THE MINDANAO POST MAY 4-5 2023

Manolo Fortich caps off Banog-Banog Festival with

MANOLO FORTICH, Bukidnon – The BanogBanog Festival 2023 wrapped up with a bang on April 29, as ten contingents took to the streets in elaborate costumes, showcasing the town's rich cultural heritage through pulsating drum beats and dazzling street dancing.

The “Sayaw, Estorya, Kultura” show at the municipal gymnasium was a hit among locals and tourists alike, with mesmerizing tableau and video presentations narrating the fascinating tales and legends that make up Manolo Fortich's identity.

Majority of the performances incorporated eagle wings and movements to honor the municipality’s most recognizable emblem, the Philippine Eagle.

Barangay Santiago and Guilang-guilang took home the Best in Videography award, Alae-Mantibugao-Minsuro won the Best in Choreography, and Dalirig-Ticala received the Best in Costume. The Alae-Mantibugao-Minsuro also emerged as this year’s Street Dance Exhibition and Cultural Show Tableau Performance champion.

Congratulations to the winners!

The festivities concluded with the Mercato/ Bazaar and live bands at the BRCI Compound, where attendees were treated to an array of aerial, arts, music, and food. (DOT-10)

Dancers perform during the Banog-Banog Festival 2023’s street dancing competition in Manolo Fortich, Bukidnon on April 29. (Photo courtesy of DOT-10)

A dancer is all smiles as she performs during Banog-Banog Festival 2023’s street dancing competition in Manolo Fortich, Bukidnon on April 29. (Photo courtesy of DOT-10)

GROUP: RECENT INCREASE ‘NOT SUFFICIENT’

New salary hike eyed in NorMin

By Franck Dick Rosete Correspondent

A LABOR group in Northern Mindanao has again expressed their gratitude for the recent wage increase, but they stressed that it was “not sufficient to give the workers a life of dignity,” considering the spike in the prices of goods due to the high inflation rate.

The Associated Labor Unions-Trade Union Congress of the Philippines (ALU-TUCP) in region 10 said on Labor Day, May 1, that another wage increase petition is part of its immediate plans, and it is now studying the move by gathering data and facts.

“We are not asking for too much; it’s just for something that is sufficient

to give a person sufficient sustenance in terms of their salary,” said lawyer Doris Javier, ALU-TUCP Northern Mindanao OICvice president, on Monday.

Javier said she still has no definite date, as of this writing, for the filing of another petition for a wage hike.

It can be recalled that the Regional Tripartite Wages and Productivity Board-10 (RTWPB-10) approved a P40 increase in the daily minimum wages of non-agricultural workers last year in the cities of Cagayan de Oro and Iligan and the towns of Tagoloan, Villanueva, and Jasaan in Misamis Oriental.

However, the ALUTUCP region 10’s original wage increase petition was not completely approved,

as they petitioned for a more than P40 increase. Now, the current minimum wage here is P405.

Apart from the said matter, the ALU-TUCP 10 also pointed out the implementation of the P405 minimum wage, calling on the government to address the problem immediately, as it still handles cases of workers who are still receiving below the minimum wage.

“It’s not enough that there’s a law in place if the implementation and enforcement are problematic. Such that there is no adequate penalty given to the violators of the law. Then, employers will continue to violate it,” Javier said.

The labor group called on the Department of Labor and Employment

(DOLE) to improve the inspection system for business establishments, suggesting bringing back the involvement of the private sector for transparency.

Estrella Uy-Pahalla, DOLE-10 OIC-regional director, said the re-involvement of the private sector in joint inspections with the agency is still being studied, echoing the need for improvement.

The agency used to collaborate with the private sector in inspecting business establishments, but the program has been stopped as there were concerns raised about the implementation and the inconsistencies on the part of the DOLE-accredited inspectors from the private sector.

