THE MINDANAO TODAY DECEMBER 14-15, 2022

Oro exec explains 3 car raffle prizes

By Franck Dick Rosete Correspondent

AHIGH-RANKING city official here has clarified that the local government of Cagayan de Oro has not spent any amount of money on the

DPWH sets load limit in Ysalina Bridge

By Uriel Quilinguing

Contributing Editor

THE regional public works and highways office in Cagayan de Oro has issued a travel advisory on Tuesday, December 13, that it has reduced the load limit

purchase of three brand new vehicles that will serve as the grand raffle prizes on the upcoming Christmas party of the city hall employees.

Lawyer Roy Hilario Raagas, city administrator, in his message during the flag-

raising program on Monday, December 12, made the clarification as some people had commented online, expressing that the city hall’s budget might be affected because of the said luxurious prizes.

Raagas stressed every

city hall employee and official contributed P500 each for the purchase of the three brand new vehicles that will be given for city hall’s Christmas party, which will be held on December 16.

“They thought [city hall]

Quiboloy lawyers: Freeze order on US assets a violation

By Antonio Colina IV

DAVAO CITY –

of their client has denied him of due process.

The US Department of the Treasury has included Quiboloy in the list of over 40 individuals from different countries whose assets have been blocked over allegations of corruption and

human rights abuse.

In a statement, the Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC) issued the sanctions in time for the Human Rights Day and International Anti-Corruption Day to “demonstrate the U.S. government’s focus on pro-

moting respect for human rights and countering corruption.”

It said Quiboloy is designated pursuant to E.O. 13818 “for being a foreign person who is responsible for or complicit in, or has

taken photo.

courtesy of Abigail Malalis)

Julie Souribio (standing, holding a microphone), president of a farmers’ association in Sitio Kibaritan, Barangay Malinao, Kalilangan town, Bukidnon, gestures as she stresses a point during a recent dialogue between her group and officers of the Phil. Army regarding the peasants’ claim to a portion of a military reservation. (Jigger Jerusalem | MT)

Lawyers of self-anointed son of God and head of the Kingdom of Jesus Christ (KOJC) Pastor Apollo Quiboloy said the recent move of the US government freezing the assets

Wed-Thu, December 14-15, 2022

regions

Local transport coop starts operating modern units in Butuan

By Alexander Lopez

BUTUAN CITY – At least five new and modern transportation units have begun plying various routes in this city Monday, the Balangay Transport Service Cooperative (BALTRANSCO) said.

In a statement, the BALTRANSCO said the five Class II modern transporta-

tion units were launched after its ceremonial blessing attended by the cooperative members and top officials of the Land Transportation Office-Caraga Region (LTO-13) and the Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board-13.

“The modern units will provide services to the intra-city routes in Butuan

City, particularly routes 7, 12, and 10,” BALTRANSCO chair Juanito Ubas said.

He added that the operation of the modern units of transportation is part of the Public Utility Vehicle Modernization Program (PUVMP) of the government.

“Two of the new units will be plying route 7, the other two in route 10, and

one in route 12,” Ubas said.

Meanwhile, LTO-13 officer-in-charge operations chief Urbano Maglines Jr. lauded the local coop for its valuable contribution to the modernization of mass transportation in the city.

“These modern vehicles will provide comfort among our residents here,” Maglines said. (PNA)

Sarangani ARBO renews ties with BJMP for PDLs food supply

By Edwin Fernandez

COTABATO CITY – An agrarian reform beneficiary organization (ARBO) in Sarangani province will continue to provide vegetable and food supplies to the Bureau of Jail Management and Penology (BJMP) through the help of the Department of Agrarian Reform (DAR). This came after a new

marketing agreement

between Alkikan Vegetable Growers Association (ALVEGA), an ARBO in Malungon, Sarangani province, and the BJMP was implemented under the Enhanced Partnership Against Hunger and Poverty Program (EPAHPP).

EPAHPP is a government initiative addressing food security, hunger and poverty problems through

the cooperation and convergence of essential services of various government agencies.

In a statement Monday, the DAR said this will be the third year of partnership between ALVEGA and the BJMP - Sarangani.

The DAR facilitated the renewal of the marketing agreement on Dec. 9 to ensure that agrarian reform beneficiaries (ARBs) main-

tain continuous market destinations for their farm produce, in line with the directive of DAR Secretary Conrado Estrella III to help improve the livelihood of the ARBs.

ALVEGA president Leonard Dela Cruz expressed his appreciation to the EPAHPP for helping them financially by continuously buying their products. (PNA)

8 NPA supporters yield in Zambo del Sur

ZAMBOANGA CITY –

Eight trusted mass base supporters of the New People’s Army (NPA) have withdrawn their support from the communist group and taken their oath of allegiance to the government in Zamboanga del Sur, a top police official said Monday.

Col. Richard Verceles, operations chief of the Area Police CommandWestern Mindanao, said the NPA supporters surrendered around 3 p.m. Sunday in Purok 3, Sitio Kumpayan, Barangay

Dapiwak in Dumingag town, Zamboanga del Sur province.

Verceles said joint police and military operatives facilitated the surrender of the eight NPA supporters through the conduct of internal security operations in Barangay Dapiwak.

Verceles said the surrenderers - seven farmers and a student - are all residents of the village.

He said five of the surrenderers were males and three were females, the oldest being 57 years old

and the youngest being the student, 21.

He said they turned over two .38-caliber revolvers, an M-14 rifle with ammunition, two 40-millimeter high explosives and recruitment paraphernalia.

They took their oath of allegiance in a ceremony held at Camp Major Reginaldo Abelon that houses the Zamboanga del Sur Provincial Police Office in Pagadian City in the presence of police, military, and government officials.

