement and Security Service intercepted a boat loaded with over 300 boxes of cigarettes worth more than P5 million off Tictabon Island off Zamboanga City.

The 2nd Zamboanga City Mobile Force Company and the Bureau of Customs also confiscated over six tons of onions when a police maritime patrol intercepted a boat off Labuan village in Zamboanga City. And members of the 2nd Zamboanga Sibugay Provincial Mobile

Force Company, also intercepted a truck transporting 85 boxes of smuggled cigarettes valued at over P1 million at a checkpoint in Kumalarang town.

Authorities did not release the names of the owners of the contraband for a still unknown reason.

Last December, the Bureau of Customs destroyed over some P395 million worth of smuggled cigarettes confiscated within six months in Western Mindanao. In May 2022, the Bureau of Customs also destroyed at least P110 million worth of confiscated cigarettes, according to District Collector Segundo Sigmundfreud Barte Jr.

He said the contrabands were seized during separate anti-smuggling operations in Zamboanga Peninsula, Basilan, Sulu, and Tawi-Tawi.

But despite the anti-smuggling campaign, unscrupulous businessmen continue their illegal trade resulting in losses of billions of pesos in revenues. Many of the contraband - from rice to onions - find their ways to different buyers in Mindanao. (Mindanao Examiner)

Country leads world in economic recovery, says Marcos

Continued from page 1 Continued from page 1 successful participation in the World Economic Forum (WEF) in Davos, Switzerland.

“Our WEF engagement has enabled the many leaders and experts in government, in business, civil organization and in the academe that were in attendance to receive the good news that the Philippines is leading economic recovery and performance not only in the Asia-Pacific but also in the whole world,” Marcos said.

“That the Philippines is not only driving economic growth; we are also helping mend the fissures that have fragmented the world of late and doing our part to avert an

economic crisis,” he added.

Marcos said the Philippine delegation was able to share “our insight and experience in being a resilient hardworking people – uniting in adversity and looking out for each other in crisis.”

He thanked his economic team, composed of Finance Secretary Benjamin Diokno, Trade and Industry Secretary Alfredo Pascual and Socioeconomic Planning Secretary Arsenio Balisacan, and also lauded House Speaker Martin Romualdez for joining him in high-level dialogues at the WEF.

In his visit to Davos, Marcos trumpeted his administration’s policies, including

the Philippine Development Plan, the 8-Point Socioeconomic Agenda, and “various other policies and legislations that spotlight the economic reforms of the Philippines that have led to our sustained growth.”

“I took the opportunity as well to consult with our friends and partners in Davos on the sovereign wealth fund as a means for us to diversify our income sources, and to generate various welfare effects to the Filipino people, while recognizing that this is a collaborative work with experts and our lawmakers so that its final form is what we intend it to be,” Marcos said.

(Mindanao Examiner)

COVID-19 traces found in Davao City wastewater

Continued from page 1 Continued from page 1 water-based epidemiology (WBE) to aid with public health after wastewater samples from six villages here contained a high volume of SARS-CoV-2 RNA genetic material even though the areas were classified as having a low risk of COVID-19 transmission and no reports of new infections.

Researchers presented their findings to the public just recently and furnished The Mindanao Examiner with their report.

According to the report, during the COVID-19 lockdowns in 2020, Dr. Caroline Marie Jaraula of the UP Diliman College of Science’s Marine Science Institute (MSI) was already doing water quality research in the Davao region and decided to expand into WBE, or the analysis of biological and chemical markers in wastewater to provide information on public health.

Jaraula worked with scientists and researchers from UP Mindanao and UP Manila including Dr. Lyre Anni Murao, Dr. Emmanuel Baja, Dr. Vladimer Kobayashi, Dr. Dann Marie Del Mundo and Maria Catherine Otero. The collaboration resulted in multiple studies that underscore the value of wastewater research in public health surveillance.

In her presentation of their published study, Multi-

faceted Assessment of Wastewater-Based Epidemiology for SARS-CoV-2 in Selected Urban Communities in Davao City, Philippines: A Pilot Study, Del Mundo explained how WBE research can provide effective and faster analysis of community-level COVID-19 infection using fewer resources.

“Clinical monitoring, such as RT-PCR testing, and contact tracing are limited in the early detection or prediction of community outbreaks and can be logistically demanding and expensive when applied to a large population,” Del Mundo said.

She said wastewater samples from six villages contained a high volume of SARSCoV-2 RNA genetic material even though the areas were classified as having a low risk of COVID-19 transmission and no reports of new infections.

The RNA found in the wastewater “may have also come from pre-symptomatic, asymptomatic, or symptomatic individuals who did not self-report to their local health monitoring unit,” according to the researchers.

Otero further elaborated that the virus RNA was detected in 22 out of 24 samples (91.7%) regardless of the presence of new COVID-19 cases in those areas, echoing similar trends in COVID-19 cases reported via standard clinical surveillance. “Danger of rein-

fection due to wastewater research will not be an issue because the virus is already dead in the water. They can still be detected because of the RNA, but they are no longer infectious,” Otero assured.

