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Briefly Caraga’s coco products BUTUAN City – The Philippine Coconut Authority (PCA) 13 (Caraga) is pushing for an increase in the domestic use of coconut products to help coconut farmers affected by the health crisis. PCA-13 Manager Joel B. Oclarit told the Philippine News Agency on Tuesday that aside from raising the income of the region’s coconut farmers, the production of coconut-based products, such as virgin coconut oil (VCO) and coco ethyl alcohol, would complement the continuing fight against the coronavirus disease 2019 (Covid-19). “The push for the increase in the utilization of coco-based products (is) in line with the directive of the agency, in the celebration of the 34th National Coconut Month, and the continuing support of the PCA to the concerted efforts of all government agencies and private groups in the fight against Covid-19,” Oclarit said.

Agri aid THE Department of Agriculture (DA) 10 (Northern Mindanao) will distribute some P5.6 million worth of basic farm inputs as aid for three provinces in the region that were affected by the coronavirus disease 2019 (Covid-19), an official said Tuesday. These are Bukidnon, Lanao del Norte, and Misamis Occidental, said Azbie Talib, DA-10 focal communicator for the agency's Special Area for Agricultural Development (SAAD) program. "The provinces will receive farm inputs composed of 20,192 packs of vegetable seeds, 1,125 packs of sweet corn seeds, and 2,500 bags of organic fertilizers," the agency said in a statement.

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Logistics deal to boost M’danao fruit industry www.businessweekmindanao.com

AS OF 6:00 PM AUGUST 27, 2020 (THURSDAY)

YOUR MINDANAO-WIDE BUSINESS PAPER Friday|August 28, 2020

LOGISTIC deal that would hasten the delivery of fruit products from Mindanao to major cities is expected to boost the island’s fruit industry.

The agreement was signed between Durian Industry Association of Davao City (DIADC) and John Gold C argo For warder. This involves the distribution of about 15 tons of various fruits

daily that will be transported six times a week by the said cargo forwarder. “Since there will be no tourists coming to the city during the durian peak season, we need to bring our products

to major cities to minimize if not eliminate waste,” said DIADC President Emmanuel Belviz in a statement from the Department of Agriculture (DA)-Davao Region office. FRUIT/PAGE 11

EFFICIENT DELIVERY. Logistical problem is over for fruit growers in Mindanao. file photo by mindanews

SEVERAL transport cooperatives in Northern Mindanao that have switched to modern public utility vehicles (PUVs) are just waiting for the Land Bank of the Philippines to release their loans before they can start operation. Once their loan applications are approved and released by the state-run Land Bank of the Philippines, the transport cooperatives can immediately place their orders with PUV manufacturers, said Aminoden Guro, LTFRB-10 director, on Tuesday.

Guro sees more modernized PUVs owned and operated by transport cooperatives and corporations will ply the various routes in the region before the year ends. The PUVs include public utility jeepneys, taxis, and vans, he said, adding the operation of the modern PUVs is in line with the national government’s PUV modernization program. “We expect to have more modernized PUVs by the end of the year,” he said, RELEASES/PAGE 11

Metals, engineering innovation center to rise in C. de Oro City A METALS and Engineering Innovation Center (MEIC) will soon rise in Cagayan de Oro City after the Department

of Science and Technology in Region 10 (DOST-10) entered into a Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) with

Transport coops still await loan releases

the University of Science and Technology of the Philippines (USTP) here on Tuesday. RISE/PAGE 11

Job rate in Davao drops to 82.1% By ANTONIO L. COLINA IV, MindaNews

D AVA O C i t y - - T h e employment rate in Davao Region decreased to 82.1 percent as of 2nd quarter of

2020 amid the coronavirus disease (COVID-19) pandemic, National Economic Development

Authority (NEDA)-Davao R e g i on d i re c t or Mar i a Lourdes Lim said. In her report during the virtual launch of Davao DROPS/PAGE 10

BEACH SWING. High school classmates on extended vacation because of the COVID-19 pandemic could not have it any better with a swing, sea breeze and sunset in a beach in Datu Odin Sinsuat municipality in Maguindanao. mindanews photo by jules l . benitez

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Agusan del Norte online store features locally-made products

UTUAN City – An online store, dubbed as “Taboan sa Agusan”, opened Wednesday to help local processors and the business sector in Agusan del Norte sell their products amid the coronavirus disease 2019 (Covid-19) pandemic. In a statement, the provincial

government of Agusan del Norte said a total of 60 processed products from 23 local processors from the province were featured during the opening of the online market. The online store will run until Friday (Aug. 28). According to the provincial government, the initiative aims to

support local entrepreneurs under its "Agusan Up program," in partnership with the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI). “Through the online store, we will be able to directly market the local products of our MSMEs or the Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises in the province,” said Angelito Cagulada, market

DA-10 partners with TOG-10 to boost food security IN a bid to provide inputs for the implementation of Urban Agriculture Project, the Department of Agriculture - Regional Field Office 10 (DARFO 10) turned over assorted vegetable seeds to the Tactical Operations Group 10 (TOG-10), the unit of Philippine Air

Force stationed at Tactical Operations Wing Eastern Mindanao, Lumbia Airport, Cagayan de Oro City. DA-RFO 10 Administrative and Finance Division Chief Lester A. Jaducana handed over 100 packets of

Garden Salad consisting of lettuce (romaine and iceberg), tomato and cucumber; 1 pack at 250 grams of okra; and 2 packets at 50 grams of eggplant seeds to Civil Military Operations apprentices Marjohn L. Igot and Mark Emmanuel R. Gerona. The requested provisions is in support to the national health emergency, as TOG-10 eyes to distribute them to the Indigenous People of barangays Pigsag-an and Bayanga, this city. Further, they aim to introduce the concept of hydroponic vegetable production in their areas for sustainable gardening. Said agri intervention is part of DA’s Plant, Plant, Plant Program to scale up food production in the households amidst the COVID-19 pandemic.

development support officer of the Agusan Up initiative. Cagulada said the online market is expected to reach buyers from the various towns of Agusan del Norte, including the cities of Cabadbaran and Butuan. “Our clients can directly make orders online. Before the shipment, all the products ordered

will pass through the Agus Product Center at the Agusan Up Coordinating Center for sorting and preparations for deliveries,” Cagulada said. Among the products sold in the online market are processed foods and drinks from mango and other agricultural products. (PNA)

The Department of Agriculture-Regional Field Office (DA-RFO)-10 turns over assorted vegetable seeds to the Tactical Operations Group (TOG)-10, the unit of Philippine Air Force stationed at Tactical Operations Wing Eastern Mindanao, Lumbia Airport, Cagayan de Oro City. (DA 10)

Role of teachers in the new normal of education By RACHEL GRACE P. TOMATAO, Teacher I Capucao Elementary School Division of Ozamiz City

AS educators gear with the new normal setup in this coronavirus pandemic, this is now the time for schools to ensure that teachers do not just translate what they do inside the classroom into their online teachings. Te a c h e r - d r i v e n discussions and lengthy lectures are no longer norms in this situation. In online learning, students are almost always divided on their focus that of their classes and their attention to their mobile

gadgets. We as teachers must innovate to teach online by tapping legitimate online tools and resources. By using online learning resources on topics and creating learning playlists or menus, students will be up for an exciting learning process. By being not only an issuer of educational content but a master curator of learning resources, teachers like us are designing efficient and effective synchronous

and asynchronous learning activities for continuous engagement of students. Educators need to design assessment and grading systems and think on their purposes and priorities. Encouraging student learning is the best and not just let students accountable for their own learning. Mentors must think that in times of remote learning, continuous feedback from students on their learning can help them reflect on their strengths.

