Mindanao Times, February 2-3, 2022

OPINION

The DLPC ‘top guns’ visit

BY VIC N. SUMALINOG

Scan me for digital copy

on PAGE 6 VOL. 74

NO. 605

FEBRUARY 02 & 03, 2022

DAVAO CITY - PHILIPPINES

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PAGES

P10.00

THE Davao City Coastal Road is turning into a new attraction as Davaoeños continue to troop to the area for some exercise, sightseeing, and selfies, just like on Tuesday morning, Feb. 1. The coastal road is still closed to vehicles. BING GONZALES

‘Fast and furious’

• Virus surge peak may be over as number of daily cases drop: Sara

BY RHODA GRACE B. SARON

THE DROP in the daily count of coronavirus cases in the last three days may be a sign of an end to the coronavirus surge, Mayor Sara Duterte said on Monday's program on Davao City Disaster Radio.

Mayor Sara said that of daily count of cases observed the past weeks there is a huge possibil- is a sign that the surge when the Omicron surge ity that lowered number is almost over as it was happened “fast and furi-

w w w. m i n d a n a o t i m e s . c o m . p h

ous” Based on the data released by the Department of Health Region XI, the city recorded 510 cases on January 30; 752 cases on

Mindanao Times

Jan. 29; 901 cases on Jan. 28; 975 cases on Jan. 27; 1,039 on Jan. 26; 520 cases on Jan. 25; and, 841 cases on Jan. 24.

“Dili ni siya mao ang

@mindanaotimes

tubag, but possibly para sa akoa basin pababa na ang surge, nahuman na siya og peak and then panaog na siya karon, (

/ FAST / 10)

mindanaotimes

2

News

MINDANAO TIMES

FEBRUARY 02 & 03, 2022

DIFFERENT lights illuminate the Unity Park and the Paifang, or a traditional Chinese gateway arch in front of Magsaysay Park as the city joins millions around the world to celebrate the Chinese Lunar New Year on Feb. 1. Davao Chinatown is supposed to be the biggest in the country by land area as it spans 44 hectares covering four barangays. BING GONZALES

60 villages branded as ‘critical risk’ POLICE FILES

BY RHODA GRACE B. SARON

Technician threatens to blow up checkpoint A TELECOMMUNICATIONS technician is facing a charge after threatening to throw a grenade at the Task Force Davao Sirawan checkpoint.

The authorities identified the suspect as Eric V. Daque, 42, a resident of Valencia Bukidnon who was driving a red Bongo with plate number MAQ 2495, traveling towards Davao City.

According to the duty inspector, while conducting a thorough inspection at light vehicle inspection area, the suspect uttered the words "Naa koy dalang granada diri

(

/ TECHNICIAN / 10)

Vendor nabbed for violating gun ban A 48-YEAR-OLD entrepreneur was apprehended on Monday at the AFP-PNP checkpoint in Sirawan, Toril for violating the Comelec's gun ban order.

He was identified as Roberto S. Acapulco, married, a banana farmer, and a resident of Barangay Berada, Kidapawan City.

The authorities recovered from the suspect a .38 caliber revolver with eight rounds of live ammunition.

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/ VENDOR / 10)

Man yields weed A BUNDLE of suspected marijuana brought by a 49-yearold man was seized by the elements of Task Force Davao and Davao City Police Office yesterday at the joint checkpoint in Barangay Alejandra Navarro (Lasang), Bunawan district.

The suspect was identified as Constancio C. Sasedor III, married, a resident of Catalunan Pequeño, Talomo District. ( / MAN / 10)

BY RHODA GRACE B. SARON

THE COVID-19 Task Force has classified 105 villages, representing 60 percent of the 182 total barangays, as “critical risk.”

Accordingly, this is cal risk of COVID-19. The supposed to be the highest, previous week's data listed based on the previous rank- 74 critical risk barangays. ings of the areas at risk of The city, based on the coronavirus disease. assessment, remained at a The latest data released “high” two-week growth by the COVID-19 Task rate of 328.19 and a “high” Force on Monday was Average Daily Attack Rate based on the COVID-19 or the average number of Risk Assessment Map for new COVID-19 cases per the period Jan. 31- Feb. 100,000 individuals at 5, 2022, showing that 105 43.67. barangays are now at critiCompared to the

previous week’s (January 24-January 29) to this week's (January 31-February 5) ranking, the number of high-risk barangays has also increased from three barangays last week to 20 barangays this week.

The same was observed in the high-risk barangays, from 16 barangays last week to 18 barangays this week.

Also, the moderate risk barangays decreased from 50 barangays in last week’s

assessment to 18 barangays this week. The same was observed for moderate risk barangays in proximity to high-risk barangays from three barangays that were assessed under this category last week to only two barangays this week.

The list of critical or moderate risk barangays is available on the City Government Facebook Page.

Given this, Davaoeños are advised to exercise cau(

/ 60 VILLAGES / 10)

First day of isolation will be based on date of swab test THE CITY Health Office (CHO) has issued an advisory reiterating that the swab date will determine the first day of isolation for a confirmed COVID-19 patient who is asymptomatic or has mild symptoms, regardless of the vaccination status.

City COVID-19 Task Force spokesperson Dr. Michelle Schlosser bared this in an interview with the City Information Office on

Monday, Jan. 31.

"Ang City Health Office nagpagawas og advisory atong Jan. 19 kasi we have had several patients na mamakak on the dates of their symptoms or onset of symptoms, which will affect the isolation period sa isa ka COVID-19 positive (The CHO issued an advisory on January 19 since we have had several patients who lie about the dates of their symptoms or onset

of symptoms, which will affect the isolation period of a COVID-19 positive)," she said.

"Therefore, kung mamakak sila sa ilang symptoms pwede nila ipa-shorten ang ilang isolation period to super short gyud. Muingon ra sila dugay na nigawas ilang symptoms wala na tay mapa-quarantine nila. We will avoid that. As much as possible, we have to isolate gyud ang positive

patients and we will quarantine ang close contacts (Therefore if they lie about their symptoms, they can have it shortened. They can say that their symptoms manifested earlier [so] we cannot make them undergo quarantine. We will avoid that. As much as possible, we have to isolate the positive patients and we will quarantine their close contacts)," the city health ( / FIRST / 10)

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FEBRUARY 02 & 03, 2022

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2 NPAs slain in Bukidnon clash; 7 civilians rescued

BY RHODA GRACE B. SARON

TWO COMMUNIST rebels were killed and two others were captured in a recent encounter at the hinterlands of Sitio Lamana, Barangay Kibalabag, Malaybalay City, Bukidnon last Jan. 29.

Also, the soldiers res- by the rebels.

1, Platoon Dario, Sub-Recued seven civilians who The military identified gional Committee 2, North were alleged victims of the slain rebels as Alias Central Mindanao Regional intimidation and extortion Draw, a member of Squad Committee; and alias Paet,

communication staff of the Regional Operations Command, NCMRC. Meanwhile, the two captured were identified as Nisy Sante alias Arnold, 72, supply officer, Squad 1,

Regional Sentro De Gravedad (RSDG) Compaq, NCMRC; and Gelloye Lipanya Sagula alias Janjan, 20 years old, member, Squad 2, Team Abe of the same unit.

1Lt. Abigail Lorenzo, the acting civil-military operations officer of the 8th Infantry Battalion, said soldiers of the 2nd Scout Ranger Battalion and 8th (

/ 2 NPAs / 11)

Senate passes Marawi victims compensation bill CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY (MindaNews) – Marawi leaders can now breathe a sigh of relief after the Senate passed the Marawi Siege Victims Compensation Act of 2021 (Senate Bill 2420) on Monday.

Now that the “agonizing wait” of thousands of Marawi residents is coming to an end, Meranaw leaders urged both the Senate and the House to convene a bicameral conference to reconcile their respective versions of the Marawi compensation bill.

“We are now a step closer to rebuilding whatever is left of our properties. Our urgent call is for the Senate and the House to convene and elect A WOMAN reads the Chinese zodiac signs installation inside SM Lanang Premier in Davao City containing the “predictions” for this year on Thursday, Jan. 27, 2022. Mindanews Photo

Marcos mum on peace agenda, says his father was ‘key to peace’

SULTAN KUDARAT, Maguindanao (MindaNews) — Presidential candidate Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. was the guest of honor Saturday at the 5th Kudaraten Festival in this town which houses the main camp of the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF).

But he said nothing about the Bangsamoro peace process and how he intends to implement the other aspects of the peace agreement should he become president.

But Marcos noted in his speech that his father, Ferdinand Marcos, Sr. “was the key to peace in this part of the Philippines and Southern Mindanao.”

He thanked Datu Tucao Matura, who is running for mayor, a position he held for several terms, “dahil sa kanyang pagpapaalala sa aming lahat kung papaano nakamit ang kapayapaan dito sa Sultan Kudarat (for making us remember how peace was achieved here in Sultan Kudarat), the partnership that he enforced with the other Muslim leaders, and my father when he was President, was the key to peace in this part of the Philippines and Southern Mindanao.”

Mastura joined the uprising against the national government then under Marcos Sr., after the 1968 Jabidah Massacre, and was with the Moro National Liberation Front (MNLF) for seven years. When

he left the underground movement, Marcos Sr. appointed him town mayor, a move that Mastura said ended the armed conflict in his town.”

“Napakalaki ng utang na loob natin sa kanya, sa kanyang pamilya, sa kanyang tatay” (We owe him much, his family, his father), Mastura said.

Marcos arrived with former Ilocos Sur Governor Chavit Singson. His running mate, Mayor Sara Duterte of Davao City, was represented by his younger brother Sebastian, the incumbent vice mayor who is running for mayor, the post his sister will vacate.

Several politicians allied with the Family Alliance Party in Maguindanao were at the jampacked gymnasium of Sultan Kudarat town where the culmination of the festival was held, Marcos seated on a throne chair painted in gold.

Marcos talked about Mindanao as a “promised land.”

“Ang sinasabi ang Mindanao ay promised land ngunit nagdaan ang maraming taon ay hindi natin nakita, hindi natupad ang promised land, ang pangako ng Mindanao (It is said that Mindanao is a promised lang but several years have passed and we have not seen the fulfillment of that promise, the promise of Mindanao,” he said.

He added that through the efforts of the Family Alliance, led by incumbent governors

Mariam Mangudadatu of Maguindanao and her husband, the governor of Sultan Kudarat province, Suharto ‘Teng’ Mangudadatu, there are fewer conflicts and that hopefully, these efforts will fulfill the promise of Mindanao.”