(Teofilo Garcia, Jr. | PNA)

Ex-NPA leader among 107 graduates of soldier course

DAVAO CITY – A former officer of the communist New People’s Army (NPA) is now a full-fledged member of the Philippine Army after completing the Candidate Soldier Course and Infantry Orientation Course.

Private Kurt Russel Sosa, formerly known as alias Ugnay, used to be the deputy secretary of the dismantled

Sub-Regional Committee 4 and secretary of the Guerilla Front 3.

He is now a soldier under the 10th Infantry Division (10ID) and joined 106 other graduates during a ceremony at Camp General Manuel Yan. Sr. in Mawab, Davao De Oro on Saturday.

In an interview on Sunday, Capt. Mark Anthony

Tito, the 10ID spokesperson, said Sosa will be deployed to various line units.

He said Sosa was class president of the batch that includes 18 females.

“Along with Sosa, there were another three former rebels and nine members of the indigenous people’s community,” Tito said. (PNA)

BOC nabs 11, seizes P25M ‘hot’ cigarettes

By Teofilo Garcia, Jr.

ZAMBOANGA CITY –Bureau of Customs (BOC) operatives have arrested 11 persons and seized some P25 million worth of smuggled cigarettes off this city, a top BOC official said Friday.

The personnel of the Water Patrol Division (WPD) and Enforcement and Security Service-Customs Police Division (ESSCPD) were on routine patrol when they spotted a motorboat Thursday near Santa Cruz Island heading to the city.

Segundo Sigmundfreud Barte Jr., BOC-Zamboanga District collector, said when authorities inspected the motorboat manned by an 11-man crew, it was found loaded with 707 master cases of cigarettes worth P25 million. (PNA)

Central 911 aims to strengthen Davao City’s disaster response

By Che Palicte

DAVAO CITY – The

Davao City Disaster Risk Reduction Management Office (CDRRMO) – Cen-

tral 911 is keen on training more qualified personnel on disaster preparedness

and emergency response early next year.

In a radio interview Monday, CDRRMO chief Alfredo Baloran said they also intend to increase the number of instructors in their lineup.

He said people can ex-

pect more training and drills that will increase their knowledge on how to respond to emergencies.

“We will continue to conduct training and orientations not just in government offices but also private offices and estab-

lishments,” Baloran said.

On Dec. 7, the Davao Central 911 won the Best Government Emergency Management Systems and Response Teams (GEMs) award in the 22nd Gawad KALASAG Seal and Special Awards for Excellence in

Disaster Risk Reduction and Management (DRRM) and Humanitarian Assistance.

Baloran said the award is not only a commendation for the exemplary efforts of the Central 911 and the CDRRMO but also

a testament to the city’s overall emergency management program and public participation.

He said the award was given at the Manila Hotel that included a PHP300,000 cash prize. (PNA)

Five new modern vehicles start their operations in three major routes in Butuan City on Monday. (Photo courtesy of BALTRANSCO)

Officials of the BJMP in Sarangani and a representative of ALVEGA show the contract. (Photo courtesy of DAR)

Eight trusted mass base supporters surrender to government authorities on Sunday. (Photo courtesy of Area Police Command-Western Mindanao.)

Private Kurt Russel Sosa, a former New People's Army officer, recites the graduate’s oath. (Courtesy of 10ID)

DOST-PHIVOLCS puts up 2 volcano observation stations

CAMIGUIN – Aiming to give timely and quality information to the people in Camiguin, the Department of Science and Technology-Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (DOST-PHIVOLCS) recently established two new remote monitoring stations on Hibok-Hibok Volcano, here.

These remote stations are autonomous, solarpowered, and transmit real-time data via radio telemetry to Hibok-hibok

in Camiguin

Volcano Observatory (HVO) in Quiboro, Mambajao, here.

The VHGU or the equipment placed at Guinsiliban is a post-hole station equipped with Kinemetrics Mini Broadband Seismometer (MBB-2) broadband seismic sensor and Obsidian digital recorder.

Once obtained, the data is transmitted through Spread-Spectrum Transceiver (SST) radio to HVO.

The VHMA or the posthole station in Mahinog,

here, is equipped with Kinemetrics MBB-2 broadband seismic sensor and Obsidian digital recorder. Same with the VHGU, the data is transmitted through SST radio to HVO.

The remote stations are established in partnership with the local government units of the province to provide necessary data for early warning and disaster preparedness. (DOSTPHIVOLCS | PIA-10 | Camiguin)

Campaign vs VAW launched in NorMin

By Irene Joy Dayo

CAGAYAN DE ORO

CITY – The Regional Inter-Agency Committee Against Trafficking, Violence Against Women and Children and Anti-Child Pornography (RIACATVAWC-ACP)-10 launched, November 25 the 18-Day Campaign to End Violence Against Women through a program held at Kiosko Kagawasan, Divisoria, here.

Rosemarie Conde, Department of Social Welfare and Development-10 (DSWD-10) assistant regional director for operations, said that “violence against women and girls is not just a major public health problem but also a grave violation of human rights. It extremely manifests gender inequity, targeting women and girls because of their subordinate status in the society.”

Also present at the event was City Councilor Joyleen Mercedes “Girlie” Balaba, who is also chairperson of the Committee on Social Services.

Balaba said that she is pushing for free legal counseling for women in Cagayan de Oro City. There are many abuses that women encounter, and one is being abused economically by their husbands, a concern that special counseling can look into.

“If we are together in looking over the welfare for women, we can protect them and promote their rights. In this way, they

will be productive in their lives, and we can assure the progress of our city through their contribution,” the councilor shared.

Together with Balaba, City Councilor and Chairperson for the Committee on Women and Family Relations, Imee Moreno, attended the ceremony.

She said that the kickoff activity is an indication that VAW has never stopped and will continue to pursue if actions are not taken, not only from the local government and national government but from all the stakeholders.

