THE MINDANAO TODAY FEBRUARY 13-14, 2023

BLOODBATH INSIDE ARMY CAMP

Soldier goes amok; 5 dead, 1 wounded

By Franck Dick Rosete Correspondent

FIVE soldiers were killed – including the suspect – and another one was wounded following a shooting inside the Phil. Army’s 4th Infantry Division (4ID) headquarters at Camp Edilberto Evangelista in Barangay Patag, this city, early Saturday morning, Feb. 11.

Maj. Francisco Garello Jr., 4ID spokesperson, said the suspect shot his fellow soldiers using an M16 rifle firearm while sleeping in their barracks at the Service Support Battalion (SSBn) unit.

Garello confirmed one of the dead victims was the suspect’s roommate and the other victims got involved after the said assailant went to their respective rooms and shot them.

7 cops, 1 other killed in MisOr crash

By Franck Dick Rosete Correspondent

SEVEN members of the Philippine National Police (PNP) and one retired officer were killed after the ve-

hicular accident in Purok 11, Barangay Maputi, Naawan, Misamis Oriental on Saturday, Feb. 11.

The Misamis Oriental Police Provincial Office identified the fatalities as Staff

Sergeants Marjun Reuyan, Jobille Lou Cañeda, Eric Generalao, Michael Ermac, Aaron Ticar, Arnill Manoop, Eugene Ariston Lagcao and retired Staff Sergeant Anito Abapo. The majority of the fa -

Cargo vessel figures in sea mishap

By Alexander Lopez

BUTUAN CITY – Twentytwo crewmen of a commercial barge were rescued after their vessel carrying tons of sand sank off the coast of Punta Sili in Hinatuan Island, Surigao del Norte province on Friday morning.

The sea vessel was travel-

from Cabadbaran City,

talities were assigned at the Lanao del Norte Police Provincial Office; while Ermac was assigned at the Iligan City Police Office.

Meanwhile, the wounded

Twenty-one soldiers from the 4th Infantry Division led by First Lieutenant Erick Salazar, the Executive Officer of Headquarters Service Company, have successfully donated blood as part of the Diamond Division's dedication and commitment to serve the people and save lives Saturday, Feb. 11. (Photo courtesy of the 4th Infantry Division)

A wing van falls down after its front wheel exploded which resulted in collision against the two vans carrying the 32 police officers, including a retired cop in Purok 11, Barangay Maputi, Naawan, Misamis Oriental on Saturday, Feb. 11. (Photo courtesy of JenelRae delos Reyes Jamis)

ing

Mon-Tue, February 13-14, 2023

PBBM wants ready relief goods in far-flung areas: DSWD chief

By Alexander Lopez

BUTUAN CITY – President Ferdinand Marcos wants relief goods ready and available in times of disaster, especially in remote areas.

Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) Secretary Rex Gatchalian conveyed this as he led the Wednesday payout activities for the Emergency Shelter Assistance (ESA) and the Social Pension Program for indigent senior citizens in the towns of General Luna and Dapa in Siargao Island, Surigao del Norte province.

“President Marcos instructed me to ensure that

relief goods and other immediate assistance must always be ready and available for the people, especially in the remotest areas in the country,” Gatchalian said during the distribution activity in General Luna.

To bring about the instruction of the President, Gatchalian said the DSWD will be working with the local government units to further improve and fasttrack the relief operations of the agency.

At least 4,840 families whose houses were destroyed and damaged during the onslaught of Super Typhoon Odette (Rai) in Dec. 2021 received their cash assistance through the ESA program. (PNA)

45 10ID troopers finish ALS elementary, secondary schooling

By Che Palicte

DAVAO CITY – A total

of 45 personnel of the Army's 10th Infantry Division (10ID) completed their elementary and junior high

school education through the Department of Education’s Alternative Learning System (DepEd-ALS) program.

In an interview Friday, Capt. Mark Anthony Tito,

the 10ID spokesperson, said the graduates were Indigenous People (IP) soldiers and former rebels who were recruited on special enlistment.

They graduated during a

Eight caught, P1.2-M ‘shabu’ seized

By Teofilo Garcia, Jr.

ZAMBOANGA CITY –

Eight suspects, including a member of a drug syndicate, were arrested and some P1.2 million worth of illegal drugs and a firearm were seized in separate anti-drug operations during the week within the jurisdiction of the Area Police Command-Western Mindanao (APC-WM).

The biggest drug haul involved the confiscation of some PHP850,000 worth of suspected shabu and the arrest of two of the eight suspects last Monday in Lanao del Sur province.

ceremony held at the 10ID Auditorium in Camp General Manuel T. Yan Senior in Mawab, Davao de Oro on Feb. 8.

Tito said the group took the functional literacy test and participated in a series of modular sessions as part of the ALS program.

Dr. Arlyn B. Lim, the assistant schools' division superintendent, said elementary graduates may choose to proceed to junior high school, while those in junior high school could move on to senior high and enroll in vocational courses.

"We will continue to partner with the 10ID to make a difference in these people's

Soldiers in Lanao MILF camp not disarmed: CCCH official

COTABATO CITY – Thirtynine members of the Army Special Forces (SF) who accidentally entered a Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) acknowledge camp in Lanao del Sur province recently were not disarmed, a ceasefire panel member clarified Thursday.