Marcos also highlighted unity as key to the development of the country but did not say how he would unite the country.

Citizens took to social media to air their sentiments against Marcos’ father, under whose administration martial law was declared and so many massacres involving the Moro people occurred.

They also hit Marcos the Presidential candidate for allegedly being anti-Muslim and for allegedly delaying when he was Senator, the passage in 2015 of the Bangsamoro Organic Law, the enabling act of the 2014 Comprehensive Agreement on the Bangsamoro, the peace agreement signed by the Philippine government and the MILF on March 27, 2014, under the Aquino administration.

The Organic Law for the BARMM was passed in 2018 under the Duterte administration, was ratified in January 2019 and the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM) was inaugurated in March that same year with the 80-member MILF-led Bangsamoro Transition Author-

(

/ MARCOS / 10)

the bicam members,” said Drieza Liningding, leader of the Marawi Consensus Group.

The House of Representatives passed its own version, House Bill 9225 or the Marawi Compensation Act, last Sept. 6, 2021.

A bicam committee composed of members of the Senate and the House has to settle the conflicting versions of the two bills before President Rodrigo Duterte would sign it into law.

Liningding said they hoped President Duterte would sign it before the 17th Congress would adjourn in June.

(

/ SENATE / 11)

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Business

MINDANAO TIMES

FEBRUARY 02 & 03, 2022

More investors bullish on bourse despite polls, virus New matchmaking platform help MSMEs go international MANILA – Micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs) in Southeast Asian countries finding new customers, suppliers, and events where they can showcase their products and technologies for free can utilize a business matching portal to help them go international.

The Association of Southeast Asian Nations (Asean) Coordinating Committee on Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises has officially launched the ASEAN Access MATCH, a virtual matchmaking platform that allows businesses in the region and beyond to participate in live market information events, and book cross-border matchmaking meetings, according to a news release on Sunday.

Reinhold Elges, country director of GIZ (Gesellschaft für Internationale Zusammenarbeit) Thailand, said the success of MSMEs is vital to economic growth in the region.

“However, when it comes to international trade, one key issue that businesses, especially MSMEs, face is the need to find new and relevant business contacts.

This is where the public and private business support community can come in and make a difference,” he said during the January 25 launch of the platform.

The Deutsche GIZ implements projects and programs on behalf of the German Federal Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development and supports the development of the ASEAN Access.

In the ASEAN Access MATCH, Elges said public and private event organizers can run an unlimited number of matchmaking events of their choice for an unlimited period of time.

“We have seen that we can all be productive and achieve a lot by connecting virtually online so reducing

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/ NEW / 11)

MANILA – Retail investors are turning bullish on the stock market despite concerns about the May elections and coronavirus resurgence as the Philippine Stock Exchange index (PSEi) is expected to end the year at 8,400, according to an online stockbroker.

COL Financial Invest- elections and of course the ment Management president virus but for as long as the Marvin Fausto cited results conduct of the election is acof their investor sentiment ceptable and then the healthsurvey indicating that the care is not compromised, the majority or 82 percent of them economy will grow, busiwill be increasing their invest- nesses will recover, this help ments in the next three to six breaks the consolidation in the months. market, leading us to higher “There are concerns on levels,” Fausto said in a virtual

Oil prices rise anew MANILA – Consumers are facing higher prices of petroleum products as February kicks off.

In separate advisories, Caltex, Cleanfuel, Petro Gazz, Phoenix Petroleum, PTT Philippines, Seaoil, Shell, and Unioil will increase both diesel and gasoline prices by PHP0.75 per liter starting Tuesday morning.

Caltex, Seaoil, and Shell will also hike kerosene prices

by PHP0.45 per liter.

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/ OIL / 11)

press briefing Monday.

COL chief equity strategist April Lynn Tan said some people are still cautious with the stock market given the uncertainty as to when the coronavirus disease 2019 (Covid-19) pandemic ends.

“There is a possibility that being too cautious about Covid-19 is not going to be good because Covid-19 could become endemic already. The increasing vaccination rates in other countries caused them to

reopen faster and to relax all their restrictions,” she said.

Tan said the Philippines is also learning to live with the virus, citing that traffic went up to the pre-pandemic level in the fourth quarter of 2021 when the National Capital Region (NCR) was placed under Alert Level 2.

“The third-quarter GDP (gross domestic product) and the corporate earnings were actually better than expected

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/ MORE / 11)

Passage of economic bills to boost post-pandemic recovery MANILA – The urgent passage of the three landmark economic liberalization bills into law will be crucial in accelerating growth in 2022 and beyond, the National Economic and Development Authority (NEDA) said.

In his presentation during the #AskNEDA media briefing on Monday, Socioeconomic Planning Secretary Karl Kendrick Chua discussed how these reforms, namely the Amendments to the Retail Trade Liberalization Act, For-

eign Investments Act, and the Public Service Act, will help attract more investments, generate employment, introduce innovation, lower prices, and improve the quality of goods and services.

"Foreign investments react favorably to a more liberalized regime. This has been the experience of Vietnam and, most recently, Indonesia.

We are looking forward to doing the same so that we can become more competitive and provide Filipino consumers a

variety of options at affordable prices," Chua said.

The NEDA chief said the Philippines is currently the most restrictive in foreign investments in the region, and the third most restrictive in the world, according to the Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development in 2020.

This has led to the country lagging in terms of logistics and internet performance.

“Recently, Indonesia,

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/ PASSAGE / 11)

SEVERAL resort owners in the municipality of General Luna have begun repairing their properties, like this one spotted on Saturday (29 January 2022), after super typhoon “Odette” wreaked havoc in Siargao Island last December. The total damage to this tourist island was estimated to hit P20 billion. MindaNews photo by ROEL N. CATOTO

FEBRUARY 02 & 03, 2022

MINDANAO TIMES

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RD PAWNSHOP, INC NOTICE OF AUCTION This establishment will set at public auction all unredeemed pledges up to the month of SEPTEMBER 2021 Customers are enjoined to verify their receipts for all unredeemed pledge up to the month of SEPTEMBER 2021. Public auction for the following branches will be held at RD Pawnshop,Inc.

AUCTION DATE: FEBRUARY 08, 2022

RECTO BRANCH C.M Recto St., Davao City BOLTON BRANCH Bolton St., Davao City PONCIANO BRANCH DR2 JV’s Peak Blgd., Bangoy St.. Davao City AGDAO BRANCH Aquino St., Agdao, Davao City BOULEVARD BRANCH Piapi, Boulevard, Davao City AGDAO BRANCH 2 Lourdes Bldg., Lapo-lapu St., Agdao,Davao City BUCANA BRANCH San Pedro Ext., Brgy 37-D, Davao City SAN PEDRO BRANCH #115 San Pedro St., Barangay 36-D, Davao City LEGASPI BRANCH Legaspi St., Davao City UYANGUREN BRANCH R. Magsaysay St., Davao City JP LAUREL BRANCH G/F Amparo Bldg., J.P. Laurel Ave, Davao City JP LAUREL BARNCH 2 YL Finance Bldg., JP Laurel, Bajada, Davao City UYANGUREN BRANCH R. Magsaysay St., Davao City BOULEVARD BRANCH 2 Lot 5 Blk 1 Piapi Boulevard, Davao City DAVAO MABINI 895 Mabini Boulevard, Brgy 37D Pob Dist Davao City ILUSTRE BRANCH V. Ilustre St., Infront Of Felcris, Brgy 3-A Davao City TORIL 1 BRANCH Saavedra St., Toril, Davao City TORIL 2 BRANCH Gen. Lao St., Toril, Davao City CALINAN BRANCH 1 Villafuerte St., Calinan, Davao City CALINAN BRANCH 2 R. Magsaysay St., Calinan, Davao City TORIL BRANCH 3 Agton St., Toril, Davao City MINTAL BRANCH Door 3, RNA Bldg., Santan Bougainvilla St., Mintal Davao City ULAS BRANCH #206 Ulas, Brgy Talomo, Talomo Dist., Davao City TORIL BRANCH 4 Prk 9 Mc Arthur Highway, Toril Disrict, Bayabas Crossing, DC CALINAN BRANCH 3 Prk 16 LA111-1 NCCC Calinan Davao City MINTAL BRANCH 2 Prk 15 Sampaguita St., Davao Bukidnon Road, Brgy Mintal,

Tugbok District, Davao City BAGO GALLERA BRANCH Crossing Brgy Bago Gallera, Talomo Dist., Davao City PUAN BRANCH Puan, Brgy Talomo, Talomo District, Davao City MATINA BRANCH Mc Arthur Highway, Matina, Davao City BANGKAL BRANCH Mc Arthur Highway, Bangkal, Davao City MATINA BRANCH 2 Sto Nino, Matina Crossing, Davao City MATINA GALLERA BRANCH Mc Arthur Highway, Brgy Matina Crossing, Talomo Dist DC MATINA APLAYA BRANCH Phase1 Blk 2 L13 Shanghai Vil Brgy Matina Aplaya DC CATALUNAN GRANDE BRANCH Catalunan Grande Road, Sitio Escuel Brgy Catalunan Grande Davao City MATINA APLAYA BRANCH 2 Del Carmen Vill, Near Matina Aplaya Elem School,

Brgy Matina Aplaya, Talomo Dist.,Davao City BANKEROHAN BRANCH Quirino Ave., Bankerohan, Davao City SANDAWA BRANCH Prk 71 SIR Phase 1, Sandawa Road Brgy 76-A Bucana Davao City MAA BRANCH Davao City Jail Road, Brgy Maa Davao City MATINA BRANCH 3 Door 2, Bldng 1, GMC Bldng, RSY Commercial Complex, Mc Arthur Highway, Brgy Bucana, Davao City DONA PILAR BRANCH A#15 G/F LTG Y12 Bldg Beside ONB Km9 Brgy Sasa Davao City TIBUNGCO BRANCH Km. 15, Tibungco, Davao City SASA BRANCH Km. 11, Sasa, Davao City PANACAN BRANCH Km. 14, Panacan, Davao City SAMAL BABAK BRANCH Brgy. Miranda, Babak District, IGACOS BUNAWAN BRANCH Km. 23 Barangay Bunawan, Davao City

