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EU-PH trade meet ECONOMIC COOPERATION and trade meetings between the Philippines and the European Union (EU) are set to continue before year’s end, the EU delegation said. “We are happy to announce that these subcommittees will take place before the end of the year, obviously in virtual, remote (setting),” First Counsellor of the EU Delegation to the Philippines Rafael de Bustamante said. Under the EU-Philippines Partnership Cooperation Agreement, the two sides created three subcommittees: development cooperation, trade, investment and economic cooperation, and good governance, rule of law and human rights.

Agri ventures DAVAO City — The Bangsamoro Development Agency (BDA) said it signed partnerships with six companies for various agriculture ventures that will showcase the economic potential of the autonomous region. Former Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) camps, which are undergoing transformation as part of the peace agreement with the government, are among the sites that will be developed as model farms and learning centers. “This is our share in the peace building efforts being led by the government,” Antonio S. Peralta, chairman of the European Chamber of Commerce of the Philippines (ECCP)-Southern Mindanao Business Council in an online interview.

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Friday|November 6, 2020

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DA-RFO 10 hands over P6.3-M agri interventions to LDN Thank you for trusting us!

APATAGAN, Lanao del Norte -Department of Agriculture - Regional Field Office 10 (DA-RFO 10) Regional Executive Director Carlene C. Collado formally handed over to the Provincial Government of Lanao del Norte the P4.8 million fully operational seeds warehouse and P1.5 million drone sprayer last Tuesday, October 27. C onstr uc tion of t he warehouse and provision of the drone sprayer are funded under the DA's National Rice Program. The granting of the drone sprayer is part of DA-10’s farm modernization projects in the region. The sprayer is useful in automating fertilizer application in rice fields at 5-10 minutes per hectare field capacity.

The intervention is a pilot project of DA-10 in Lanao del Norte subject to cost-efficiency assessment and feedback from the recipients before widespread implementation. Meanwhile, the 300-square meter warehouse rises inside Lanao del Norte’s Provincial Nursery and Seeds Farm (PNSF) in Kapatagan town AGRI/PAGE 11

One end of the planned 2.3-kilometer tunnel through the mountainous section of Barangay Magtuod in Davao City. The first ever long distance mountain tunnel in the country, it will be part of the Davao City Bypass Road Project. It will be a joint venture between the Department of Public Works and Highways and Japanese engineering companies. Illustration courtesy of the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA)

DPWH to build PH’s first ever long distance mountain tunnel in Davao City By ANTONIO L. COLINA IV, MindaNews

Davao City residents who do not have smartphones and printers at home queue at a print shop at the Centerpoint in Matina on Wednesday (4 November 2020) to register in the city’s contact-tracing system, the “Safe Davao QR.” The city government has required residents and visitors to enroll in the DQR to hasten contact-tracing and set registration deadline on November 7. Printshops were charging 60 pesos on Tuesday and increased rates to 100 pesos by Wednesday. mindanews photo by gg bueno

DAVAO CITY – The Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) will build the country’s first-ever long distance mountain tunnel with an approximate length of 2.3 kilometers as part of the first 10Based on information released by the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) on Wednesday, the contract between DPWH and joint venture of Shimizu Corporation, Ulticon Builders Inc., and Takenaka Civil Engineering & Construction Co. Ltd. was signed only last October 29. The project, which will connect barangays Sirawan in Davao City

and J.P. Laurel in Panabo City, will cut the travel time to 49 minutes instead of 1 hour and 44 minutes via the existing Pan-Philippine Highway Diversion Road. S ome advance d tunneling technologies employed in Japan will be brought over to Davao for the construction of the four-lane road tunnel, according to JICA. The road tunnel will run through the mountainous section of Barangay Magtuod in this city. A report released by the DPWH said the bypass road will have an TUNNEL/PAGE 11

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FRIDAY|NOVEMBER 6, 2020

DA, Cong. Zubiri meet with corn stakeholders to address cheap buying of corn grains

ALENCIA CITY, Bukidnon--Aimed to help farmers whip up a better selling price for their produce, Bukidnon third district congressman Manuel F. Zubiri sought help from the Department of Agriculture (DA-10) for a discussion focusing on the traders’ current buying prices of yellow corn and ensure longterm stable market prices. The congressional, provincial and municipal governments of Bukidnon, corn clusters, feed millers, and DA-10 convened recently in Valencia City for a Consultation Meeting as corn grains farm gate prices have dropped even lower than its production costs. Being the second top corn-producing province across the country, Bukidnon has posted a production of 714,673 metric tons (MT) of yellow corn last year, based on Philippine Statistics Authority data. In mid-September this year, average farm gate buying price for yellow corn ranged from P9.8010.50 in Bukidnon, while it is pegged at P12.5016.00 for feed millers and processors buying across Region 10. Carlota S. Madriaga, regional technical director for operations of DA10 emphasized that the agriculture department continues to work and

DA-10 regional executive director Carlene Collado and Bukidnon third district Cong. Manuel “Manoy” Zubiri lead the consultation meeting with corn stakeholders to help farmers address the low buying price of corn grains and ensure its long-term stable market prices. (DA-10)

even made number of engagements with various agri stakeholders aimed to bring up measures and strategies to help farmers demand better prices for their corn harvest and come up with a unified and harmonized action plan for Northern Mindanao’s corn industry, especially in Bukidnon. “As early as 2018, we have directly linked the Mantibugao Agrarian Reform Beneficiaries Farmers’ Cooperative (MARBFC) of Manolo Fortich, Bukidnon with Pilmico Foods Corporation to serve a portion of said company’s requirements for animal feeds. As part of their corporate social responsibility, it is also

their way of helping farmers through inclusive corn sourcing project,” Madriaga reported. Currently, the Cooperative has a target purchase order with Pilmico a minimum of 250 metric tons at P15.00 per kilo. In a bid to open more marketing support for Bukidnon corn farmers, Madriaga explained that the ‘big brothersmall brother’ marketing strategy is also in place. “As the big brother, MARBFC acts as a consolidator, buying the produce of its members and other cooperatives, even as far as the towns of Kibawe and Kadingilan to assist small corn farmers in selling their harvest

to Pilmico, where the Cooperative buys their [small corn farmers] yellow corn at P13.00 per kilo.” She added that other corn clusters linked to Pilmico includes Kaugayan Savers Multi-Purpose Cooperative (Impasugong); Salvacion MultiPurpose Cooperative

(Kadingilan); and the BFI Employees Agrarian Reform Cooperative (Don Carlos), who are now waiting for quality control results of their submitted corn samples. Likewise, Madriaga reiterated DA Secretary William Dar’s call for local government units (LGUs) to lend a hand in

stabilizing prices of the country’s major staple food crops. For this, she urged LGUs to access loans assistance from Landbank of the Philippines to procure commodities direct from the farmers such as corn and rice, and to establish post-harvest CORN/PAGE 11

DILG-10 urges LGUs to secure contingency plan amid disasters, COVID-19 CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY--With the threats of natural calamities and disasters, the Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG)-10 urges local government units (LGUs) to have their own contingency plans as well as to revisit their evacuation centers, which are now used as isolation facilities. "We encourage our

LGUs to strategize especially those with flood or landslide prone areas. They should build separate isolation facilities using the Bayanihan Grant fund," DILG-10 Assistant Regional Director Yvette Tolentino-Sunga said during the NorMin COVID-19 Response Task Force press conference, November 3. Sunga also suggested

that LGUs could tap private companies in their areas with unutilized spaces to convert such into isolation units. DILG-10 also looks closely into the financial health of LGUs especially now that the country faces successive natural disasters. "We are encouraging, requesting the LGUs to revisit their evacuation centers since we simply could not mix up those in the isolation centers to other residents who needed aid from the government," Sunga added. The department is also currently working on identifying Convergence Areas for Peace and Development (CAPDev) to determine necessary government interventions needed in an area. As for handling of locally stranded individuals (LSIs) and SECURE/PAGE 11