The researchers urged the government to consider WBE as a powerful and cost-effective tool for public health surveillance.

“Detecting RNA in wastewater could help LGUs forecast what barangay are at risk and may need closer monitoring, rather than a blanket lockdown. We should consider this as science-based tools to determine which barangay is more susceptible,” said Jaraula.

The team has expanded its efforts to look at other possible beneficial uses of WBE. With funding from the Department of Science and Technology Niche Centers in the Regions for R&D (DOST-NICER), they have expanded their work into other areas through the Integrated Wastewater-Based Epidemiology and Data Analytics for Community-Level Pathogen Surveillance and Genetic Tracking Project.

The team is expected to publish further findings on WBE within the year, and are also looking to conduct similar research in other highly urbanized areas outside of Davao City. (Mindanao Examiner)

Philippine Navy photos show seized smuggled onions and fuels in Zamboanga City.

Revisiting: The artistry of Abdulmari Asia Imao

background, the young Imao sold ice drops, peanuts, and guinataan around movie houses in Jolo in order to stay in school at the Jolo Trade School, where he also carved furniture to augment his income. He also worked as a stone breaker in road construction, and as a cargador in the Jolo pier. He continued earning his keep in UP by working as a model and posed in life drawing sessions at the university.

Having no access to paper and pencil did not stop him from expressing his artistic urge. He drew on the leaves of dapdap and banana, drawing ukkil designs early on.

In 1969, in an interview with Nick Joaquin, Imao mentioned that he had been “working on the sarimanok style.

This is a design I am trying to improve, revitalize. That is why I have been doing research on this Muslim motif: to develop it into another design which will be distinctively Muslim. ”

Education, fate, and fortune and fortune

Seeing Philippine art on a floating exhibit in 1954 by the Arts Association of the Philippines aboard a ship in Jolo captivated so much the young Abdulmari that he visited it almost daily. Tomas Bernardo (1916-1994), a painter and the AAP secretary, noticed the young man’s keen attention to the exhibit and encouraged him to explore his artistic leanings in Manila.

New military chief vows to work hard for peace in Sulu

Continued from page 1 Continued from page 1

Maj. Gen. Roy Galido vowed to continue various peace and development projects in Sulu and at the same time assured government leaders of the military’s steadfast resolve to eliminate all the remaining threats in the province.

Galido, the former commander of the 6th Infantry Division in Sulu recently and paid a courtesy call on Gov. Sakur Tan at his office in Patikul town.

ern Mindanao Command spokesman.

Galido was accompanied by Maj. Gen. Ignatius Patrimonio, commander of the 11th Infantry Division and Joint Task Force Sulu; and Brig. Gen. Antonio Bautista, the Deputy Division Commander; and Brig. Gen. Benjamin Batara Jr, commander of the 1103rd Infantry Brigade.

Galido formally assumed the top Western Mindanao Command post on January 20. He replaced Maj. Gen. Arturo Rojas.

“Reliability will be anchored on our ability to prepare and anticipate security implications of any event or situation either natural or man-made. Responsiveness will be the key output of our reliability, and this is where constant planning and simulations of scenarios with security implications must be done, with this our response will always be positive,” Galido said.

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Continued from page 1

traditional motifs of okkir into his own works—especially the sarimanok, naga, and pako rabong or fern motifs.

Ukkil/okkir, with its vine-leaftendril motif, is a major art form among the Muslims of southern Philippines, with the root word ukit, meaning “to carve.” With Hindu and Chinese influences that are especially seen in the naga design, a stylized form of the mythical dragon or serpent, and accompanied with leaf and ferns in spirals.

The art of southern Philippines is rooted in its indigenous traditions that have existed long before the spread of Islam, and expressed in its material culture such as woodcarving, architecture, boat building, grave markers, mat-making, and other functional and decorative forms connected with its way of life.

By incorporating okkir into his art, Imao revitalized the traditional form. More importantly, he raised the awareness of identity rooted in one’s place and geography to the larger Philippine society, as very much part of being Filipino, at the same time.

Sarimanok glory Sarimanok

The sarimanok refers to a mythical bird with flowing feathers and a fish in its beak, with many folk stories behind it.

Imao uses the sarimanok as the nexus of his visual world. His Sarimanok series (in acrylic or oil on canvas, in brass, relief on brass sheet metal, and print) are done in a variety of configuration that includes geometric and cubistic forms as well as vegetal design, with ferns tapering in graceful curls. His deconstruction of the sarimanok engages the viewers to trace where the bird begins or where the fish

ends. Curvilinear and sinuous lines abound that echo the ebb and flow of the waves, undulating like the rise and fall of our lives.

The constants in Imao’s works include the use of vibrant colors (in shades of blue, green, yellow, pink, purple, orange), the red circle of a sun, the fish, the bird with rounded black eye and pointed beak, a bird’s tail of long flowing feathers that curls inwards, the fish scales with its mesmerizing curves, and an occasional dome of a mosque, a crescent moon, or a minaret.

