BusinessWeek Mindanao (August 11-12, 2021)

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Volume XII, No. 26

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MisOr coco plant A COCONUT processing facility worth P500 million will soon be established in the town of Claveria, Misamis Oriental, according to the Mindanao Development Authority (MinDA).

MinDA Chairperson Emmanuel F. Piñol said in a Facebook post over the weekend that the facility is planned on the site of a former Virginia tobacco drying facility owned by Philip Morris International.

The drying facility was recently donated to the provincial government after Philip Morris halted operations in Claveria.

Out of recession HOUSE Majority Leader Martin Romualdez on Tuesday welcomed the country's emergence out of economic recession as the country's gross domestic product grew 11.8 percent year-onyear during the AprilJune period.

Romualdez credited the “spirit of teamwork and cooperation” in the Philippines as the one responsible for the dramatic growth of the country’s economy in the second quarter.

He particularly noted that the solidarity among branches of government, as well as the private sector, is unprecedented.

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Chinese firms win bid for M'danao rail mngt www.businessweekmindanao.com

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CHINESE consortium will take the management aspect of the Mindanao Railway Project after winning the P3.08 billion contract, the Department of Transportation and Communications (DoTC) announced yesterday.

DISINFECTED. Hotel personnel disinfect luggages of repatriated overseas Filipino workers from Dubai upon their arrival in Davao City on Friday. mindanews photo

In a st ate me nt , t he DoTC said, the consortium of China Railway Design Corp. and Guangzhou Wanan Construction Supervision Co., Ltd. took the winning bid worth P3.08-billion to undertake the project management consultancy contract for the first phase of the railway project.

“After the award of the contract, contract signing and loan negotiations will

follow,” the department saidin a statement.

O n it s we b s ite, t h e department said it requires “comple t i on of a l l t he detailed design and works for revenue operation” of the first phase of the railway project “within approximately 19 months, and the (project management consultancy services) are required within approximately 33 months to RAIL/PAGE 7

P617-M loans seen to boost NorMin recovery program THE National Economic Development Authority i n R e g i on 1 0 ( N E DA10) on Saturday said two government-owned banks have approved P617-million

worth of loans to help local government units (LGUs) and the private sector in Northern Mindanao (NorMin) boost the local economy amid the LOANS/PAGE 7

Silver medal worth more than gold for Paalam’s loved ones CAGAYAN de Oro City pride Carlo Paalam may have failed in his bid to snare a gold medal in the Tokyo Olympics but his family couldn’t care less.

To them, he will always be a winner.

“It doesn’t matter that he ended up with a silver medal. For us, my son will always be a gold medalist.

My son, you are the gold in our lives,” Paalam’s father, Pio Reo, said in the vernacular WORTH/PAGE 7

OFF TO SEA. Two fishermen prepare their net for another fishing trip in Buenavista, Agusan del Norte. mindanews photo by h . marcos c . mordeno

WHO, gov’t, industry urged to take advantage of tech to reduce deaths from smoking A global health expert said the World Health Organization, governments and the tobacco industr y should use the opportunity made by the advancement in nicotine delivery technology to reduce

up to 4 million deaths from smoking each year.

At the 8th Global Forum on Nicotine held recently, Dr. Derek Yach, president of the Foundation for a SmokeFree World, said the world is

experiencing a revolution in nicotine delivery technology, as there are now more than a hundred million people using harm reduction products.

An example of the noncombustible nicotine delivery

alternative is IQOS. The heated tobacco device use a patented HeatControl™ Technology that precisely heats, without burning, tobacco-filled sticks wrapped in paper called SMOKING/PAGE 7

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WED-THU|AUGUST 11-12, 2021

House approves bill establishing USTP College of Medicine

C

AGAYAN DE ORO CITY— The University of Science and Technolog y of Southern Philippines’ College of Medicine Bill or House Bill No. 9522 had been approved by the House of Representatives in its August 3 session.

Authored by Deputy Speaker and 2nd District Representative of Cagayan de Oro City Rufus Rodriguez, the bill seeks to establish a College of Medicine at the university that will offer socialized tuition fees and opportunities for poor but deser ving students to be admitted free of tuition and fees. “ The approval of the bill is ver y timely.

Now, more than ever, we need more schools that will offer medical courses, College of Medicine in particular.

The COVID-19

Deputy Speaker and Cagayan de Oro City 2nd District Representative Rufus Rodriguez announces that the University of Science and Technology of Southern Philippines’ College of Medicine Bill or House Bill No. 9522 is already approved by the House of Representatives in its August 3 session. (USTP FB/congress.gov.ph/legisdocs)

pandemic taught us so many lessons. One of them is the need to produce more doctors who are ready to ser ve our countr ymen,” Rodriguez said.

As the bill was passed by the House of Representatives, it will be for warded to the Senate for further deliberation before

being signed into law.

Rodriguez is hopeful that the bill will be enacted in the Senate and signed into law, and that the Commission on Higher Education would approve USTP’s application to accommodate students.

(Office of Cong. Rufus Rodriguez/PIA-10)

BALINGASAG, MISAMIS ORIENTAL National Highway Balingasag, Barangay 4, Balingasag, Misamis Oriental Mobile Number/s: 0933-823-3161, 0933-823-3304 Tel. Number: 333-5161 CAGAYAN DE ORO P&J Lim Building, Tiano Kalambagohan St., Barangay 14, Cagayan de Oro City, Misamis Oriental Tel No. (08822) 727-829 / 231-6629 Telefax No. (088) 856-1947 Mobile No. 0933-823-3303 / 0943-708-7065 CAGAYAN DE ORO WAREHOUSE Warehouse 7, Bonbon Road, Kauswagan, Cagayan de Oro City, Misamis Oriental Mobile No. 0917-825-4149 / 0943-708-7065 CARMEN, CAGAYAN DE ORO Vamenta Blvd., fronting CEPALCO, Carmen, Cagayan de Oro City, Misamis Oriental Tel. No. (088) 233-2011 Mobile No. 0933-823-3159 CORRALES, CDO Corrales Ave., Barangay 29, Cagayan de Oro City, Misamis Oriental Telefax No. (088) 231-2055

Air, sea travel to Surigao Norte suspended for 2 weeks BUTUAN City – Air and sea travel going to Surigao del Norte will be suspended for two weeks from Aug. 11 until 22 to protect residents from the coronavirus disease 2019 (Covid-19) and the Delta variant.