“One of the noted [con-

cerns] is the availability of the accredited partners. If there’s an inspection to be conducted, they may not be available; and some also had their own choosing that they don’t want to go to that establishment because of some reasons, and they want to go to the establishment because of some reasons,” Pahalla said also on Monday, clarifying that the said concerns were observed in other areas in the country.

The need for improvement, Pahalla said, also covers defining the role of the partnered inspectors in the private sector.

She also stressed that DOLE has been transparent when it comes to the systems and processes for inspecting establishments.

The state’s labor and

employment department also assured intensive monitoring to ensure that all business establishments are following the recent wage order and the general labor standards, among others.

Earlier Monday, different employees’ unions from various companies in this city conducted a caravan from Rodelsa Circle going to the ALU-TUCP 10 office in Kauswagan Highway as part of their activity in celebration of Labor Day.

The presidents of different workers’ unions talked about various employees’ concerns and the ALUTUCP 10 officials shared inspirational messages, stressing the huge contribution of the employees to sustaining the economy. (MT)

KIBAWE MDRRMO Staff and Rescue Volunteers, including Kibawe Fire Station personnel trained in High and Low Angle Rescue and Basic Rope Rescue Training by the Bureau of Fire Protection's Special Rescue Unit. (LGU Kibawe)

Cash aid for kin of OFW from Bukidnon assured

By Franck Dick Rosete Correspondent

IN her last press briefing in Malacañang, Sec. Susan Ople of the Department of Migrant Workers (DMW) has already assured financial assistance for the families of the overseas Filipino workers (OFWs) affected by the ongoing armed conflict in Sudan. This is apart from the $200 worth of financial aid solely for the workers.

In connection, Harry Borres, Overseas Workers Welfare Administration-10

(OWWA-10) regional director Harry Borres, has confirmed that there is one OFW in Sudan who is a resident of Impasug-ong town in Bukidnon.

The said OFW also requested repatriation amid the ongoing clashes between soldiers and paramilitary forces in the conflict-torn African country.

As to the financial aid for the families of the OFW from Bukidnon, Borres said the agency is still “waiting for the fund and a copy of the guidelines” from the OWWA central office.

On April 29, officials from the Department of Foreign Affairs, DMW, and OWWA welcomed the first 17 repatriated OFWs from Sudan who initially sought refuge in Athens, Greece,

and Jeddah, Saudi Arabia. Borres, meanwhile, said the OFW was not yet included in the list.

“The name of the worker is not yet on the list of repatriated OFWs from

Sudan. Maybe it is still in the [Philippine] embassy in Cairo,” Borres said in a text message on Sunday evening, April 30.

The OWWA-10 director also did not divulge

further information about the OFW.

In the said Malacañang press briefing on April 25, Ople said there were 725 OFWs from Sudan who contacted the Philippine Embassy in Cairo, Egypt, 327 of whom requested repatriation as of April 25, and the number could possibly increase.

According to the DFA, as of April 29, a total of 610 Filipinos had evacuated from Khartoum, the capital of Sudan, with 391 having crossed to the Egyptian side of the border in buses chartered by the Philippine Embassy in Cairo and the Philippine Honorary Consulate in Sudan.

By Shaun Alejandrae Uy

CAGAYAN DE ORO

CITY – The Out-of-School Youth Development Alliance (OSYDA) of Cagayan de Oro City, comprised of local and national agencies for education, employment, skills training, livelihood, and entrepreneurship, discussed details and work plans for the upcoming “Kahigayonan” (opportunity) caravan in July and updates on the development of the eMonitor Mo app.

The alliance collaborates on priority interventions that address the challenges and critical constraints of the envisioned youth development paths.

OSYDA is set to launch Kahigayonan 2023: Skills Expo, Registration, and Job Fair Caravan on July 13.

The activity is a onestop shop that offers multiple opportunities and services for the youth.

The Kahigayonan job fair projects a turnout of 1,000 out-of-school youth aged 18–30 years old as participants while also being open to the public.

OSYDA, for their part, will partner with specific employers whose workforce needs match applicants who have completed TESDA skills programs as a way of “job-matching).