CAGAYAN DE ORO MAIN BRANCH P & J Lim Bldg., Tiano Brothers Kalambagohan Sts., Tel. # (08822) 727-829 * Telefax # (088) 856-1947 CAMIGUIN BRANCH B. Aranas St., Poblacion, Mambajao, Camiguin Tel. # (088) 387-0491 CORRALES BRANCH Corrales Ave., Cagayan de Oro City DIVISORIA BRANCH Atty. Erasmo B. Damasing Bldg., #61 Don A. Velez St., Cagayan de Oro City Tel. # (088) 857-3631 LAPASAN BRANCH Lapasan Hi-way, Cagayan de Oro City Tel. # (088) 231-6739 CARMEN BRANCH Vamenta Blvd., Cagayan de Oro City Tel. # (088) 231-2011

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FRIDAY|NOVEMBER 6, 2020

Bukidnon student wins first National E-Comics Making Contest

ALAYBALAY CITY, Bukidnon— Creativity knows no boundaries. That’s what a Marketing Management student of Central Mindanao University in Bukidnon has proven after winning the national prize in the first-ever National E-Comics Making Contest. Justine Ceasar Andamon’s winning entry “Ang Diskarte ni Antonio” came out victorious out of the sixteen entries in the National E-Comics Making Contest hosted by the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI). The winning entry tells the story of how Antonio successfully shifted his struggling business to the digital platform through the help of DTI’s webinars and other assistance offered to micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs). Andamon will be receiving P30,000 worth of gift checks as grand prize aside from the P10,000 cash he received for getting

the top spot in the regional level, and P3,000 as second placer in the provincial level in Bukidnon. Open to all students from public and private schools, colleges, or universities in Northern Mindanao, the E-Comics Making Contest was one of the major activities conducted in celebration of the Consumer Welfare Month in October with the aim of raising awareness on consumer programs and address consumerrelated issues and concerns through the use of digital technology. Other winners in the regional level are “Consumer Rights and Responsibilities” by Maria Nona Febby Redulla of La Salle University in Ozamiz, Misamis Occidental in the second place and “Crops in the Can” created by the team of Shirielle Mae Manaya, Branjes Romeliet Illbe Xamryje Villaflor, and Rose Gabrielle Fuentes of Lourdes College, Cagayan de Oro in third place. (Julie A. Nieva, DTI 10/PIA Bukidnon)

The National E-Comics Making Contest entry “Ang Diskarte ni Antonio” by Justine Ceasar Andamon of Central Mindanao University in Bukidnon wins the grand prize in a competition hosted by the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) in celebration of the Consumer Welfare Month. (DTI 10)

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Determination dies hard Think a minute… This is the true story of a young lady who told all of her friends she was going to be an actress. At the young age of 16 she went off to drama school in New York City. Unfortunately after only a short time the school sent a letter to her mother saying, “Please take your daughter home. She has no acting ability at all!” Instead of giving up and going home, this tough teen got a job in a musical, but she was soon fired from that job also. In fact, she worked in three other musicals and was fired from every one of them! In two years, she had not earned one dollar as an actress. Finally she got a job as a model, but soon lost that job too. Then she became seriously ill. The doctor told her she might never walk again. However, she bravely fought this terrible disease for two years, until eventually she was able to walk again. After six years in New York City she had nothing to show for herself except rejection and obstacles she had overcome. Yet amazingly, 20 years later 40 million people

THINK A MINUTE

not in Malacanang during the onslaught, then one must have a vertigo or more so of a coronavirus. This reflects how ‘regionalistic’ we are as a people. Barely two years more in Malacanang, the ‘promdi’ President is always agog with constant political beatings from his political critics, yet his latest SWS rating says the other way around. This brings us to the notion that the urban-rural divide stays as it were. This is generally a product of ‘Imperial Manila’ thinking, which has not waned through time whatsoever, and even perceptibly worsened as

we get closer to ending the term of the Mindanaoan president. In my mind, ‘Imperial Manila’ is an overly abused colloquial understanding of political divide. It is a continuing sociopolitical cleavage that tends t o e n c o u r a g e re g i o n a l factions rather than creating a united front regardless of our origin, of what we are, of where we come from. When a ‘bisdak’ from Mindanao or Visayas starts salivating on the ‘imperialism of Manila’, tendenc y is inequality persists, creating a rural-urban divide with an insidious tone of political greed.

UNRUFFLED

RUFFY MAGBANUA Wi t h a l l t h e b l o c s now in place in Congress clothed with their own selfish agenda at hand, the regional divide will continue to persist — this time from ‘Imperial Manila to Imperial Mindanao’.

The Fury of Nature

Philippines: 3rd Hardest Hit on Climate Change

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“We should not judge people through the prism of our own stereotypes”— Queen Rania of Jordan ONLINE BASHERS (read: political bastards) are always on the look-out of their number one nemesis: the sitting President of the Republic of the Philippines. Most recent of which was during a Sunday when Super Typhoon Rolly unleashed its fury over the vast expanse of Luzon and some areas in the Visayas. There is no problem with that sarcastic asking. But when one has to adlib the President is dead, more so during a live televised newscast just because he was

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ORLAN R. RAVANERA As the third hardest hit country in the world on climate change, we must now reckon on why we have lost our ecological security, erasing from the face of the earth tremendous ecological wealth in the last century. Don’t you know that in 6,000-hectare Mt. Kitanglad or 5,000-hectare Mt. Makililng, the number of flora and fauna found in these forest ranges are far greater compared to those found in the one billionhectare continent of North America? But that was before

the “berdugos” (the loggers) decimated the 17-millionhectare Philippine Forest Ecosystem, gaining so much rakings that even catapulted them to become senators, congressmen, governors using their heavy rakings to buy votes. In one shipment of logs alone, the loggers would earn some 360 million pesos as our tress (mahogany, red lawaan, narra, almacega) are the finest in the world. Indeed, the Philippines has supplied the timber needs of the world in the last century We have lost our forests that goes with it our watersheds and our rivers. Don’t you know that of the 25 major rivers in the Philippines, 15 are already dried-up or silted; of the 13 major bays, 10 are already biologically dead to the detriment of our coastal communities that are becoming the poorest of the poor? Yes, the Philippine Archipelago before was the “center of the center” of marine life on earth. But

now no more. Much of the country’s physical resources are already seriously depleted. Seventy percent of mangrove forest destroyed. Forty percent of our watersheds seriously eroded. Fifty percent of fishery over-fished, degraded or polluted; and seventyf ive p ercent of coastal reefs severely damaged by destructive illegal fishing and siltation. With the recent ecological tragedies experienced by our people in the form of super typhoons and flooding which have become more often and more vicious causing so much havoc to both life and properties, we are now cornered and have no more options left than to hear the cries of Gaia (Mother Earth). It is time to admit the truth that we are all guilty of the sins of omissions for not being able to fulfill our mandate as God’s stewards of His vanishing creation, now threatened more than

ever. We have to take cognizance of the bitter reality that our country is now facing an alarming ecological crisis, which unless soon averted will lead to an impending e nv i ron m e nt a l l y - b a s e d economic and social collapse. Indeed, we have lost Eden. But why is this so? It is my contention that ecological degradation in this country could be traced to our colonial past. For 400 years until 1946, the Philippines had been an outright colony of imperial powers. And since 1946, we have lived as a nation-state, sovereign and independent kuno, but so under the overwhelming influence of highly development countries that have exploited our resources. Thus when we gained our independence in 1946, the condition and mechanisms of what would give way to the massive and NATURE/PAGE 11