Gov. Francisco Matugas issued Executive Order

DIVISORIA, CDO A. Velez St., Barangay 9, Cagayan de Oro City, Misamis Oriental Telefax No. (088) 856-1947 Mobile No. 0917-841-4000 / 0933-823-3164 GINGOOG CITY G/F Wyne Militante Bldg., Lugod St., Barangay 22, Gingoog City, Misamis Oriental Telefax No. (088) 861-0104 Mobile No. 0933-823-3168 LAPASAN, CDO National Highway (FICCO Bldg.), Lapasan, Cagayan de Oro City, Misamis Oriental Tel. No. (088) 231-6739 Mobile No. 0933-823-3160 PUERTO, CDO Purok 6, Puerto, Cagayan de Oro City, Misamis Oriental Tel. No. (088) 859-0574 Mobile No. 0943-708-7537 CAMIGUIN B. Aranas St., Poblacion, Mambajao, Camiguin Telefax No. (088) 387-0491 Mobile No. 0943-708-7539

(EO) No. 21-029 on Saturday following the detection of Delta variants in nine regions, including the National Capital Region.

“In order to address and slow down the chilling effect of Covid-19 Delta variant to this province, there is now an urgent need to impose stricter temporary measures to prevent and control the spread of Covid-19,” Matugas said.

Air and sea travel of passengers for Surigao del Norte from Luzon and

the Visayas are suspended during the specified period, except for the domestic air and sea travels of cargoes.

Authorized Persons Outside Residence (APORs) are not covered in the suspension of travels but they are subjected to mandatory travel protocols at the airports and seaports.

Under the EO, the APORs include health workers on official business, government officials, returning TRAVEL/PAGE 7

Lanao Sur plots 20-yr plan for economic growth, devt

By CLAIRE GIGJE, Contributor

MARAWI City -- The provincial government of Lanao del Sur sets a gamechanger strategy aiming to

attain long-term economic growth and development in the province.

Provincial Governor Mamintal Alonto Adiong Jr. bared in his final State of the Province Address Thursday, August 5, that a 20-year plan has been plotted dubbed Vision 2040.

“Sa tulong ninyo, ating nabuo ang Vision 2040 na kauna-unahang 20-year plan ng probinsya. Ang Vision 2040 ay magiging gabay natin tungo sa mas masaganang Lanao del Sur,” he said.

[With your help, we were able to form Vision 2040 which is the firstever 20-year plan of the province. The Vision 2040 will be our guide towards a prosperous Lanao del Sur.] Adiong stressed that this plan was a product of their observation and maintenance of their best practices as they perform their duties and responsibilities to their citizens and uphold the government’s permanence that works with its constituents to achieve common goals while preserving Islamic values and principles.

He added that such entails policy mechanisms which they hoped to be acted upon by the legislative branch for sustainable development.

These include local GROWTH/PAGE 7

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WED-THU|AUGUST 11-12, 2021

Pag-IBIG Fund earns COA’s highest audit rating for 9th straight year Pag-IBIG Fund has earned the Commission on Audit’s highest audit rating for the ninth consecutive year even amid the pandemic, top officials announced on Friday (Aug.06).

In a letter dated July 29, COA informed the agency that it has rendered an unmodified opinion its highest rating - on the fairness of the presentation of Pag-IBIG Fund’s financial statements for the year 2020.

“We faced many challenges last year. However, we remained committed in managing the Filipino

workers’ fund excellently.

We implemented a number of loan payment reprieves and stimulus programs to help our members and stakeholders during the lockdown while ensuring that these did not affect our robust financial standing.

Our ninth straight top rating from state auditors is a milestone for us as an organization and serves as proof that even amid the health emergency, we heed the call of President Duterte in ensuring that government offices like ours are run professionally and

remain corruption-free,” said Secretary Eduardo D. del Rosario, Chairman of the Department of Human Settlements and Urban Development (DHSUD) and of the 11-member Pag-IBIG Fund Board of Trustees.

From 2012 to 2017, Pag-IBIG Fund earned COA’s unqualified opinion and from 2018 to 2020, it has gained its unmodified opinion. Auditors use both the unqualified opinion and unmodified opinion, which are the highest ratings that COA gives to a government agency or corporation, to

Teaching while studying: pressure beyond limits EREN J. YOBERO T-I, Aloran Trade High School Division of Misamis Occidental

Even if we are already teachers, we have to strive further to grow on our professions by continue studying Masters. Having ourselves enrolled to such made us more developed in our field of expertise. Aside from that, we can be better equipped to do our job with the updated and fresh knowledge of current styles of learning delivery. If we do not allow ourselves to grow on this aspect, we might be giving incorrect and not updated information to our students.

Howe ve r, pu rsu i ng su ch stu dy accompanies sacrifices and time management.

Are we willing to bargain our life for it? Yes! It requires intense dedication.

Doing teaching jobs are tasks that we consider to be tiresome. As a matter of fact, most teachers went home in the afternoon felt terribly tired from a whole day class and bundle of papers works coupled with various personality differences of our students.

Sometimes went home happy but most of the times went home tired.

According to research, only 52% of teachers continue Masters while on job.

Our jobs give us pressures every day. If we do it together with our Masters education, it would totally double the pressure. Yes! Exactly!

As experienced, a year ago was the peak momentum of my Masters program.

Because I enrolled in a State University which expectations and standards were very high, I had to set my standards high as well in order to achieve high grade from my professors. While I complied my weekly assignments and activities, I also had to double time in performing my job as a coach of the upcoming regional contest in Journalism. I did not remember how I managed everything but there was only one thing in my mind back then, it was the feeling of desire and determination. Yes, sometimes I lost focus but I had to continue and balance my attention to serve two masters at the same time.

Luckily, I performed even better than those teachers whose job only focused on managing the class. I was luckier when I got to win the RSPC and received high grades from my professors in Masters.

That’s what I call beyond limits. Let us not limit ourselves to the limits we already have at present. Let us embrace endless limits of possibilities and opportunities.

Yes, it is never easy, it was never easy but it is always possible.

School-based feeding program in the new normal

By BELINDA O. MALARAN Master Teacher I Gracia Elementary School Tagoloan, Misamis Oriental

Before the Coronavirus spread to every country in the world, many children or students could not go to school due to hunger and lack of nutrition. And the school-based feeding program has become the way for the government and every educational institution to alleviate this problem.

The School-based feeding program for students in primary and secondary levels continues even under a new normal learning system as many countries endure to struggle with the coronavirus pandemic.

The basic concepts of the School-based feeding program is to address hunger and encourage learners to enroll, offer children in public primary schools with one hot nutritious meal to contribute to the improvement of their nutritional status. Provide nourishment for their growth and development and help boost their immune system to enhance health and nutrition values and behavior.

Due to the existing challenges brought by the COVID 19 pandemic, there will be changes about the implementation

of the school-based feeding program especially now that learning is moved to home-based. For the target beneficiaries of this school-based feeding program, it will be tough nowadays to require the nutritional assessment which is frequently face to face at the opening of the classes where the children are weighed, and their nutritional standards are being measured.

In relations of the categories of feeding, it will be altered from provision of typical hot meals in the school to a portion of nutritious food products, which will either be delivered or distributed to the households of the students or picked up by parents in their respective schools on a weekly basis like the learning resources.

However, the schools should have partnership at various levels whether with local governments or with private partners so that they can sustain the programs amid pandemics. Hence, feeding program is very significant and cannot be ignored because children and students need more nutrition and health protection against COVID 19.

mean that the financial statements of an agency are presented, in all material respects, in accordance with applicable financial reporting frameworks.

