BusinessWeek Mindanao (December 11-12, 2019)

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One-stop agri hub BUTUAN City – The Department of Agriculture in Caraga Region (DA13) opened its One-Stop Agribusiness Center (OSAC) on Tuesday at the DA compound here. The center will accommodate regional products and also serve as an information center for agribusiness matters in the region. In his message during the opening activity, DA-13 regional executive director Abel James Monteagudo called on the agriculture stakeholders in Caraga to take advantage of the center.

Port upgrade DAVAO City — The P550-million Malalag Port Development Project in Davao del Sur has been completed, upgrading the cargo facility for the south of the Davao Region, the Philippine Ports Authority (PPA) said over the weekend. In a statement, PPA said among the goods that are expected to pass through the seaport are “molasses, sugar, steel products, vehicles and heavy equipment.” Davao del Sur is considered the center of sugar production in the region, and also produces coconut, rice, mango, and banana, among other agricultural commodities.

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Mindanao's 1st modern PUVs launched in CDO M

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By ERCEL MAANDIG, Reporter

INDANAO'S first batch of modern public utility jeepneys (PUJs) has started its maiden route on Tuesday, as part of the Land Transportation Franchising Regulatory Board's (LTFRB) Public Utility Vehicle (PUV) Modernization program. The 21-seater PUJ will run an average of 24 kilometers from the eastern part of the city, Barangay Bugo, to a tourist destination in Opol town, Misamis Oriental

MODERN PUVs. Cagayan de Oro City Mayor Oscar Moreno, Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB) 10 director Aminoden Guro and Land Transportation Office (LTO) 10 director Nelson Manaloto led the inauguration of 15 modern PUVs that would ply Bugo-Seven Seas route as granted to the Oro Transport Cooperative (OROTSCO). The units are fully air-conditioned Hino brand unit with Wi-Fi and Card swiping machine, an additional eight passengers can stand in the aisle if seating capacity is already full. photo by mark francisco

Initial shipment of frozen durian enters US market By CARMELITO Q. FRANCISCO, Correspondent

DURIAN FROM Davao City has broken through the US market with an initial 300 kilos ordered by an Oregonbased blogger and importer.

Candelario B. Miculob, chair of the Davao City Durian Industry Council, said the buyer, Lindsey Gasik, has been travelling around

Asia tasting different durian varieties. She expressed interest in importing vacuum-packed frozen durian from the city earlier this year. DURIAN/PAGE 9

province, the Seven Seas Waterpark. The transport group, Oro Transportation Service Cooperative (Orotsco) was LAUNCHED/PAGE 11

MinDA 'Tienda' seeks to hike income, rid poverty DAVAO City -- The Mindanao Development Authority (MinDA) Tienda Program seeks to increase the income of farmers by giving them more access to farm inputs and commodities at lower prices, its top official said Monday. In his Facebook post,

MinDA Secretary Emmanuel Piñol said the program aims to provide rural consumers, esp e ci a l ly far mers and fisherfolk, access to farm inputs and equipment and household supplies at prices lower than in commercial stores. TIENDA/PAGE 9

WWF-Philippines official: ‘Our lifestyle impacts nature’ By BONG D. FABE, Contributor

WWF-Philippines’ Ms. Chrisma Salao

DAVAO City—The way we live—our lifestyle—impacts on nature. WWF-Philippines' Vice President for Conservation Chrisma Salao said that the various programs and projects being implemented at present

address the different aspects of humankind's relationship with nature. “A n g k a b u u a n n g ebolusyon ng WWF at bakit ganito yung mga projects natin ngayon ay dahil sa ating IMPACTS/PAGE 9

PAROLS. A vendor sorts hand-made Christmas parols he is selling near Cogon public market in Cagayan de Oro City. mindanews photo by froilan gallardo

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MinDA 'Tienda' seeks to raise income, reduce poverty DAVAO City -- The Mindanao Development Authority (MinDA) Tienda Program seeks to increase the income of farmers by giving them more access to farm inputs and commodities at lower prices, its top official said Monday. In his Facebook post, MinDA Secretary Emmanuel Piñol said the program aims to provide rural consumers, especially farmers and fisherfolk, access to farm inputs and equipment and household supplies at prices lower than in commercial stores. Piñol hopes that the program will contribute to the reduction of poverty in Mindanao and Palawan in the long run.