PEÑAPLATA BRANCH Brgy. Peñaplata, Samal Dist. Davao del Norte LANANG BRANCH Davao Agusan Highway Lanang Davao City TIBUNGCO BRANCH 2 Near Gaisano Grand Brgy Tibungco, Davao City JP LAUREL BRANCH 2 YL Finance Bldg, JP Laurel ave,Brgy 19-B, Bajada Davao City JP LAUREL BRANCH Door#5 GF Amparo Bldg, Alta Pension House,JP Laurel Ave DC GARCIA HEIGHTS BRANCH Brgy 19B Garcia heights, Bajada, Pob Dist. Davao City OBRERO BRANCH #45 Inigo St., Bo. Obrero, Brgy 18-B, Pob Dist Davao City BUHANGIN BRANCH 3 Km 5, Buhangin Road, Brgy. Buhangin, Davao City BUHANGIN BRANCH 2 San Antonio NHA Super Highway, Buhangin Davao City BUHANGIN BRANCH Km. 6, Superhighway, Buhangin, Davao City CABANTIAN BRANCH #5 Lucky Plaza Bldg., Cabantian Road, Davao City MANDUG BRANCH Door#5 Sienes Bldg., Mandug, Davao City INDANGAN BRANCH Prk San Andres, Deca Homes Phase 1 Brgy Indangan, Buhangin Distrci, Davao City BUHANGIN GYM BRANCH 44 San Nicolas St., Buhangin, Buhangin District, Davao City CABANTIAN BRANCH 2 Blk 57 Lot 1 Country Homes, Brgy Cabantian Buhangin Dist DC BUHANGIN BRANCH 4 Km 5 Buhangin Road, Brgy Buhangin, Buhangin Dist Davao City MAMAY ROAD BRANCH Unit#20 G/F D3GY10 Bldg. Angliongto Ave.,Brgy Alfonso Angliongto Buhangin Dist., Davao City CATITIPAN BRANCH Prk 10 Mutual Homes, Catitipan, Brgy Communal Buhangin District Davao City BUHANGIN MILAN BRANCH Milan, Brgy Buhangin, Buhangin Distrcit Davao City TAGUM BRANCH 1 Quezon St., Tagum City TAGUN BRANCH 2 Bonifacio St., Tagum City TAGUM BRANCH 3 Pioneer Avenue, Tagum City TAGUM MARKET New Public Market, Tagum City TAGUM BRANCH 5 Suarez Plaza, Sobrecarey St., Tagum City COMVAL MABINI BRANCH Public Market, Pob Mabini, Comval MACO BRANCH Prk 2A, Poblacion, Maco Compostela Valley TAGUM SAN MIGUEL BR Prk 6 San Miguel, Tagum City TAGUM MANGGA BR Prk Ilang-ilang, Mangga Visayan Vill Tagum City NEW CORELLA BRANCH Prk 2, Poblacion, New Corella Davao del Norte TAGUM QUIRANTE II BR Quirante II St., Magugpo, Poblacion Tagum City TAGUM BRIZ BRANCH Neo Bldg, Prk Rambutan, Magugpo East, Tagu, City TAGUM-NCCC BRANCH G/F NCCC, Km55, National Highway, Tagum City MATI BRANCH 1 Rizal St., Mati, Davao Oriental MATI BRANCH 2 Madang Public Market, Madang, Mati TIBANBAN BRANCH Tibanban, Gov. Generoso, Davao Oriental MATI BRANCH 3 Rizal Extension, Mati, Davao Oriental SAN ISIDRO BRANCH Compra Bldg., San Roque San Isidro, Davao Oriental MATI BRANCH 4 Dahican, Mati City, Davao Oriental BANAYBANAY BRANCH Prk 14 Poblacion, Banaybanay, Davao Oriental LUPON BRANCH C. Tuballa St., Lupon, Davao Oriental PANTUKAN BRANCH Market Area, Kingking, Pantukan, COMVAL Province SAN IGNACIO BRANCH Prk Magbuhos, Brgy San Ignacio, Manay Davao Oriental CARAGA BRANCH Sobrecarey St., Poblacion, Caraga Davao Oriental CATEEL BRANCH Dacuycuy St., Poblacion Cateel, Davao Oriental MANAY BRANCH P5 Castro St., Central Manay, Davao Oriental PANABO BRANCH 1 Quirino St., Panabo City Davao del Norte

PANABO BRANCH 2 Quezon St., Panabo City Davao del Norte STO TOMAS BRANCH 1 Feeder Road 2, Public Market, Sto Tomas, Davao del Norte PANABO BRANCH 3 Purok Atis, Brgy Sto Nino, Panabo City STO TOMAS BRANCH 2 Melecio Bldng, Magsaysay Ave., Tibal-og, Sto Tomas, Davao del Norte DAVAO CARMEN BRANCH Stall#28, Carmen Public Market, Davao del Norte PANABO BRANCH 4 Lucas Bldg., Prk 2 San Francisco, Panabo City PANABO BRANCH 5 Door#5 Dalagan, Felicisima E.,Prk Mangga, Sto Nino, Panabo City KAPALONG BRANCH Arellano St., Maniki Kapalong, Davao del Norte ASUNCION BRANCH Prk 3 Public Market, Cambanogoy, Asuncion, Davao del Norte COMVAL-LAAK BRANCH Prk 2 Poblacion, Laak, Davao De Oro NABUNTURAN BRANCH Rizal St., Nabunturan Comval Province COMPOSTELA BRANCH Magsaysay St.,Poblacion, Compostela Valley MONKAYO BRANCH Salazar St.,Poblacion Monkayo,Compostela Valley TRENTO BRANCH Trento Public Market, Trento, Agusan Del Sur MAWAB BRANCH UCCP Commercial Center, Cor Jampayas St., and Provincial Road Poblacion, Mawab, Compostela Valley MONTEVISTA BRANCH Jauod Bldg., Pob. Montevista, Comval Province A-BUNAWAN BRANCH Purok 2, San Teodoro, Bunawan Agusan Del Sur STA JOSEFA BRANCH Prk 7 Sta Josefa, Agusan Del Sur COMPOSTELA BRANCH 2 Prk 9 Crossing Gabi, Compostela, Davao de Oro TRENTO BRANCH 2 Prk 2 Poblacion Trento Agusan del Sur MONKAYO BRANCH 2 Prk 5 Poblacion Monkayo Davao de Oro DIGOS 1 BRANCH Rizal Avenue, Zone II, Digos City Davao del Sur DIGOS 2 BRANCH Luna St., Zone III, Digos City Davao del Sur DIGOS 3 BRANCH Rizal St., Zone III, Digos City Davao del Sur MALITA BRANCH Sarmiento Bldg., Quezon St., Malita Davao Occidental PADADA BRANCH Stall 09 GMA Bldg., Public Market Alemndras, Pob. Padada, Davao Occidental SULOP BRANCH Purok 1 Poblacion Sulop Davao del Sur STA. MARIA BRANCH Poblacion Sta Maria Davao Occidental STA CRUZ BRANCH Integrated Transport Terminal Bldg.,Brgy Zone III, Sta Cruz Davao del Sur MALITA 2 BRANCH Arboneda Bldg., National Highway, Pob Malita Davao Occidental CORONON BRANCH Purok Dalia, Coronon, Sta. Cruz Davao del Sur DIGOS 4 BRANCH Sacred Heart Avenue, Zone 2 Digos City Davao del Sur KIDAPAWAN BRANCH 3 Jose Abad Santos St., Kidapawan City KIDAPAWAN BRANCH 1 E. Perez St., Kidapawan City KIDAPAWAN BRANCH 2 Datu Ingkal St., Kidapawan City KIDAPAWAN BRANCH 4 Dayao St., Kidapawan City MAKILALA BRANCH Acasia St., Makilala, Cotabato ANTIPAS BRANCH F. Cajelo St., Antipas, Cotabato ARAKAN BRANCH Nabua St., Arakan, Cotabato MAGPET BRANCH Poblacion, Magpet, Cotabato BANSALAN BRANCH Viacrusis St., Bansalan, Davao del Sur MAGSAYSAY BRANCH Poblacion, Magsaysay, Davao del Sur MATANAO BRANCH Public Market, Pob Matanao, Davao del Sur PRES. ROXAS BRANCH Poblacion, Pres. Roxas, Cotabato BANSALAN BRANCH 2 R Delos Cientos St., Pob Dos, Bansalan Davao del Sur

Ang tanan nga gi-prenda sa bulan sa SEPTEMBER 2021 nga wala malukat, ang maong mga ahensiya mobaligya pinaagi sa subasta sugod sa 10:00 sa buntag basi sa petsa nga nalista sa taas. Gihangyo ang tanang mga suki sa pagsusi sa ilang resibo.

SSS reminds employers, members of payment deadline for December 2021, 4th quarter 2021 contributions The Social Security System (SSS) reminds employers and members that the payment deadline for December 2021 contributions of regular employers and October to December 2021 contributions of household employers; selfemployed, voluntary, nonworking spouse (SE/V/NWS) members; and Land-based Overseas Filipino Worker (OFW) members is on January 31, 2022.

SSS President and CEO Aurora C. Ignacio said the reminder is being made so that employers can avoid the penalties of late payments and for individual members to not miss their contribution payments.

The payment of contributions is one of the requirements for members to avail of social security benefit programs such as Sickness, Maternity, Unemployment, Retirement, Disability, Death, and Funeral, as well as loan privileges.

“During this period of uncertainty, SSS remains to be one of the most trusted government institutions that helps private sector workers against the adverse effects of the pandemic. In times of contingencies such as sickness or unemployment, they can get financial assistance from the SSS,” Ignacio said.

The payment schedule follows SSS Circular No. 2019-012, which stated that the deadline of remittance of

regular employers is every last day of the month following the applicable month, while for household employers and SE/V/NWS members, it is every last day of the month following the applicable month or calendar quarter, as the case may be.

As for Land-based OFW members, they can pay their SS contributions for the applicable months of January to September of a given year until December 31 of the same year, while for the applicable months of October to December of a given year, they are allowed to pay until January 31 of the succeeding year.

Moreover, if the deadline falls on a Saturday, Sunday, or holiday, payments will still be accepted on the next working day.

For example, contributions of regular employers for their employees for the applicable month of January 2022 can be paid until February 28, 2022. Household employers and SE/V/NWS members, on the other hand, may pay their January, February, and March 2022 contributions until May 2, 2022, since April 30 and May 1, 2022 both fall on a weekend.

“With the rise in COVID-19 cases, we continue to encourage our members and employers to use our online and alternative payment channels to pay their SSS contributions for their safety and convenience,” Ignacio

concluded.

One option for SE/V/ NWS and OFW members to pay their SS contributions online is through the SSS Mobile App, where they can use their PayMaya Account, GCash Account, Credit/Debit Card, or Bank of the Philippine Islands Account. Information about SSS online and alternative payment channels can be found in the Knowledgebase Section of the uSSSap Tayo Portal at https://crms.sss. gov.ph.