Pag-IBIG Fund Chief Executive Officer Acmad Rizaldy P. Moti added that even while they rapidly responded to the needs of members, stakeholders, and their own personnel through numerous programs and interventions, the agency made sure that all requisite processes were strictly followed ensuring that all were above-board prior to implementation.

In 2020, Pag-IBIG Fund aided 4.8 million borrowers by automatically providing them with grace periods totaling 6 months in accordance with the Bayanihan I and II Acts. The agency also aided 320,406 borrowers through its own 3-month loan payment moratorium program.

Home loan borrowers were also offered a special loan restructuring program, which resulted in 85,440 members gaining better payment terms on their home loans during the health crisis.

The agency also deployed programs to aid in the recovery of the

Philippine economy through a stimulus in the housing industry. A P10 billion home construction fund was made available to accredited developers to encourage production and boost supply of housing units, while home loan promo rates were offered to members to encourage demand. These allowed housing industry players to maintain operations and continue generating jobs.

These responses to aid members and stakeholders cope with the Covid-19 pandemic won the agency a gold award under the Most Valuable Government Response category in the recently concluded 2021 Asia-Pacific Stevie Awards.

Internally, Pag-IBIG Fund adopted a blended working arrangement and provided more transportation to ferry its workforce. These ensured that the agency remained in full operations while minimizing the risk of the spread of the virus among its personnel. Staff were provided personal protective gear, supplies to maintain hygiene, and improved medical coverage - all to protect its workforce so that they can continue to serve members.

“In 2020, the economic

slowdown may have dampened our performance, but it did not stop us from extending benefits to our members and stakeholders.

It was an extraordinary year which necessitated extraordinary steps to help.

Prior to the pandemic, we achieved record- highs year after year in terms of loans released, collections and net income. Last year, our record-high was the number of members we helped cope and recover from the effects of the pandemic. Our latest unmodified opinion from COA shows that we have achieved three things last year. First, we were able to safeguard the health and welfare of our workforce which was necessary for the Fund’s continued service to the public. Second, we took good care of our members through the speedy deployment of programs responsive to their needs.

And lastly, we were able to do all these while still maintaining the highest standards of financial integrity. That is Lingkod Pag-IBIG service at work,” Moti said. (END)

Republic of the Philippines 10th Judicial Region REGIONAL TRAIL COURT OF MISAMIS Branch 17 Cagayan de Oro City ELEUTERIO T. LAID, ADELAIDA L. MAG-AWAY, SEVERINO T. LAID, ERLINDA L. BACULIO and MISCELLANEOUS CASE SANTIAGO LAID, JR. NO. R-CDO-21 -01546-LR

Petitioners,

-versus- For: RESTORATION/REVIVAL REGISTRY OF DEEDS OF of CANCELLED TRANSFER MISAMIS ORIENTAL CERTIFICATE OF TITLE No. Respondent. T-895 x----------------------------------------------------/ ORDER

Notice is hereby given that a verified petition for Restoration/Revival of Cancelled Transfer Certificate of Title No. T-895 is filed before this Court by petitioners Eleuterio T. Laid, Adela L. Mag-away, Severino T. Laid, Erlina L. Baculio and Santiago Laid, Jr. praying to wit:

“WHEREFORE, after due notice and hearing, an Order be issued directing the Registry of Deeds of Misamis Oriental to restore or revive TCT No. T-895 in the name of Santiago Laid, Sr. Married to Brejulia Tamola resident of Opol, Misamis Oriental;

Other just and equitable reliefs are likewise prayed for.”

The petition avers, to wit:

“Petitioners are the children and only legal heirs of the late spouses Santigao Laid, Sr. and Brejulia Tamola who passed away in the year 1988 and 1997 respectively in Opol, Misamis Oriental. The late spouses owned a parcel of agricultural land in Opol, Misamis Oriental, particularly described as follows:

“A parcel of land (Lot No. 7805 of the cadastral survey of Cagayan situated in the barrio of Opol, Municipality of Cagayan. Bounded on the NE., by lot 7802; by lot 7804: on the SW., by lots 3260 and 7865: and on the NW by lots 7864, 7808, 7809, and 7810. Containing an area of Eighty One Thousand Seven Hundred and Thirty Four (81,734) square meters, more or less, covered by Transfer Certificate of Title No. T-895 of the Registry of Deeds of Misamis Oriental.”

Sometime in early 1996, petitioners who were all actual tillers of the aforecited parcel of land were offered by the Municipal Agrarian Reform Office (MARO) of Opol, Misamis Oriental to partition the land among five of them children and only legal heirs of the late Santiago Laid, Sr. and Brejulia Tamola Laid and be issued individual certificate of title in their respective names, with less or no cost at all, because the processing will be done by the DAR under the Comprehensive Agrarian Reform Program of the government implemented by RA 6657.

Innocent as they are of the restriction and limitation imposed on the certificate of title to be issued by the Department of Agrarian Reform (DAR) which is Certificate of Land Ownership Award (CLOA), petitioners readily accepted the offer of MARO Virginia Sy.

These CLOA’s/TCT’s were awarded 10 petitioners sometimes on the month of September 1997. A month thereafter their widowed mother Brejulia Tamola Laid passed away, on October 16, 1997.

On or about that time after the death of their mother, petitioners planned to sell one of the lots to cover for the expenses of their mother’s burial but they were told by the buyer that they cannot sell the lot within the period of ten (10) years from the date of issuance August 1997. Shocked and bewildered, they blamed the MARO who was instrumental of it all; and a petition was then filed with the Department of Agrarian Reform Adjudiction Board (DARAB) - Misamis Oriental for cancellation of titles and subdivision plan, docketed as DARAB Case No. X (06) 1506 filed on January 3, 2001 and the respondents were Virginia Sy, MARO and the Registry of Deeds of Misamis Oriental.

On July 23, 2001, the Provincial Adjudicator decided the petition in favor of the petitioners, dispositive portion is quoted, thus;

“Wherefore, premises considered, Decision is hereby rendered ordering the Registry of Deeds of Misamis Oriental to cancel all the CLOAs issued in favour of the petitioners which are as follow : CLOA No. 00376569, bearing TCT No. C-8774; CLOA No. 00376570, bearing TCT No. C-8774; CLOA No. 00376571, bearing TCT No. C-8775; CLOA No. 00376572, bearing TCT No. C-8776; CLOA No. 00376573, bearing TCT No. C-8777. It is further ordered that the said Registry of Deeds shall restore TCT No T-895.”

The decision became final and executory on August 7, 2001. An Entry of Final Judgment was issued on November 14, 2001.

