THE MINDANAO TODAY JANUARY 11-12, 2023

‘Traslacion’ observance orderly, say Oro police

By Jigger Jerusalem Associate Editor

GENERALLY peaceful. The observance of the

feast of the Black Nazareno in Cagayan de Oro, especially the conduct of the “traslacion” or the procession was generally peaceful

as no untoward incident was reported during the religious activity Monday, police said. This was based on the

assessment made law enforcement authorities, said Lt. Col. Evan Viñas, the Cagayan de Oro City Police TRASLACION | P7

‘History in the making’

By Jigger Jerusalem Associate Editor

This, in a nutshell, was

10th anniversary of the Kuyamis

Unabia was referring to the involvement of Cagayan de Oro in said festival – of the Kuyamis firsts under his governorship.

For the first time since it was founded a decade ago, the Kuyamis Festival has brought together Misamis Oriental and Cagayan de

Oro Covid vax ‘until supply lasts’

By Uriel Quilinguing Contributing Editor

THE City Health Office of Cagayan de Oro announced

on Monday, January 9, inoculation of coronavirus disease (Covid-19) vaccines would go on until supply lasts, and this was to clear

up an earlier statement that there will be no more free vaccines by yearend.

But daily Covid-19 vaccination in malls would no

longer be done because the turnout of vaccinees has been low, City Health Officer Dr. Rachelle Dilla said in a weekly

“THIS will be history in the making. [Misamis Oriental and Cagayan de Oro] working together for the first time.”

how Misamis Oriental Gov. Peter Unabia summed up the direction the province is going as it celebrated the

Festival.

Misamis Oriental Gov. Peter Unabia (4th from right, wearing cowboy hat) gets ready to cut open a “kuyamis”

or golden coconut to signify the official opening of the weeklong Kuyamis Festival 2023 Monday, Jan. 9.

With Unabia are some members of the provincial board, from left, Gerardo Sabal III, Michelle Anayron, Princess Emano, Wayne Militante, Rey Buhisan, Syremae Emano, Bliss Francis Acain, and Dexter Yasay. (Jigger Jerusalem | MT)

2 ASG leaders, 19 followers surrender in Sulu

ZAMBOANGA CITY –

Two leaders of the Abu Sayyaf Group (ASG) and their 19 followers have surrendered to authorities in Sulu province, police and military officials said Tuesday.

Col. Richard Verceles, operations chief of the Area Police CommandWestern Mindanao, said

ASG leader Majid Said and his subleader, Jamiri Jauhari, have yielded together with their followers Sunday at the headquarters of the Army’s 104th Infantry Battalion (104IB) in Barangay Bon-Bon, Patikul, Sulu.

Verceles said the group surrendered through the joint efforts of military and

police forces following a series of negotiations.

The surrenderers turned over 10 high-powered firearms consisting of seven M14 rifles and three M16 rifles.

Brig. Gen. Benjamin Batara Jr., the Army's 1103rd Infantry Brigade commander, presented the 21 ASG surrenderers

to Maj. Gen. Ignatius Patrimonio, 11th Infantry Division (ID) commander, and Patikul Mayor Kabir Hayudini in a simple ceremony at the 104IB headquarters. The ASG surrenderers received food and financial assistance from the 11ID and the Patikul municipal government as initial aid. (Teofilo Garcia, Jr. | PNA)

Zambo destroys modified mufflers, ‘crackers

By Teofilo Garcia, Jr.

ZAMBOANGA CITY – Local authorities on Monday destroyed unauthorized modified motorcycle mufflers, firecrackers and other illegally sold items seized during the Yuletide season here.

;Mayor John Dalipe drove a road roller over 332 open pipe mufflers, secondhand mobile phones, and other illegal items in front of the city hall.

Confiscated illegal firecrackers and pyrotechnics were also soaked in a container of water.

Dalipe earlier ordered the local police to confiscate open pipe mufflers following mounting complaints from residents about public disturbance by motorcycles.

Meanwhile, the city’s “Task Force Ordinance” was also ordered to seize illegally sold items along the sidewalks. (PNA)

Retired police exec slain in South Cotabato shooting

By Edwin Fernandez

COTABATO CITY – A retired police official who worked as head of the civil security unit of Polomolok, South Cotabato, was killed by still unidentified gunmen Monday noon, police said.

Lt. Col.Marvin Duadua, acting chief of the Polomolok police, said retired Maj. Donald Cabigas, was the third member of the Polomolok civil security unit killed since Friday last week.

“We deeply sympathize with the bereaved family and rest assured that a deeper investigation will be conducted,” Duadua said in a statement Tuesday.

“To the community, we are asking for your cooperation by giving us information that will lead to the possible identification of the culprits,” he added.

Cabigas, 56, was inside his business establishment at Tuazon Subdivision when attacked by gunmen around

noon.

He suffered multiple gunshot wounds and died on the spot.

Police found 17 empty shells for .45 and 9mm caliber pistols at the crime scene.

On Jan. 6, unidentified gunmen also shot dead two companions of Cabigas at the town’s civil security office, identified as retired police Sgt. Bonifacio Cabisada, 58; and Jessie Arciete, 56. (PNA)

22 Caraga senior cops tender courtesy resignations

BUTUAN CITY – A total of 21 police colonels and a brigadier general in the Police Regional Office in the Caraga Region (PRO-13) tendered their courtesy resignations on Monday in support of the recent call made by Interior and Local Government Secretary Benjamin Abalos Jr.

“All the 21 colonels have tendered their courtesy resignation. The four could not attend the command conference today because of the difficulties in traveling from their assignments as we are experiencing bad weather conditions,” Maj. Jennifer Ometer, the chief of the PRO-13 Public

Information Office, told Philippine News Agency.