Furthermore, members who are paying contributions under monthly salary credits (MSCs) in excess of P20,000 up to the prescribed maximum MSC are automatically covered and contributing under the Workers’ Investment and Savings Program (WISP). It is a safe, convenient, principal-protected, and tax-free individual retirement savings plan launched last January 2021. Members with contributions under the WISP will receive additional benefits, as their WISP benefit will be automatically processed when they or their beneficiary/ies file/s for their Retirement, Total Disability, and/or Death Benefits.

For more information, follow “Philippine Social Security System – SSS” on Facebook, “mysssph” on Instagram or YouTube, “PHLSSS” on Twitter, or join the SSS’ Viber Community at “MYSSSPH Updates.”

6

Opinion

MINDANAO TIMES

FEBRUARY 02 & 03, 2022

The DLPC ‘top guns’ visit

Slip sliding away THE facets and phases by which we knew our father were many. For a time, aside from our two elder siblings, there were only five of us younger boys as our youngest, Maria Xenia was still years from being born. During that phase, Pops was disciplinarian to us five, while my mother played as our defense attorney. Despite that, one fond memory stands out. Around Christmastime, he'd bring us to the CocaCola plant in Matina during the evenings to witness the lighting of the moving reindeer displays and as a bonus, also see the plant's bottling process.

When he finally had grandchildren, first by our eldest brother, a doting grandpa emerged from out of that strict father persona. Then, as we all grew up to start our own families and eventually leaving the parental nest, his transformation was finally complete. His love for their row of grandchildren was legendary, with him being a fixture at several school activities. I even heard from our Manila-based nephews that whenever he was in that city, he'd occasionally go out with the boys for pool, a round of golf and beers. Through photos I saw later, he also find time to visit my son who lived and studied in Manila.

However, because the main concentration of grandchildren were here in Davao, my parents' home in Bajada became the natural center for all of our families' gatherings. As much as possible, we conveniently scheduled these on Sundays so many could attend. And that had always been the way until his final days. Thirteen days before, while we held a family lunch at the main house to celebrate my brother's birthday, no one had dared disturb him as he slept throughout the whole affair.

Correspondents:

Published by Mindanao Times Corporation, with Editorial and Business Offices at Ponciano Reyes cor. Palma Gil St., Davao City.

Telephone numbers (082)227-3252 or 227-9535 local 24 and 300-0854, Fax - (082)225-0309.

Publisher:

JESUS G. DUREZA Editor-in-Chief:

AMALIA B. CABUSAO Managing Editor:

CARMELITO Q. FRANCISCO Associate Editor:

JOEL B. ESCOVILLA Sports Editor:

JON O. DEVELOS Copy Editor:

CHRIS T. FABIAN

RHODA GRACE B. SARON SAMANTHA BURGOS NICOLE BURLAS WARREN ELIJAH VALDEZ

Come to think of it now, my memories with our father had spanned more than sixty years and in comparison to many, that's already quite a long time. In one earliest account, there is me standing at the balcony of our old house in Ponciano and looking down at him to wave goodbye while he waited for a jeepney on the way off to work. I vividly recall I had asked him for a centavo then. My father, in his all white uniform and dark shades merely smiled and then jokingly made a fist with his free hand, as he clasped his lunch wrapped in a brown paper bag with the other.

The last time I saw him, I was also looking down, but this time, as he lay now shrunken in his bed of pillows, face smothered by an oxygen mask and just silently looking up in my direction while I bid him goodbye. Two memories separated by years and years apart, with the last one unbeknownst to me as the final time we would be together. Sadly too, the last memory to close out forever our father-son saga I can now only share with my remaining siblings and the rest of the clan as though one bitter pill masquerading as a parting gift.

EDITORS’ NOTE:

Layout Artists:

MARK OLIVER G. GERONGAY SHIELA F. SANDOY Cartoonists:

Lifestyle:

ALEX ALAGON

MICHAEL DAKUDAO MARILYN C. ROQUE IAN RAY GARCIA

MAY L. FACO

Columnists:

VIC N. SUMALINOG ATTY. CAESAR EUROPA LORETO D. TINITIGAN DR. ALAND MIZELL ED R. FERNANDEZ ADRIAN M. TAMAYO JOAN MAE S. BANTAYAN ICOY SAN PEDRO

Editorial Assistant:

Operations Manager:

DOMINIC T. CARPIO

O.I.C.

ROY T. GEONZON Traffic Controller:

B-ARR D. GUMANTASON

Photographer:

Account Executives:

BING GONZALES

LYNETTE VIDA

Philippine Press Institute member

WE had the surprise of our life last Monday when we got some visitors in the house who we did not expect would come at this time when restrictions on movement are still very much in place due to the raging CoViD 19 pandemic.

Our visitors? The Top “Guns of Navarone” from Davao Light and Power Co. corporate “fortress.”

Yes, who would ever think that the company’s top management people will ever visit us after 9 years of having gone into retirement from the Aboitiz-owned electricity distribution unit? But there they were in our house in the rural enclave some 31 kilometers from the city’s downtown area. The group of seven led by no less than the President of Davao Light Engr. Rodger Velasco came in shortly before lunch. He was later joined by Assistant Vice Presidents Arnold Arsolon and Engr. Orville Lazaro, lawyer Sherwin Quilatan, Reputation Department Head Fermin Edillon ang staff Sherilyn Pono, and Rodger’s aide whose name escaped our mind.

We were actually very apprehensive thinking that we might have written some comments very much adverse to the operation of the company which we remain proud to be once a part of. We recalled that days earlier we wrote about the complaints expressed by some friends of ours regarding the inconsistencies in the implementation of company policies that are carried out by its service providers.

But no, their visit was some kind of an “aside” from their main objective of looking into the progress of a company-initiated project for high school students in the nearby public high school. Davao Light is putting up another Electrical Laboratory (E-Lab) facility in the school for students interested in pursuing electrical installations skills for houses and buildings as their vocational strand in their senior years in high school.

Yes, after taking their lunch at our house with food that they brought along with them, and taking our “halohalo” delicacy which is the main fare that our snack house is serving to customers, they indeed took up with us the issues which we wrote about. They did admit that the company has some weaknesses in the monitoring of the activities of their service contractors to the point that some of the service providers’ men are able to do some hanky punkies to the detriment of the company’s reputation which has been painstakingly built over the years.

According to the Davao Light gentlemen, even before we openly discussed the matter in our column they already heard words about the negative issues filtering from some sources. And they are crafting new mechanisms that will address the problems before these can create bigger dents in the company’s image.

We later joined Engineer Velasco’s group in the inspection of the ongoing installation of the E-Lab facility in the barangay high school. Our group met up with Davao City’s third district councilor Engr. Alberto “Abet” Ungab who was a former congressman in the same district. As councilor he carried with him some requests from his constituents who want to avail or have some problems with their power installations. And luckily Councilor Ungab himself also disclosed that he himself got disturbed by complaints from other residents in his district which are similar to the one we wrote. At least ours were validated by the councilor.

Like in our case the top officials of the power firm were humble enough to admit the shortness of the company as far as some expectations of certain people are concerned. But the good thing about it is that the top officials of the power firm did not hesitate to show their sensitivity to criticisms aired by its customers. The officials led by the company top executive were quick in saying that they already have looked into the problems and are willing to undertake measures that will make true the electric distribution firm’s desire to be able to maintain its “customer-friendly” status as service provider corporations to the public.

We however recommended that erring service providers contracted by the company be first reminded of their ( / ROUGH / 7)

Opinion

FEBRUARY 02 & 03, 2022

MINDANAO TIMES

7

Whistleblowing QUEZON CITY (MindaNews) -- What is a “whistleblower”? The Merriam-Webster dictionary defines it as “one who reveals something covert or who informs against another especially: an employee who brings wrongdoing by an employer or by other employees to the attention of a government or law enforcement agency.”

Whistleblowers have been the subject of many movies, like Karen Silkwood (a chemical technician at a KerrMcgee nuclear plant who speaks out about the unsafe work conditions in her workplace); Erin Brokowich (who built a legal case against a major California utility contaminating communities with chromium and endangering the health of more than 600 families); Edward Snowden (who revealed classified government surveillance programs used to spy on millions of Americans though their own emails, phone calls and webcams). And who can forget the “Me Too” movement that has led to conviction of power movie producer Harvey Weinstein?

In the Philippines, we have our own whistleblowers: Krizle Grace Mago, who revealed that Pharmally Pharmaceuticals Corp. sold to government damaged face shields with tampered dates of production. She seems to have disappeared. There is Thorrsson Montes Keith, who resigned from the Philippine Health Insurance Corp.

(PhilHealth), testifying in a Senate investigation about P15 billion in PhilHealth funds “stolen” by a “syndicate” within the firm. Remember Jun Lozada and the $329 million national broadband network contract with Chinese company ZTE Corp.?

SHE TALKS PEACE AMINA RASUL There have been many more. Whatever happened to them and their revelations? Have these revelations changed the way we do “business” (official or monkey)?

Interestingly, we do not have as much focus on sexual harassment issues here in the Philippines and ASEAN. Perhaps the shame – the stigma - is too much to bear. In China, tennis star Peng Shuai caused a storm with her post on Chinese social media site Weibo, accusing former Vice Premier Zhang Gaoli of forcing her to have sexual relations with him.

This kind of revelation has never happened in China – and probably will never happen again. Peng Shuai’s post has disappeared from the internet and she has supposedly withdrawn her accusation and has been hard to reach. Her colleagues in the tennis world, however, refuse to drop the issue.

Today’s guest on She Talks Peace is a Malaysian activist-lawyer, Animah Kosai, who helps leaders and organizations co-create safe, inclusive and vibrant work environments through a strong Speak Up Culture. After practicing law for nine years in Malaysia and corporate counsel for 14 years covering Malaysia, Singapore, Thailand, Brunei, Vietnam, Myanmar and India, she gave that

up to focus on workplace harassment, corporate wrongdoing, toxic work cultures, diversity and inclusion.

She set up The Speak Up Collective, a global online community of people speaking up at work and leaders who listen. The members discuss issues like workplace bullying, sexual harassment, inclusion pertaining to race, gender, neurodiversity, disabilities and crucial Speak Up skills like learning to listen and creating psychological safety.

What have whistleblowing and speaking up on issues of harassment or corruption got to do with peacebuilding?