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CorporateWorld 3 Law enforcement agencies boost capacity on illicit trade prevention Advertising and Editorial E-mail : businessweekmindanao@gmail.com Contact nos. : 0917-7121424 â€˘ 0947-8935776

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HE Philippine Tobacco Institute (PTI) initiated a series of forum in the regions to raise the level of awareness and information on the adverse impact of illicit trade of counterfeit products in the community and economy. The undertaking was in collaboration with various government law enforcement agencies. It also focused on ways to prevent and restrain the entry and proliferation of fake products that pose major economic threat against legitimate products. PTI stressed its

CIDG Caraga region

commitment to its stakeholders towards regaining revenue loss, curbing the proliferation of illicit cigarettes, and promoting fair and sustainable business practices. A two-day capacity building and forum was recently conducted with the Bureau of Customs (BOC) in Davao City, attended by personnel belonging to customs intelligence, enforcement and security, assessment and examiners. Davao Port Collector Dino Austria said the discussion boosted the regionâ€™s customs intelligence in watching

out for illicit products, especially on smuggled and fake cigarettes, citing that the illegal activities heightened even during the pandemic period. Austria extended his full support in curbing illicit cigarettes, saying he will not allow the entry of spurious products that deprive the government of customs duties and taxes. He is looking forward to more partnership with the private sector particularly on intelligence and technical support in curtailing entry of illicit cigarettes. During the current lockdown period starting in March, there were a total of 38 law enforcement actions through raids, seizures, confiscation of smuggled and counterfeit cigarettes, including the closure of illegal warehouses and factories and destruction of machines and equipment used by the unlawful traders. A similar event was held in Butuan City in collaboration with the Criminal Investigation and Detection Group (CIDG)

led by Caraga Regional Chief Choli Jun Caduyac. The CIDG chief stressed to his men the importance of safeguarding their jurisdiction and putting a stop to the rise of illicit cigarettes in the region as he cited the two illegal cigarette factories that were foiled by the team in 2018. The capacity-building initiative shall help participants which include intelligence operatives and provincial CIDG heads in gaining technical skills in the detection of illicit actions for successful enforcement and eventual filing of cases against the perpetrators in the courts. The CIDG team were

Participants from the Bureau of Customs Davao

provided an overview of the legal framework on enforcement actions, which include items and documents to watch out, red flags and inconsistencies that could be checked on incoming contrabands. In the Province of Cebu , a Basic Product

Lapu-lapu City Police Office attending the training

Authentication training was conducted with the Lapu-lapu City Police Office attended by police officers of the different stations upon the instruction of Police Colonel Clarito C. Baja. The law enforcers were given an overview TRADE/PAGE 11

Opinion

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Recognizing royalty Think a minute… Successful country singer Lonzo Green was visiting his relatives. His teenage nephew, Jim, and all his friends gathered in Jim’s house to meet his famous uncle. But there was one quiet 15-year-old boy whom Jim’s parents would not allow to come inside their house. Simply because this kid was poor, they treated him as an inferior, lowerclass person, even calling him “white trash.” When Jim told Uncle Lonzo that this boy outside had a guitar but did not know how to tune it, Lonzo gladly offered to show the boy how. Since he was not allowed inside the house, they arranged to meet outside by the street. It was obvious to Lonzo that this teenage boy was embarrassed and felt out of place in this upper class neighborhood. The boy’s guitar was old, cheap, and hung around his neck with just a piece of string. After L onzo showe d t he shy teenager how to tune his guitar, he offered to teach him some songs. The boy was so surprised and happy

THINK A MINUTE

JHAN TIAFAU HURST that Lonzo would spend two whole hours playing and singing with him, he actually started feeling confident in his own ability to play and sing. Lonzo never met that boy again, at least not face to face. For that same boy who was not allowed to come inside the house, became the King of Rock n’ Roll: Elvis Presley. There is a similar true story about another king who was not allowed to come inside people’s homes and hearts. In fact, He is the King of all kings. Yet even though He is the Maker of the universe, He chose 2,000 years ago to humiliate Himself by becoming a human being ROYALTY/PAGE 11

FRIDAY|AUGUST 28, 2020

Against Oligarchal Control Cooperativism: The countervailing force

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ALLAN MARIO MEDIANTE Vice President for Corporate Affairs RUFINO T. MAGBANUA Vice President for Business Development

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ORLAN R. RAVANERA Who controls? Who decides? Who benefits? In a country where only 200 families control the economy, that is res ipsa loquitor! (the thing speaks for itself!) Such oligarchical control specially of water and electricity which are means to life speaks of a horrible social injustice committed against the Filipino people that no less than His Excellency has underscored during his recent State of the Nation Address. In a h i g h ly s ke we d

pyramidal societal order, social change has become imperative in a “republican and democratic State where sovereignty resides with the people and all governmental powers emanate from them,” as stated in the Constitution’s Declaration of Principles. Indeed, when economic dictatorship of the oligarchs is grafted unto representative ele c tora l demo crac y, a toxic growth of religious fundamentalism and rightwing extremism is the result. Thus oligarchical control leads not just to the death of democracy, but to the democracy of death, in which exclusion, hate, fear and cash become the political means to mobilize votes and power. Thus, the imperative need of social change. For thos e who have dreamt, struggled, advocated, sacrificed and even died for it, social change has been so elusive all these years

despite 14 years of martial law and two people-powered revolutions. The ingredients, systems and structures that perpetuate poverty and social injustice are still as formidable as ever. BUT NOT ANYMORE UNDER THE PRESENT DISPENSATION OF PRESIDENT RODRIGO ROA DUTERTE. Change has come! But how? THRU COOPERATIVISM! Ten years ago, there were just seven (7) million members of the cooperatives nationwide. Today that number has almost doubled to more than more than (12) million from 18,481 cooperatives. As cooperatives are scaling the heights drawing those in the margins into the mainstream of development processes, the number can even reach 20 million in the next five years. No less than the United Nations has rallied the poor and the vulnerable to collectively

stop poverty, hunger, social injustices and gross inequities through cooperativism. His Holiness Pope Francis has mentioned in His latest Encyclical Laudatu Si that in a world with so much food, why there are people who are hungry and the countervailing measure is cooperativism. No one can stop the growth of cooperatives as cooperativism is an idea whose time has come not only in our country but in the whole world. Why is this so? First of all, it behooves upon all of us to examine the present development paradigm which is based on the growth-at-all-cost development strateg y aptly called Neo-Liberal Capitalism. That kind of global economic system that is only successful in sacrificing humanity and Mother Earth to the altar of greed and profit FORCE/PAGE 11

Make investment climate corruption-free AS the country prepares for the ‘re-starting’ of the badly beaten economy due to Covid-19 health crisis, the government needs more clarity in policy direction to lure foreign investors. First and foremost is the pandemic of corruption happening elsewhere in almost all instrumentalities of government. Cases of corrupt practices are terribly all over, latest of which is the mega-deal of Philhealth officials in salivating people’s money to the max, the SSS excessive salaries of its key personnel by the millions of pesos on their monthly take home pays. While its members and pensioners are feed with only a loaf of bread on the

table, and so many other misdeeds in all fronts of the bureacracy. Classic case of corrupt practice is the entry of big-time investors aiming to revive a sleeping giant steel mill in Iligan City. The poor investor had to face-off upfront the ‘for the boys’ mantra of corrupt local officials even before the first nail of the project hits on the ground. Added to these m i s d e m e a n or s a re t h e loopholes in the corporate income tax rate, widely seen as less attractive and ‘unfriendly’ tax policy. That said, the country has faced the pandemic w it h d e cl i n i ng fore i g n direct investments from t h e pre v i ou s ye ar an d

triggered by the uncertainty in corporate tax reform. What is needed perhaps is the clarity of purpose for foreign investors to make long term direct investments. Coronavirus has created economic uncertainty as it were, and investors do not want more to see a niche of corruption in investment climate, tax and policy uncertainties included. What the government should address in earnest are concerns on corrupt practices, and the excessive corporate income tax rates seen as ‘unfriendly’ compared to the country’s Asian neighbors. Now in cobwebs in Congress is the Corporate Recovery and Tax Incentives for Enterprises Act

UNRUFFLED

RUFFY MAGBANUA (CREATE), formerly known as CITIRA, which seeks to cut the corporate income tax rate to 25 percent from 30 percent. Moreover, lawmakers should likewise help businesses recover from the pandemic by approving the proposed economic stimulus INVESTMENT/PAGE 11

