THE MINDANAO TODAY FEBRUARY 27-28, 2023

By Franck Dick Rosete Correspondent

Public hearing on Marawi rehab, victims’ payment held

Children of Sitio Curnao, Barangay Umagos, Lagonglong, Misamis Oriental receive various items from government agencies led by the Army’s

Members of the Macabalan and Puntod communities implement in a simulation what they learned in a five-day urban search and rescue training conducted by the Pilipinas Shell Foundation, Inc. in partnership with the City Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Department

Feb. 25. (Photo courtesy of Bong Fabe)

Mon-Tue, February 27-28, 2023

66 people's orgs get livelihood aid in Davao de Oro

By Che Palicte

DAVAO CITY – Sixty-six people’s organizations (POs) in Davao de Oro province are recipients of P19.8 million worth of livelihood assistance from the national government.

In a statement Thursday, the provincial government said each association received P300,000 assistance that will be utilized as startup capital for their livelihood project.

The checks were turned over Wednesday by repre-

Cops, PDEA dismantle 3 drug dens in Zambo City

By Teofilo Garcia, Jr.

ZAMBOANGA CITY – Authorities have dismantled three drug dens that resulted in the arrest of 10 suspects and the confiscation of about P306,000 worth of illegal drugs in this southern port city, a top police official said Saturday.

Col. Alexander Lorenzo, Zamboanga City Police Office director, said the drug dens were dismantled in simultaneous search war -

VP Sara now an Eagles member

By Che Palicte

DAVAO CITY – Vice Presi-

dent Sara Z. Duterte is the newest member of the Lady Eagles Club of Davao Prime Builders Tagatugon Eagles Club of Davao Region VII.

In a speech Friday during the Fraternal Order of Eagles-Philippine Eagles, Inc. here, Vice President Duterte urged fellow members to partner with the government to be of help to their fellow Filipinos.

The event also saw the induction of the new club members and the creation of the Lady Eagles Club, where the Vice President praised the group for upholding the principle of a “strong sense of family and community through service.” (PNA)

rant operations conducted by police and Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA) personnel in Barangay Sta. Catalina, this city at about 7:10 p.m. Friday.

Lorenzo said the operations were launched after surveillance of the suspects’ illegal activities.

He said arrested in the first drug den in Purok 4A, Barangay Sta. Catalina were Johan Sandalan Tan, Rayma Asbi Tan, Shaira Bungkalang Asbi, Alrashid Mohammad Tan, and Jamarjin Akmad.

Seized from them were 15 grams of suspected shabu packed in 13 plastic sachets, with an estimated street

value of P102,000, and illegal drug paraphernalia. Lorenzo said cornered in the second drug den in Attuphai 5th Street, Barangay

sentatives of the Davao de Oro province government, the Department of Social Welfare and Development in Davao Region (DSWD11), the Armed Forces of the Philippines, and the Office of the Presidential Adviser on Peace, Reconciliation, and Unity in Davao Region (OPAPRU-11).

The assistance came from the "Payapa at Masaganang Pamayanan (PAMANA) Sustainable Livelihood Program (SLP) of the national government, as funded by the Office of the President.

PAMANA aims to provide livelihood sources to all the communities once affected by armed conflict or insurgency.

In an interview, Leonora Ambas, 51, the president of the Kapatagan Pamana SLP Association, said the effort of the various agencies has definitely changed their lives for the better.

“We are now living peacefully and the communist rebels have returned to the folds of the government,” she said. (PNA)

DOT-13 to hone hospitality skills of 7K tourism players

By Alexander Lopez

BUTUAN CITY – The Department of Tourism in the Caraga Region (DOT-13) will train some 7,000 tourism frontline workers and students from the region on the Filipino Brand of Service Excellence (FBSE).

DOT-13 Regional Director Ivonnie Dumadag said the FBSE is a program initiated by the agency to equip the tourism front-liners in the country with ways of delivering customer services founded on Filipino values.

“The FBSE is a flagship program of DOT Secretary Maria Christina Frasco. The program

seeks to revive the Filipino values of respect, love, warmth, and hospitality for our visitors and to everyone,” Dumadag said in an interview Wednesday.

Frasco, she added, wants to embed the Filipino core values in all frontline tourism workers in the country.

Dumadag led the opening of the FBSE training for 50 students who are taking hospitality, management, and tourism courses in Surigao City on Wednesday.

In a separate interview Wednesday, Richard Amores, a DOT-13 accredited trainer, described the FBSE as a core program with a focus on human capital. (PNA)

52 ex-rebels, 200 NPA supporters in Agusan get benefits

BUTUAN CITY – Fifty-two former members of the communist New People’s Army (NPA) and 200 of their barangay-based supporters in Agusan del Sur province have pledged allegiance to the government Thursday and received benefits from the Enhanced Comprehensive Local Integration Program (E-CLIP).

In an interview Friday, Maj.

Jennifer Ometer, the Police Regional Office in the Caraga

Region (PRO-13) information chief, said the batch came from various towns of the province.

“These former rebels and supporters surrendered to field units of the PRO-13 on different occasions last year and in the early part of 2023 in Agusan del Sur,” Ometer said.

