THE MINDANAO TODAY APRIL 24-25, 2023

Oro folk urge COWD: Fix city's water woes

By Franck Dick Rosete Correspondent

SEVERAL residents in this city don’t want to suffer the continuous problem in the water supply, knowing the struggle they have to go through that affects their daily lives.

Because of this, they demanded that the government-run Cagayan de Oro City Water District (COWD) solve the problem as soon as possible.

Bretlane Marianas, a resident of Sitio Macanhan in Barangay Carmen, said nighttime should be their moment to relax and unwind, but it turned out to be their time to secure all of their drums for water storage.

Normally, the water connection at the Marianas’ residence

ORO | P7

Oro dev’t youth office bows to SK plans

By Uriel Quilinguing Contributing Editor

WHILE plans are crafted by the Oro Youth Development Office (OYDO) at City Hall, yet village youth councils

(Sangguniang Kabataan or SK) in Cagayan de Oro set their own priorities, based on specific real and felt needs.

Lord Savior Centina, OYDO head, clarified this in a Philippine Information

Agency forum at the SM City Uptown mall Wednesday last week, after his disclosure on the formulation of the city’s Youth Development Plan for 2023-2025.

Centina said the three-

Klarex admin revives ‘OKK’ center

THIS city will soon again have a center where people can more easily raise their concerns in terms of security and ask for government assistance, as the local government here starts to revive its new “Operation Kahusay ug Kalinaw” (OKK) center.

Local officials of Cagayan de Oro led the groundbreaking

year YDP is the product of consultation series they and the SK City Federation had at the community level since last year. It will be presented next month to the City

Clad to ethnic costumes, dancers from different areas in Bukidnon perform during a street dancing competition, one of the major events of the Kaamulan Festival in Malaybalay City Saturday, April 22. Only the cities of Malaybalay and Valencia and the town of Kalilangan have joined the contest while other municipalities have performed as non-contestants. (Jigger Jerusalem | MT)

Residents of Tugaya in Lanao del Sur are intently listening to the imam preach after offering the Eid'l Fitr prayer at the town’s mosque. (JND | PIA-10 | Lanao del Sur)

Manhunt on for killers of off-duty cop in GenSan

By Edwin Fernandez

KORONADAL CITY –

Police authorities in General Santos City and South Cotabato province have launched a manhunt against two men who shot dead an off-duty police officer Thursday evening.

Col. Jomar Alexis Yap,

General Santos City police director, strongly condemned the murder of Cpl. Razul Alongan, an intelligence officer of GenSan City Police Station 5.

“We condemn the senseless and brutal killing of Police Officer Alongan who left two children and a grieving wife,” Yap said.

The gunmen, posing as customers of a roadside eatery in Barangay Fatima of the city, shot dead Alongan, 48, at about 10:30 p.m.

“The perpetrators sped off onboard their motorcycle towards the direction of Purok Placida, Barangay Calumpang,” Yap said.

Alongan was rushed to

5 babies, 80 others rescued as ship runs aground in Lanao del Norte

By Teofilo Garcia, Jr.

ZAMBOANGA CITY – Phil-

ippine Coast Guard (PCG) personnel have rescued 85 commercial ferry boat passengers, including five babies, off Maigo, Lanao del Norte, the local PCG station said Friday.

In a statement, PCG-Maigo Station said passengers aboard MV Filipinas Cebu were rescued after the vessel ran aground at Maigo Point around 6 p.m. Thursday as it sailed to Ozamiz City, Misamis Occidental from Lanao del Norte.

The rescued passengers were safely ferried aboard tugboat Focson Diamond going to the PCG-Maigo Station.

Responding PCG personnel were accompanied by a team from the PCG’s Marine Environmental Protection Unit (MEPU) to conduct an immediate oil spill assessment.

“Based on the oil spill assessment of MEPU personnel, there was no presence of oil sheen in the area," PCG-Maigo said, adding its personnel have installed oil spill booms around the ferry as a proactive measure.

Meanwhile, the PCG in Basilan is continuously assisting in the salvage operations to remove MV Lady Mary Joy 3 from the shore of Baluk-Baluk Island in Hadji Muhtamad town. (PNA)

the General Santos Medical Center but was declared dead on arrival by attending physicians. (PNA)

Dawlah member slain in LanSur

firefight

ZAMBOANGA CITY – A

Dawlah Islamiya (DI) terror group member was killed in a clash with government troops in the hinterlands of Lanao del Sur, the military said Wednesday.

Lt. Col. Angestal Angeles II, the Army’s 51st Infantry Battalion commander, said the troops were conducting an operation in Barangay Kalaludan, Pagayawan, Lanao del Sur, when they clashed with at least 10 extremists on Tuesday. He said the 15-minute firefight resulted in the death of the DI fighter while his companions scampered in different directions.

Government troops also recovered an M653 rifle with ammunition from the clash site. (Teofilo Garcia, Jr. | PNA)

DA conducts info caravan on emerging pests, diseases in Caraga

By Alexander Lopez

BUTUAN CITY – The Department of Agriculture in the Caraga Region (DA-13) is conducting an intensified awareness campaign among farmer's groups in the area on crop pests and disease management.

eases by providing them information on the emerging pests and diseases using the biocontrol agents, DA-13 said in a statement Thursday.

mation caravan Wednesday and will run until April 28.

The campaign will cover the different towns of Surigao del Sur and Agusan del Sur.

farmer's associations. Aside from rice and corn, the campaign will also focus on the management of other major high-value crops' pests and diseases.

A team from the DA-13 conducts an awareness drive on crop pests and disease management in Tagbina, Surigao del Sur. (Photo courtesy

“The campaign aims to help our farmers better manage crop pests and dis-

Soldier wounded, another unscathed in Basilan ambush

ZAMBOANGA CITY – A personnel of the Army Canine Unit was wounded while another managed to emerge unhurt in an ambush in Lamitan City, Basilan province, a top police official said Thursday.

Lt. Col. Arlan Delumpines, Lamitan City police chief, said Private Jimmy Gaffud was injured in an ambush in Barangay Campo Uno, Lamitan City at about 2:35 p.m. Wednesday.

Gaffud, 25, is a member of the Army Canine Unit based at Camp General Arturo Enrile in Barangay Malagutay here.