In an earlier statement Sunday, the senior police officers in the region, led by PRO-13 Director Brig. Gen. Pablo Labra II, said they are also ready to face the process of cleansing the ranks of the Philippine National Police (PNP) to free the organization from "all accusations and doubts."

“In the meantime, we will continue our fight against illegal drugs, terrorism, and all kinds of criminality, and serve the community as part of our sworn duty,” the senior officers said. (Alexander Lopez | PNA)

Ex-DA chief pushes for onion farming, crackdown on cartels

By Che Palicte

DAVAO CITY – Amid the soaring retail prices of red onions in the markets, a former Agriculture chief has pushed for the establishment of an onion experimental farm in Central Mindanao to help reintroduce onion farming

in the country.

In a Facebook post Monday, former Department of Agriculture (DA) secretary Emmanuel Piñol said the planned experimental onion farm would help boost local production.

“The idea of reintroducing onion farming came about following my jour-

neys to the vast countryside of Central Mindanao, where farmers told me that they planted onion in the past but gave up because of the low buying price,” he said.

Piñol said the initiative is the only way to fight the onion cartel and ensure that onions – oftentimes

bought from farmers at only PHP20 during peak harvest season – will not be hoarded and sold at the exorbitant rates ranging from PHP600-PHP700 per kilo.

The DA earlier said it will be compelled to resort to importation if the price of onion continues to rise.

(PNA)

LGUs suspend classes as trough of LPA threatens Caraga

BUTUAN CITY – Classes in the different local government units (LGUs) in Caraga Region have been suspended Monday due to the trough of a low pressure area (LPA) threatening the

area.

The trough that has been dumping rains in most parts of the region since Jan. 7 triggered floods and landslides.

As of Monday morn -

ing, the trough of the LPA continues to affect the region, prompting Provincial Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Offices (PDRRMOs), Municipal DRRMOs and the Barangay

DRRMOs to monitor the situation in the areas.

Residents in coastal areas are also advised to stay on alert as the weather disturbance will bring moderate to strong winds and

rough sea conditions.

The CDRRMO here facilitated the Pre-Disaster Risk Assessment (PDRA) as rains continue to threaten most areas in the city.

“The PDRA was conduct-

ed to prepare the CDRRMO on possible incidents caused by the continued rain in the city,” the city information office said in a statement.

(Alexander Lopez | PNA)

Maj. Gen. Ignatius Patrimonio, the Army’s 11th Infantry Division commander (left). (Photo courtesy of Western Mindanao Command)

Crime scene probers of the South Cotabato police office conduct post-crime investigation at the establishment. (Photo courtesy of Spin Media)

At least 22 senior police officers from the PRO-13 tender their courtesy resignation. (Photo courtesy of PRO-13 Information Office)

Former Agriculture secretary Emmanuel Piñol. (PNA photo by Robinson Niñal Jr.)

DSWD-10 provides aid to mass flooding affected families in MisOcc

By Shaine Mae Nagtalon

MISAMIS

OCCIDENTAL

– The Department of Social Welfare and Development-10 (DSWD-10), in coordination with the provincial government of Misamis Occidental provided relief assistance to families who had been affected by mass flooding, December 24-26 in the province.

On Friday, December 30, the DSWD gave P5,000 and food packs to each of 8,427 Misamisnon families in two cities and nine municipalities that were in different evacuation centers at the same time.

Out of 8,427 families in MisOcc, 120 of them are from Ozamiz City, Oroquieta (2,266), Clarin (583), Tudela (1,005), Sinacaban (524), Jimenez (2,116), Panaon (148), Aloran (700), Lopez Jaena (506), Plaridel (452), and Baliangao (7).

DSWD Officer-in-Charge Usec. Eduardo Punay thanked all government agencies that worked hard

to provide immediate aid to those affected by the rain caused by the Shear Line.

“Sa pamamagitan ng ating maagap at mapagkalingang serbisyo, hatid natin ang pag-asa sa bawat nasalanta. Tulad ng pangako ni Pangulong Bongbong Marcos, sama-sama tayong babangon muli,” Punay said.

The DSWD's cash assistance program is meant to help people who had to leave their homes buy things they will need when they go back.

The DSWD sent out quick response teams and is helping the affected LGUs with the validation and financial assistance payout through AICS. It is also responding quickly to the requests for relief augmentation from the affected LGUs.

As of January 4, DSWD FNI and AICS had given affected families in MisOcc financial assistance worth a total of 40,703,484.

AICS financial assistance is still being paid out, as is the distribution of family food packs. (SMRN | PIA-10 | Misamis Occidental)

COWD augments water pressure in Greenville

CAGAYAN DE ORO

CITY – The Cagayan de Oro City Water District (COWD), in its intent to augment the water supply pressure in Greenville Subdivision, consisting of 220 household beneficiaries, applied all efforts in coming up with a solution.

The subdivision, which is located in Barangay Bugo, here, had been experiencing low pressure to no water supply on a daily basis.

Through a collaboration amongst the Engineering Department headed by Engr. Edna S. Najeal, Maintenance Department headed by Engr. Nieva A. Ladera, Production Department headed by Engr. Alex Augustus S. Abangan, and the Operation Control Center (OCC) headed by Engr. Sol Oro M. Masangcay, a series of technical inves-

tigations were conducted, and it was found that the Greenville Subdivision had an average water pressure of only 2 to 4 psi.

The normal water pressure per water service connection is approximately 10 psi.

With such disparity, COWD proposed transferring the existing tapping point from 150mm diameter pipe to 250mm diameter pipe in order to augment water supply pressure thereat.

Said proposal was pursuant to the OCC's data analysis findings, which stated that the 250-mmdiameter pipe has a higher pressure.