Inside and outside the box JHAN TIAFAU HURST watched this actress in her very first television show. In fact, more people watched I Love Lucy than the coronation of Queen Elizabeth and the inauguration of the U.S. President Dwight Eisenhower. For five years Lucille Ball’s program was the #1 television show in America! Later, she became the first woman to be the head of her own television production company. Some people think successful stars like Lucille Ball simply get discovered and success just falls into their lap. But we do not see all their years of work and determination overcoming all kinds of obstacles and disappointments to reach HURST/PAGE 11

THE box can symbolize many things. In this particular piece, it symbolizes mainly our togetherness, our unity, our being one human family. Yes, we belong to one big box, the box of humanity. We can also say that inside that one big, original box, there are many other smaller boxes that can indicate the race we belong to, our nationality, and other distinctions. Still there are other smaller boxes that indicate the kind of profession or opinions we share, or anything that we share in common. It’s in these smaller boxes that we can have our differences and even our conflicts, especially in the area of opinions, politics, fashion, etc. That is something to be expected and should not be considered “a priori” as bad These differences and conflicts can be good, and we

should try our best to make them work for the good of all by making them complement each other, thereby enriching everyone somehow. Thus, it is good that we stay inside our boxes as much as possible without, of course, allowing ourselves to be boxed in when it is necessary for us to open ourselves to the other different and even conflicting boxes. Yes, for the sake of privacy we can have our own space, our own shell, but we should not allow these private spaces and shells to imprison us. Just like when we are developed as a fetus inside the womb of our mothers, we cannot stay there indefinitely. We have to get out of it. This is when we have to acquire the nose to smell the distinction between when we should be inside our specific boxes and when we can and should be outside them.

Offhand, I believe that we should be inside our specific boxes most of the time. To be outside our boxes should be something exceptional and should be pursued with the appropriate reason that hopefully would redound to the good of all or at least of the majority. In the end, what should push us to go outside is what our conscience, our intimate dialogue with God, would tell us. We need to get out of our boxes from time to time if only to avoid routine and complacency. Staying inside our boxes can give rise to simply doing things out of compliance which is already a good reason to be inside. But for our boxes to grow, to improve, to be more enriched, we need to get out of it to get inputs from outside that can be helpful. Let’s be wary of the danger of in-breeding.

HINTS AND TRACES

ROY CIMAGALA That is why we need from time to time to think out of the box, for example. This way our systems and procedures can be improved, and the problems and difficulties e nc ou nte re d t he re c an be resolved with greater probability. Let’s remember that there will always be new things and new challenges to tackle. The world is always evolving even if it remains basically the BOX/PAGE 11

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FRIDAY|NOVEMBER 6, 2020

Over 6,000 distressed OFWs from Region 12 get financial aid from DOLE By MINDANEWS

GENERAL SANTOS CITY – The Overseas Workers Welfare Administration (OWWA) has already released a

total of P63.5 million in financial assistance to Overseas Filipino Workers (OFWs) from Region 12 who were affected by the coronavirus disease 2019

Kindergarten readiness REPOLDO R. ABUNDA JR. Teacher I Felipe Carreon Central School Division of Ozamiz City

What do teachers really want your child to know on the first day of kindergarten? Kindergarten is changing and parents are feeling pressure to prepare their children for their first school experience. But while some may fret that reading and doing addition are prerequisites for kindergarten these days, your child likely possesses many of the skills she needs to be successful as she begins school. Some of the things I would like my kids to know coming into kindergarten are their letters and some sounds, recognition of numbers 1-10, be able to write and recognize their

name and be able to cut with scissors. It is also important for them to be able to follow directions and to have the ability to express their feelings. Help your child practice writing letters, especially the letters in her name. Teach your child how to write her name with an uppercase first letter and the remaining letters in lowercase. Write in shaving cream in the bathtub, salt or sugar in a cake pan or in finger paint to make practicing more fun and multisensory. Play games to help your child recognize some letters of the alphabet.

(COVID-19) pandemic. Marilou Sumalinog, OWWA-Region 12 director, said Thursday they have so far assisted 6,359 distressed OFWs from the region’s four provinces and five cities who returned home since March. She said these were workers who were retrenched and whose employment contracts were terminated due to the crisis. Each of the qualified returning overseas workers received a one-time cash grant of P10,000 under the Department of Labor and Employment-Abot Kamay ang Pagtulong assistance program. Under the program, she said OWWA was tasked to process and approve the applications, and endorse them to DOLE for the release of the cash grants through the M Lhuiller money transfer service. “This is a continuing program and we still accept applications through the program’s online portal,” Sumalinog said in a press conference

At least 158 residents of the Bangsamoro Region and neighboring areas arrive at the airport in Awang, Datu Odin Sinsuat in Maguindanao aboard a sweeper flight arranged by the regional government on Friday, June 5, 2020. Most of the passengers were students from Baguio City and returning overseas workers who were stranded in Manila. mindanews photo by ferdinandh b. cabrera

in Koronadal City. She said those qualified are displaced and distressed OFWs due to the COVID-19 pandemic who returned to the country starting Feb. 1. The official said they simplified the processing and evaluation of the applications, which are all done online. She said all

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applications are immediately assessed upon receipt and endorsed for approval once the required attachments are complete. Aside from the financial grants, Sumalinog said they continue to provide assistance to returning OFWs from the region by arranging the “sweeper” f lights.

DANICA SUDARIA

Since May 25, she said they already assisted a total of 12,497 workers and more are coming in on a daily basis. “We have one regular sweeper f light daily but sometimes we cater to two depending on the number of returning OFWs,” she said, adding that each f light serves 100 to 200 passengers. (MindaNews)

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Friday|November 6, 2020

Photos courtesy of Erwin T. Lim

Intramuros is now Asia’s Leading Tourist Attraction

The Philippines and DOT receive accolades at the 2020 World Travel Awards Asia Winners Day

HE 27th World Travel Awards recognized the Philippines as Asia's leading beach destination and Asia’s leading dive destination in 2020. The award-giving body also declared Intramuros as Asia’s Leading Tourist Attraction and the Philippine Department of Tourism as this year’s leading tourist board in Asia, besting 11 nominated countries. “We are truly honored and thankful for the accolades given to the Philippines at the 2020 World Travel Awards Asia. These recognitions are certainly an inspiration to the industry as we safely and gradually reopen our destinations for tourism. These would not be possible without the combined efforts from our tourism stakeholders, local government units, partner agencies, and our fellow Filipinos who have tirelessly promoted our country’s attractions, products, and culture,” remarked Tourism Secretary Bernadette Romulo-Puyat. This is the Philippines’ fourth time to win Asia's Leading Beach Destination and the second time to win Asia’s Leading Dive Destination, following a number of nominations for categories since 2006. On the other hand, this is the second time for Intramuros to win Asia’s Leading Tourist Attraction. Intramuros first won the award in 2016. It is also the second win for the Department of Tourism (DOT) as Asia’s Leading Tourist Board. Recently, the DOT expressed its support for the gradual reopening

of various tourism destinations in the country, putting health and safety as the top priority. Among the opened destinations for local tourists are Baguio, Boracay, El Nido, Ilocos Norte, and several diving sites in Batangas province wherein stringent safety protocols are in place. Dive tourism is identified by the DOT as one of the key areas in the National Tourism Development Plan (NTDP) 2016 - 2022 that can positively affect industry growth in terms of increased visitor count, extended length of stay, and higher tourism revenue, among others. Meanwhile, both the Philippines and the DOT have the following remaining nominations under the World category: * World’s Leading Beach Destination 2020: Philippines * World’s Leading Dive Destination 2020: Philippines * World’s Leading Island Destination 2020: Siargao * World’s Leading Tourist Board 2020: the Philippines, Department of Tourism * World’s Leading Tourist Attraction 2020: Intramuros Since 1993, the World Travel Awards has contributed to rising global tourism standards by recognizing brands and best practices from the travel, tourism, and hospitality industries in an annual series of gala ceremonies held per continent. Each year is capped off with a Grand Final Gala. For more information about the Philippines, visit www.philippines. travel.