His companion, Staff Sgt. Ronie Ebcas of the 18th Infantry

Battalion’s Canine Unit based in Barangay Campo Uno, Lamitan City, was unscathed during the incident.

Initial investigation showed that Ebcas was driving a motorcycle taking Gaffud to the port of Lamitan City in Barangay Kulaybato when waylaid by unidentified gunmen.

Ebcas took Gaffud to the Lamitan District Hospital while the suspects fled towards the hinterland of Barangay Campo Uno.

Responding policemen recovered at the ambush site three empty shells of a .45-caliber pistol. ( Teofilo Garcia, Jr. | PNA)

DA-13 said its Regional Agriculture & Fisheries Information Section, together with the Regional Crop Protection Center and the Field Operations Division, launched the agency's infor-

The initial leg of the info drive covered the towns of Barobo and Tagbina in Surigao del Sur, which were joined in by more than 50 farmer leaders and representatives from various

“Through the caravan, we are also looking into capacitating our farmers in optimizing their production of farm commodities,” the DA-13 said. (PNA)

Army settles feud of warring Moro clans in MagSur

COTABATO CITY – The Army’s 602nd Infantry Brigade (602nd IBde) has facilitated the settlement of a “rido” (clan war) involving Moro families in Pagalungan town, Maguindanao del Sur, a military official said Wednesday.

Brig. Gen. Donald M. Gumiran, the Army’s 602nd IBde) commander, said the “rido” settlement on Tuesday afternoon was also made possible by the backing of Anwar Alamada, chairperson of the Moro Islamic Liberation Front

(MILF) Adhoc Joint Action Group, and Butch Malang, chair of the MILF Coordinating Committee on the Cessation of Hostilities (CCCH).

The three leaders gathered the families of Datu Kenti Matalam, chairperson of Barangay Kilangan, and those of Datu Nayang Timan and Norodin Abubakar, both MILF leaders in the same village, for the peace dialogue at the 602nd IBde headquarters in neighboring Carmen town.

During the meeting, the officials commended the warring parties for heeding the call of the 602nd IBde to face each other and end their hostilities in Barangay Kilangan that started early this month. (Edwin Fernandez | PNA)

Personnel from the Philippine Coast Guard rescue 85 passengers, including five babies, from a commercial ferry that ran aground. (Photo courtesy of PCG-Maigo)

Slain police officer Corporal Razul Alongan of the General Santos City Police Office. (Photo courtesy of GSCPO)

of DA-13)

Guv assures support to survivors of sexual violence, abuse in MisOcc

MISAMIS OCCIDENTAL

– The provincial government of Misamis Occidental, led by Gov. Henry Oaminal, assures help and support to survivors of sexual violence and abuse in the province.

“The desire of your governor and our leaders to give you a good future that there is still hope for you to reach," Oaminal said.

The governor will provide shelter, education programs, family activities, and employment that cater to the welfare of women, particularly the victims of sexual abuse.

“First, I will make your home beautiful; second, your education, which will be face-to-face in the next semester of 2023-2024,

so we will find means so that you can focus on your schooling and you will be comfortable and away from challenges. Of course, we will try to make your daily life as if you are a family. We have planned that one month you will also have weekends where you can go out, like outings,” he said.

Oaminal will also give a

budget of P25 million for the renovation of the Gender and Development (GAD) facilities. He asked for their cooperation and support for their protection and future. This, by supporting the local government's policies. (PGMO | PIA-10 | Misamis Occidental)

Dulay TS residents get rice assistance via OPAPRU’s Duyog Ramadan

By Claire Gigje

MARAWI CITY – With the end of the holy month of Ramadan drawing near, the Office of the Presidential Adviser on Peace, Reconciliation and Unity (OPAPRU) ensured that through its seasonal Duyog Ramadan program, it could deliver help to needy communities and keep together citizens who were displaced from their old homes after the eruption of the siege in 2017.

On Tuesday, April 18, OPAPRU distributed ten kilograms of rice to at least 250 residents at the Dulay Transitory Shelter in Barangay Dulay Proper, here.

Moreover, an “iftar,” or breaking of fast, was

DOLE

also hosted for the dwellers therein.

OPAPRU Preventing and Countering Violent Extremism (PCVE) Focal and Project Development Officer (PDO) Marie Rose Abejuela said they intended to observe Ramadan with their Muslim brothers and sisters in the transitory sites to let them know that they are always remembered.

“We want to share with them that they are not forgotten and we are here to celebrate with them Ramadan and Eid’l Fitr,” she said.

The OPAPRU PCVE focal and PDO further said the beneficiaries were identified by their Northern Mindanao Area Management Unit, which works on the ground

CDOFO-PESO

gear for relevant and effective career matching among Oro youths

CAGAYAN DE ORO – The

DOLE-10’s Cagayan de Oro field office in partnership with the Public Employment Service Office-Cagayan de Oro conducted the 2023 Career Trends and Matching Forum for the eighty Career Guidance Counselors from both private and public schools at the De Luxe Hotel, this city, on March 28.

With the City Ordinance 13799-2020, also known as the “Institutionalizing career coaching and employment counseling for all grades 10 and 12 learners and qualified enrollees of the alternative learning system (ALS) of the public and private senior high schools in the city of Cagayan de Oro, and for other purposes,” this event is timely and relevant.

In her keynote speech, Councilor Suzette MagtajasDaba, the author of the aforementioned ordinance, emphasized that career coaching will make education more worthwhile and make more opportunities available for the youth of the City – not only limiting themselves to career options that may not be sustainable as the world modernizes.

“This will also ensure that the hard work and

products of educational institutions of the city would not go to waste,” she said.

Lawyer Johnson Cañete, a resource speaker who is a former DOLE regional director and labor attaché, discussed relevant topics such as labor market information; hard-to-fill jobs; emerging skills and industries; workforce development in the digital economy; importance of human skills also known as “soft skills”; business-enabling skills; digital building block skills; top ten job skills for the future and the importance of bridging quality education to better employability in the modern times.

Cañete stressed the importance of teachers in a young individual’s journey towards building their own knowledge and skills set that are relevant to the career that they want to pursue.

Young individuals must be encouraged with up-todate information about the evolving needs of workforce.