Tourism Malaysia leverages on social media for VM2020 promotion A total of 25 social media influencers and key opinion leaders from nine ASEAN countries are taking part in the Malaysia-ASEAN To u r i s m I n f l u e n c e r s Ke y Opinion L eaders Programme(MAIKOL) from 26 August until 1 September 2019. The initiative is an effort to leverage on regional social media influencers and their fan-base to promote tourist destinations in Malaysia, especially as a build-up to the Visit Malaysia 2020 promotion campaign. Organised for the first time, the programme is a mix of sightseeing, hands-on activities and s e l f - e x p l o r at i o n b y t h e influencers to provide a well-rounded experience of Malaysia and showcase some of the destination’s hidden touristic gems. In line with the theme of this event, “Unforgettable Experience in Malaysia,” Malaysia’s unique

experiences, high quality and value-for-money productsand services will be highlighted to showcase the many possible holiday ideas and activities in Malaysia. Ybrs. Encik Zulkifly Md Said, Deputy Director General (Planning) Tourism Malaysia says, “We are excited to follow theparticipants’ adventures and experiences throughout the programme on their social media platforms. From the sharing and re-posting of their entries, weanticipate to gain between 2 million and 4 million audience reach as the outcome of MAIKOL.” Participants will travel in separate groups to explore all 13 states in Malaysia. The group will also witness Malaysia’s Independence Day celebration in Putrajaya on 31 August. It is anticipated that 30 to 40 stories will be generated by the participants, consisting of feature articles, postings, live

feeds and stories on Facebook, Instagram, YouTube, Twitter and blogs. Fully utilising the power of social media, hashtags such as #MalaysiaTrulyAsia, #VM2020 and #MAIKOL2019 will be used throughout the programme to gain more traction for the publicity. Ke y t o t h e s u c c e s s of this programme is the partnerships between Tourism Malaysia and the private sectors. AirAsia and Sunway Group, as principal airline and venue sponsors of the programme respectively, have come together to provide strong support. AirAsia Regional Commercial Head Amanda Woo says,“AirAsia as a truly Asean airline is excited to be onboard for this programme. With our network across 10 As eancountries and beyond, now everyone can visit Malaysia. Our strong domestic network also allow

NUTS & BOLTS

JEROME DE LA FUENTE

visitors to travel interstate conveniently. As we approach Visit Malaysia 2020, we hope to continue working closely with Tourism Malaysia and other stakeholders to drive Malaysia’s tourism growth and to connect Malaysia with the world.” Chief Executive Officer of Sunway Malls and Theme Parks, H.C. Chan says, “We are delighted to support Tourism Malaysia's effort in promoting Malaysia TOURISM/PAGE 11

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More lending seen for micro entrepreneurs, SMEs with BPI-PHILGUARANTEE partnership

ank of the Philippine Islands (BPI) and its microfinance arm, BPI Direct Banko, Inc. foresee more lending to microentrepreneurs and SMEs, after the two signed a partnership deal with Philippine Guarantee Corp. (PHILGUARANTEE) early morning last August 5, 2020. This made BPI the first bank to sign with PHILGUARANTEE. Under the agreement, government-owned PHILGUARANTEE, who offers credit guarantee programs, will grant BPI a combined guarantee of P6.5 billion for new and additional loans to micro entrepreneurs and SMEs who need assistance amid the pandemic. PHILGUARANTEE will cover 50 percent of the new loans under this program to be used as working capital by eligible micro,

small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs) and SMEs. “We are very confident that this will spur our lending to the SME sector which we’ve identified as a very vital component in the growth of the Philippine economy,” said BPI Business Banking Head Eric Luchangco. “It is a very interlinked economy, and therefore, in order for the Philippine economy as a whole to grow, the SME sector must be part of the growth as well.” “We aim to help the microentrepreneurs get back on their feet and restart their businesses by providing easy and affordable credit, as well as provide financial advice to the microentrepreneurs as part of our mandate for financial inclusion. With BanKo as an accredited partner of the PHILGUARANTEE, the mission to help the microentrepreneurs, and

the country overcome this pandemic, can be achieved,” said Rod Mabiasen, Head of BanKo Financial Inclusion and Microfinance Loans. Of the P6.5 billion guarantee given by PHILGUARANTEE, BPI Business Banking, which caters to SMEs, will have an allocation of P5 billion. The rest will be allocated to BanKo. Rosalia V. De Leon, National Treasurer & Alternate Chairperson PHILGUARANTEE Board, said in her remarks during the virtual signing of the memorandum of agreement that it is important to remember not to turn a blind eye to the opportunities that a crisis presents. “For this reason, we thank the BPI Group for this occasion to join government in our ardent call to provide meaningful financial intermediation to affected businesses, especially the small and

medium enterprises, to provide much needed jobs and income during this difficult period.

With a strong banking presence, particularly in the microfinance segment, I am confident

that with the support of BPI and BanKo, no small business will be left behind,” she said.

1st row, from left: Alberto E. Pascual, PHILGUARANTEE President & CEO, Rosalia V. De Leon, National Treasurer & Alternate Chairperson, PHILGUARANTEE Board, Roland Gerard “Junie” Veloso, Head of BPI Corporate Credit Products Group; and Eric Roberto Luchangco, Head of BPI Business Banking 2nd row, from left: Celso Gutierrez, SVP, PHILGUARANTEE SME and Priority Sectors Guarantee Group, Atty. Dynah Nepomuceno-Bayot, SVP and PHILGUARANTEE Corporate Secretary, Ian Briones, SVP, PHILGUARANTEE Corporate Services Group 3rd Row, from left: Eduardo S. Angeles, VP, PHILGUARANTEE SME and Priority Sectors Guarantee Group, Jo Ann Eala, Head of Sustainable Development Finance and Specialized Lending Division, Rovi Peralta, VP, PHILGUARANTEE SME and Priority Sectors Guarantee Group

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Isolated but never divided HELEN P. COMALING MASTER TEACHER I Silongon Elementary School Tudela District Division of Misamis Occidental

POSITIVE–the most negative word of 2020. The novel corona virus or most commonly named as COVID-19 which originated in Wuhan China has continuously taken the lives of thousands of our fellow Filipinos, here and abroad. The outbreak started late November but was announced to public around January, though it was not evident in the Philippines during those times. It was just late January of this year, that the Philippines have known how devastating the effect of COVID-19 is that even our booming economy had been put at r i s k of s hut d ow n . Business establishments started closing doors, our international gateways have been strictly monitored and was then no longer open for international travels, classes have been suspended, workers are forced to work from home while some have been forcefully laid off from work, front liners though with fear, selflessly served the country, and alcohols and masks which was once not always a part of our household supplies has been now the most valued goods that prices started to spike the highest to the point that it’s even valued more than gold. The unfortunate reality and effect of COVID-19 have ro ote d fe ar and worries in our hearts. Our enemy can neither be seen nor touched and it sends even deeper chills in us knowing that in just a second we might be the ones infected or worst one of our loved ones might be. It separated infected persons from their family, leaving them to die ALONE in loneliness and pain. We were forced to not gather around with our friends and loved ones, we now follow the new norm, wearing mask and practicing social distancing so, to avoid ourselves and our fellow F i l ipi n o s f rom b e i n g infected with the virus because it’s the only way we can be safe, to isolate ourselves from people, even from our own family. Hard and painful as it is but we no longer have a choice, it’s either we follow or we put the lives of those we love at greater risk. Though we can never

br ing b ack t ime, t his pandemic helped us made realizations in life. It brought out the best in us, especially Filipinos. It proved our love for each other, our compassion towards our fellowmen and our willingness to do charity- these are our true strength in facing this unseen but powerful nemesis. It showed us that beyond the isolation we are not divided, that beyond the circumstances, we are together, we are one in praying for healing. Together we are strong and no virus can ever defeat us, together we will rise stronger, even more knitted and closely tied to each other. Amidst the hardest and unfinished endeavor, we still find a way to recreate positivity by focusing on things that may divert our attention and give us a little rest from worrying. We tried and master a few things during the quarantine, like becoming a gardener, a great cook, a painter, a TikTok star, a writer and so much more. Our versatility during this difficult time is one of the things that helped us get through each rough day. We all have painful experiences and sad stories to tell to our next generation but those are just a little of us. Beyond all the hardships that happened, this experience will leave us something good. It is knowing the fact that we may be isolated from each other but we are never divided. It even made us rise stronger together! Soon we will heal from all the wounds, a vaccine will be made available and when we look back, we will no longer see the pain and the amount it costs us but we will see our true strength as Filipinos and we will proudly say that, we have conquered and defeated it TOGETHER!