“As I was learning through the VAWC issues, I realized that yes, thank you to former Councilor Inday Dahino for creating the ordinance on VAWC desks in all barangays. However, I realized that maybe, one step closer to eradicating violence against women is empowering and strengthening our VAWC desk officers, because it is through these officers that our constituents are given more courage to come forward,” she said.

For her part, Regional Prosecutor Merlynn Uy said it has been years since Republic Act 9262, or the Anti-violence Against Women and their Children Law, was passed and enacted.

“The state values the dignity of women and children and guarantees them full respect for their human rights. So in particular, we have to protect our women and children from violence and threats

to their personal safety and security,” she said.

The regional prosecutor also thanked everyone who participated in the 18-Day Campaign to End VAW and did so much in their own simple way to prevent and respond to violence against women and children.

“The law will never be effective without the support of the community and all the stakeholders. That means all of us here present. May we all take to heart that eliminating violence against women and children must be our common goal. This is an

issue that concerns all of us, involves all of us, and thus requires all of us to work together to achieve this common goal of eliminating policy in our communities,” she said.

The launching of the 18-Day Campaign to End VAW in Cagayan de Oro

City also highlighted a motorcade around the city and the distribution of informational, educational, and communication materials to hotels and inns to entice them to get involved in the campaign, which will culminate on December 12. (IJBD | PIA-10)

VHGU and VHMA remote stations in Guinsiliban and Mahinog, Camiguin. (DOST-PHIVOLCS)

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Fighting death penalty

(1st of 2 parts)

THE more than 15 years of search for my missing son, Jonas Bugos, has taught me a most important lesson. The oppressors will never be my teachers.

A few times during skirmishes, mostly after high tension hearings for our petition for the Writ of Amparo, I told some officers to their faces, even if they were a foot taller than me and even if their eyes glowered with much hidden messages, “I cannot be provoked into violence nor intimidated into silence.”

We are persons of peace and at all times we can and should seek peace. (Compendium of the Social Doctrine of the Church, 4, 5.)

Picture me seated in court when the sentence of the suspected abductor was read. “Not guilty.”

I heard that although the voice of the court clerk was subdued and almost hushed.

Then I could hear troubled whispers in court when the suspect, a colonel, approached me and sat on the other end of the bench where I sat. My hands were steady but I think by God’s grace, my countenance was calm.

He slowly sidled up to

me. The urge to push him away was strong.

Instead, I looked him in the eye (eyes don’t lie and I would see the truth) and softly whispered, “If indeed you are not guilty, help me find my Jonas.”

He bowed his head and when he looked up, our eyes locked for a brief second.

Was it fear? Pain? Guilt? His eyes were not as courageous nor triumphant as a victor’s should be.

I knew I touched a raw nerve then I noticed his hands trembling. I felt I was the victor in that encounter.

Today, once again, the Philippines is being threatened. Not by injustice or disappearance but by the return of the death penalty.

In the 18th Philippine Congress, 19 bills seeking to reinstate the death penalty for selected serious crimes have been filed in 2019 alone.

In the newly convened 19th Congress, it is not surprising if the same will happen.

As early as the campaign period before the May 2022 elections, some senatorial candidates under the new president’s ticket announced their support to restore the capital punishment.

A theology of vigilance

(1st of 2 parts)

VIGILANCE is an action of “staying awake,” “remaining attentive” or “ever watchful” for the inevitable, or at the very least, for whatever is most probable.

It is closely related to the idiomatic expression “keeping vigil” which often refers to “staying quietly in place, in waiting, for an unhurried period of time,” though it may also be associated with “being in a state of heightened alert” which connotes “guarding one’s post, firmly securing it for what would seem to be an eternity of silently ticking minutes, of passing dreadful hours.”

In any case, vigilance may be likened to a game with the suspenseful teasing of a mysterious end. It is a desired state in positive, or in negative anticipation of possibilities whose uncertainty is significantly limited only to the question, “When?”

Hence, vigilance may be rendered less purposeful if such possibilities are complicated by the questions, “What?” and “How?” It is rendered completely meaningless if such possibilities are placed in serious doubt by the question, “Why?”

In other words, we are willing to wait because we can fully comprehend what is going to happen,

how it will happen and most importantly, why it must happen: it simply becomes a matter of when it will happen.

So, for the followers of the Christ, and sincere servants of his kingdom of justice and peace, an explanation of the end is no longer necessary.

An uncompromising faith in its true consolations as well as in its paradoxes fuels the conviction to wait for the crucial moment of “salvation”, when “he will rule over the nations and settle disputes for many people”; when “nation will not raise sword against nation;” when people “will train for war no more.”

It is with much trust and surrender therefore, that we courageously climb “the mountain of God … that he may teach us his ways and we may walk in his paths” “discarding everything that belongs to darkness” and “putting on the armor of light,” who is no one else but our beloved Master.

But for those who cannot and will not understand him, for those led astray “by the will of the flesh” and “its desires,” the end does not and will never make any sense.

They haughtily ask, “Why must one be taken and the other left? Is it not in our power to save, or destroy both?”

(2nd of 2 parts)

THE Philippines has 28 polluting coal-fired plants and industry moguls and some government cronies and politicians under their influence are demanding to build 20 more coal plants.

Public opinion is steadfast against anymore and clamor for the free renewable power from nature.

The tycoons and government must invest in low-cost renewable energy generating sources like wind, solar geo-thermal, hydro and biomass.

The oil companies worldwide are among the worst in causing CO2 and toxic contamination.

The Papal encyclical has inspired many to join The Laudato Si Movement (LSM) of committed lay people, priests, religious, and hopefully bishops.

Working together with many organizations, they are committed to saving the planet by raising awareness and inspiring action to reduce global warming and CO2 emissions.