In the same event, PESO Manager Kathleen Kate Sorilla introduced the functions of the Public Employment Service Office on top of being the source of “summer jobs.” (DOLE-10)

to coordinate with the supposed recipients.

Accordingly, they chose the Dulay Transitory Shelter as one of their targets this year, considering that this is one of the shelters that they have assisted previously.

Seeing the smiles painted on the faces of the people on the site, Abejuela reiterated their commitment to help the IDPs for as long as their assistance is needed.

“Anything that they need, we are here to help them,” said Abejuela. The OPAPRU will continue to hold similar activities at the Rorogus Transitory Shelter in Barangay Rorogagus and Bahay Pag-asa in Barangay Mipaga, all in the same city, until it reaches its target of 806 beneficiaries. (CRG | PIA-10 | Lanao del Sur)

Gov. Henry Oaminal of Misamis Occidental assures help and support to survivors of sexual violence and abuse in the province. (MisOcc PGMO)

A staff member of the OPAPRU (left) hands over 10 kilos of rice to an IDP. (CRG | PIA-10 | Lanao del Sur)

Mon-Tue, April 24-25, 2023

OROMIND PUBLISHING INC. Publisher

GERRY J. CAÑO, PHD President

MARJUNE MILLIONES VP for Administration

JOHN M. DEL BANDO VP for Operations

LANI M. VALLIDO VP for Sales and Marketing

JOHN M. DEL BANDO Editor-in-Chief

JIGGER JERUSALEM Associate Editor

Jack Biantan sports editor

Franck Dick Rosete Correspondent

URIEL QUILINGUING Editorial Consultant

Domingo J. Marron Jr. Social Media

Jack Biantan Marketing Manager for mindanao

Sugar maandig MITZILIE P. ANGA Account Executives for mindanao

MAHVIC C. NATIVIDAD RUBY M. AGUSTIN Account Executives

johnny talipan lumod Lay-out Artist

Noel Armodia Production Head

ATTY. RAMIL G. GABAO ATTY. EDDIE C. CUARESMA

ATTY. MARINEL JUNE S. PALER Legal

UNIT 818, CITYLAND HERRERA TOWER, VA RUFINO COR

VALERO ST. SALCEDO VILLAGE MAKATI CITY 1227

Manila Office

2F CONSORTIUM BLDG. CORRALES EXT. CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY 9000

Mobile #: 0905 088 4778

0961 688 4888 Head Office

AS IT HAPPENS, WHERE IT HAPPENS

(2nd of 3 parts)

THIRD, mercy and compassion also defines the nature of the Church. If we speak of internal reform of the Church in our times, that reform must start from “outside,” from the streets, from the peripheries where people cry in pain, or better still, where the poor no longer have a voice to cry at all.

The criteria for church reform is beyond the administrative, the managerial or the sociological, even as these dimensions are necessary.

It should be an answer to whether this church of ours still responds in mercy to the suffering of millions in our midst.

In short, the Church must be “merciful as the Father is merciful,” must be compassionate as the Father is compassionate in Luke 6: 36.

The American theologian, Marcus Borg, offers a good lens to read this crucial biblical text.

He argues that our following of God (“imitatio Dei”) shifted from the politics of purity and perfection to the politics of mercy and compassion.

The injunction to “be compassionate as our heavenly father is compassionate” in Luke 6: 36 has superseded the Matthean axiom, “Be perfect as your heavenly Father is perfect” in Matthew 5: 48.

“Compassion [and mercy], not holiness [and perfection], is the dominant quality of God, and is therefore to be the ethos of the community that mir-

rors God”. Or, better still, holiness and perfection are defined by the quality of our mercy and compassion.

Where do we locate St. Vincent in all these?

The Vincentian spirituality sees mercy as the heart of the Vincentian charism. For Vincent, as for Pope Francis, mercy is the distinctive feature of God.

For sure, Vincent’s Christology was still the high Christology of his times — God coming down from heaven. But Vincent gave incarnation a twist, a distinct focus: the reason for God’s incarnation is mercy.

God is a God touched by suffering. Vincent says: “Ah, how tender the Son of God was! … This tender love was the cause of his coming down from heaven. He saw men deprived of his glory.

He was touched by their misfortunes” (SV XII, 264). Many researchers identify Vincent’s Christ as the Lucan Christ, and Luke — the exegetes tell us — is the Gospel of Mercy.

If God came down from on high because he was so touched by suffering, how could we not be?

Vincent has this oftquoted verse you see everywhere: “The poor people who don’t know where to go or what to do, they are suffering and their numbers increase every day; these are my burden and sorrow.”

And if the God in Jesus became the servant of all, so is it in Vincent. For him, the poor, the homeless, the sick become “our lords and masters.”

We know, he is not original in this. Such evangelical

(2nd of 2 parts)

NOTHING in its visible existence of “fellowship” will ever make sense, if it is lived outside the comprehension of this invisible essence of the Spirit.

Hence, the Lord wisely admonishes, “Happy are those who have not seen and yet have come to believe.”

But why, you ask, must the Spirit be Mystery? Why must the Spirit be “unseen”?

And I reply, is it not true that faith can only be forged into a real faith in the absence of the Presence?

Is it not true that hope is rendered more meaningful in the striving to live in a “now, but not yet”?

Faith and hope cannot maturate with the certainty of what and who lies ahead of our fortunes and misadventures; we only naturally give ourselves to uncertainty in the face of much greater rewards.

Faith happens precisely because of the Mystery that is Spirit; hope happens precisely because of the enigma of what the Spirit will choose to do or not do, as a consequence of our faith.

Faith and hope become precisely what they are, because of the greater reward that God is whom the Christ proclaims he is.

It is also only in the “unseen-ness” of Love that each one of us in the community is impelled to selfless love, for is it not true that false love is motivated by selfcentered desires to perceive being “loved in return”?

Genuine love happens precisely because of and in direct proportion to the realized guilt one gains from the abuse and oppression of false love; genuine love also happens precisely because of and in direct proportion to the probability that it may never be reciprocated.

Charity and compassion become precisely what they are – commitments to those above and beyond the self – because of the greater reward that God is whom the Christ proclaims he is.