“It appeared the soldiers were unaware they were within the MILF camp in Maguing. The MILF politely requested them to lay down their guns assuring them they will not be harmed and the soldiers agreed,” said Butch Malang, chair of the MILF coordinating committee on the cessation of hostilities (CCCH).

On Tuesday, the SF unit unintentionally found its way into the MILF camp

in Barangay Dilimbayan in Maguing town, Lanao del Sur. Members of the Bangsamoro Islamic Armed Forces 103rd base command allowed them to stay in the camp overnight.

“The MILF referred the matter to the governmentMILF ceasefire panel and the issue was settled following a dialogue,” Malang said referring to the incident. Malang said the SF unit

was allowed to leave the MILF camp Wednesday afternoon “with the government forces shaking hands with MILF fighters like brothers.” (Edwin Fernandez | PNA)

lives. I know this aligns with our goal of eradicating illiteracy in our government," Lim said. (PNA)

Col. Richard Verceles, operations chief of APCWM, said Fahad Pangcatan, 21, and Mohammad Aragasi, 20, were arrested by policemen in a checkpoint operation around 9:30 p.m. Monday in Barangay BatoBato, Maguing town, Lanao del Sur. (PNA)

Kidapawan micro orgs get P6.5-M livelihood aid

KIDAPAWAN CITY – At least 21 micro-organizations here have benefited from a P6.5 million financial aid extended by the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) under its Sustainable Livelihood Program (SLP).

“The aid intends to boost the groups’ production and signifies that the government acknowledges their purpose and abilities,” Mayor Jose Paolo Evangelista said in a statement Tuesday.

Evangelista turned over the checks Monday afternoon to the recipient organizations together with members of the city council and the city social welfare office.

Each organization received at least PHP300,000 for their livelihood projects.

The recipients included the Agcasan San Isidro PAMANA, United As One Perez PAMANA, Sunrise Travelling Rice Mill, Linangkob General Merchandise PAMANA, BNB Agrivet Supply, Marbelous PAMANA, Matatag na Tindahan PAMANA, Birada Mapiya PWD SLP, Mua-an Bagong Buhay and the Lanao Partners for Change Solo Parent. Also included are the groups of Amas PWD, Ginatilan PWD Kapit Kamay, Poblacion May Pag-asa PWD, Sudapin PWD, Magsaysay Solo Parents, Poblacion Solo Parents, Singao United Solo Parents, Sudapin Empowered Solo Parents, Amas Gabay, Nuangan Balik Pangarap and the Poblacion OFW Entrepreneurs. (John Andrew Tabugoc | PNA)

DSWD Sec. Rex Gatchalian leads the distribution of social pension to 1,112 indigent senior citizens. (Photo courtesy of DSWD-13)

Forty-five soldiers of the Army's 10ID join a moving-up and graduation ceremony. (Photo courtesy of 10ID)

Kidapawan City Mayor Jose Paolo Evangelista (center, white shirt) poses with representatives of organizations. (Photo courtesy Kidapawan CIO)

DENR-10 underscores environmental challenges in Mindanao-wide forum

By Jan Albert Araña

CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY

– The Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) held its Mindanao-wide two-day multi-stakeholder forum as part of its advocacy for nationwide consultation to better address the environmental challenges in the country, February 2.

The Mindanao leg is the third forum conducted by the agency, which aims to open dialogue among various stakeholders and gather information on their priorities for possible inclusion in the agency’s policy agenda and multi-year roadmap for programs, activities, and projects.

"Today’s DENR Multi-

stakeholder Forum in Mindanao is an opportunity for all of us to gather both evidence and expertise to support this administration’s priorities for economic recovery, climate-resilient and inclusive development, and a just transition towards the green and blue economy,"

DENR Secretary Maria Antonia Loyzaga shared.

With the country’s existing issues and concerns about the environment, Loyzaga underscored the need to unify stakeholders to bolster understanding and cooperation and overcome the challenges of coherence and implementation.

The forum also wants to bring attention to environmental governance

and important issues like ecotourism, agriculture and food security, forest and land management, climate and disaster resilience, and mining.

A Resiliency Framework for Environment and Natural Resources is expected to be produced from the forum and will serve as the foundation for sciencebased, data-driven, and culturally-sensitive environment and natural resources policies and activities that will be co-implemented by both government and nongovernment sectors. (JAKA | PIA-10)

NorMin households benefit from DSWD's CDD approach

CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY

– A total of 274,829 households in northern Mindanao are now benefiting from the community subprojects they completed with the help of the Department of Social Welfare and Development-10 (DSWD-10).

Subprojects included roads, electrification projects, and health stations, among others.

PEACE Mindanao project bats for conflict-free BARMM

By Claire Gigje

MARAWI CITY – Looking back on how the previous firefights have taken a great toll on the lives of the affected residents, a project was recently launched to help advance a conflict-free environment.

Dubbed "Promoting Efforts Addressing Conflict through Education in Mindanao (PEACE) Mindanao," World Vision Philippines and Ireland, with the funding of the European Union (EU), are set to bring vital interventions to the cities of Cotabato and Marawi.

Rommel Fuerte, World Vision Philippines' national director, said this would show how important peace education and community unity are to the growth and well-being of children and young people.

"This project is to promote efforts addressing conflict through education in Mindanao. The most important of all is that through this project, the concerted efforts of partners will allow our children and their families to thrive more productively and responsibly as citizens of our country," he said.