He attributed his use of primary colors by being a fisherman for five years during the Japanese occupation where he saw so many colorful fishes. “ I was inspired by them, because of their color.” He added that in general, Tausugs prefer bright colors. “You’ll see that even their native costumes are very, very colorful; primary and secondary colors are their main color scheme.”

Abdulmari Asia Imao (1936-2014) Abdulmari Asia Imao (1936-2014)

Amidst a most impoverished

Eventually, Imao received a scholarship from the Commission on National Integration and studied sculpture at the University of the Philippines, under the guidance of Guillermo Tolentino, Anastacio Caedo, and Napoleon Abueva.

Several scholarships supported further his art studies: a Smith Mundt and Fulbright scholarship for a master in fine arts in sculpture, major in brass casting at the University of Kansas, 1960-1962. He did advanced studies in sculpture and ceramics as a Fellow at the Rhode Island School of Design from 1961-1962, and in brass-casting and photography as a Faculty Scholar at the Columbia University in New York City from 1962-1963. He was the first Asian recipient of the New York Museum of Modern Art Grant to Europe and Scandinavia in 1963.

Returning to the country in 1964, Imao taught fine arts at the University of the East. After receiving the Ten Outstanding Young Men Award in 1968, he decided to become a full-time sculptor and painter. (R.C. Ladrido, Vera Files)

“The two talked about the good relationship between the military and the local government officials of Sulu. Governor Tan assured the new commander of his continued support of the Western Mindanao Command’s endeavors particularly in sustaining the peace in the province.”

“Maj. Gen. Galido, likewise, gave assurance of the military’s steadfast resolve to eliminate all the remaining threats in Sulu,” said Army Lt. Col. Abdurasad Sirajan, the West-

While in Sulu, Galido also met with soldiers where he emphasized the importance of discipline and work-life balance.

“Maintaining a high level of morale is essential in the accomplishment of our mission, hence, we must ensure that we are always inspired to do our job well,” he said, adding, troops must be reliable, responsive and relevant as part of nation-building.

“Relevance is what I must emphasize and most importantly be understood if our stakeholders do not appreciate the way we perform our missions, we are irrelevant, thus, we can be considered a wasted investment of the government and people, to avoid this, we must constantly communicate and coordinate our plans and much better if we could integrate with the plans of our stakeholders to build a better nation…this for me is pagkakaisa,” he added. (Mindanao Examiner)

BTA lawmakers seek to establish, upgrade hospitals in Basilan,Tawi-Tawi

Continued from page 1 Continued from page 1 services needs of the residents.

The Parliament Bills No. 99 and 100 were refiled by MPs Eddie Alih, Mohagher Iqbal, Pangalian Balindong, Abdulraof Macacua, Amilbahar Mawallil, Eduard Guerra, Ubaida Pacasem, Ali Solaiman, Sha Elijah Dumama-Alba, Raissa Jajurie, Aida Silongan, Anna Tarhata Basman, Lanang Ali Jr., Suharto Ambolodto, Jose Lorena, Nabil Tan, Paisalin Tago, Haron Abas, Mohammad Yacob, Ibrahim Ali, Abdullah Hashim, Marjanie Macasalong, Susana Anayatin, Mudjib Abu, Abdullah Gayak, Ali Salik, Said Shiek, Said Salendab, Akmad Abas, Basit Abbas, Suwaib Oranon, Abdulwahab Pak, Benjamin Loong, John Anthony Lim, Hussein Munoz, and Abdullah Macapaar.

According to the proposals, the South Ubian Municipal Hospital, a level

1 general hospital with 50 beds, will be constructed in South Ubian, Tawi-Tawi, under Parliament Bill No. 99. It will be directly supervised by the Ministry of Health (MOH) which will also determine and approve its organizational structure and plantilla positions.

Another measure is also pushing for the upgrade of a municipal hospital in Tawi-Tawi. The Datu Alawaddin T. Bandon Sr. Municipal Hospital, which currently has 10 beds, will be upgraded into a level II general hospital with 50 beds. Once approved, the hospital, originally located in Sitangkai, will be established in Sibutu.

Other legislators also introduced bills for the establishment of general hospitals in Basilan. Under the administrative and technical supervision of the Basilan Integrated Provincial Health Office, a level 1 general hospital with 25 beds will be

established in Tabuan-Lasa, Basilan, as proposed under PB No. 103.

Another proposed measure, PB No. 104, calls for the establishment of a level 1 general hospital with 25 beds in Tipo-Tipo, Basilan. MP Amilbahar Mawallil, one of the main authors of PB Nos. 103 and 104, said that the bills aim to give people access to health care services that are adequate, excellent, and effective.