It is also the “unseenness” of Grace that is our “cause for joy” in spite of having to “suffer many trials,” the sole reason for our inexplicable tenacity and resilience in persevering to return in glory to himself.

Can we clearly see the “cause” why the saints will live and die happily, at the cost of their own interests and comfort?

Can we clearly see the “cause” why witnesses will bear painful testimony to our corrupt and broken world?

Can we clearly see the “cause” why disciples of the Christ will follow him in the agony and ecstasy of serving those who have been left behind?

It is in the “unseen-ness” of God that we see his power, at its greatest. (LiCAS.news)

(Editor’s note: This opinion piece, written by Bro. Jess Matias, a professed brother of the Secular Franciscan Order, was first published in the LiCAS.news on April 16, 2023. We are republishing it with permission from the LiCAS.news editors.)

Childhood aggression rooted in malnutrition and peer groups

lack of love, care and food and being raped by brutal adults.

(2nd of 3 parts)

MARIA was emotionally disturbed, wild with anger and showed extreme aggressive behavior to the authorities when they picked her up on the street and brought to the Preda home.

She was angry at the world, hated being always hungry, and had nothing but the clothes she wore.

When Maria first arrived at the Preda Home for abused children, she was aggressive and bullied other children until staff immediately intervened.

Yet, she chose to stay although free to leave. She will surely recover with the care and therapy.

The source of her aggression is likely severe malnutrition from birth,

But aggressive behavior may not always arise from malnutrition, hunger and deprivation. A few months ago, a student fraternity at a Catholic college in Manila called the newly-recruited candidates for membership. One by one, the group of 12 well-off students started shouting abuse at the candidates. They humiliated and degraded them. They bullied them as if they were animals.

They selected the first student for initiation by hazing and began to kick, punch, and beat him.

They used wooden paddles and beat him in a violent frenzy. They continued to beat the boy to death then buried the body.

Fifty-eight students have been murdered in this way in the past years in various Philippine universities.

Is it just an initiation practice out of

control to inculcate conformity, loyalty and cooperation in a group?

Perhaps, it is the peer pressure to conform and belong to a select group that demands they imitate the aggressive practices of the group.

It is most likely that the “bad social genes” of aggressive behavior is carried to the next generation of the fraternity members.

In the case of Wilson, he grew up in poverty. His mother suffered malnutrition and likely he did also.

That malnutrition caused a failure of Wilson’s brain to develop, resulting in weak understanding and an inability to control emotions.

Then he suffered the pain of being abandoned and abused that caused more aggressive anger. (To be continued) (LiCAS.news)

(Editor’s note: This opinion piece, written by Irish Columban priest Shay Cullen, was first published in the LiCAS.news on April 17, 2023. We are republishing it with permission from the LiCAS.news editors.)

‘Go rebuild my house’

‘Unseen-ness’

DTI-MisOcc builds up LGU competitiveness in 2023 CMCI confab

By Shaine Mae Nagtalon

OZAMIZ CITY – The Department of Trade and Industry-Misamis

Occidental (DTI-MisOcc)

reinforced its support for local government units to improve their competitiveness in government efficiency, economic dynamism, infrastructure, resiliency, and innovation during the 2023 Cities and Municipalities Competitiveness Index (CMCI) Meeting and Data Consolidation Forum at Royal Garden here on April 12.

In coordination with the city government of Ozamiz, DTI-MisOcc held the 2023 CMCI Meeting and Data Consolidation Forum at Royal Garden, Ozamiz City, which

aimed to improve LGU rankings in all five pillars to have a higher overall competitiveness score.

Luz Galda, DTIMisOcc provincial director, said that the competitiveness score is a vital component in attracting investors. Cities and municipalities are ranked in their competitiveness based on an overall competitiveness score.

“To all of you here, we need your cooperation so that the ranking of your respective cities and municipalities will be more attractive to investors in order to generate more jobs, which will redound to economic growth. Let us remember that rising competitiveness is rising prosperity,” Galda said. (SMRN | PIA-10 | Misamis Occidental)

BARMM records 7.8% inflation rate in March

MARAWI CITY – A slight increase in BARMM’s inflation rate was recorded in March 2023 at 7.8 percent, compared to 7.5 percent last February, the Philippine Statistics Authority (PSABARMM) said.

“The slight surge of the inflation rate to 0.3% this month in the Bangsamoro region was mainly due to the increase in growths in the indices of three commodity groups such as food and non-alcoholic beverages; restaurant and accommodation services; personal care; and miscellaneous goods and services,” said Engr. Akan Tula, PSA-BARMM officer-in-charge.

Tawi-Tawi had the highest inflation rate among the BARMM provinces at 11.7 percent, then Basilan at 9.5 percent, Sulu at 8.4 percent, Lanao del Sur at 7.2 percent, and Maguindanao at 6.4 percent.

The report also mentioned that Cotabato City decreased its inflation rate to 5.5 percent in March 2023, compared to the 6.6 percent inflation rate in the previous month of February 2023.

The headline inflation rate in the entire Philippines decreased to 7.6 percent this month compared to the previous month of February 2023, which was at 8.6 percent.

Region 8 or Eastern Visayas recorded the lowest inflation rate at 5.9 percent, Region 2 or Cagayan Valley recorded the second lowest inflation rate at 6.2 percent, and Region 7 or Central Visayas recorded the third lowest inflation rate at 6.6 percent, while Region 6 or Western Visayas recorded the highest inflation rate at

5

ECC releases P5.2M cash aid for NorMin workers

CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY

– The Employees’ Compensation Commission-Regional Extension Unit 10 (ECCREU 10) awarded a total of P5,260,000.00 in cash assistance to 514 private and public sector workers in Northern Mindanao and neighboring provinces under the Employees’ Compensation (EC) Program in 2022.

Among the 514 claimants, 136 are private sector employees and 378 are public sector employees. Majority of the beneficiaries are medical workers.

Eighty-six percent of claims were Covid-19 cases, while 14 percent were non-Covid-related, such as work injuries, occupational diseases, and uniformed personnel wounded or killed in action.

applicants, who received P15,000.00 each, are qualified beneficiaries of an employee or uniformed personnel who died in the line of duty.

ECC currently only accepts cash assistance applications for non-Covid-19 cases as it is still processing the remaining 2021 batch of Covid-19 claims.