Photo courtesy of Paco Guerrero

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FRIDAY|NOVEMBER 6, 2020

now functions 4th Philippine Sports Tourism Unionbank as digital bank: exec Awards to be held in Clark By JOANN VILLANUEVA, PNA

Following its resolve to honor and highlight the movers and shakers of the

sports tourism industry in the Philippines during these tumultuous times,

the 4th Philippine Sports Tourism Awards, with the Clark Development Corporation as host, will be held on December 10 at the Clark Marriot Hotel. Organized by Cebubased public relations agency Selrahco PR with full support from Smart Communications, Universal Robina Corporation, Coca-Cola Philippines, and Clark Development Corporation, the 4th Philippine Sports Tourism Awards will be recognizing exemplary sports initiatives from the public and private sectors who have shown interest and deep conviction in promoting sports tourism in the country during 2019. A total of 14 categories namely Sports Tourism Destination of the Year, Sports Tourism Organizer of the Year (private and government), Sports Tourism Event of the

Bridging the gap between education and technology REPOLDO R. ABUNDA JR. Teacher I Felipe Carreon Central School Division of Ozamiz City

New study finds giving pupils access to laptops in the classroom has a negative effect. Giving school students access to iPads, laptops or e-books in the classroom appears to hurt their learning, new research has found. Howe ve r, putt i ng t h i s technology in the hands of a teacher is associated with more positive results. Technology in education enables children to adjust to their own pace of learning. Students who need extra

time can spend more time going over exercises until they understand, whilst students who need less s u p p o r t c a n c o nt i nu e ahead. It also frees up the teacher to help kids who need more support on an individual level. The term technologyenhanced learning (TEL) is used to describe the application of technology to teaching and learning. It is a broad category that isn’t particularly defined, but it is t ransfor ming

education and educational institutions beyond recognition. Therefore it is impossible to be ignored! Let’s explore what TEL is, and why is it important for educators? The term Technologyenhanced learning (TEL) is used to describe the application of technology to teaching and learning. It is a broad category that isn’t particularly defined, but, in short, TEL is any technology that enhances the learning experience.

TECHNOLOGY & LEARNING IVY CABALLERO CALIAO Teacher-I Governor Pelaez Elementary School Medina District

Learnings evolve in different ways and strategies. 21st C entur y le ar ning us es technology most especially during this pandemic. Long before issues were being discussed even was being argued with regards to its effects to the learners. Some people rejected the idea of using technology as part of learning system, some did appreciate ,refused and some were fascinated e ven amaze d wit h t he technological advancements. But because of todays status, many wanted to have it. In fact, the mode of learning this time most especially the high school and college students use technology to join their classes. Te c h n o l o g y a n d learning are partners. The importance of technology

in education has increased significantly. Aside from increasing engagement, motivation and accelerate learning ,it is a way to cope the new normal learning of the education setting now. With technology, students, teachers and parents have a variety of learning tools and learning platforms at their fingertips and convenience. In a normal way of learning, technology would enhance the learning and teaching process. Technologies also give opportunities for students, teachers and parents to learn from a broader and vivid perspective of acquiring knowledge in some aspects and developing more skills. The development of technology has improved and give more power in the field

of education by exploring online and by browsing educational webpages & links. We teachers can even be developed and improved with the use and help of technologies with the countless trusted on l ine re s ou rce s . But let us remember that te ch nol o g i e s w i l l not replace good teachers for but just part of the learning process.

Year (domestic and international), Sports Tourism Sport Association of the Year, Sports Tourism Destination Marketing of the Year, Sports Tourism Hotel of the Year, Sports Tourism Event Sponsorship of the Year, Sports Tourism Charity Event of the Year, Sports Tourism Airline of the Year, Adventure Event of the Year, Sports Venue of the Year, and Sports Media Coverage of the Year. In addition, two special categories will also be awarded to public and private personalities in the realm of sports tourism. The Philippine Sports Tourism Awards also AWARDS/PAGE 10

MANILA – An official of Union Bank of the Philippines (Unionbank) said on Wednesday the bank is functioning as a digital bank and is open for the possibility of applying for a separate license that will be used for a specific purpose. In a briefing, Unionbank chief financial officer (CFO) Jose Emmanuel Hilado said the bank is now serving its clients purely through mobile application due to the digital transformations it started a few years back. He said prospective Unionbank clients can open an account using the mobile app and can do a lot of transactions such

as transfer funds, deposit checks, and buy and sell foreign exchange. “We’ve addressed most of the pain points for clients, which is the reason why digital banks have started coming up, right? So in our case, we think that we are already in a good position. We feel that we are a digital bank but if we do pursue a separate license, it will be for a specific purpose,” he added. In a statement, the bank said it ended the third quarter of 2020 with over 1.5 million digital customers, higher than the one million retail digital customers in the previous DIGITAL/PAGE 10

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SMC posts P15-B profits in Q3, bounces back from COVID-19 dip as economy heals San Miguel Corporation (SMC) posted a net income of P15 billion for the third quarter of 2020, a full turnaround from the P4.0 billion loss during the 1st half following the easing of restrictions starting July. “The country has proven its adaptability and resilience in these trying times, and we, in San Miguel Corporation, will continue to deliver on our commitment to help the country build back better and stronger as we emerge from this pandemic,” SMC president and COO Ramon S. Ang said. Consolidated revenues and operating income of P531.1 billion and P41.5 billion for the period ended September, however remained lower at 30% and 53%, compared to the previous year, mainly due to the huge impact of the pandemic especially in the second quarter. EBITDA ended at P83.8 billion, 32% lower than 2019 while net income registered P10.7 billion, reversing the 1st half loss of P4.0 billion. FOOD AND BEVERAGE San Miguel Food and Beverage, Inc.’s September year-todate consolidated revenues amounted to P194.6 billion, 14% lower than in the same period in 2019, but an improvement from the first half results. Beer and Spirits volumes continued to improve, while San Miguel Foods’ Prepared and Packaged Food segment registered sustained growth. SMFB’s consolidated operating income and net income ended at P20.5 billion and P14.4 billion, both lower by 39% and 37%, respectively. BEER San Miguel Brewery, Inc. (SMB) showed significant improvement in the 3rd quarter, delivering revenues of P29.7 billion, more than double the P14.4 billion reported in the 2nd quarter. However, despite the improvement, sales volumes for the ninemonth period ended 38% lower than in the same period last year, at 138 million cases. Consolidated revenues and operating income amounted to P72.5 billion and P14.8

billion, 30% and 47% lower than the previous year, respectively. GINEBRA Ginebra San Miguel Inc. strengthened its volume rebound, recording an overall volume jump of 33% during the 3rd quarter versus the same period last year. This brought Sept-ytd sales volumes to 27.4 million cases, 3% higher than last year, a complete turnaround from its 1st half 10% volume decline. GSMI’s consolidated revenues amounted to P25.3 billion, 18% higher than the same period last year while operating income and net income further grew by 41% and 67% at P3.1 billion and P2.2 billion, respectively. SAN MIGUEL FOODS San Miguel Foods registered a 4% drop in consolidated revenues to P96.7 billion in the first nine months primarily due to prevailing weakness of poultry prices, slowdown in food service and retail operations, and the continuing effects of the African Swine Fever on commercial feeds. This was, however, cushioned by the solid performance of the Prepared and Packaged Food business, reflecting the resilience of its portfolio, effective operational execution in addressing changing consumer behavior, and channel dynamics. SMC GLOBAL POWER SMC Global Power Holdings Corp. posted Sept year to date off-take volumes of 19,825 Gwh, 8% lower compared to the same period last year. Consolidated revenues amounted to P87.9 billion, 16% lower versus last year. Net income amounted to P14.5 billion, 27% higher than last year. SMC Global Power’s Masinloc Unit 3 with 335-MW capacity officially commenced operation last Sept. 26, 2020, bringing total capacity to 4,697MW. PETRON Petron Corporation saw its performance bouncing back in the 3rd quarter, delivering consolidated net income of P1.63 billion, mainly due to stabilizing world crude prices and government’s easing of the quarantine restrictions. SMC/PAGE 11

