THE MINDANAO TODAY OCTOBER 19-20, 2022

5 persons missing in B’non landslide

By Uriel Quilinguing Contributing Editor

Three road maintenance workers and an elderly couple were reportedly buried alive when a landslide

occurred shortly past noon Monday, October 17, in San Luis village, Malitbog town of Bukidnon.

The three were Municipal Engineering Office employees who had just cleared the road

from rocks and mud deposits caused Sunday night’s heavy rains at Mabuhay community when the avalanche happened.

They were resting at a house nearby at that time of the incident, according to

Mayor Gary Casiño, who supervised the search, res cue and retrieval operations Tuesday (October 18) morn ing when two backhoes from private entities arrived.

Seizure of ‘hot’ cigarettes ordered

By Teofilo Garcia, Jr.

ZAMBOANGA CITY –

Mayor John Dalipe directed Tuesday the Zamboanga City Police Office (ZCPO) to con fiscate smuggled cigarettes sold in stores and street ven dors here.

The crackdown, according to Dalipe, aims to show that the local government is

Oro village officials question reso endorsing XU dev’t

By Jigger Jerusalem Associate Editor

SEVERAL barangay officials in Balulang have questioned a document that endorses the

proposal of a real estate devel oper to build new campus for Xavier University (XU) at the city’s uptown district.

The paper in question was the barangay resolution that

allows the Cebu Landmasters Inc. (CLI) to develop the Man resa Farm, the training ground for the university’s agriculture students, into a mixed-use complex which will become

the Masterson Campus and Manresa Town.

According to the informa tion posted on XU’s official website, the Masterson

Mutya

Tubod

Doctors and medical staff of JR Borja General Hospital visit Bugo National High School on Tuesday, October 18, 2022, to provide medical assistance to families who were affected by flooding brought by the heavy rains last Sunday afternoon in Barangay Bugo, Cagayan de Oro City. (Photo courtesy of the Cagayan de Oro City Information Office)

Gemma Pabayo shows to reporters a copy of the environmental impact statement detailing some of the findings on the proposed plan to development the Manresa campus of Xavier University in Upper Balulang into a mixed-use complex. (Jigger Jerusalem | MT)

DTI destroys P100K uncertified products in SoCot

KORONADAL CITY –

The Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) in this province destroyed Monday some P100,000 worth of un certified products that it has seized last year.

Elbert Capecio, DTISouth Cotabato senior trade and industry development specialist, said among the destroyed products are mono

bloc chairs, home appli ances such as television sets, electric stoves, electric fans, steel bars, kitchen utensils and Christmas lights with no International Commodity Clearance (ICC) stickers.

“These are only small items, but this will serve as a warning to the violators,” Capecio said in an interview.

He said the substandard

products were confiscated during the series of product surveillance and enforce ment operations of DTI in 10 commercial establishments in 2021.

“Eight of the violators were fined while penalties of the other two are still be ing processed by DTI central office,” he said.

He reminded local traders

that selling products without the required safety marks is a violation of the Consumer Act of the Philippines and the Standard Law.

Capecio appealed to the consumers to refrain from pa tronizing substandard prod ucts, even if sold at lower prices, because they are un safe. (Roel Osano | PNA)

Abu Sayyaf bandit killed in Sulu clash with Army

ZAMBOANGA CITY – A member of the Abu Sayyaf Group (ASG) was killed in a clash with government forces in Sulu province, military officials reported Saturday.

Ben Saji was killed around 7:20 p.m. Thursday in Barangay Bungkaong, Pa tikul town, according to Maj. Gen. Ignatius Patrimonio, Joint Task Force (JTF)-Sulu

commander.

The Army’s 45th Infantry Battalion was then conduct ing security operation when they encountered the fol lowers of ASG leader Abu Pading.

“Our troops were on a routine patrol when a con cerned citizen tipped off the presence of ASG bandits at the outskirts in Barangay

Bungkaong,” Patrimonio said in a statement. “While on their way to check the verac ity of the report, the troops were fired upon by around four ASG bandits.”

The rest of the ASG ban dits fled after a brief firefight, leaving behind the remains of Saji.

“Upon verification, he was identified as Ben Saji

under ASG sub-leader Abu Padding,” said Brig. Gen. Benjamin Batara Jr., com mander of the 1103rd In fantry Brigade, in another statement.

The troops recovered an M16 rifle with several rounds of ammunition.

Saji's remains were turned over to village officials. (Teo filo Garcia, Jr. | PNA)

DavNor older people get P2K incentive for Covid vax

By Che Palicte

DAVAO CITY – To boost Davao del Norte’s vaccina tion rate, Governor Edwin Jubahib led the distribution of P2,000 cash incentives to 500 senior citizens who got vaccinated for coronavirus disease 2019 (Covid-19) on Monday.

With funding from the Department of Social Welfare

and Development (DSWD), Jubahib implemented the vaccine incentive reward pro gram to entice senior citizens to get vaccinated.

Since seniors are at high est risk due to Covid-19, Jubahib said vaccination prevents severe illness, hos pitalizations, and death.

“I am happy that you re sponded to our call for you to get immunized,” Jubahib said

during the cash distribution.

Since last year’s launch of the vaccination drive, about 49,829 seniors in the prov ince completed their second dose, while 13,039 got their first booster dose.

Jubahib also dispelled misinformation and argued against vaccine hesitancy among his constituents, as he called on his people to get vaccinated.

3 NPA rebels lay down arms in AgNor

By Alexander Lopez

BUTUAN CITY – Three communist New People’s Army (NPA) rebels have surrendered in Cabadbaran City, Agusan del Norte, the Army’s 29th Infantry Battal ion (29IB) reported Monday.

In a statement, the 29IB identified the surrenderers as Joem Hurod, 18, a member of the Sandatahang Yunit Pampropaganda (SYP) 16C1 of Guerrilla Front 16 (GF16), North Eastern Mind anao Regional Committee

(NEMRC); Bobong Asay, 23, of the Regional Sentro De Grabidad of NEMRC; and Cristian Maca, 19, of the SYPC1, NEMRC.

The three, who yielded before the 26IB headquarters Sunday, also handed over an M16 rifle, an AK-47 rifle, a shotgun, magazines, and am munition.

The 29IB said the trio decided to surrender due to hunger and hardships in the mountains.

“All they want now is to free themselves from the

difficulties they have been through inside the NPA or ganization and to live peace fully with their families,” the 29IB statement said.

Lt. Col. Cresensio Gar gar, the 29IB commander, welcomed the decision of the three rebels to "abandon their lost cause and return to their families."