The objectives are “To urge political, business and social leaders to commit to ambitious climate action to solve this urgent crisis and keep the global temperature increase below 1.5 degree Celsius (relative to pre-industrial levels). They can be found at www.Laudatosi.org.

The one group they overlooked to mention by name is the bishops of the world.

They need to be inspired, motivated and challenged to act and help save the creation from global warming. Sadly, not all bishops in the USA support Pope Francis on his stand in Laudato Si.

Many are silent and some misleading on climate change, says a research by Creighton University in Nebraska.

If bishops around the world took up the call of Pope Francis and began their own environmental-changing project in their diocese and plant at least 1,000 tree saplings and care for them, that would be a great contribution.

They could teach by example and encourage every parish to have its own tree planting project.

They could offer a prize for the best effort.

The bishops and priests can roll up their sleeves and get out of the comfort of their palaces, rectories and cloisters and lead the people in planting trees.

It’s a powerful way to teach the Gospel values and inspire and unite a parish. Action for climate justice is a great encouragement to the youth and the next generation so that they will see life-giving forests.

If bishops are called leaders, then they should lead by example.

In the Philippines, a few brave courageous bishops have stood for human rights and justice and sacrificed themselves for the sake of the poor and exploited and got arrested and charged.

SEC CDOEO aids 80 Bislig coconut farmers for company registration

CAGAYAN DE ORO

CITY – The Securities and Exchange CommissionCagayan de Oro Extension Office in partnership with the Department of Trade and Industry-Province of Surigao del Sur conducted the seminar on business registration including company registration of the SEC.

The CDOEO introduced the Electronic Simplified Processing of Application for Registration of Company (ESPARC) through its Information Officer,

Neil Maynard Conde in the City of Bislig, Surigao del Sur on December 09, 2022.

An actual registration workshop was made to 80 attending farmers accredited by the Coconut Farmers and Industry Development Plan (CFID). CFID is a national program which aims to establish community-based enterprises; providing social protection for coconut farmers, farm workers and their families; organizing and developing coconut farmers; conducting innovative research

on coconut processing, production, and distribution; and integrating the processing of coconut and downstream products.

The DTI Surigao del Sur supervises these farmers in the processing of their accreditation which includes the registration with the SEC.

The DTI Surigao del Sur through its Negosyo Centres reassures assistance to all of the farmers in the processing of the registration of their associations.

“As we are leaning to-

wards digitalization of the government procedures in the pursuit of President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.’s administration; we in the SEC continue to advocate for information dissemination and other similar programs to reach out to these sectors such as this initiative of the DTI” says lawyer Frederick Enopia, director of SEC-CDOEO.

Through SEC-ESPARC, the registration of company is made easier, faster and more convenient. (SEC CDOEO)

Korean experts monitor Smart Greenhouse in DA’s research complex

By Cyrus Seraspe

CAGAYAN DE ORO

CITY – The Department of Agriculture-10 (DA10) welcomed the South Korean inspection team of the Korea Agency of Education, Promotion and Information Service in

Food, Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries (EPIS) for a week-long Field Technical Inspection on the Smart Greenhouse Facility on November 21-25, 2022 at the Northern Mindanao Agricultural Crops and Livestock Research Complex.

Assisted by DA-Special Projects Coordination and Management Assistance Division (DA-SPCMAD), the facility construction inspection team, composed of EPIS Director of International Agricultural Cooperation Division Hwang, Young-ki, Chief Facility

Inspector Kim Jeoung-soo, and Facility Inspector Joo Seon-gu, conducted a general facility inspection based on its construction plan, overall analyzing the current status and conducting a test operation of the facility.

Likewise, said activity aims to assess the greenhouse project in terms of the challenges posed in the implementation, particularly the modifications done as future improved reference for their next projects.

During the team’s visit, Carlene Collado, DA-10 OIC regional executive director, expressed his gratitude for the establishment of the Smart Greenhouse facility in the region and for checking on it for pos-

sible improvements and repairs.

Be given a chance to propose another of said facility, the agri official conveyed, the importance of making it more viable and adaptable in other parts of the region.

“As the first recipient of this project in Mindanao, we have observed that some of its properties can be changed for future reference so it can be easily replicated, such as its size. A smaller version of it can be easily placed in smaller areas and its construction will cost lesser, thus the return to our farmers is faster but the quality of the produce is still the same,” Collado added.

Meanwhile, EPIS led by Chief System Inspec -

tor Park Sang-seo, who specializes in information system, also visited the said facility earlier this week, and checked the system security and web accessibility, and inspected the system configuration and environment, among others.

The Smart Greenhouse is a state-of-the art agricultural project featuring greenhouse technology for innovative production of strawberry, cherry tomato, and white potato.

It is a grant by the South Korean government and is funded through its Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs (MAFRA) in partnership with the Department of Agriculture (DA) of the Republic of the Philippines. (CRS | DA-10)

Globe logs 73% growth in 5G traffic for first half of 2022

GLOBE logged 73% growth in 5G traffic for the first half of this year compared to the same period last year as it continues to expand network coverage across the country.

5G or fifth generation mobile technology provides lower latency, higher speed, and increased capacity than 4G LTE networks, allowing better user experience.

Majority of the usage came from Metro Manila, which has close to full 5G coverage at nearly 97%.

The top three towns with the highest number of 5G users in June 2022 were Quezon City, Makati and Manila.

Aside from Metro Manila, neighboring provinces are also beginning to adopt 5G technology. Meycauayan, San Jose del Monte, and Santa Maria topped the list for Bulacan, while Bacoor, Imus, and Dasmariñas led in Cavite.