OSYDA also presented updates on the University of Science and Technology of the Southern Philippines (USTP)-developed “eMonitor Mo” app, a United States Agency for International Development (USAID)-supported initiative for online youth registration, profiling, mapping, and referral systems for Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) and DepEd Alternative Learning System (ALS) 2.0 youth in CDO.

OSYDA is set to facilitate the Technology Transfer Agreement (TTA) from the developers to the Oro Youth Development Office.

City’s Oro Youth Development Office’s (OYDO) OIC, Lord Saver D. Centina, said, “Moving forward, I think once the TTA will be signed by the mayor and the USTP, there will be a series of trainings for the different agencies who would be involved, especially for the referral of our services.”

For his part, City Councilor John Michael Seno, OSYDA co-chairperson, said that an ordinance is required to give CDO Mayor Rolando Uy authority to sign the TTA.

“For us to sustain it, we also consider issues, because I do not want that if ever it is gone, so will the program. If there is a need to amend the ordinance, we will amend,” Seno said.

Seno added that there is no such thing as a perfect law or ordinance—only perfect intentions.

USAID Economic Development Council (EDC) youth development coordinator Kotie Bax provided updates on their program.

Bax said that 1,006 outof-school youth reached and underwent skills training in the Opportunity 2.0 Program from 2020 to 2022 in Cagayan de Oro City.

The trainings are 21st Century Skills, Pathways Orientation for Youth, Higher-Level Education or Training Readiness Orientation (HERO), WordBased Learning, and Be Your Own Boss.

According to Bax, the youths who transitioned from being out-of-school youth are 238 self-employed, 233 in wage employment, and 242 in pursuit of further education.

(SAYU | PIA-10)

In an article published by the government-run Philippine News Agency, thousands of people, including foreigners, have fled Sudan since the outbreak of violence between the two conflicting rivals on April 15. (MT)

Members of a workers’ union from one of the biggest companies in Cagayan de Oro City march along Don Apolinar Velez Street Monday, May 1, as part of the Associated Labor Unions-Trade Union Congress of the Philippines (ALU-TUCP) Northern Mindanao’s activity in celebration of Labor Day. (Photo courtesy of Laurence Geralde | Bombo Radyo Cagayan de Oro)

Covering The Maharlika Bridge tragic suicide incidents

behind the tragic act.

Ill-advisedly, there is deliberate coverage of suicide around Cagayan de Oro by many local media outlets, most notably social media.

Ideally, the media’s crucial role is to provide access to information and education and promote social change.

for reporting sensitive issues like suicide.

Instead of sensationalizing the news, they should provide resources for support and help mentally-prone individuals the risk of committing suicide.

providing information relating to mental health.

These past weeks, highly publicized suicide cases circulated in every Kagayanon’s social media.

Unfortunately, two miserable deaths, a 17-year senior high school student and another young man jumped to their deaths at the Maharlika Bridge (formerly the Marcos’ Bridge).

Then, another unsuccessful suicide attempts to jump off the bridge in just a week interval.

Today, I will not write the history of suicide or the Maharlika Bridge’s history. Still, the conspicuous rise of suicide, especially among Cagayan de Oro City youth, is alarming!

Suicide is a multi-faceted incident subject to relentless academic debates, depending on various cultures, and is historically, morally, and spiritually dependent on diverse social and psychological backgrounds.

Traditionally, many tradi -

tional societies saw suicide as a spiritual and moral failure, and those who took their own lives are often criticized.

The philosophical understanding of suicide during the 17th and 18th centuries shifted in understanding suicide as a personal act of ending one’s life because of the unbearable, intolerable pain of facing a hopeless predicament; thus, suicide is a personal choice, not a moral or a spiritual crime.

As time and the study of mental health evolved from the 19th century until now, suicide is understood as a medical and public health condition with complex causes such as mental illness, social isolation, and poverty.