"Farmers and fisherfolk will be registered as members of the MinDA Tienda for them to avail of the special prices while at the same time, they will be assured of a market for their produce," he said. He said the program also hopes to transform rural agricultural and fisheries production into a market-oriented activity, as the members will be guided on what to produce based on the needs of the market. "As card-bearing members, they will be earning shares every time they buy from and sell their produce to the MinDA Tienda," Piñol added. TIENDA/PAGE 11

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WED-THU|DECEMBER 11-12, 2019

Church leaders optimistic about new rounds of peace talks

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By JIGGER JERUSALEM, PNA

HURCH leaders have expressed optimism that the planned revival of the peace negotiations will push through for good this time, following the announcement of President Rodrigo Duterte he is reopening talks with the communist rebel movement.

“We are glad that peace still has a place in the President’s heart,” said Bishop Felixberto Calang, an Iglesia Filipina Independiente leader and convenor of the Sowing the Seeds of Peace in Mindanao, in an interview Monday (December 9). However, Calang said

“it must be Duterte who will be calling the shots” so as not to muddle the peace process. “Let him (Duterte) decide what is best. The advisers are just there to advise, but the final say is on him,” the prelate said. He added peace negotiations are a “political matter that must be decided by the civilian authority.” In a statement it posted on social media Monday, the Philippine Ecumenical Peace Platform (PEPP) also welcomed Duterte’s announcement, adding

they support “a peace that is not won by the barrel of a gun, nor by demonizing the enemy, but through constructive dialogue." "This is through the pursuit of a peace agreement that is mutually acceptable and will address the root causes of the longest-running armed conflict in Asia to date,” PEPP added, referring to the communist insurgency. During the three-day 8th Ecumenical Church Leaders Summit on Peace organized by PEPP in Silang, Cavite, attended by 110 church leaders that started on December 6, the group urged both the Philippine government and the rebels' political arm, the National Democratic Front of the Philippines (NDFP), to work for the signing and approval of the Comprehensive Agreement on Social and Economic reforms (CASER) and

for the declaration of a ceasefire. The church leaders also urged the government to release political detainees, including NDFP peace consultants, on humanitarian grounds and for the Communist Party of the Philippines (CPP), New People’s Army (NPA), and NDFP to release their prisoners of war as well. In addition, the PEPP has also instructed “faith communities to expand the effort to conduct creative activities (formal and non-formal education, both in public and private schools) and dialogue under the banner of PEPP, and to further broaden the support for the resumption of the GRP-NDFP formal peace talks.” “We vow to continue to use our faith resources and moral leadership to further expand the work of PEPP throughout the Philippines. We will not stop and we will break the walls among religions and build bridges instead,” the group said. The PEPP statement was signed by Archbishop Antonio Ledesma, cochairperson; The Right Reverend Rex Reyes Jr., co-chairperson; Bishop Noel Pantoja, national president of the Philippine Council of Evangelical Churches (PCEC); Bishop Deogracias Iñiguez Jr., co-chairperson of the Ecumenical Bishop’s TALKS/PAGE 11

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

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THURSDAY|DECEMBER 12, 2019

The Paragon Davao showroom opens The Paragon Davao is the fourth mixed-use property developed by Cebu Landmasters in Visayas and Mindanao. Phase 1 of the development will include the 26-storey residential condominium One Paragon Place, the 263-room hotel and serviced residences Citadines Paragon Davao to be managed by The Ascott Limited – one of the world’s leading lodging owner-operators, The Paragon Davao Convention Center, and The Paragon Davao Lifestyle Mall.