Animah looks at the workplace of an organization, whether it has 100 or 100,000 employees, as a microcosm of society. Whatever our attitudes, values, beliefs and opinions are, we bring that into our workplace. Earlier, she had cited an example of wearing the hijab. She said that if a Malaysian believes a woman must cover her hair, then that person might expect that to be happening at work, and get disturbed by women who don’t. We might end up pressuring her to wear the hijab, or make victim blaming remarks if she is sexually harassed. If we live in France, or Quebec, Canada, we might believe that the hijab is a religious symbol and feel threatened by Islam or Muslims who are “taking over our country” and pressure or harass women who wear the hijab.

(MindaViews is the opinion section of MindaNews.

Amina Rasul is the President of the Philippine Center for Islam and Democracy, an advocate for Mindanao and the Bangsamoro, peace, human rights and democracy)

Lessons from the Holocaust WE need to reflect upon ourselves, our species. We, humans with reflective intelligence and knowledge of higher values, must urgently strive to be better human beings. Working together, we can change the world by teaching truth and honesty, giving good example and sharing knowledge and do good for our neighbor and by virtuous living.

By living and sharing the values of what is just, true and right, virtuous people can live in peace with each other. If a majority of people will live a virtuous life where equality and human rights and dignity are universally respected, it can be a world at peace with prosperity shared equally.

January 27 is Holocaust Memorial Day that marks the worst mass murder, the genocide of more than six million Jewish people and others. It happened across Europe from 1933 to 1945 when the Nazi political party came to power in Germany led by Adolf Hitler.

The holocaust was an almost indescribable implementation of a diabolical plan of the greatest evil to erase from the earth the Jewish people and others that the racist party under Hitler deemed to be sub-humans and marked for elimination by planned mass execution.

What is evil but the total absence of good, seen through the actions of people without conscience, without moral or spiritual values, with no respect for the rights and dignity of other humans. They have no belief in what is morally right and wrong and consider themselves above any law and kill others with impunity.

As in the past, evil is with us every day. Good people

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(from page 6)

infractions and if they admit they have committed such they be given a “shot at redemption.” Meaning these erring service provider firms first be given a chance to correct themselves, reinforce their weakness and be closely monitored before disciplinary measures are imposed.

Now that the Davao City-based firm is being beg of by the people of Davao del Norte and Davao de Oro to expand its franchise to their areas then it becomes extremely important that this early issues on service weaknesses be corrected. We are certain that the people of nearby Davao del Norte and Davao de Oro are expecting the same much talked about efficiency in the delivery of services and the quality of power distributed to customers when the power firm gets to serve them.

Again our heartfelt thanks to the team of DLPC President Velasco for dropping by and assuring us that the company remains steadfast in its desire to be a customerfriendly establishment even as it seeks to maintain the level of its various services by putting the necessary “handle” on its service contractors.

FROM THE MAIL

BY SHAY CULLEN of virtue must unite to defeat evil or it will defeat us. We learn of this evil by observing the present and remembering the past. In several countries today, mass murders and genocides are taking place. Blameless people are shot and murdered by agents of state with impunity and depraved malice.

The special day, 27 January, is when we recall the horrific mass murders of recent history, only seventy years ago. We honor and remember the victims and survivors of the most horrific evil genocide, the Holocaust when six million Jewish people and a million more of other groups were executed, abused, violated, exterminated in the most heinous ways devised by evil-minded Nazi people. There are today small groups of Neo-Nazi gangs that are white supremacists that abuse with racist words and acts of violence against immigrants and people of color in Europe and the United States.

The memorial is held to honor and uphold the dignity and memory of the millions who were brutally killed.

Their human rights were stripped from them. They were arrested, robbed, abused, jailed and driven like cattle to the slaughter. They suffered greatly and died after torture, execution, and a million gassed to death in crowded gas chambers.

This massacre was perpetrated by the German Nazi

regime under the killer and murderer Adolf Hitler from 1933 to 1945. The brutal murder of six million Jewish people and millions of others killed in the “Final Solution” was devised by Hitler to rid Europe of the Jewish people whom he hated. His fanatical racism knew no limit.

He falsely believed the German Aryan people were the supreme and purest of people and all others were branded as inferior degenerates and had to be exterminated. The industrial power of Germany was mobilized by the dictator Adolf Hitler, a fanatical leader of Germany, who was elected to power by 44 percent of the vote and had a strong following. Yet, millions of good Germans rejected him and opposed his regime.

The Nazis built a total of 25 concentration and execution camps and sub-camps all over occupied Europe and in Germany for their evil purpose. Auschwitz is known as the most notorious. At least one million Jews were gassed or beaten or shot to death at this camp in Nazi-occupied Poland. In other camps, the killings went on. Between 870,000 and 925,000 people were killed at Treblinka in Poland; 170,000 died at Sobibor. At least 152,000 were murdered at Chelmno, and about 434,500 Jews were killed at Belzec. Almost all were in occupied Poland. In all, about 6 million Jews and millions of others died in the Holocaust. The teenager Anne Frank was imprisoned in Bergen-Belsen camp and died of sickness just before the liberation. Her famous diary tells of her life in hiding and in the camp. www.preda.org

FEBRUARY 02 & 2022 WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 31,03, 2016

All pawned items items that expired during the month All pawned that expired during theof NOVEMBER 2021, if not renewed or redeemed on month MAY, 2015 if notwill renewed or beforeofNOVEMBER 2021 be soldortorethe deemed on or before JULY 14, 2015 will public on JANUARY 17, 2022 at 9:00a.m. at be our sold to the public on JULY 16, 2015 at 9:00 pawnshop premises.

a.m. at our pawnshop premises.

Gipahibalo ang tanan na ang FIRST COLOR PAWNSHOP magasubasta sa tanan Gipahibalo ang tanan na nga angnag-expired FIRST sa bulan sa NOBYEMBRE 2021.

Ang tanan prenda COLOR PAWNSHOP magasubasta sa tanan ibaligya sa publiko karong ENERO 17, 2022 sa nga9:00 nag-expired alas sa buntag. sa bulan sa MAYO 2015.

Ang tanan prenda ibaligya sa publiko karong HULYO 16 sa alas 9:00 sa buntag.

DAVAO FIRST COLOR PAWNSHOP

#47 Lao St., Toril, Davao City Tel. No. 295-2460

9GEMS Pawnshop Inc. Egger Bldg., Matina Crossing Davao City Tel. No. (082) 285-7069

NOTICE OF AUCTION SALE ALLPAWNED ITEMS EXPIRED ON DECEMBER 2021 AND GADGETS THAT EXPIRES ON JANUARY 2022 WILL BE DISPLAYED IN A PUBLIC AUCTION ON FEBRUARY 15, 2022 AT 9:00AM.

All pawned items that expired during the month of NOVEMBER 2021, must renewed or redeemed two (2) days prior the Auction Schedule stated below. If not renewed or redeemed it will sold to the public on its respective auction schedule and premises @ 9:00am.

Gipahibalo ang tanan nga ang GOLDVALUE PAWNSHOP, INC., maga-subasta sa tanan nga nag-expired sa bulan sa NOBYEMBRE 2021. Ang tanang prenda ibaligya sa publiko sa mga petsa nga nakabutang sa ubos, sa oras nga 9:00 sa buntag.

BRANCHES AUCTION DATE TEL. NOS. BAJADA JAN. 04, 2022 321-8705 (Beside NBI Office) BABAK SAMAL JAN. 21, 2022 301-4019 SAN PEDRO JAN. 11, 2022 227-6772 CABAGUIO JAN. 26, 2022 321-6223 TIBUNGCO JAN. 28, 2022 222-2494

NOTICE OF AUCTION SALE

Toy Bldg., Lapu-lapu St., Agdao, Davao City

NOTICE OF AUCTION SALE

All pawned items that expired during the month of NOV.- DEC. 2021 must be renewed or redeemed two (2) days before the Auction Schedule stated below. If not renewed or redeemed, it will be sold to public on its respective auction schedule and premises @ 9:00 A.M.

All pawned items that expired during the month of OCTOBER 2020, if not renewed or redeemed on or before DECEMBER 15, 2021 will be sold to the public on DECEMBER 16, 2021 at 9:00a.m. at our pawnshop premises.

Gipahibalo ang tanan na ang AL-JOS PAWNSHOP magasubasta sa tanan nga nag-expired sa bulan sa OKTUBRE 2020. Ang tanan prenda ibaligya sa publiko karong DISYEMBRE 16, 2021 sa alas 9:00 sa buntag.

Gipahibalo ang tanan na ang DIAGOLD PAWNSHOP INC., magasubasta sa tanan nga nag-expired sa bulan NOBYEMBRE-DISYEMBRE 2021. Ang tanang prenda ibaligya sa publiko sa mga petsa na nakabutang sa ubos, sa oras nga 9:00 sa buntag.

EXPIRY DATES NOV.-DEC 2021

AUCTION DATES FEBRAURY 11, 2022

Main – San Pedro Cor. Anda Street Davao City Tel. Nos. (082) 221-1477; (082) 221-0355; (082)222-5039 Email us @ rosegoldpawnshopdavao@gmail.com

Highest Appraisal and Low Interest Rates at 3% Rosegold Pawnshop Lapu-lapu Street, Agdao Davao City Tel. No. (082) 225-3637

Rosegold Pawnshop Ilustre St., Davao City (Fronting Limso Hospital) Tel. No. (082) 222-2104

Rosegold Pawnshop Ilustre Street, Davao City (Beside NCCC Hardwaremaxx) Tel. No. (082) 295-6199

NOTICE OF AUCTION SALE All Jewelry and other articles pawned at Rosegold Pawnshop San Pedro-Main, Rosegold Pawnshop Ilustre, Rosegold Pawnshop Bolton, Rosegold Pawnshop, Agdao and Rosegold Pawnshop Buhangin from JULY 16, 2021 TO AUGUST 15, 2021. If not redeemed or renewed on or before JANUARY 14, 2022 will be sold to the Public Auction on JANUARY 17, 2022 at Rosegold Pawnshop San Pedro-Main from 9:00am to 6:00pm.

NOTICE OF AUCTION SALE

All pawned items that expired during the month of NOVEMBER 2021, must renewed or redeemed two (2) days prior to the Auction Schedule stated below. If not renewed or redeemed, it will be sold to the public on its respective auction schedule and premises @ 9:00 a.m.

Gipahibalo ang tanan nga ang NARDING PAWNSHOP, INC., maga-subasta sa tanan nga nag-expired sa bulan sa NOBYEMBRE 2021. Ang tanan prenda ibaligya sa publiko sa mga petsa nga nakabutang sa ubos, sa oras nga 9:00 sa buntag.