With the death of their counsel, Atty. Eleazar Espino, petitioners have not made follow up and verification with the Registry of Deeds for the execution of decision, particularly the restoration of TCT No. T-895 which is mother title of this five cancelled CLOAs, not until recently. In their Petition for Cancellation with the DARAB, petitioners made known their intention to partition the land under the provisions of the Civil Code of the Philippines and Rule 74 of the Rules of Court, xxx”

Finding the petition to be sufficient in form and substance, the Court sets the petition for hearing on July 14, 2021 at 2:00 o’clock in the afternoon. Persons whose interest are effected of this Petition may appear on said date and place and show cause why the Petition should not be GRANTED.

Petitioners are directed to cause the publication of this Order in the newspaper of general circulation in the City of Cagayan de Oro and Province of Misamis Oriental at their expense; and to cause the posting of the copy of the Order and the petition with die annexes in three (3) conspicuous places required by law at least thirty (30) days from the date of hearing thereof.

Let copies of the petition and its annexes be furnished to the adjoining owners of the land, the Office of the Solicitor General, the Office of the Register of Deeds of Misamis Oriental and DARAB 10 in Cagayan de Oro City.

SO ORDERED.

Done this 15th day of April, 2021 at Cagayan de Oro City, Philippines.

BWM: August 4, 11 & 18, 2021

ANA CANDIDA N. CASIÑO Judge

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Opinion

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BUSINESSWEEK MINDANAO CORPORATION Publisher DANTE M. SUDARIA President/CEO ALLAN MARIO MEDIANTE Vice President for Corporate Affairs RUFINO T. MAGBANUA Vice President for Business Development VICENTE C. DELA VICTORIA Vice President for Operations JOE FELICILDA Vice President for Administration JOE PALABAO Vice President for Marketing ROSE MARY D. SUDARIA, PhD Vice President for Finance MIKE BAÑOS Vice President for Digital

NELSON CONSTANTINO MIKE BAÑOS

THE record-breaking performance of Mindanao athletes who hauled off all Olympic medals in Tokyo 2020 has completely redefined Mindanao as the country’s emerging power stronghold.

Indeed, the eagles of Mindanao has kept on spreading their wings high and mighty — be it in politics to economics, and now in the field of global athletics.

Mindanao today is no longer a laggard island loaded with an stigma of political divide and chaotic landscape.

For the longest time ever, this second largest

MIKE BAÑOS Contributing Editors

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The loneliest number (Pt.1) Think a minute…In June, 2009 people all over the world were in shock and grief over the sudden death of the King of Pop, Michael Jackson.

Yet even though Michael was loved by hundreds of millions of people, his lawyer said: “Michael Jackson was the loneliest person I’ve ever known.”

Michael’s increasingly unusual behavior showed how desperately he was s e arching and st ar ving for real love and close relationships. The rich and famous movie star, Marilyn Monroe, shortly before her tragic death by a drug overdose at the young age of 36, said this: “I belonged to the world—because I never really belonged to anyone.”

A song says, “One is the loneliest number.” We humans were not made to live life alone, but to be connected with other people through close, caring relationships.

If I am the only one in my life, I will suffer or even break down emotionally, physically, or mentally. This is why “Isolation is insane” for us humans. Being cut off from other people is like a

THINK A MINUTE

island known obliquely to many skeptics as the land of promise no longer sports that statement of falsehood, because it will never be called that way anymore.

With eagles that keep on soaring high, Mindanao today is home not only of political achievers but of olympic champions — from bronze to gold. An extraordinary feat never imagined to reign proudly in the blue and free skies of the island.

So far, the countr y’s biggest haul of olympic medals is basically reflective of the enduring resilience

of Mindanao athletes, who sharpened their skills and prowess through thick and thin amid the threats of the surging pandemic.

Similarly, Mindanao today sports the biggest names in PH politics with another Duterte being groomed to occupy Malacanang in the next six years.

In the finest suburban to the remotest jungles of Mindanao, a champion lives, and for every nook and cranny, there is always a Mindanaoan willing and able to shed tears and blood, all for the glory of the island

UNRUFFLED

RUFFY MAGBANUA once touted (read: forsaken) as the land of promise.

Mindanao stands today as the island redeemed and empowered. (ruffy44_ ph2000@yahoo.com)

Making it through as virtual leaders

JUN AYENSA

Regional Editor - Caraga

WED-THU|AUGUST 11-12, 2021

Mindanao eagles keep soaring high

Editor-in-Chief

Motoring Editor

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JAY LEDESMA AS a result of the quarantines and lockdowns caused by the ongoing health crisis, the leaders of today found t h e m s e l v e s n av i g at i n g through the realm of virtual leadership. While some leaders of some multi-national companies have been doing virtual leadership before, the concept and practice of virtual leadership, where teams are managed via a remote work environment, became a popular and the most used form of leadership during the pandemic.

As it is, managing and leading a team in person is cha l leng ing a lre ady.

It b e c ome s e ve n more challenging now because leaders have to do this online. They have to resort to a different leadership approach compared to when they’re leading people in the office, as conversations and

interactions now aren’t done in person but rather through digital technology.

It’s even projected that long after the pandemic is over, for most companies, organizations, and teams, re mote l e a d e rsh ip and management will be here to stay. As leaders and their team members have both experienced the convenience of virtual leadership, postpandemic leaders will have to do a mix of remote and face-to-face le adership and management. As one insurance Unit Manager said in an interview, “leaders are leaders regardless of the platform”.

The focus of virtual leaders, just like in the traditional roles, is still on motivating their team members and helping them achieve their personal goals.

However, doing this virtually requires them to have a different set of skills. Here are some of the ways and practices of many leaders who have made virtual leadership work for them. * Have a regular and scheduled meeting time.

Just how you were doing this pre-pandemic, continue doing your regular meetings and check-ins with the team, this time in a virtual

setting. In fact, the virtual platform allowed us to be more visible and accessible to our people. It gave us the convenience of attending more team meetings and individual check-ins in lesser time as we remove travel hours. But we still have to be mindful that though team members may appear to be more accessible under the virtual setting, we still have to observe the proper schedule which is agreed upon by the team. Leaders need to set boundaries in respect and in consideration of everyone's time. As much as possible, do not schedule meetings during lunch or dinner time, unless they request it.

Daily and more frequent meetings should be brief and concise. If you have a big team, it is advised to divide it into 2 or more subteams so each member can be given time to be heard. Do one-on-one catch-up calls to discuss individual goals, tasks, and progress, as well as setbacks and obstacles.

Similarly, group meetings are needed to update everyone on the group’s progress and achievements, as well as to foster camaraderie and team spirit even in a remote and dispersed setup. * Set clear goals and

d o c u m e nt a g re e m e nt s .

Under a remote work setup, team members have greater flexibility on when and how they do their job. Unlike when everyone is working in the office and where leaders can actually see how members are doing their tasks, remote supervision does not offer the same opportunity. Leaders have realized that often the best way to measure performance under virtual set-up is through a goal or task completion. Whether it’s a team or an individual goal, it must be measurable and regular tracking must be done so members are kept on track and potential problems immediately identified and resolved.