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EADING local housing developer in VisMin Cebu Landmasters and the Villa-Abrille family through the joint venture YHES Inc. open the 275 sqm showroom of The Paragon Davao, a P2.6 billion masterplanned mixeduse development expected to be completed in 2022

and envisioned to be Davao City’s lifestyle destination. Phase 1 of The Paragon Davao development includes the 26-storey residential condominium One Paragon Place, the 263-room hotel and serviced residences Citadines Paragon Davao to be managed by The Ascott Limited –

one of the world’s leading lodging owner-operators, The Paragon Davao Convention Center, and The Paragon Davao Lifestyle Mall. Located at the fourth floor of the Edge Building in Arellano Street corner Quirino Avenue in Poblacion, Davao City, The Paragon Davao showroom

showcases modern tropical and coastal themed model studio and 1-bedroom units of One Paragon Place. Design of the former is infused with Davao elements in patterns and textures of materials. The Paragon Davao showroom also showcases a model unit of Citadines Paragon

Davao whose vibrant and space efficient design has a contemporary style fused with a local flavor, allowing residents to have a unique and unforgettable experience in the serviced residence. The showroom is open Mondays to Fridays from 9AM to 6PM, and on Saturdays from 9AM

to 12noon. The Paragon Davao is Cebu Landmasters’ fourth mixed-use property in Visayas and Mindanao and is conceptualized and designed by Callison RTKL in collaboration with top architectural firm RMDA. Cebu Landmasters and the Villa-Abrille family’s partnership include the development of the 22-hectare Davao Global Township located in Matina district and the twotower MesaTierra Garden Residences. “We are grateful for the opportunities made available by our partners to contribute to the economic growth of Davao City. The properties that we develop are designed to satisfy the evolving lifestyle of the Davaoenos and those from its neighboring cities,” says CLI president and chief executive officer Jose Soberano III.

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Opinion

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JEROME DE LA FUENTE According to the Global Slavery Index, an estimated 40.3 million men, women, and children were victims of modern slavery on any given day in 2016. With the International Labor Organization estimating annual profits from forced labour at 150 billion USD, it

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Chance or choice Think a minute…There was a man who was the owner of the only hair salon in his little town. He cut and styled the hair of almost everybody in town and his business was quite successful. Then, a big modern hair salon moved to his town right across the street from his little shop. This new, big salon advertised in the newspapers and posted signs all over town that read: “$6 haircuts! Everything for only $6!” S o on a l m o s t a l l h i s customers began going to the new salon across the street for $6 haircuts. The owner of the old hair salon knew he could never afford to beat the big new salon’s price of only $6. But then he thought of a way to turn things around and win his customers and business back. He had a local sign company paint him a big sign which he put in front of his hair salon. It read: “We FIX $6 haircuts!” We all have problems an d go t h rou g h t ou g h times. It’s the people who respond and handle those problems positively who end up succeeding in life. It’s

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THINK A MINUTE

is the world’s second largest criminal industry and affects all countries. The victims of these crimes have to endure forced labor, sexual exploitation, organ removal or forced marriage. The fight against m o d e r n s l av e r y s t a r t s by a c k n ow l e d g i ng an d identifying the issue. In 2015, the UK government intensified their efforts by issuing t he Mo der n Slavery Act, calling for more transparent supply chains in large companies. The awareness of this issue has also risen dramatically over the past years thanks to the efforts of many human rights organizations. Together with government agencies they are determined to educate t he genera l public and

private corporations on signs of human trafficking and on how to proceed once a case has been identified. Private companies are asked to step up and acknowledge their responsibility to protect the many lives destroyed by this heinous practice. As a global industry, the hospitality sector has an important role to play in recognizing and fighting these crimes. Unfortunately, human traffickers often use the anonymity provided by hospitality establishments as a base for their operations. Be it as a location from where they conduct the trade in human lives or even as the very place the individuals are forced to work involuntarily by means

of force, coercion or fraud. It is a common misconception that human trafficking only takes place in less developed countries and in back-alley budget hotels: the reality is that it can take many forms and can happen in any place. How hospitality organizations are addressing human trafficking Many international hotel chains had for sometime now been collaborating with ECPAT –USA and Polaris – both leading nonprofit organization against human trafficking to make their educational programs accessible in several languages. So far, more than a million chain hotel employees have successfully PREVENT/PAGE 11