The EC program provides

benefits to private and public sector workers and/or their families in the event of work-connected sickness, injury, or death.

The additional cash assistance amounting to P10,000.00-P15,000.00 is a special project of ECC’s Quick Response Program (QRP) which aims to provide additional financial support to qualified workers

and/or their families.

This is in addition to the EC initial benefits, particularly EC sickness, disability, and death benefits, that are filed and claimed at the Social Security System (SSS) and in the Government Service Insurance System (GSIS), ECC’s administering agencies in the private and public sector, respectively. (ECC-REU 10)

9.1 percent.

Meanwhile, Bangsamoro Planning and Development Authority (BPDA) Macro-Economic Planning Division Chief Camelia de Vera-Dacanay said that after the launch of the 2nd Bangsamoro Development Plan (BDP), BPDA will coordinate with different BARMM ministries, offices, and agencies to collect all programs and projects to recover from the continuing surge of the inflation rate in the region.

“The slight increase in the region’s inflation rate is still linked to the adjustment period from the recovery of the COVID-19 pandemic and the fasting month of Ramadhan that is expected to increase the price of basic commodities,” Dacanay said.

Marifah Agar, BPDA planning officer and chief of research and development division, explained some mechanisms indicated in the 2nd BDP to address the increase in the inflation rate and maintain it within a manageable range of 2-4 percent per year.

“Implementing measures may need to be considered by the policymakers in BARMM, such as freezing or controlling the market prices, providing subsidies and increasing the goods and services, improving the region’s infrastructure, increasing agricultural productivity, supporting small and medium enterprises, and promoting investments in the key industries, are some priority strategies in the second BDP to prevent the increase in the inflation rate for the next six years in the region,” he said. (BIO | PIA-10 | Lanao del Sur)

Four hundred ninety of them were able to receive P10,000.00 cash assistance, while the remaining 24

Mon-Tue, April 24-25, 2023

AS IT HAPPENS, WHERE IT HAPPENS

‘Duyog Ramadan’ affirms Marawi IDPs not forgotten

By Claire Gigje

MARAWI CITY – As almost six years have already rolled by since the 2017 warfare

marked the history of this city, the government strives to make internally displaced persons (IDPs) feel that they are not left behind.

Amidst the Ramadan season this year, the Office of the Presidential Adviser on Peace, Reconciliation and Unity (OPAPRU) en -

forced once again its regular seasonal program called Duyog Ramadan to extend various initiatives to displaced residents currently residing in temporary sites.

The said program kicked off, April 18, delivering rice aid to a total of 250 dwellers at Dulay Transitory Shelter in Barangay Dulay Proper, here.

Marie Rose Abejuela, OPAPRU Preventing and Countering Violent Extremism (PCVE) Focal and Project Development Officer (PDO), underscored that aside from joining their Muslim brothers and sisters in celebrating Ramadan, the activity also manifests that the IDPs are always on the minds of a lot of Filipinos who want to empathize with their tragic experiences.

“We want our IDPs who

have been here since the Marawi siege to know that they are not forgotten, and there are definitely people in Manila and other areas in the Philippines who care and think about them,” she said.

Abejuela said the private sector always tries to help these needy residents.

This, as she explained, was why the rice sacks distributed to the beneficiaries were donations from companies such as those based in Iligan City, and were collected within just two days.

“We reached out to those who really supported us in the past for our Muslim brothers and sisters in Mindanao. When we asked them to donate rice, very good ang answer nila (their answer was very good). The donation was very over -

whelming,” said Abejuela.

Looking forward to more moments with the IDPs, the OPAPRU echoed its promise to maintain its support so long as it is still needed.

“OPAPRU will continuously care for them, and it is not just OPAPRU. The whole Philippines cares for them, as we can see from this [rice] distribution. We thank them for their courage, and we will continue to pray for them that they will continue to stay strong until they can go back home,” said Abejuela.

Apart from rice distribution during the holy month of Ramadan, the OPAPRU is also remembered for having conducted peace conversations with former combatants and children in temporary shelters. (CRG | PIA-10 | Lanao del Sur)

Grand Mosque in Marawi welcomes Muslim devotees for Eid’l Fitr anew

By Claire Gigje

MARAWI CITY – As this year’s holy month of Ramadan has come to an end, the Islamic city’s iconic Grand Mosque once again opened its doors to Islam worshippers to celebrate the Eid’l Fitr, or feast of breaking of fast on Saturday, April 22.

The Lanao del Sur Police Provincial Office (LDSPPO) bared that over 20,000 devotees trooped to the Jameo Mindanao Al-Islamic Islamic Center, the formal name of the grandest place of worship here.

Grand Mosque Chairperson Saidamen Pangarungan

expressed his elation after seeing the presence of many Muslim faithful.

“We are thankful to Allah that we are able to hold this Eid’l Fitr prayer,” he said.

Happy with the success of hosting this year’s Eid’l Fitr, Pangarungan magnified how the security sector toiled to assist civilians for the whole duration of their festivity.

He publicly acclaimed the police and army troops for their efforts in maintaining peace and order in the concerned parameter.

In their pursuit of realizing this aim, LDSPPO Deputy Provincial Director for Operations Lt. Col. Juanito

Jamis earlier revealed that at least 100 security personnel were deployed in the most affected area (MAA) to supervise and control the situation, especially since they have already anticipated that worshippers would flock at this moment.

He noted that since Friday until the awaited time, no untoward incident was reported.

“Sa ngayon, maganda ang peace and order natin sa buong Lanao [del Sur], lalo na dito sa Marawi City,” said Jamis.

(For now, our peace and order in the entire Lanao [del Sur], especially in

Marawi City, is good.)

Meanwhile, flocking Muslims have conveyed

their sincere happiness after having been able to visit and render their Eid’l

Fitr prayers at the Grand Mosque. (CRG | PIA-10 | Lanao del Sur)

Tugaya residents welcome Eid'l Fitr with gratefulness, blessed heart

By Johaira Didatu

MARAWI CITY – Like

other places in the country, the residents of Tugaya town also celebrated Eid'l Fitr or Feast of Ramadan

peacefully and happily.

The faces of the residents showed joy and happiness as they went to the masjid to offer their prayers because finally, the day of festivity has arrived.