Based on PB Nos. 103 and 104, the MOH will formulate the necessary guidelines and other complementary infrastructure, facilities, and medical equipment, as well as the costs for the necessary maintenance and personnel services. MPs Hatimil Hassan, Muslimin Jakilan, and Atty. Laisa Alamia are also the principal authors of the said bills. (LTAIS-Public Information, Publication, and Media Relations Division)

Sarimanok pen and ink 1975 NCCA Exhibit 2017.

(Photos by Sulu Provincial Govt.)

The young Imao, NCCA Exhibit 2017.

OFWs keep economy afloat

Continued from page 1 Continued from page 1 uncertainties, as they send billions of dollars in remittances to the Philippines annually.

And President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. is happy over the contributions of the OFWs and expressed optimism about the country’s development prospects because of its strong, young workforce.

He said Filipino workers are resilient, adaptable, and have the ability to excel in whatever field they choose.

“Kahit saan mo ilagay ang Pilipino, sisikat ‘yan. Kahit saan mo ilagay ang Pilipino, magiging successful ‘yan dahil lahat ng katangian na kinakailangan ng isang labor force na para maging matagumpay ang mga plano tungkol sa ekonomiya, tungkol sa sariling buhay, ay nasa Pilipino,” Marcos said, pointing out that the Filipino work-

U.S. provides P118-M grant to support 5G deployment in Ph

force is his greatest asset.

“At pagka tinanong sa akin kung bakit ganun ang pag-iisip ko, eh pinapaliwanag ko, madali lang naman sagutin ‘yan, sabi ko, mayroon akong workforce na ngayon ay 107 million na tayong mga Pilipino. ‘Yung 60 percent doon nagtatrabaho na at ang Pinoy ang pinakamagaling na trabahador sa buong mundo,” he added.

The number of OFWs in 2021 was estimated at 1.83 million as of December 2022, according to the Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA).

PSA said Overseas Contract Workers (OCWs) or those with existing work contracts, comprised 96.4 percent or 1.76 million of the total OFWs during the same period. Other OFWs who worked abroad without working visas or work permits such as tourist, visitor, student, medical,

and other types of nonimmigrant visas but were employed and working full time in other countries from April to September 2021 accounted for 3.6 percent share.

The top five destinations of OFWs were the following: Asia (78.3%), Europe (9.3 %), North and South America (8.9%), Australia (2.2%) and Africa (1.3 %). Of the total 1.83 million OFWs in 2021, about 24.4 percent worked in Saudi Arabia followed by the United Arab Emirates at 14.4 percent. Other countries in Asia with a large number of OFWs include: Hongkong (6.7%), Kuwait (5.9%), Singapore (5.8%), and Qatar (4.8%).

Many Filipinos prefer to work abroad because of the promise of high salaries and other fringe benefits compared to what local companies pay. (Mindanao Examiner)

THE U.S. Trade and Development Agency (USTDA) is providing NOW Telecom Company, Inc. some P118 million ($2.15 million) grant to fund a feasibility study for the development of reliable and secure nationwide 5G mobile and broadband networks in the Philippines, according to the American Embassy.

It said NOW Telecom has selected New Jersey-based Bell Labs Consulting, part of Bell Labs, the research arm of Nokia, to conduct the study.

The grant agreement was signed by NOW Telecom Chairman and Chief Executive Officer Mel Velasco Velarde and Nokia Bell Labs Managing Partner Stefan Wilhelm during the 10th U.S.-Philippines Bilateral Strategic Dialogue recently.

United States Assistant Secretary of State for East Asian and Pacific Affairs Daniel Kritenbrink, U.S. Ambassador to the Philippines MaryKay Carlson, and Philippines Department of Information and Communications (DICT) Undersecretary for Connectivity Angelo Nuestro witnessed the signing.

“This 5G grant demonstrates the U.S. commitment to developing quality digital

infrastructure and increasing access to affordable connectivity in the Philippines,” Kritenbrink said.

Nuestro said the open innovation platform that this partnership seeks to give will enable the broader Philippine society to take a leap towards a connected future. “We welcome these opportunities that will improve the lives of Filipinos,” he said.

Under the USTDA grant, the feasibility study will provide NOW Telecom with the necessary analysis, designs, and plans for the phased implementation of the project. It will also include the establishment of a 5G pilot network at multiple sites in Met-

ro Manila to validate network performance, test 5G use cases, and provide data to inform larger scale deployment.

This project aims to support the digital transformation of the Philippines by helping to meet the growing demand for high-bandwidth, reliable, and secure digital services from households and industry.

The feasibility study grant furthers U.S. digital policy in line with the Indo-Pacific Economic Framework, which aims to promote secure digital infrastructure in the region to bolster economic growth and facilitate open digital societies. (Mindanao Examiner)

Camiguin reaps awards, recognition

Continued from page 1 Continued from page 1 disruptions brought by COVID-19, Camiguin bounces back with numerous awards and recognitions from 2022 alone.

Gov. Xavier Jesus Romualdo said it is a banner year for the province which was conferred the 2022 Seal of Good Local Governance Award, the highest recognition given to the country's best-performing local governments. He said along with the recognition is the National Anti-Drug Abuse Council Performance Award and the Balangay Seal of Excellence for clearing all the municipalities from illegal drugs.