Suicide is a significant public health issue, and with cunning reason, the media sensationalize suicide without fully grasping the victim’s psychological condition or the social factors

However, instead of educating the general public, they give a detailed description of the incident, which may instigate in the people that committing suicide is accessible and easy.

A blow-by-blow description of a suicide attempt or an incident can have severe consequences.

Unknowingly, the carelessness contributes to a “ripple or domino effect” because of the exposure to suicidal behavior.

Further, and perhaps unknown to our media practitioners, reporting the details can normalize and patronize the behavior while providing an option for those mentally vulnerable and psychologically struggling.

In short, journalists unethically deliver a harmful influence on vulnerable persons and may increase the risk of suicide among individuals who are already at risk.

Journalists and media practitioners are ethically responsible

They should put emphasis on seeking professional help for mental health issues. I think, as an educator, here are simple tips that these local media practitioners should inform the public about suicide. These are:

First, media practitioners provide access to information to mental health experts, parish churches, religious sectors, social welfare offices, and non-government organizations whose focus is to educate and prevent mental health concerns.

Second, educate the public, especially in sustaining robust mental health through facilitating a public discourse leading diverse perspectives and opinions and encouraging the general public in suicide awareness and prevention, which is a perplexing social problem.

Lastly, media outlets can be a powerful tool for social change by highlighting education on mental welfare to raise awareness on such an important isThere is no generic solution to mental health and suicide, but the media’s role is crucial in

Suppose the cycle of unethical reporting of suicide continues. In that case, they unknowingly help increase suicide rates in Cagayan de Oro City by promoting the normalization of suicidal behavior, especially among the youth.

Nevertheless, suppose the media promotes mental health awareness education and provides resources for support and help those mentally vulnerable; this will lead to a mentally healthy citizenry. (MT)

(Ryan Albert Ignacius “RAI” Bollozos Sanchez, 40, is a native of Cagayan de Oro City. He graduated with a Bachelor of Arts in History and currently finishing his Master of Arts in History at Xavier UniversityAteneo de Cagayan. He is currently a full-time faculty in the Department of General Education and Interdisciplinary Studies in Xavier Ateneo – teaching Readings in Philippine History, The Life, Works and Writings of Jose Rizal, and Interdisciplinary Studies subjects. He taught parttime at the Liceo de Cagayan University teaching Southeast Asian History and Government, and U.S. Government and Foreign Policy. You may reach him at rsanchez@xu.edu.ph)

Politics I: Artificial intelligence and political campaigns

“photo/video realistic”. Then, there were these disturbing deep fake images on the internet of former President Trump allegedly being “arrested’ and on the run.

“But in practical affairs, particularly in politics, men are needed who combine human experience and interest in human relations with a knowledge of science and technology.”

– Max Born

Recently, there have been some news and features items abroad that featured the growing impact of artificial intelligence (AI) on Political and

Campaign Management Operations. First, a political video ad that was allegedly “built entirely with AI imagery” was released in the US. The ad showcased a dystopian vision of America under a second term with President Joe Biden. The video is full of powerful images that show several international and domestic crises that would supposedly arise if President Biden were reelected. The images were sharp, powerful and

These two instances of “political” ads using AI have aroused concerns over the effects and risks of evolving AI tech on politics and information in general. With AI tech developing at warp speed, people fear that there will come a time when AI generated images or videos will be indistinguishable from real ones. For political operators such as myself, these latest examples of AI applications on campaign and social engineering leave us both excited and frightened of this new dawn of tech politics. There is no question about it. The next set of elections worldwide will prominently feature AI applications.

In the Philippines, the use of AI in politics have been mostly

in the field of data gathering, analysis and the consequent engagement strategies. AI have been used to filter non-voters in online campaign operations. AI have also been used to identify voter locations, preferences, biases, and emotional buttons which can then be used for targeted group campaigns. AI was also used in survey trend analysis and extrapolation. With the advent of improved tech, it is inevitable that local political and campaign managers will begin deploying and weaponizing these new and developing tech.