On December 12, 2022, COWD implemented the approved plans, and an increase in the water pressure from 4 psi to 18 psi was observed.

BARMM sends relief to floodaffected towns in Lanao del Sur

MARAWI CITY – The Bangsamoro Government is continuously extending aid to its constituents, who are greatly affected by flooding brought about by heavy rainfall due to the shear line.

Through the Bangsamoro Rapid Emergency Action on Disaster Incidence (READi), the regional government delivered 2,000 food packs to the province of Lanao del Sur on Friday, January 6.

Both the Provincial Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office (PDRRMO) and the Provincial Social Welfare and Development Office (PSWDO) got the food packs.

PGMO to sustain stronger ties with CDO for 2023

By

Bautista

MISAMIS ORIENTAL

– Misamis Oriental Gov. Peter Unabia and Mayor Rolando Uy underscored the importance of cooperation towards the implementation

of programs and projects for Cagayan de Oro City and the province of Misamis Oriental through a meeting where they discussed various developments in their areas of responsibility, January 2. “We met with Cagayan de Oro City

A.

-

Chief Shaminoden Sambitory of the PDRRMO said that the relief packs will be given to families in five municipalities that were affected by the floods.

In Taraka, Tamparan, Maguing, Mulondo, and Bubong, flooding affected more than 2,000 families.

The Bangsamoro READi is an attached office to the Ministry of Interior and Local Government and serves as the executing office and secretariat of the Bangsamoro DRRM Council. (PIA-10 | Lanao del Sur)

The Bangsamoro READi delivers 2,000 food packs to Lanao del Sur for distribution to flooded-affected families in five municipalities. (Bangsamoro READi)

The Department of Social Welfare and Development-10 simultaneously distributes the cash assistance and family food packs to the different evacuees affected by the recent local weather disturbance in the province of MisOcc on December 30. (DSWD-10)

Vincent Philip

Mayor Rolando

Uy ‘Klarex’ in a ‘breakfast meeting’ to continue dis

cussing the cooperation of projects and programs for the development of Misamis Oriental and Cagayan de Oro," Provincial Government of Misamis Oriental

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AS IT HAPPENS, WHERE IT HAPPENS

(2nd of 2 parts)

SOME writers theorized that they came from the nearby countries of Israel, namely Persia (now Iran) even as far as India.

But why were they referred to as wise men? Relying on ethnographic data providing us data on the Oriental civilizations existing long before the West entered into its Industrial Revolution, there were advanced societies already existing in the Orient from China to India to the Arab countries.

They had developed the various fields of philosophy and science, much earlier than the Western world.

Thus, we can conjecture that Melchor, Gaspar and Balthazar – as they were guided by the star – had knowledge of astronomy if science had developed to that extent during that era.

There is, however, one better explanation that anthropologists would posit. Could they be shamans who had developed the gift of communing with the supernatural?

If they were coming from the East, what faith traditions had evolved in their societies?

While there were established religions already during the reign of Herod in other parts of the world and in Israel (Hinduism, Judaism, etc.), Islam and Christianity were still to evolve.

But were the magi also shamans who served as ritual officiants of their communities which were ensconced within an indigenous belief system?

We know for a fact that across the world and through the centuries, shamans have developed a

keen sense of understanding the mystical realm.

Could this have been the case of the three wise men?

Perhaps it is futile to have the answer to this question even if there are theologians who would like to pursue this question in dialogue with anthropologists.

However, we can expand the search of meaning and link it with our attempts to better pursue some of the pastoral challenges in our post-Vatican II Church especially in the discourses of inter-faith dialogue and inculturation.

A fundamentalist reading of the Matthew text would insinuate that as the magi worshipped the child as God, they had abandoned whatever faith tradition they belong and embraced a new faith.

On the other hand, a progressive reading of the text allows for an encounter of faith traditions in dialogue with each other.

Thus the Matthew narrative would be very useful for advocates of inter-faith dialogue, as one of the first events in Jesus’ early life pointed to the possibility of faith traditions entering into a dialogue with each other.

In this day and age, when there are still countries where different groups of believers –Christians, Jews, Hindus, Muslims, Buddhists and others – are engaged in conflicts leading to the eruption of violence, the encounter of Jesus and the Magi provide the hope that a day will come when all faith traditions would learn to embrace the gift of an encounter that brings peace!

Local Kagay-anon historical actor, Dr. Gerardo Sabal

HI there!

An exciting newspaper clipping dating May 18, 1940, is perhaps worth for the record books. Dr. Gerardo Sabal and Dr. Rizalino Frias performed an appendectomy in only 11 minutes.

Dr. Gerardo Sabal was a medical doctor, medical company commander of the 110th regiment of the 10th military district, and a former municipal councilor of Cagayan de Oro City.

According to familysearch.org, Dr. Sabal was born on March 20, 1906, and died on December 4, 1983.

A graduate of medicine from the University of Santo Tomas, Dr. Gerardo Sabal became the first physician from Tagoloan after passing the licensure exam in 1933.

During the 2nd World War, he served as a medical commander for the Medical Company, 110th infantry (10th Military District), stationed in Balingasag, Misamis Oriental.

After the war, he served as a municipal councilor from 1947 until the late 1960s – a consistent top vote-getter with an electoral ranking of no less than number 1.

He was vital for the development of Cagayan de Oro from its rapid growth starting in 1954, most notably for the health and sanitation of the expanding City.

Besides his dedicated work in public service, Dr. Gerardo Sabal established the Sabal Hospital in 1974.

The Dr. Gerardo Sabal Memorial National High School was named after the brilliant man from Misamis Oriental and Cagayan de Oro City.