Fuerte stated that his organization sees this project

as responsive to the current context, especially in Marawi and Cotabato City, in promoting humanitarian efforts to counter extremism in these particular places.

Furthermore, World Vision Ireland Programmes and Policy Director Maurice Sadlier expressed his organization's appreciation for the positive work done by the Bangsamoro and Philippine governments for the Mindanao peace process, as well as their interest in working with the local government units of Cotabato and Marawi to advance the started peace actions and contribute to peaceful societies in the country for at least three years.

"Peace is difficult to build and takes time, so we are willing and want to be partners with World Vision Philippines and the local government units for three years of this program. The particular project is calling for interventions working on peace processes and a safe and secure society," he said.

Sadlier said that part of their project would be education, and that they would take part in peace education that is already going on in the schools in the areas they would be working in. (CRG

Through the Kapit-Bisig Laban sa Kahirapan Comprehensive and Integrated Delivery of Social Services National Community-Driven Development Program Additional Financing (KALAHI-CIDSS NCDDP AF), the DSWD was able to finish 628 subprojects in 42 municipalities in northern Mindanao.

DSWD reveals that improving road conditions is the top priority of communities, with 269 roads built out of 649 subprojects. Since the onset of the program in 2021, approximately 34 kilometers of road concreting projects have been completed.

Rural electrification is the second most important need, and 3,919 solar street lights have been put up in

different towns in Region 10. For 2021–2022, the program allocated more than P649 million worth of infrastructure investments in Region 10. The DSWD selects areas with a high poverty incidence for program implementation using government funding and loan proceeds.

The 2023 targets include 731 sub-projects expected to be delivered by the end of the semester. This year, grants for communities worth a total of P322 million will be given out in six more municipalities. The province of Bukidnon tops the list with the highest number of subprojects currently being implemented.

The program partners with municipal and barangay local government units in facilitating the community-driven development (CDD) approach to deliver the most-needed basic services.

In the second year of NCDDP AF, the program logged more than P101 million in cash counterparts from participating LGUs and is expected to increase under Phase 2. This time, the

municipal grants are cut to 50%, and the LGUs pay for the rest of the money.

KALAHI-CIDSS NCDDP

AF closes in December 2023, targeting the institutionalization of CDD in barangay development planning in partnership with the Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG).

LGUs who have undergone KALAHI-CIDSS NCDDP and NCDDP AF will be oriented with DILG’s enhanced Local Governance Module that harmonizes CDD and DILG processes. The roll-out training will run from May to October.

DSWD also pushes for the institutionalization of CDD by law through the CDD Bill. It seeks that all national government agencies and local government units (LGUs) use the CDD approach in their community-based programs, projects, and activities.

The CDD Bill is one of the priority bills of DSWD in its legislative agenda to promote social protection by sustaining the gains of CDD.

Further, the Department aims to influence LGUs with CDD principles and elements in every KALAHI-

CIDSS implementation. Mistaken as an infrastructure program, KALAHI-CIDSS’ development objective is to promote community empowerment where citizens work hand-in-hand with their local government to deliver basic services. It is achieved through meaningful participation in inclusive local planning, budgeting, and implementation.

Executive Order No. 443, Series of 1997, issued by former President Fidel V. Ramos, prompted the DSWD to implement CDD through the Comprehensive and Integrated Delivery of Social Services (CIDSS) program. Since then, different funding institutions have supported various CDD implementations through the different modalities of KALAHI-CIDSS.

Through the implementation of KALAHI-CIDSS NCDDP AF, the DSWD continues to fulfill development needs in Region 10 through small-scale but essential infrastructure in the community, improving the people’s quality of life and accelerating economic growth in their localities.

(DSWD-10 | PIA-10 | Camiguin)

MisOcc guv to renovate PEO, establish new offices

MISAMIS OCCIDENTAL – To maximize services to the Misamisnons, Governor Henry S. Oaminal conducted an actual inspection inside the Provincial Engineering's Office (PEO)

Compound, February 2. "It has to be renovated in accordance with its purpose," Oaminal said.

During the inspection, Oaminal asked PGSO OIC Daisy Talictic to come up

with a site development report. Even if it is not urgent, he hopes that it will be completed in the next three months. Oaminal also wanted to condition the vehicles to make sure that

they could be used and ensure that they would not be added to the unserviceable properties.

Among his plans are also to renovate the General Service Office’s warehouse, relocate the National Commission of Indigenous Peoples office, and donate unused toilet bowls to the schools in the province.

In addition, Oaminal wants to see the old health bus of the Department of Health renovated, reconditioned, and painted with Asenso MisOcc.

The governor’s goal is to achieve a better and more comfortable workplace for everybody working in government. (PGMO | PIA-10 |Misamis Occidental)

The DSWD was able to finish 628 subprojects in 42 municipalities in northern Mindanao. (DSWD-10)

DENR Secretary Maria Antonia Loyzaga speaks during the Multistakeholder Forum in Mindanao. (JAKA | PIA-10)

Mon-Tue, February 13-14, 2023

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AS IT HAPPENS, WHERE IT HAPPENS

Support gap for adults with autism

(2nd of 2 parts)

IN the Philippines, parents of children with autism or other permanent disabilities have few or no options for providing assured continuing support and care for their children.

The government provides various support and care for children with disabilities but all of these programs stop when they become adults.

What is worse is that there is a painful lack of awareness for supporting or understanding adults with these disabilities.

There are some individuals who have formed a group to provide mutual support programs to give their adult sons and daughter activities that cater to their needs.