Aboitiz businesses optimistic of sustained strategic growth amid pandemic challenges

MID the ongoing challenges posed by the Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic, the various business units of the Aboitiz Group expect to maintain their momentum and proceed with their projects and plans for the year. “Despite the headwinds of the first nine months, the Aboitiz Group’s business continuity plans have proven effective and will remain in place as we continue to exhibit resilience in our operations toward the end of the year,” said Sabin M. Aboitiz, Aboitiz Group President and Chief Executive Officer. Power Aboitiz Power Corporation remains committed to helping ensure the reliability, affordability, and sustainability of the country’s energy system for the long term. The company has set a target of 4,000 MW of attributable

capacity by 2020 and has surpassed it with the ownership of GNPower Dinginin, which will serve the country’s baseload demand. Unit 1 of GNPower Dinginin will synchronize by the end of 2020 and will commence commercial operations by the second quarter of 2021. Unit 2 will synchronize and earn commissioning revenues by the second quarter of 2021 and will commence commercial operations by the third quarter of 2021. Meanwhile, the 39MW Naga Power Plant Complex in Cebu started commercial operations last August after obtaining a Provisional Authority to Operate from the Energy Regulatory Commission. AboitizPower has set its eyes on aggressively expanding its ‘Cleanergy’ portfolio in the next 10 years, with the goal of shifting its overall energy mix into almost 50:50 Thermal and Cleanergy capacities by 2030.

Banking & Financial Services Meanwhile, Union Bank of the Philippines sees continued traction of its digital take-up. In the third quarter, UnionBank breached 1.5 million retail digital customers from only 1 million retail digital customers in the second quarter. Of this figure, over 335,000 were digital accounts opened via the UnionBank mobile application (app). Consequently, UnionBank Mobile App transactions grew by almost three times to 3.6 million transactions for the month of September versus January 2020. Similarly, corporate digital customers onboarded via the UnionBank ‘The Portal’ nearly doubled to over 14,500 from more than 7,900 at the start of the year. Given the increased shift of customer behavior amid the pandemic,

Specialized training for public school teachers RODIN L. LAGUS Teacher 1 Felipe Carreon Central School

To help them adjust while teaching under the new normal, public school teachers under the Department of Education (DepEd) continue to receive training on various topics. A three-day webinar has been organized for public school teachers to help them keep up with the demands of the new normal through free professional development training designed to provide teachers with essential knowledge and skills on digital literacy, blended learning, and 21st century learning methods. From Oct. 27 to 29, public school teachers are enjoined to attend webinars that would cover various topics to help them become more efficient in teaching amid the pandemic. During the first day of the webinar,

parental engagement where teachers and parents can work together for home-school partnership was discussed. On the second day, the webinar will focus on teaching reading in the context of distance learning as part of early language literacy. On the last day, the webinar will focus on new approaches in instruction using digital learning. In August, public school teachers also attended the first webinar on Cybersecurity and Wellness. All these webinars are part of Globe’s Global Filipino Teachers (GFT) initiative. The GFT is being implemented through a combination of webinars and downloadable self-paced materials for teachers to apply their learnings.

UnionBank will continue its customer acquisition and engagement initiatives via digital channels and platforms. However, the bank maintains its previous expectation of a flat loan and asset growth for the banking industry in 2020, given the continued weakness in the country’s economy and a slower demand for credit until the end of the year. The bank also expects the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas’ reverse repurchase (RRP) rate and reserve requirement ratio (RRR) to be kept unchanged this year to give the economy some time to absorb the excess liquidity freed up earlier this year. As of end-September, RRP rate and RRR is at 2.25% and 14% respectively, lower by 175bps and 200bps from the start of the year. Food Despite the pandemic, the Food Group continuously prioritizes vital capital expenditures to protect its bottom line. The Farms business’ planned expansions in Northern Luzon have been recalibrated in 2020 and the Food Group has started looking for opportunities in Visayas and Mindanao. Nevertheless, sow-level capacity is still expected to reach 29,000 heads by 2030. The Food Group has operationalized its meat fabrication and processing plant, which will provide more stability in profitability through selling high-margin pork meats compared to live hog selling. Meanwhile, Feeds Philippines will operate its third feed mill in Iligan, which will serve the growing requirements of ABOITIZ/PAGE 10

Literature Circle via Schoology: 21st Century Learning Management System in Facilitating the Instructional Supervision (IS) Practices of School Heads for Continuing Professional Development By JOEL D. POTANE

In basic education, the instructional supervision process plays a crucial role. The advancement of the learners’ success is influenced by appropriate and efficient instructional supervision. Likewise, appropriate and efficient instructional supervision affects the teachers’ professional growth and development. Therefore, the skills and character of 21st century school heads in educational supervision need to be strengthened. The literature circle (LC) via Schoology is an innovation that facilitated the Instructional Supervision (IS) practices of school heads for Continuing Professional Development

(CPD). LC is a learning space of opportunities for school heads to communicate, collaborate, think critically, and be creative, as well as sharing of experiences relative to instructional supervision. The learning cycle of Kaizen was used especially in identifying the root causes of the problem encountered by the instructional supervision process owners and how they resolved it. The participants were purposely selected based on the prioritization matrix. Asynchronous style via schoology and offline learning sessions were employed. LC manual, in-depth interview (IDI) and Focus Group

discussions (FGDs) served as data collection tools in this undertaking. Themes emerged through qualitative analysis. Literature circle promotes the following: (1) continuing professional development; (2) strengthening good character; and (3) collaboration with other school heads. Indeed, working together in the same framework gives a meaningful purpose, particularly in this circle which is to bond together, along with earning shared benefits for the circle members. For ever y individual, collaboration provides equal opportunities to participate and express their thoughts.