Leading the distribution of the E-CLIP benefits held in Patinay, Prosperidad town, Agusan del Sur, were Presidential Anti-

Organized Crime Commission

Secretary Gilberto DC Cruz; Lt. Gen. Filmore Escobal, the Area Police Command in Eastern Mindanao commander; and Maj. Gen. Edgar Alan Okubo, the Philippine National Police - Special Action Force director. They were joined by PRO-13 director, Brig. Gen. Pablo Labra II; and Agusan del Sur Governor Santiago Cane Jr. (Alexander Lopez| PNA)

PDEA-BARMM busts cop, 2 others in Cotabato anti-drug op

By Edwin Fernandez

COTABATO CITY – A police officer and two others were arrested during an anti-drug operation here Thursday evening.

Agent Jocelyn Mary, spokesperson of the Philippine Drug Enforcement

Agency in the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (PDEABARMM), said Pat. Jassim Aking and his two colleagues were nabbed in a buy-bust operation along San Isidro Street, Barangay Rosary Heights 10.

An undercover agent

managed to buy PHP340,000 worth of suspected shabu from the suspects inside a suspected drug den, Mary said.

She identified the two other arrested suspects as Sindatu Macmud and Fatima Usman.

"We recovered 11 sa -

chets containing about PHP400,000 worth of shabu,” Mary said, adding that a subsequent search also resulted in the recovery of mobile phones that the suspects used in the drug transaction, including a multicab vehicle.

“We have been following

him (Aking) for the past few months; he was placed under surveillance for so long,” Mary said of the arrested police officer.

Charges are being prepared against the suspects, who are now detained at the PDEA-ARMM detention facility in this city. (PNA)

Four of the 10 suspects arrested by operatives of the Zamboanga City Police and PDEA. (Photo from the ZCPO)

Sta. Catalina were Judith Magasa, Myra Magasa, Allan Lumiljo Pulido, and Ariel Muyda. (PNA)

Representatives of 66 people’s organizations in Davao de Oro province pose for a photo. (Photo courtesy of Davao de Oro PIO)

At least 52 former communist rebels and 200 mass-based supporters availed of benefits from the government. (Photo courtesy of Agusan del Sur PPO)

GOODNEWS

AS IT HAPPENS, WHERE IT HAPPENS

DENR-10 turns over trash trap project to Oro villages

CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY

– The Department of Environment and Natural Resources-10 (DENR-10) turned over the Trash Trap Project to recipient barangays Lapasan and Puntod, this city on Feb. 17.

The project aims to help address the solid waste problem through the construction of two trash traps in the said barangays.

The two units were installed by DENR 10 at Bitanag Creek, Lapasan on Feb. 16.

Each trash trap is made of approximately 57,000 used empty bottles from barangay residents under the Trash for Rice Campaign of DENR-10.

The formal turn-over of the project was led by Henry Adornado, DENR-10 regional executive director, with Reynaldo Digamo, Environmental Management Bureau-10 regional director.

Barangay Lapasan Chairman Julito Ogsimer and Puntod Chairman Rexie Tinampay represented by Councilor Job Bonjoc accepted the project funded by DENR Central Office

through the Task Force Tayo ang Kalikasan.

The program which was held at Sitio Lupsup, Barangay Lapasan was highlighted with the ceremonial turnover of the P100,000 financial assistance for the maintenance of the project from DENR which was awarded by Adornado to Ogsimer.

Adornado called on the city government, barangay officials, private sector and residents to help sustain the project.

He added that caring for the environment is a shared responsibility even as he sought the active participation of fisherfolks and other concerned groups to unite and join the cause to manage the solid waste.

Ogsimer assured the DENR-10 that the local government will sustain the project since it is the solution to the garbage problem.

He said that Lapasan is the catch basin of all wastes from Bitan-ag Creek and the problem should be jointly solved by the various stakeholders.

For his part, Bonjoc

thanked the DENR for the project. He said the project will benefit the fisherfolks of Puntod.

He further said the barangay council supports the implementation of Republic Act 9003 or the Ecological Solid Waste Management Act of 2000 and the Clean Air Act.

In his message, Armen A. Cuenca, City Local Environment and Natural Resources officer, thanked the DENR for the project.

He disclosed that this year the city government of Cagayan de Oro has funding for the construction of trash traps, and on-going construction of the recycling facility with plastic densifier to address the garbage problem.

He also announced that this time the city will strictly implement the “no segregation, no collection” policy.

Digamo disclosed that their office is implementing the Adopt-an-Estero Program that seek partnership with public and private organizations on the clean-up of esteros. DENR-10)

PGMO launches PAGLAUM help desks in MisOr hospitals

By Jan Albert Araña

TALISAYAN, Misamis

Oriental – In line with its commitment to the motto "Pamilyang Misamisnon Unahon," the Provincial Government of Misamis Oriental (PGMO) simultaneously launched its PAGLAUM Help Desk in eight Misamis Oriental Provincial Hospitals (MOPH), February 16.

The PAGLAUM Help Desk is a program crafted by the administration of Governor Peter M. Unabia under the unified effort on health and social services of the “PAGLAUM” banner and is now available in eight MOPHs at Talisayan, Gingoog, Claveria, Alubijid, Initao, Manticao, Magsay-

say, and Balingasag.

The help desk is a joint project between MisOr Cares, the Provincial Social Welfare and Development Office (PSWDO), the Local Finance Committee, and MOPH. Its goal is to help Misamisnon patients, especially those who are less fortunate.

Medical financial assistance is given through the PSWDO’s Assistance to Individuals in Crisis Situation (AICS), where they can avail financial assistance for hospital bills, medicine, laboratory tests, diagnostic-imaging procedures, and others. Beneficiaries can also get help with funerals, burials, transportation, embalming, and buying a casket.

