MINDANAO TIMES, September 23-25, 2022

Not lifted yet

BY RHODA GRACE B. SARON

THE city government is not lifting the ordinance mandating the wearing of face masks, only this time it is allowing the choice for anyone to wear it or take it off in an outdoor setting.

Signed by Mayor Se bastian Duterte on Wednes day, Executive Order 43 still mandates the wearing

of face masks “in indoor private or public establish ments, including in public transportation by land,

air, or sea, and in outdoor settings where physical distancing cannot be main tained,”

Under the ordinance, passed in July 2020, nonwearing of face masks in public places penalizes violators P500 for first of fense, P2,000 for second offense and P5,000 and

a one-month jail time for thirdTheoffense.new executive or der, those tasked to imple ment the ordinance are still to continue doing their job.

Duterte earlier said

that he will only take action on whether to al low voluntary wearing of face masks based on the experience of other local government units.

COMPANY representatives interview job applicants during the first day of the two-day jobs fair initiated by the Department of Tourism and the Department of Labor and Employment dubbed as “Trabaho, Turismo, Asenso” at Abreeza Mall on Thursday. The event about vacancies, in the tourism from participating The jobs fair being simultaneously held in other parts of the BING GONZALES

DLPC: Full digitization of substations in 2026

BY CARMELITO Q. FRANCISCO

THE Davao Light and Power Co. (DLPC) has continued to modernize its system as it plans to completely digitize its substations before the end of 2026.

This developed as, based on the report of the company, it is completing two more digital substa tions this year, among the five that it is starting to build. The digitization of these two substations in Binugao and Bangkal, both 33-megavolt-am peres, is set to be complet ed within the last quarter of the year.

Rodger Velasco, com pany president and chief operations officer, said the company always strives to provide world-class ser vice, among them adopting the use of modern technol

ogy.“We measure our per formance,” he said, point ing out that the use of tech nology allows it to perform better. “We are crazy about

you customers, we want to provide you with the best service,” he added.

Based on its plan, among those included in the first five digital substa tions that the company has started to build is the one in Panabo City in Davao del Norte which started in July and is expected to be completed in 2024.

DavaoOr is free of insurgents, say

THE Davao Oriental Pro vincial Peace and Order Council has declared the province Insurgency-free again during a meeting held at Honey's Hotel, Mati City on Monday.Gov.Corazon Malan

yaon said the move will help the province’s econo my as it has been promoted as an area for tourists.

“We have what it takes to be a premier tourist desti nation, and Davao Oriental is worth visiting. But we

also have to consider that the tourism industry is too sensitive to peace and or der,” Malanyaon said.

In response Major General Nolasco Mem pin, 10th Infantry Division

THE City Veterinarian Of fice announced Wednesday that it has 346 heads of swine this year to repopu late those areas affected by African Swine Fever.

CVO Head Cerelyn Pinili said 50 heads were distributed in Barangay Sasa, 50 in Barangay Co losas, Paquibato, 148

Swineingiven to areas hit by BarangayASFCalinan,and

in Barangay Magsaysay.

Probers’ competence, cooperation cited for resolution of criminal cases

98

The office also did the same last “Gikanyear.ni siya sa De partment of Agriculture ang stock. Kita ang nag distribute ug nag monitor. Up to 40 days gi-test nato for ASF kung matakdan

THE Police Regional Of fice has credited the com petence of its investiga tors and the cooperation of residents in registering a high percentage of resolved cases.In the weekly press conference Wednesday, Police Regional Director Benjamin Silo, said the

region was able to resolve 97.71% of the cases filed with its stations due to the competence of police investigators but also the active participation of ci vilians.This was based on the 1,006 cases of focus crimes filed between January 2 un til September 17, 983 cases

were already filed in court, 551 arrests were made, and 23 remain unsolved.

The regional office identified the focus crimes in its area include theft, rape, robbery, physical injury, murder, homicide, carnapping of motorcycle, and carnapping of motor vehicle.

“We are very thankful na ‘yong mga kababayan natin gising at nakikipag tulungan sa ating mga ka pulisyahan para maresolba ‘yong mga krimen na nang yayari sa Davao Region,”

Silo However,said. he urged residents to be vigilants

CITY Transport and Traffic Management Office personnel use a speed gun to implement the speed limit along national highway in Barangay Dumoy, Talomo District on Thursday, Sept. 22 as Mayor Sebastian Duterte issued an order for the arrest of drivers who do not yield to pedestrians crossing the pedestrian lanes. BING GONZALES

LifeStyle

GovGenholdssuccessfulfirst openfishingtourney

ALLINMAR Morgia of Tawtaw Anglers of Tacurong City, Sultan Kudarat made history as he emerged as the first champion in the First Open Fishing Competition held last September 16 to 18 in the Municipality of Governor Generoso in Davao Oriental.

Morgia was able to hook the largest catch during the three-day open fishing event, an oil fish, locally known as "sirit", weighing 40.3 kilograms. He received Php20, 000 cash prize, trophy and a Valleyhill Jackbluster rod from Ryoshi Pro Outfitters Inc. His boatman also re ceived Php5, 000 in cash.

His team was also declared Cumulative Champion with a total accumulated catch of 18.3 kilograms aside from Allinmar's solo catch.

Jeremy Molina of Anglers Den/Ryoshi Anglers and Erwin Bollozos of Tawtaw Anglers Club got the 1st runner up and 2nd runner up ranking, respectively.

Molina, who won Php15, 000 cash, caught a 6.2 kilo

gram swordfish ("malasugi") while Bol lozos, who won Php10, 000 cash, took a 5.5 kilogram ruby snapper ("maya Maya") back to shore. Both anglers also received a trophy and a Goofish rod.

Special awards were also given to Sherwin Dy Araral for his Special Catch, a 1.6 kilogram octupos ("kugita") and Paul Anca for his shortest catch, a trigger fish ("pugot").

Aside from the competition, which gathered 10 fishing clubs from around Mindanao, the event was able to educate the local coastal community on sustainable fishing and en couraged 50 local boat owners to register with the Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources.

"We are looking for a bigger event next year. Tight lines and bent rods to all our Anglers and to all those who made this event possible," said Hector Emberga of Pelagic Anglers PH, one of the organizers of the event.

Department of Tourism XI regional director Tanya

Rabat Tan also commended the organizers for the success of the open fishing competition. She also welcomed the participants for travelling to Gover nor Generoso via its well-paved highway, a project of the Department of Public Works and Highways and Department of Tourism convergence program that makes local destinations more accessible to tourists.

"One of the major thrusts of Tourism Secretary Christina Garcia Frasco is the continuing improve ment of tourism infrastructure, which contributed to the fruition of this activity," Tan said.