There are even some groups who, in cooperation with like-minded institutions, have attempted to provide special communities for adults with these disabilities to survive and thrive.

These are in the experimental stage and of course only able to help a small

Anti-war Luftballons

(2nd of 2 parts)

portion of adults with disabilities.

Unfortunately, private initiatives alone will be insufficient. The government must step in to help provide solutions to this problem or gap in support.

To ensure that the government take action, parents of disabled children, related private institutions, associations, and health professionals must band together and coordinate with government to make them aware of the situation and then come up with suggested solutions aimed at lessening the gap in support for adults with these disabilities.

There is an old saying that it takes a village to raise a child. There was, in fact, a book by Hillary Clinton entitled, “It takes a village” which expounds on the concept that society and government in general, must pitch in and help parents.

For parents of children with disability, this concept is even more important. It really does take a village to care and even help parents

LAUENGCO | P7...

IAM playing the song from YouTube as I write this piece, enjoying the popular beat and wonderful guttural German when put into songs – but the important thing is the story of the song which I will use the Wiki summation to facilitate:

“99 balloons are mistaken for UFOs, causing a general to send pilots to investigate. Finding nothing but balloons, the pilots put on a large show of fire power. The display of force worries the nations along the borders and the war ministers on each side encourage conflict to grab power for themselves. In the end, a cataclysmic war results from the otherwise harmless flight of balloons and causes devastation on all sides without a victor, as indicated in the denouement of the song: ‘99 Jahre Krieg ließen keinen Platz für Sieger’, which means ‘99 years of war left no room for victors’.”

From my perspective, there were three critical periods in the past threequarters of a century that the danger of a nuclear war was imminent, the period

US military bases are a danger to the Philippines

of the Cuban Missile Crisis 1962, the period of leading to the Fall of the Berlin War in 1989 and today when the US is threatened by three conditions: the continuing explosion of inflation and the US debt, plus the global de-dollarization that will lead to the collapse of the US dollar in the immediate years ahead. The US needs to disrupt the global geo-economics conditions but short of triggering a final nuclear showdown, exactly like what the US is doing on the European continent is its proxy war with Russia pushing the crisis only to the edge of Ukraine’s border, and in Asia beginning with the present pressure on Taiwan, Japan, South Korea and the Philippines to intensify militarization with surprise US militarypolitical sources predicting a US-China war over Taiwan by 2025 and NATO expansion to Asia. Join us online at: (search) Global Talk News Radio and Asian Century Philippines on FB, Global Talk News Radio on YouTube; raise your questions and type our comments online. (PNA)

(2nd of 2 parts)

IT seems that the plan of the military alliance between the United States, Australia and the UK, known as AUKUS, is to surround China with a steel chain of island fortresses bristling with multiple missile sites, too many to be suppressed by counter attack, but that can subdue the Chinese navy and strike its land-based launch sites if ever it comes to all out conflict and an attempt by China to invade Taiwan.

The AUKUS missile bases in the Philippines and the Japanese Senkaku islands could devastate Chinese ships trying to make troop landings on Taiwan.

The AUKUS nations are developing hyper-sonic missiles to counter the technological sophistication of China’s missile strike force.

Hyper-sonic missiles are deadly and hard to detect because of their speed (Mach 5) and are very maneuverable.

This huge growing US presence in the Philippines, located inside Philippine military installations, is covered by the fig-leaf of the 2014 Enhanced Defense Cooperation Agreement (EDCA) that shields the US from criticism it is violating Philippine sovereignty by already having regular use of Basa Air Base in Floridablanca town in Pampanga; Antonio Bautista Air Base

in Puerto Princesa City, Palawan; Benito Ebuen Air Base on Mactan island in Cebu; Lumbia Airfield in Cagayan de Oro City in northern Mindanao and an army jungle training base in Fort Laur, Nueva Ecija, and other unknown secret bases.

Subic Bay and San Miguel Base in Zambales are next for US occupation.

When the US occupies the Philippine air force base in Lal-lo, Cagayan in the north, it will have easy strike distance to Taiwan in the event of an invasion of Taiwan by China.

The US air force flies surveillance planes in and out of Clark for several years already under the Visiting Forces Agreement.

However, it is not just occasional visiting, the planes are on regular military operations from a civilian airport.

All is done with a nod and a wink from the Philippine higher command, permission is always granted on a permanent basis it seems.

Besides, the US military has unlimited access to other areas for its training and testing of weapons.

It tested its M142 High Mobility Artillery rocket launchers in Crow Valley in Tarlac and has the use of the Colonel Ernesto Rabina Air Base in Tarlac and practically any other harbor or airfield it wants to use for so-called “visiting.”

For years, the US used the Batanes Island airfield for re-fueling its planes. It used helicopters to light up the runway until landing lights were installed.

Subic Bay has been used for docking US Navy ships and loading supplies and now with a US company, Cerberus Capital Management, owning the former Hanjin shipyard in Subic Bay, we can expect more US ships to be based there like the USS New Orleans.

For sure, Chinese missiles installed on the seized Philippine atolls are now aimed at Subic Bay and San Miguel Base, Zambales.

The bay has recently been named as a Philippine Navy base, conveniently situated at part of the former Hanjin shipyard. That is another fig-leaf to justify US warships docking at Subic Bay.

The US military presence in the West Philippine Sea has not deterred China from grabbing more atolls and islands from the Philippines and arming them with missiles.