Talisayan Mayor Rico Ta-

ray thanked the provincial government for the program and promised to back all of the government's plans and programs.

Unabia promised to improve and rehabilitate the eight provincial hospitals so that they could serve the public better. He also said the PGMO and the municipal governments will work with private pharmacies to supply the provincial hospitals with the medicines and medical equipment they need to fix the shortage of medicines.

The PGMO hopes that by launching the PAGLAUM help desk, it will be able to bridge the social divide and improve health access for all Misamisnons. (JAKA | PIA-10 | Misamis Oriental)

Henry Adornado, DENR-10 regional executive director, inspects the trash trap installed at the Bitan-ag Creek in Barangay Lapasan. (Jesha May Bagtoltol)

Mon-Tue, February 27-28, 2023

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AS IT HAPPENS, WHERE IT HAPPENS

Natural vs Artificial Intelligence

(2nd of 2 parts)

ONE of my brothers asked ChatGPT to write a homily for the Mass on Valentine’s Day. Here’s what it generated:

“Dear brothers and sisters in Christ,

As we gather here today to celebrate the feast of St. Valentine, we are reminded of the beauty and power of love. Love, after all, is at the very heart of our faith. In today’s first reading from 1 Corinthians, we hear St. Paul’s famous words about love: ‘Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. It does not dishonor others, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs. Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth.’”

“On this Valentine’s Day, we are called to reflect on the ways in which we can live out this kind of love in our own lives. So often, we associate this holiday with romantic love, but true love extends far beyond that. It is a love that embraces not only those closest to us, but all of humanity, especially those in need.”

“As Catholics, we are called to love as Christ loved, to love sacrificially and selflessly. This means putting the needs of others before our own, reaching out to those in need, and treating all people with dignity and respect.”

How to be perfect

(2nd of 2 parts)

“Let us not forget that love is not just a feeling, but an action. It is not enough to simply say that we love someone. We must show that love through our words and actions. And as we show love to those around us, we will experience the joy and peace that come from living a life rooted in love.”

“So, on this Valentine’s Day, let us open our hearts to the love of God and let that love overflow into every aspect of our lives. May our love for one another reflect the love of God and bring joy and peace to all those around us.”

Here’s the exchange of conversation among my siblings about the ChatGPT-generated: “ChatGPT will render many people jobless. But note: even when it’s talking about love, its message lacks depth and texture that only human experience can furnish.”

Another brother replied, “I noticed that its writing style is based on systems approach. Very mechanical and predictable.”

I told them in jest, “I dread to see the day when priests will simply generate homilies through ChatGPT! Haha.” (LiCAS.news)

(Editor’s note: This opinion piece, written by Bishop Pablo Virgilio David, the president of the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of the Philippines, was first published in the LiCAS.news website on Feb. 14, 2023. We are republishing it with permission from the LiCAS. news editors.)

‘UP Fair’ a music festival on

(2nd of 2 parts)

THE Eraserheads made their first performance at the UP Fair in February 1991, two years after Ely Buendia, Buddy Zabala, Marcus Adoro, and Raimund Marasigan formed the band in 1989.

They performed again at the UP Fair 1992 with their set including cover versions of The Knack’s “My Sharona” and John Lennon’s “Cold Turkey.”

Buddy and Raymund were my roommates for two years (1989 to 1991) at the Molave dorm during my last college years.

Because the band members often used our room to play their instruments and practice, I often ended going out to study somewhere else, as I could not take the “noise.”

As a supportive roommate, I watched them perform during the annual UP Fair at the Sunken Garden at a time when they were just starting to make waves inside the campus.

It was beyond my comprehension that the “noise” that I tried to avoid made them known as one of the most successful and critically acclaimed

GOD’s temple is holy, and you are this temple.” He will take immediate action against anyone or anything which will “destroy” the holiness in us; against anyone or anything which will foment hatred, indifference, vengeance and violence at the expense and to the detriment of others.

How then, must we start responding to Grace?

First, we will never understand an “other” person, when we are only “wise in the ways of the world.” This worldly wisdom – “foolishness in God’s eyes” – is meant only for self-preservation, a wisdom of knowing how to survive in spite of others. We must instead turn into the opposite, we must “become fools” in the world, “so that we may become wise” in his eyes, a wisdom meant for the sustainability of all creation, of knowing how to thrive with and for others.

Second, we will never be empathic towards an “other” person, when we are too focused in “boasting about” how “good and generous” we are; nor will we be responsible for an “other” person when we are sorely lacking in the humility to acknowledge that “love, compassion, forgiveness and service for others” is possible not through our efforts but only through God, in whom “everything belongs.”

May we pray: Father, I now understand that success may be a good confidence-booster, but failure seems to be the much better teacher. I am grateful you made me capable of doing things for myself, but grant me too the clarity of vision to be conscious of what I lack; and to be conscious of you who alone can fill what I may never have.

Thank you for blessing me in my happiness and sorrows! Your gift of yourself is a meaningful reminder that being holy is not ‘what I can try to become’ rather simply ‘what you wish me to become’. I now realize it is not my journey alone, but our journey together.

social issues

bands in OPM history, earning them the accolade “The Beatles of the Philippines.”

In 2019, they performed for the last time during the UP Fair.

Another fixture of the Fair was UP’s resident punk Romeo Lee who is best known for his “Wild Thing” persona. A highlight of each concert was Lee freaking out onstage while singing “Wild Thing” or “I Feel Good” with the featured musicians.