The latest AI tech can now be used for targeted individualized engagement using advanced reactive chatbots. One of the pitfalls of human online campaign volunteers is that emotion often seeps into any of their political discourse sessions. We have seen how political discussions in this country degener-

ate into heated conversations with insults and even curse words thrown into the fray. These conversations are useless and even counterproductive in campaigns. Imagine, however, chatbots conversing with potential voters using persuasion methods adapted to the said voter’s demeanor and proclivities without the disadvantage of distracting emotions. AI can provide a veritable army of soulless, manipulative, patient and relentless non-human “campaign volunteers” who will wear down opposing humans with persistent, measured and kind online rebuttals with the right amount of persuasive verbal push.

The latest deep fake technology to multiple data -- based images churned out in record time can then be added to the mix. By populating group conversations and even individual

SILENT HEROES. Your favorite sturdy pairs from Marikina City may have been the works of these trusted craftsmen of Pando Shoe Store, some already in their 70s. On Labor Day Monday (May 1, 2023), the nation honors all workers and their contributions with the promise from President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. that the government is "working conscientiously" to provide opportunities that will uplift their living and social conditions. (PNA

SEC extends deadline for amnesty application

THE Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) is extending the deadline for applications for amnesty for late and nonfiling of annual financial statements (AFS), general information sheets (GIS), and official email addresses and mobile phone numbers.

Eligible companies now have until June 30 to finish their amnesty applications. Moreover, applicants now have 90 days, instead of 45 days, from the date of payment to submit their latest due financial statements.

The Commission granted the extension through SEC Memorandum Circular No. 6, Series of 2023, issued on April 25.

The SEC launched the

amnesty program for noncompliant corporations, as well as those whose certificates of registration have been suspended or revoked, for their failure to submit their AFS and GIS on time, in the middle of March through SEC Memorandum Circular No. 2, Series of 2023.

The amnesty program is part of the Commission’s efforts to encourage its supervised entities to comply with their reportorial requirements under Republic Act No. 11232, or the Revised Corporation Code of the Philippines.

In turn, the compliance of corporations with their reportorial requirements will allow the SEC to prudently identify active

BOC logs record single-day

collection

of P7.5B on April 28

MANILA – The Bureau of Customs (BOC) on Wednesday announced that it achieved a significant milestone last month with a record-breaking daily collection of over PHP7.5 billion.

In a statement, the bureau said the daily collection was recorded on April 28, 2023 after it collected a total of PHP7.510 billion.

It noted that the present feat surpassed the agency's previous highest daily collection of PHP6.074 billion on Oct. 14, 2022, by PHP1.436 billion or 23.64 percent.

Customs Commissioner Bienvenido Rubio said the remarkable performance can be attributed to their continuous efforts to implement proper valuation which resulted to a notable

increase in revenue collection.

He added that the record-breaking daily collection demonstrates their commitment to achieve their target and contribute to the government's efforts to generate funds for its various programs and projects.

Rubio expressed his gratitude and appreciation to BOC employees and stakeholders for their dedication and hard work that led to this latest achievement.

On Tuesday, the BOC reported a PHP74 million collection surplus for April 2023.

Last month's PHP68.274 billion revenue collection surpassed its target collection of PHP68.199 billion.

(PNA)

and inactive corporations, enhance and organize its digital database for better monitoring and enforcement, and cultivate a healthy and vibrant corporate sector.

With the number of companies expressing interest to avail of the amnesty program and considering the overlap in the deadlines for the submission of similar re-

quirements to the Bureau of Internal Revenue and the SEC, the Commission deemed it necessary to allow eligible companies more time to avail of amnesty.

After the extended deadline of June 30, an updated scale of fines and penalties for the covered reportorial requirements shall be implemented.