Through the provincial government’s transparency and accountability in

the management and implementation of local projects, Camiguin also placed third in the SubayBAYANI Award. In addition to this, there is the Civil Service Commission's PRIMEHRM Bronze Award for excellence in human resource management.

With a GDP of P10.3 billion, mostly due to the growth of local agriculture, forestry, and fisheries, Camiguin is the 5th most competitive province in the Philippines, according to the DTI. This means that 3.7% fewer people live in poverty there, the governor said.

Romualdo also believes that the 1,104 new businesses that the DTI will have registered by the end of 2022 will contribute

to the economy's continued expansion.

The provincial government’s total income in the third quarter of 2022 was P738.9 million. With the increased revenue and financial resources, Camiguin is set to venture into greater investments in key economic drivers such as agriculture.

“Under our administration, the provincial government will undertake initiatives that will allow us to meet good governance objectives, such as environmental protection and conservation and efficient operation and management of tourism sites, and, at the same time, maximize local revenue sources and boost collections,” Romualdo said. (TAAG)

Nokia Bell Labs Managing Partner Stefan Wilhelm (seated left) and NOW Telecom Chairman and Chief Executive Officer Mel Velasco Velarde (seated right) sign the P118 million USTDA grant in the presence of U.S. Assistant Secretary of State for East Asian and Pacific Affairs Daniel Kritenbrink and DICT Undersecretary Angelo Nuestro.

U.S. Assistant Secretary of State for East Asian and Pacific Affairs Daniel Kritenbrink (fifth from left) joins U.S. Ambassador to the Philippines MaryKay Carlson (fourth from left), Philippine Ambassador to the United States Jose Manuel Romualdez (second from right), and representatives from DICT, NOW Telecom, and Nokia Bell Labs Consulting at the signing of the USTDA grant for 5G deployment in the Philippines.

Engineering marvel in Zamboanga City marvel in City. Government contractors built a pathwalk or flood way beside an existing sidewalk alongside this portion of Don Alfaro Street in the village of Tetuan eating up a meter of the road. (Photos by Al Jacinto)

Suzuki Auto Butuan is now open!

BUTUAN CITY – Good news for Suzuki car lovers! UTUAN – news car lovers!

Suzuki Auto Butuan is now open and offers the Suzuki Auto Butuan is now open and offers the best deals on your desired Suzuki vehicles best deals on your desired Suzuki vehicles.

Suzuki Auto Butuan is located at National Highway, Baan Km. 3. It formally opened recently and the event was packed with visitors, who were excited the new line up of cars and deals that Suzuki Auto Butuan is offering.

Suzuki Philippines Inc. enters the New Year

with a bang with their New Year New Wheels Promo for the whole month of January.

Customers looking to start the year right with a brand new car can now get ready to snap up any of these Suzuki favorites - Suzuki Dzire, S-Presso, and the All-new Celerio,

with low down payment deals and irresistible cash discounts.

Mr. Norihide Takei, Director and General Manager for Automobile, said “Suzuki is happy with the recovery of the automobile industry, despite the numerous challenges posed by the pandemic over the last years. We look forward to be part of every Filipino’s journey as

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they start a new year with high hopes and possibilities.”

Suzuki Philippines also recently launched its highly-anticipated 7seater hybrid MPV, Suzuki Ertiga Hybrid. Car enthusiasts were captivated by the Smart Hybrid Vehicle by Suzuki (SHVS) and its modern features which are the Engine Auto Stop Start System (EASS), 4’2” full color TFT LCD multi-information display, cruise control, automatic headlamp with follow me home headlamp function and its fuel-efficient features.

The new addition to Suzuki Philippines’ wide-array of vehicles is an indication on how the brand would like to start the year right.

“The introduction of the New Ertiga Hybrid marks a great beginning for SPH as we introduce our first hybrid entry in the market. With the Ertiga being our flagship and best-selling model, incorporating the hybrid technology and other benefits that it has, this makes the product a well-packed choice for our customers,” said Mr. Takei.

The Suzuki Ertiga was crafted with elegance and strong personality which stands out from the crowd. Its long shoulder line and aerodynamic roofline creates a more flowing look from it side. This new MPV in the market presents modern front grille and tailgate with chrome accent and “Hybrid” emblem which gives

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the brand identity and model name of Suzuki.

Suzuki has established its reputation worldwide for quality, versatility and innovation, and has created a heritage of trust and reliability. Suzuki Philippines is wholly-owned Japanese

multinational firm highly recognized in the automotive industry.

For more details and those who are interested in owning a new Suzuki car may visit the website http://auto.suzuki.com. ph/. (Mindanao Examiner)

China access first step for Philippine durians

DAVAO CITY - The Philippine durian industry is thrilled to have gained access to the Chinese market but there is still a way to go until it can make the most of the potential on offer, according to a report by the Asia Fruit citing the Manila Bulletin.