He also urged the remain ing rebels in Agusan del Norte to follow the example of their former comrades to return to the fold of the law.

(PNA)

Village exec killed, P2M shabu seized in Lanao Sur op

By Teofilo Garcia, Jr.

ZAMBOANGA CITY –

Authorities have seized more than PHP2-million worth of illegal drugs and a fire arm following a clash that resulted in the death of a high-value drug personality in Lanao del Sur province, an

official said Saturday.

Col. Richard Verceles, operations chief of the Area Police Command-Western Mindanao, identified the slain drug personality as Abuhanan Sultan, 24, who is an incumbent councilor in Barangay Limogao, Saguiran town.

He said the clash occurred around 3 p.m. Thursday in a chokepoint established by joint police and military troopers in Barangay Mipa ga, Saguiran, Lanao del Sur. The chokepoint was set up after the Marawi City police reported they were in pur suit of four suspected drug

personalities fleeing towards Saguiaran.

According to Verceles, Sultan’s cohorts, Omar Ma cabago, a certain Nadir, and a certain Arab, fled when they saw Sultan fall during the clash.

Police recovered from Sultan some 300 grams

of suspected shabu worth PHP2.04 million, a .45-cali ber pistol, six empty shells, and a broken glass tooter.

Verceles said manhunt operations are underway to capture the three escaped suspects, and appropriate charges are set to be filed against them. (PNA)

“Do not believe in fake news, the truth is, unvac cinated individuals are those who are at high risk to get sick. There is a great possibil ity that you cannot survive since unvaccinated people are more likely to die of Co vid-19,” he said. (PNA)

Marawi cops nab trader for firearms

Col. Jibin Bongcayao, Lanao del Sur police director, identified the suspect as Ma hid Dipatuan, 35, Barangay Bangco, Marawi City.

“He did not resist when lawmen presented him the search warrant issued by Judge Alberto Quinto of Regional Trial Court Branch 12,” Bong cayao said in a report.

Seized from Dipatuan’s home were a .380-caliber pis tol, a 12-gauge shotgun, and ammunition for an M16 rifle.

Dipatuan is now detained at the Marawi City police office while formal charges against him will be filed before the city prosecutor's office.

(Edwin Fernandez | PNA)

Rectoniel Reginio (in white polo shirt), the DTI South Cotabato provincial director. (Photo courtesy of PIA South Cotabato)

Abu Sayyaf Group bandit Ben Saji dies in a clash with government forces. (Courtesy of Joint Task Force Sulu)

Davao del Norte Governor Edwin Jubahib (right) hands over the cash incentives to the senior citizens. (Davao del Norte PIO)

CAMP S.K. PENDATUN, Maguindanao – Marawi City police operatives ar rested a businessman for possession of unlicensed fire arms while serving a search warrant shortly before dawn Tuesday.

Three NPA rebels surrender to the Army's 29th Infantry Battalion in Barangay Del Pilar, Cabadbaran City. (Photo courtesy of 29IB)

GOODNEWS

RDRRMC-10 aids 830 families affected by flash floods in Oro, Tagoloan

CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY – The Regional RiskReduction Management Council-10 (RDRRMC-10) assisted some 830 families in the neighboring commu nities of Bugo and Puerto in Cagayan de Oro, and Ba rangay Casinglot, Tagoloan, that were displaced from their homes by flash flooding brought upon by heavy rains, October 16.

Earlier in the day, the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomi cal Services Administration (PAGASA) warned of mod erate to heavy rains in the area due to a localized thun

derstorm formation, which prompted the local govern ment units' Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Offices (DRRMOs) to be on high alert.

Rampaging waters were experienced in the three af fected areas late afternoon with water levels breaching the national highway bridge, and ceilings of houses, with strong currents sweeping away heavy debris.

In response, RDRRMC-10 agencies and their LGU part ners such as the municipal DRRMOs, Task Force Oro, 4th Infantry Division (4ID), Philippine Army, conducted

rescue operations of the af fected populace while the De partment of Social Welfare and Development-10 held relief operations by distrib uting much-needed food and non-food items and use of other logistical needs in the affected communities during the onslaught of the flooding.

A total of 2,968 individu als were transferred to evacu ation centers in Bugo Nation al High School, Suntingon Elementary School, Tago loan Dome, and Puerto cov ered court.

One casualty, Artemio Gonzales, a resident of Zone 5 in Barangay Bugo, drowned

while assisting family mem bers to evacuate when he reportedly slipped and was swept away by the strong current.

“The Council is continu ously in contact with affected LGUs for any additional aug mentation needed. OCD-10 and agencies of the govern ment such as PAGASA and MGB are continuously moni toring the effects of Localized thunderstorms in the region,” said Office of Civil Defense (OCD)-10 and RDRRMC-10 Chairperson Antonio B. Sug arol. (Vincent Philip Bautista | PIA-10)

Rampaging waters were experienced in the three affected areas late afternoon with water levels breaching the national highway bridge, and ceilings of houses, with strong currents sweeping away heavy debris. (4ID)

DPWH-10 sustains CDO catchment, flood control projects

CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY

The Department of Public Works and Highways-10 (DPWH-10) continues to execute its implementation of the Cagayan de Oro (CDO) Urban Drainage Masterplan as part of its mandate to fur ther strengthen the region’s infrastructure capabilities to wards the economic develop ment of the city and flooding.

As of September 2022, 39,406.71 lineal meters (Lm) out of the total drainage project length, 28,556.74

Lm have already been fund ed, which comprised 72.26 percent of the CDO Urban Drainage Masterplan.

Since its initial release in the year 2015, the total bud get released as of CY 2022 is P4.11 billion – 59.40% of the total project cost, a total of P1.40 billion was released for the Sapang Catchment, P821.34 million for Carmen Catchment, and P1.89 billion for Bitan-ag and Kolambog Catchments.

Thirty project contracts

were already completed, seven are ongoing, eleven were suspended, and two were terminated.

The terminated projects were due to unresolved right-of-way (ROW) issues wherein only 76 Informal Settler Families (ISFs) were relocated out of the 276 identified along the Bitan-ag to Kolambog Creek project alignment while some per manent structures were also left uncleared.

The 11 suspended proj

ects were due to the absence of traffic clearance from the City Government, pending settlement of ROW concerns, and revision of plans.

Ongoing construction of the drainage system along Villarin-Lirio-Gemelina Street, Barangay Carmen is at 18.69% accomplishment as of September 15, 2022.