Managing remote teams can really get complicated and complexed. A lot of things and steps discussed and agreed upon may fall between the cracks and be forgotten.

The way to avoid this is to document or write down agreements, next steps, and expectations for everyone’s reference and guidance. Some leaders shoot an email or post on group chats the summary of agreements and next steps.

This makes it easier and more convenient for leaders to follow through.

LEADERS/PAGE 6

Die to have the fullness of life JHAN TIAFAU HURST tree branch cut off from its trunk and roots: the branch rots and dies since its source of life is gone. “Everybody needs somebody.” We need love and other people in our heart like we need air to breath.

In Ma d r i d , Sp ai n a woman was dis covere d dead in her home. She had actually died six years earlier!

Amazingly, her body had not decomposed because of the salty seaside air in that area. No one had reported her missing because she had broken off her relationships with everyone, including her own children whom she had not spoken to for years.

If you knew you were NUMBER/PAGE 6

YES, in a certain sense, we need to die in order to live, and live not just some ordinary life, but rather the very fullness of life, which is none other than living the life of God. This is no gratuitous affirmation. This is based on what Christ himself clearly said: “Unless a grain of wheat falls to the ground and dies, it remains just a grain of wheat.

But if it dies, it produces much fruit. Whoever loves his life loses it, and whoever hates his life in this world will preserve it for eternal life.” (Jn 12,24-25) We have to remember that we are meant to live our life with God, since we are supposed to be his image and likeness, children of his, and sharers of his divine life. For this, we have to extinguish our notorious tendency to live simply on our own, relying only on our own powers that

in the end also come actually from God. Let’s realize more deeply and constantly that the only possibility we have if we do not live our life with God is to sin, if not now, then later.

It will surely come. It would simply be a matter of time before we fall.

We have to learn the art of dying according to what Christ meant by his words to be able to live a life proper to us. We have to find ways to die a little everyday so that little by little also we can achieve a certain degree of the life that God meant for us, he who created us to be his image and likeness. We have to avoid simply developing our life purely according to our own designs.

We need to chisel out those parts in ourselves that are not in conformity with God’s designs for us—our sins, our defects and weaknesses. We

have to render death to our pride, vanity, lust, greed, laziness, etc.

These of course will require a lot of time and effort, but before anything else, we would need nothing less than the grace of God to conquer them or at least to have control over them.

And God himself gives us this grace abundantly.

This is what is meant by dying a little ever y day. We have to pray and make sacrifices, denying ourselves of something, even the legitimate ones, like food and drinks and some means of comfort without compromising our health, spiritual, physical and otherwise.

We have to learn to detach ourselves from earthly things while using them, so that our heart can only be filled with love for God, and with that love, we can love everybody

HINTS AND TRACES

ROY CIMAGALA and everything else properly.

We have to see to it that while we die a little everyday according to what is suggested above, there should also be some kind of awareness that we are being purified, liberated from some burden, etc. In other words, while there is some pain, there should also be a corresponding feeling of joy and peace, otherwise our dying would be dying for nothing.

FULLNESS/PAGE 6

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Bangsamoro Medical Program Helps Over 14,700 In the three short years that it has been existing, the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM) has been busy with many programs, especially medical ones that are seriously needed in a time of COVID-19.

Currently, the

BARMM’s Ayudang Medical mula sa Bangsamoro Government (AMBaG) program has given financial assistance to more than 14,700 people among 22 partner hospitals. “The importance of lending a helping hand for medical expenses cannot come at a more

suitable period than what we are experiencing today with the ongoing pandemic,” said BARMM Chief Minister Murad Ebrahim Al-Haj in a statement.

Over PhP 87 Million has been disbursed to the partner hospitals, as well as to hospitals outside

Murad Ebrahim

the region, to assist Bangsamoro patients’ needs that are not covered

by Philhealth benefits and other medical assistance programs. Out of the 14,752 people assisted by AMBaG, 10,346 (around 70%) were “zero balance” or did not have any outstanding hospital debt upon discharge.

Recently, three North Cotabato hospitals joined the AMBaG program namely the Aleosan District Hospital (ADH) in Aleosan town; the North Cotabato Provincial Hospital (NCPH) in Amas, Kidapawan City; and the Dr. Amado B. Diaz Hospital (DABDH) in

VACCINATION DRIVE AT SM CITY CAGAYAN DE ORO. With its long-standing commitment in ensuring the health and safety of the public, SM provides convenient and accessible venues where the community can get vaccinated safely.

“Ang Kalusugan ay Kayamanan” Ni: GLYZA P. ESTROSAS

Ang kalusugan ay kayamanan Kaya ito ay paka-iingatan.

Sakit ay kumakalat sa maraming paraan Ibayong pag-iingat ang kailangan.

Kumain ng prutas at gulay Upang ang buhay ay makulay.

Pagkaing mayaman sa bitamina Nakakatulong sa pagtaas ng enerhiya.

Mag-ehersisyo araw-araw Upang kalamnan ay gumalaw.

Ang pag-inom ng sapat na tubig ay mahalaga Dahil ito’y nakakapagpalakas ng resistensiya.

Iwasan ang mga pagkaing hindi masustansya Para ang katawan ay hindi manghina.

Kalusugan ay pahalagahan Sapagkat ito’y ating kayamanan.

Disiplina sa sarili ang kailangan Upang mapanatiling mabuti ang kalusugan.

Laging isipin ang sariling kapakanan Nang mamuhay na may malusog na pangangatawan.

Teachers play a crucial role in nation building MARIEL B. UBUAB Principal II EL SALVADOR CITY CENTRAL SCHOOL

Through quality teachers, the Philippines can develop holistic learners who are steeped in values, equipped with 21st century skills, and able to propel the country to development and progress.

This is in consonance w it h t he D ep ar t ment of Education vision of producing: “Filipinos who passionately love their country and whose values and competencies enable them to realize their full potential and contribute meaningfully to building the nation, as stipulated in DepEd Order No. 36, s. 2013.

Teachers and education staff have played a key role in the response to the COVID-19 pandemic and have had to face several different emerging demands during the social and health crisis. Teachers have not only had to re-plan and adapt education processes including adjusting methods and curricula, designing materials, and diversifying the media, formats and platforms used, but have also had to take part in activities to safeguard the material safety of pupils and their families, such as distributing food, health products and school materials. Teachers

and educational staff have had to face the demands of providing socioemotional and mental health support to pupils and their families, which is an aspect of their work that has become increasingly important during the pandemic.

It is a sad reality that teachers are overworked, b u t d e s p i t e t h at t h e resilience, passion, and commitment of thes e teachers during these trying times have become a source of inspiration for others. As the teachers prepare for another school year, the Depar tment of Education is keen in providing support for these modern-day heroes.

This is in line with the Department’s unwavering commitment to work with Filipino teachers to deliver quality education despite the circumstances.

Mohd Asnin Pendatun

Midsayap town.