“Globe goes beyond telco by creating and enabling digital life for Filipinos. To do this, we continue to build and advance our network infrastructure to accommodate new technolo-

gies like 5G. We are happy to see the rising adoption of 5G among our customers as this technology allows them to do more,” said Darius Delgado, head of Globe’s Consumer Mobile Business.

Globe’s expansion of 5G technology is in line with its commitment to the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals, particularly UN SDG No. 9, which highlights the roles of infrastructure and innovation as crucial drivers of economic growth and development.

Because of its strong thrust towards information and communications technology (ICT) infrastructure growth, Globe was able to accelerate 5G rollout beginning last year.

It has put up over 900 5G sites in the first semester of 2022 on top of more than 2,000 sites and inbuilding solutions installed as of 2021, prioritizing areas identified with critical mass of early 5G adopters among active data users.

To learn more about Globe, visit www.globe. com.ph. (PR)

OLTAMA alliance’s site in ZamSib identified as suitable for mariculture op’n

IN support of the Mindanao Development Authority's aquaculture and marine industry development, the MinDA AMO-Western Mindanao congratulates the OLTAMA (Olutanga, Talusan, and Mabuhay) Alliance and the Provincial Government of Zamboanga Sibugay headed by Gov. Dulce Ann Hofer on the Mabuhay site being identified as suitable for mariculture operation based on the marine underwater biophysical assessment and identification conducted on August 1–5

and 22, 2022.

The result of the assessment also determines potential areas for marine cage zones clustered into big investor, small and medium investor, fisherfolk group, research and development, conditioning area, seaweed production area, and oyster production.

The formation of the Mariculture Park Ordinance, the creation of a Technical Working Group, and an Executive Management Council are the next steps to be undertaken by the concerned LGU.

On December 12–14, 2022, these will be discussed during the OLTAMA year-end assessment and strategic planning.

MinDA recognizes the importance of equitably developing the vast potential of Olutanga Island's aquatic and fisheries resources and can extend assistance in providing coordination with concerned local authorities and other government agencies, investment facilitation, and technical assistance to concerned LGU and communities. (MinDA)

The DTI Surigao del Sur through its Negosyo Centres reassures assistance to all of the farmers in the processing of the registration of their associations. (Photo supplied)

The Smart Greenhouse is a state-of-the art agricultural project featuring greenhouse technology for innovative production. (DA-10)

Just add water

By Pamela Joyce Fumero

IF Jose Rizal could see what the youth of Somiorang village were doing today, he would be patting himself on the back.

Johaina Awar, the youth sector representative of the Somiorang community working group was manning their water refilling station one day and was more than willing to tell us their community’s story.

Long before the siege, the citizens relied solely on farming as their source of income, but once the guns started shooting and the bombs started exploding, like every other barangay in the area, they were forced to leave.

When they came back, however, there was nothing left for them to salvage.

What were they going to do now? Farming has been their main and only livelihood for as long as they could remember, and now in a blink of an eye, it

was all gone.

Thankfully, the International Organization for Migration (IOM) and the Korean International Cooperation Agency (KoICA) made their way into their barangay and held a community meeting identifying the needs of each sector as well as electing the best representatives for those sectors.

Johaira shared that choosing officers was a challenge because not everyone was up for the task.

That being said, they had to make sure that whoever they were, they would prioritize the CWG at all costs.

After all, this decision would not just affect themselves, but the entire community as well.

As with every one of their beneficiaries, the officers went through a grueling five-month training period where they were taught the ins and outs of business and entrepreneurship.

Finally, the officers decided that a water refilling station would best cater to the basic needs of the people.

As it just so happens, a deep well was located in Somiorang and they intended to utilize it as their source of livelihood.

Business opportunities were looking bright when not only people from their barangay availed their services but citizens from neighboring villages too.

This influx of consumers inspired them to make a little promo for their product – everyone from Somiorang village would get a discount on their orders, and before they knew it, they were selling out faster than lemonade on a hot summer day.

Of course, all this was not without its fair share of challenges.

The first trial they had to conquer was the training period itself.

IOM-KoICA is known for its strict training, and

this caused a little drama when infighting ensued among the officers regarding their dedication to their responsibilities.

But thankfully, words were exchanged, rough edges smoothed out, and everyone went back to their main goal – promoting and sustaining their business.

Their sense of community is undeniably one of their main driving forces, and their innate need to give back is palpable to anyone who even so much as sets foot within their barangay.

It’s clear that the members of their community working group, as well as their stakeholders, are invested in rising above their hardships as a community and how fitting it is that they chose to establish a water refilling station.

For where there is water, there is life, and where there is life, hope continues anew. (PJF | PIA-10 | Lanao del Sur)

‘We’re once poor’

By Quenzy Salvacion

WHEN I was young, play and wandering stopped every Sunday night for Rated K, and each one in our family gathered at my Lola’s house for its all-time Filipino favorite rags-toriches-themed stories.

I’ve seen cars, huge houses, graduation photos, and people crying, remembering the struggles they’ve been through, saying they were once poor.

Now I sigh and think, somehow phrases that go like our doses of hope for all of us, and subconscious-

ly, to have what those successful people have and to say the same lines they were saying became a dream.

But within those crucial moments in family life, the younger me had to wake early for the next day’s 18 per kilo NFA rice line, the thought “we are poor” was more apparent.

My memories are vivid. During the 2008 rice crisis, I remember lining up on my mother’s behalf.

I was the only kid there, so every other time, some adults would insist I was not allowed and call out my grandma for bringing me.

People ask why I’m there and let me stay most of the time. Other times I go home without anything.

My mother raised my two siblings aged 2 and 1, and my father juggled farming and worked parttime as a glass installer.

On the other hand, I was sent to school and had a good play. Life was exemplary then since I was yet innocent, but not clueless.

I knew very well there were so many things I couldn’t ask for.