The report said growers from key production region Davao are eager to start servicing the market and believe it will bring benefits to many.

“This is really a big step for durian farmers. Hopefully, because of this market, it will open the doors to help simple backyard durian farmers,” said Emmanuel Belvis, the president of the Durian Industry Association of Davao City.

Asia Fruit reported that the higher prices on offer in China will be welcomed by an industry that is facing increasing prices for agricultural inputs.

Additionally, some in the industry will need to improve farming practices and phytosanitary standards and attain PhilGAP (Good Agricultural Practice) certification.

“We hope that the government – the Department of Agriculture and the DOST-Philippine Council for Agriculture, Aquatic and Natural Resources Research and Development

will train durian plantation owners and packaging factories to study Chinese food standards; and also train the farmers on planting technique, using fertiliser, preventing tree disease, etc,” said Henry Lim Bon Liong, president of the Federation Of Filipino Chinese Chambers Of Commerce and Industry.

(Photo by Kalaiarasy)

(Liam O'Callaghan, Mindanao Examiner)

Powerful 2.2 diesel engine, manual transmission, 2-inch lift, Robinson suspension, 20-inch Black Rhino rims, thick tires, only 85,000 mileage.

Your One Word

by Engr. Carlos Cornejo (Cebu)

IN THE book of Evan Carmichael, “Your One Word”, he proposes the idea of coming up with a one word that describes yourself and your passion. Evan Carmichael himself came up with a one word about himself and his company as “Believe”.

Evan is a business start-up adviser and he used to describe his company as “Helping you Build the Company of your Dreams” and he also thought of “Motivation and Strategies for Entrepreneurs” but the lines don’t give him the kick that pushes his passion to help entrepreneurs. After some journaling exercise, he came up with the one word “Believe” which worked like magic. He “believes” that his business exists to help entrepreneurs, “believe” in what they are doing, “believe” they could do it and “believe” it would work. It made him more excited to run his company because of the hope and creativity the word could generate for himself and for his start-up clients.

Winston Churchill said, “All the greatest things are simple, and many can be expressed in one word.” During World War II, Winston Churchill had to come up with a one word to fuel the British people with the long and devastating battle with the Nazis. He declared “And what is our one word? Victory. Victory at all costs. Victory in spite of all terrors. Victory however long and hard the road maybe. For without victory there is no survival.”

What are the benefits of describing yourself or your business into one word? First, it becomes your steady source of motivation. When you feel

dying man in China tells wife

like you are encountering a dip in your motivation, or you are not getting the results or you’re encountering some obstacle, your one word would be your reminder of why you do what you do. It’s your reason for existing and therefore a motivation for pressing on because of that sense of purpose. Second, it makes it easy for your clients to remember what your company stands for. Steve Jobs made it apparent that his company Apple and its products would be remembered for its “elegance.” He said, “It’s a noisy world. We’re not going to get a chance to get people to remember much about us. And so, we have to be really clear on what we want them to know about us.”

How do we come up with one word about ourselves? Think of what your favorite books are and what they have in common. Recall your favorite movies and what is common with them. What has been a constant interest in your life? What do you seem to never get bored of? Of the people you enjoy being around, what personality traits do they have in common? If you can’t generate that one word right away, sleep over it and let your subconscious help you.

For me, I came up with my one word as “Virtue”. When I thought of starting to write news articles, the first idea that came into mind on the topics I wanted to write about was virtue. I think our society needs to revisit the need for virtue because that’s how we will fully reach our human potential and be the man or woman God intended us to be. (ECC)

OPINION

Love unites, hatred divides

by Fr. Roy Cimagala (Cebu)

THAT’S true! Love and all its different manifestations always work for unity among ourselves, irrespective of our unavoidable differences and conflicts. In fact, these latter conditions can occasion a greater and purer brand of love.

At the same time, hatred and all its cohorts do nothing other than divide us. They inflict wounds in us—mental, emotional, moral, etc.—with hardly any care to bind those wounds. In fact, they tend to make those wounds fester even more.

We are reminded of this fact of life when in the gospel, some scribes, filled with envy, suspicion and anger against Christ, made that clearly self-contradicting accusation that “He is possessed by Beelzebul,” and “By the prince of demons he drives out demons.” (Mk 3,22)

Of course, Christ was quick to note the fallacy and clarified the issue by saying, “How can Satan drive out Satan? If a kingdom is divided against itself, that kingdom cannot stand. And if a house is divided against itself, that house will not be able to stand. And if Satan has risen up against himself and is divided, he cannot stand; that is the end of him.” (Mk 3,23-26)

Clearly, when one does not believe in God, the very essence of love, and is driven instead by hatred, his reasoning can go off the rails. Even the simplest of logic is thrown out. We need to do everything to always strengthen our belief in God, the very cause, origin and pattern of unity amid the vast and increasing diversity and variety of elements we can have in this world.