Again, the lack of local historical repositories ham-

Remembering PNA’s infancy years since 1973

pers the writing of local historical figures of Cagayan de Oro.

However, with diligent historical research, we can still write a “tad” of historical information about local historical figures.

Further, local historical and cultural commissions fulfill the heart and soul of the historical and cultural commission, which is RESEARCH.

Setting political color aside, the persons involved should not wait for what the academe publishes, but they also would initiate the move to promote historical research.

There are only a few historical sources about Dr. Gerardo C. A. Sabal. The lack of local and digital repositories in CdeO (with the exemption of the city legislative archives) makes historical research tedious.

Despite the constraints, we still can cull out a “tad bit” of the history of this brilliant man from Tagoloan, Misamis Oriental, who made a mark in Cagayan de Oro.

I hope these people will realize that Philippine history is not a homogenous history but a collective history that demands continuous research.

The distinctiveness, uniqueness, and unbinding individuality of the regions, especially local historical actors, make history come alive.

I hope local heritage committees should fulfill their duty to compile the biographies of its prominent citizens who, in their time, immensely contributed to the development of the City.

As I repeat, if local historical research especially inviting academics and

(2nd of 2 parts)

WHEN Tatad turned on the switch to launch the PNA in the afternoon of March 1, 1973 in Malacañang, he said: “The Philippine News Agency will be operated in the best tradition of the world’s professional news agencies.”

Since PNA does not have its own building, it has transferred at least six times in the past 50 years.

The first was from the NPC Bldg. to

nearby UPL Bldg. in front of Fort Santiago (1978-1981); to Puyat Bldg. on Solana Street, also in Intramuros (19811983); Office of Media Affairs (OMA) on Bohol Avenue, Quezon City (1983-1987; back to the NPC Bldg. (1988-1996) and finally to its present site at the second floor of the Philippine Information Agency (PIA) Bldg. at the Media Center along Visayas Avenue in Diliman, Quezon City.

PNA also used to provide its subscribers daily broadcast news in English and Filipino languages as well as weekly, monthly, quarterly and annual news reports on major national developments.

In the early martial law years (19721981), PNA became a “gathering place of the best writers or media eagles” in what was then called Greater Manila Area (now Metropolitan Manila).

That was because many of the best editors, deskmen, reporters, photographers and other staff members of the major newspapers and other media establishments shut down earlier by the government found employment in the PNA.

Some staff members of foreign news agencies with bureaus in Manila were also hired by the infant news agency. They returned to their mother bureaus when the government finally allowed the reopening of the closed media outlets.

In search of the true meaning of the Feast of the Epiphany

DOLE-10 clarifies payment for workers on special, regular holidays

By Jasper Marie Rucat CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY – The Department of Labor

and Employment-10 (DOLE10) clarified that there are premiums for workers who work during special non-

working and regular holidays, but no premiums for special working holidays.

Albert Gutib, regional director of DOLE-10, said during Talakayan sa PIA, “On special non-working holidays, our rule is now "work or no pay," which means that if a worker refuses to work, there is no pay. But if he or she works, there is an additional 30%, meaning on top of his salary, there is 30%.”

A worker can get as much as 130% for working on a special non-working holiday and an additional 50% if that day is his or her rest day.

Meanwhile, for the spe-

Raheemah co-op finishes int’l halal, Islamic finance training

By Claire Gigje

MARAWI CITY – The Raheemah Peace Weavers

Producer Cooperative here is now more equipped to carry out its mission of boosting the Halal industry in the province following the completion of its latest international training.

Recently, members and officers of the cooperative underwent and completed rigorous education and training on Halal and Islamic finance that lasted for two years, from 2021 to 2022.

The education and training were led by Halal Development Corporation Berhad

(HDCB) from Malaysia and the Halal Research Council from the United Arab Emirates (UAE) and Pakistan.

Some courses offered included Halal industry fundamentals, a Halal certification program, Halal internal auditing, a postgraduate diploma in Halal industry, a certified Islamic microfinance manager, and an executive diploma in Islamic banking and finance.

Cooperative Executive Director Baicon CayongcatNuska, who was also one of the trainees, saw this opportunity for the development of the internal capacity of her organization.

She was likewise optimistic that the necessary knowledge and skills instilled would help them gear up as they pursue their undertakings on halal promotion and Islamic finance. (CRG | PIA-10 | Lanao del Sur)

cial working holidays, it is just an ordinary day, said DOLE, meaning if the worker will work, there are no premiums or additional 30% or 50%.

For regular holidays, like December 25 and January 1, if a worker goes to work a day before the holiday or the day preceding the holiday, they are considered to be paid 100%.

Further, if they work during the regular holiday, they are entitled to an additional 100%, or they will receive an equivalent of 200% of their salary. Meanwhile, if it is their rest day at the same time as a regular holiday, they will receive an equiva-

lent of 260% of their salary.

According to Gutib, 13th month pay is based on the law of Presidential Decree No. 851, which requires all employers to give or grant 13th month pay to all rankand-file employees who have worked at least one month in a year.

The 13th month pay must be given to employees not later than December 24 of every year. Meanwhile, companies and establishments have until January 15 of the following month to submit a report to the DOLE if they have distributed the grant to their employees.

Gutib emphasized that the 13th month pay is a

right of the worker and an obligation of the employer to his workers.

He also said DOLE conducts regular monitoring or visits to various establishments, where part of their assessment is the payment of the 13th month pay.

For those that would need to file complaints at the DOLE office, Gutib said they have a “single entry approach” mechanism where workers or employees can file their request before DOLE, in field offices, the National Labor Relations Commission, or the National Regulation Conciliation Board. (JMOR | PIA-10)

TAGUIG CITY – AP Renewables Inc. (APRI), a subsidiary of Aboitiz Power Corporation, recently signed the Engineering, Procurement, and Construction (EPC) agreements for its 17-megawatt (MW) binary geothermal power plant Tiwi, Albay.