Join SEC Cagayan de Oro's free webinar on the One Person Corporation

he Securities and Exchange Commission - Cagayan de Oro Extension Office is inviting everyone for its free webinar on the Salient Features of the One Person Corporation on Friday, September 4, 2020 (1:00PM - 3:00PM). The Securities and Exchange Commission is promoting the creation of One Person Corporations (OPCs) to address operational and organizational issues inherent in the single proprietorship and regular corporations of the country. “Among the issues addressed by the OPCs are the proliferation of intra-corporate squabbles affecting decision making, liabilities of single proprietorship owners inherent in sole proprietorships, and reportorial and other requirements inherent in the business forms allowed under the old Corporation Code,” said Lee Franco

P. Magtrayo, Security Specialist of the SEC Cagayan de Oro Extension office during a seminar on the topic held last January 31st. “One of the key revisions of the Revised Corporation Code (Republic Act no. 11232 or the RCC) which became effective Feb. 23, 2019, (replacing Batas Pambansa Bldg. 68), and removing the minimum number of incorporators required to organize a corporation and allowed the formation of one-person corporation, a corporation with a single stockholder and without a minimum authorized capital stock required,” he added. “As early as the late 80s and early 90s we had already identified that our law on corporations needed to be proactive and dynamic. During our annual strategic planning, we identified provisions in the Corporation Code that we encountered at our level that needed to be amended.,” said Atty.

HAPPY

Greetings from:

councilor LORDAN SUAN 1st District, Cagayan de Oro City

Renato V. Egypto, regional director of the SEC Cagayan de Oro Extension office. “However, our recommendations did not prosper beyond the committee level in both houses of Congress,” he added. “It was only last year that the new law and amendments to the old Corporation Code were operationalized.” Following are some of the salient features of OPCs discussed during the recent orientation seminar: A one person corporation (OPC) is a corporation with a single stockholder, who can only be a natural person, trust or estate. The incorporator of an OPC being a natural person must be of legal age. As an incorporator, the ‘trust’ as used by the law does not refer to a trust entity, but as subject being managed by a trustee. If the single stockholder is a trustee, administrator, executor, guardian, conservator, custodian, or other person exercising fiduciary duties, proof of authority to act on behalf of the trust or estate must be submitted at the time of incorporation. The suffix “OPC” should be indicated by the one person corporation either below or at the end o fits corporate name. The OPC is not required to have a minimum authorized capital stock except as otherwise provided by special law. Section 12 provides that Corporations shall not be required to have a minimum capital stock, except as otherwise specifically provided by special law capital stock required. Not allowed to form OPCs are banks, non-bank financial institutions, quasi-banks, pre-need, trust and insurance companies, public and publicly listed companies, non chartered GOCCs. A natural person who is licensed to exercise a profession may not organize as an OPC for the purpose of exercising such profession except as

otherwise provided under special laws. A foreign natural person may put up an OPC, subject to the applicable constitutional and statutory restrictions on foreign participation in certain investment areas or activities. The single stockholder shall be the sole director and president of the OPC. He or she may not be appointed as corporate secretary but may assume the role of treasurer. The single stockholder who also assumes the position of Treasurer shall post a surety bond to be computed based on the authorized capital stock of the OPC. The single stockholder is required to designate a nominee and alternate nominee named in the Articles of Incorporation in the event of death and incapacity. The written consent of both the nominee and alternate nominee shall be attached to the application for incorporation. The single stockholder may, at any time, change its nominee and alternate nomine by submitting to the Commission the names of the new nominees and their corresponding written consent. The Articles of Incorporation need not be amended. In case the single stockholder becomes incapacitated, the nominee can take over the management of the OPC as director and president. At the end of the incapacity, the single stockholder can resume the management of the OPC. In case of death or permanent incapacity of the single stockholder, the nominee will take over the management of the OPC until the legal heirs of the single stockholders have been lawfully determined and the heirs have agreed among themselves who will take the place of the deceased or disabled. The OPC is not required to submit and file its Bylaws. The OPC shall file its Articles of Incorporation WEBINAR/PAGE 11

Academic possibilities of the future By CHERRY PINK NAMOC Libona National High School

I would predict that the standard of life in progressive countries one hundred years hence will be between four and eight times as high as it is. There would be nothing surprising in this even in the light of our present knowledge. It would not be foolish to contemplate the possibility of a far greater progress still. We a re s u f f e r i n g j u s t n ow from a bad attack of academic pessimism. Admittedly, developing an optimistic viewpoint on the

future of academia is difficult during this time of pandemic. COVID-19 will accelerate a postsecondar y realignment that will result in closure or merger of a potentially large number of institutions. Many tuition-dependent colleges and universities once thought that they would have at least a few years to evolve their business models in the face of demographically driven drops in demand. By simultaneously eroding revenues and driving up

costs, COVID-19 is accelerating t he p ace of an e cosystemw ide postsecondary reckoning. Coming out of the pandemic, many schools will be smaller (in terms of faculty and staff ), more narrowly focused (in terms of degrees and programs offered) and more economically. From a generational perspective, rather than a time frame of the next few years, the long-term prospects for higher education as a sector are enormously positive.

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FRIDAY|AUGUST 28, 2020

DA-10 gives veggie seeds to support Iligan's food security, livelihood initiative

AGAYAN DE ORO CITY --Align with Department of Agriculture Secretary William Dar’s aim towards sustainable food security, DA10, represented by Regulatory Division Chief Juliet B. Araos turned over assorted vegetable seeds to the Sangguniang Panglungsod of Iligan City. Receiving 250 packets of chopsuey (pechay, radish, carrots, cauliflower) and 250 packets of garden salad (lettuce, tomato, cucumber) seeds on behalf of SP Tamula’s Office, is Kathleen V. Mantalaba, who said, they have a program that advocates the natural way of farming for the benefit of all the Iliganon households in the urban areas. Eyed to increase agricultural productivity, competitiveness and profitability amidst the country’s fight against the COVID-19 crisis, Office of the City Councilor Rudolph Charles Tamula initiated a program dubbed as ‘Tatak Iliganon’ to provide

income generating activity and livelihood through seeds distribution to the Iliganons. “Nakita namo nga pag-start sa COVID-19 daghan na kaayo ganahan mag-gardening, mao nag-come up mi ani nga program para promotion na pud sa food security mao nang gi-grab namo ang opportunity nga naa'y assistance gikan sa DA ug nagpasalamat mi kay paspas ilang response sa among request,” she added. (We have noticed that since the start of the COVID-19 pandemic, a lot of people have gained interest in gardening, so we came up with a program to promote food security. We have also grabbed the opportunity of the assistance from DA, and we are thankful for their immediate response to our request) She likewise expressed that they are also promoting urban container gardening to those areas with limited spaces. Importantly, they encouraged their members into gardening for their daily consumption and to sell surplus of their

products to the local market. The program of the Tatak Iliganon family in the Office of the City Councilor in Iligan has reached more than 3,000 online members up to date. Of which, they are also conducting weekly monitoring on the growth and development of the plants through photo documentation from their beneficiaries. (DA10/ PIA10)

Regulatory Division Chief Juliet B. Araos (2nd from left) turns over assorted vegetable seeds to the Sangguniang Panglungsod of Iligan City. (DA 10)

Making education inclusive By CHERRY PINK NAMOC Libona National High School

T he te a ch i ng - l e ar n i ng process is an inherently social act, and as instructors we need to be mindful of the quality of the social and emotional dynamics in our course, because they impact learning and performance. There are a number of strategies instructors can implement to create a productive and inclusive climate. Examine your assumptions. It is very common for

instructors to assume that student share their own background, but this is not necessarily so. Do you find yourself addressing students as if they all share your religion, sexual orientation, or economic class? Learn and use students’ names. Even in large classes, you can start with a few names and build up. At the very least, let students know you are making an effort to do so.