Though not officially part of the BARMM region, these hospitals will still be receiving financial aid from AMBaG so they can help more Bangsamoro people in need of assistance. “The NCPH will receive a

PHP10-million allotment from us under the AMBaG project while the ADH and DABDH will also receive PHP5 million each,” said BARMM Cabinet Secretary and AMBaG project manager Mohd Asnin Pendatun during the MOA signing.

A Guardian’s Perspective: The New Normal Education ABIGAIL P. VACALARES TEACHER I EL SALVADOR CITY CENTRAL SCHOOL

Parents in this new normal education have to play a more significant role in the learning and development of their children than they have done traditionally; because instead of school campus with physical presence of teachers, education now is in the place of home environment. It became apparent that parents had to assume the full-time role of educating their children and support their learning.

As a parent of four, three of them are school children had been a challenging role for me. Being in the school during weekdays with my husband doing the prerequisite task needed had me no time to teach them after work. But because I consider my role very important for the education of my children especially in this time of pandemic, I need to cater their needs for them to continue the things that they need to know and improve them. As their study-buddy I spent my Saturday’s teaching, accessing and facilitating in their self – learning modules.

I focused more on reading with comprehension and arithmetic skills as the basic fundamentals in learning. I’m able to access their needs and the lessons least learned as I teach them individually. In

this learning modality, they really need the guidance and support of the parents for them to understand the lessons well. I also believe that our participation in this educational set-up will inspire them to study well, boost their self-esteem and comfort level. And above all they will feel your love, care and concern for them.

Teaching them is also an opportunity for me to engage closer relationship with my children and promotes strong bond.

As an encouragement, parental involvement in the learning of our children is significant for us to give them the best possible education.

For I believed in the quote of Malcolm X that stated as: “Education is the passport to the future, for tomorrow belongs to those who prepare for it today.”

6

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Leaders... from page 4

* Be conscious of what’s being said. Effective communication skills are required of any leader.

This is more pronounced in virtual leadership. I have heard many stories of team conflicts arising from misunderstanding and miscommunication during zoom meetings. When you are not able to properly see the facial expressions, body language and properly hear the tone of the voice, there is really a big possibility of misunderstanding. The unreliable internet connection is also not helping. Can you just imagine that you’re REPUBLIC OF THE PHILIPPINES EL SALVADOR CITY

in the middle of a crucial conversation with a team member then suddenly your signal got fuzzy and your internet connection was cut?

When communicating with the team, it must be clear and concise. Be specific and detailed as much as possible so there won’t be any room for confusion and misinterpretation. As nonverbal communications do not usually work in virtual meetings, verbal delivery is the name of the game. Leaders must be conscious that they are not talking too fast, that every word is understood and that the tone of their voice reflects the intent of their message. Some leaders are asking select members

}S.S

AFFIDAVIT FOR CHANGE OF BUSINESS NAME AND CHANGE OF BUSINESS ADDRESS I, CYRIL DANLUYAN TUHOD, of legal age, married, Filipino and a resident of Zone 2, Cogon, El Salvador, after having been sworn to in accordance with law hereby depose and say, to wit: 1. That I am the owner of C SQUARED CONSTRUCTION (Barangay Level) which is a single-proprietorship business located at 120, Sto. Niño, Lapasan, Cagayan de Oro City which is a duly registered single-proprietorship business with the Department of Trade and Industry as evidenced by the Certificate of Business Name Registration issued by DTI on October 21, 2020; 2. That the said Certificate of Business Name Registration is valid from October 21, 2020 to October 21, 2025; 3. That when I tried to change the business name in the National Level, I was informed that I cannot do so as the same was already procured by another person that is why I am constrained to secure a new business name which now CY SQUARED CONSTRUCTION (National Level) 4. That I hereby state under pain of perjury and without any intent to mislead the public that the change of business name of from C SQUARED CONSTRUCTION (Barangay level) to CY SQUARED CONSTRUCTION (National level) done in good faith and not to defraud any creditors and that I have no outstanding and pending financial obligations; 5. Further, that the said business has transferred its office address from 120, Sto. Niño, Lapasan, Cagayan de Oro City to its present address Zone 2, Cogon, El Salvador City, Misamis Oriental; 6. That I am executing this Affidavit to attest to the truth and veracity of the foregoing facts free from any form of vice of consent and for purpose of changing the business name from C SQUARED CONSTRUCTION (Barangay level) to CY SQUARED CONSTRUCTION (National level) and likewise from changing its office address from 120, Sto. Niño, Lapasan, Cagayan de Oro City to its present address Zone 2, Cogon, El Salvador City, Misamis Oriental.

IN WITNESS HEREOF, affiant hereinafter affixed his signature this 23rd day of July 2021 at the City of El Salvador, Philippines.

to repeat what was just said to ensure that message is received correctly. Or as mentioned in the earlier point, leaders find it very useful to send members a summary of discussions for their guidance and reference. * Utilize the appropriate communication platform.

We can only be thankful that these lockdowns and quarantines happened at a time when all the digital platforms are available for us to use. Virtual leading now includes a wide range of digital tools that can support our communications requirements. But leaders must know when to use the appropriate digital tool. These are the commonly used tools and their purpose.

Instant messaging like Viber, Telegram, WhatsApp, or FB messenger are the go platforms for quick comms needs like asking simple questions, requesting or providing updates, or setting up or confirming appointments. It is also sued for positing photos or sending personal messages. These tools are more informal in nature.

Email is the more frequently used platform for formal communications. It is used when communicating something that needs to be referenced on later such as rules and policies, work agreements or directions, etc. Email is also ideal when you’re sending it to several people.

Video conferencing and webinars thru zoom, google meet, or FaceTime, etc. are very popular media when you need face-to-face meet up with your team members.

Those who shied away from technolog y prepandemic have now found themselves in front of their digital gadgets as means to communicate with their people. * Lead with empathy and strengthen trust. With the confusion and uncertainties in the environment we now have and all the fast and drastic changes happening around us, our people need someone who can provide clarity, can understand what they’re going through, and has the genuine interest to help them go through all these challenges. Prior to the pandemic, a simple touch, embrace or tap on one’s shoulder is often enough to show and express our empathy and sympathy to our people. Through these gestures, our people know and feel that we are there for them. But in the current reality, we have, where a physical connection is highly discouraged, leaders have to take extra effort so they can still continue to lead with a heart. Virtual leaders have to relate with team members at an emotional level and be completely transparent and honest so that trust can be strengthened.

Individual conversations should be done to check on how they’re doing or how they are adjusting, as people do not adjust at the same pace.

But ask how you can help.

Ask about their families, their new hobbies or interests or the latest Netflix movie they’ve watched. Talk about anything that will make them feel that you care for them not only as team members but as people. In one article

that I read, successful virtual leaders know that during this challenging time, they have to be more generous with their praises but at the same time, they know that they still have to call out poor performance.

Leaders can still do this by correcting them with utmost concern and with the intent of helping members improve and be better.