In 2009 we became beneficiaries. Each month there would be a day that I’d be full from consum-

ing milk and choco malt powder and think we are wealthy for having eggs, noodles, and sardines for the rest of the week; new clothes are also purchased for Christmas parties and of course, a fancier pencil case we bought in June.

Moments stayed that way for a while until my parents decided that we put up a small “karenderya” to help with the growing expenses, as my siblings were growing too.

The initiative was a big help, and we lived off of that, but it never lasted since another problem came.

My father experienced drug addiction and had nasty habits of gambling. Those times were terrible. We’ve had to depend solely on the assistance of the government and our relatives.

It took us years to rise from that situation. It was about half a decade before my father recovered.

He then started to work again, and we managed to make ends meet.

But, in all honesty, I think we wouldn’t be able to do it without assistance, payment for electricity and water bills sometimes depends on it and even school fees.

Johaina Awar, the youth sector representative of the Somiorang community working group, narrates the story of how the water refilling station business of their group thrives. (JCC | PIA-10 | Lanao del Sur)

For where there is water, there is life, and where there is life, hope continues anew. (JCC | PIA-10 | Lanao del Sur)

Liza Bulawin (right), the Administrative Assistant of the Misamis Occidental Provincial Operations Office and a former 4Ps grantee, awards the cash prize to Quenzy L. Salvacion for winning the Best 4Ps Story: A Feature Writing Competition. The Salvacion Family owns the glass shop (the background of this photo). (Photo supplied)

MINDANAO TODAY

HOROSCOPES

ARIES (Mar. 21- A pr. 19) — You may be reluctant to commit to anything major today, Aries. Your natural tendency is to look askance at those who promise grand and wonderful things. You're smart to question such talk. Don't be surprised if someone's new idea garners all the acclaim. Don't buy into it without first hearing the facts. It isn't a good day for you to gamble, either.

TAURUS (Apr. 20-May 20) — This may be one of those days when you feel completely alone even if there are hundreds of people around, Taurus. No one seems to understand your perspective. Your incredible sensitivity and emotionalism are putting you in a category all your own. Try not to ostracize yourself from the group. Reach out instead of pulling away. You have more in common with other people than you think.

GEMINI (May 21 -June 20) — Balance your boisterous, adventurous nature with a bit of discipline today, Gemini. It's important to laugh, but it's also important to stay on task with your duties. The good news is that both of these things can work in tandem. They aren't mutually exclusive. In fact, one will help you achieve the other. Be serious but have a good time and keep things in perspective.

CANCER (June 21 -July 22) — There may be a thousand things for you to do today, Cancer, but you can only get them done if you concentrate on one at a time. Take a lighthearted approach. You will never finish by focusing on the sheer amount of work you have to do. Break it up into smaller pieces and delegate tasks if you can. Try to see the fun side of things. Schedule in breaks and snacks.

LEO (July 23 -Aug. 22) — No matter what you're doing today, have fun, Leo. Whistle a tune. Turn the stereo up to full volume and dance around the kitchen as you make dinner. You can find amusement in just about anything, so keep this in mind as you tackle even the menial tasks. You're responsible for your own attitude, so don't blame anyone else for a sour mood. Turn yourself around and have fun.

VIRGO (Aug 23 - S ep. 22) — You might need to spend time alone in order to reset your programming, Virgo. Other people's influence may be seeping into your psyche. There's no reason to always do or say what other people dictate. Your sensitivity helps you understand things about others, but it can also bring you down if you start to take on their burdens. Try to counterbalance this tendency with more of your own energy.

LIBRA (Sep. 23 - O ct. 22) — You will find that discipline, organization, and a bit of a dramatic flair are exactly the things needed to be successful today, Libra. Just because you have to be practical doesn't mean that you have to be stern and grumpy. Remember that taking care of serious matters can actually be fun as long as you maintain a positive attitude about the situation. A smile goes a long way.

SCORPIO (Oct. 3 -Nov. 21) — You might find it difficult to deal with people on an emotional level today, Scorpio. Others could seem too demanding of your attention and want to keep the focus on themselves. At the same time, you will probably need a bit more attention than usual. Try not to be so stubborn! Give people the love they need, and you will find that the love you require will come to you as well.

SAGITTARIUS (Nov. 22 -Dec. 21) — You might find your emotions a bit dampened today, Sagittarius, but this may not be a bad thing. Try not to blow things out of proportion so much. Don't feel that you need to turn every small story into a major headline. There's no need to exaggerate the truth just to get more attention. Take a more reserved approach to your actions and reactions to all situations.

CAPRICORN (Dec. 22 - Jan. 19) — Make sure you get your daily dose of laughter and try to come out of your shell a bit more, Capricorn. This is an important time for you to let go of your inhibitions and open up to the world. You may find that there's a sober tone to your emotions, but you can overcome this easily as long as you keep your chin up. There's no reason for you to be gloomy.

AQUARIUS (Jan. 20 - Feb. 18) — This is an important day for you to give thanks for all that you have, Aquarius. Give your loved ones extra hugs and let them know how much they mean to you. If things start to get a bit too serious and somber, you're the one who can pull others out of the rut. There is no need to be sad when you have so much to be happy about.

PISCES ( Feb. 19 - Mar. 20) — Maintain a positive attitude, Pisces, and things will naturally flow your way. Tell a few jokes and keep things light and energetic. You will find that you can multitask very well, and you have the ability to make everyone smile. Don't shy away from things - move toward them. Put away your self-doubt and be more proactive in your approach to everything you encounter.

ORO | from p1

paid for the three cars. They didn’t know that it was being paid by the employees. Every employee [contributed] P500 each and the money collected was being used to purchase,” Raagas said in vernacular.

On December 6, the official facebook page of City Mayor Rolando Uy posted the three brand new ve -

DPWH | from p1 of Gov. Paciencio Ysalina (formerly Carmen) Bridge for public safety.