DPWH-10 receives par tial budget releases per year intended for the completion of drainage projects, how ever, due to unresolved ROW

55th EBde celebrates 24th founding anniv

By Lou Ellen Antonio

BALO-I, Lanao del Norte – The 55th Engineer “Mobi lizer” Brigade (EBde) of the Philippine Army celebrated its 24th founding anniversary by giving commendations to the outstanding battalion, personnel, and partner agen cies on Oct. 13.

Brig. Gen Irineo Sebas tian, brigade commander, said that their celebration reminds them to do better and remain committed to doing their duty.

“Our founding anniver sary is a reminder to us to do even better and to be commit ted to our respected under takings and responsibilities so that we can achieve a secured environment condu cive to regional and national

development in this part of Mindanao,” he said.

Sebastian said they play a vital role in peace and devel opment as they provide sup port in combat support opera tions, support to traditional non-military operations such as disaster response, and hu manitarian assistance.

He also thanked the stake holders for their efforts and support in the achievement of the Brigade's mission.

Lt. Gen. Romeo Brawner Jr., commanding general of Philippine Army (CGPA), keynoted the celebration and led the awarding of the outstanding battalion, per sonnel such as Military Civic Action Medal, Military Com mendation Medal, Military Merit Medal, among others.

Stakeholders of the Brigade

were also recognized for their efforts and support.

Meanwhile, Deputy Bri gade Commander Col. Dar win Hernandez said they will do their mission with PRIDE which means passion, respect, integrity, dynamism

and excellence.

“As committed servant soldiers, we will continue to fulfill our core values and core purpose in serving the people and securing the land,” he said. (LELA | PIA Lanao del Norte)

issues in project locations that impede project imple mentation, some funds were reverted.

Relocation of projectaffected families was coor

dinated with the City Gov ernment, once resolved and project alignment is cleared, implementation of drainage projects will be in full swing. (DPWH-10 | PIA-10)

Plan Int’l underscores collab of MRP stakeholders

By Apipa Bagumbaran

MARAWI CITY – An of ficial of the Plan International Philippines underlined the value of cooperation be

tween the implementers of the Marawi Response Project and its beneficiaries in ensur ing the success of the project.

In her closing message during the “Women Summit:

Stories of Healing, Organiz ing, Participation, and Em powerment (HOPE),” Plan International Deputy Country Director Cathy Seco stressed that a big part of the project's success was the partnership between them and the com munity solidarity groups (CSGs).

“The project may have provided grants and capa bility-building activities that you all participated in, but we will not become what we are today, we will not be able to achieve what we have achieved and showcased to day if you did not cooperate and participated in the pro cess,” she told CSG leaders.

Seco expressed high

hopes that even as the project closes, the CSGs will remain intact and stays stronger than ever.

“We hope that you con tinue to pursue influencing other women and other ac tors to become victors and not victims, but victors and bearers of hope and solidar ity,” she further said.

Meanwhile, the Deputy Country Director urged local leaders and other actors to sustain the initiative seeing the positive impact that it has brought to the lives of displaced families and their communities.

“We encourage and chal lenge our community

OROMIND PUBLISHING INC. Publisher

GERRY J. CAÑO, PHD President

MARJUNE MILLIONES VP for Administration

JOHN M. DEL BANDO VP for Operations

LANI M. VALLIDO

for Sales and Marketing

JOHN M. DEL BANDO

JIGGER JERUSALEM Associate Editor

ZIGAY MACALANDONGAMINTAO ROSE TAMAYO-TESORO Regional Editor

ABEL MATTHEW SILAWAN LifeStyle Photographer

Franck Dick Rosete Bobby Lagsa Correspondents

URIEL QUILINGUING Editorial Consultant

Domingo J. Marron Jr. Social Media

Erne Beth L. Bautista MAHVIC C. NATIVIDAD RUBY M. AGUSTIN Account Executives

johnny talipan lumod Lay-out Artist Noel Armodia Production Head

ATTY. RAMIL G. GABAO ATTY. EDDIE C. CUARESMA ATTY. MARINEL JUNE S. PALER Legal

UNIT 818, CITYLAND HERRERA TOWER, VA RUFINO COR VALERO ST. SALCEDO VILLAGE

MAKATI CITY 1227 Manila Office

2F CONSORTIUM BLDG. CORRALES EXT. CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY 9000 Mobile #: 0905 088 4778 0961 688 4888 Head Office

opinion

AS IT HAPPENS, WHERE IT HAPPENS

Fr. Daniel Franklin Pilario, C.M.

To live together

(1st of 2 parts)

IWAS asking myself where did Paul get the courage to rep rimand Peter, the rock — the original disciple, if you may?

We have to remember that Paul is not an “original” apostle. He was still soliciting for some recogni tion from the church of Jerusalem. Jung, my co-speaker, talks about the politics of place.

Paul was reprimanding Peter in Antioch, not in Jerusalem which is location of Peter’s community.

The second reason could also be personal temperament. Paul was a passionate guy, violent no longer, but passionate just the same. He could be frank with anyone regard less of whoever is hurt.

But I find a third reason in the first reading today, in the chapter before the reprimand: “Then after three years I did go up to Jerusalem to visit Cephas and stayed with him fifteen days… (Gal. 1: 18).”

Paul got the courage to speak because he stayed with Peter. Fifteen days is not enough to pick quarrel with a person.

But to know someone person ally, to establish some trust and friendship, is enough to speak your mind, or to pour your heart out.

I think to live together, to know someone in person, to meet and encounter is the secret of dialogue.

To dialogue, one needs to eat together, to share stories… all these can slowly destroy the bias, kill the prejudice, and look at the other in a totally new way.

This is what happened in the Gospel this morning.

Martha can blurt out seemingly harsh words to Jesus because Jesus has been eating there every week end. Well, almost, maybe. Who knows?

And if someone goes there without helping in the kitchen plus encouraging her sister to just sit

down and listen to his stories, you have the right to complain, right?

One spiritual writer in the Philippines, Thomas Green, calls it “Darkness in Martha’s Kitchen.”

When one is a friend one is given a courage to share one’s “darkness.”

Martha and Jesus are friends, good friends. So there is a sub stratum of trust which can be a source of courage for an honest conversation.

One can cross borders because the borders (of bias, ignorance and prejudice) has been conquered.

Of course, Jesus had to say what he had to say about Mary choosing the better part.

But I am not surprised if Jesus eventually helped Martha in the kitchen in the following weekend.

If he has been affected by the Syro-Phoenician woman, he could have been affected by Martha as well.

We also see it in the life of St. Francis whose feast we celebrate today. The story of St. Francis’ meeting with the Sultan in Dami etta in September 1219 is welldocumented.