Nowadays, we are seeing the intriguing phenomenon of asserting what is right and moral as wrong and immoral, and vice-versa. What is clearly an expression of true

freedom is now called slavery, and vice-versa. What should clearly be considered as taboo is now regarded as a human right. The forms of self-contradictions go on and on. To correct this situation or, at least, to deal properly with it, we need to take care and strengthen our belief and our charity. We cannot take this duty for granted, especially now when the world is sinking in confusion and error as it distances itself farther from God.

And since we cannot avoid having differences and conflicts among ourselves, our attitude should be that instead of being afraid, irritated and stressed out by them, let’s be welcoming to them and take advantage of them. A lot of good can actually be derived from them, even if we are not exempted from being pained and mortified by them.

Our differences and conflicts, which by the way are unavoidable in our life, can actually occasion genuine love and many other virtues to develop and grow. They can purify us, smoothing out the rough edges of our personality, and fine-tuning our views, opinions and preferences.

They can give rise to the development of patience and compassion, and the pursuit for the truth and justice is guaranteed to be more authentic even if it is also arduous. They can actually expand our world of knowledge and understanding, and trigger the dynamics of a more meaningful unity among ourselves, not in spite of but rather because of our differences and conflicts. The unity we are speaking of here is not uniformity, but one that is richly nuanced and capable of accommodating everyone. Love develops in us a universal heart. Hatred makes us an isolated heart. (FRC)

A DYING man’s last words to his wife in northern China after 64 years together, captured in a video of their final day together, has been watched by millions on mainland social media last week.

The video was taken at the 88-year-old’s bedside the day before he died in December last year from an unknown illness. It was posted online earlier this month on Douyin by a relative identified by the username Xin Jing Jia You.

“Grandpa has gone after all. Grandma has been crying like a child ever since,” the relative wrote in the video post, which has been viewed more than 32 million times.

“He left her reluctantly one day after their 64th wedding anniversary. He left the girl whom he has cherished and taken care of his whole life.”

Speaking in the local

dialect of the Inner Mongolia autonomous region where the unidentified couple had lived together, the man told his wife to be strong and not let grief cause her to neglect her own needs.

The octogenarian grandfather, shown in the video lying in bed with his son sitting beside him, then gave his wife some final parting advice.

“If any grandson or daughter-in-law makes you unhappy, you shouldn’t compromise,” he said.

“Promise him, Grandma,” the woman taking the video is heard saying in the video.

The 83-year-old grandmother continued weeping quietly as she wiped her face to dry her eyes, then, after pausing for a moment, said to her husband: “I hate you. Why will you leave me alone in such a hurry?”

Gently reaching out and touching her face and arm, her husband replied: “Don’t cry. I don’t want to leave you but it’s not my choice.”

“It’s amazing that we’ve been a couple for so many years. Think of your two younger sisters. Their husbands both died when they were in their 50s and 60s,” he added.

The emotive video has trended widely on mainland social media in the past few days. “I cried each time I saw this video,” one person said. “The grandpa didn’t mention the word love once, but his sentences were full of love. The grandpa was worried about the grandma living without him, while the grandma couldn’t bear to see him leave.”

“I viewed it three times. I envy their love. It’s the pure love of the old generation,” said another person.

A third person commented: “I couldn’t help crying when the grandma said, ‘I hate you’.”

Another said: “He left the world peacefully and with dignity. He didn’t have numerous tubes inserted into his body, like those old-aged patients with serious diseases. He still had a lucid mind and even comforted his wife. This old man has my blessings!” (Alice Yan, South China Morning Post)

‘I’m going now, don’t cry’:

A video of an 88-year-old man about to die telling his distraught wife to be happy and live her life has gone viral on the mainland. (Photo: SCMP composite/handout)

Pictures in the News

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

January 30-February 5, 2023

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City wants ‘Compania Maritima’ back

CEBU CITY

Mayor Michael Rama vowed to defend the local government’s EBU CITY – Michael Rama vowed to defend the local claim over the historical landmark Compania Maritima which he said should claim over the historical landmark Compania Maritima which he said should be placed under the management and control of the City rather than the be under the management and control of the rather than the Cebu Port Authority (CPA) Cebu Port (CPA).

The CPA recently repossessed the property following an order by the Regional Trial Court Branch 10 which granted its petition for the issuance of a writ of preliminary injunction to prohibit the Cebu City government from occupying any portion of the Compaña Maritima area.

It also deployed security guards at the area to watch the historical building against vandals and illegal dwellers. Apart from guards, the CPA also assigned an attendant to collect parking fees.

The CPA, created

through the enactment of RA 7621 which was signed on June 26, 1992, has the mandate of administering all ports located in Cebu province, separating them from the Philippine Ports Authority system. The CPA began operations and officially took over all Cebu ports on Jan. 1, 1996.

Rama said he has already given instructions to his lawyers that would help them in their legal battle against the CPA. “They are (doing it) in bad faith for repossessing Compania Maritima. How can they say the area is the subject of

their future port operations expansion? We cannot see maritime activities in the area. We cannot see vessels docking in the area,” Rama said in Cebuano.