Like the rest of the residents, Asmar Adapun also celebrated Eid'l Fitr with joy with his family.

“Alhamdulillah it was really great. I was really happy. Somehow naramda-

man natin yung essence or yung message ng Ramadhan through celebrating the Eid'l Fitr," he said.

[Alhamdulillah it was really great. I was really happy. Somehow we felt the essence of the message of Ramadhan through celebrating the Eid'l Fitr.]

But Asmar also can't help feeling sad because he knows Muslims have to wait for more months before the next Ramadhan.

“Ramadhan has brought us light and joy. It has taught us so many lessons in life and as Muslims. It's also saddening to us that Ramadhan is over. So, Eid'l Fitr is important because somehow it balances the sadness. We are able to heal from the sadness we feel at the end of Ramadhan,” he added.

According to him, one of the reasons why they are celebrating the Eid'l Fitr

is because it is one of the Sunnahs (a term for the traditions and practices of Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) that constitute a model for Muslims to follow.

Some of the activities Muslims do on this day are praying, visiting relatives and friends, family gatherings, and forgiving each other. (JND | PIA-10 | Lanao del Sur)

At the end of Eid'l Fitr prayer, some residents of Tugaya hug and ask each other's forgiveness. (JND | PIA-10 | Lanao del Sur)

HOROSCOPES

ARIES (Mar. 21-Apr. 19) — Money that has come your way unexpectedly might have you thinking in terms of expanding your personal interests and holdings, Aries. You might consider trying some new investments, particularly property. There's no need to rush to make a decision, however. You have all the time in the world to consider different options - and have some fun while you do it.

TAURUS (Apr. 20-May 20) — Money that has come your way unexpectedly might have you thinking in terms of expanding your personal interests and holdings, Aries. You might consider trying some new investments, particularly property. There's no need to rush to make a decision, however. You have all the time in the world to consider different options - and have some fun while you do it.

GEMINI (May 21 -June 20) — Recent successes haven't made you feel you can rest on your laurels, Gemini. Rather, you're more likely to work harder. Today you might spend a lot of time considering different options for improving your socioeconomic status. Among them might be enterprises connected with the planet. Business and romantic partners could inspire you.

CANCER (June 21 -July 22) — This is likely a day when you want to reflect on your successes. As your professional success continues to skyrocket, your sense of self-confidence follows suit. So do your relationships with family, friends, children, and romantic partners. Your mind is especially sharp, Cancer, and your personal innovations should continue to progress. Life is good and likely to stay that way for a while.

LEO (July 23 -Aug. 22) — Surprising developments in your life might bring a lot of visitors and much happiness to your home. You could host a party or other sort of gathering. This is likely to keep you very busy throughout the day, Leo, but you will have fun all the same. Don't let shop talk interfere with times like this. This is the time to relax and enjoy your good fortune. Use it to your advantage.

VIRGO (Aug 23 - S ep. 22) — Some wonderful new developments could take place in your community, Virgo. You might meet some new people who move in nearby. New businesses could also arrive and give a whole new look to the area. You could spend a lot of time visiting others to learn about what's happening. You might also consider fixing up your home, as recent success has made that possible. You will be busy all day.

LIBRA (Sep. 23 -Oct. 22) — A high level of self-confidence and optimism should stay with you throughout the day, Libra. Your energy is good, as is your enthusiasm. The success and good fortune that have been coming your way are likely to stay with you. You may have just been blessed with more money and happiness. Of course, this feeling is also likely to attract more friends. Make the most of it!

SCORPIO (Oct. 3 -Nov. 21) — Happiness is the mood of the day, Scorpio, as you enjoy the fruits of all your hard work over the past few years. You're able to pursue a few things that you've never been able to before. You're likely surrounded by old and new friends, and romance is blossoming. You probably also look especially attractive now. If all this sounds too good to be true, wake up! It's happening!

SAGITTARIUS (Nov. 22 -Dec. 21) — Happiness is the mood of the day, Scorpio, as you enjoy the fruits of all your hard work over the past few years. You're able to pursue a few things that you've never been able to before. You're likely surrounded by old and new friends, and romance is blossoming. You probably also look especially attractive now. If all this sounds too good to be true, wake up! It's happening!

CAPRICORN (Dec. 22 - Jan. 19) — The company of good friends, perhaps at a group activity or festival of some kind, contributes to a powerful feeling of good health, good fortune, and happiness, Capricorn. You will probably want to spend a lot of time outdoors today. Sports might appeal to you. There will be a few minor accidents - dropping things, spilling drinks - but in all, this should be a satisfying day.

AQUARIUS (J an. 20 - Feb. 18) — Continued success and good fortune regarding finances could have you flying high right now, Aquarius. You're probably glowing with self-confidence and may well be surrounded by good friends. There might even be some public acclaim. A few minor mishaps might occur today, but they certainly won't put a damper on the mood. Expect to have a wonderful day!

PISCES (Feb. 19 - Mar. 20) — Now that you've earned your place in the world after all your hard work, Pisces, you might take some time to pursue your own interests. This could involve writing or publishing, going back to school to get an advanced degree, or taking a trip around the world. You have the time and energy to think about all your different options, so don't feel you have to rush.

MINDANAO TODAY

AS IT HAPPENS, WHERE IT HAPPENS

ORO | from p1 temporarily vanishes around 6:00 in the morning, and it usually goes back around 9:00 in the evening at the latest.

“It would be better if we collected water during the morning, but we finish at dawn because when [the water supply] has returned, it’s like a pee,” Marianas said.

“We even stopped doing our laundry every morning because we do it at night until dawn," she added.

Marianas said they already contacted the COWD about the problem since last year, but the problem has not been solved.

The neighboring residents in the said area have also been experiencing no water supply every morning, but it normally returns around noon.

“[The water supply] returns around 12 noon and allows us to collect one drum, then it vanishes again. Then it would return around 10:00 in the

OKK | from p1 and capsule-laying ceremony of phase 1 of the Divisoria Redevelopment Project, including the establishment of the previously called OKK Center and now the Resilience Center on Thursday, April 20.

City Mayor Rolando Uy said the rebirth of OKK Center must still be in Divisoria, the center of the city, as an area that became the center of business in the previous years.