In the late 1980s and early 1990s, the themes evolved around the US Military Bases and the Socialized Tuition and Financial Assistance Program of the university.

The theme for 2023 is “Kaisa Ka Sa Musika,” which aims to give awareness on specific social issues each day: human rights protection (Tuesday: Rev); urban poor (Wednesday: Kalye Tunes); sustainable and pro-people transportation (Thursday: Dimensions); education, students’ rights, and welfare (Friday: Polaris); and gender emancipation (Saturday: Cosmos).

Performers included Moonstar88, Ben&Ben, Sandwich Mayonnaise, Itchy Worms, Ebe Dacel, Abra, and Orange and Lemons. The vocalist of Sandwich is Raymund Marasigan of Eraserheads.

Hey Moonshine whose bass guitarist, Atty. Carlo Ybanez, is current

president of the Maritime Law Association of the Philippines, also performed. Their lyrics often deal with socially relevant issues like armed conflict and environmental degradation.

Students have always been a potent force in social organization and social change in Philippine society. The UP student politics has taught us the vision of service to the people.

The campus molded us to fight for the causes we believe in, trained us for the skills we need to communicate ideas, and rally others to effect changes in society.

The music festival during the UP Fair makes one cherish the concept of academic freedom .

The performances are manifestations of the culture of resistance and persistence of UP as a safe haven for civilized and intelligent discourse of all beliefs and forms of democratic expression.

The UP Fair will continue to be a witness to UP’s existence as an institution with a critical eye on social and historical issues.

As Bob Marley said: “Don’t give up the fight, Stand up for your rights.” (LiCAS.news)

(Editor’s note: This opinion piece, written by lawyer Dennis Gorecho, head of the seafarers’ division of the Sapalo Velez Bundang Bulilan law offices, was first published in the LiCAS.news website on Feb. 20, 2023. We are republishing it with permission from the LiCAS.news editors.)

CDO segment railway project gets P100M fund for FS

CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY

– The Cagayan de Oro City Segment for the Mindanao Railway Project receives a P100-million feasibility study fund after the Department of Transportation (DOTr) approved the funding during the Public-Private Partnership Center Project Development and Monitoring Facility (PDMF) Committee meeting, Feb. 17.

The move aims to evaluate the proposed project of a 54.8-kilometer segment of the Phase 2 program of the Northern Mindanao Railway, which spans across Cagayan de Oro City, connecting two municipalities: Laguindingan and Villanueva in Misamis Oriental.

The feasibility study will figure out where the railways will go, including the Light Rail/Elevated Rail -

way from Bugo to Iponan and from Paseo Rotonda to Macabalan Port, passing through A. Velez St. to Pacana St. to Puntod and Macabalan.

It will also figure out how many stations will be built and what other services will be needed to make sure the future railway system is safe, reliable, and comfortable.

“It will connect the metropolitan areas of Cagayan de Oro up to Laguindingan Airport and, in time, link with the rest of the Mindanao Railway System," said Leonel De Velez, DOTr assistant secretary for planning and project development.

In July 2022, Rep. Rufus Rodriguez of the city’s 2nd district requested the said funds through a letter addressed to DOTr Secretary

Jaime Bautista, which was then followed by a meeting with Secretary Bautista and Undersecretary for Railways Cesar Chaves, where they discussed the two important railway projects: the Cagayan de Oro City Skyway/Light Rail System and Northern Mindanao Railway Project.

"We are very much thankful to DOTr, headed by Secretary Jaime Bautista, and Usec. Cesar Chaves for their support for these projects. As a highly urbanized city and soon to be a metropolitan city, Cagayan de Oro needs to prepare for efficient public transportation to ease traffic and pollution," Rodriguez said.

approved Philippine Development Plan 2023–2028, which stresses the importance of public transportation systems all over the

country.

Rodriguez expressed his gratitude to the President for the support he had given to the railway projects

in

City

Oro dad backs easy PTC reqs for traders

CAGAYAN DE ORO

CITY – Councilor George Goking asserted that businessmen applying for Permit To Carry firearms should be spared from complying with stringent requirements.

The councilor’s statement came following the spate of ambush, hold-up and other crimes in some parts of Mindanao and the rest of the country.

Businessmen need firearms for self-protection considering recent cases of ambush and robbery, he said.

It can be recalled that a media man was held-up recently while the convoy of Lanao del Sur Gov -

ernor Mamintal Alonto Adiong Jr. was ambushed last week in Maguing, Lanao de Sur.

The governor survived the attempt on his life.

Goking, chair of the City Council committee on ways and means, said it is fitting to allow businessmen to carry firearms for their protection, adding it may also help the Philippine National Police (PNP) in maintaining peace and order.

The councilor recommended to the PNP Firearms and Explosives Office (FEO) to make it easy for the businessmanapplicants to secure PTC. (APDelgra | SP)

The railway project is in line with President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.'s order to "Build Better More" and the Cagayan de Oro City

Calizo backs move on unfinished road projects

CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY

– Councilor Romeo Calizo appreciated the special report of Councilor Malvern Esparcia relative to a particular unfinished road project somewhere in Barangay Carmen.

Calizo said it is high time for the city council to craft the appropriate ordinance that will address the existing

problem of numerous unfinished road projects in the city as well as identify those responsible in monitoring and taking corrective actions on these deficiencies.

“I am also fond of roaming around the city and I really see this kind of unfinished roads and structures. There’s really a need for a

(specific) legislation on this because if we just let it be, then the people will keep on criticizing us as if we’re doing nothing,” Calizo further pointed out.