He even recalled that during the term of then-mayor Tomas Osmeña, and he as the vice mayor, they painted the entire Compania Maritima building and utilized it on several occasions as a “Devotee City” for the Sinulog.

Before the local government took control of the area, it was home to illegal settlers and was an eyesore in the vicinity.

DOT targets 5 million tourists this year

global tourists. These include “Philippine Experience” and the “Bisita Be My Guest.” (Maria Teresa Montemayor)

“After we cleaned the area, here came the CPA claiming ownership even without exercising dominion over it,” Rama said.

He reminded the port authorities of Republic Act (RA) 7160 or the Local Government Code that devolved the MOMAC or the Management, Operations, Mainte-

nance, Administration, and Control of heritage sites and tourist spots, such as the Compania Maritima and the Plaza Independencia.

The Compania Maritima Building is a neoclassical heritage building that was built in 1910. It was known as the Fernando Building and later Shamrock Hotel

before World War II. Rama claimed that Compania Maritima has been part of the city government’s waterfront development program and the Carbon Pubic Market modernization effort that would spur the tourism economy. (John Rey Saavedra)

Taiwanese STARLUX Airlines now flies direct to Cebu

CEBU CITY – A Taiwanese international airline company, STARLUX Airlines, has launched its inaugural flight to Cebu province with officials from the Mactan-Cebu International Airport welcoming the 188-seater Airbus A321neo flight from Taoyuan International Airport.

international airline company with headquarters in Taipei, now serves 15 routes including Tokyo, Osaka, Fukuoka, Okinawa, Sapporo, Macau, Penang, Kuala Lumpur, Bangkok, Singapore, Ho Chi Minh City, Da Nang, Hanoi, Manila, and Cebu.

CEBU - The Department of Tourism (DOT) said it targets to attract some five million foreign visitors this year after noting that over 2.6 million tourists had visited the country last year.

DOT Secretary Christina Frasco said last year’s tourist arrivals was over its 1.7 million target. “As far as 2023 is concerned, the target is to double that number to around a minimum of 4.8 million tourists. We far exceeded this target by almost a million arrivals, especially considering that we've only reopened our borders in February of 2022," Frasco said.

She said the nation-

al government has implemented the so-called eTravel system, a one-stop electronic travel declaration system that replaced the One Health Pass, to help the DOT achieve its goal of enticing more tourists this year.

The DOT and the Department of Transportation are also working on the improvement of the Ninoy Aquino International Airport Terminal 2, the Cebu City Pier 1, and the Davao International Airport, according to Frasco.

She said the DOT also launched projects aimed at boosting the country’s tourism and ensuring the country is ready to receive

Executives from the GMR Megawide Cebu Airport Corporation (GMCAC) and the Mactan-Cebu International Airport Authority (MCIAA) officials, personally attended the inaugural ceremony, giving wishes to passengers departing for Taipei on the same day with a cake-cutting ceremony and a water cannon salute.

STARLUX Airlines commenced its daily flights to Taipei from MCIA using its 188-seater Airbus A321neo with a schedule of arrival at the MCIA Terminal 2 at 1:05 p.m. and departing for Taoyuan International Airport at 2:05 p.m. PST.

According to the GMCAC, STARLUX Airlines offers more options for passengers to visit Taiwanese tourist attractions with the addition of this new service.

“The addition of STARLUX reinforces our commitment in establishing more connectivity for our passengers and the luxurious experience that STARLUX offers also helps us in bringing more op-

tions and better passenger experience. We are grateful and looking with much anticipation as we welcome STARLUX into our network,” GMCAC Director Rafael Aboitiz said.

Julius Neri Jr., MCIAA General Manager and Chief Executive Officer, said the expansion of STARLUX is a welcome development for the Cebuano community, citing its timeliness with the airport’s recovery effort amid the COVID-19 pandemic that stalled the travel industry.

“It is with much delight and gratitude to welcome STARLUX Airlines to MCIA with its Cebu to Taipei service. The expansion of the SSTARLUX route to Cebu gives us an avenue to attain our goal of recovery and establishing wider connectivity,” Neri said.

STARLUX, the newest Taiwanese

With the recent delivery of its A350-900XWB, STARLUX will further expand its routes in North America, giving Cebu, and other Visayas and Mindanao passengers access to North America.

With the addition of this new carrier, the premier airport in Central Visayas located on Mactan Island now has 14 foreign and four Philippine-based airline partners connecting to 26 domestic destinations and 10 international destinations.

STARLUX also is promoting Cebu as a tourist destination in the Philippines and even included on its website questions and answers about the province. STARLUX Airlines said its direct flights from Taiwan Taoyuan Airport to MCIA, has an average flight time of 3 hours, giving passengers plenty of time to enjoy fine dining and in-flight entertainment. (John Rey Saavedra)

The photo shows the Compania Maritima Building which is the subject of dispute between the Cebu City government and the Cebu Port Authority. (PNA photo by John Rey Saavedra)

DOT Secretary Christina Frasco