BRANCHES Lapu-lapu, Agdao Matina Crossing Tibungco

AUCTION DATE JAN. 21, 2022 JAN. 21, 2022 JAN. 18, 2022

TEL. NOS. (082) 327-2104 (082) 297-5786 (082) 296-4130

PANABO’S PAWNSHOP, INC. Panabo (Main) Panabo (Branch)

JAN. 28, 2022 JAN. 14, 2022

(084) 628-8418 (084) 628-842

NOTICE OF AUCTION SALE All pawned items that expired during the Months of NOVEMBER 2021 (Regular Items) and DECEMBER 2021 (Gadgets) must be redeemed or renewed two (2) days prior to the Auction date schedule as stated below. If not redeemed or renewed will be sold to the public on its respectively auction date schedule at its premises at 9:00 AM

(Fronting Queen Bank) Tel. No. (082) 222-1561 ; (082) 321-0128 Email: goldstandardpawnshopdavao@gmail.com

Accepts: Jewelry, wholesaler and retailer on all kinds of jewelry Highest Appraisal and Low Interest Rates at 3%

NOTICE OF AUCTION SALE

All jewelry and other articles pawned at Goldstandard Pawnshop San Pedro,Ilustre from JULY 16, 2021 TO AUGUST 15, 2021 if not

redeemed or renewed on JANUARY 14, 2022 will be sold to the Public Auction on JANUARY 17, 2022 at our Pawnshop premises from 9:00am to 6:00pm.

BRANCHES: San Pedro (Main) Agdao Toril Bolton Digos City Claveria Km. 7 Lanang

AUCTION DATE JAN. 26, 2022 JAN. 26, 2022 JAN. 26, 2022 JAN. 26, 2022 JAN. 26, 2022 JAN. 26, 2022 JAN. 26, 2022

TEL. NO. 327-8832 327-6275 327-8503 392-3022 333-9945 296-8081 235-3473

FEBRUARY 02 & 03, 2022

NOTICE OF AUCTION SALE

All pawned items at METRO GOLDBRILL PAWNSHOP that expired during the month of NOVEMBER 2021, if not renewed or redeemed on or before JANUARY 18, 2022, will be sold to the public on JANUARY 20, 2022.

Gipahibalo ang tanan na ang METRO GOLDBRILL PAWNSHOP magasubasta sa tanan nga nag-expired sa bulan sa NOBYEMBRE 2021, kung dili malukat, ibaligya sa publiko karong ENERO 20, 2022.

EXPIRY DATES NOVEMBER 2021

AUCTION DATES JANUARY 20, 2022

EURO CIRCLE PAWNSHOP SAN PEDRO ST., DAVAO CITY - TEL. NO.: 227-0521

EURO MAIN PAWNSHOP ILUSTRE ST., DAVAO CITY - TEL. NO.: 227-7511 MATI CITY, DAVAO ORIENTAL - TEL. NO.: 306-0665

EURO STAR PAWNSHOP ILUSTRE ST., DAVAO CITY - TEL. NO.: 227-0667

EURO SUN PAWNSHOP

SAN PEDRO ST., DAVAO CITY - TEL. NO.: 227-3321

Roque Bldg., Matina Crossing, Davao City Tel. # 234-6367

PAWNS NOT REDEEMED/RENEWED WITHIN FIVE (5) DAYS AFTER EXPIRY D AT E S W I L L B E A U C T I O N E D O N FEBRUARY 17, 2022 AT 10:00 A.M. AT THE RESPECTIVE PAWNSHOPS WHERE THE ITEMS WERE PAWNED.

All pawned items of GOLDVISION PAWNSHOP, INC. that expired during the month of NOVEMBER 2021, if not renewed or redeemed it will be sold to the public on its respective auction schedule and premises at 9:00 a.m.

Gipahibalo ang tanan na ang GOLDVISION PAWNSHOP, INC. magasubasta sa tanan nga nag-expire sa bulan sa NOBYE,BRE 2021. Ang tanan prenda ibaligya sa publiko sa mga petsa nga nakabutang sa ubos, sa oras nga 9:00 sa buntag.

BRANCHES AUCTION DATE TEL. NO. General Lao, Toril

Agton. Toril Buhangin Magallanes Tagum Saavedra, Toril Agdao

JANUARY JANUARY JANUARY JANUARY JANUARY JANUARY JANUARY

15, 2022 15, 2022 14, 2022 07, 2022 25, 2022 15, 2022 18, 2022

291-2406 291-2952 241-0223 224-3138 216-3425 291-1349 327-2348

NOV. 2021 DEC. 2021

JAN. 14, 2022 JAN. 17, 2022 DAVAO VAULT SP

JAN. 17, 2022

Door #7Realty Bldg. beside Lakitan Mall San Pedro street, Davao City (Tel No.: 228-9322

GABBY’S BRILLIANT PAWNSHOP INC. / GABBY’S INFINITE PAWNSHOP INC. TEL NO.: 321-2185 / 234-4844

All pawned items that expire during the month of DECEMBER 2021 must be renewed or redeemed two (2) days prior the Auction Schedule stated below. If not renewed or redeemed it will be sold to public on its respective auction schedule and premises @9:00a.m.

Gipahibalo ang tanan nga ang GABBY’S INFINITE PAWNSHOP INC. magasubasta sa tanan nga nag expire sa bulan sa DISYEMBRE 2021. Ang tanang prenda ibaligya sa publiko sa mga petsa nga nakabutang sa ubos, sa oras nga 9:00 sa buntag.

BRANCHES

AUCTION DATE

TEL. NOS.

SAN PEDRO

JANUARY 18, 2022

321-2185

ILUSTRE

JANUARY 04, 2022

234-4844

10

MINDANAO TIMES

FAST...

(from front page)

which is mao pud ang atoang nakita sa National Capital Region. Fast and furious siya nga surge, paspas siya nisaka, and then nibaba dayon siya, wala siya nidugay (This may not be the answer but it is possible, in my opinion, the surge of cases is going down and its peak is finished, and the cases are now going down. This is the same scenario that we are seeing in the National Capital Region. The surge is fast and furious and it immediately slowed down and it will not stay long),” she said.

The mayor said that the COVID-19 surge has had an impact on the healthcare facilities with the accommodation of positive patients.

She bared that based on the January 30 data, around 288 have been approved for home isolation; 265 admitted at the Southern Philippines Medical Center (SPMC); 532 are in the Temporary Treatment and Monitoring Facilities (TTMFs); 74 are in private hospitals, 41 are ongoing extractions; 18 are in the non-TTMF facilities; and,

FEBRUARY 02 & 03, 2022

1,000... nine are admitted at hospitals outside the city.

Data from DOH XI would show the city's increasing number of recoveries with 1,698 new recoveries on Jan. 30; 762 on Jan. 29; 1,047 on Jan. 28; 526 on Jan. 27; 308 on Jan. 26; 267 on Jan. 25; and, 303 on Jan. 24.

The city government will continue to have an active response to the pandemic. She said that the city recently procured Molnupiravir, a COVID-19 oral treatment drug. A total of 1,000 bottles were donated to the SPMC while the remaining 1,000 bottles are for the city to use.

She said that the health group of the COVID-19 Task Force was instructed to make the medicine available to patients who are identified and given clearance by doctors whether they are in private hospitals, TTMFs, or in-home isolation.

The mayor said that the additional procurement of the Molnupiravir is still to be discussed.

EXTRAJUDICIAL SETTLEMENT OF THE ESTATE OF THE LATE ERLINDA ORILLO BATIANCILA Pursuant to Sec. 1 Rule 74 of the Revised Rules on Court of the Philippines, notice is hereby given that the estate of the late ERLINDA ORILLO BATIANCILA, who died intestate on January 30, 2021 at Prk. Rosal, Bincungan, Tagum City; That the deceased at the time of her death left eight titled property as coowners of the parcel of land, more particularly described as follows, to wit; Transfer Certificate of Title No. (TCT) No. 142-2020008338, situated in the Brgy., Bincungan, City of Tagum, Island of Mindanao, containing an area of One Thousand Three Hundred Twenty Seven (1,327)Sq. meters more or less; Transfer Certificate of Title No. (TCT) No. 142-2020008339, situated in the Brgy., Bincungan, City of Tagum, Island of Mindanao, containing an area of One Thousand Three Hundred Twenty Seven (1,327)Sq. meters more or less; Transfer Certificate of Title No. (TCT) No. 142-2020008340, situated in the Brgy., Bincungan, City of Tagum, Island of Mindanao, containing an area of One Thousand Three Hundred Twenty Seven (1,327)Sq. meters more or less; Transfer Certificate of Title No. (TCT) No. 142-2020008341, situated in the Brgy., Bincungan, City of Tagum, Island of Mindanao, containing an area of Five Hundred Seventy Three (573)Sq. meters more or less; Transfer Certificate of Title No. (TCT) No. 142-2020008342, situated in the Brgy., Bincungan, City of Tagum, Island of Mindanao, containing an area of One Thousand Three Hundred Twenty Seven (1,327)Sq. meters more or less; Transfer Certificate of Title No. (TCT) No. 142-2020008343, situated in the Brgy., Bincungan, City of Tagum, Island of Mindanao, containing an area of One thousand Three Hundred Twenty Eight (1,328)Sq. meters more or less; Transfer Certificate of Title No. (TCT) No. 142-2020008344, situated in the Brgy., Bincungan, City of Tagum, Island of Mindanao, containing an area of One Thousand Three Hundred Twenty Seven (1,327)Sq. meters more or less; and Transfer Certificate of Title No. (TCT) No. 142-2020008345, situated in the Brgy., Bincungan, City of Tagum, Island of Mindanao, containing an area of One Thousand Three Hundred Twenty Seven (1,327) Sq. meters more or less; has been the subject of an Extrajudicial Settlement of the Estate of the Late Erlinda Orillio Batiancila made and executed by and among her heirs per Doc. No. 138; Page No. 29; Book No. 179; Series of 2021 of the Notary Public Edgar A. Sermiento of Davao City.

(MT- Jan. 19, 26 & Feb. 2, 2022)

FIRST...

(from page 2)

official added.

Dr. Schlosser was referring to the advisory signed

by Acting City Health Officer Dr. Ashley Lopez, stating that a fully vaccinated asymptomatic COVID-19 patient will have to undergo seven days of home or facility isolation from the swab date. The isolation period may be extended depending on the severity of the symptoms and assessment of the attending physician.

A fully vaccinated mild COVID-19 patient will also undergo seven days of home or facility isolation from the swab date, provided that the symptoms improve at least 72 hours before the set isolation days. Isolation may get extended, depending on the severity of the symptoms and assessment of the attending physician.