She recalled that sometime in 2020 as part of her agency's monitoring efforts, she discussed with Atty Anton Banzali, one of the event's organ izers, regarding future tourism projects for the

municipality."Hesaid that apart from water sports, the Gov Gen is rich with marine resources. In fact, it is the fishing capital of Davao Oriental, making it the place perfect for game fishing. The rest, as they say, is history. And here we are now, awarding our winners, " she added.

The First Open Fishing Competition was supported by Department of Tourism Xl, the Mu nicipal Government of Governor Generoso, the Province of Davao Oriental, Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources, Maritime Police Office - Governor Generoso, and the Philippine Coast Guard - Governor Generoso Sub Office. Sponsors include Asuka Philippines, Ryoshi Pro Outfitters, Goofish, Arcadia, Fatfish and Akashi Philippines.

OPEN fishing anglers from 10 fishing clubs around Mindanao, including Cagayan de Oro, Cotabato, Tacurong, Tagum and Davao

PARTICIPATING boatmen from Governor Generoso

SETTING up the catch from the three-day event

TAWTAW Anglers of Tacurong City, Sultan Kudarat, the event's Cumulative Champion

ALLINMAR Morgia of Tawtaw Anglers with his 40.3 kilogram oil fish

DOT regional director Tanya Tan with event organizers Miggy Solitaria, Atty Anton Banzali and Hector Emberga

SM Supermalls begins

100 Days of Happiness

TO KICKSTART the Christmas countdown, SM Su permalls began its 100 Days of Happiness last Septem ber 16, where they aim to create a circle of happiness with 76 participating malls, shoppers, the marginalized communities of women, persons deprived of liberty, artisans, cause-oriented organizations, and select local government units.

"We want to create a circle of happiness in all our SM malls by featuring products of cause-oriented pro grams which we will offer to our shoppers who, in turn, give them to friends and family, and ultimately, benefit the communities that created these products," said SM Supermalls President Steven T. Tan.

Through the campaign, SM Supermalls encourages Filipinos to support the advocacies of individuals and organizations that provide opportunities and create liveli hood for their communities. For this year, SM partnered with bag designer Zarah Juan, Spark PH, the Girl Scouts of

the Philippines (GSP), the Association of Foot and Mouth Artists of the Philippines, UNICEF, and the Quezon City LGU for its Vote to Tote initiative, among others.

The launch event held at SM North EDSA The Block was attended by SM Supermalls President Steven Tan and SVP for Marketing Joaquin San Agustin; Quezon City Mayor Joy Belmonte, Vice Mayor Gian Sotto, and select councilors of the city; Spark PH Founder Mica Teves; GSP President Dr. Nina Lim-Yuson; designer Zarah Juan; and Brownies Unlimited Marketing head Dustin Ngo.

Equipping young girls to lead and build the future, one box of brownies at a time

For this year’s 100 Days campaign, SM Megamall, along with 9 other SM malls, is collaborating with Brown ies Unlimited and the Girl Scouts of the Philippines. For every purchase of a special GSP-themed box of brownies in-mall and via the SM Malls Online App, one girl will be sponsored with a GSP membership for a year.

"We have a lot of young girls across the country and they've had such difficult times during the pandemic. Our membership dropped significantly. By buying a box, you can sponsor a girl for one year and she can learn so many things like being independent, loving her country more, and helping her community," said GSP President Nina

Recently,Lim-Yuson.SM Supermalls helped the GSP vaccinate all its 70,000 members nationwide. By providing them with convenient and safe COVID-19 vaccines, SM Su permalls was able to ensure that the GSP members have access to quality healthcare services.

SM shoppers can purchase a box of brownies from 46 Brownies Unlimited branches nationwide and the SM Malls Online App.

Giving marginalized women and persons deprived of liberty hope for the future

Apart from the GSP partnership, SM Supermalls also partnered with the local government of Quezon City for its Vote to Tote program, Spark PH, and bag designer Zarah Juan to sell upcycled tarpaulin handmade tote bags sewn by marginalized women and female persons deprived of liberty."Christmas

is all about giving. We are very happy that this year, the communities of Quezon City are included as beneficiaries in this program. And apart from helping the women in our communities, we are also able to help the environment by upcycling 70 tons of election tarpaulins that we've collected." said Mayor Belmonte.

Juan, the designer, was the brainchild of the upcycling initiative. "During the elections, there were tons of election campaign wastes. I wanted to do something and I thought I have my platform– my designs. If my designs can actually solve this problem, then it's worthwhile. Then I pitched the idea to Maica Teves, the founder of Spark PH. From there, we gathered all the help we can– from the Quezon City LGU who will help us collect tarpaulins, the women communities that can help us create, and SM Supermalls who can provide us the platform to distribute."

A Happiness Walk was done to showcase the upcy cled tote bags that shoppers can buy in SM malls. Joining the Happiness Walk were men and women of substance including select Girl Scouts members, Jeremy Lapena and Bernce Sevilla of the Downs Syndrome Association of the Phils, Mylene Abiva of WomenBiz, media celebrities Ces Oreña Drilon, and Gina Pareño among others.

DENR XI, MGB XI MEETS GOVERNOR DOROTHY MONTEJO-GONZAGA OF DAVAO DE ORO TO DISCUSS MINING CONCERNS IN THE PROVINCE

THE Mines and Geosciences Bureau Region XI and the Alliance of Responsible Miners of Region XI recently concluded its 4th Stakeholders’ Forum on Responsible Mining, entitled Tenement, Safety and Health, Environmental Management, and Social Development Compliance Monitoring ReOrientation and Workshop, with the theme “Beyond Compliance: Convergence, Sustainability, and Resilience in the Mineral Development Sector”, held at Grand Regal Hotel, Davao City from September 12 to 16, 2022.

A series of lectures on recent mining policies, compliance monitoring checklists and scorecards were delivered by MGB Central Office and MGB Region XI technical personnel to the 16 mining companies that participated in the workshop.

MGB Director Wilfredo Moncano, EMB Director William Cuñado, ARMOR XI President Constancio Paye Jr., and MGB XI Regional Director Jasper Alberto Lascano were among the DENR and ARMOR XI Officials who graced the 5-day event.

DEPARTMENT of Environment and Natural Resources Region XI Regional Executive Director Bagani Fidel Evasco and Mines Geosciences Bureau Regional Director Jasper Alberto Lascano conducted a meeting with Provincial Governor Dorothy Montejo-Gonzaga on the Small-Scale Mining (SSM) and Large-Scale Mining Issues in the Province, particularly of the issues in Pantukan, Diwalwal Mineral Reservation Area, and Mainit Hot Spring

Protected Landscape.