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THURSDAY|DECEMBER 12, 2019

Human Trafficking: What hotels are doing to prevent it

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JUN LEDESMA PISSED by the verdict of Singapore-based Arbitration Court that directed the Ph i l ippi ne gove r n me nt to compensate the MWSS concessionaires billions of pesos for alleged losses they incurred, an irate President Rodrigo Duterte issued a stern warning he will charge Maynilad and Manila Water top honchos of economic sabotage. Early in his presidency, Duterte pledged that he will take care of peace and order and corruption in the government bureaucracy and will leave business to

business. In his braggadocio, Manny Pangilinan issued unnecessary snide remarks - telling Duterte and his Cabinet to leave the telecom to the players for they lack the knowledge of the industry. While indeed Duterte, a lawyer by profession and a p ol it ici an for ne arly 23 years, may have little knowledge of the nuances of the industry and its dizzying pace of technological evolution, he knew that the Telecommunications Industry in the Philippines is a duopoly of PLDT and Globe. When Duterte wanted an accounting of frequencies available for a 3rd Telco player, he was advis e d that these were allocated to various telecom players but had been absorbed by PLDT/Smart and Globe Telecom. Recall that San Miguel Corporation had wanted to invest in telecoms with an Australian Telecom firm Telstra as a partner and bought a moribund

telecom along with a strategic spectrum. SMC had bought Liberty Broadcasting C or p oration and along with it the 700 MHz assigned to the company. The acquisition was placed under Vega Telecom. When SMC’s partnership with the Aussie firm went sour, the former did not surrender the spectrum but instead sold this to the duopoly for a whooping P70-billion. The government demanded that the spectrum be surrendered to the government anyway. Prior to the SMC and the duopoly deal, government t h r o u g h t h e Na t i o n a l Te l e c o m m u n i c a t i o n s Commission also required PLDT to surrender 10 MHz of the 2100 MHz band of G okong wei’s Digitel telecom company which was acquired by its subsidiary - Connectivity Unlimited Resources Enterprises or CURE. Pangilinan, however, demanded P3-billion from the government as settlement. No settlements were arrived

at until it caught up with the Duterte administration. As I said, the President started to smell a dead rat in the allocation of radio spectrum resources which he learned later is a virtual monopoly of the duopoly. Duterte then asked PLDT to return the frequency assigned to Digitel. The response of Pangilinan was true to form. Still smarting from his first sarcastic message to Duterte who just assumed office as President, Pangilinan tried another slur: “I will return the frequency provided you pay PLDT P3-billion”. I remembered distinctly where and how Duterte answered Pangilinan. In a speech during the anniversary celebration of NEDA at its main headquarters in Jose Escriva st. in Ortigas, Pasig City, the President ordered Pangilinan to return the f re quenc y and p ay t he government otherwise he will dispatch a team of BIR examiners to look into his OLIGARCHY/PAGE 11

Don't be scandalized by me JHAN TIAFAU HURST not luck that controls your life! It’s your own choices that make you happy and successful. You see, “Things turn out best for people who make the best of the way things turn out.” No matter what happens these people keep going, because sooner or later “Tough people win over tough times.” Remember, the same heat that melts butter also hardens clay. The difference is in their response. How about you? How do you respond? How do you handle the heat of problems and tough times in your life? No matter which way the ball bounces, it’s still your game. So today, if you’ll CHANCE/PAGE 11

That’s what Christ told his disciples. When John the Baptist heard of what Christ was doing, he sent his disciples to ask Christ if he (Christ) was the one John told them was to come or should they expect someone else. The response of Christ was very telling. “Go and show John again those things which you hear and see,” he said. “ The blind see, the lame walk, the lepers are cleansed, and the deaf hear, the dead are raised up, and the poor have the gospel preached to them. And blessed is he who is not scandalized by me.” (Mt 11,4-6) Other versions of the same gospel passage render Christ’s response as “Blessed is he, whosoever shall not be offended in me,” “Blessed is the man who does not fall away on account of me,” or