Meanwhile, partially or unvaccinated asymptomatic COVID-19 patients will have 10 days of either home or facility isolation from the swab date but if symptoms occur, their isolation may be extended, again, depending on the severity of symptoms and attending doctor's assessment.

The partially or unvaccinated mild COVID-19 patient will also have 10 days of home or facility isolation from the date of the swab if the symptoms improve at least 72 hours before the set isolation days, depending on the severity and physician's assessment.

Dr. Schlosser said the uniform first day of isolation based on the swab date for mild and asymptomatic cases will address the people's confusion.

"So tanan, whether it may be mild or asymptomatic, we will start the first day of

60 VILLAGES...

isolation on the date of the swab. For example, if your symptoms manifested two days ago and you get swabbed today, kung mag positive ka the next day, the swab date today is the first day of isolation (Whether it may be mild or asymptomatic, we will start the first day of isolation on the date of the swab. For example, if your symptoms manifested two days ago and you get swabbed today and if you turn positive the next day, today is the first day of isolation)," she explained.

Dr. Ashley's advisory, however, maintains CHO Memorandum 055 series of 2022 on the isolation guidelines for moderate, severe, and critical regardless of vaccination status, which is based on the Department of Health (DOH) guidelines.

CHO Memorandum 055 series of 2022 states that moderate cases, regardless of vaccination status, will isolate for a minimum of 10 days from the onset of symptoms in the hospital. Hospital isolation will discontinue after the set period, provided the patient's symptoms have improved as per the assessment and recommendation of the attending physician.

For severe and critical cases, regardless of vaccination status, a minimum of 21 isolation days at the hospital from the onset of symptoms is required but can be discontinued if the patient's symptoms have improved based on the physician's assessment and recommendation.

Repeat testing is not recommended for all asymptomatic, mild, moderate, severe, and critical cases.

However, all symptomatic immunocompromised

(from page 2)

tion in going to the critical risk and high-risk barangays.

Entry into these areas should be strictly for work, business, and emergency purposes.

Mayor Sara Duterte has constantly reminded Davaoeños to follow minimum public health protocols such as wearing masks, practicing physical distancing, and frequent washing of hands with soap and water. Besides following the basic health measures, Dabawenyos, especially residents in critical and high-risk

areas, are also encouraged to get anti-COVID booster shots.

“Mag-remind ta didto sa atoang kaigsoonang Dabawenyo, especially kadtong naa sa high risk [areas] na ang booster shots are available (We are reminding Dabawenyos, especially those who are living in high-risk areas, that booster shots are still available),” she said.

The sites where to avail of the booster shots are listed on the City Government of Davao Facebook Page.

(from page 2)

confirmed COVID-19 cases are required to undergo repeat testing and if the result still yields positive, they will be referred to an infectious disease specialist. However, if the repeat swab yields negative results, they may be discharged from isolation.

TECHNICIAN...

(from page 2)

sa akoang bag! Unsay gusto ninyo, pabuthon nako ni sa tunga sa dalan (I have a grenade here in my bag? You want me to blow it up here)?"

The TFD personnel immediately coordinated with the Davao City Police Office (DCPO) and arrested the suspect. The suspect is now under the custody of Toril

VENDOR...

Police Station for documentation.

The suspect will face a charge under Presidential Decree 1727 or the malicious dissemination of false information of the willful making of any threat concerning bombs, explosives, or any similar device or means of destruction.

(from page 2)

According to the report, Acapulco was driving a Suzuki minivan bearing the plate number MAK 7621 and was supposed to enter Davao City.

The personnel manning the checkpoint found a gun

MAN...

Symptomatic immunocompromised confirmed cases will also have 21 days of facility or hospital isolation from the onset of symptoms.

Isolation will be discontinued once the patient's symptoms have improved. By Rhoda Grace B. Saron

from his vehicle upon passing through the inspection area. He failed to present documents that exempted him from the gun ban. The suspect is now under the custody of Toril Police Station for proper disposition.

(from page 2)

He was driving a red Kia Bongo with plate number KAH 9669. He was attempting to enter the city when accosted.

According to authorities, the intercepted illegal drugs, packed on a plastic bag weighing over 750 grams, had an estimated street value of around P90,000. This latest accomplishment is reportedly

MARCOS...

the fifth such arrest since the weekend.

Task Force Davao commander, Col. Darren E. Comia, expressed lauded his troops for fulfilling their mandates to ensure the safety and security of Davao City. The suspect and evidence were immediately turned over to Bunawan Police Station for proper disposition.

(from page 3)

ity (BTA) serving as the interim government until June 30, 2022.

The extension period has been extended until June 30, 2025, with the postponement of what was supposed to be the first regular election of BARMM officials from May 2022 to May 2025.

Marcos did not mention in his speech what he would do with the other issues in relation to the existing armed conflicts in Mindanao, on the New People’s Army and Islamic State-inspired groups like the Bangsamoro Islamic Freedom Fighters.

Marcos is facing several disqualification cases. Last week, Comelec Commissioner

Rowena Guanzon announced that “political interference” was delaying the release of the decision of the Comelec’s First Division but revealed she had voted to disqualify Marcos citing “moral turpitude” for failing to pay his taxes in the 1980s while he was Vice Governor. Guanzon heads the First Division.

Guanzon said on Saturday that she had given Commissioner Aimee Ferolino, the ponente of the decision, until noon on Monday to release the resolution.

Guanzon is retiring on Wednesday, February 2. (Ferdinandh B. Cabrera / MindaNews)

AFFIDAVIT OF SELF-ADJUDICATION

EXTRAJUDICIAL SETTLEMENT OF THE ESTATE OF THE LATE AIDA EVE C. ROSALES

EXTRAJUDICIAL SETTLEMENT OF THE ESTATE OF THE LATE EDGAR JORAM C. ROSALES

PURSUANT to Sec. 1 Rule 74 of the Revised Rules on Court of the Philippines, notice is hereby given that the estate of the late VICENTE PALMONES BALDEVIA, single, who died intestate on August 9, 2021 in Davao City; That the deceased at the time of his death leaving certain properties, covered by Transfer Certificate of Title (TCT) No. 387450 situated at Matina, City of Davao and Transfer Certificate of Title (TCT) No.T-117342, situated at Talomo, Davao City; That the said property has been the subject of AFFIDAVIT OF SELF-ADJUDICATION made and executed by and among his heirs per Doc. No. 175; Page No. 55; Book No. XVII; Series of 2021 of the Notary Public RAMON LEDESMA BOISER of Davao City.

Pursuant to Sec. 1 Rule 74 of the Revised Rules on Court of the Philippines, notice is hereby given that the estate of the late AIDA EVE C. ROSALES who died intestate on August 21, 2021 in Barangay Sibulan, Sta Cruz, Davao del Sur; That the deceased at the time of her death left a parcel of land, which are more particularly described as follows; Transfer Certificate of Title No. T-52809 A parcel of land (Lot 2, Psd-11-003250). Being a portion of lots C, D, E & I, Psd-57431, situated in the Barrio of Baracatan Municipality of Sta. Cruz Davao del Sur, containing an area of Sixteen Thousand Two Hundred Twenty Two (16,222) Sq. meters more or less has been the subject of EXTRAJUDICIAL SETTLEMENT OF THE ESTATE OF THE LATE AIDA EVE C. ROSALES made and executed by and among her legitimate and compulsory heirs of their siblings of the decease person, per Doc. No. 296; Page No. 61; Book No. LXVIII; Series of 2022 of the Notary Public PLACIDO A. GARDE, JR. of Davao City.

(MT-Jan. 26, Feb. 2 & 9, 2022)

(MT- Jan. 26, Feb. 2 & 9, 2022)

Pursuant to Sec. 1 Rule 74 of the Revised Rules on Court of the Philippines, notice is hereby given that the estate of the late EDGAR JORAM C. ROSALES, died intestate on September 19, 2021, in Barangay Sibulan, Sta Cruz Davao del Sur; That the deceased at the time of his death left a parcel of land, which are more particularly described as follows: Transfer Certificate of Title No. T-51956 A parcel of land (Lot 1, Psd-11-003250), being a portion of lots C, D, E & I, Psd-57431, situated in the Barrio of Baracatan Mun. of Sta. Cruz, Province of Davao del Sur; containing an area of SIXTEEN THOUSAND TOW HUNDRED TWENTY TWO (16,222) Sq. meters more or less has been the subject of EXTRAJUDICIAL SETTLEMENT OF THE ESTATE OF THE LATE EDGAR JORAM C. ROSALES made and executed by his legitimate and compulsory heirs of their sibling of the deceased person. Per Doc. 302; Page No. 62; Book No. LXVIII; Series of 2022 of the Notary Public PLACIDO A. GARDE, JR. of Davao City.

(MT-Jan. 26, Feb. 2 & 9, 2022)

MINDANAO TIMES

FEBRUARY 02 & 03, 2022

2 NPAs...

(from page 3)

Infantry Battalion were responding to reports regarding the presence of the rebels when the firefight ensued against five members of Headquarters Force Neo, North Central Mindanao Regional Committee (HQF Neo, NCMRC).

Afterward, government troops were able to recover the bodies.

Further, upon searching the area, they also rescued seven civilians, including four minors. They were identified only as alias Jecko, 30, and his son alias Gerald, 11, alias Raffy, 28, his wife alias Jennifer, 24, and their children Jepoy, 5, Junray, 3, and Shantal 1-year old.

Lt. Col. Anthony Bacus, commander of the 8IB said, “Nasalbar nato ang mga sibilyan nga gihadlok og gipangilkilan sa mga teror-

SENATE...

hensive Local Integration Program (E-CLIP) tungod sayang ang kinabuhi (We are waiting for the family members of the dead CNTs in order for them to finally rest in peace. We are saddened by their demise due to the deception of the NPA terrorists. We continue our call to the remaining CNTs to surrender and avail of the Enhanced Comprehensive Local Integration Program (E-CLIP) because life is precious),” Bacus added.

Brig. Gen. Ferdinand Barandon, the commander of the 403rd Infantry Brigade, congratulated his troops for the accomplishment. " We also thank the residents who reported the presence of the CNTs, which led us into stopping their terroristic activities against the innocent people of Bukidnon," he said.

TFBM officials stressed that the money released by the government is for the reconstruction of government infrastructures only, not for houses and buildings owned by residents.

As a result, areas in the 24 barangays in the “Most Affected Area” are still in ruins and have been taken over by vegetation.

“What is the use of new masjids if there are no people to pray in them?” Mindanao State University history professor Tirmizy Abdullah asked.