The Mutual Defence Treaty between the US and the Philippines is of no help.

There has to be an act of war by China against the Philippines to trigger a US military response. Any such response will need the approval of the US Congress.

The presence of so many US military bases inside Philippine bases is making the Philippines an open and vulnerable target for retaliatory strikes by China.

The deployment of so many US servicemen in military bases all over the Philippines will speed up the expansion of the sex industry and, once again, we will see more human trafficking and sexual abuse and exploitation of women and children by US servicemen as if we don’t have enough by Filipinos at present as in the past. (LiCAS.news)

SSS ‘E-Center sa Brgy’ opens in Oro village

CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY

– The Social Security System (SSS) Cagayan de Oro branch signed, February 10, a memorandum of agreement (MOA) with Barangay 17 to establish an “SSS ECenter sa Barangay.”

This is a digitalization project that makes it easier for members to use the online services that SSS offers through their own barangays.

Barangay 17 Chair

Jerico Goldmar Ebabacol expressed his enthusiasm upon accepting the program in his barangay.

“Aside from being a source of pride for the barangay, this is the first pilot to be created and opened in the City of Cagayan de Oro, their "E-Center sa Barangay" of SSS. This is a privilege for the people, especially in Barangay 17, that the center is here, near, and hassle-free. Because of this program, a number of requests from the public will be granted,” he said.

Meanwhile, SSS Cagayan de Oro Branch Head Antonio G. Fabia shared that they are expanding and reaching out to barangays to bring their services closer to the people.

"We have an existing e-center in our office in

Carmen with 15 computer units. We noticed that they are always full for the members, but we lack more units. That is why we are expanding and reaching out to our barangays to see if they can offer at least one computer with Wi-Fi so that their constituents within the area can transact there or login to the e-center," Fabia said.

At the barangay E-Center, SSS services include getting an SS number, registering online, finding out how much they've paid in, finding out how much they owe, enrolling in a bank (DAEM), filing claims for things like sickness, maternity, retirement, unemployment, and funerals, getting a PRN, applying for a salary/ calamity loan, and enrolling in WISP PLUS.

"The city has 80 barangays, and we plan to replicate this E-center in all the other barangays, and we are also working with our neighboring municipalities in our area of jurisdiction," said Fabia.

Once the SSS E-Center barangay is setup, members do not need to personally transact in the SSS office; they can do so right at the barangay or in their own homes by accessing www. sss.gov.ph. (JMOR | PIA-10)

DTI releases new SRP for basic, prime products

CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY

– The Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) has issued the new suggested retail price (SRP) for some basic and prime products.

The price adjustments were due to the rising prices of raw materials, packaging, and other costs globally.

Basic products with updated SRPs include some brands of canned sardines, processed and powdered milk, coffee, bread, noodles, laundry and detergent soap, candles, processed canned meat and canned beef, patis, toilet soap, and batteries.

Price adjustments for some canned sardines, processed and powdered milk, 3-in-1 coffee mix, bread, locally manufactured noodles, and detergent/laundry soap ranged from P0.50 to P2.00.

Some brands of pro -

cessed meat and canned beef increased by P0.78 to P3.50, while three brands of condiments increased by P1 to P2.

DTI issues SRP to guide consumers and retailers in

their purchase and sale of basic necessities and prime commodities.

Consumers are highly encouraged to refer to the most recent SRP before going to supermarkets and

grocery stores.

The price guide for the latest SRP as of February 8, 2023, can be viewed online at www.dti.gov.ph/konsyumer. (DTI-10 | PIA-10)

DOLE-10 turns over starter kits to Oroquieta beneficiaries

OROQUIETA CITY – The Department of Labor and Employment-10 (DOLE-10) Misamis Occidental Provincial Field Office, headed by Provincial Director Ebba Acosta in coordination with 1st District Rep. Jason Almonte, turned over DOLE Integrated Livelihood Program starter kits amounting to P500,000 to 17 beneficiaries at Purok 3 Mobod Covered Court, this city. Acosta said that most of the people who will get help are vendors whose jobs have been put on hold while they slowly get back on their feet

because of the devastating flooding that hit the whole city.

The accredited co-partner (ACP) of the project is the Oroquieta City Community Affairs for Reforms and Development Programs (OCCARDP), which has been accredited by the DOLE to implement programs and projects using government or public funds.

ACP is responsible for the direct delivery of goods to the target beneficiary.

DILP is part of the DOLE Integrated Livelihood and Emergency Employment

Program (DILEEP), which is a community-based package of aid that provides displaced employees, underemployed workers, and

minimum wage earners with livelihood grants to augment their income. (DOLE10 | PIA-10 | Misamis Occidental)

CDO, PBEd launch JobsNext project to hone youth's skills

By Apipa Bagumbaran

CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY

– The city government of Cagayan de Oro and the Philippine Business for Education (PBEd) launched the JobsNext project, a training program designed to help youth develop needed skills for future jobs.

The launching was highlighted by the sealing of the partnership between the city government and PBEd, represented by Mayor Rolando Uy and PBEd Executive Director Justine Raagas, respectively.

Citing data released by the International Labor Organization in 2016 that around 49% of Filipinos will be at risk of not being employed due to automation, Raagas said they came up with the JobsNext project to mitigate the negative impacts of automation on the

employability of Filipinos.