APRI awarded the EPC contracts to Ormat Technologies, Inc. and Desco, Inc., two companies best known for their engineering services, power plant system designs, and technical expertise in the geothermal energy industry.

“We are glad to move this project forward with partners we already know and trust. This collaboration will reinforce our commitment to providing much-needed Cleanergy to the grid,” APRI President and Chief Operating Officer (COO) Jeffrey Estrella said.

Cleanergy is AboitizPower’s renewable energy (RE) solutions brand. Through Cleanergy facilities across the country, power derived from run-of-river, large hydro, solar, geothermal, and soon wind, are harnessed to provide reliable

and reasonably-sourced energy to businesses and communities at a reasonably competitive price.

Both companies are longtime partners of APRI, with Desco providing control and instrumentation materials plus staffing services for 11 years.

Meanwhile, Ormat built and designed APRI's binary facilities for the MakBan Geothermal Power Plant in Laguna

This development is considered a step forward as the company expands its Cleanergy portfolio.

“We are excited about this endeavor, especially its positive impact to our host communities,” Estrella added.

APRI and its partners aim to officially break ground for the project in the first quarter of 2023 and eyes completion by year-end.

The plant will utilize excess heat from spent brine at the Tiwi geothermal facility, the country's first geothermal power plant.

In April this year, APRI signed an agreement with its steam provider to supply brine to fuel the binary plant. (PR | Aboitiz)

The Fraternal Order of Eagles (Philippine Eagles

Baicon Cayongcat-Nuska, the executive director of Raheemah Peace Weavers Producer Cooperative (left). (Raheemah Peace Weavers Producer Cooperative)

FEATURES

AS IT HAPPENS, WHERE IT HAPPENS

Pebbles of today, ripples of tomorrow: Marantao’s quest for social change, dev't

By Pamela Joyce Fumero

MARAWI CITY – Despite having previously served for 11 years as Cagayan de Oro’s planning officer, Marantao’s current Municipal Planning and Development Coordinator (MPDC), Johaena “Jehan” Marcom, was all too aware of how different things were in Lanao del Sur.

The Marawi siege left the entirety of the province in devastation, and while Marawi City itself suffered most of the losses, its neighboring municipalities were not without social casualties.

Jehan was all about to give up on Marantao’s social healing when two men came into her office, bringing with them a new hope she thought had been lost with the wind.

The Marawi Response Project (MRP), a product of

the collaboration between Plan International and USAID, encouraged residents to form different community solidarity groups (CSGs) for different sectors of the community. By having all these CSGs, they were able to eliminate barriers and encourage cross-sectoral communication, resulting in holistic discussions when it came to community affairs. This also disabled the possibility of a system wherein only those who have connections with the higher-ups could receive the benefits of the development program.

Jehan also takes part in MRP training, particularly those focused on ending gender-based violence (EGBV).

One of the CSGs under her office, Matarantis a Baes, is an all-women CSG focusing on EGBV within Marantao.

Jehan works closely with their president, Diamond

Abinal, who was a victim of child marriage, and together with their other EGBV champions, they’ve established referral pathways for victims all across the municipality of Marantao.

While they continue to look for ways to improve their referral pathways, her office also actively spreads gender-based violence (GBV) awareness through another CSG, this time from the youth sector, the Voice of Marantao Youth Solidarity Association (VMYSA).

All the actions she and her office have taken towards EGBV were made possible through the grant she received from MRP to fight the said phenomenon.

When MRP came to an end, Jehan’s office – as well as the local government unit (LGU) – were determined to keep their legacy and work alive, and together, they ordained all of their CSGs into Marantao’s LGU’s

special bodies, officially giving them a platform and ensuring that the different sectors’ voices will be heard and taken into consideration during community decisionmaking.

MRP may have ended, but the ripples it created in the community continue. Through Jehan’s office and the efforts of all their champions and beneficiaries, the doors of opportunity and improvement they brought with them continue to stay open, and together, they hope to one day arrive at a Marantao that will no longer need radical life development programs such as this. (PJF | PIA-10 | Lanao del Sur)

(Pamela, 22, is a native of Sindangan, Zamboanga del Norte, but is presently residing in Iligan City. She graduated magna cum laude at the Mindanao State UniversityIligan Institute of Technology with a bachelor’s degree in

Psychology. She is currently employed as a researcherwriter for the Philippine Information Agency-10’s Lanao

del Sur information center. You may reach her at pamfumero@gmail.com.)

Warning out on toxic cadmium in New Year lucky charm bracelets

THE toxics watchdog group EcoWaste Coalition has detected high levels of cadmium, a hazardous chemical, in lucky charm bracelets being sold in Quiapo, Manila, ahead of the celebration of the Chinese Lunar New Year of the Water Rabbit on January 22.

In test buys conducted last week, the group purchased 15 bracelets adorned with a rabbit metal alloy from lucky charm retailers in Quiapo district. The products are sold for P50 to P150 per piece.

The group then screened the rabbit ornament in each of the bracelets for cadmium content using an Olympus Vanta M Series X-Ray Fluorescence (XRF) analyzer.

In the European Union (EU), cadmium in metal parts of jewelry and imitation jewelry cannot exceed the limit of 0.01 percent by weight or 100 parts per million (ppm).

Based on the XRF screening results, 12 of the 15 bracelets contained rabbitinspired ornaments with cadmium content above

the 100 ppm EU limit for cadmium in jewelry: seven had over 100,000 ppm, four had 19,690 to 78,200 ppm, and one had 553 ppm.