NGO worker Leah Tarhata Mehila noted that Marawi residents have been scattered all around the country. “Four years of suffering is enough,” she added.

Bangsamoro Transition Authority parliament member Zia Alonto Adiong said

the Senate passage of SB 2420 is “a step towards the social healing of Marawi residents.”

“For so long the residents have suffered, and giving the money directly to the beneficiaries will lessen their frustrations,” he said.

Adiong said he is glad that the Senate and House bills provide mechanisms where owners of properties that were demolished and destroyed during the five-month Marawi siege may file their claims for compensation.

Marawi leader and senatorial candidate Samira Gutoc said residents could demand payment from the incoming administration should the Marawi compensation bill be passed into law before the 17th Congress adjourns.

(Froilan Gallardo / MindaNews)

the already tight supply of the commodity, pumped Brent crude prices up to USD90 per barrel.

For the country’s benchmark, Mean of Platts Singapore (MOPS), both diesel and gasoline increased by USD4.55 and USD3.70 per barrel, respectively, last week.

The Department of Energy’s (DOE) oil monitor bulletin said supply disruptions amid recovering demand is fueling crude prices to go up.

Aside from the tension between Ukraine and Russia, the DOE also cited supply disruptions in Turkiye due to pipeline explosion that affects over 400,000 barrels a day of oil supply, the ongoing supply woes in Libya and Kazakhstan, and the rising concerns over the spare capacity of the Organization of the Petroleum Exporting Countries and its allies (OPEC+) to meet the increasing demand. (PNA)

mad, said that beyond the regulatory barriers to trading goods and services, the additional challenges faced

by MSMEs include having limited access to information and distribution channels.

“Needless to say, having access to distribution networks is a crucial component for businesses particularly in diversifying (their) customer base domestically or internationally,” he said.

Ahmad said the Committee has been forging partnerships with economic players among Asean member states, including some agencies and enablers, chamber of commerce, and industry associations that aim to establish regional partnerships with international organizations.

“These network partners will greatly contribute to accelerating the growth of international trade in the region by supporting MSMEs and other businesses through ASEAN Access and ASEAN Access MATCH,” he added.

Satvinder Singh, deputy secretary-general for Asean Economic Community, said businesses in the region have resumed as the vaccination rates in the Asean cities have reached 70 percent.

Singh cited the Asian Development Bank forecast that Southeast Asian economies will grow by 5.1 percent in 2022 from the 3 percent it projected last year.

He also highlighted the Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership

(from page 4)

With the price increase in the past four weeks, year-todate adjustments in gasoline prices stood a net increase of PHP4.95 per liter; PHP7.20 per liter increment on diesel; and PHP6.75 per liter hike on kerosene.

According to OilPrice. com, the uptrend in the international price of oil is mainly due to geopolitical risk, particularly tensions between Russia and Ukraine.

This development, amid

NEW...

Davao Ros-Ver Pawnshop, Incorporated Ilustre St., Davao City Tel # 224-1204; 222-6086

AUCTION SALE! The DAVAO ROS-VER PAWNSHOP, INC. and NEW PAG-ASA PAWNSHOP will be having its JOINT AUCTION on all unredeemed pawned items left during the month of October 2021. The said items will be sold to the public at the following VENUE AND DATE. Gipahibalo ang publiko na ang DAVAO ROS-VER PAWNSHOP, INC. og ang NEW PAG-ASA PAWNSHOP; magsubasta sa tanang prenda nga naremata atong Oktubre 2021. Ang tanang prenda dungan nga ibaligya sa publiko sa mga sumusunod nga dapit og petsa:

(from page 3)

The reconstruction of Marawi City is a source of tension and frustration among residents affected by the war between the government and Daesh-inspired militants in 2017.

The non-government organization International Alert, in its 2020 report, said close to 127,000 Marawi residents are still displaced or living in temporary shelters.

The NGO said many of the displaced residents are living with their relatives or friends and scattered all over the cities of Iligan, Cagayan de Oro, Davao, Cebu, and Manila.

The Task Force Bangon Marawi (TFBM), a government agency tasked to rebuild the city, reported that 80 percent of the reconstruction of public facilities has been completed as of December 2021.

OIL...

istang NPA. Giadtuan sila sa ilang umahan og ginapangayoan sila og mga tanum nga gulay. Sa dihang nakit-an sa mga NPA ang atong personahe og ila kining gipabuthan (We rescued the civilians who were threatened and extorted by the NPA Terrorists. They were approached at their farm and the CNTs extorted vegetables from them and when they saw the soldiers approaching, they immediately fired.)”

“Karon among ginahulat ang pamilya sa mga namatay nga CNTs (communist NPA terrorists) aron sila hingpit nang mapahiluna. Kami nasubo sa nadangatan nila tungod sa pagpanglinla sa teroristang NPA. Tungod niiini, padayun ang among panawagan sa nahibilin pang mga CNT nga mosurrender na ug pahimuslan ang Enhanced Compre-

11

(from page 4)

the time and also the cost to meet a potential client or new supplier. MATCH makes business matchmaking attainable for everyone,” he said.

Apart from showcasing products and technologies during events, Elges added registered members of ASEAN Access can promote these for free in the platform.

Associate Professor Dr. Veerapong Malai, directorgeneral of the Office of Small and Medium Enterprises Promotion in Thailand, said the platform features country information and key sectors, thus users can utilize business insights in identifying opportunities and trends.

Asean Coordinating Committee on MSMEs chair, Dato Suriani binti Dato Ah-

MORE...

(from page 4)

and we saw a ‘V-shaped recovery’ and again this might be due to rising vaccination rate which has made people more confident in going out and of course the government loosening quarantine restrictions, allowing even children to go out,” she added.

Tan also considered the May elections a “non-event”.

“If you are too cautious,

PASSAGE...

maybe you will be left out,” she said. “What do investors really want to happen during the election? I think what is important is that we have a clean and honest election where people will actually accept the outcome that there is no cheating –that is the will of the people. And I think what is important is the candidates’ economic policy.”

Meanwhile, Tan said their 8,400 PSEi target this year is based on a bottom-up target, supported by positive Philippine developments.

“We feel that the reopening of the Philippine economy will drive economic growth faster and drive profit higher,” she said. The PSEi ended its last trading for 2021 at 7,122.63. (PNA)

(from page 4)

Singapore, Vietnam, and Thailand have opened up their road transport, airlines, and telecommunications sectors.

Technology is advancing very fast, so we need to attract more investments and innovation in these sectors so we will not be left behind,” Chua said.

Chua cited how Republic Act 8762, which opened up the retail sector, led to the entry of international brands like Ikea, Uniqlo, and Muji.

The enactment of the amendments to the Retail Trade Liberalization Act last December 10 will further simplify and lower barriers to entry in the retail sector and give Filipino consumers an even wider array of options.

Likewise, the urgent passage of the remaining two economic liberalization bills will attract more investments in sectors that still need significant improvement.

On Dec. 7, 2021, the Senate and House of Representatives (HOR) ratified the final bicameral report on the proposed Amendments to the Foreign Investments Act. This

will spur more innovation by relaxing conditions on paidup capital for firms with sufficient Filipino employment or enterprises that involve advanced technology or have a start-up status. The enrolled copy is pending transmittal to the Office of the President.

Meanwhile, the Amendments to the Public Service Act, which seeks to open key sectors such as transport and telecommunications, is currently being deliberated in the Bicameral Conference Committee.

The NEDA chief also urged Congress to approve the measure before the adjournment of the session this week.

All three legislations complement the Corporate Recovery and Tax Incentives for Enterprises (CREATE) Act, which brings the Philippines’ corporate income tax rate closer to its Asean peers and modernizes the country’s fiscal incentives system.

“The passage of these reforms will also create more and better employment opportunities. According to the World Bank, relaxing foreign

equity restrictions in the transport and telecommunications sectors can result in an increase in employment of 2.8 percent in the transport sector and 1.8 percent in the telecommunications sector. It could also increase employment by a range of 1.8 to 6.2 percent for various manufacturing sub-sectors through spillover effects, based on the same study,” Chua said.

In the same briefing, NEDA Undersecretary for Policy and Planning Rosemarie Edillon also presented updates on the National Action Plan against COVID-19 Phase IV (NAP4) and the NAP4 scorecard, which guides the government’s policies in pandemic management and the safe reopening of the economy.

“The scorecard covers infection management, vaccine rollout, and socioeconomic recovery. Our overall strategic goal is managing COVID-19 (coronavirus disease 2019) towards a healthier and resilient Philippines,” Edillon said. (PNA)

(RCEP) which came into force in the first week of January this year.

Singh said RCEP, the largest free trade agreement in the world connecting Asean and major economies, is expected to stimulate expansion of regional trade and investments, and further strengthen

the resilience of the supply chains among the signatory states.

“Thus we all believe that the launching of the ASEAN Access MATCH could not have been more timely than now,” he added. “Today, our businesses need to look not just only within their own

economies. They need to look out, they need to globalize, they need to internationalize.”

Singh thus urged ASEAN MSMEs to explore the platform as one of their “must go” tools for their internationalization activities when they look for new markets around the world. (PR)

FEBRUARY 02 & 03, 2022

LifeStyle

MINDANAO TIMES

Staying fab and healthy

MAINTAIN your fabulous and healthy self no matter how extra challenging these days are.

Especially now when there is still an ongoing Omicron threat, keep your bodies in good shape. The key here is to strengthen your immune system and defend yourselves against disease-causing microorganisms.

Healthline.com writes that strengthening your body’s natural defenses can be done through having several dietary and lifestyle changes, including the need to have sufficient sleep, increase whole plant food intake, have moderate exercise, and keep yourselves hydrated.

Fill yourself too with the right vitamins and supplements to help you stay fabulous and healthy:

Vitamin C – This helps you protect against immune system deficiencies. WebMD writes that: “Vitamin C, also known as ascorbic acid, is necessary for the growth, development, and repair of all body tissues.”

Zinc – This strengthens your immune system and improve metabolism function. It can also help treat colds, heal wounds, and improve sense of taste and smell, according to the Mayo Clinic.

Probiotics – These are live bacteria and yeasts that may benefit a person’s health, cites Medical News Today.

These keep you maintain a healthy gut and support your immune system.

Vitamin E – This is famed for its antioxidant effects and helped you keep beautiful skin. It is also needed for proper immune function and protects your cells from oxidative damage, basing on the article in Healtline.com.

Explore more vitamins, supplements, and other essentials at Watsons in SM City Davao and SM Lanang Premier. For further updates, check on the official social media pages of SM City Davao and SM Lanang Premier.