With this, the councilor suggested the matter be referred not only to the committee on public works but also to the committee on barangay af-

fairs, citing that if the portion of a road is within a particular barangay territory, the same should be given appropriate action by the said barangay even by just reporting.

The two committees are respectively chaired by Councilors John Michael Seno and Yan Lam Lim. (JAOclarit | SP)

DOLE-10 Camiguin assists parents of child laborers through P194K livelihood projects

MAMBAJAO, CAMIGUIN

– The Department of Labor and Employment-10 (DOLE-10) Camiguin Provincial Field Office (Cam PFO) headed by Chief Arlyn Bael, in partnership with the municipal government of Sagay under the supervision of Mayor Richard Uayan, together with the Reynardo Pabatao, Public Employment Service Office (PESO) manager, released 14 individual projects under the DOLE Integrated Livelihood Program (DILP) worth of P194, 000.00 for the Parents of Child Laborers (PCL) at the municipal gym in Barangay Poblacion, Sagay, this province, on Feb. 9.

The said projects are 13 sari-sari stores and a rice retailing. The PCL ben-

eficiaries were profiled and endorsed under the Child Labor Prevention and Elimination Program that enable them to prevent any child that may be prone to accidental activities through engagement of work and can be a hinder to their health and educational development.

Meanwhile, Uayan said, “We are grateful here in Sagay that you have been given assistance through this Livelihood Program. I hope the beneficiaries will not take this opportunity for granted to help them improve your living through the projects given from DOLE.”

For his part, Bael said: “As the PCL beneficiaries you are responsible to take

Inflation soars to 8.9% in Camiguin, MisOr in January

By Apipa Bagumbaran

CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY

– Both Camiguin and Misamis Oriental posted an 8.9 percent inflation rate in January 2023.

Janith Aves, Philippine Statistics Office-10 OIC, said the two provinces in

northern Mindanao had the highest rates of inflation.

Iligan City posted 8.6 percent inflation, Lanao del Norte had 8.4 percent inflation, Bukidnon had 8.3 percent inflation, and Misamis Occidental had 8.3 percent.

The lowest was posted in Cagayan de Oro City at

8 percent.

In terms of increases, Aves said Lanao del Norte posted the biggest increase in inflation at 2.4 percentage points from 6 percent inflation in December 2022, while Camiguin recorded the biggest decrease at 0.6 percentage point.

good care of your children, they should be filled with care, love and provide them education to learn. Just like your children, you are also responsible to take good care of the projects given to you, nurture and develop your business so that it will help you provide your future needs.”

Wendelin Babaison, 71, from Barangay Bonbon, is one of the beneficiaries in which her grandsons ages 10 and 16 years old were profiled due to engaging work by selling street foods near the road which is prone to accidents.

“I’m very thankful for this livelihood, it’s a big help for our living because we now have business that

Overall, the inflation rate in Northern Mindanao increased to 8.4 percent in January from 7.8 percent in December 2022, placing the region in the ninth spot among the 17 regions in the country in terms of the highest inflation rates. (APB | PIA-10)

can give us daily income that could support the educational needs of my grandsons. Thank you so much DOLE and to Mayor Uayan for supporting us to be part of this program,” Babaison said.

DILP or Kabuhayan Program is the DOLE’s contribution to the government’s agenda of inclusive growth through massive job generation and substantial poverty reduction.

It seeks to reduce the vulnerability of the poor, vulnerable and marginalized workers by providing them access to a grant assistance for capacity-building on livelihood ventures either for individual or group undertakings. (DOLE-10)

2nd Representative Rufus Rodriguez. (Office of 2nd District Rep. Rodriguez)

Mindanao through the "Build Better, More" program. (Office of 2nd District Rep. Rodriguez | PIA-10)

Councilor Romeo Calizo. (Photo courtesy of the Cagayan de Oro City Council)

AS IT HAPPENS, WHERE IT HAPPENS

Yellow Revolution, victory or no victory?

By Maricar Duncan

A REGIME of violence and corruption. An impoverish country with its people begging for help whilst its leader enjoying a lavish lifestyle with his cronies.

With the country's economy in jeopardy, the rise of insurgencies and after the assassination of the late Senator Benigno "Ninoy" Aquino, Jr. in August 1983 whilst returning to the country from exile, ignited even more by the election fraud in February 7, 1986, the outraged Filipinos were fueled by their resistance to a cruel and abusive dictator.

There were rallies and demand for widespread protests and civil disobedience. The public's demonstration called for the government to change.

They screamed out for democracy and demanded the overthrow of the deceased tyrant.

The transition was made possible by the Catholic Church's staunch backing, the shift of military support and some of the late ruler's trusted allies like Enrile and Ramos toward the widow Mrs. Corazon Aquino, at the

same time, the voice of the people became increasingly louder.

Hundreds of thousands of Filipinos gathered in Edsa from February 22 to 25, 1986, to protest the late dictator. Massive demonstrations of support were held in the country's major cities.

Mrs. Aquino and Ferdinand Marcos Sr. were both inaugurated as President of the Philippines on February 25, the same year.

Mrs. Aquino had hers done in Greenhills, whilst Mr. Marcos Sr. had his done in Malacañang.

The chaos was clearly evident as angry protesters stormed Malacañang. The Marcos family fled to Hawaii the following day, with the aid of the US government.

The dictator was ousted. This event gave birth to a new government and the making of the new Constitution, the 1986 Philippine Constitution.