“We find the presence of cadmium in products marketed as charms for attracting good health, fortune and happiness very concerning as this substance is known to cause adverse health effects, including cancer,” said Aileen Lucero, National Coordinator, EcoWaste Coalition. “In fact, these jewelries would be illegal to sell in Europe because of their

cadmium content.”

“Consumers should be forewarned that some lucky charms, which are often sold without any labeling information, may be laden with hazardous substances like cadmium,” she said. “Consumers may be exposed to cadmium through the skin or oral contact. Worst, a child may play with and accidentally ingest a cadmium-containing charm if the bracelet is broken or untied,” she added.

A toxic metal with symbol Cd and atomic number 48, cadmium and its compounds are listed in the Philippine Priority Chemical List and the World Health Organization’s list of “ten chemicals of major public health concern.”

According to the WHO, “cadmium exerts toxic effects on the kidneys as well

as the skeletal and respiratory systems (and) is classified as a human carcinogen.” To reduce human exposure to cadmium, WHO has recommended, among other measures, “the elimination of use of cadmium in products such as toys, jewelry and plastics.”

To protect consumer health, governments in the EU have issued notifications warning consumers of the risks of using cadmium-containing bracelets, earrings, rings and other jewelry, and have ordered importers or distributors to stop further sale, withdraw such products from the market or recall them from end users.

In notifications published in the Safety Gate, the EU rapid alert system for dangerous non-food products, governments warned that “cadmium is harmful

to human health because it accumulates in the body, can damage the kidneys and bones and it may cause cancer.”

“The unrestricted sale of cadmium-laden jewelries in the local market is a public health concern. We urge concerned government regulators to take action in order to protect human health,” the EcoWaste Coalition said.

"The undisclosed cadmium in the analyzed jewelry is another example of how consumers are kept in the dark by manufacturers regarding hazardous substances in products being offered for sale in the market," the group pointed out, adding "transparency in the chemicals that make up a product, as well as the hazards they pose to health and the environment, should be made mandatory in line with the consumers' right to know."

In lieu of lucky charms containing hazardous substances, the group advised the public to opt for tested ingredients or formulas for good health, fortune and happiness, including healthy and non-toxic lifestyle, loving relationships, respect for nature, hard work, and kindness. (PR | EcoWaste Coalition)

MINDANAO TODAY

HOROSCOPES

ARIES (Mar. 21-Apr. 19) — Doubts about business and financial matters might weigh on your mind now, Aries, so much so that they invade your dreams. The dreams are only a reflection of your worries - they aren't prophetic. Your situation is probably better than it seems on the surface. Lack of information clouds the issue. Check the facts and judge them for yourself before making yourself crazy.

TAURUS (Apr. 20- M ay 20) — A scheduling conflict may come up today, Taurus. A business engagement could interfere with a social event. You might doubt whether you can attend both, but if you plan carefully, it should be OK. Someone at home might not be communicative, which could cause a little worry. This person has issues they need to work out for themselves. Just be there if needed.

GEMINI (May 21 -June 20) — Confusing communications could be the pattern for today, Gemini. Some paperwork you need to do for a task might be delayed - hung up in the mail or filed in the wrong place. It might take a while to locate it, but it should turn up eventually. There might be some strange messages for you, and you may not be sure whether or not you should return the calls.

CANCER (June 21 -July 22) — Today you could doubt the amount of money you might get from a business transaction. If you can, verify this before starting anything. You aren't being told something. Personal relationships, particularly love and romance, should be stable and rewarding now, although today you may not have much time to spend with those you care about. Hang in there.

LEO (July 23 -Aug. 22) — Business transactions that could take place in your home or perhaps involve the home might seem a bit unclear today, Leo. Before agreeing to anything, read the fine print and verify all the facts about what you're signing. Use your intuition. It's very high at this time. Family members might be confused about events in their lives, but they'll get over it.

VIRGO (Aug 23 -Sep. 22) — ou might get a lot of mixed messages from friends, relatives, and colleagues, Virgo. They may say one thing while you sense that they mean something else. Insist on hearing how they really feel. This can prevent a lot of resentment later. New businesses could open in your neighborhood that you might want to check out. Take a look - especially if it's a new bookstore.

LIBRA (Sep. 23 -Oct. 22) — Today you might not feel secure about your financial situation, Libra, and get a little nervous. Disconcerting information in the news about the general state of the world economy might have planted some unsettling seeds in your mind. On the whole, you should be pretty financially stable now, and this trend is likely to continue. Check out the facts before giving in to panic.

SCORPIO (Oct. 3 -Nov. 21) — Some unsettling news about your work situation might reach you today and make you worried, Scorpio. You might question your future in this field and possibly consider a change. Consider it, by all means, but this isn't the day to make a final decision of any kind. Wait until you're in a more secure frame of mind. In the meantime, list your different options. This will get you back to reality.

SAGITTARIUS (Nov. 22 -Dec. 21) — You're a logical person, Sagittarius. When insights come to you through ESP, you tend to doubt their validity. Don't do this. If a feeling is particularly strong, go with it. Don't write it off because it seems illogical. Life isn't always predictable. If you give yourself permission, you can trust your intuition about nearly anything.

CAPRICORN (Dec. 22 - Jan. 19) —

Doubts about a friend's motives could plague you today, Capricorn. This person seems to be acting strangely and isn't communicating. This probably has little if anything to do with you. This person has issues that he or she is having trouble with. There are others who are in a better space whose company you will enjoy at this time. Get together and enjoy the amiable atmosphere.