The challenge to lead in a high-tech environment but still with high touch is felt, more than ever, by today’s leaders. Putting in place and observing the above have somehow helped most virtual leaders lead their team members effectively and efficiently during this tr ying time. But virtual leadership continues to evolve as new developments are presented to us. But for now, as leaders were able to use the technology as their best ally in this new normal, they have stayed relevant, are thriving and even making a huge impact on their team members and clients.

heart and ask the One Who gave you life and Who is love itself to come into your heart and fill that emptiness that only He can fill? Jesus promises He will never leave you alone or lonely. Just think a minute..

Fullness... from page 4

There definitely should be some feeling that we are getting more intimate with God and with all the others, irrespective of how they are to us. This is how we ought to die so as to live the life proper to us.

That’s why Christ said that if we want to follow him, we should deny ourselves and carry the cross. That can only mean that we need to die to ourselves to be with Christ.

Email: roycimagala@ gmail.com

Number... from page 4

going to die in only a few weeks, you would grab tight to the people you love! And if you were alone, you would look fast for someone to love so you would not die alone! A popular song puts it this way: “Your prison is walking through this world all alone…Your pain and your hunger they’re driving you home…Why don’t you come to your senses? It may be rainin’ but there’s a rainbow above you. You better let somebody love you before it’s too late.”

Won’t you open your

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

Republic of the Philippines DEPARTMENT OF LABOR AND EMPLOYMENT Regional Office No. 10 5F and 6F Trinidad Building, Corner Capistrano-Yacapin Streets, Cagayan de Oro City

NOTICE OF FILING OF APPLICATION FOR ALIEN EMPLOYMENT PERMIT If you have any information / objection to mentioned applications, Please communicate with the Regional Director.

August 10, 2021 SGD. ALBERT E. GUTIB OIC - Regional Director

BWM: August 11, 2021

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WED-THU|AUGUST 11-12, 2021

Rail...

from page 1

cater for the pre-construction activities and the defects notification period.”

There were three shortlisted Chinese c on s u lt ant s i nv it e d t o submit bids for the project management consultancy services contract: the China R a i l w ay D e s i g n C or p. and Guangzhou Wanan Construction Supervision Co., Ltd. consortium, the China R ailway Liuyuan Group Co., Ltd., and the CCCC Railway Consultants Group Co., Ltd. The department also said Monday that it is still waiting for the shortlist of bidders from China for the designand-build package.

The P82.9-billion railway’s first phase, covering the 100.2-kilometer TagumDavao-Digos segment, will be financed through an official development assistance package from the Chinese government.

The first phase stretches from the Tagum Station and Depot in Davao del Norte to Digos City in Davao del Sur. It will have stations in Carmen, Panabo, Santa Cruz, and three in Davao City including a sub-depot.

The department said the segment scheduled for partial operations by March 2022 is the one between Tagum and Carmen.

The government targets full operations by June 2023.

Smoking... from page 1

HEETS™ to release a waterb a s e d a e r o s o l . Un l i k e cigarettes, IQOS does not burn tobacco and therefore produces no smoke and no ash.

The device and heat sticks were made available last year for adults 21 years old and above in the pilot area of Metro Manila. The online store IQOS.com now also covers delivery of the device and heat sticks to key areas in Mindanao including Davao City, General Santos City, Palomok, Cagayan de Oro City, Opol, El Salvador, Tagoloan and Villanueva in Misamis Oriental.

Yach said that to complete the transformation of the industry, a commitment from all parties to prioritize the end of the tobacco epidemic would be needed.

“Industry must commit to ending the sale of combustible cigarettes and act accordingly through their investments.

Industry must commit to ending youth nicotine use in all forms and there are many strategies that could be done to achieve that,” he said.

The WHO and governments should commit to revising the Framework Convention, which explicitly builds a risk proportionate regulatory system that doesn't require major changes to the text, he said.

He said this is possible amid the transformation of the tobacco industry, which gave rise to less harmful nicotine options.

“Projections suggest that if these tools were more widely available, we would be able to cut the long-term trends of deaths by maybe between 3 and 4 million, if we acted more vigorously,” Dr. Yach said.

“All of the ab ove is feasible,” he said. “From a scientific perspective, a lot of the hard work has already been done. What remains, then, is a bigger challenge— which is challenging and c h ang i ng c u ltu r a l an d political attitudes.”

D r. Ya ch n ote d t h e evolution of the tobacco industr y from one that denied the damage caused by smoking on health in 1954 to its “pharmaceuticalization” today, supported by research and science.

He said that despite such changes made possible by investment in innovation, policy has lost touch with science. “Industry has created tools that have the potential to create one of the most profound public health shifts in history,” he noted.

“The present technological revolution demands an accompanying ideological re volut ion. Cur rent ly, many in tobacco control are skeptical, even hostile towards the contributions of industry. The origins of this hostility are not terribly difficult to identify... For generations, the tobacco industry has created products that have killed millions of people,” Dr. Yach said.

He, however, noted that some tobacco executives and companies recognized the public’s desire for safer nicotine options and began prioritizing research on harm reduction.

“A few companies made a bet that investment in harm reduction will pay out in the long run. This was a shrewd business decision and incidentally, it's proving to be an excellent contribution to science and health. Though t he t ransit ion to s afer products remains incomplete, many tobacco companies have diverted resources away from combustibles and towards reduced risk portfolios,” he said.

Dr. Yach said this gave rise to companies that are responding to consumers demand for nicotine products that are not deadly.

“In many respects, the n i c ot i ne i ndust r y now functions in a manner, some say like pharmaceutical industry. To be sure they're self-interested and profit

driven. At the same time, they are leaders in scientific innovation and essential to actually address massive health crisis,” he said.

Dr. Yach said the other public health experts described the phenomenon as the tobacco industry’s actual and perceived transition into pharmaceutical-like industry through the manufacture and sale of non-combustible tobacco and nicotine products for smoking cessation or longterm nicotine maintenance.

He said these companies are completing exhaustive studies to meet the scientific standards and rigor set by major regulatory bodies including the US Food and Drug Administration. “To satisfy the FDA's strict rules of evidence, tobacco and e-cigarette companies have conducted extensive peer review research and have disseminated these findings by a monograph report,” he said.

Loans...

from page 1 Covid-19 pandemic.

During the online NorMin Covid-19 Response Task Force briefer, NEDA-10 Director Mylah Faye Cariño said the Development Bank of the Philippines (DBP) and Land Bank of the Philippines (LBP) have loan programs that assist LGUs, the education sector, and micro, small and medium enterprises, including small farmers and fisherfolk.

"The DBP has approved P432.63 million under three programs and the LBP has approved P185 million under two programs,” she said.

The loan programs came at a time when based on the regional data reported by the Department of Labor and Employment as of the end of July, 130 establishments have permanently closed in Region 10, displacing 1,716 workers. “ M o r e o v e r, 1 , 8 0 3 establishments have temporarily closed, affecting 34,477 workers. Roughly 719 establishments have retrenched or reduced their workforce, displacing 9,430 workers,” Cariño said.