The new Constitution is armored with precautions on potential abuses in the government through its emphasis on the Bill of Rights to safeguard the rights of the people. A massive overhaul of the government system

was done.

Finally, the Filipinos are now enjoying a democratic system that gives people the right to decide and vote the country's leaders through regular elections.

Remembering the 1986 EDSA People Power Revolution aka the “Yellow Revolution,” we learnt lessons from this historical movement and had proven that A STATE CANNOT EXIST WITHOUT ITS PEOPLE, it follows that A GOVERNMENT CANNOT OPERATE WITHOUT ITS PEOPLE. Government leaders are put in power by the people.

This momentous event altered the course of our country's history. History says to us that there is power in democracy, patriotism is always in the hearts of every Filipinos, we can achieve so much by faith, that we can always call for a change in the government with a peaceful protest and lastly, there is strength in unity.

EDSA I involved the exercise of the people power of revolution which overthrew the government. It’s extra constitutional and political.1

But after the symbolic

Edsa 1, are the Filipinos really victorious? I personally don't think so.

Edsa 1 might have ousted the late dictator and its cronies, but that was only temporary.

The return of the Marcos family, his cronies, and their elite circle is a colossal failure. The traditional ruling elites, the powerful and the privileged are back.

The oligarchs and political dynastic families are

even worse these days controlling the country.

No one can dare to abolish this system that gives these political dynasties more power, wealth and influence.

Despite the sacrifice by many, the Aquino administration and the succeeding ones failed to transform the country to a just and fair nation and give equality to the people.

The economic gap be -

tween the ruling elite, the middle class and the poor is still evident.

The violence, dark side of the Marcos regime was replicated in a way during Duterte's term, with claims of human rights abuses through his bloody drug war. Not to mention the seemingly disregard for the freedom of speech.

With the rampant, fake news, misinformation and disinformation, ironically, the country now has elected another Marcos, this time, the son of the late dictator, Ferdinand "BongBong" R. Marcos Jr., who claimed to relive the "golden era" of the new society, however there is still no sign yet of the promise being fulfilled. Having said all of these, I think the Filipinos have been living in a repetitive cycle of nightmare.

(Maricar Duncan is a graduate of Bachelor of Arts in Communication at the Pilgrim Christian College in Cagayan de Oro. Now residing in Dubai, United Arab Emirates with her family, Maricar is taking Juris Doctor at the Philippine Law School through its hybrid course program.)

FRIMP-CDOR, walling against ‘climate change’

By Franklin Gumapon

WHAT good things come after calamities?

After the devastating flood caused by Tropical Storm Sendong on December 17, 2011, people who lived near the Cagayan de Oro River were afraid to see it rise during heavy rains.

The rumbling floodwaters, which killed hundreds of people who were trapped in their homes, still haunted those who had seen how the houses along the riverbanks were washed down to the shores, leaving

P12,086,284,028 in total estimated damage across sectors and P1,239,837,773 in total FRIMP-CDOR

Although Northern Mindanao has major rivers, the area was not considered a typhoon belt.

Nonetheless, the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) had included the Cagayan de Oro River in its River Basin Master Plan for a Flood Risk Management Project (FRIMP), similar to the flood control projects funded under the Japan Interna-

tional Cooperation Agency (JICA) loan facility for the Cagayan River in Cagayan Valley, the Tagoloan River in Misamis Oriental, and the Imus River in Cavite.

Engr. Gil Iturralde, project manager of the DPWH's Unified Project Management Office (UPMO)-Flood Control Management Cluster, said in an interview that the Cagayan de Oro River was not a priority before Tropical Storm Sendong hit the city.

It was only after Sendong that FRIMP-Cagayan de Oro River (CDOR) was fully

considered, as JICA made its preparatory survey for the project in 2013–2014.

In March 2014, priority work was identified, followed by the signing of the JICA loan agreement in March 2015. The project’s contract package 1 started in December 2018, contract package 3 in March 2019, and contract package 2 in May 2019.

In December 2022, contract packages 1 and 2 were substantially finished, while contract package 3 is ongoing.

Project objectives

FRIMP-CDOR was made to protect people and property from the bad effects of climate change. It is made up of dikes or flood control structures like road dikes, floodwalls, and bridges.

The goal of the project is

to make the areas along the Cagayan de Oro River, from Macajalar Bay to the Pelaez Bridge, less likely to flood. This will help the people who live there be more resilient. It involves the implementation of structural and non-structural measures.

The basic considerations in the design and implementation of the flood risk management works are the topographic, social, and development conditions in the area, as well as the flood damage caused by Typhoon Sendong.

Once completed, this project will protect 614 hectares of commercial and residential areas with some 21,700 buildings and 60,900 people against Sendong-like floodwaters.

Project Cost

Building enormous flood

control projects requires billions of pesos. Iturralde estimated that the total cost of the three FRIMPCDOR packages would be around P8.549 billion for the 12-kilometer stretch of flood control project along the Cagayan de Oro River.

Part of the project is right-of-way (ROW) acquisition and the construction of a resettlement site for affected landowners and residents living near the river.

"DPWH spent some P1.448 billion to compensate the affected landowners and residents," Iturralde said.

Promoting interconnectivity and green spaces FRIMP-CDOR is not only building floodwalls. It has road and bridge components

EDSA I involved the exercise of the people power of revolution which overthrew the government. It’s extra constitutional and political. (Graphic by Domingo Marron Jr. | MT)

FRIMP-CDOR has road and bridge components to promote interconnectivity and decongest traffic in the city. (PIA-10)

MINDANAO TODAY

AS IT HAPPENS, WHERE IT HAPPENS

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.