AQUARIUS (Jan. 20 - Feb. 18) — A friend or family member might act strangely and seem distracted. You may wonder if he or she is upset with you. This probably isn't the case. This person has issues that need attention. Allow them some space. A romantic partner might have to break a date tonight. Spend the evening alone with a novel and look forward to the next get-together.

PISCES (Feb. 19 - Mar. 20) — Too much reading might have you experiencing eyestrain and possibly headaches, Pisces. It might help to have your eyes checked, but it's probably just too much stress. You might have some trouble focusing on whatever work you do today, but this is only a temporary condition. You should be back to your normal self tomorrow. Stay home tonight, listen to music, and take it easy.

HISTORY | from p1

– unheard of in the past – and collaborating under the leaderships of Unabia and Mayor Rolando Uy, respectively.

The weeklong festival, celebrated this year from Jan. 9 to 13, is named after the golden coconut that is abundant in Misamis Oriental, and was established by then Gov. Yevgeny Vincente Emano – now the province’s second legislative district representative – during his first term in 2013.

With Unabia and Uy at the helm of power, the cooperation between the province and the city is slowly taking shape.

Soon after they assumed office this year, Unabia and Uy met on several occasions and promised to work together.

The 10th run of the Kuyamis is the first fruit of that mutual commitment as the organizers added the Paglaum MisOr-Rise CDO Cup, a sporting event that would involve Cagayan de Oro in the festival, to the list of activities.

Paglaum (“hope” in English) is the acronym of Unabia’s seven-point agenda, while Rise CDO is Uy’s program of

ORO | from p1

briefing at City Hall. The volume of vaccine supply was not disclosed though.

Dilla said they appreciate offers of Limketkai and SM Downtown malls for free use of spaces – as they did in in the past – for weekend Covid-19 vaccinations starting on Saturday and Sunday, January 14 and 15.

In a forum at SM City Uptown Friday, January 6, Dr. David Mendoza, local support services chief of the Department of Health-10 said there are enough supply of Covid-19 vaccines that could last until March this year.

Meanwhile, Dr. Inah Grace

SAMONTE

governance.

Paglaum stands for participatory approach, agriculture as the priority, goal-oriented tourism, livelihood, aggressive programs for the youth, unified approach for health and social services, and mobilization of resources through equitable sharing Rise CDO means regional leadership, metropolization, connectivity and accessibility; institutional development and participatory governance; safety, security, and social development; and economic recovery. CDO is the abbreviation of Cagayan de Oro.

“This will be history in the making. MisOr and CDO working together for the first time,” Unabia said in his message during the festival’s opening ceremony at the Misamis Oriental Integrated Sports Complex (MOISC) Monday, Jan. 9.

Another move that is seen to further cement Misamis Oriental and Cagayan de Oro’s multi-faceted partnership is the use of the MOISC as Kuyamis Festival’s venue for most of its major events.

Significant

According to lawyer Jeffrey Saclot, Misamis Oriental’s

Chiu, CHO’s immunization program coordinator, in the City Hall briefing, said those within the 5 to 11 and 12 to 17 aged brackets would be their priority because of the resumption of face-to-face classes.

Chiu said that while vaccination coverage among 12 to 17 years old was high at 116% – of the 57,875 targeted population, still some 3,750 have long been due for their second dose of the primary series, as of December 31, 2022.

Coverage of fully vaccinated (first and second doses) children, 5 to 11 years old, however, has been relatively low at 53 percent or 37,523 out of 71,432.

She said these learners,

tourism officer, the holding of almost all of the Kuyamis activities at the MOISC is significant considering the sports complex is jointly owned by the provincial and city governments, and the Department of Education.

“Gov. Unabia has welcomed the Misamis Oriental-Cagayan de Oro collaboration in the Kuyamis 10th edition, especially in sports where Cagayan de Oro is very involved. The provincial government also wants to make Cagayan de Oro feel that they are part of the 10th Kuyamis Festival celebration,” Saclot said.

He said the venue for the street dancing competition, another Kuyamis major event, will also be at the MOISC.

“The highlights will be held at the MOISC to signify that we are now back to normal and to show that our street dancing competition is comparable to the major festivals in the Philippines,” Saclot added.

He said this year’s street dancing contest has 15 groups participating.

“That’s [15] a very good number from out of 25 LGUs,” the provincial tourism official

including their teachers, must have been fully vaccinated to prevent Covid-19 infections in classrooms as well as in offcampus activities.

Dilla shared her observation that kids normally do not observe safe distancing, unmindful the Covid-19 virus is still there (particularly subvariants of Omicron), much more because masking has become optional.

She said a vaccination team would also be joining the “Klarex Serbisyo sa Barangay” for community-level administration of Covid-19 vaccines.

Mall vaccination sites on weekends, she said, are really intended for school-age population, as well as for the re-

said.

Except for the Miss Kuyamis pageant, most the festival’s core events such as the booth competition, dance craze, “laro ng lahi” (traditional sports), battle of the bands, and the Paglaum MisOr-Rise CDO Cup are held at the MOISC.

Economy and tourism For his part, John Venice Ladaga, the provincial administrator, said Unabia has emphasized the theme “Paglaum sa MisOr” and considered tourism as one of the drivers of the local economy.

“Gov. Unabia has greenlighted initiatives for the province’s tourism projects. In fact, our engineers and architects have started to establish ‘tourism loops’ in Misamis Oriental,” Ladaga said.

Included in the plan is to convert the MOISC and make it a high-standard sports venue, he noted.

“We have private investors willing to develop MOISC to and make it a world-class facility. The details are in the works and the governor has also formed a core group to focus on the MOISC project,” Ladaga said. (MT)

maining senior citizens, about 16,360 of them who do have the first dose even if coverage has reached over 81 percent.