Model inclusive language. For instance, avoid using masculine pronouns for both males and females. When you use American idioms, explain them for the benefit of non-native English speakers. Use multiple and diverse examples. Mu l t i p l e e x a m p l e s increase the likelihood of students relating to at least one of them. Take care to include examples that speak

to both sexes and that work across cultures. Establish ground rules for interaction. This will assure that other students are also being inclusive and respectful. In order to generate maximal buy-in into the ground rules, you can involve the students in the process of establishing them. You will still need to enforce the ground rules and correct students for the occasional non-inclusive or disrespectful comment.

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FRIDAY|AUGUST 28, 2020

The Rotary Club of Kalayaan Cagayan de Oro joins Barangay Carmen’s Culminating Activity of the National Breastfeeding Awareness Month this morning, August 26, 2020 at the Barangay Carmen Covered Court. President Dale Borja together with Project Chair Dr. Aster A. Daan gave the breastfeeding mothers who attended Breastfeeding Mother’s Kits courtesy of PAG Gilda “Gigi” Go and breast pumps from Rtn Joel Quimbo. They were joined by other members of RC Kalayaan CDO. This project is a partnership between the Barangay Carmen Nutrition Committee, the City Health Office, and the Rotary Club of Kalayaan Cagayan de Oro City. Rotary makes high-quality health care available to vulnerable mothers and children so they can live longer and grow stronger. Rotary provides education, immunizations, birth kits, and mobile health clinics. Women are taught how to prevent mother-to-infant HIV transmission, how to breast-feed, and how to protect themselves and their children from disease.

Perceptions of teachers toward supporting students’ mental needs By MERCEDES C. BERNAD, Teacher III Maningcol Central School Division of Ozamiz City

ALL students are encouraged to engage in activities that keep them mentally he alt hy including mindf ulness activities, restorative classroom circles and social emotional lessons that are executed by elementary classroom teachers. Counselors also conduct classroom lessons in addition to small group and one-to-one counseling sessions. If it is determined that a student needs the next level of support, a referral will be made. There are licensed therapists who work with students.

Services include individual, group and family counseling and case management services both in-person as well as through online platforms. Workshops are also offered which include an overview of mental health in children and common mental health disorders, understanding childhood depression/anxiety and teaching your children skills for resiliency, understanding children who struggle with poor impulse control, distracted thinking or explosive behaviors, five essential

adaptive skills for student success in your child and encouraging family special time and adaptive skill development in your school-aged children and adolescents. Before we push anything at students academically, let’s ask how they’re doing with no unrealistic expectations that we can somehow solve all their problems or magically fix everything and make all this go away but just a lot of acknowledgement, a lot of listening to kids and trying to get them the support they need.

City of Iligan Proposed Annual Budget Special Education Fund CY 2020 Appropriations ELSA S. DECHOS

The Division of Iligan City developed a strategic plan to improve the quality of education, provide access to every child, pursue an ef f icient prog ram and financial management, promote employee welfare, and expand working partnerships with the community. Every goal is backed up with status reports based on Enhanced Basic Education Information System (EBEIS) data, field survey, rapid appraisal, focused group discussion, and other pieces of documentary evidence to characterize prevailing environment and to explain

why certain indicators behave the way they do. Improving the quality of learners’ performance means making school experience meaningful to the children that they want to come to school, stay in school and finish as empowered graduates. This requires an interplay of other critical factors such as: focus on the required competencies in teaching, constant technical and academic supp or t to teachers, improving infrastructure of schools, community participation, and availability of financial resources. The future of this

children is shaped through Special Education Fund (SEF). Given the observed practices in the utilization of the SEF and current developments in the basic education sector, there is a need to reiterate and refocus the policies on the use of the SEF to better support the supplementary budgetary needs of school and learning centers. Moreover, in support to the eight-point agenda of Hon. Mayor Celso G. Regencia Administration and of the DepEd, the Division of Iligan City is taking a lead role in the efficiency in public

service. The same are to be instituted in support to the promotion of genuine good governance and corruption free administration. The Division of Iligan City comprising 3,000 public school teaching personnel and almost 500 non-teaching personnel entails for a continuous advancement of the employees’ welfare through fast-tracking of human resource services, Gender and Development (GAD), health, benefits, and other personnel services. All these shall be sustained in order to keep competent and committed employees in the system.

Technology and education must go hand in hand By CHERRY PINK NAMOC Libona National High School

The disruption brought by the COVID-19 pandemic has seen new life as schools at all levels of education welcome students back to the classroom. But with t he cl assro om s ett ing largely upended by the virus, we’ll be turning to a host of digital technology and online platforms to maint ain a hig h le vel of academic rigor and student collaboration. With so much uncertainty surrounding this school year, one thing i s c l e a r : Te c h n o l o g y will play a crucial role. From virtual welcome sessions and informational dialogues on YouTube t o, o f c o u r s e , o n l i n e classroom settings, the value of technology in maintaining campus safety in this upcoming school year cannot be overstated. To d a y, d i g i t a l

technology ensures t hat t here is minima l disruption in the education of our next generation. With limited in-person opportunities for students to work together, we’ll b e l e an i ng on on l i n e pl at for ms to promote a c o l l a b o r at i v e w o r k environment. Leveraging the WebCampus platform, students will be able to work t hroug h G o og le Docs to share ideas, collaborate on projects, and generally maintain a sense of teamwork that classroom and seminar settings would normally prov i d e . T h e c u r re nt moment presents a unique opportunity for students to not only learn through technology, but to learn about how digital services are supporting our country through the pandemic.

Big and Nimble RAUL M. NAMILIT Teacher III Mitugas Elementary School Tudela District Division of Misamis Occidental

Sky is the limit as buildings go higher and higher. Condominiums and highrise offices are currently mushrooming our cities. Everyone is indeed craving for space and having a small one is truly a luxury in big Metropolitan. Urban developers have satisfied the cravings for convenience to all of their clients. Just imagine how a small condo pod could lead you to all of the comfort that a city life could offer. Just press that elevator button to the ground floor and its door welcomes you to a big mall where you can enjoy all the entertainment it has to offer and you could by all your necessities. Done shopping? Press the RD button or the Roof Deck and get indulge to splash in the eternity pool with your cocktail or simply sip a cup of espresso in the coffee bar while enjoying the beautiful sunset in 67th floor. Many people are lured by the captivating scenery of city life as real estate agents offer a splendid live video tours to the condominium units while reminding their clients with their super low monthly amortization. Sadly, amateur investors are mesmerized by the amenities and comfort of the condo living with their minds negotiating that Return on Investment (ROI) would be easier than they think. As a result, they fell into the trap by plunging into debt without testing the waters. Calculating the cost after signing the contract is indeed a fatal

mistake in investment. Indeed, we all need to grow and must be open to new opportunities in life. Investing our money into something that will generate an income is such a good choice but there must be a good balance and discipline needed in order to succeed. A Bible verse reminds us that, “who of you wanting to build a tower does not first sit down and calculate the expense to see if he has enough to complete it.” Being wise and discreet is not to be mistaken for procrastination. We all know that time is such a valuable element and it is meant to be wasted at all. There are lot of ways of testing the waters. Why not consult a good friend that has enough knowledge in investment particularly in the field of our interest. Internet reviews are also helpful to a certain degree. Most of all, wisdom from above should be the most reliable guide. Remember, the best pillow that we could ever have is peace of mind and we can’t trade it to the thousands that we earned out of worries and stress.