(SEC CDOEO)

photo by Joan Bondoc)

Kadiwa ng Pangulo para sa mga Manggagawa’s 1st day sells P92K of bargain goods

CAGAYAN DE ORO

CITY – The Department of Labor and Employment-10 (DOLE-10), as lead on the “Kadiwa ng Pangulo Para sa Manggagawa,” in partnership with the Department of Agriculture (DA-10), Department of Trade and Industry (DTI-10), National Food Authority (NFA10), and Department of Tourism (DOT-10) said on its first day, sold a total of P92,828 worth of displayed basic goods on May 1 during the 121st Labor Day celebration at the 5th floor of SM Downtown Premier, here.

Estrella Pahalla, DOLE-10 regional director, said there were 17 exhibitors who are livelihood-assisted projects of DOLE-10, and the said agencies, will be displaying their goods for five days until May 5 during mall hours.

Since the opening of display at 10:00 a.m. until 4:00 p.m., DA-10 already sold P74,587; DOLE-10 with P11,990; and DTI-10 with P6,251. Pahalla said the “Kadiwa” is an initiative of Pres. Ferdinand Marcos Jr. and also through his capacity as acting secretary of the DA.

Marcos and Labor Secretary Bienvenido Laguesma mutually agreed to extend the same goal but with a wider target audience, this time for the Filipino workers, just in time for the Labor Day or the “Araw ng mga Manggagawa.”

The “Kadiwa” focuses in helping the labor force, who are the biggest economic contributors of the country, especially on the non-stop increase of prices.

DOLE-10 exhibitors were Lorega Ancestral Management and Development for All Generation, Inc. (LAMDAG) for their Bagtok handicrafts and strawberry jams; Balubal Integrated Social Forestry Farmers Association (BISFFA) for their coffee beans; Tagpuangi Fisherfolks Association (TAGFA) on their Krill sardines; Abaga Muslim Christian Farmers Association (ginger powder/ salabat); and San Roque Handmade Paper Products MPC (handmade paper and handmade lampshade paper products).

Likewise, DA-10 exhibitors were the CDO Small Farmers Association and Miarayon High-

land Farmers Association, both selling assorted vegetables, root crops, and spices; Northern Mindanao Federation of Dairy Cooperative (bottled fresh milk and milk bar); Beltran Integrated Farm (lettuce); Manzano Farm (fresh fruits); and CDEO Integrated Farm

(rabbits).

Also, DTI-10 exhibitors were Food Processors Association of Northern Mindanao (FOPANorMin) for their various Misamis Oriental coconut and food products from Slers Industries, Inc., MGP, Tsoko Co., and Padlas; Ginama for the various

food and native products; and Multi-Fiber Cluster, Inc. (MOMCI) for their various fiber handicraft products; and DOT-10 with their travel and tour packages by Cagayan de Oro Travel and Tours Association; and Cagayan de Oro Hotel and Restaurant Association, Inc.

NFA-10 will sell rice at P25 per kilo with a maximum purchase of 5 kilos per customer on May 3-4.

The 121st Labor Day celebration was anchored on the theme, “Bilihing Abot-Presyo ng Matatag na Trabaho Para sa Manggagawang Pilipino.” (MED | DOLE-10)

DOLE-10 officials, led by Director Estrella Pahalla (2nd from left), check the locally made products that are sold at the “Kadiwa ng Pangulo Para sa Manggagawa” at a mall on May 1. (DOLE-10)

The Marawi Compensation Board bares the provisions of its initial draft of the implementing rules and regulations of the Republic Act No. 11696 or the Marawi Siege Victims Compensation Act of 2022.

(CRG | PIA-10 | Lanao del Sur)

Marawi citizenry reviews initial draft of compensation law rules

By Claire Gigje

MARAWI CITY – Sec -

toral representatives of residents here have been given the opportunity to run through page by page what the Republic Act No. 11696 or the Marawi Siege Victims Compensation Act would at least provide to the target populace.

This, following the public hearing with experts on Thursday, April 27, wherein the Marawi Compensation Board (MCB) presented its proposed implementing rules and regulations (IRR).