LTFRB | from p1

Macabalan Port of Cagayan de Oro over the alleged overcharging of fare and contracting of passengers.

Apart from the reports and complaints received by the said agency, LTFRB-10 director Aminoden Guro confirmed that there was also an earlier resolution from the city council here urging his office to solve the said matter.

Upon the investigation, the LTFRB-10 found out that there are also taxi drivers who are not association members picking up passengers at the port’s taxi terminal.

“Naay usahay nga kung mahutdan na gali og taxi ug matimingan pud nga wala dinha ang in-charge sa ilang mini terminal, naay mga driver nga gapanimulos ug gatimingon nila nga wala pud gabantay sa ilaha,” Guro said in a phone interview on Sunday, Feb. 26.

(There are times that if taxis have run out and find that the in-charge of their mini terminal is not there, there are drivers who took the opportunity and

BUILDING | from p1

Barangay Umagos, Lagonglong town, in Misamis Oriental on Feb. 24.

This program is in line with the unit's campaign of restoring communities, changing lives.

Sitio Curnao is categorized as a Kosolidado, Kinokonsolidado, Expansyon, and Rekobery (KKER) area under the Geographically Isolated and Disadvantaged Areas (GIDAs).

As a consequence of its vast terrain and the presence of their family members, said sitio served as a safe haven for top leaders of CTGs.

The Mobile Community Support Sustainment Teams (MCSSTs) were previously immersed in said area and already declared cleared from CPP/ NPA/NDF affectation by the Area Clearing Validation Board

MARAWI | from p1 give updates on how the projects were going.

Also present in the said public hearing was lawyer Maisara Dandamun-Latiph, chairperson of the newly created Marawi Compensation Board.

Latiph sought the help of the Department of Budget and Management (DBM), Civil Service Commission (CSC), Office of the Solicitor-General (OSG), Supreme Court, Presidential Communications Office (PCO), and other agencies in pursuing the mandate of MCB, saying that the marching order of President Ferdinand Romual-

TAUSUG | | from p8

how they can be protected during times of conflict.”

Pana’ta offers guidance on important topics, such as ways to attend to victims of armed conflict according to Islamic Shariah, the lessons learned from historical battles, and the proper treatment of prisoners of war.

It was translated from the

CLIMATE | from p6 to promote interconnectivity and decongest traffic in the city.

For instance, a road dike has been constructed from Barangay Nazareth to Kauswa-

they always make sure that no one is watching)

It can be recalled that Councilor James Judith II, during the regular session of the city council on Jan. 30, presented his special report contained the alleged over-charging of fare rates and contracting of passengers in Macabalan port.

Judith said that drivers in various public utility vehicles (PUVs) in Macabalan port refused passengers who are not in favor to their fare contract.

“Kung dili nato ni masumpo, makahatag baya ni og kadaot sa kadungganan ug imahen sa atong dakbayan (If we failed to solve this, it would bring damage to the reputation and image to our city),” Judith said.

“Maka-ingon ang atong mga bisita, asa naman ang giingon nga dakbayan sa bulawanong panaghigalaay (Our visitors would say, where is the socalled city of golden friendship),” he added.

Jeannette Solas, a resident here, said a taxi driver asked for a fare worth around P400P600 just for Barangay Nazareth destination.

(ACVB) on September 11, 2019.

Since then, livelihood assistance and trainings have been given and conducted for the people's organizations (PO) called Curnao Farmers Association (CUFA).

This includes goat dispersal, turnover of assorted farm seedlings, water system installation, and solar light installation.

Thus, a recipient of the Support to Barangay Development Program (SBDP), which is already in implementation.

And now, through the initiatives of various line agencies, stakeholders, non-governmental organizations (NGOs), and other legal organizations, a more diverse approach to revisiting Curnao has been undertaken.

Social, health, education, socio-economic, and other essential services are provided to

dez Marcos Jr. is to fast track the payment for the properties and lives lost to the five-month battle with the IS groups in Marawi City.

Latiph told Senator Bato that based on the record, there are around 17,000 claimants to be compensated, and the board was only given three to four years to complete the processing of their claims.

This is the reason why they are seeking the help of DBM for the funding, the OSG for lawyers to help in the litigation, the SC for additional courts in Marawi, and the PCO for a massive information campaign.

On the other hand, Felix

original Arabic text, Muqadima fi ‘l-qanun ad-duwali al-insani fi ‘l-Islam, which was written by Dr. Zaid bin Abdul Karim Al-Zaid of Imam Mohammad Ibn Saud Islamic University in Saudi Arabia.

Partner schools in the Zamboanga peninsula and Sulu will receive free hard copies of the book. It is also available for free download on the ICRC’s Religion and Humanitarian

gan and in Barangay Carmen as well.

The vacated lots along the river will be converted into parks and recreation areas, as these are classified as "no building zones." Greening along the

“Giingnan nakog metro ra boss dili musugot. Ingnan pa kag "wala kay masakyan diha dam nga musugot og metro. Sige na dam ulan bya mangabasa mo,” Solas said in her comment to the Facebook post of LTFRB-10 pertaining to their inspection on Macabalan port.

(I said just use the (taxi) meter, boss. He refused. And

I was told “You cannot find a (public utility) vehicle there, Madam. Just go for it. It’s raining, you all get wet)

During the inspection on Feb. 24 at the Macabalan Port, Guro said the LTFRB-10 did not find any violations as the usual trait of the taxi drivers every time there’s an inspection has again undertaken, where they acted nice and kind.