“And now that I was given a chance, I tried my best to revive the OKK for preparation and for providing an easy process for the people in asking for assistance,” Uy said in his message during the groundbreaking at Divisoria here.

SK | from p1 Council for approval and adoption.

“But the new SK officers may come up with their own development plans,” said the youth development officer, citing peculiarities which should be taken into account to make the document truly responsive.

He said OYDO would refrain from getting involved with SK elections set October 30 this year, by suggesting to candidates what their political platforms or youth development agenda should be.

He said youth leaders in villages within the city’s urban and semi-urban areas may put garbage collection and disposal as their top priority, but this may not be true in upland and rural villages.

Security concerns, the OYDO chief said, may also vary, depending on prevailing threats such as drug addition,

DIVE | from p8

From traditional Korean spring activities, like Beongseonhwa (kind of flower) Nail Dye, down to playing traditional Korean games, Neolttwigi (Korean seesaw), for sure, everyone has something to look forward to!

But, that’s not all! What’s a festival without some music, right? Get ready to be entertained by the Korean tradi -

PILARIO | from p4 inversion is already found in Matthew 25.

I think that it is only from this context that we can understand the myriad Vincentian apostolates worldwide and the

evening,” said Claudine Claire Bengal, living a few houses away from the residence of Marianas.

Engr. Antonio Young, COWD general manager, explained that every morning is a “peak hour” due to the number of residents who use water supply, adding the excess water lines per stub-outs.

“In one stub-out, the maximum would be 20 [waterlines]… sometimes it would reach 25 or 30”," Young said in a phone interview on Wednesday, April 19.

The general manager said they considered the additional number of water lines per stubout as their way to help the householders who just applied for a water connection, considering the cost it would take if they built a new one.

To address the issue, the COWD will provide additional lines, but Young asked COWD’s clients to be more patient as it requires a lot of process.

Earlier Wednesday, Young

OKK is the centralized police station in downtown Divisoria that was significant to the city’s peace and order situation in the early 1990s under the administration of the late former Mayor Pablo Magtajas.

It can be recalled that around July last year, Uy promised to revive the OKK due to the series of crime incidents in the city.

Apart from the station of the police authorities, the new Resilience Center will also house various city hall offices, including the City Social Welfare Development Office, the City Disaster Risk Reduction Management Department, the Roads, and Traffic Administration, and the Bureau of Fire Protection.

Engr. Jenito Asequia, chief

gang wars, drag-racing, and other petty crimes.

Centina, however, maintained plans must be aligned with the National Youth Commission’s (NYC) nine identified centers of youth participation, as embodied in the Philippine Youth Development Plan 20172022.

He enumerated these centers of youth participation as health, education, economic empowerment, social inclusion and equity, peace-building and security, active citizenship, governance, environment, and global mobility.

In the PYDP 2023-2025 which the NYC has adopted, the nine youth participation centers have been clustered into four, the youth commission posted in its Facebook wall.

In the same forum, Ezel Lambatan, Agricultural Productivity Operations Office (APOO) spokesperson, present-

tional performance team as they showcase their talents in playing and singing traditional Korean songs called Pungmulnori (percussion ensemble) and Pansori (solo musical storytelling).

There will also be a special performance by P-Pop star and breakthrough artist, Mona Gonzales.

Of course, we can’t miss out on our talented Davaoeños as they showcase their skills to

structure of our communities.

Religious practices therefore should proceed from and lead us to the love of God in the person of the poor — so much so that “we can leave God for God”; or that we can “sell

and another COWD high-ranking official attended the “Meet the Press” media forum of the Cagayan de Oro Press Club and also explained the causes of the water supply problem in this city for the past week.

Young said there was a waterline in the Barangay Puerto area that was hit by a contractor of a government project, which caused water interruption in the barangays of Bugo and Gusa.

The COWD’s water supplier, Cagayan de Oro Bulk Water Incorporated (COBI), also experienced a technical problem on their plant site starting on April 13 and on the following days, which the water flow has been slowed down.

COBI supplies 80,000 cubic meters of water here per day, of which 60,000 come from Barangay Carmen to Opol town in Misamis Oriental and 20,000 come from the eastern part of the city. But the problem has been solved now, Young said.

The COWD has already co-

of the City Engineering Office, said phase 1 of the Divisoria Redevelopment Project, which will cover Magsaysay Park, and the Resilience Center, is expected to be finished on June 10 this year.

Uriel Quilinguing, a veteran Cagayan de Oro-based journalist who served as the editorin-chief of the Gold Star Daily from 1988 to 1995, said the OKK Center during those years provided a relative and fast response to people’s concerns.

“Remember, there was no internet or cellular phones at that time in the 1980s. There was a direct telephone line (Misortel). There were standby police patrol vehicles, ambulance vehicles, and fire trucks if there were fire incidents,”

ed the trophy that a Cagayan de Oro-based youth organization received last March 11, this year.

The Bayanihan sa Agrikultura para sa Kabatan-onan, Kaumahan, ug Katubigan (Collective in Agriculture for the Youth, Farms and Water Bodies) or The BAKA, where Lambatan served as program director, was adjudged as Ten Accomplished Youth Organization (TAYO) national awardee. TAYO Awards, which recognizes and supports the outstanding contributions of youth organizations in the Philippines, started in 2012 and used to be a flagship program of the NYC until 2019.

Meanwhile, OYDO has been supporting The BAKA in its year-long program to capacitate the youth on value-chain workshops and activities, agriculture-fisheries inputs, business planning, marketing, and leadership trainings.

this year’s “Everyone’s KPOP: Davao” on the 29th wherein the grand winner will get the chance to perform again on stage on the 30th, capping off the entire festival. This contest also marks the first-ever K-Pop contest in the region hosted by KCC.

This celebration is the perfect opportunity for you and your loved ones to not only learn about the roots of the Korean culture but is also the

our chalices” to answer for the needs of the sick.

Our liturgies, our habits, our community life and structures too should lead us to, and not hinder, the mission. (To be continued) (LiCAS.news)

ordinated with the Department of Public Works and Highways to avoid any damage to the water lines with the agency’s ongoing projects.

The said office also asked its water supplier to come up with a backup plan just in case there was a technical problem to avoid water interruptions.