Pope Francis used it in Fratelli Tutti as model of contemporary encounter.

We know that St. Francis had earlier dreams of becoming a cru sader. He was also passionate like Paul in terms of temperament.

And like Paul, that passion was re-directed somewhere else — to the God’s kingdom. (To be con tinued) (LiCAS.news)

(Editor’s note: This opinion piece, written by Fr. Daniel Frank lin Pilario, a theologian, profes sor, and pastor of an urban poor community in Manila, was first published in the LiCAS.news website on Oct. 5, 2022. We are republishing it with permission from the LiCAS.news editors.)

The attitude of gratitude

(1st of 2 parts)

CICERO

is known to have once remarked, “A thankful heart is not only the greatest virtue, but the parent of all other virtues.”

The Christ may well have similarly taught, “A grateful heart is not only at the foundation of our best acts of worship to God, but is at the cornerstone of our best acts of service for others in the name of his kingdom.”

Gratitude will always remind us that we can never and should never exist for ourselves alone, but also for others, and that others exist for us as well.

It is firmly in the nature of our humanity that we accompany and help each other through life, while religions offer the hope of accompani ment and succor of what or who we believe to be divine.

Gratitude is thus embedded as necessary gestures in our cultures and rituals, consoling us that in spite of our shortcomings and failures, someone will always be present for us, ready to uplift us during moments of trial and tribulation.

The “attitude of gratitude” is at the heart of community, ensuring that the whole is greater than the sum of its parts, that working together and appreciating each other, will always create better outcomes than what would be possible when we cannot or will not work together.

In today’s readings, the “attitude of gratitude” is underscored with the Syrian commander Naa man’s thanksgiving eventually expressed in the building of an altar to God and in his offering of sacrifices to no “other god but him;” as well as with the unnamed Samaritan leper’s poignant act of surrender at the feet of our Lord.

It is to be distinctly noted that the Spirit is teaching us about the “attitude of gratitude,” through the ungrateful actions of people who believe they are deserving of divine grace, as contrasted to grateful actions of people who may not even be aware of divine grace. (To be continued) (LiCAS.news)

(Editor’s note: This opinion piece, written by Bro. Jess Matias, a professed brother of the Secular Franciscan Order, was first published in the LiCAS.news website on Oct. 9, 2022. We are republishing it with permission from the LiCAS.news editors.)

Importance of financial literacy amidst digital growth

said that the e-commerce industry in the Philippines is projected to increase to US$20.18 billion, and further by 17 percent in 2025.

The rise of the e-commerce industry created a domino effect on the financial industry, having recorded a rise in the number of banked Filipinos.

of the Philippine population, are among the driving forces behind this e-wallet adoption.

Then there are the e-wallets that have further evolved, offering more services and solutions for Filipino customers.

(1st of 2 parts)

pandemic may have brought a negative impact on global health and economies, but it also pre sented opportunities to some – such as for businesses to rethink their strategies, and for customers and employees to embrace a new method of engagement.

THE

At the peak of the coronavirus out break in 2020, the country saw a rapid growth in the e-commerce industry as people switched to a safer and more convenient way of purchasing goods.

For this year alone, a study by Statista

This was supported by the emergence of digital banking that has gained ground amid electronic payments and digital financial services’ increasing volume and value.

According to data from the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP), 23 percent of the Filipino adult population is now banked, up from only around 13 percent in 2019.

Even more notable is the increase in the number of banked Filipinos with ewallet accounts. From a mere 8 percent in 2019, the number of e-wallet users has gone up to 36 percent.

Reports said millennials and the Gen eration Z, which comprise 70 percent

One example is Maya Bank Inc. (MAYA), formerly PayMaya Philip pines, which recently integrated its allin-one money platform under Maya app, combining the best of e-wallet, crypto, and digital banking.

Maya offers an interest rate of as much as 6 percent per annum – markedly higher than interest rates offered by any traditional bank.

Since its launch five months ago, it has since registered 1 million subscrib ers and achieved P10 billion worth of deposits.

Apart from Maya, five more digital banks have secured a license to operate from the BSP, namely Overseas Filipino Bank Inc., UNOBank Inc., UnionDigital Bank Inc., Tonik Digital Bank Inc., and GoTyme. (To be continued) (PNA)

ECONOMY

Former rebels in MisOr town open livelihood arcade

By Vincent Philip Salido

CLAVERIA, Misamis Ori ental – The 58th Infantry “Dimalulupig” Battalion (58IB) in partnership with the Provincial Government of Misamis Oriental (PGMO), public and private stakehold ers, and former CTG-NPA rebels formally opened its Anlag Ani Tapukanan Liveli hood Arcade, September 28.

From the Higaonon dia lect ANLAG-Sunshine; ANIHarvest and TAPUKANAN-

place of gathering, the liveli hood arcade aims to give an avenue to products and services from former rebels who received different skills development and livelihood training from various govern ment agencies.

“This place is a testament to good convergence in the spirit of the whole of the nation approach to end local communist armed conflict (ELCAC) and providing our former rebel’s livelihood as an integral part of integrat ing them into mainstream

society,” said Lt. Col. Ricky Canatoy, Former 58IB com mander.

As one of the flagship projects of Misamis Ori ental’s RTF-ELCAC, the arcade grants livelihood as sistance that will contribute to poverty reduction to for mer rebels and reduce their vulnerability as they return to mainstream society.

More than 300 former rebels are expected to benefit from the livelihood arcade as more CTG-NPA surrender to the folds of the law each day.

“We are thankful, to gether with my colleagues who were former rebels for the support we received, we would have not been here today if it were not because of your great efforts to provide us with a new livelihood. We made no mistake in our deci sion to return to the bosom of the law because of the new life and hope you have given us,” Former Rebel and President of the Anlag Ani Tapukanan Cooperative Rob ert B Bangcong said. (VPSB | PIA-10 | Misamis Oriental)

More than 300 former rebels are expected to benefit from the livelihood arcade as more CTG-NPA surrender to the folds of the law each day. (58IB)

BARMM builds P15M halal meat hub, abattoir in Maguindanao

By Edwin Fernandez

COTABATO CITY –

Construction work started Wednesday for a P15 mil lion halal meat hub-cumslaughterhouse facility in Maguindanao province.

Mohammad Yacob, Min istry of Agriculture Fisher ies and Agrarian ReformBangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (MAFRA-BARMM) minis ter, said the project will rise on the border of Barangays Madia and Sambolawan in the towns of Datu Saudi

Ampatuan and Datu Salibo, respectively.