MGB XI RD Lascano presented his Policy Foresight Paper, titled “# KitaAngDiwalwal: The Future of Small-Scale Mining in Mt. Diwata” to the Honorable Governor. Likewise, RD Lascano recommended strengthening the Minahang Bayan and the joint collaboration on enforcement against Illegal SSM within Davao de Oro, along with other MGB recommendations.

Franchise Asia PH takes center stage

FRANCHISE Asia Philippines, the biggest franchise show in Asia or ganized by the Philippine Franchise Association (PFA) will take the center stage this month and next, showcas ing anew a wide variety of franchise investment opportunities as well as learning sessions for franchise indus try practitioners.

The international virtual conference is set on September 20 to 22 while the international franchise expo is slated on October 14-16 at the SMX Convention Center in Pasay City.

With the theme, Live.Love.Fran chise, Franchise Asia Philippines 2022 brings back the international expo faceto-face while the conference widens its online reach as it continues to reach out to more delegates here and abroad.

“We are excited of what our show this year brings in terms of confer ence topics that will be tackled and the business opportunities that will be showcased,” says PFA President Sam Christopher Lim, “we are indeed on track to the golden age of franchising in the country. Things may have changed but opportunities still abound.”

“That is why we are encouraging everyone to keep your dreams alive,” says PFA Chairman Sherill Quintana. “If you want to start a business and become your own boss, then go ahead. Don’t let any challenges stop you from

LIM QUINTANA( /FRANCHISE/10)

One steps two steps

BEFORE the teacher could finish saying “class dismissed”, more than half of the class was already headed out the door. More than a hundred children, eager for recess and little time for lunch and rest, noisily rush out to the wide-open spaces of a public school under cool acacia trees, like a steady gush of water from opened dam gates. Amusingly enough, jumping the gun is such a common behavior that’s not only readily witnessed in any or all classrooms. Truer still, the tendency at pre-emption (others say anticipation) is most definitely not merely confined to little kids.

During the middle of September this year, when the president issued Presidential Executive Order No. 03, ”providing guidelines allowing the voluntary wearing of face masks in outdoor settings and reiterating the continued implementation of the minimum public health standards during the state of public health emergency relative to the COVID-19 pandemic,” most of the public’s comprehension had curiously stayed frozen at “allowing the voluntary wearing of face masks.” (082)

Reading beyond that had just become pure blur. From among some friends, the exclamation “finally!” had become common. One has to wonder if that were pure relief that they could at last function normally or surprise and mock amazement that finally, the government had come to itsLater,senses.when the city government explained the presidential EO further via its own executive order mo. 43, with the city’s Covid standing at the present time, only then had it become muchclearer that the wearing of masks (especially

for senior citizens especially and the immunocompromised) was still stipulated in the executive order and so therefore, was still very much in effect. Along with this, other minimum public health standards such as social distancing, were likewise applicable as yet. At this, the reaction had very much been retro: bummer.

In the said city executive order, it has been written that Davao City had already reached herd immunity, with 1.3 million residents or one hundred percent of the target population having been vaccinated. While this may have become one of the reasons for the slowing down of Covid positive cases in the city, it has likewise been the excuse to why some vocal residents are still wary of the need to wear masks. It should be remembered that from the very beginning, this had been the long-standingUnfortunately,debate.itstill rages on till this day. As I’ve mentioned before, some visitors have even complained why the city is still very much into masks while other cities in the country and abroad where they hail from, have already done away with the practice. It has even been so irritating that in one city, a local government official had insinuated in many speeches that masks are nothing but a means of profit-making for some people. Well, for those who have suffered because of the strains of COVID-19 and especially for those with relatives who’ve died, they can only say, “the nerve!”

OpiniOn

Split the water service area - 2

PEOPLE residing in Tacunan, Tugbok District are surely happy that the shortcut route from Catalunan Grande to their barangay is undergoing widening. And the completed portion which is from the junction of Catalunan-Elenita Heights roads going up to Congressman Polong Duterte’s residence to the crossing going to a sitio where an Ateneo housing project is rising are very well illuminated with first class solar street lights.

Unfortunately, from that junction, the stretch leading to the boundary of Catalunan Grande and Tacunan has remained a 4-meter wide barangay road. It seems that the inclusion of the stretch in the widening project is not yet visible.Ironically, a new concrete bridge spanning the small creek that separates the two mentioned barangays had long been completed including the approach from the Catalunan Grande side.

Supposedly the new concrete bridge is to replace the dilapidating one-lane steel-reinforced bridge that is pres ently used by motorists. People passing by the stretch are wondering aloud why the new bridge has not connected yet to the 4-meter wide road when doing the same could have helped obviate possible accidents in the area? At present, the immediate approaches of the old bridge from both ends are blind curves with deep embankments on both sides.

Hence, any slight miscalculation by drivers in ap proaching the bridge especially when two or four vehicles met, could lead one or all to fall into the ditches of the roadsides.Maybe it is not too much if we have to call the at tention of either the District Office of the Department of Public Works and highways (DPWH), or the City Engineer’s Office of Davao City, or perhaps the Office of Congressman Polong Duterte to possibly shed light on the status of the bridge.

What is the problem attendant to the non-connection of the concrete bridge to the road, is it the usual right-ofway problem? If it is, then why was the bridge constructed without completing the acquisition of the right of way? We cannot therefore blame some people for harboring suspicion that some officials of government agencies that

have roles in the implementation of projects like roads and bridges are in a hurry for a percentage or commissions from the by the Davao

City Water District to be erratic in its sending out of ad visories either for scheduled water service interruption of giving out explanation why such outage in certain areas of its service coverage is happening. Or, maybe it is the negligence of the maintenance and repairs depart ment people to immediately inform the water system’s communications unit of certain problems in the agency’s distribution lines that made the latter also clueless of what is happening in the water firm’s operation.

As we had written on this space last Tuesday we never came across any advisory from the DCWD’s information group headed by Ms. JC Duhaylungsod that a long water outage was to happen starting last Tuesday morning (Sep tember 20) to extend until noon the next day. Since there was no advice residents in our place and other adjoining barangays served by the Calinan Riverside Water System were caught unprepared and hardly anyone was able to store water for household use.

When water service was restored between 12 noon to 1 p.m. last Wednesday we believed it was the end of our waterless day. But we were wrong in our assumption. Yesterday at about 10 in the morning the water pressure started going down and our family scrambled for water

containers. But alas! Even before we could fill one can, the water vanished. And again as we finished writing this piece at about 1 p.m. water was still nowhere from the faucets. We have no idea when the outage was to remain. One thing certain though is that like in the previous unan nounced water service outages, we were unable to store water for our household use sufficient for the duration of the interruption. Such incidents are fast becoming night mares to the consumers served by the herein-mentioned Water System at Calinan Riverside. And we seem to see no end to it in the immediate time frame.