“The public is informed that the load limit of Ysalina Bridge has been lowered from 7 tons or 14,000 pounds to 4 tons or 8,000 pounds,” the DPWH-10 travel advisory posted on its official Facebook account states.

This, after “results of the bridge inspection revealed the necessity to reduce the said bridge’s (load) limit for public safety.”

With the reduced carrying capacity of the 90-year old concrete structure, only lightweight motor vehicles may be allowed passage and

QUIBOLOY | from p1

directly or indirectly engaged in, serious human rights abuse.”

But lawyer Michael Jay Green, general counsel of KOJC, in a virtual press conference said he was “stunned” by the recent move of the US government against Quiboloy, which he said has deprived him of his right to be heard.

“It’s hard for me to believe that this is coming from the United States. They already convicted him. Presumption of innocence no longer exists,” he said.

Ferdinand Topacio, KOJC legal counsel in Metro Manila, called the recent move “surreal” as he knew “America is a bastion of liberty, justice, and freedom and fair play. It really comes as a shock.”

Topacio said Article I Section 3 of the Philippine

TEATRO | from p8

humanity and its existence,” Tac-an said.

The group is making the outside world see “our views, culture and systems,” he added.

The festival featured original performances and workshops for the participants that included collaborative performances, open mic sessions, live music and more.

Asian countries who joined the festival were the Philippines, Bangladesh, Brunei, Cambodia, India, Indonesia, Japan, Malaysia, Myanmar, Singapore, Thailand and Vietnam.

According to the festival briefer, the AYTF festival concept is driven by the desire to share ideas, methodology and pedagogical approaches with young artists (13-35yrs), to enlighten, challenge and empower them, with the ultimate aim

hicles online and many netizens had expressed their greetings and commented “mine,” with the hashtag #manifesting even the posts said that the raffle is only open for city hall employees.

However, there were also some people on the internet who expressed their personal opinion and said that many people in the city would be helped with the money used to buy the

people on standby should be prohibited, the advisory further states.

Engr. Nonito Oclarit, assistant administrator of the city’s roads and traffic office, confirmed they have started implementing a new traffic management scheme, in coordination with the DPWH10, taking into account the status of the bridge.

Oclarit said the City Council had passed an ordinance earlier, prohibiting heavy motor vehicles from passing through Ysalina bridge.

The city has at least five other bridges across Cagayan River which truck and heavy equipment drivers may use – Kagay-an, J.R.

Constitution, which was taken from the American Constitution, provides “No person shall be deprived of life, liberty, or property without due process of law.”

He said “a person is presumed innocent until proven otherwise beyond a shadow of doubt.”

“You can just imagine my surprise this morning when all of the things that I have been taught about the US, the origin of our Bill of Rights, they all flew out of the window,” he said.

The OFAC said all property and interests in property of the designated persons that “are in the US or in the possession or control of U.S. persons are blocked and must be reported to OFAC, including those assets that are owned, directly or indirectly, 50 percent or more.”

“The prohibitions include the making of any contribution or provision of funds,

of progressing the theatrical and artistic landscape within the region.

Aguilar said, “this has been an inspiring journey to us, as four out of the six of us, were first timers in joining an international festival that they really are physically being able to mingle with artists from other countries.”

The Teatro Guindegan experience

The Teatro Guindegan production team was composed of Ted Nudgent Fernandez Tac-an, director, playwright, dramaturg and production designer; Chrey Mickko Mutia, stage manager; Niel Villarejo and Karen Linganay, assistant stage managers; Reyan Christian Amacna, music producer, sounds and lights designer and layouts; Philip Concepcion, lyricist, music arranger and technical crew; Nuelan Ian Atienza, Technical Director; Franaya Jereca Cue-

brand new cars.

The official said the city government and Uy made the initiative as a way of encouraging the employees.

“The city hall did not spend anything, for the information of everybody. This was made by the city hall and Mayor Klarex (Rolando Uy) to encourage all of us,” Raagas added.

On his part, Uy also said during the flag-raising pro-

Borja, Maharlika (Marcos), Kauswagan, and Pelaez.

Even Balulang Bridge has recently been opened while construction of the Bayabas-Bonbon Bridge is still ongoing.

Meanwhile, Nick Jabagat who heads the City Disaster Risk and Reduction and Management Office (CDRRMO) advised on Tuesday, December 13, motorists to take extra precautions while driving as road accidents have gone up lately.

Jabagat said that while they respond on calls for assistance, including vehicular incidents, as fast as they could in order to save lives, yet they have difficulty running after those involved in

goods, or services by, to, or for the benefit of any designated person, or the receipt of any contribution or provision of funds, goods, or services from any such person,” it said.

It said the evangelist, the self-styled “Appointed Son of God” and founder of KOJC, The Name Above Every Name, was indicted in 2021 for sex trafficking involving “young women within the KOJC selected to work as personal assistants for Quiboloy.”

Quiboloy is currently on the wanted list of the Federal Bureau of Investigation.

“Pastorals were directed to have ‘night duty,’ which required them to have sexual intercourse with Quiboloy on a determined schedule. Quiboloy kept pastorals in various countries, including the Philippines and the United States,” OFAC said.

It alleged that “Quiboloy

vas, layouts and assistant production designer; and Denise Aguilar, production and tour manager and stage manager for international shows.

During the four-day AYT festival, theatre collectives shared their different perspectives and responses to this year’s theme, ROOTS & ROUTES, through performance, workshop and dialogue.

Performances and workshops were based on each country’s personal interpretation of the theme.