Since Monday, January 9, one could avail of free Covid-19 vaccines at the CHO, City Hall and J.R. Borja General Hospital and those who wish to inquire for details may send text messages or call the Covid-19 vaccination hotline 0995 589 6020.

So far, the CHO through its vaccination teams has administered 1,428,832 doses of Covid-19 vaccines, as of January 5, 2023: 628,252 first doses; 594,195 second doses; 128,138 first booster, and 28,247 second booster. (MT)

| from p4

On the other hand, PNA also became a good training ground for aspiring print and broadcast journalists.

After the 1986 People Power Revolt, with the opening of new national newspapers, the

SANCHEZ | from p4

committed members of the commission, does not flourish in the next 10 years, local Kagay-anon historical figures like Dr. Gerardo Sabal will become “dust in the wind.” (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 University-

TRASLACION

PNA-trained young reporters tried their hands at newspapering and in the broadcast field.

Many of them became editors and columnists in several national newspapers after they had cut their journalistic teeth at the PNA newsroom.

Until early 1986, the PNA,

Ateneo 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)

through the former Office of Media Affairs (OMA) headed by the late Information Minister Gregorio S. Cendaña (RIP), had overseas bureaus in San Francisco, Sacramento, Los An-

PGMO | from p3

(PGMO) Governor Peter Unabia shared.

Plans for the “redevelopment” of the Misamis Oriental Integrated Sports Complex were tackled, alongside Cagayan de Oro City’s participation in the upcoming Kuyamis Festival activities and the participation of its city hall employees in Paglaum Cup sports events.

More partnerships between the city and the province are

KUYAMIS

geles (California), New York, Washington, D.C., Chicago, Toronto (Canada), Sydney (Australia) and Jeddah. These were closed down in 1986.

likely, since both levels of government want to improve sports, infrastructure, the economy, tourism, and other areas in ways that work well with each other.

“With our continuous cooperation and unity, it will be easier and faster for us to deliver real progress and development to the people of Misamis Oriental and Cagayan de Oro,” Unabia said. (VPSB | PIA-10 | Misamis Oriental)

| from p1

Office spokesperson.

“The whole feast day was under control by our security personnel,” Viñas said.

The only notable disruption was when a volunteer collapsed, but this was taken care of right away, he added.

The crowd who joined in the “traslacion” was still large, Viñas said, but it was not as thick as the number of devotees in 2020, where the turn-out was estimated at 250,000.

But this year’s procession, only around 15,000 people participated in the feast day of

the Black Nazarene.

“We expected the figure to double from two years ago, but it went down, probably because due to the weather,” he said.

Nick Jabagat, the City Disaster Risk Reduction Management Office chief, said the person who had a medical emergency was physically exhausted, but he was able to recover quickly.

“We were thankful to the devotees who were very cooperative. We hope to maintain this type of crowd who is very compliant with our guidelines,” Jabagat said. (MT)

| from p8

Misamis Oriental celebrate this year's Kuyamis Festival and 93rd Charter Day Anniversary by launching the first Paglaum MisOr-Rise CDO Cup.

“Kaning sport activities, kani siya ang sinugdanan sa atong mahimong paghinagalaay; sa atoang gilantaw na harmonious relationship dinhi magsugod ang atoang panaguban with the City of Cagayan de Oro through this sport celebration,” Misamis Oriental Gov. Peter Unabia said.

(These sports activities are the start of our friendship, which we see as a harmonious relationship. This is the start of our partnership with the city of

Cagayan de Oro through this sports celebration)

With the new Paglaum MisOr-Rise CDO Cup, delegates from the different local government units in the province and Cagayan de Oro City compete in sports like badminton, chess, lawn tennis, volleyball, and table tennis for a week to show off their skills and build stronger relationships with their peers.

Unabia said he will support the events and activities of the Cagayan de Oro, and both local chief executives assure their respective constituents that more collaboration will happen for the betterment of the two LGUs. (JAKA | PIA-10 | Misamis Oriental)

10th Kuyamis Festival sets history with Paglaum MisOr-Rise CDO Cup

By Jan Albert Araña

MISAMIS ORIENTAL –

The 10-year celebration of the Kuyamis Festival set history as the provincial government of Misamis Oriental and the city government of Cagayan de Oro worked together to celebrate the festivities through sports activities from January 9 to 13.

For the first time since the Kuyamis Festival began, the city government of Cagayan de Oro helped the Provincial Government of

Introducing the Miss Kuyamis 2023 candidates

(3rd of 3 parts)

IT’S far from the summer season, but the 21 Miss Kuyamis 2023 candidates are raising the temperature in their official swimsuit

portraits showcasing their beauty and alluring physique.

Wearing uniquely designed swimwear by Julius Pegarro Jaguio of Pegarro Swim and carefully crafted

heels by internationallyacclaimed shoemaker Jojo Bragais in these well-captured shots by famed photographer Phillip Vallespin, the ladies had a perfect backdrop highlighting their

curves and confidence. See our hopefuls turn up the heat in the sizzling Swimsuit Competition happening on December 30, 2022, 5:00 pm via livestream. (Miss Kuyamis FB page)

Misamis Oriental Gov. Peter Unabia (4th from left) and Cagayan de Oro City Mayor Rolando Uy (5th from left) pose with provincial and city government personnel during the opening of the Paglaum MisOrRise CDO Cup at the MOISC.

(Photo courtesy of Gov. Peter Unabia)

Misamis Oriental Gov. Peter Unabia and Cagayan de Oro Mayor Rolando Uy light the friendship cauldron to signal the start of the Paglaum MisOrRise CDO Cup. (Photo courtesy of Explore MisOr)

(Photos courtesy of Philip Vallespin | Miss Kuyamis FB