But let us be honest here. We are taking this issue up more often in our column, not so much manifesting our personal complaint. We fully understand that faults in distribution lines, especially for water where the pipes are underground, are expected incidents

Rather this is our small way of reminding the conces sionaire that it might already have more than surpassed the limit of its capability to serve its consumers. Thus, it is time for the agency to look for other viable options to improve its services

This is also one clarion call for the local government to intervene considering that the most affected consum ers are the city residents and the various commercial and industrial establishments paying the city taxes from out of theirMayoperation.beitisalso

time for the people from the most affected areas to raise howls of protest and implore for the city government’s support for the fast action on their lack of water service.

And if the local government, the city’s legislative body see no legal impediment in dividing the city into two water service areas, why not explore doing so? Say, one area to be retained by DCWD is the city’s south and south west sectors where all the current wa ter sources are located. The north and northeast sector starting from the Agdao district up to Lasang can be offered to other interested concessionaires. We think that would be fair.

After all, the water agency already got what it so badly wanted – a 60 percent increase in water rate hike.

Martial Law: A Distant Drama

NAAWAN, Misamis Oriental (MindaNews) -- President Ferdinand Marcos, Sr., without going into details, admit ted in an interview with Amnesty International (AI) in 1975, that 50,000 people were arrested and detained by the government from 1972-1975.

According to AI, those detained included church workers, legal rights defenders, aids lawyers, labor leaders, unionists, students, political oppositions and journalists.

A pattern of torture was also reported by prisoners of the regime: water cure, electric shock, physical humilia tion, mental torture and rape. The Amnesty International report on arbitrary arrest and detention, torture, forced dis appearances, and extrajudicial killings were corroborated by Task Force Detainees of the Philippines, International Commission of Jurists, Lawyers Committee for Interna tional Human Rights, and the Foundation for Worldwide PeopleThePower.horror of human rights abuses is equally matched by the atrocious plunder by Marcos of the nation’s wealth. The dictator stole between $5 billion and $10 billion from the country’s coffers, according to the World Bank and United Nations Office on Drugs and Crimes. Not only Marcos but his wife, as well, was directly involved in the

On September 12, President Ferdinand Mar cos Jr. released an execu tive order allowing the choice for the people to wear face masks in outdoor settings.The new executive or der of the city government “allows the voluntary wear ing of face masks in open spaces and non-crowded outdoor areas with good

ventilation, provided that non fully-vaccinated in dividuals, senior citizens, and appealedCOVID-19er,alltancingmasks,couragedindividualsimmunocompromisedarehighlyentoweartheirandphysicaldiswillbeobservedattimes”Dr.MichelleSchlossspokespersonoftheTaskForce,totheresidents

TURNING POINT WILLIAM R. ADAN

plunder of the country. In fact, in 2018, Imelda Marcos, former governor of Metro Manila and Minister of Human Settlements was found guilty by the Sandiganbayan of creating private foundations in Switzerland from 1978 to 1984 that allowed her family to funnel illegally amassed government funds during the martial law period. She was meted a minimum 44 years prison term.

As of 2020, the Presidential Commission on Good Governance (PCGG) has recovered ₱174.2 billion of illgotten wealth from the Marcos family and from Marcos cronies since its creation in 1986. And P125.9 billion more is still being run after but its success is getting pitch dark in the new horizon.

The deliberate and persistent effort of the Marcos family to revise history that glamorizes the Marcos dic tatorial rule and lifts the corrupt family from the trash bin has been a huge, monumental success: Ferdinand Marcos,

DLPC...(frompage2)

Jr. is now president of the Republic.

Another Marcos is now calling the shot. There is no more need to grind propaganda. History may now be of ficially rewritten, erasing any blot that dirties the Marcos name. The PCGG is an anachronism to the new regime. It has to go naturally; it’s just a matter of time. Imelda will not stay a second in jail.

It is sad but, in a little while, with institutional effort, the atrocity and horror of the human rights abuses and the plunder under Marcos’ tyrannical rule may lose its revulsion and sting.

Not long from now, Martial law would simply be a historic drama for many, a drama we see in movies where there are villains, victims and a hero or two. The script would likely be written by the victor. Whatever, as a tran sient virtual scene one may simply forget after viewing it. It makes no sense or difference.

Every nation has a sad outrageous past. Ours is Mar tial law and its revisionist presentation in history.

(MindaViews is the opinion section of MindaNews. William R. Adan, Ph.D., is retired professor and former chancellor of Mindanao State University at Naawan, Misamis Oriental, Philippines)

to be cautious in their out door activities because the spread of the virus has yet to be"Withcurbed.the voluntary wearing of face masks, kita tanan naa'y responsibilidad towards ourselves and each other. Kung open kaayo ang parameters ug dili con trolled ang area, please, you know what is risky or not," Schlosser said.

Panabo City is part of the area in Davao del Norte which DLPC is serving while the other towns include Sto. Tomas, Carmen and Braulio Dujali.The other substations that are among the first five substations include the 150MVA second Ernesto A. Aboitiz substation in Bajada as well as in the 50-MVA Davao Park District, although it has yet to start.

Other digital substations,

based on its development pro gram, are in Ilang, Indangan and Sto. Tomas, all 33-MVA. Another big substation will be the Alfonso Y. Aboitiz substa tion, a 150-MVA facility that has yet to be “However,built.proposed sub stations/locations may still change as we are updating the Distribution Development Plan annually,” the company added.The digital substation program started in 2014 when

it started to apply the technol ogy in its alarms and other pieces of equipment where the system is fit to use.

In 2020, the company it started the full digital program of the Ponciano Reyes substation, which is located adjacent to its head quarters, which was energed on December 8, 2021. The program was also applied for the substation in Calinan and Buhangin, albeit on a partial system.

9GEMS Pawnshop Inc.

All pawned items that expired during the month of MAY, 2015 if not renewed or re deemed on or before JULY 14, 2015 will be sold to the public on JULY 16, 2015 at 9:00 a.m. at our pawnshop premises.

All pawned items that expired during the month of MAY 2022, if not renewed or redeemed on or before MAY 2022 will be sold to the public on JULY 16, 2022 at 9:00a.m. at our pawnshop premises.

Gipahibalo ang tanan na ang FIRST COLOR PAWNSHOP magasubasta sa tanan nga nag-expired sa bulan sa MAYO 2022. Ang tanan prenda ibaligya sa publiko karong HULYO 16, 2022 sa alas 9:00 sa buntag.