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FRIDAY|AUGUST 28, 2020

LGUs urged to embark digital platform amid COVID-19 pandemic

AGAYAN DE ORO CITY--Noting that digital platform enables businesses to continue amid any crisis or emergencies, Roxas City, Capiz Mayor Ronnie Dadivas urged local government units (LGUs) to invest in modern technology and consider its advantages in promoting businesses and investments. "We have to take advantage of this platform to promote Roxas City amid the pandemic," Dadivas said during the daily

Roxas City, Capiz Mayor Ronnie Dadivas urges local government units (LGUs) to invest in digital platform and consider its advantages in promoting businesses and investments during the daily Laging Handa Network Briefing with Presidential Communications Sec. Martin Andanar, August 26. (Network Briefing)

Modular distant learning for this recent pandemic By JUVY P. MUNDO, PhD Senior High School Teacher III Pagadian City Science High School

MODULAR learning is the most preferred For students who don’t have access to by parents for the conduct of distance gadgets and the Internet, printed modules learning for the coming school year. In a will be delivered to them or picked up by distance learning approach, parents will their parents at designated areas within have to play an active role in the learning agreed schedules. process. They will be the one to facilitate and The assigned learning facilitators may guide their children through the modular also communicate to students through text lessons that will be sent to students while messages, phone calls and other available CDO MAIN BRANCH DIVISORIA BRANCHforms of communication. doing remote learning. P & J Lim Bldg., Tiano Brothers Atty. Erasmo B. Damasing Bldg., Sts., #61 Don A. Velez St., Quality education can help reduce Kalambagohan This is a learning delivery mode where Tel. # (08822) 727-829 * Cagayan de Oro City Telefax # (088) 856-1947 Tel. # (088) 857-3631 poverty, promote peace and foster interaction takes place between the teacher CAMIGUIN BRANCH who are geographically LAPASAN BRANCH development in the community which is and the students B. Aranas St., Poblacion, Lapasan Hi-way, Mambajao, Camiguin Cagayan de Oro City remote from each other during instruction. why I am in favor of opening classes this Tel. # (088) 387-0491 Tel. # (088) 231-6739 This means lessons will be delivered outside year. As a teacher, we have to be equipped CORRALES BRANCH CARMEN BRANCH Corrales Ave., Vamenta Blvd.,Cagayan de Oro City the traditional face to face setup. Cagayan de Oro City Tel. # (088) 231-2011 with a positive attitude towards this crisis.

Laging Handa Network Briefing with Presidential Communications Sec. Martin Andanar, August 26. Named as one of the Digital Cities 2025 by the Department of Information and Communications

Technology (DICT), Dadivas said they are chosen to be part of the Digital Cities because of their business process outsourcing, which is the largest contributor of the economy. Dadivas added that DIGITAL/PAGE 11

Hybrid education By CHERRY PINK NAMOC Libona National High School

When COVID-19 disrupted t r a d it i ona l cl ass ro om instruction and forced system and school leaders, IT professionals, educators, faculty, and students to pivot to remote learning, it also prompted re-examining education more broadly. To d a y ’s s t u d e n t s will need a high level of cognitive skills like problem solving, critical thinking, and creativity. And social-emotional skills have become even more important in remote and hybrid settings and require solutions that integrate pedagogy and technology accessibly and cohesively. E x p e r t s f rom n e w pedagogies for deep learning suggest that there are three phases that learning institutions are navigating to move education systems to a successful and sustainable

hybrid model: disruption, transition and reimagining. By now, many schools and universit ies have worked their way through the initial disruption and have been adapting to online learning for several months. As the next school year begins, there is new data showing some best practices for supporting smooth transitions for students and teachers. One of the most challenging aspects for teachers when moving online was how their relationships with students changed when meeting only on screens. For remote learning to be effective and sustainable, technologies that encourage meaningful engagement and interaction, with features that help teachers evaluate student progress, are critical.

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FRIDAY|AUGUST 28, 2020

DILG MisOcc intensifies RCSP implementation, review OROQUIETA CITY--In support to the government’s efforts to end the decadelong insurgency problem of the country, the Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) Misamis Occidental conducted the Retooled Community Support Program (RCSP) Implementation Review and Formulation/Updating of the Barangay Development Plan (BDP), August 19. The activity aims to update BDPs thereby recalibrating the existing RCSP action plans to align to its strategic objectives vis-àvis the mandated timeline of implementation. DILG Provincial Director Pablio Benitez, Jr. said amidst the pandemic, the department together with member agencies have all hands-on deck towards the effective and sustainable implementation of RCSP. He added that this targets

Drops... from page 1

Regional Development Plan 2017-2022, Lim said the current employment figure dropped by 14.8 percentage points from 96.9 percent reported in the same period of last year. The drop caused the unemployment rate to rise

The Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) Misamis Occidental conducts the Retooled Community Support Program (RCSP) Implementation Review and Formulation/Updating of the Barangay Development Plan (BDP), August 19. (DILG Misamis Occidental)

to liberate the geographically isolated and disadvantaged areas (GIDAs) from severe deprivation of basic government service aids. “It is ideal to have a focus strategy and utmost attention towards these barangays on the premise that government interventions through RCSP will counter forces of insurgency,” Benitez said. Participants included members of the Armed Forces of the Philippines

(AFP) 10th Infantry Battalion headed by their Commanding Officer Lt. Colonel Ray Tiongson, local chief executives and other local functionaries, and DILG field officers whose areas of responsibility belong to 2019 and 2020 target RCSP barangays of the province. On top of the discussions about the relevant DILG issuances, RCSP framework and operational

methodology, presentation of accomplishments as well as review, formulation and/or updating of plans, said activity targets strong commitment of concerned LGUs and assures meaningful collaboration among stakeholders. After the activity, all target LGUs generated an updated BDP as a roadmap in the implementation of RCSP. (DILG Misamis Occidental/PIA10)

to 17.9 percent during the period reported. The region’s labor force was est imate d at 1.965 million, of whom 1.614 million were employed, according to Lim. D av a o d e O ro G ov. Jayvee Tyron Uy, Regional Development Council chair, a ck n ow l e d ge d t h at t h e region suffered huge losses

in the second quarter due to the lockdowns during t h e q u a r a nt i n e p e r i o d to manage the spread of COVID-19. “We have big losses in our economy because of the pandemic, particularly service and tourism i n d u s t r i e s ,” h e s a i d , adding that small hotels, restaurants, inns, among others, have been shut down as a preventive measure against the disease. Wi t h t h e r e g i o n i n recovery stage following the shift to modified general community quarantine, Uy added that industries have been slowly opening up while provinces allowed tourism activities to resume at a limited capacity to r e s t a r t t h e e c o n o m y, p o t e nt i a l l y g e n e r at i n g

employment. “ We a r e o p e n i n g gradually because we still have to maintain the minimum health standards prescribed to us by the Department of Health to minimize the transmission of COVID,” he said. Meanwhile, Lim said the inflation rate in the region was at two percent in the second quarter of this year, which was lower compared to 3.6 percent recorded in the same quarter in 2019. “ This low and stable inflation rate during the second quarter of 2020 was attributed to the decrease of inflation rate particularly of housing water, electricity, and other utilities, including transport and maintenance and furnishing of households,” she added.

Libertad District Ranks 1st in Quick Count Enrollment MARIA ASUNCION G. RAFOLS Principal II Libertad Central School DepEd Misamis Oriental

Dated July 28, 2020, DepEd Libertad ranked first among twenty-four districts in the Division of Misamis Oriental from the posted quick count enrollment for the School Year 2020-2021 with a total number of 3,763 learners equivalent to 99 percent. The Department of Education, Misamis Oriental Division as of the mentioned date has a grand total of 166,710 enrollees from five (5) enrollment levels namely; Kindergarten ( 1 1 , 1 9 6 ) , E l e m e nt a r y (82,751), Special Education (268), Junior High School (56,517) and Senior High School (15,978) respectively. On the other hand, in a press conference held on August 24, 2020, DepEd Secretar y Leonor M. Briones stated that for the public school sector the said number of enrollees is already 85% of last year’s enrollment rate. The Department of Education announced that there are about 23.6 million enrolled learners for school year 2020-2021 in spite of the

Learning under lockdown By CHERRY PINK NAMOC Libona National High School

challenges the nation is facing right now. “We have achieved 96% of our previous enrollment in the public sector and now our private schools’ enrollment is picking up may be because our economy starts to pick up especially in NCR and Region 4-A and we see learners who choose private schools for their education are slowly coming back at 41%”, declared Secretary Briones. Lastly, DepEd previously targeted to record 80 percent of enrollees from last year’s 27.85 million registered learners of which education department set a lower target due to the global health crisis brought by COVID-19 pandemic.