Relative to this, Guro urged the riding public to get the necessary details if they noticed that a taxi did not used the taximeter or wanted a fare contract.

In a Facebook post from the LTFRB-10 Inspection and Monitoring Unit, the necessary details include plate number, operator’s name, trade name

22 households in Sitio Curnao and 93 others in neighboring communities.

In addition, the 4ID Medical team provides medical consultation to 72 patients.

An inspiring message was also given to the community by all department heads about their role in government and the kind of assistance they can also provide, especially to the farmer's, women's, and youth sectors, which are regarded as vulnerable to deceptive recruitment by the CPP, NPA, and NDF.

Edgardo Cainglet, sangguniang bayan member and former village chair of said sitio, expressed his heartfelt gratitude to all government agencies who came without hesitation despite the distance, lack of electricity, no signal connectivity, and the only

Castro, the project manager for Task Force Bangon Marawi (TFBM), said that 85% of the projects to fix up Marawi are now done. He said there were projects calendared for 2022 but only implemented this year.

Lt. Gen. Romeo Brawner, chief of the Philippine Army (PA), reminded the public and all stakeholders in Marawi City to help prevent the return of lawlessness in the city after receiving reports that drug lords were resuming operations in the area.

“Security is everybody's responsibility,” Brawner stressed.

Attending the blended pub-

Principles website.

The ICRC in the Philippines has already released local translations of two other Arabic reference works to promote awareness about IHL and its convergences with Islamic law.

In 2021, the institution supported the translation of an Arabic book into Maguindanaon and the translation of another publication into Meranao.

The organization will

riverbanks will also be intensified to protect the structures against soil erosion.

Complementing "Project Lunhaw"

While the DPWH is working on FRIMP-CDOR, the city

and the body number (RX number) must be included in the complaint.

Apart from the inspection in Macabalan port, the LTFRB-10 also conducted inspection to the taxi drivers in Cogon area here pertaining to the complaints they received over alleged refusal of passengers.

Once the taxi or any PUV under the jurisdiction of LTFRB commit the said violation, the first offense would cost P5,000; P10,000 for the second offense and P15,000 for the third offense.

After the third offense, if the same PUV unit has commit the same violation, there is a tendency that the franchise would be suspended for 30 days, Guro said.

The fines are not just limited to over-charging of fare rates and contracting of passengers but also include the refusal of passengers, arrogant and discourteous driver, among others.

Guro assured the consistent inspection in the entire region to combat various problems faced by the commuters. (MT)

mode of transportation being by foot and horseback in reaching out to the people of Curnao, bringing social services, and building roads to this small community.

Meanwhile, Lt. Col. Christian Uy, battalion commander of the 58IB, lauded all the department heads of the government agencies, stakeholders, NGOs, and other legal organizations who took part in the activity and their dedication for hiking an hour and a half through the rugged terrain just to reach Sitio Curnao.

“More blessings will come to those who give,” Uy said, urging the community to remain steadfast in the growth of the socio-economic development of the community while remaining resilient to any form of deceptive recruitment by the CTGs. (58IB)

lic hearing called by dela Rosa were representatives from the Department of Public Works and Highways, Department of Education, Local Water Utilities Administration, National Housing Authority, Commission on Audit, National Economic and Development Authority, Public Attorney's Office; Land Registration Authority, Philippine Information Agency, Bangsamoro Human Rights Commission, Bangsamoro Transition Authority, some members of Bangsamoro Parliament as well as senators Robinhood Padilla, Francis Tolentino and Christopher Lawrence Go. (FPG | PIA-10)

launch a Yakan translation of one more book later this year.

The ICRC is a neutral, impartial and independent humanitarian organization whose exclusively humanitarian mission is to protect the lives and dignity of victims of armed conflict and other situations of violence and to provide them with assistance, regardless of their political affiliation. (ICRC)

leaders of Cagayan de Oro have started "Project Lunhaw."

This project aims to make the city more resistant to climate change by taking a "ridgeto-reef" and "ecosystem-based" approach. (FPG | PIA-10)

Tausug book on intersections between IHL and Islamic Shariah launched

INTERNATIONAL humanitarian law, also known as the rules of war, aims to protect people from the devastating effects of armed conflict.

A 76-page book that was originally written in Arabic and introduces readers to the convergences between IHL and Islamic Shariah is now available in Tausug.

“Pana’ta: Sara Parmanusiyaan Liyubangsa Ha Islam” (Introduction to International Humanitarian Law in Islam) was launched in Zamboanga City on 22 February by the International Committee of the Red

Cross (ICRC) and Mindanao State University-Sulu (MSUSulu), which partnered together to produce the book’s translation into Tausug, a major language spoken in the Sulu archipelago and Zamboanga.

“By translating this important Arabic reference work into Tausug, we hope that there will be greater discourse surrounding IHL and Islamic law among Tausug speakers,” says Boris Michel, the ICRC’s Head of Delegation in the Philippines. “We aim to empower and inform Filipinos about

The Department of Tourism-10 joins the 14th Sunggod Teh Kamanga Festival: A Moving Cultural Experience held in Quezon town, Bukidnon recently. (Photo courtesy of DOT-10)

ICRC Head of Delegation Boris Michel and Dr. Nagder Abdurahman, Chancellor of MSU Sulu sign copies of the book. (Photo supplied)