Gipahibalo ang tanan na ang FIRST COLOR PAWNSHOP magasubasta sa tanan nga nag-expired sa bulan sa MAYO 2015. Ang tanan prenda ibaligya sa publiko karong HULYO 16 sa alas 9:00 sa buntag.

FIRSTDAVAOCOLOR

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

NOTICE OF AUCTION SALE Lapu-lapu

NOTICE OF AUCTION SALE

All Pawned Items that expired during the month of JUNE 2022 must be renewed or redeemed Two (2) days before the Auction Schedule stated below. If not redeemed or renewed, it will be sold to the public on its respective auction schedule and premises @ 9:00 A.M.

Gibpahibalo ang tanan nga ang DIAGOLD PAWNSHOP, INC. magsubasta sa tanan nga nag expired hangtod sa bulan sa MAYO 2022, ang tanang prenda ibaligya sa publiko sa mga petsa na nakabutang sa ubos, sa oras nga 9:00 sa buntag.

ALL PAWNED ITEMS EXPIRED ON JULY 2022 AND GADGETS THAT EXPIRES ON AUGUST 2022 WILL BE DISPLAYED IN A PUBLIC AUCTION ON SEPTEMBER 20, 2022 AT 9:00AM.

NOTICE OF AUCTION SALE

All pawned items that expired during the month of JULY 2022, if not renewed or redeemed on or before SEPTEMBER 15, 2022 will be sold to the public on SEPTEMBER 16, 2022 at 9:00a.m. at our pawnshop

Gipahibalopremises.ang

tanan na ang AL-JOS PAWN SHOP magasubasta sa tanan nga nag-expired sa bulan sa HULYO 2022. Ang tanan prenda ibaligya sa publiko karong SETYEMBRE 16, 2021 sa alas 9:00 sa buntag.

All Pawned items that expired until the month of JUNE 2022, must be redeemed or renewed Two (2) days prior the Auction Schedule stated below. If not redeemed will be sold to the public on its respective auction schedule and premises at 9:00 A.M.

Gipahibalo ang tanan nga ang GOLDVALUE PAWNSHOP, INC., maga subasata sa tanan nga nag-expired hangtod sa bulan sa HUNYO 2022, kung dili malukat ibaligya sa publiko sa alas 9:00 sa buntag.

BRANCHES AUCTION DATE TEL. NOS.

BAJADA SEPT. 02, 2022 321-8705 (Beside NBI Office)

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CABAGUIO SEPT. 27, 2022 321-6223

TIBUNGCO SEPT. 29, 2022 222-2494

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%

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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 MAY 16, 2022 TO JUNE, 2022 If not redeemed or renewed on or before OCTOBER 21, 2022 will be sold to the Public Auction on OCTOBER 24, 2022 at Rosegold Pawnshop San Pedro-Main from 9:00am to 6:00pm.

(Fronting Queen Bank) Tel. No. (082) 222-1561 ; (082) 321-0128

Email:

Accepts:goldstandardpawnshopdavao@gmail.comJewelry,wholesalerandretaileronallkindsofjewelry

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 MAY 16, 2022 TO JUNE 15, 2022 if not redeemed or renewed on OCTOBER 21, 2022 will be sold to the Public Auction on OCTOBER 24, 2022 at our Pawnshop premises from 9:00am to 6:00pm.

NOTICE OF AUCTION SALE

All pawned items that expired during the month of JULY 2022 , 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 HULYO 2022. Ang tanan prenda ibaligya sa publiko sa mga petsa nga nakabutang sa ubos, sa oras nga 9:00 sa buntag.

BRANCHES AUCTION DATE TEL. NOS.

Matina Crossing SEPT. 23, 2022 (082) 321-1814 Tibungco SEPT. 20, 2022 (082) 296-4130

PANABO’S PAWNSHOP, INC. Panabo (Main) SEPT. 30, 2022 (084) 628-8418 Panabo (Branch) SEPT. 15, 2022 (084) 628-842

NOTICE OF AUCTION SALE

All pawned items that expired during the Months of JULY 2022 (Regular Items) and AUGUST 2022 (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

BRANCHES: AUCTION DATE TEL. NO. San Pedro (Main) OCT. 18, 2022 327-8832

Agdao OCT. 18, 2022 327-6275

Toril OCT. 18, 2022 327-8503

Bolton OCT. 18, 2022 392-3022

Digos City OCT. 18, 2022 333-9945

Claveria OCT. 18, 2022 296-8081

Km. 7 Lanang OCT. 18, 2022 235-3473

All pawned items at METRO GOLDBRILL PAWNSHOP that expired until the month of AUGUST 2022, if not redeemed or renewed on or before SEPTEMBER 20, 2022, will be sold to the Public on OCTOBER 20, Gipahibalo2022.

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

PAWNS NOT REDEEMED/RENEWED WITHIN FIVE (5) DAYS AFTER EXPIRY DATES WILL BE AUCTIONED ON AUGUST 17, 2022 AT 10:00 A.M. AT THE RESPECTIVE PAWNSHOPS WHERE THE ITEMS WERE PAWNED.

and tanan na ang METRO GOLDBRILL PAWNSHOP magasubasta sa tanan nga nag-expired hangtod sa bulan sa AGOSTO 2022. Kung dili malukat sa dili pa moabot ang OKTUBRE 18, 2022, ibaligya sa publiko karong OKTUBRE 20, 2022. NO.: 321-2185

All Pawned items at GOLDVISION PAWNSHOP, INC., that expired until the month of JUNE 2022, must be redeemed or renewed Two (2) days prior the Auction Schedule stated below. If not redeemed will be sold to the public on its respective auction schedule and premises at 9:00 A.M. Gipahibalo ang tanan nga ang GOLDVISION PAWNSHOP, INC., maga subasata sa tanan nga nag-expired hangtod sa bulan sa HUNYO 2022, kung dili malukat ibaligya sa publiko sa alas 9:00 sa buntag.

General Lao, Toril Agton.

AgdaoSaavedra,TagumMagallanesBuhanginTorilToril

SEPT. 16, 2022

SEPT. 16, 2022

SEPT. 05, 2022

SEPT. 08, 2022 SEPT. 25, 2022

SEPT. 16, 2022 SEPT. 19, 2022

327-2348291-1349216-3425224-3138241-0223291-2952291-2406

All Pawned items at GABBY’S BRILLIANT PAWNSHOP, INC. and GABBYS’S INFINITE PAWNSHOP, INC. that expired until the month of AUGUST 2022, must be redeemed or renewed Two (2) days prior the Auction Schedule stated below. If not redeemed will be sold to the public on its respective auction schedule and premises at 9:00 A.M.