This is done through the provision of appropriate skills and lifelong learning to enable the young workforce to take on the jobs of the future.

Funded by the Citi Foundation, the project targets youth aged 18 to 25 years old. They can be out-of-school youth, studying youth, graduates, and working or non-working individuals.

During the launch, Mayor Rolando Uy said JobsNext is a good opportunity for the city and its youth. "So far, JobsNext is the first of its kind in Cagayan de Oro City. It is the first to deliver a skills training program for jobs of the future to ensure our youth are ready for the future," he said.

Uy said JobsNext will provide training programs for Kagay-anon youth for

jobs in IT, data analytics, and web services, among others.

"Once our youth are equipped with skills for

these jobs, they will be able to reach more heights in the future. They will be able to have productive lives," the mayor added.

100 Kagay-anon youth are initially identified to participate in the JobsNext project.

Simultaneous with the

launch, PBEd also conducted an orientation on JobsNext among youth in Barangay Carmen. (APB | PIA-10)

The SSS Cagayan de Oro branch signs Feb. 10, a MOA with Barangay 17 to establish an “SSS E-Center sa Barangay.” (RDM | PIA10)

AS IT HAPPENS, WHERE IT HAPPENS

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Tip 2: Never share your

MPIN or one-time password (OTP). Scammers often pose as a GCash representative or a friend to trick you into giving your OTP. Remember that your MPIN or OTP are only for you, no one else!

Tip 3: Only do GCashrelated transactions within the app. Some scammers use similar-looking phishing sites to ask customers to verify their accounts or log-in. Beware of this scamming scheme! When asked to verify or log-in, only do so on the GCash app.

Tip 4: Don't forget to register your SIM card. With the new SIM Card Registra-

tion Act in effect, make sure you have already registered with your telecommunications provider before the April 28 deadline. Also be wary of scam or spam messages posing as registration portals. Make sure you only share your personal information in the legitimate links of telecom providers.

Explore the many services within the GCash app! From the useful send and receive money features check out GSave, GInvest and also GInsure for even more digital financial solutions available to help grow your money or fund your passions.

While using the app, you are also contributing to reducing carbon emissions. GForest – an interactive platform in the app allows you to take an active role in helping reforestation efforts in the country by collecting “green energy points” whenever you use the app’s cashless services.

Your green points are equivalent to a virtual tree thay GCash and its partners can plant on your behalf.

Learn more about the many features of GCash! Download for free on the Google Play or App Store. To know more, visit www. gcash.com. (PR | GCash)

NorMin ‘kasambahays’ honored for outstanding service

CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY

– Two kasambahays from northern Mindanao, namely Jessa Bation of Iligan City and Meralyn Madria of Cagayan de Oro City, elicited recognition from the 2023 Sampung Natatanging Kasambahay ng Pilipinas organized by the Office of Senator Jinggoy Estrada in commemoration of the 10th anniversary of Republic Act No. 10361, the Domestic Workers Act, or Batas Kasambahay, January 25, in Manila.

Both told their stories in a way that met the requirements set by the Office of the Senator. Their stories show that Filipinos love their families, are loyal, and have great work ethics.

Madria is a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration student at Golden Heritage Polytechnic College, here.

As a housekeeper for 10 years who wanted to go back to school to get a degree, her life has never been easy, especially since her older sister has special needs.

“I need to graduate to find a job—and I am working hard, not to be a housemaid forever,” the awardee disclosed.

Meanwhile, Bation successfully passed the licensure examination for teachers amid challenges. She starts her week with allaround house chores, and babysitting while attending weekend school at the Santa Monica Institute of Technology in Iligan.

DOLE NorMin Regional Director Albert Gutib praised the national winners for their outstanding service as housekeepers and as "real parents" to the children of their respective employers, all while showing their love

for the family and pulling themselves and their loved ones out of poverty.

Gutib said that the winners were covered by DOLE Advisory No. 10, which says that they are entitled to statutory leave and labor standard benefits. This improved their rights as household workers and gave them things like 13-month pay, 5 days of annual service incentive leave, one whole day of rest every week without interruption, and social protection benefits.

Estrada's office got 200 nominations, but only 10 were chosen to get P30,000 and an extra P10,000 from Sen. Cynthia Villar.

The recognition was graced by Senators Cynthia Villar, Francis Tolentino, Robin Padilla, Bato Dela Rosa, and DOLE Secretary Bienvenido Laguesma. (DOLE-10 | PIA-10)

Labor Sec. Bienvenido Laguesma (right) poses with Senators Cynthia Villar, Francis Tolentino, Robin Padilla, Jessa Bation (2nd left), and Sen. Jinggoy Estrada. (The Philippine Star)

GCash reminds its customers to be extra vigilant about shady links, fake sellers, and unknown numbers to keep their accounts safe

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

AMOK | from p1

“Pinuntahan yun ng suspek isa-isa at yun nga (The suspect had gone [to the rooms] one by one and there) shot the victims,” Garello said.

Amid the incident, two soldiers had already noticed the gunshots and they were the ones who neutralized the suspect in self-defense after he forcibly entered their room.

The suspect had visited a total of five rooms, the 4ID spokesperson said.

The 4ID is still currently gathering other information from the witnesses to establish what happened prior to the incident.

CARGO | from p1

Agusan del Norte, and was bound for Dapa town in Siargao Island, Surigao del Norte when the 6:00 a.m. incident occurred.