“Blessed is anyone who does not stumble on account of me.” They all mean the same thing—that they, and we, should not be scandalized by some of the moves, the bold, unexpected moves that may break some waivable protocols or human molds that Christ did in order to reach out to the sick, the weak, the dead and those in the peripherals who to us should not be taken in the literal and physical sense only but more so in the moral and spiritual sense. I thought this c o n s i d e r at i o n i s m o s t relevant these days when we see many so-called good and conservative Catholics scandalized by what Pope Francis is doing to reach out to whom he regards as the peripherals in society. These peripherals c a n b e t h o s e i n s om e

irregular situation like the divorced and remarried, the separated, or the gays, those still in some tribal cultures with pagan beliefs and practices, those whose ideologies are opposed to the Christian faith, etc. In another sense, the peripherals can also be those in the mainstream not only in society but also in the Church itself who need to be constantly converted, since every one of us, whether we like to admit it or not, is a sinner. (cfr. 1 Jn 1,8) These latter can be the more dif f ic ult cas es to Christianize, since they can be so trapped in their selfrighteousness that they can sound and act more popish and more Catholic than the Pope, and even more strict than God himself. They can be like the Pharisees of old that could not see the Redeemer

HINTS AND TRACES

ROY CIMAGALA when in fact he was right in front of them. Instead they clung to their own laws, traditions, and ideas. Worse, they always tried to find fault in Christ until they finally managed to deliver him to death on the cross. Their idea of God and the Redeemer is strictly according to their own making. We have to b e most careful with this very subtle SCANDALIZED/PAGE 11

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Banking&Finance

LBP, DBP to charge DA less on loan disbursements S TATE-owned financial institutions Land Bank of the Philippines (LBP) and the Development Bank of the Philippines (DBP) have cut the management fees they charge for processing three of the Department of Agriculture’s (DA) financial programs. The loss on the part of LBP and DBP and the gain on DA will be about P34 million, based on the latter’s estimate. Apparently, Agriculture Secretary William Dar made a request from Finance Secretary Carlos G. Dominguez III for LBP and DBP to reduce the fees they charge DA on processing and disbursing loans to farmer-clients under three financing programs. This was eventually approved, with the two banks reducing their

previous management fee rate of 4.5 percent by one percentage point to 3.5 percent, which will be applicable to the P1-billion credit component of the Rice Competitiveness Enhancement Fund (RCEF); P1-billion credit program under the Sugarcane Industry Development Act (SIDA); and the P1.4-billion Agricultural Competitiveness Enhancement Fund (ACEF). RCEF is the tariff collected from imported rice and is supposed to help rice farmers become competitive and more productive. Under the Rice Tariffcation Law or Republic Act (RA) 11203, RCEF should be first injected with P10 billion annually from 2019 to 2024 or a period of six years. Under the RCEF, the P1-billion credit fund is equally shared by the

LBP and DBP at P500 million each. The SIDA fund, on the other hand, was created to implement the law that aims to improve the production in the local sugar industry and make the sugarcane farmers competitive by providing them equipment, scholarship, funding, and better yielding varieties. The SIDA and ACEF financing programs are both managed by the LBP on DA’s behalf. ACEF is a fund collected by the Department of Finance (DOF) through the Bureau of Customs (BOC) from tariffs imposed on imported agricultural products. It is meant to increase the productivity of agricultural and fisheries producers through the provision of loans particularly to Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs).

GSIS set to start release of pensioners’ cash gifts THE GOVERNMENT Service Insurance System (GSIS) will start releasing Christmas cash gifts next week, Dec. 15, to active old-age and disability pensioners. GSIS said the pension fund has allotted P3.12 billion for the cash gift that will be distributed to some 324,000 eligible members. Rolando Ledesma