MCB Secretary Lawyer

Sittie Raifah PamaloyHassan said the initial draft of IRR states their main purpose which is to ensure the proper, efficient, and effective implementation of the law.

Accordingly, the law has established the MCB

LAUENGCO | from p4

ones with designed images and ads, the normal channels of traditional political communications can be overwhelmed and buried by an avalanche of AI generated political communicated material.

Does this mean that political strategists and campaign managers are now in danger of being replaced by AI? For now, even the much-evolved AI now are still basically smart tools. Political campaigns will still need lateral thinking strategists and experienced ground campaign managers who can apply AI in the most innovative and efficient manner possible. Even armed with the latest AI tech, an incompetent, tone deaf, and pigheaded so called “communication

which is an independent quasi-judicial body of nine members.

Hassan enumerated the board’s scope which includes the power to conduct administrative proceedings.

Additionally, it will also be the one to receive, evaluate, investigate, process, and approve eligible claims, disburse compensation, issue subpoenas, promulgate rules, and exercise administrative control over the secretariat.

Hassan further bared that in the IRR, claimants will be allowed to file their applications for compensation within one year, and failure to file will signify the waiver of the right.

The filing may be done personally, electronically, or through online appointments by eligible claimants who are lawful owners of personal property, residen-

expert” can still find ways to muck up a campaign.

This is my oblique observation.

Editor’s note: The opinions expressed in the foregoing article are solely the author’s and do not reflect the opinions and beliefs of the Philippine News Agency (PNA) or any other office under the Presidential Communications Office.

(ATTY. GILBERTO LAUENGCO, J.D. is a lawyer, educator, political strategist, government consultant, Lego enthusiast, and the director of CAER Think Tank. He is a Former Vice Chairman of MECO, Special Assistant of NFA and City Administrator among others. His broad experience has molded his unique approach to issues analysis which he calls the oblique observation.)

tial, cultural and commercial structures, and their legal heirs.

The MCB stressed that there shall be no fees when filing, however, applicants must bear the costs for photocopying, scanning, or other similar expenses.

As for the requirements, Hassan detailed that applicants would need to present their application form, sworn statement,

and proof of ownership or other competent proof as the IRR emphasizes that substantial evidence is required to prove the eligibility of any compensation claim.

Hassan likewise disclosed the determination of award for the eligible claimants of the compensation.

She revealed that a minimum of P100,000 shall be

paid for the lives lost outside the most affected area (MAA) and a minimum of P350,000 for those who perished inside MAA.

Meanwhile, reparation for the damaged structures will depend on whichever is the lower amount of either the fair market value or the value of its total area per storey. Other properties will be paid based on the fair market value at the

AVAILABLE AT BLUEPLASTIC MARKETING

time of loss.

The MCB underscored that the presented IRR is not final, thus, the public hearing to get and take into account the comments, opinions, and positions of the concerned people and experts from different sectors for the efficient, timely, and effective enforcement of the law. (CRG | PIA-10/Lanao del Sur)

Sports&Event

MisOr leads in medal race at NMRAA tourney

By Uriel Quilinguing Contributing Editor

AFTER 10 sports were competed upon in the clustered Northern Mindanao Regional Athletic Association (NMRAA) Meet, Misamis Oriental topped the medal tally with 36 golds, 42 silvers, and 39 bronzes, as of Sunday, April 30.

Lanao del Norte with a 27-28-24 medal haul is on second spot, while 2019 NMRAA champion Cagayan de Oro is just three silvers behind with 27-25-32 tally – keeping the regional games’ title uncontested in last three years due to the pandemic.

Twenty-three of Cagayan de Oro’s first-place finishes came over the weekend, as the defending champion salvaged only four golds from Cluster I contests.

But the overall standing of 14 delegations may change this weekend, May 5, 6, and 7, when Cluster III of competitions, involving 12 more sports, end.

Arnis, billiards, boxing, pencak silat, swimming, taekwondo, and wrestling will be in Camiguin while badminton, baseball, chess, table tennis, and tennis in Gingoog – with 236 gold medals at stake.