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A PUBLIC SERVICE BY:

ALGEN’S DIVE RESORT (088) 3872015 APPLE TREE RESORT & HOTEL 735411 / 754525 Fax: 754497 0917-7144040 / 0923-3269366 / 0939-9076948

‘Kapit-Pinas’ to raise funds for typhoon victims

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N JUST three weeks, the Philippines has been devastated by two strong typhoons, Quinta and Rolly, which affected hundreds of thousands of our kababayans most especially in Luzon. This prompted over 100 youth organizations from the Kapit-Mindanao network to join forces once again and organize an online and offline bayanihan effort called Kapit-Pinas, which aims to raise funds and in-kind donations for the typhoon victims. Convened by advocacy-based group Millennials PH and the KapitMindanao network, the campaign will be running from November 1 to 30, 2020. People can course their cash donations online or drop off in-kind goods at designated points. The campaign will benefit 12 target areas that were badly affected

CASA CRYSTALLA 8561704 / 722465 Fax: 722480

by the onslaught of these typhoons, namely, Camarines Norte, Camarines Sur, Albay, Sorsogon, Masbate, Catanduanes, Marinduque, Quezon, Oriental and Occidental Mindoro, Batangas, Cavite, and Laguna. “Imagine the struggle of facing two super typhoons during a time when our country has yet to beat the COVID-19 pandemic. This was a call for me and the team to work on another #SocialMediaBayanihan campaign because we need each other now more than ever and youthled organizations must continuously collaborate to help those who are affected by these disasters,” said Meryl Hilda Jalani, national president of Millennials PH and Kapit-Mindanao cofounder and national convenor. The campaign was already able to raise PHP 735,000 which

is a combination of cash and in-kind donations from its partners, Tanging Yaman Foundation and Premium Megastructures, Inc., three days after the launch last November 2, 2020. The fund and relief packs obtained through Kapit-Pinas will be distributed through community-based groups located in the above-mentioned areas that have their own disaster response initiatives in line with the requirements of their communities. Some of the needs include food items like canned goods, instant noodles, water; hygiene and dignity kits; and shelter materials. The first wave of relief distribution will begin on November 7, 2020, in Albay. Banking on the original battle cry of the Kapit-Mindanao campaign, “Aabutin natin ang bawat sulok ng Mindanao,”

the network has now expanded from reaching the unreached in Mindanao to helping disaster-stricken brothers and sisters in Luzon. With this, “Aabutin natin ang iba’t ibang sulok ng Pilipinas” is now its goal. Kapit-Pinas calls on everyone to donate through this link: tinyurl.com/ KapitDonate and also join the call to reach more people through the hashtags #KapitPinas and #SocialMediaBayanihan. Local personalities like mental health advocate Dr. Gia Sison and actor Christian Bables also expressed their support for the initiative. For updates and further inquiries, follow the Millennials PH pages on Facebook (f b.com/ millennialsforPH), Instagram (@ millennialsph_), and Twitter (@ millennials4ph) or send an email to millennialsph.org@ gmail.com.

What is good teaching OMEGA JOY L. LAGUS Capucao C Elementary School Teacher 1

Good teaching is about caring, nurturing and developing minds and talents. It's about devoting time, often invisible, to every student. It's also about the thankless hours of grading, designing or redesigning courses and preparing materials to still further enhance instruction. Good teaching is as much about passion as it is about reason. It’s about motivating students not only to learn,

but teaching them how to learn, and doing so in a manner that is relevant, meaningful and memorable. It’s about caring for your craft, having a passion for it and conveying that passion to everyone, but mostly importantly to your students. Good teaching is about substance and treating students as consumers of knowledge. It’s about doing your best to keep on top of your field, reading

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sources, inside and outside of your areas of expertise, and being at the leading edge as often as possible. But knowledge is not confined to scholarly journals. Good teaching is also about bridging the gap between theory and practice. It’s about leaving the ivory tower and immersing oneself in the field in talking to, consulting with, and assisting practitioners and liaising with their communities.

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Aboitiz... from page 8

its Visayas and Mindanao customers by end-November 2020. L a s t l y, Fo o d Group International will pursue fastgrowing segments like aqua and attractive geographies where there is a captive market and the ability to compete. Carefully-selected and strategic investments of the group can capture outsize d retur ns w hi le steadily building a strong, diversified regional food business integrated across the business system. Infrastructure (Aboitiz InfraCapital) Aboitiz InfraCapital is optimistic about its small cell sites venture and is anticipating an uptick in leases in its current pole network in the next two years on the back of increased demand. Meanwhile, the Aboitiz Integrated Economic Centers or Industrial and Commercial Business Units, ne wlytransferred from AboitizLand, only saw minimal disruptions as a majority of their locators remained operational through the strictest portions of the community quarantine. Aboitiz InfraCapital’s three industrial zones, namely, Lima Technology Center (LTC) in Batangas, Mactan Economic Zone II (MEZII) and West Cebu Industrial Park (WCIP) in Cebu will be expanded and transformed into smart cities over time to maximize potential while earning value from the sale and lease of industrial land and exploring new product lines to offer the market. Lima Water Corporation, with its recently DENRaccredited laboratory services unit, will be ready to support the growth of LTC. At Apo Agua Infrastructura, Inc., construction of the Davao City Bulk Water Supply Project is ongoing despite the challenging environment brought about by COVID-19.

While the company continuously reassesses the impact of COVID-19 on its program, it remains optimistic for a 2021 target completion. Infrastructure (Republic Cement) Despite construction being among the industries heavily affected by COVID-19, Republic Cement’s cement milling capacity is expected to increase by 2.3 million tons per annum (MTPA) to 9.7 MTPA after the mills in Bulacan and Iligan come on stream. Once commissioned, these new mills will enable Republic Cement to further support the government’s Build, Build, Build program, and the private sector’s infrastructure needs. R e p u b l i c C e m e n t ’s main focus over the past few months has been to maintain operations at full capacity while ensuring the health and safety of its teams. This is done through the stringent implementation of above minimum health and safety protocols while simultaneously ensuring that all collaborators and customers are properly e duc ate d on t he l atest COVID-19 health protocols and government mandates. Land Aboitiz Land, Inc. is expected to exceed its prepandemic sales performance on the back of shifting market needs and its innovative selling techniques. The quarantine shifted real estate preferences as houses and lots in suburban locations became more attractive to property seekers, according to industry watchers. Riding on this wave are AboitizLand’s residential developments, located in emerging growth centers in Central Luzon, Batangas, and in Cebu. Ab oit i z L and i s a l s o banking on digitization efforts to mitigate the operational impact of the pandemic. Aside from augmenting construction efforts through

digitization to build houses more expediently but with the same level of quality, it is also looking to increase efforts in the digital space to convert sales and introduce more competitive payment terms to attract a broader market. AboitizLand’s reservation sales for the months following the community quarantine have averaged above 80 percent of original targets despite lockdown restrictions and is well on its way to exceeding its 2019 performance.

Awards... from page 7

recently created the Sports Turismo Alliance, an official member of the International Associations of Event Hosts, to build a community of movers and sha kers of Philippine sports tourism consisting all winners of previous sports tourism awards including Sunrise Events Inc., Dumaguete City, Philippine Airlines, Province of Cebu, Davao Cit y, C ebu Pacif ic and Resorts World Manila, to name a few. This year’s event in Clark will follow stringent social distancing and health & safety protocols for the physical event. The organizers have committed to limit guest capacity to ensure safety and security during the ceremony as it keeps the fire of sportsmanship in the country burning. “This year has posed a great challenge for the sports and tourism sector in the country and what we need now more than anything is grit and gratitude. We are all excited and gearing up t o aw a rd t h e m o s t inspiring individuals and organizations of 2019.” Says PSTA founder and chairman Charles Lim. "2019 was a bumper year for Philippine sports and tourism," Lim explained, "and we would not want to let it go unheralded."