Yacob said the ground breaking ceremonies were held Tuesday in Barangay Madia.

The project will consist of a halal meat processing area, a training center, and an in tegrated halal slaughterhouse that can cater to 50 heads of animals daily.

Datu Saudi Ampatu an Mayor Edris Sindatok pledged to provide the need ed help and logistical sup port, when necessary, for the project's sustainability.

“We assure you that all the projects implemented in our town will be useful for our community,” Sindatok said during the groundbreak ing, as he lauded MAFAR–BARMM for choosing his town as one of the project beneficiaries.

Datu Teng Sandigan, Datu Salibo environment, and natural resources offi cer, who represented Mayor Solaiman Sandigan in the groundbreaking program, also lauded MAFAR for the initiative.

“We are blessed to have

this project that will be ben eficial to our farmers and fisherfolk,” Sandigan said.

Dr. Daud Lagasi, MA FAR’s director general for agriculture services, said the project aims to help farmers avail of the meat processing center and slaughterhouse.

“We want this project to be successful and acknowl edged as one of the sources of halal meat in the BARMM region,” he said.

The project is expected to be completed by March 2023. (PNA)

ICTSI mobile app now available for download in PH

INTERNATIONAL Con tainer Terminal Services, Inc.’s (ICTSI) mobile app for cargo visibility is now available for download in the Philippines via Google Play and Apple Store.

The ICTSI App makes it easier and more convenient for port users to monitor and manage their shipments at the Manila International Container Terminal, North Port, Subic Bay International Terminals and Mindanao Container Terminal by fa cilitating access to real-time shipping information directly from the concerned terminal.

App coverage will soon expand to include other ICTSI terminals in the Asia Pacific, Americas, Europe, the Middle East and Africa.

Using the app, customers can place vessels, containers and trucks on a watchlist and subscribe to status notifica tions via email or SMS for timely updates.

This eliminates conflict ing and late information that could lead to less opti mal logistics planning and increased cost. Users are required to create an account to get full access to these transparency features.

“By providing 24/7 realtime visibility, we are em powering port users to plan their logistics better and make sounder business deci sions leading to lower costs.

We are opening the door for businesses to become more efficient the same way that we are constantly improving our efficiency to better serve our customers,” said Brian Hibbert, ICTSI Group chief information officer. (PR)

New road boosts local economy in Butuan City

BUTUAN CITY – Farmers and residents of Barangays Antongalon and Basag in Butuan City are thankful to the Department of Public Works and Highways for the concrete farm-to-market road (FMR) that now eases the transport of their farm produce from the field to the market, and helps lessen their transportation costs.

Engr. Jose Caesar Radaza, Butuan City District Engi

neering Office (BCDEO) district, said that the road project is a shorter and better access for the farmers as it crosses directly the rice fields traversing Purok 1B Baran gay Antongalon to Barangay Basag with a total length of 1.125 kilometer connecting the highway at NRJ Agusan – Davao Road (Daang Maha rlika), Butuan City.

Regional Director Pol M. Delos Santos, echoing

the instruction of Secretary Manuel M. Bonoan, said that the DPWH will continue the Build Build Build program and will prioritize projects that can contribute imme diately to the much-needed economic recovery.

“President BBM is pri oritizing agriculture and we believe that this newly con creted FMR will boost the local economy and encourage the farmers to maximize their

outputs all-year round”, RD Pol Delos Santos said.

The FMR project was implemented by Butuan City District Engineering Office (BCDEO) under Fiscal Year 2021 of the General Appropri ations Act and has a contract amount of P 16,878,867.15.

It started on August 25, 2021 and was declared com pleted on January 30, 2022.

(DPWH Caraga | PIA Agusan del Norte)

AVAILABLE AT BLUEPLASTIC MARKETING

BARMM agriculture officials lay down the foundation for the construction in Maguindanao. (Photo courtesy of MAFARBARMM)

FEATURES

AS IT HAPPENS, WHERE IT HAPPENS

CSWD urges people in pain to cry, not hide their feelings

By Jasper Marie Rucat

CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY – The City Social Wel fare Development (CSWD) in Cagayan de Oro City urged

those who are in pain and in emotional distress to express their feelings through crying and not be ashamed of it. In an episode of Konsul Tayo, a health and media

forum at SM CDO City Up town, Rio Rosal Baliling, OIC of Psychosocial Divi sion of CSWD, said they encourage their clients to cry, because it is healthy to express an emotion.

In celebration of World Mental Health Month in Oc tober, the CSWD highlighted their tagline “Help is avail able and Help is free” as they offer free counseling services to anyone willing to undergo intervention and could also do referral to psychiatrists for those who need medication.

“We don’t diagnose but we identify symptoms,” Baliling said.

The usual symptoms that

are being identified by the Psychosocial Division in clude depression, suicidal tendencies, suicidal thoughts and suicidal attempts.

Those who have these symptoms are usually those that went through trauma.

“My focus are clients who survived sexual abuse usually young girls. So these cases are also increasing. Because of abuse, there are really symptoms of depres sion and suicidal tendencies,” she said.

Although the number of mental health concerns are increasing, it could also mean that the health seeking be havior of Kagay-anons have

improved.

“We are happy that people are more aware about what mental health is. They no longer keep themselves in the dark and they have the strength to seek help,” she said.

Baliling said there is a generational gap and there is really a difference in how the young ones respond to life’s difficulties compared to the older generation.

She said the youngest case of suicide was a 10-year old in 2020, meanwhile, the old est is 77.

Although older people might not understand the mental state of young ones,

Baliling said there is no other way but to adapt to the time, and that it is not helpful to invalidate their experiences.

“What we can do is sup port them instead of invali dating them. They need sup port more than comparison,” she said.

Baliling also shared some tips on how to improve men tal health. First by being active through exercise at least five minutes a day. Second is to feed your body with healthy food. Third is to lower alcohol intake.

She said a healthy mind helps you enjoy life and cope with problems. (JMOR | PIA-10)

CGPA cites important role of stakeholders in attaining Army’s mission

By Lou Ellen Antonio

BALO-I, Lanao del Norte –

In his keynote address for the 24th Founding Anniversary celebration of the 55th En gineer “Mobilizer” Brigade (EBde) here, Commanding General of Philippine Army (CGPA), Lt. Gen. Romeo Brawner Jr., underscored the significance of the role of stakeholders in attaining the mission and goals of the Army.

Brawner said the col laboration and coordination contributed to the decline in the incidence of criminality

in the communities.

He said that in Iligan City and Marawi, one of the indicators of progress is the declining numbers of criminality.