A total of 149 gold medals been awarded and tallied, so far.

Earlier, athletics, archery, football, futsal, and wushu under Cluster I were played, April 21, 22, and 23 at the Mindanao Convention Center at Tubod town, with Lanao del Norte as host.

Cluster II, which consisted of basketball, dancesports, gymnastics, sepak takraw, softball, and volleyball, were held April 27, 28, and 29 with Cagayan de Oro, El Salvador and Misamis Oriental as hosts.

Results from dancesports – a demonstration event – were not included in the medal, according to the 2023 NMRAA Secretariat.

Current leader Misamis Oriental was a far first-

runner-up in 2019 NMRAA as it trailed by 49 golds and 27 silvers behind Cagayan de Oro who amassed 266 medals then – 114 golds, 79 silvers, and 73 bronzes.

Then fifth-ranked Lanao del Norte posted a 2729-37 medal collection – a feat she has already been surpassed, after Clusters I and II.

In the upper half of the 14-delegation 2023 NMRAA Meet are Bukidnon (18-15-14), Iligan (15-14-14), Valencia (138-21), and Misamis Occidental (6-5-3).

Camiguin is in the lower half with 6-4-7 medal tally, with Oroquieta (5-85), Tangub (5-1-4), Malaybalay (4-6-7), and Gingoog (1-2-1), while El Salvador and Ozamiz have yet to capture a gold medal each.

NMRAA results will determine who will advance to the Mindanao Qualifying Meet on July 17 to 21, before the 2023 National Games (Palarong Pambansa) on July 29 to August 5 in Marikina City. (MT)

PBA penalizes 10 players for unsanctioned games

MANILA – The Philippine Basketball Association (PBA) has slapped hefty fines to 10 professional players for seeing action in unsanctioned games or “ligang labas”.

The biggest of the penalties were handed to three of the players after they played in an exhibition game in Catmon, Cebu which became viral for the wrong reasons.

Magnolia’s Jio Jalalon will have to pay PHP100,000 for his second offense, which means his fine is double the original fine of PHP50,000.

Meanwhile, the former “Extra Rice Inc.” big man tandem of Rain Or Shine’s Beau Belga and NLEX’s JR Quiñahan were slapped with PHP70,000 fines each.

Aside from the PHP50,000 fine for playing in the ligang labas game alone, both Belga and Quiñahan were also fined an additional PHP20,000 each for instigating a brawl which made the game viral on the internet.

Jalalon was spared additional fines as he was not near the area where the commotion happened.

Last month, the Elasto Painters suspended Belga for six working days and fined 15 days worth of

his salary for the brawlmarred game plus some more ligang labas appearances in Davao and Laguna provinces.

The Games and Amusements Board has also launched a probe into the heated ligang labas game and warned that the pro players who were there might risk having their licenses suspended or even revoked.

Two more ROS players, Rey Nambatac and Jhonard Clarito, were slapped with PHP50,000 fines each by the PBA for also playing in ligang labas.

The E-Painters earlier handed a two-day-salary fine on Nambatac for the said action.

San Miguel’s Vic Manuel and Allyn Bulanadi, Converge’s Alec Stockton and Barkley Eboña, and NorthPort’s Arwind Santos were also fined PHP50,000 each for appearing in ligang labas action. According to PBA rules, players who participate in unsanctioned games without permission from their mother clubs will be handed fines.

PBA commissioner Willie Marcial warned the players that stiffer penalties await them if they repeat their violations.

(PNA)

ULTRA RUNNER. Filipino ultra-marathoner Bren Kevin Cabasa from Milan, Italy (2nd from right) emerges as the overall champion in the 24-hour running category of the 3rd Cinisello Balsamo Sport Running Festival in Cinisello Balsamo, Italy held from April 29 to 30, 2023. Filipina runner Luisa Libios Nuñez from Paris, France (not in photo) finished third in the women’s division. (Photo courtesy of Francesca Soli)