“We were in the area off

COPS | from p1 police, including the wing van driver and helper were brought to different hospitals in Misamis Oriental, Iligan City and this city for proper medication.

Police authorities identified the wing van driver as Benjamin Abubacar Modabpil and his helper, Jamaroddin Baganday.

Initial investigation disclosed that the front wheel of the wing van exploded which

LAUENGCO | from p4 of children with special needs.

As such, more than the said parents, associations and even groups, there is a need for other members of our society to be aware and contribute to these efforts.

Though direct financial assistance for parents of adults with special needs would be

LUNAR | from p8 is the peak of spring. This will bring about a reinvigoration and a reintegration back in society.

He added that industries with fire and metal elements will benefit the most in the Year of the Rabbit.

“Fire industries are going to be good this year so that would be technology on the software side, energy, communications and media, entertainment and events and food,” Fernandez said.

“Other industries that are also looking good have to do with metal – banking and finance, mining, jewelry, beauty

EALA | from p8

my time, taking advantage of the time that I have to do my homework.”

Aside from managing her tennis career, Eala is also juggling her studies as she nears finishing her senior year in high school.

Being a professional tennis player and a student can be jar-

“Wala po tayong prior knowledge sa ngayon kung ano talaga ang naging motibo at kinu-collate pa ang mga statements before nangyari ito at sino mga nakasama niya [suspect] (We don't have prior knowledge for now if what really the motive, and the collection of the statements is ongoing prior the incident and who were with him),” Garello said.

The 4ID has created a special team to expedite the investigation in order to determine the truth behind the incident, and to come up with a plan to avoid the same occurrence.

The suspect and victims were residents from different

the coast of Punta Sili when big waves hit our barge,” said Roberto Espina, the boat captain of LCT Pacifica I, in an interview with RPN DXKS radio station in Surigao City.

Espina said he immediately sent a distress signal and or-

resulted in collision against the two vans carrying the 32 PNP members including the said retired cop, said Major Reynante Labio, Naawan police officerin-charge in a phone interview.

“The wing van was traveling to Cagayan de Oro from Iligan. These two Vans, where our police were onboard, were traveling to Iligan from CDO,” Labio added in vernacular.

Major Joann Navarro, Police Regional Office (PRO) 10 spokesperson, in a separate

appreciated, the apparent cost for such program would stagger even in the richest of governments.

Perhaps, non-financial measures such as tax breaks, health care and other incentives be given to parents to allow them to build the financial capacity to set aside funds for the future.

In addition, government support for private institutions that are already taking the ini-

products, medical, dental and healthcare, and technology on the hardware side or equipment,” he added.

Fernandez also shared that the creativity energy will be strong in the Year of the Rabbit and people should take advantage of this to brainstorm and come up with new ideas. ‘

“But try to guard against losing focus. Don’t try to do everything at once. Try to think and choose what is important and from there you will be able to get things done,” he said.

The celebration closed with Rafael S. Algarra, EastWest’s Senior Executive Vice President gladly shared with the guests

ring, but Eala takes it all in stride.

“I am in my senior year of high school, and I enrolled in an online school for my last year because I found that it became more difficult for me to manage my time when I had to be in class, for exams, in-person classes. So I found that this year, now that I'm in online school, I can manage my time and manage my work,” said Eala.

areas in Mindanao and the 4ID is continuously contacting the relatives of the involved soldiers to inform them about the incident.

Garello and the rest of the 4ID, under the leadership of Commander Maj. Gen. Wilbur Mamawag, expressed their sincerest condolences to the bereaved family and assured that all assistance will be extended to the family, including the necessary benefits for the soldiers.

In a statement released Saturday, the 4ID said it is still on the process of informing the families of the SSBn personnel who died during the incident as well as the family of the

dered all his crew to abandon the ship using two life rafts.

“The barge could no longer sustain the huge waves. When we were at a safe distance in two life rafts, we saw the huge waves overturn the barge,” he said.

phone interview, confirmed that the involved PNP members are currently taking the Public Safety Junior Leadership Course at the Regional Training Center (RTC) 10 in Barangay Patag in this city.

She also confirmed the PNP members involved have ‘privilege pass’ from RTC-10 to go home to their respective places in the provinces of Lanao del Norte and Misamis Occidental.

The PRO-10, under the leadership of regional director Brig.

tiative for related programs can help expand their reach.

Private corporation willing to engage in related activities for their CSR can also be given breaks or even additional pathways for ease of doing business.

There are probably many groups or individuals with better and newer ideas for this problem. This is a problem that requires out of the box solu-

that the Bank’s portfolio has only increased and grown further in 2022 because of the steady reopening of the country and the world.

“We will continue introducing more investment opportunities to help you strengthen your portfolio according to your needs and preferences.

EastWest Priority and our qualified and expert RMs will always be here to guide you, navigate the markets, and grow your wealth,” he promised.

Clients who stayed on after the program proper got the chance to win raffle prizes like 2023 Feng Shui diaries, dinner voucher, spa gift certificates,

Eala, who will be turning 18 in May, is certainly enjoying her downtime in the Philippines, gamely indulging employees and fans at The Globe Tower for photo ops and autographs.

It's a chance to make good on her promise of giving back to the country, and she is doing her best to be a role model that Filipinos can look up to.

wounded personnel.

“In these trying times, we are one with families praying for the repose of their souls. We assure them that all assistance will be facilitated and provided to the families to include the benefits and claims,” the 4ID said.