“In Basilan and Jolo, halos wala ng kidnap for ransom for the past 2 years.

In Iligan and Marawi one indicator of progress is the declining incidence of crimi nality. We can attribute this to the coordination and col laboration of the uniformed services of the Philippine National Police with our lo cal governments and private sector,” Brawner said.

Brawner said the institu tionalization of the “wholeof-nation” approach is the “best thing that ever hap pened” in the counter-in surgency campaign in the country.

According to him, the implementation of Executive Order (EO) No. 70, which gave birth to the National Task Force to End Local Communist Armed Con flict (NTF-ELCAC) show cased the convergence of various sectors to bring about changes by delivering basic services by the national gov ernment agencies and local

government units.

“Because of this, all sec tors of our society are help ing each other to bring about changes in the way we de liver basic services in our fellow countrymen... even the farthest sitios, barangays have been reached by the services,” he said.

The army chief is optimis tic that with the continuing collaboration with the stake holders, by the end of this year, the local communist armed conflict groups will become insignificant. (LELA | PIA-10 | Lanao del Norte)

Bangsamoro parliament fosters women amid ‘political transition’

By Claire Gigje

MARAWI CITY – The Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM) government rec ognizes the essence of the presence of women in the society, conveyed lawyer Laisa Masuhud Alamia, one

of the region’s member of parliament.

Alamia stressed that as they continue the political transition, it is the duty of the regional government to honor the vital contribution of Bangsamoro women in the long and arduous process of building and rebuilding their

history.

“The women who raised us and our generation have shown that the work nec essary for just and lasting peace goes beyond our last times. And, it is important for our efforts to transcend generations in the same way women have built the blessed

inheritance that is Bangsam oro,” she said.

Attesting to this, Alamia shared that within its first few years, their parliament has already attained one of its most important achieve ments in securing the rights and welfare of women in the region following the creation

of the Bangsamoro Women Commission (BWC) which was among the first three agencies established and serves until the present as the region’s leading institu tion for women and gender development.

She further detailed that apart from the establishment of the BWC, there have also been several democratic re forms in Bangsamoro since the political transition began.

Alamia noted that nothing has accordingly had more impact than their region shift ing to a parliamentary form of government as this acted as a direct response to the need for better government representation of marginal ized sectors, especially that the Bangsamoro parliament has reserved seats for sectoral representatives including the women sector.

She underscored that through this form of govern ment and its embedded party

system, they are positive that women can have bet ter chances of participating in political processes while they also get more opportu nities for a meaningful and substantive representation in government.

Alamai stated, however, that the potential that comes with the reforms lodged in the parliamentary system of the regional government cannot fully be realized until its first election in the com ing 2025.

“This means that the next three years must not just be defined by internal reforms in the regional government but also by external efforts to support the mobilization of women towards political organizing and formation that are meant to secure women spaces in the regional government following the scheduled elections,” she said. (CRG | PIA-10 | Lanao del Sur)

KonsulTayo is a health and media forum with DOH-10 in partnership with PIA-10. (RDM | PIA-10)

Lt. Gen. Romeo Brawner Jr., commanding general of the Phil. Army. (Angelo Dologmandin | PIA-10 | Lanao del Norte)

The Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM) continues to nurture the presence of women in society. (Jason Casas | PIA-10 | Lanao del Sur)

PLAN, from p3...

leaders and local authori ties to continue the journey that we have started...and we hope that they [CSGs] will sustain what they have start ed and continue to cooperate and emerge more victorious and stronger,” she stated.

On the part of Plan Inter national, Seco conveyed that they will use the lessons and inspirations drawn from the MRP to explore and encour age donors to expand what they started in Marawi.

HOT, from p1...

"serious" about its antismuggling operation.

He said the order covers cigarettes being sold with out the government health warning signs and Bureau of Internal Revenue stamps.

Dalipe warned he will not hesitate to cancel the business permits of establish ments found selling smug gled cigarettes.

“We are very serious in our campaign against smug gling,” he said.

Dalipe said the campaign against smuggled cigarettes should include stores and other establishments, and not only at entry points of this city.

This month alone, the ZCPO and the Philippine Coast Guard have seized

ARTIST, from p8...

it out of concrete and just paint it. It is clear that the LGUs don’t understand why they have to spend money on landmarks. It should be the responsibility of the art council,” said Carreon.

“We have lobbied for its creation but it did not pros per. However, I am looking forward to realizing its cre ation so artists would have a proper venue for their works of art,” he said.

For Uy, who at 21 is the youngest artist featured in Pinta IX, the exhibit is a big break for him, as it is his first-ever exhibit under the supervision of his teacher –Carreon.

In the gallery, he has a total of 22 paintings that he completed in just two to three

SIARGAO, from p8... yoga, salsa, arts and cul tural show, a bazaar, beach side bonfire, sound sessions, beach clean-up drive, and a free concert.

Also present during the opening ceremonies of the week-long festival are Rep resentative Fransico Jose “Bingo” Matugas of the First District of Surigao del Norte, Deputy Speaker Duke Fras co, Cebu Fifth District Board

Member Michael “Mike” Vil lamor, Mrs. Toni Grace “TG”

Villamor, 19th Congress

Majority Leader Manuel Jose “Mannix” Dalipe, General Luna Mayor Sol Matugas, Vice Mayor Romina Sajulga, WSL Tournament Director Gerry Degan, William Vin cent “Vinny” Marcos, Atty. Lalo Matugas, Former Mayor Cecilia “Yayang” Rusilion, DOT Undersecretary Shahli

Aiming to improve the economic conditions among displaced persons and their host communities in Marawi and neighboring areas, the MRP is implemented by Plan International Philippines in partnership with Ecosystems Work for Essential Benefits (ECOWEB) and the Maranao People Development Center, Inc. (MARADECA).

It was funded by the Unit ed States Agency for Interna tional Development. (APB | PIA-10 | Lanao del Sur)

more than PHP213 million worth of smuggled cigarettes in a series of anti-smuggling operations.

“All the confiscations were made only at landing and entry points of this city, and not in stores downtown,” the mayor said.

Last week, the Bureau of Customs (BoC) Collection District No. 11 here reported during the City Peace and Order Council meeting that close to PHP500 million worth of assorted cigarettes were confiscated in antismuggling operations within its areas of responsibility since January this year.

The BoC District 11 cov ers the entire Zamboanga Peninsula, including the subports in Basilan, Sulu, and Tawi-Tawi island provinces. (PNA)

months.