Gipahibalo ang tanan nga ang GABBY’S BRILLIANT PAWNSHOP, INC. and GABBYS’S INFINITE PAWNSHOP, INC. maga subasata sa tanan nga nag-expired hangtod sa bulan sa AGOSTO 2022, kung dili malukat ibaligya sa publiko sa alas 9:00 sa buntag.

BRANCHES AUCTION DATE TEL. NOS. SAN PEDRO OCTOBER 18, 2022 321-2185 ILUSTRE OCTOBER 01, 2022 234-4844

commander, expressed his appreciation for the support of the provincial govern ment and the actions of the 701st Infantry Brigade in defeating the insurgency in the province."Weare now witness ing history. All of our prov inces here in Davao Region were declared insurgencyfree. Now, I urge everyone to continue our efforts and not rest on our laurels. We will continue to push fur ther towards the attainment of sustainable develop ment in the whole Region,” Mempin added.

The council approved the move after the military reported that the units of the New People’s Army in the province were dis

SWINE...

ba sila pero wala, negative tanan,” said Pinili, adding that before the distribution, they conducted environ mental sampling of the soil and the pigpens.

A blood test was con ducted on the stocks 40 days immediately after they were settled in the area.

She said that as the test yielded negative, they can already say that the areas have been cleared of ASF.

“We can say na clear na gyud ang area meaning pwede na sila magbuhi for

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as crimes like theft and robbery usually increase in number in the last four months of the year even as the security units will intensify their visibility.

City Police Office Di rector Alberto Lupaz said that in the city, theft has remained the top case that was reported. Between July and September 15, 30 cases were recorded, nearly

mantled.Ina report presented by Brigadier Gen Oliver C Maquiling, brigade com mander, said the campaign to rid the province of the armed group was a result of the cooperation among government agencies and other groups in implement ing peace and development programs.Lastweek, a mayor of the town in the province declared a two-day sus pension of classes follow ing the encounter between the soldiers and members of the armed group. The military reported that of the seven members of the armed groups, five of them were killed. By Rhoda Grace B. Saron

booths. According to the Philippine Coffee Advancement and Farm Enterprise (PhilCAFE) there were 60 booths and 27 coffee carts representing the whole coffee sector which were set up for the special event. What a joy it was, truly, for the coffee aficionados of the country who came in droves to attend the affair.

Coffee is well loved by Filipinos as a beverage with the group aged 16 to 64 years drinking the most coffee in the country. Coffee is one of the top three beverages in the world. It is also one of the most profitable commodities. It is believed that a moderate intake of coffee (about 2-5 cups a day) “is linked to a lower likelihood of type 2 diabetes, heart disease, liver and endometrial cancers, Parkinson’s disease and depression.” Since coffee contains caffeine, it helps increase energy levels and make people feel less tired; helps burn fat by activating one’s metabolism; and improves brain function.

repopulation (We can say that the area is clean, mean ing they can breed stocks for repopulation)," she said.

To maintain this status, Pinili advised farmers to maintain strict biosecurity measures."Dilibasta-basta mag pasulod og tao sa ubang area nga naay positive. They should conduct clean ing and disinfection,” Pinili said, adding that placing footbaths is also highly advised. By Rhoda Grace B. Saron

Philippine coffee has a rich history dating back to the year 1740 when a Spanish Franciscan monk planted the first coffee tree, which came from Mexico just like our cacao, in the lowlands of Lipa, Batangas. By 1880, the Philippines became the world’s 4th largest bean exporter. Batangas became known for its Barako coffee locally in centuries past up to the present. Unfortunately, the Cof fee Rust plague in 1889 destroyed the country’s trees and coffee production slid to 1/6th of its previous production by the turn of the 20th century. Amadeo Cavite is presently considered the Coffee Capital of the Philippines with its 4790 hectares of land planted to coffee. SOOCCSK SARGEN in Mindanao is also asserting its right as the

FRANCHISE...(frompage5)

realizing your dream and your dreams for your fam ily.” She adds that franchis ing continues to be the best option to start a business es pecially during this time be cause with franchising you are not alone, the franchisor is always there to help.

double than the 16 cases recorded during the same period last Becauseyear.of this, the office, said Lupaz, has rein stated Oplan RAT (Opera tion Plan Robbery/Hold-up, Akyat Bahay and Theft).

He also welcomed the relaunching of Oplan Ka linaw, a program aimed at curbing criminal activities.

By Rhoda Grace B. Saron

The proceeds of the upcycled tote bags will be given to the women PDLs in Camp Karingal, and the marginalized women of Barangays Sto. Cristo, Greater Lagro, and Pinyahan in Qu ezon City. The tote bags will be sold in the following SM malls:

SM Aura Premier

SM Southmall

SM City Fairview

SM City North EDSA

SM Megamall

Helping a community of artists

And in the south of Metro Manila, the SM Mall of Asia family will be partnering with the Association of Foot and Mouth Artists in selling painted Christmas cards to the shoppers.

"All these and more will start to unfold in the coming days as we continue spreading happiness across all SM malls around the country. Let us not waste our next 100 days and use it to make one another happy by giving. Today, let the countdown begin to a hundred days of happiness!” Tan closed.

This is the second time SM Supermalls has started a holiday countdown campaign. In 2021, the biggest mall network in the Philippines showed the world more than a hundred ways of giving through 100 Days of Caring. Underserved communities surrounding the 76 SM malls were provided with their urgent needs through in-kind and monetary donations by the malls, its various business units, and the employees.

For the list of all partner institutions and their beneficiaries visit www.smsupermalls.com and follow @smsupermalls on all social media accounts.

Senate President Juan Miguel Zubiri and Trade Secretary Alfredo Pascual will deliver their keynote addresses at the three- day International Virtual Con ference. The trade chief will share DTI’s prospects, opportunities and prior ity programs to propel the growth of the country’s retail trade, commerce, MSME development and entrepreneurship as we move forward in the postpandemic future.

The virtual conference will feature 20+ relevant sessions and is designed

to help the delegates pre pare for the future of fran chising. One of the most awaited sessions is the C-Suite Forum: A Oneon-One Conversation with a C-Level Expert, which will feature some of the big names and thought leaders in the franchising sector and related industries.