Digital... from page 7

quarter. Of this total, over 335,000 digital accounts were opened through the bank’s mobile app. The mobile app transactions rose more than three times to 3.6 million for September alone compared to the January 2020 figure. Corporate digital customers also number to more than 14,500 as of endSeptember, way higher than the 7,900 at the start of the year. The significant increase was traced to people’s need to do financial transactions digitally especially since the government implemented quarantine measures. “Given the increased shift of customer behavior amid the pandemic, UnionBank will continue its customer acquisition and engagement initiatives via digital channels and platforms,” the bank said. Meanwhile, the bank expects a f lat growth for loans and assets this year on account of the pandemic, which resulted in slower demand for credit. As of end-September this year, the bank registered a net income of PHP8.5 billion, a 0.9-percent drop against the same period last year, because of higher loan loss reserves amounting to PHP7.5 billion. (PNA)

Paradigm shift in the new normal RODIN L. LAGUS Teacher 1 Felipe Carreon Central School

It’s no secret that education systems here and abroad to ok a he av y b e at i ng from the COVID-19 pandemic. And while we often hear of students’ and parents’ struggles with online learning, teachers have their fair share of challenges as well. From preparation of lesson plans to conducting the classes and the handing out of assignments, teachers have to make sure that the quality of learning remains even with the absence of face-to-face interactions. You need to prepare and finish all the modules for the entire semester before the classes get started. Teachers have to pass hurdles upon hurdles to

be able to conduct their classes, not only to keep things in order, but also to ensure learning among the students. Preparing lessons during this pandemic is way more challenging than before since the concern is not just limited to making sure that the learning will b e transferred to the learners, but also to making sure that this is actually delivered to them. The planning part is complex now since classes are online. My audiovisual materials, camera, and microphone need to be tested at least two days before my actual class. Before, it was a day before because I just needed to prepare my visual aids.

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Hurst... from page 4

their life’s goal. Lucille Ball did not get her first TV show until she was 40 years old! Remember: “Delay is not denial … Success is hanging on after others have let go.” If Lucille Ball had given up and quit trying, no one would have blamed her. No one would have remembered her either! Your determination can enable you to eventually live your dream. No matter what gets in your way, if you’re living God’s way, you cannot lose since Jesus either gives you what you want or something better—even if you do not understand it at first. He knows much more than you what will bring you true, lasting happiness and success. Won’t you give Him your life today—and with His divine help, determine to live His way? Just think a minute…

Box...

from page 4

same. We just cannot meet them effectively by doing the same things inside our own boxes. Even in the issue of fidelity to one’s vocation or to one’s commitments as in marriage, for example, there is always need to think out of the box from time to time to keep that fidelity going and growing, adapting to the new challenges of the times. We just cannot be doing the same things blindly or mindlessly. That’s the formula for infidelity and death. In the end, to think out of the box is a matter of being vitally united with the Holy Spirit. He will always be leading us to where we should be. He never allows us to get boxed in or imprisoned in our own world. Thus, Christ said: “Do not be amazed that I said, ‘You must be born again.’ The wind blows where it wishes. You hear its sound, but you do not know where it comes from or where it is going. So it is with everyone born of the Spirit.” (Jn 3, 7-8)

Nature... from page 4

systematic plunder of our natural resources were well entrenched in the national structure. It would then be a matter of time when that beautiful paradise would become a lost Eden. That way why, from 17 million hectares of dipterocarp forest a century or so ago, we barely have 500,000 hectares left. The ideal forest cover of the Philippines is 54%. Now it is less than 5%. This is the reason why a denuded mountain would just crumble down and literally erase a village, as in the case of Guinoyoron, Leyte a decade ago. Indeed, the sins of a few loggers are now visited upon our people. We have to understand that the issues of ecological and social injustice are inextricably linked and therefore need to be addressed simultaneously. Citing some of these issues will bring to

the fore what we should do to correct social flaws. Ecological degradation is rooted in the powerlessness of the ecological people to have access and control over their resources which are now fast sipping through their fingers. The benefit only goes to a few. We must also examine the present economic paradigm under the insane ideology called corporate globalization that has sacrificed the people and mother earth to the altar of greed and profit. believe that the cause of environmental crisis can also be largely attributed to a growthcentered development vision equating development with the output of goods and services despite the deprivation of our people’s livelihood, environmental destruction and depletion of our resource base. The u n d e r l y i n g p at t e r n o f development only serves the consumerist lifestyles of foreign people and fellow citizen far beyond their share of the world’s natural resources. Look at Mindanao where the choicest of lands (about 200,000 hectares) are planted with high value crops and massively using highly toxic chemicals that are already banned in other countries. It behooves upon all of us now to make some reflections and make amends for what we have done to Gaia, as it is only ours to protect for the coming generations.

SMC... from page 8

C o n s o l i d at e d r e t a i l volumes registered a 49% improvement during the 3rd quarter, with Philippine Operations improving by 33% compared to the 2nd quarter. Domestic volumes have started to recover, with most Petron stations in the country operating under normal hours since August. Modest inventory gains have also been realized during the 3rd quarter, a turnaround from its inventory losses during the 1st half. P e t r o n’s S e p t - y t d performance however still reflected the impact of the challenges the past six months. Consolidated revenues settled at P216.4 billion, 43% lower than last year, with consolidated sales volume from its Philippine and Malaysian operations also down 24% to 59.5 million barrels, from 78.7 million

barrels a year ago. Operating loss and Net Loss for the first nine months amounted to P10.4 billion and P12.6 billion, respectively. INFRASTRUCTURE SMC Infrastructure’s operating toll roads saw traffic volume improvements during the 3rd quarter, compared to the 1st half, but overall, September-ytd traffic volumes were still down by 37%. Consolidated revenues amounted to P10.3 billion, 42% lower than last year, while operating income stood at P2.1 billion. D e spite t he s e, SMC Infrastructure continued to deliver on major commitments, completing the entire structure of the Skyway Stage 3 project, which now connects the South Luzon Expressway to the North Luzon Expressway. SMC President and Chief Operating Officer Ramon S. Ang has set Skyway’s softopening for December, with toll fees waived for an entire month.

Agri... from page 1

with a storage capacity of 306 metric tons. It i s s t r ate g i c a l ly situated and accessible to the municipalities of Sultan Naga Dimaporo, Lala, Sapad, Tubod, Baroy, Nunungan, Salvador and Baroy. It will be utilized to shelter DA-granted farm equipment, farm inputs such fertilizers and seeds, and harvested palay of bonafide farmers in the province. The said warehouse will also serve as field office of the province’s Agricultural Te chn ici ans ( ATs ) and Ag r ic u ltura l E xtension Workers (AEWs). In his message, Director Collado commended the Provincial Government of Lanao del Norte in its effort of helping the rice farmers in the province by buying their produce at a higher rate, amid the plunging palay farmgate price. He urged the Provincial Agriculture Office to propose for the establishment of more and bigger rice mills in the province, enabling the province to independently produce its own market and consumption-ready rice supply. “As the national winner of the Rice Achiever Awards, Lanao del Norte should continually strive to upscale its rice production programs.

You need to pinpoint the agricultural assistance needed by our farmers, especially in this pandemic. Propose the desired projects, so that we will be able to allocate t he re qu i re d f u nd i ng ,” Collado called unto the local agriculturists. “A s f o o d s e c u r i t y frontliners, we need to stay active in mobilizing assistance needed by our farmers amid the uncertainties of this crisis. We need to ensure food security,” he stressed. For her part, Letecia G. Ditucalan, Lanao del Norte’s Provincial Agriculturist said, the warehouse will be optimally utilized to secure the farmers' seeds, providing them proper storage facility. “We are grateful of DA-10 for granting us this project. We dream of this facility to resemble DA-10’s research center. The construction of this warehouse is a step closer to that dream,” Ditucalan accounted. In 2021, Lanao del Norte will be granted another agri infrastructure project from DA-10 for the construction of a P10 million cold storage in Lala, Lanao del Norte. “This facility is of great help in protecting our farmers’ seeds, machineries and equipment. However, to help solve our farmers' problems we need to think outside the box, work together, and go the extra mile in serving our farming constituents,” Audy G. Maagad, DA-10’s Field Operations Division OIC-Chief remarked. (Azbie Talib/DA-10)