“This exhibit would really make me a legitimate artist. When I was not yet handled by Sir Ega, I only paint and earn commissions. I did not think that my work can be worth hundreds of thou sands,” said Uy, who is now hoping that more exhibits will be undertaken by their group.

The young artist said he draws inspiration from his three-year-old daughter, and the income from his artworks has supported his family financially.

“Painting is seasonal, sometimes you can’t sleep because there are still proj ects to be done but it is some thing that I am happy about. I am happy with the talent God has given me,” said Uy. (PNA)

mar Hofer Tamano, and DOT XIII Regional Director Nelia Arina.

Secretary Frasco also pre sented a one-million peso check to the Municipality of General Luna as a manifes tation of the support of the national government to the international surfing compe tition of Siargao.

For non-surfers, the World Travel Award (WTA) 2022 World’s Leading Is land Destination nominee, recently, reoffered a wide array of nature-based and sun and beach tourism activities at the Magpupungko Tidal Wave Pool in Pilar; tri-island hopping of Daku, Guyam, and Naked Island in Gen eral Luna; Sugba Lagoon in Del Carmen; Sohoton Cove in Socorro; and Coconut Mountain View in Dapa. (PR | DOT)

HAPPENS,

DEATH, from p1...

Casiño named the three municipal personnel as Nerio Talines, backhoe operator; Raffy Simprota, dump truck driver; and Jordan Achas, helper.

The couple was Lucresio Lauronal and Angelita Ca banday Lauronal, as identi fied online by niece Miesul Higyawan who has been getting updates online.

Cagayan de Oro-based radio broadcaster Roldan Sagosa, a former municipal council member, said Mabu hay is a dead spot for sending electronic messages.

Meanwhile, in Cagayan de Oro, floodwaters forced almost three thousand resi dents from two coastal vil lages in eastern Cagayan de Oro to flee for safety since Sunday (October 16) night.

By Monday morning, the City Social Welfare and Development Office has pro filed 2,968 individuals of 762 displaced families sheltered in four evacuation centers (ECs).

Bugo National High School, Cagayan de Oro Bugo School of Arts and Trades (COBSAT), Puerto

ORO, from p1...

Campus will be con structed on a 21-hectare land, adjacent to the 14.3-hectare township to be known as Manresa Town located at the upper zone of Barangay Balulang. The 25-hectare forest reserve and animal sanctuaries

“The planned township will have modern school buildings, dormitories, a main plaza, interconnected courtyards and amphitheater; a university forum that incor porates a museum, theater and gallery; and open spaces and greenery,” an article posted on CLI’s website said.

The one-page resolution, numbered 2022-033, se ries of 2022, was signed by Edwin Micabani, Balulang barangay chairperson, and Abigail Mae Saluna, the council secretary, on Jan. 20, 2022.

Myrna Marban, Balu lang council member, said the majority of the village councilors were not aware of the resolution until Gemma Pabayo, a member of the Concerned Parents, Teach ers, Alumni and Communi ties (Coptac), showed them a copy of the document during a previous public hearing.

Coptac has been vocal in raising issues about the development plan that would have an impact on the resi dents living below and out side the proposed project.

“We have not signed it, the majority of us. It was not discussed during our session. That’s why we were shocked when we found out about it,” Marban said during a public hearing organized by the Environmental Management Bureau-10 (EMB-10) at the Manresa compound Monday, Oct. 17, 2022.

Lawyer Eddie Cuaresma, legal counsel for Coptac, said during the public hearing that the resolution is “null and void” as it was denied by five

Covered Court, and Suntin gon Elementary School were converted as ECs.

In an unnumbered ex ecutive order issued Sun day night, Mayor Rolando “Klarex” A. Uy directed school heads to suspend the holding of classes in Bugo and Puerto starting Monday until the directive is lifted.

Last Sunday afternoon, the regional weather bureau at El Salvador City, in its 5 pm forecast warned of thunderstorms induced by a trough of super-typhoon Ne neng that was then spotted, 3 pm, 190 km off Cagayan province.

But by that time, over five kilometers stretch of IliganCagayan de Oro-Butuan highway across Bugo and Puerto villages was already impassable to motor vehicles since the downpour started shortly past noon.

Commuters were stranded on both ends of the flooded road, extending as far as Casinglot village in nearby Tagoloan town, Misamis Oriental.

Residential and commer cial buildings along the road in the two densely-populated villages were inundated.

Balulang councilors.

Lawyer Abbas Lao, of the EMB-10, who acted as the moderator during the public hearing, said that the allega tion made by Marban “needs to be validated.”

“If that is true that it was issued by the barangay [offi cial] without the participation of the barangay kagawads, that is the accountability of the barangay chairman; we will validate that,” Lao added.

Gemma Pabayo, a Coptac member, noted that all enti ties involved in the proposed project must adhere to the proper procedure and that all transactions must be trans parent and above board.

“I am not against develop ment, but I am for the rule of law. There should be no shortcuts. The process is flawed and yet this has not been noticed by officials and employees of government agencies,” Pabayo said.

Like Pabayo, Marban clarified that they are not against development project, adding that, in fact, they are “proud” of it.

“This is a huge project, world-class, but people have questions, just like what hap pened to Bugo,” she said, referring to the flashflood that inundated Barangay Bugo that killed one person and displaced hundreds of fami

Power supply was cut off.

Three thunderstorm ad visories by the weather fore casting agency were released, but the first which was at 12 noon did not include Cagayan de Oro and Misamis Oriental and on its warning of flash floods. The succeeding two, at 1:30 pm and 3:50 pm did.

Just past noon, heavy rains in Manolo Fortich, Li bona and Baungon of Bukid non province were reported and several villages of these towns are situated along the border of Cagayan de Oro.

Worst hit was Zone 4 of Bugo, as shown in video and photos posted online late afternoon by a certain Efren Batucan, and these were shared multiple times by netizens. The video captured the six-lane national high way at Bugo totally under submerged.

By 6:30 pm, City Infor mation Officer Ivy Guantero announced two ECs have already been activated, that of Puerto CC and COBSAT. Both have community kitch ens where evacuees could do the cooking.

Guantero said teams from the City Disaster Risk Re duction and Management

lies Sunday, Oct. 16, 2022.

Marban also cited a geo hazard identification survey conducted March 17-18, 2022 by the Mines and Geo sciences Bureau-10 on the proposed site, stating the po tential geologic hazards that the project may pose.

The study mentioned about the “mass movement,” explaining that the steep slope running along the east ern portion of the property is highly susceptible to land slide.