According to Aguilar, the Teatro Guindegan's entry, “Padayon” – which is an original devised production inspired from Portuguese playwright Gil Vicente's “Auto Da Alma” (The Soul's Journey), also proved that productions locally created in Northern Mindanao has the capacity to be showcased in the international arena

gram on December 5 that he already prepared his Christmas presents to the employees as he had seen their hard work and dedication in providing public service.

The city mayor urged city hall employees to be continuously truthful in their job to achieve the objective of his administration which is to bring the government closer to the people. (MT)

hit-and-run.

The family of Architect Jerico Fuentes Casiño, who died due to a vehicular accident while riding on a motorbike early Saturday, December 10, has appealed for witnesses to come out, and urged the truck driver to yield.

Casiño, 34, a resident of Bonbon village was an employee of the Department of Health-10, Cagayan de Oro.

“Our CCTVs (closed-circuit television) are down since last year, hopefully these will be restored next year,” said the CDRRMO acting head, adding that they work closely with business establishments who have CCTVs. (MT)

exploited his role within the KOJC to rape his victims and subject them to other physical abuse, describing these acts as sacrifices required by the Bible and by God for the victims’ salvation.”

It added that the pastorals, who were mostly minors when initially abused by Quiboloy, were told to “offer your body as a living sacrifice.”

The OFAC also alleged that the pastor subjected pastorals and other KOJC members to other forms of physical abuse.

“One female reported she lost count of the number of times she was forced to have sex with Quiboloy, as it was at least once a week even when she was a minor and in every country to which they traveled. Another woman reported she was forced to perform night duty at least 1,000 times,” it said. (MindaNews)

and stirs interests to other local theatre groups in the region to apply for the AYTF on the next years to come.

Aguilar also said that the festival included in its program workshops, the different groups from the different countries were assigned a timeslot to share a workshop.

“For us, it was the basic Subanenen dance used as a traditional base for creating contemporary theatre performance. A training concept that Ted and I got from our training at the Intercultural Theatre Institute (ITI) in Singapore,” said Aguilar.

Tac-an added that the members of Teatro Guindegan, after hibernating in their own rooms or online meeting frames, were opened to the wonders of diversity - diversity of possibilities in the world of theater (form and content).

AS IT HAPPENS, WHERE IT HAPPENS

Siargao, La Union bets shine in Pilipinas surfing 4th leg

BUTUAN CITY – Four professional surfers from Siargao Island in Surigao del Norte province ruled their divisions in the the Pilipinas Surfing Nationals Leg 4 that ended in Cabugao, Ilocos Sur on Saturday.

Aping Agudo emerged victorious in the Women’s Open Longboard Division, Toby Espejon ruled the Junior Boys’ Shortboard, and John Mark Tokong was Men’s Shortboard champion, replicating their feats in Leg 3 held in Borongan City, Eastern Samar last month.

Meanwhile, Dianne Nogalo snatched the Women’s Shortboard title.

The other winners were

The

La Salle University-Ozamiz Teatro Guindegan performs in Cambodia

By Shaun Alejandrae Uy MISAMIS OCCIDENTAL

– In a movement to unite Asia through theater, the La Salle University’s (LSU) resident theater company in Ozamiz City, Teatro Guindegan represented Northern Mindanao and the Philippines as performer at the Asian Youth Theatre Festival (AYTF) 2022, in Cambodia, November 24-27, 2022.

LSU Teatro Guindegan Artistic Director Ted Nudgent Fernandez Tac-an

and LSU Arts and Culture Center Director Denise Aguilar led the group of six participants to the AYTF 2022.

“The AYTF is not just a festival but a movement to unite Asia through theater, it’s in a hybrid set-up with on-site and online performances, workshops, and audiences,” Tac-an said.

“The AYTF was a mix or a hybrid festival, as there were performance entries from Bangladesh and Myanmar that was showcased,” Aguilar said.

The AYTF is a four-

day event that showcases youth theater groups from Asia hosted by the Khmer Art Action, in partnership with Phare, the Circus of Cambodia & Banteay Srei Village and produced by the AYTF Movement. The organizers launched the festival through an onsite and online media event, November 19, 2022.

The festival’s vision is to provide a bridge between cultures to connect and unite youths in theatre and serve as a tool for building the next generation of Asian artists, a festival

that educates and empowers young people to use theatre as a vehicle for change.

“This is actually the second time for Teatro Guindegan to join AYTF. In 2021, we brought “SENYOR ERASMUS” in AYTF’s Online Festival because of COVID. This year is a manifestation that Teatro Guindegan is in support to the movement of using theater to stir not just the minds of Ozamiz people but also the international audience to think and question

Kaila Jane Dela Torre in Junior Girls’ Shortboard and Luke Landrigan in Master Men’s, both from La Union.

tournament presented by the United Phil-

ippine Surfing Association is sanctioned by the Philippine Olympic Committee and Philippine Sports Commission. (With a report from Alexander Lopez | PNA)

An employee of the Rural Transit Mindanao Inc.’s Yacapin branch in Cagayan de Oro poses for a selfie during the lighting of the bus company’s 40-foot Christmas tree, considered as among the tallest in the city. The Christmas tree is also made up of about 3,000 empty plastic bottles left by passengers in buses and collected by RTMI and recycled as a Yuletide symbol.

(Jigger Jerusalem | MT)

Wedge yourselves between good vibes and good company! La Ilumina is ready to swing here at SM City CDO Uptown this December 15, 2022. Experience this #aweSM glow in the dark miniature golf course with your fam and squad! May the course be with you! La Ilumina is located at the Second Level, North Wing. (SM City CDO Uptown)

Ozamiz City La Salle University’s (LSU) resident theater company, Teatro Guindegan represents Northern Mindanao and the Philippines at the Asian Youth Theatre Festival (AYTF) 2022, in Cambodia, November 24-27, 2022. (Photo Courtesy of the AYTF 2022 Documentation Team)