Councilor Romeo Calizo, chairman of the city council’s committee on public utilities, made a special report on Monday, April 17, expressing the problem with the water supply raised by the residents of this city.

The city council wanted the top officials of the COWD present at the next session as they wanted to determine the real situation of the water supply in Cagayan de Oro.

Young said he still had not received any communication from the city council, but he is very willing to attend the next session to answer the queries of the members of the council. (MT)

Quilinguing said.

The OKK center, Quilinguing added, was a 24/7 peace and order and public assistance center, and he recalled that different news outlets during those times were also staying 24/7 in the OKK center for direct coverage.

The city government, through the establishment of the Resilience Center, is ready to help at any time in any calamity or emergency situation and to extend any assistance to those in need.

The said three-phase redevelopment project will be handled by ESR Construction, a Mindanao-based company, and it has a 360-day completion timeframe. (Franck Dick Rosete | MT)

The BAKA members are in 29 chapters with linkages of 4-H (Head, Heart, Heart, Health) Clubs, mostly belonging to the out-of-school youth sector, aged 30 years old and below.

They had availed of trainings in 10 Agriculture Training Institute-accredited learning sites in Cagayan de Oro.

Data from the Community Based Management System (CBMS) show Cagayan de Oro had over 172 thousand OSYs in 2020.

Centina said OYDO has been assisting OSYs and all eligible members of the youth sector get the education and trainings they need, avail of scholarships, as well as getting gainfully employed.

OYDO also seeks to empower village youth leaders (SK officials), provide leadership trainings, and encourage meaningful participation. (MT)

venue to bond, learn and create unforgettable memories together.

So come and join us for a truly amazing journey on April 29 and 30 from 11AM to 8PM at the Fountain Court, SM Lanang Premier, Davao City as we celebrate “Spring in Joseon” Korea Festival 2023.

For more details about the event, you may visit the Korean Cultural Center's (KCC) social media channels. (PR | KCC)

(Editor’s note: This opinion piece, written by Fr. Daniel Franklin Pilario, CM, was first published in the LiCAS.news on April 16, 2023. We are republishing it with permission from the LiCAS.news editors.)

Mon-Tue, April 24-25, 2023

Binibining Manolo Fortich 2023 winners

THE winner of this year’s Binibining Manolo Fortich were Rianne Mae Getuaban, representing Macky Oil and Gas, Binibining Manolo Fortich; Eriel Indira Albarece, representing Maluko and Tankulan, 1st runner-up; and Charmain Ann Binayao, representing Guilang-Guilang and Santiagao, 2nd runner-up.

Recipients of the special awards were best in gown –Rianne Mae Getuaban; best in swimwear – Chairmain Ann Binayao; Best in casual wear – Chairmain Ann Binayao; best in modern Filipiniana – Shane Roshyll Obsioma; best in local costume – Eriel Indira Albarece; Binibining Friendship – Krista Pitao; Binibining

Photogenic – Charmain Ann Binayao, Best Advocacy Statement – Rianne Mae Getuaban;

The corporate awardees were: Dahilayan Adventure Park Ambassadress – Izraphel Kristine Saavedra; Seven Seas Waterpark Resort Ambassadress – Krista Pitao; Dahilayan Alphine Village Ambassadress – Krista Pitao;

Pinegrove Mountain Lodge Ambassadress – Ma. Chynna Lyca Corbita; Dahilayan Forest Park Ambassadress –Eriel Indira Albarece; Foto Feliz Ambassadress – Krista Pitao; Beauty Shears Ambassadress – Charmain Ann Binayao; Dunkin Donut Ambassadress – Charmain Ann Binayao; Manolo Emission Testing Center Plus

Trade School – Krista C. Pitao; Napoles Dental Care Ambassadress – Ma. Chynna Lyca Corbita; Kayzel Beauty Clinic Ambassadress – Charmain Ann Binayao; Ambrocios Snack-Inn Ambassadress – Charmain Ann Binayao; Chintzy's Cafe Ambassadress – Krista Pitao;

Bugemco Ambassadress – Rayca Mae Jorquia; Toyota Valencia City Ambassadress – Krista Pitao; Jinky's Catering Ambassadress – Krista Pitao; Prince Hypermart Ambassadress – Eriel Indira Albarece. (Text courtesy of the Binibining Manolo Fortich FB page)

Dive into the scenery of ‘Spring in Joseon’ in Davao City!

DAVAO CITY – Take a glimpse and dive into a memorable experience as the Korean Cultural Center (KCC) brings “Spring in Joseon” to Davao City.

This year’s Korea Festival with a theme, “Spring in Joseon,” hosted by the Korean Embassy – Korean Cultural Center, in partner-

ship with SM Lanang Premier, will happen on April 29 and 30 at SM Lanang Premier Fountain Court.

With a wide range of different Korean food and drinks combined with traditional activities, this festival will take you back to the old Korea – as if you are in an episode of Sa-

geuk (Korean historical drama)!

Spring in Joseon marks the new beginning of present-day Korea as it was when Hangeul, the unique Korean characters, was made. From here on, everyone was able to express themselves freely and the Korean literature written in Hangeul also

started, giving birth to the world widely loved K-drama and K-pop.

Get ready for an eventful weekend that will take you on a memorable journey as you experience the rich culture of Korea! There are tons of activity booths that are free for everyone to enjoy.

“Pungmulnori” is the playing and singing of traditional Korean of songs. (Photo supplied)

The winner of this year’s Binibining Manolo Fortich are Rianne Mae Getuaban, Binibining Manolo Fortich; Eriel Indira Albarece, 1st runner-up; and Charmain Ann Binayao, 2nd runner-up. (Photo courtesy of Ceazar Ian Guanizo via the Binibining Manolo Fortich FB page)

Rianne Mae Getuaban, representing Macky Oil and Gas, Binibining Manolo Fortich 2023. (Photo courtesy of the Binibining Manolo Fortich FB page)

Eriel Indira Albarece, representing Maluko and Tankulan, 1st runnerup. (Photo courtesy of the Binibining Manolo Fortich FB page)

Charmain Ann Binayao, representing Guilang-Guilang and Santiagao, 2nd runner-up. (Photo courtesy of the Binibining Manolo Fortich FB page)