Mass movement is de fined as the processes of ero sion, transport and accumula tion of material that occur on both gentle and steep slopes mainly owing to gravitational forces.

“This is especially con cerning considering that the area is underlain by the Cagayan Terrace Gravel – a deposit which is only semi-compacted and slightly consolidated. Additional load imposed by structures to be erected on the site may increase the risk of mass movement,” the MGB-10 study said.

Another issue discussed in the survey is on flooding where the development of the site will inadvertently lead to lesser ground percolation of rainwater, thus increasing surface runoff.

“The increased runoff

Department (CDRRMD) –Oro Rescue were in the two villages at the onset of the flood and responded to calls for assistance.

But she could not con firm of a fatality due to the flood, reportedly a former security guard who was de clared dead-on-arrival at the City Hospital-Puerto, saying details of the incident has not reached the CDRRMD yet.

Meanwhile, Nazareth vil lage council member Felipe Abrogar, who his way home to Cagayan de Oro, passed through Bugo past 9 pm after more than four hours of wait ing in Tagoloan town for the floodwaters to recede.

Engineer Nestor Aboni talla, a retired health agency employee, was headed east but had to stay with his rela tive in Puerto for hours be cause the road was impass able.

For Eugene Mesias, who heads the programs and services division of the Overseas Workers Welfare Administration-10 and a resident of Bugo, last Sunday was a very long day since he left his house early for a dawn liturgical mass at the St. Augustine Cathedral. (MT)

may exacerbate the flooding woes on the low-lying areas of Barangay Carmen and Ba rangay Balulang unless water is drained properly,” it added.

Domingo Salas, a Balu lang resident whose fam ily lives below the Manresa complex, said that where there is development, there should also be an environ mental balance.

“The residents must also be protected. We are also hu mans who are living here in Barangay Balulang,” he said.

Salas said he and his neighbors are apprehensive of the plan to build structures on the proposed site.

“We are worried of the plan to construct high-rise buildings. We have already experienced soil erosion, landslide and flooding before this plan is realized, how much more when they are already built?” he added.

Salas said if the developer proceeds with the develop ment, they must first come up with solution to these prob lems that beset the residents.

“As of now, Upper Balu lang has no proper drainage and it tends to flood on our community whenever there is a one or two-hour rain. We want them to address it. It’s so easy to build structures, but we are the ones affected,” he added. (MT)

Int'l artist showcases contemporary art exhibit in Samal Island

By Che Palicte

DAVAO CITY – An inter nationally-renowned painter is currently holding the first art exhibit in the Island Gar den City of Samal (IGACOS) in Davao del Norte province featuring contemporary art.

Ega Carreon, a Davao City-born artist, is holding the exhibit at the Pinta IX [Nueve] art gallery in Ba rangay Tambo, IGACOS that also features local artists Ju liet Samante, Ryan Kingjim Uy, and Jasmine Cabilla.

The exhibit will run until Oct. 21.

“This exhibit portrays

compassion and being com passionate to human life. Pin ta Nueve showcases contem porary art, but it also focuses on non-representational art,” Carreon told the Philippine News Agency.

“Others think that paint ing is only decorative. Here in Pinta Nueve, we will see to it that your wall has a story to tell,” he said.

Carreon has exhibited his works in Berlin, Germany; Barcelona, Spain; and Wash ington, New Jersey, New York City, and the Vermont Studio Center in the US; and has garnered various awards

along the way.

His awards includeAlumni Merit Award for Artist Residency in Vermont Studio Center, Vermont USA in 2016; finalist in Can Serrat International Artist Residen cy, El Bruc, Barcelona, Spain (2014); 1st place in Print with entry "Breath" organized by The Hudson Artists of New Jersey Annual Painting Competition/Exhibition, in USA (2007); third place in a worldwide competition in Ja pan (2003); finalist in Canda Dracoblu's The Dreamer & The Dreamed" (2022); and winner of the Asian Free man Painting Competition

in Vermont Studio Center, USA (2000).

The multi-awarded Fili pino painter said it is a big advantage for artists to be given a chance to showcase their works in an art gallery.

Thus, he is pushing for the creation of the Davao Art Council to further showcase and promote the works of local artists.

He said an art council is important as most of the lo cal government units (LGU) are creating their own land marks.

“A landmark is a monu mental sculpture, they made

Siargao, a priority for tourism development: DOT chief

SIARGAO ISLAND – De partment of Tourism (DOT) Secretary Christina Garcia Frasco formally lauded the beginnings of the tourism re covery of Siargao Island dur ing the opening ceremony of the 26th Siargao International Surfing Cup on Saturday (October 15).

celebration of the strength of spirit of the people of Siargao,” Tourism Secretary Christina Garcia Frasco re marked during her keynote address.

as Siargao, stating that “the national government is here to help Siargao recover, is here to help Siargao rise to the primary position that it deserves in the world.”

“The message of the Marcos Administration is that tourism is a priority. And with that, Siargao is a priority. In the next few years, your island will continue to flourish in partnership with the national government,”

DOT Secretary Frasco stressed. (Photo supplied)

“The resumption of this International Surfing Cup is not only a celebration of the fact that you have been able to put this up for 26 years, but also because you have been able to stage this not withstanding everything that has come to pass…Truly, this international surfing cup is a

“The message of the Mar cos Administration is that tourism is a priority. And with that, Siargao is a prior ity. In the next few years, your island will continue to flourish in partnership with the national government,” Secretary Frasco stressed.

The tourism chief also announced that the DOT identified infrastructure and gateway access as key solu tions to key destinations such

A tourism-first island, Siargao welcomed 14,404 tourists, with the bulk com ing from domestic tourists, at 12,870 and 1,534 foreign guests for the first semester of the year, according to the Provincial Tourism Office.

Among the line-up of side activities of the World Surf League (WSL)-sanctioned competition are surfing mas terclasses, communal

The winners of Mutya ng Tubod 2022 are Marc Johanna Villacora as Mutya ng Tubod 2022; Heather Hayag, Mutya ng Tubod-Sagingan; Princess Balderama, Mutya ng Tubod-Turismo; Lovelyn Tadura, 1st runner-up; and Angelee Sagaral, 2nd runner-up. (Photo courtesy of DOT-10)

Ega Carreon, a Davao-born international artist leads the first art exhibit in the Island Garden City on Samal (IGACOS) in Davao del Norte province featuring contemporary art which runs until Oct. 21, 2022. (PNA photo by Che Palicte)

Unveiling of the Jaime Rusillon Surf Tower in honor of the former Mayor Jaime Rusillon, dubbed as the Father of Philippine Surfing. (Photo supplied)