The International Fran chise Expo, on the other hand, is a one-stop shop of franchise and other busi ness investment opportuni ties for aspiring franchisees who dream of becoming their own boss or seasoned entrepreneurs and investors who want to diversify their investments. The said event will also feature the follow ing seminars:“Franchise Asia Philip pines is PFA’s flagship ac tivity to help the sector grow and become stronger as we

major producer of coffee in the Philippines alright. The Philippines is one of the few countries which is presently producing the commercial varieties of Arabica, Robusta, Liberica and Excelsa. Philippine Liberica is known locally as Barako Coffee which produces a robust and powerful taste. Davao’s Alamid ng Mount Apo, which is harvested from the rich soil of Mount Apo, is among the most coveted coffee beans by coffee connoisseurs in the world. It is believed to be the most expensive coffee in theDuringworld.the Philippine Coffee Expo 2022, a two-day well-attended seminar was conducted touching on such relevant topics as: Outlook for the Philippine Coffee Sec tor: Reasons for Optimism; Combating Climate Change by Unlocking the Potential of Coffee Varieties; Coffee: Latin America Context; A Colombian Coffee Producer’s Experience; Coffee Production and Crop Diversification; Financing in the Coffee Value Chain: Opportunities, Chal lenges and Collaboration; The Role of the Q Standard in the Philippine Specialty Coffee Sector; Adopting a Culture of Quality: One Bean at a Time; Impact of Storage and Warehousing on Coffee Quality; World Coffee Production and Consumption Trends; Internal Markets for Philippine Coffee; Women Entrepreneurs in Coffee; among other interesting topics still.

The Coffee Expo 2022 was a great opportunity to promote Philippine coffee and bring together people who are in coffee production as well as coffee consumers. As for me, I am a coffee lover but not one for instant threein-one coffee though.

continue to advocate for the interests of Philippine franchising,” Chris remarks.

Franchise Asia Philip pines 2022 is made possible through the support of BPI, PLDT Enterprise, InLife Insular Health Care as dia mond partners; 7-Eleven, Seaoil Phils. Inc., Phoenix Petroleum, TGP Pharma, Megaworld, Vista Mall, SM Supermalls, as plati num partners; Araneta City, LT&G Credit Line Corp., Qualiplus International, Robinsons Malls, Francorp Philippines as gold part ners; Globaltronics, Inter national Workplace Group, Master Siomai, Max's Res taurant, Oryspa Solutions, Potato Corner, Pure Nectar, Bibingkinitan! as silver partners; Beanleaf Coffee and Tea, Bench, BEXCS Logistics Solutions, Inc., Farron Cafe, Fruitas, Jol

libee Foods Corp., Julie's Franchise, K2 Pharmacy, KFC, Meralco, Mister Do nut, Nails Dot glow, Paluto Nga Po, Pilipinas Shell Petroleum Corp., Sam gyeopmasarap Unlimited Korean BBQ, Shakey's, Shawarma Shack as bronze partners; Ayala Land Malls, BCS Systems and Tech nologies, Inc., Chowking, Coolaire Consolidated, Corporate Pisanti, CBRC Vice, Greenwich, Jimac Inc, Living Water, Mang Inasal, Maya Business, Red Ribbon, Tourism Promo tions Board, U-Franchise Sales and Management, Walter Mart as event part ners; GMA 7, SMNI, Net 25, Business World, Philip pine Daily Inquirer, Busi ness Mirror and Philippine Star as media partners; and Media Blitz Group as the official PR partner.

DAR, farmers coop assure quality feeding program

MANILA – The Depart ment of Agrarian Reform (DAR) is supporting an agrarian reform bene ficiary organization in delivering high-quality products to be used for a supplementary dietary program in Magalang town, Pampanga prov ince.DAR Central Luzon Director James Arsenio Ponce said a marketing agreement was recently signed between the Cruz ian Multipurpose Coop erative (CMPC), located in Barangay Santa Cruz,

Magalang, and the Na tional Nutrition Council–National Capital Region (NNC-NCR).Theagreement, Ponce said, would enable the CMPC to supply their agricultural commodities for the food requirements of the NNC’s Tutok Kain an Dietary Supplemental Program that would feed undernourished children as well as pregnant wom en.

“The program aims to improve the quality and quantity of food and nutri ent intakes of its benefi

ciaries by providing nutri tious food commodities to undernourished pregnant women for 90 days and to nutritionally at-risk chil dren 6 to 23 months old for 180 days,” Ponce said in a press release issued on Thursday.DAR Secretary Con rado Estrella III is fully supporting the activity as one of his primary goals is the livelihood activities of farmers by providing them with diversified sources of income.The marketing agree ment would benefit the

agrarian reform beneficiar ies and will also assure the high quality of the CMPC’s agricultural prod ucts that would be used for the NNC “Asideprogram.fromprovid ing our farmers with farm inputs and equipment to boost their farm yields, we also help them in mar keting their agricultural products,” Ponce said.

The project is being implemented under the DAR's Enhanced Partner ship Against Hunger and Poverty (EPAHP) pro gram. (PNA)

PNP seeks takedown of hoax crime posts on socmed

MANILA – The Philippine National Police (PNP) an nounced on Thursday that it continues to block disinfor mation attempts on social media which include posts on fake crime incidents that con tinue to be reposted online and cause undue panic and fear.

In a statement, PNP chief, Gen. Rodolfo Azurin Jr., said the Anti-Cybercrime Group is conducting its own investiga tion to gather more inputs to support its request for social networking giant Facebook to permanently take down posts that have been fact-checked as “fake

“Pleasenews”.always be mind ful of the authenticity of the information and the credibil ity of its source. Unverified in formation or any information that cannot be independently validated as factual should always be dealt with cau tion and prudence, especially if the source is dubious or unknown,” Azurin said in a

statement.A2017 post on Facebook about the alleged discovery of a dismembered body in Quezon City has been proven by the Quezon City Police District (QCPD) to be a hoax.

Just recently, the same post was reposted and shared by some netizens.

For his part, National Capital Region Police Of fice (NCRPO) chief Brig. Gen. Jonnel Estomo said they have been exerting efforts to respond to the veracity of the alleged viral information posted on social media.

He said the QCPD ex tracted optimum efforts to validate the existence of the said incident five years ago but turned out that the nega tive reported incident was well established pertaining to this viral “Theissue.same was also de nied by then QCPD District Director Gen. Guillermo El eazar (now retired chief PNP)

in an answer posted also in social media. Amid the is sue, QCPD in coordination with Anti-Cybercrime Group is now investigating who is the alleged spreader of this fake news,” Estomo said in a separateEstomostatement.urgednetizens to be wary of posting and shar ing fake news on their respec tive social media accounts.