Tunnel...

from page 1 important role to unite the west and east side communities that are experiencing more economic activities but are separated by a mountain. The project hopes to hasten interregional transport of goods and services through the city; reduce transport cost of products to customers; mitigate congestion in the urban center; provide a more reliable, more efficient and unimpeded flow of goods and services and support to the growing agro-industrial sector; manage urbanization in the city and its periphery; and provide better access to and from major ports in Davao Gulf, including Sasa Port in the city and Davao International Container Port in Panabo City. The JICA assisted the Philippine government in

the conceptualization of the bypass road project by providing te chnica l assistance and a provision of Japanese official development assistance (ODA) fund to supp or t the “f inancing requirements, including the detailed engineering design, construction supervision, and capacity development components.” According to DPWH, the first segment or the package I-1 of the 45.5-kilometer bypass road project has an estimated cost of P13.230 billion with a timeframe of three years. It said that the entire bypass road is divided into package I-1 (10.7 km), package I-2 (12.8 km), package I-3 (6.1 km), package II-1 (2.7 km), package II-2 (3.5 km), and package II-3 (9.7 km). (Antonio L. Colina I V / Mi nd a Ne w s ) . 7 k m segment of the Davao City Bypass Road Project.

Secure... from page 2

returning overseas Filipinos (ROFs), Sunga said the Memorandum Circular 2020087 did not specify assistance or food provision for LSIs/ ROFs in isolation units. "Thus, the LGUs have the discretion whether or not to shoulder all expenses for the meals of LSIs/ROFs in isolation units," the assistant regional director said. Sunga added that the public should also understand that the resources of LGUs are already depleted especially with the interventions done to contain the spread of COVID-19. As of November 3, there are a total of 5,174 confirmed c as es of C OVID-19 in northern Mindanao, wherein 2,984 have recovered, 139 expired, and 2,051 are recovering. (RTP/PIA10)

Corn... from page 2

and logistics facilities. Congressman Zubiri, meanwhile, announced that he is pushing for a house bill to put up ‘grain centrals’ in the legislative districts, adding that he will lobby for the National Food Authority to be allowed in buying all types of grains, including corn. Issues transpired from the forum include the availment of additional post-harvest facilities and access to road connectivity; strengthened linkages between farmers, feed millers, and processors,

including the fast-tracking of payments and establishment of buying stations in strategic areas of Bukidnon; and enhanced regulations on corn imports and other raw materials for feeds. Besides Pilmico, feed millers and processors like CJ Philippines, San Miguel Foods Corporation, and Anakciano Feedmill were also in attendance to pay heed to the concerns raised from different corn clusters and further committed to escalate these to their respective managements. In response, they recommended to intensify farmers’ adoption of good agricultural practices to ensure quantity and quality production of corn at the same time urged corn clusters to complete all the necessary documents for them to be officially recognized as a legal entity, which could translate to greater marketing prospects. “We have a line-up of requests for funding under Bayanihan 1 and 2, and we want that whatever we have discussed will be materialized and eventually, be allocated with funds, especially on the corn clusters’ clamor for postharvest facilities,” Carlene C. Collado, regional executive director of DA-10 said. The aggie department is set to conduct a meeting with the feed millers and processors to align their yellow corn requirements, including the conduct of a corn quality forum to capacitate the various corn clusters. (JLO, DA-10/PIA Bukidnon) EXTRAJUDICIAL SETTLEMENT OF ESTATE OF DECEASED PERSON WITH SALE KNOW ALL MEN BY THESE PRESENTS: That late SAMSON PAGAOA died on July 6, 1991 at Mindanao Sanitarium Hospital, Tibanga, iligan City, died intestate leaving parcel of land more particularly bounded and described, to wit; A parcel of land with TCT No. T-6278, situated in the District of San Miguel, City of Iligan, containing an area of THREE HUNDRED TWENTY FIVE (325) SQUARE METERS, more or less and has been the subject of an EXTRAJUDICIAL SETTLEMENT OF ESTATE OF DECEASED PERSON WITH SALE, filed by the heirs of SAMSON PAGAOA, per DOC #33; PAGE #14; BOOK #31; Series of 2020 under the Notarial registry of ATTY. ROWELL B. VALLEDOR. BWM: Oct. 23, 30 & Nov. 6, 2020

Republic of the Philippines Region X Province of Lanao del Norte Municipality of Kapatagan Office of the Municipal Civil Registrar R.A. 10172 (Month/Date of Birth) NOTICE FOR PUBLICATION

Kagay-an Festival 1st Oro Lechoneros Encuentro Champion

for Orders, Contact Yoyong:

09354145759 09169249371

In Compliance with Rule 7 of R.A. 10172. A notice is hereby served to the public that ALINADER COLO MANGCA has filed with this Office, a Petition for Correction of Clerical Error-Change of Month/Date of Birth from JULY 12, 1971 to AUGUST 12, 1971 in the Certificate of Live Birth of ALINADER COLO MANGCA who was born on AUGUST 12, 1971 at KAPATAGAN, LANAO DEL NORTE and whose parents are HADJI YAKHIYA MANGCA and HADJA MAISALAM COLO. Any person adversely affected by said petition may file his written opposition with this Office not later than 15 days. BWM: Nov. 6 & 13, 2020

(SGD) IVY REYES TONGCO Municipal Civil Registrar

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Friday|November 6, 2020

Phoenix pandemic donations help over 16,000 households with free SUPER LPG

SUPPORTING home cooking as the preferred meal preparation option during the COVID-19 pandemic, Phoenix SUPER LPG has been partnering with its dealers and franchisees nationwide to help as many people as it can by providing free LPG. Since the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic, the brand has, so far, donated Phoenix SUPER LPG to more than 16,000 households through local government units, foundations, and nongovernment organizations, benefitting different communities nationwide, especially frontliners. “Most of our kababayans use dilapidated cylinders and are not sure if they are using safe tanks. Given that we have many concerns these days, we want to ensure that we are able to lessen their worries by giving them safe LPG that they can

use to cook for their families, and lessen the need to go out,” said Phoenix SUPER LPG VisMin General Manager, Eve Gerodias. LPG dealers have largely become part of the campaign as they give out free LPG content within the vicinity of their newly opened LPG SUPER Hubs, providing an essential product to those who are in need of cooking fuel at home. During the period of the lockdown, over 70 LPG SUPER Hubs were opened across the country. The aggressive network expansion allowed the brand to capture 6.57% of the total LPG market share in the first six months of 2020, up from 5.61% for the whole year 2019. Now, Phoenix has 1,231 LPG SUPER Hubs and exclusive channel partners nationwide. “The free LPG content offer touches on both social

Since the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic, over 16,000 households have received Phoenix SUPER LPG-filled donations, serving as a reliable cooking partner to communities nationwide.

responsibility and love of family. The lockdown has made households rediscover the joys of cooking with

their families. At least in our own simple way, we were able to help our kababayans during this difficult time

of the crisis,” expressed Phoenix SUPER LPG Luzon General Manager, Ton Villanueva.

Empowering entrepreneurs who are looking for a sustainable source of income in this trying time, Phoenix SUPER LPG is also offering a 3-in-1 Bangon Negosyo start-up business package. With a discounted price of Php 350,000, entrepreneurs can get an initial Phoenix SUPER LPG inventory of 11kg tanks with content and German-made SRG regulator, a branded home delivery motorcycle, a Posible bills payment business with Php 5,000 free load, and a Phoenix Lubricants products package for selling. Since the onset of the pandemic, Phoenix SUPER LPG has launched business innovations, including an online ordering and delivery site and the acceptance of card payments to limit human contact and help stop the spread of COVID-19.