Tweetorials are a series of tweets on Twitter, most commonly presented as a thread, which aim to educate an audience on a specific topic. They are often posted by leaders and experts in their specialties, and can allow students to interact with them in an informal way. Some critical thinking is required because anyone can post a thread on social media. Evaluating the legitimacy and any conflicts of interest of tweetorialists is advised before following them on Twitter. They are penly available and free, allows students to interact with, and learn from, experts they would usually not be able to access and convenient. Podcasts have become

i n c re a s i ng ly p opu l ar, particularly among young people. Although many podcasts are for e nt e r t a i n m e nt r at h e r than education purposes. For those who prefer learning by listening, podcasts are a great way to complement traditional learning methods. They also enable learning on the go or while doing other things. Some podcasts adopt a case based approach with clinical examples, whereas others focus on one disease or topic. They offer structured approaches to topics that are particularly difficult, convenient, free, and can be listened to on the go and comprise a wide range of formats and cover different approaches to teaching.

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FRIDAY|AUGUST 28, 2020

Royalty... from page 4

born into a poor, workingclass family. Most people did not even recognize Him. In fact, not only was He rejected by His own people then, but by most of us today. Remember, Jesus never said He was only a good man, teacher, or prophet. He absolutely claimed that He is God Himself. God the Son Who came to save us, and will also come again to judge the entire world for all of our wrong, sinful living. So either Jesus is a liar, a lunatic, or the Lord of everyone, whom He clearly proved to be. No other religious leader in history claimed to be God, except Jesus. He desperately wants to forgive us for all our wrongs, so He can give us His full and everlasting life. He has done everything He possibly can, to the point of sacrificing His own life for our sins, to make the way for us to come home to Him. But it is our choice! Will you recognize your King today? Won’t you ask Him to forgive you and take full charge of every area of your life? Until you do, you can never have His true, full life of love, satisfaction, and peace of mind He created you to have now and forever. Remember, Jesus Himself said: If you refuse to recognize Him daily as your personal Lord now, by free choice, you will be forced to later after it’s too late, and will suffer everlasting separation from Him and His true family of followers who chose to wholeheartedly love and live for Him. Just think a minute…

Investment... from page 4

programs. The issues on corruption must be addressed on a whole-of -nation approach. Second is the passage of several packages geared towards helping businesses adapt to the ‘new normal’, including the recalibrated corporate income tax package, and the much needed Economic Stimulus Act. (r uf f y44_ph2000@ yahoo.com.

Force... from page 4

is like a giant off-balance. So as not to fall, it has to run and in running, it steps on communities, forests, rivers, seas, agricultural lands, the ozone layer, the iceberg and even on people themselves, leaving havoc on its path. That AIDS-like development strateg y that kills the Earth’s vital organs, advances unbridled materialism and consumerism based on an individual pursuit of self-aggrandizement and wealth where money is used not to enhance the quality of life but to make more money. It this country, you call that block capitalism where cartels and the oligarchs run the economy, owned by only 200 families. In the world, only 8 billionaires are in control, whose total wealth equal the combined wealth of some 3.6

billion people or half of the world’s population. This is based on the Study of Oxfam. Our country has become a dumping ground of finished products and source of cheap raw materials following extractive economy. Indeed, where have all our forests and minerals gone? Gone to highly industrialized countries as the country still maintains an exclusive and a neo-colonial status, having been a colony of imperial powers for hundreds of years. Based on these realities, there must be a change now being championed by the present dispensation. An increasing number of people want change but how? When the Filipinos overwhelming voted to office a charismatic Mayor from Mindanao to become President, they wanted political change. This time economic change is in the offing but one that must debunk the present development paradigm. Yes, the only countervailing force is one that harnesses the collective power of the people called cooperativism.

Tourism...

from page 4 in conjunction with Visit Malaysia 2020. We hope this campaign will further drive tourist arrivals into Malaysia, boosting the tourism industry of our nation. Ultimately, this will also benefit the many attractions in Malaysia such as our vibrant Sunway City Kuala Lumpur, which houses the nation's first theme park Sunway Lagoon, one of the largest shopping malls in Malaysia, Sunway Pyramid, 5-star Sunway Resort Hotel & Spa and more.” Meanwhile, state tourism stakeholders, hoteliers and tourism product owners have also stepped forward to c ol l ab or ate on t h i s programme and ensure its success.

Trade... from page 3

of the illicit cigarette trade and the prevalence of the unlawful business operations in the Visayas region. They were trained on how to spot a counterfeit cigarette pro duct to b o ost their knowledge and confidence in their enforcement. PTI emphasizes that the lack of tax stamps and graphic health warnings is a sure sign that cigarette products are illicit. Un t a x e d c i g a r e t t e s should removed from the domestic market to protect much needed government revenues. For the Januaryto-June period, excise taxes collected on tobacco products reached P61.5 billion.

Webinar... from page 6

(AI) in accordance with the requirements of Section 14 of the RCC. The AI must set forth its primary purpose, principal office address, term of existence, names and details of the single stockholder, the nominee and alternate nominee, and the authorized, subscribed, and paid-capital

and such other matters consistent with law and which may be deemed necessary and convenient. For interested participants, please register through this link: https://bit.ly/32kFNuR SEC will be sending the Zoom conference details to those who registered. If you have any questions, please call SEC (0945) 7088317. For more information, please refer to the official poster below. Realize your dreams by bu i l d i ng you r ow n corporation.

Digital... from page 9

they have a pool of talents as well as infrastructure, which is in place and ready to operate anytime. The city also has an incentive business package and an identified Philippine Economic Zone Authority (PEZA) techno hub. F u r t h e r m o r e , Dadivas said they have a strong information and communications technology (ICT) council composed of the business and academe sectors. With such investment in technology and infrastructure, the mayor urges investors to consider Roxas City in their endeavors as the city is safe for business and they still have a lot of potential that businesses could explore. Digital platform in CDO In C a g ay a n d e O r o City, the LGU promotes e-commerce and electronic payment facilities to ensure effective revenue generation and give convenience to the public especially in the midst of COVID-19 pandemic. CDO LGU has also developed ICT systems that enable interconnectivity with other data, information and systems of other government offices, whether local or national. M o r e o v e r, t h e c i t y has since modernized its system, including adopting an online payment system to ensure ease of doing b u s i n e s s i n t h e L G U ’s facilities. The Digital Cities 2025 program is expected to determine the industr yreadiness of new centers by creating and developing ICT hubs in identified locations. The ICT hubs will ser ve as business and innovation centers to draw in investments that can be expected to create more jobs and other economic opp or t u n it i e s i n a re a s outside the National Capital Region (NCR). T h e m ov e m e nt a l s o aligns with the President’s ‘Balik Probinsya, Bagong Pag-asa Program where LGUs, ICT Councils, and Information Technology and Business Process Management (IT-BPM) locators will have access to information on strategies and best practices from the private and public sectors to effectively develop and grow the IT-BPM industry in the regions.(RTP/PIA10)

Rise... from page 1

The MEIC will be equipped with various tools and technologies from the D O ST- Me t a ls Indust r y Research and Development Center (DOST-MIRDC) amounting around PHP7 million, DOST-10 Director Alfonso Alamban said in a statement on Wednesday. Alamban said the center will get an additional PHP2 million funding assistance from DOST-10. “The metals industry is the mother of all industries. Every industry that exists today utilizes metals and engineering in its operations. Hence, we at DOST provide coordination of scientific and technological efforts and ensure that the results are geared and utilized in areas of maximum economic and social benefits for the people in the Region 20,” Alamban said. He said the USTP-MEIC is part of the agency's effort to establish metals and engineering innovation centers in five regions across the country. The project, he said, aims to develop a strong partnership between DOST and regional academic institutions to promote innovation culture and strengthen both parties' capacity and capability in the field of metalworking. (PNA)