“Time and again, we are giving stern and strict warning to those who are uploaders of fake news that if they are found to be responsible on matters such as this mess, a full force of the law will be accorded to them. We appeal to the public to be calm and avoid panic because the viral information is not true and never happened. Nonetheless, we further call to the public to report to us immediately any information pertaining to this fake news uploaded and rest assured that NCRPO will run after them,” he added. (PNA)

Davao Ros-Ver Pawnshop, Incorporated

Ilustre St., Davao City Tel # 224-1204; 222-6086

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 July 2022. 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 Hulyo 2022. Ang tanang prenda dungan nga ibaligya sa publiko sa mga sumusunod nga dapit og AUCTIONpetsa:

PBBM eyes partnership with US investors to boost PH economy

MANILA – President Ferdinand "Bongbong" Marcos Jr. on Thursday (Manila time) sought partnership with investors from United States (US), as the Philip pines further reopens its economy amid the coronavirus disease 2019 (Covid-19) pandemic.

In a business dialogue with members of the USAssociation of Southeast Asian Nations (Asean) Business Council and the US Chamber of Com merce, Marcos expressed optimism that the Phil ippines would be able to forge deals with more American investors and business firms.

"We really have to leverage whatever assets, whatever capabilities, whatever we have so that we can maximize our abil ity to grow and to pull the economy. Let us find new ways," Marcos said during

his meeting with the busi ness leaders in New York City.

"Let us find new ways to partner. Let us find new ways to develop. Let us find new ways to strength en this relationship be tween the United States, Asean and the Philippines. And in that way, the syn ergies that we will find in that kind of relationship will be to the benefit of us all," he Marcosadded.also discussed his administration's bilat eral economic and invest ment agenda, according to a statement released by

PAGASA monitors 3 weather disturbances

MANILA – The Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA) is monitoring three weather disturbances.Weather forecaster Beni son Estareja said Thursday a weak tropical depression was spotted 1,775 kilometers east northeast of extreme northern Luzon, outside the Philippine Area of Responsibility (PAR).

"It is heading towards mainland Japan, so we are not expecting it to have an effect or be near our landmass," Estareja said.

A low pressure area (LPA) was spotted over 2,000 km. east of the Visayas, and is not forecast to affect the country's weather until the weekend.Another LPA was tracked east of Central "Currently,Luzon.itdoes not have a direct effect, and it is expected to remain at the PAR line in the next 24 hours. Over the weekend, however, it will likely start bringing rains over parts of Luzon and the Visayas. This LPA may possibly de velop into a tropical cyclone over the weekend," he said.

state-run Radio Television Malacañang (RTVM) in a Facebook post.

For over three decades, the US-Asean Business Council has been serving as the premier advocacy organization for US cor porations operating within the Asean.Thecouncil also pro vides a platform for the US private sector to pro mote mutually beneficial trade and investment rela tions between the US and Southeast Asia, the leading investment destination of American businesses in the Indo-Pacific.

The US Chamber of Commerce, on the other hand, is an assembly of small businesses and cham bers of commerce across the US that support com munities, leading industry organizations and inter national corporations that innovate and provide solu tions to global challenges, and the emerging and fastgrowingSinceindustries.itsfounding, the organization has advocated for policies that help busi nesses generate jobs and grow the 'Enlightening'economy. meet with food Meantime,corporationMarcos also shared in his official Fa cebook page that he had an "enlightening" meet

ing with the executives of American global food corporation Cargill on the fourth day of his working visit to the MarcosUS.said he and Cargill executives dis cussed possible coopera tion in the field of agri culture."We discussed how to attain food security and self-sufficiency, and ex plored ways to boost agri cultural productivity in the Philippines," he said.

Marcos' meeting with top officials of Cargill hap pened after his participation in the 77th session of the United Nations General AssemblyDuring(UNGA).hisspeech de livered before UN member-

states, Marcos emphasized the importance of the ag riculture sector and food security in the development of theOperatingPhilippines.forover 155 years, Cargill provides ag ricultural products, and farming services and risk management solutions worldwide.Todate, it has around 155,000 employees serving customers and communi ties in over 70 countries or regions through safe, responsible and sustainable means.Apart from Cargill, Marcos also held a series of meeting with other officials of American companies during his working visit in the US. (PNA)

MANILA – The Philippine Army (PA) on Wednesday held send-off ceremonies for two batteries or eight units of the newly-acquired Autonomous Truck Mounted Howitzer System (ATMOS) 155mm self-propelled guns which will be seeing action in conflict areas in Mindanao.

PA spokesperson, Col. Xerxes Trinidad, in a state ment Thursday, said Depart ment of National Defense (DND) officer-in-charge, Un dersecretary Jose C. Faustino Jr., led the send-off ceremo

nies which took place at the Philippine Army Grandstand in Fort“TheseBonifacio.assets are con sidered game-changers as they will certainly bolster the Armed Forces of the Philip pines’s (AFP) internal security operations for a decisive vic tory against enemies of the state. We are optimistic about your capability. Thus, we expect you will contribute sig nificantly to our peace efforts in all conflict-affected areas that you will be deployed,” Faustino told members of the

10th "Rolling Thunder" Field Artillery Battalion (155-SP).

The 10th Field Artillery Battalion is the mother or primary unit tasked to operate and maintain the 12 newly-ac quired ATMOS self-propelled guns which are divided into three batteries of four howit zers

Theeach.“Rolling Thunder” Battalion was activated in June 2022. Meanwhile, PA chief, Lt. Gen. Romeo S. Brawner Jr., called on 10th Field Artillery Battalion troopers to further enhance their core competen

cies so they can "effectively and efficiently operate and maintain" the Army's gamechanger weapons systems.

Trinidad, in a separate interview, said the ATMOS 155mm self-propelled guns are "easily deployed even in ragged terrain and truckmounted guns not towed."

He added that these new weapons have a maximum range of 41 kilometers de pending on the type of ammu nition used and have "target precision of up to 10-kilom eter radius."

PH Army deploys 2 batteries of Israel-made howitzers to Mindanao

THE strong smell of freshly brewed cof fee greeted visitors once they entered the glass doors of the SMX Convention Center in SM Lanang Premier last Sep tember 14-15, 2022. It brought to mind the quote, “The smell of fresh-made coffee is one of the world’s greatest inventions.” Indeed, the staging of the Philippine Coffee Expo (PCE) 2022, which was organized by the Philippine Coffee Guild and the Davao Region Coffee Council with support from the Department of Agriculture, the Depart ment of Agrarian Reform and the Department of Trade and Industry, brought in various groups of participating exhibitors from the Luzon, Visayas and Mindanao regions with their coffee carts, stalls, and

( /CULTURAL/10)

AN EXHIBIT of proudly Davao produced coffee

Italian stove-top espresso makers in different sizes SUCCESSFUL Arabica and Robusta coffee growers

AN Ovu-Manobo couple from the Madadma Community selling quality coffee

COFFEE stalls from Bukidnon manned by young baristas