“Finally, we assure the public that this is an isolated incident. This will not have any impact in the operations of SSBn. Hence, 4ID created a Board of Inquiry (BOI) Team to closely collaborate with the PNP COCPO and SOCO in order to expedite the investigation and put closure to this unfortunate incident,” it added. (MT)

Barely an hour after the incident, the crew members were rescued by a passing MV Reina Veronica of the Montenegro Shipping Lines and brought to the Bilang-Bilang Port in Surigao City. (PNA)

Gen. Lawrence Coop has assured the necessary assistance to the victims, as well as to the bereaved families of the fatalities.

“We also have a program in PRO-10 initiated by our regional director called ‘Pagtuyok sa Kasakit’ where every member will give an amount in order to provide assistance to the victims,” Navarro added.

Labio said the Naawan police are now preparing for the case filing against the wing van driver. (MT)

tions from all sectors.

One thing is certain. With a growing number of children diagnosed with autism and other permanent disabilities every year, the problems of these children growing up to be adults must be addressed as soon as possible. This is my oblique observation. (PNA)

and overnight accommodations.

The EastWest Priority Lifestyle Series is part of the Bank’s efforts to thank their loyal Priority clients. The Davao leg was held on January 25, 2023 at Dusit Thani Davao.

EastWest Priority provides bespoke banking products and services to affluent clients who are business executives, business owners, scions of affluent families, next generation of family-owned corporations.

For more information on EastWest Priority's products and services, visit priority.eastwestbanker.com. (PR | EastWest)

Once Eala concludes her vacation, she knows it's right back to business as she gears up for another packed year ahead. But for now, she is just happy to be home.

“I think for a tennis player, the goal is really to join the Grand Slam. So those are going to be my goals for this year: to get into as many Grand Slams as I can,” Eala said. (PR | Globe)

Alex Eala makes jubilant homecoming

FILIPINA tennis star and Globe ambassador Alex Eala is finally back home for a brief vacation, carving out time to visit the Globe Tower where she met with the media and reconnected with Globe employees.

The 17-year-old tennis ace is coming off her first stint as a pro at the 2023 Australian Open last month.

As crucial as diligent training and competing in high-level tournaments are, Eala says finding time for some rest and relaxation is just as important.

“It’s very important. I think that rest is also a big part of the journey. Rest is also a part of improvement. To just have this time to be with family and share all my success with them and just to catch up. I haven't seen them for so long,” shared Eala.

“I'm super happy to have this opportunity and also to

connect with BPI, connect back with Globe, just have this opportunity to be with the press and organize my affairs,” she added.

Ranked No. 217 on the Women's Tennis Association (WTA) Tour, the lefty netter is eager to rise up the ladder and break into the top 200 soon.

To do this, Eala is getting ready to compete in more Grand Slam tournaments, including the French Open in May and Wimbledon in July.

“My main goal is really just to be more involved in the WTA circuit. There'll be WTA tournaments and, of course, the Grand Slams. Now my goal is also to get the ranking that will allow me to do that. And if I can get even higher, I haven't set like a specific number for the end of the year, but as high as it can go,” shared Eala.

For now though, Eala is enjoying her time at home. Whether it's having her fill of Filipino food she doesn't get to indulge in whenever she's on the WTA tour, spending precious time with her cousins, or simply just decompressing and getting in some schoolwork, Eala is making the most of her stay.

“Every time I come back, I always get pork barbecue,” Eala eagerly shared. “And then I spend a lot of time with my cousins because a lot of the times that I'm back, it's for holidays or whatever and for summers. So they also come back from school from university so I spend a lot of time with my cousins.”

“And this is actually one of the first times I've been home and not training. So it's also a new experience for me. Usually, I'm training a lot, so I'm just enjoying

EastWest Priority Lifestyle Series brings their Lunar New Year celebration to Mindanao-based clients

EASTWEST Priority Lifestyle Series’ Lunar New Year celebration was taken to Davao just a day after its Cebu leg where the Bank officially opened their first Priority Center in Cebu.

This celebration for the Year of the Water Rabbit kicked off the Series’ slew of events for 2023. This was the first face-to-face Lunar New Year celebration for Priority Center clients in Davao since the Center formally launched in 2020.

The Bank’s new CEO, Visayan Mr. Jerry G. Ngo

gave his well-wishes in both Chinese and Bisaya which charmed the guests.

He also expressed his eagerness to forge stronger partnerships with the clients in Mindanao.

“EastWest is more than prepared to meet any movement, circumstance, and potential headwind that can happen in the local and global economy. A bank that can always and consistently provide what our customers and clients need, no matter what, is what we constantly aspire to be. I’m confident

that we can easily achieve this goal, even more so with your continued support,” assures Jerry Ngo.

An outlook on what to expect for the Year of the Water Rabbit was given by Feng Shui master Patrick Lim Fernandez.

Guests were also delighted with a traditional lion dance. These are Priority Lifestyle Series staples that the Bank’s clients look forward to each year.

According to Fernandez, the Year of the Water Rabbit

Dip in the cold water of the “Milusok” pool in San Jose, Quezon town, Bukidnon. Cottage rate is only P100. (Photo courtesy of PapaChuy TVplus | LAAG TA bukidnon FB page)

The Year of the Water Rabbit is the peak of spring. This will bring about a reinvigoration and a reintegration back in society. (Photo supplied)