Fruit... from page 1

Aside from durian, the deal also covers mangosteen, lanzones and marang. The regional agriculture office’s Agribusiness and Marketing Assistance Division facilitated the logistics deal, which was signed on Aug. 12. “The agreement is a big help to our farmers as we are assured of cargo space that will bring our harvest to major markets such as Metro Manila, Cebu, and Iloilo,” Mr. Belviz said. John Gold President and Chief Executive Officer John T. Baricuatro said his company will provide aircraft space at a special rate of P35 per kilo. The agreement is good f or a m ont h , but M r. Baricuatro said extensions are a possibility. “If tourists and consumers from other parts of the country cannot visit Davao City during this year’s harvest season, then we will bring the fruits to their localities,” DADavao Regional Executive Director Ricardo M. Oñate, Jr. said. MINDA TIENDA Separately, the Mindanao Development Authority (MinDA), said it is preparing to bring its Tienda program to Manila. Tienda was initiated last year to help Mindanao farmers bring fresh produce directly to market. The rolling store concept was also tapped for areas affected during last year’s earthquakes. Mi n DA Ti e nd a s a Manila will be expanded to include various processed food products and other

manufactured goods from the south. It is scheduled for Sept. 20-26 at the Mehan Garden in Manila. MinDA Chair Emmanuel F. Piñol, in a statement last week, said Manila Mayor Francisco M. Domagoso has given a permit for the market. Mr. Piñol said among the goods that will be showcased are fruits from the Davao Region and central Mindanao areas, seafood “from as far as Sulu and Tawi-Tawi,” organic rice, vegetables from Bukidnon’s IMTASULA Vegetable Complex, and indigenous woven products. (MinDA)

Releases...

from page 1 adding that starting January next year, LTFRB will only issue franchises to new PUVs owned and operated by either a transport cooperative or a corporation. Per records from the Office of Transportation Cooperatives, Northern Mindanao has 51 transport cooperatives, most of them based in Misamis Oriental, particularly in Cagayan de Oro. Misamis Oriental has 28 transport cooperatives; Bukidnon, seven; Lanao del Norte, 10; Misamis O c c i d e nt a l , f o u r ; a n d Camiguin, two. One of those groups is the Bukidnon Transport Multipurpose Cooperative (Buktramco), based in Quezon town, Bukidnon, with a branch in this city. Melvin Erederos, the Buktramco chairperson for Cagayan de Oro, said they are just waiting for the approval of the PHP130 million loan from Land Bank, which the transport coop will use to purchase 52 modernized PUV units priced at PHP2.5 million each. Erederos said that of the 52 units, 37 will be for Buktramco’s Cagayan de Oro operations, while 15 will be for Bukidnon. Buktramco plies the Bugo-Cogon route in the city, but he said they will be adding two more routes based on the local public transport route plan. The transport coop has more than 3,000 members in this city and in Bukidnon. Te o f r e d o S o q u i ñ o , Buktramco general manager, said that based on their business plan, the coop can afford to pay off the loan within the seven-year period, despite the coronavirus disease (Covid-19) pandemic. Although the Covid-19 pandemic has reduced the numb er of p ass engers, Soquiño said it also means faster travel time and more round trips for the PUVs. Under the PUV modernization program, drivers will be receiving monthly salaries. Rolina Morales, QSJ Motors Philippines Inc. national marketing coordinator, has confirmed that Buktramco has made a purchase order for 52 modernized PUV units. She said they can assemble at least 80 units in a month,

but added they can increase production quota to 120 if not for the pandemic. “We are expected to deliver to Buktramco within this year. They have already submitted their purchase order to us,” she said during the public viewing of the QSJmade modernized PUVs in Barangay Puerto recently. Morales said they were given by Buktramco three months to deliver. Lawyer Gil Cembrano, Q SJ Motors marke t i ng consultant, said that aside f rom Bu kt ramco ot her transport cooperatives in Mindanao, specifically in the Caraga region, have also signified their intent to order from the PUV manufacturer. “Some transport coops have t a ken an interest in QSJ b ecaus e of our reasonable price. We are cheaper compared to other brands,” Cembrano said, adding that while the present fuel standards required at present is Euro 4, they are now into manufacturing Euro 5-calibrated engines to comply with the Clean Air Act. (PNA) EXTRAJUDICIAL SETTLEMENT WITH DEED OF ABSOLUTE SALE KNOW ALL MEN BY THESE PRESENTS: That the late MARCELO Y. PIQUERO who died on April 7, 1981 at Cagayan de Oro City and PELAGIA T. PIQUERO who died on January 8, 1987 at Tagoloan, Misamis Oriental, that both deceased died intestate, without will or testament, and without any outstanding debts in favor of any person or entity, that both deceased left among others a parcel of land with Transfer Certificate of Title No. T-19042 situated in Bulua, Cagayan de Oro City, containing an area of ONE HUNDRED TWENTY FIVE (125) square meters, more or less, and has been the subject of an EXTRAJUDICIAL SETTLEMENT WITH DEED OF ABSOLUTE SALE, filed by the heirs of MARCELO Y. PIQUERO and PELAGIA T. PIQUERO, in favor of GILBERT ELRICH MIRANDA, per DOC #494; PAGE #99; BOOK #90; Series of 2020, under the Notarial Registry of QUINTILIANITO S. BABARIN, JR. BWM: Aug. 28, Sept. 4 & 11, 2020

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Friday|August 28, 2020

Create your sanitation station with SM Home W

Stay Safe and keep your sanitizing essentials organized with this multi-function mobile trolley.

ITH most of us now going out for work, it is important for every home to have a sanitation station at the door to get everyone into disinfecting and sanitizing before they enter their own home. The station will also keep our homes clean and safe to prevent the spread of the illness and other unknown viruses with essentials for intense washing, dusting, sanitizing and disinfecting on most touch-infected areas or common surfaces in your home such as doorknobs, handles, light switches, gadgets and tabletops. SM Home, the one-stop shop for all of your home essentials, has a wide variety of household items for all your sanitizing

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mat. If needed, set-up a makeshift changing room with curtain and ready a laundry basket for changing. Sterilize the area with UV light. Use pocket UV Sterilizer in sanitizing your gadgets, keys, wallet, and doorknobs. Do not forget to keep your Sanitation Station clean. Keep your home safe and sanitize with cleaning and sanitizing essentials from SM Home. These are available at the smhome.com.ph and shoppers can now place their order online through the SM Store’s Call to Deliver and ShopSM app. For more info and updates, follow them at SM Home at the SM Store in Instagram or visit thesmstore. com website.

USTP Pres. Ambrosio B. Cultura II and RD Alamban signs the MOA Make any space clean and cool with Dyson Pure CoolTM Tower Purifying Fan which detects harmful pollutants in the air and an advanced filtration that captures 99.95% of Particle Pollution and an Air MultiplierTM Technology for whole-room purification.

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DOST, USTP Approves the Establishment of an Innovation Center for Metals and Engineering in Region 10 THE Department of Science and Technology – Region X (DOST-X) enters into a Memorandum of Agreement with the University of Science and Technology of the Philippines (USTP) CDO campus and DOST Metals Industry Research and Development Center (DOST-MIRDC) for the establishment of the Metals and Engineering Innovation Center (MEIC) in Region X. The ceremonial MOA signing was at USTP – Claveria in celebration of the USTP’s Fourth Charter Day Celebration on August 13, 2020. The USTP-MEIC is a project of DOST-MIRDC

to initially establish Metals and Engineering Innovation Centers in five (5) regions across the country. The project aims to develop a strong partnership between DOST and regional academic institutions to promote innovation culture and strengthen both parties' capacity and capability in the field of metalworking. All these objectives are to enhance the competitive advantage of the Metals and Engineering (M&E) Industries in the regions. The Innovation Center will soon initially hub various tools and equipment from DOST-MIRDC amounting to at least Seven Million

Pesos. DOST-X also initially committed Two Million Pesos as funding assistance for the said center. “The metals industry is the mother of all industries. Every industry that exists today utilizes metals and engineering in its operations. Hence, we at DOST provide coordination of scientific and technological efforts and ensure that the results are geared and utilized in areas of maximum economic and social benefits for the people in the Region X,” DOST-X Regional Director Alfonso P. Alamban said in his message during the MOA signing. (Rubie Mae Fernandez, DOST-X)