Relief, financial assistance Meanwhile, about 53,000 families or individuals will receive cash assistance based on the guidelines provided by the Department of Social Welfare and Development R eg ion 10 (DSWD-10) through funds handed over to Gingoog City amounting to P212 million while 191,956

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beneficiaries are targeted here with a budget of P767.8 million.

With the signing of the Memorandum of Agreement among the DSWD, other n at i o n a l a n d r e g i o n a l agencies, and the local governments of Gingoog and this city, ECQ-affected locals are assured of financial assistance.

As of Aug. 2, DSWD-10 has already provided 44,344 family food packs (FFPs) amounting to P20.68 million to Gingoog City and 15,000 FFPs here.

T h e D e p a r t m e nt of Agriculture-10 monitors major markets to ensure the stability of commodity prices and conducts Kadiwa at Diskwento Caravan in various venues where produce are priced lower. (PNA)

Worth... from page 1

minutes after the first-time Olympian’s split decision loss to Great Britain’s Galal Yafai in the flyweight division at the Kokugikan Arena Saturday afternoon.

Paalam’s family, relatives, and friends watched the bout on television at the house of his girlfriend, Stephanie Sepulveda, in Barangay Kauswagan here.

From being a scavenger to help his family, reaching the Olympics already made Paalam a winner even before his first match.

“Even at his young age, he made it this far. Our son has a very bright future in boxing,” his mother, Jocelyn, said in an interview at Sepulveda’s house.

She did not watch the final bout as the mere shouting of her companions made her nervous.

Michelyn Mae said it did not matter what medal his brother won.

“What’s important is he was doing okay. He did not sustain any injuries. It was a miracle he was able to make it after days of fighting. What we prayed for were his safety and well-being. The medal is just secondary,” she said.

“We are so proud of him.

The whole country is proud of him. He fought opponents with titles and yet he was able to prevail. He is a great fighter. Even if it was his first time in the Olympics, he already won silver. That’s

more than we can ask for,” she added.

Sepulveda said she was disappointed at first that Paalam didn’t get the gold.

“Even though he did not win that gold, still, I am grateful to God. A silver is still a big achievement,” she told the Philippine News Agency, adding that Paalam promised to buy his family’s needs with his earnings.

Windfall Paalam’s silver medal will enable him to fulfill that promise.

Immediately after the match, various businessmen and companies here publicly announced their rewards for the young boxer.

A property developer in Visayas and Mindanao, C ebu L andmasters Inc. (CLI), announced it will gift Paalam with a PHP3.6million house and lot in its subdivision project, Velmiro Uptown CDO, located in Upper Canitoan.

In a statement, CLI said Paalam, who was born in Talakag, Bukidnon, is an inspiration for turning his life around.

“We are very proud of Carlo’s achievement and want to take part in uplifting his quality of life especially when it comes to housing.

He deserves to live well, and we hope his family will enjoy their new home in our Velmiro Heights community in CDO. We look forward to welcoming him home,” Jose Soberano III, CLI chair and chief executive officer, stated on Saturday.

Odyssey Driving School will offer full course driving lessons to Paalam, including 10 of his chosen relatives.

Local cable and Internet service provider, Parasat HD, will provide a 100Mbps (megabits per second) fiber connection for two years, which also includes a high-definition cable to use with his 65-inch flatscreen television from Denmark Corporation.

The Shave Bar also offered a lifetime free haircut for Paalam.

As mandated by Republic Act 10699, or the National Athletes and Coaches Benefits and Incentives Act, Paalam will get PHP5 million while other pledges have assured him of a total PHP17 million in cash to date. (PNA)

Travel...

7

from page 2

overseas Filipino workers, and bank personnel tasked to replenish cash.

Persons traveling for health and humanitarian reasons, including returning residents of the province, and those who are providing basic services, public utilities, and other essential services, are also exempted from the temporary suspension of travels.

The APORs are required to present at the airports and seaports negative results of reverse transcriptionpolymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) test taken within 48 hours, valid identification cards and travel orders.

The EO added that fully vaccinated APORs would still present the specified documents prior to their entry in the province.

Residents, non-resident APORs who will enter the province by land will also be required to present negative RT-PCR and valid IDs. Passing through travelers will only be required to present valid IDs and get a “Passing through Card” at the entry point that will be surrendered at the exit point.

(PNA)

Growth... from page 2

incentives, sanitation and tourism codes, and the creation of a local economic investment and promotions office.

Adiong bared that their game-changer initiatives summed up in Vision 2040 were already submitted and passed on to the Bangsamoro government two weeks ago so that it may already be funded and implemented as soon as possible.

With the 20-year plan, the provincial governor expressed optimism that they can attain their vision through unity and strengthened determination.

“We will work hard together.

We will push challenging and invisible boundaries together.

And, we will sail together for a Lanao del Sur that is home to a vibrant, progressive, equitable, and prosperous economy that preserves our unique culture and ecosystem. I know in my heart that if we take steps together, we will make Lanao del Sur so much better—much, much better,” said Adiong. (CRG/PIA-ICIC)

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BLUPRINT WEBINAR ON REDESIGNING SPACES

BluPrint, in-partnership with KONE, presents Redesigning Spaces, a live webinar event to be held on August 13 2021 at 2pm. There will be two recently very popular topics to be discussed by two exclusive industry experts.

One is about“The Importance of Traffic Analysis and Space Planning In A Post Pandemic World” to be discussed by Architect Jojo Tolentino, Founder & CEO AIDEA while the second will be “How To Be Creative About Sustainability In Architecture and Design.

Focusing On Green Architecture Design and Building” to be discussed

by Architect Romolo Nati, Chairman & CEO of Italpinas Development Corporation.

Architect Nati is a thought

leader and fierce advocate of green building and sustainability ever since he arrived in the Philippines in 2009. His multi-awarded developments in Cagayan de Oro as well as in Sto Tomas, Batangas, are testimony to the shifting sentiment of Filipinos towards green building and sustainable design. The use of passive green design features and solar panels are a trademark of Italpinas Development Corporation's mixed use buildings that have brought condo-living to a completely new level.

The COVID-19 pandemic has shifted our reality, including people’s faith in the places where they live and work. Today, many organizations are evaluating

space planning and people are reassessing the need for traditional office space, as employees working from home during the coronavirus pandemic was a resounding success. It has been a challenging time for designers, developers, office tenants, and building managers to bring solutions to putting more control in the hands of businesses as they consider the future of their physical workplace.

The use of technology has increased especially to adapt to the new normal. Ideas like adding sensor technology to the concept planning can help organizations understand, in real-time, which areas have been occupied and need to remain unoccupied until they

are cleaned and sanitized.

Thus, sensors can track evolving usage and utilization, monitor policy versus culture, and highlight hotspots.

Navigating through the new world the global crisis has revealed, it's time we rethink spaces that transform towards adaptable experience, enriching innovation, flexibility, and sustainability.

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