Macasaet, chairman, acting president and general manager of GSIS, said the cash gifts will be credited to pensioners’ e-cards ahead of Dec. 25. “We know that our 324,348 pensioners are looking forward to the GSIS Christmas Cash Gift which they fondly call their Christmas bonus. Thus, we made sure that it will be credited to their

e-card a few days before Christmas Day so they can spend it in celebrating this joyous occasion with their families,” Mr. Macasaet was quoted as saying. GSIS said the members eligible for the cash gift are the active old-age and disability pensioners who are still alive as of Nov. 30 and are still receiving their regular monthly pension. “Suspended pensioners

as of November 30, 2019 are also eligible to receive the cash gift, provided they activate their status with GSIS on or before 30 April 2020,” it said. The pension fund explained that members who got at least P10,000 worth of Christmas cash gift in 2018 could receive up to P12,600, based on its one month current RELEASE/PAGE 11

Dollar reserves hit $86.39B at end-November

THE country’s dollar reserves rose by $560 million from a month earlier to $86.39 billion at the end of November, giving the central bank enough buffer against liquidity shocks, the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP) said on Friday. The month-onmonth increase in gross international reserves reflects the inflows arising from BSP’s foreign exchange operations and income from its investments abroad, and the National Government’s net foreign currency deposits, it said in a statement. “The end-November

level provides an ample external liquidity buffer that is equivalent to 7.5 months’ worth of imports of goods and services and payments of primary income,” the central bank said. It was also equivalent to 5.6 times the country’s short-term external debt based on original maturity and 4.1 times based on residual maturity. Net international reserves, which refer to the difference between the central bank gross international reserves and total short-term liabilities, also increased by $560 million to $86.38 billion during the period, BSP said.

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Environment

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WED-THU|DECEMBER 11-12, 2019

Some stress in early life extends lifespan, research in roundworms shows

SOME stress at a young age could actually lead to a longer life, new research shows. University of Michigan researchers have discovered that oxidative stress experienced early in life increases subsequent stress resistance later in life. Oxidative stress happens when cells produce more oxidants and free radicals than they can deal with. It's part of

the aging process, but can also arise from stressful conditions such as exercise and calorie restriction. Examining a type of roundworm called Caenorhabditis elegans, U-M scientists Ursula Jakob and Daphne Bazopoulou found that worms that produced more oxidants during development lived longer than worms that produced fewer oxidants. Their results are published in the

journal Nature. Researchers have long wondered what determines variability in lifespan, says Jakob, a professor of molecular, cellular and developmental biology. One part of that is genetics: If your parents are long-lived, you have a good chance for living longer as well. Environment is another part. That other stochastic -- or random -- factors

might be involved becomes clear in the case of C. elegans. These short-lived organisms are a popular model system among aging researchers in part because every hermaphroditic mother produces hundreds of genetically identical offspring. However, even if kept in the same environment, the lifespan of these offspring varies to a surprising extent, Jakob says. RESEARCH/PAGE 9

Caenorhabditis elegans (stock image). Credit: © heitipaves/Adobe Stock

Cimatu orders setup of DENR office in Puerto Galera E NVIRONMENT Secretary Roy A. Cimatuwants the rehabilitation of Puerto Galera to follow the footsteps of Boracay and Manila Bay in a bid to protect and preserve the country’s prime tourism destinations. In his visit to Puerto Galera last week, Cimatuordered Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) MIMAROPA Regional Executive Director Henry Adornado to put up a

DENR office in Puerto Galera to ensure that the famous tourist destination is properly managed. He also instructed Adornado to facilitate the transfer of the regional office from Roxas Boulevard in Manila to Calapan City in Oriental Mindoro pursuant to the provisions of Republic Act 10879 that makes the city the regional center for MIMAROPA. “It will never be easy. But I can already see the strengthened collaboration between the DENR

regional task force and the local government unit in saving Puerto Galera,” said Cimatu. “I commend and thank you for your sacrifices but please be reminded that we are protecting Puerto Galera not only for ourselves, but more importantly for the generations to come,” he added. Task Force Puerto Galera was created in February 2018 to spearhead the cleanup of the island and ensure OFFICE/PAGE 9

provides guidelines on environmentallysound evaluation, establishment, operation and decommissioning or closure of WTE technologies for MSW management. MSW is defined in the order as waste produced from activities within local government units, which include a combination of residential, commercial,

institutional and industrial trash and street litters. The DENR is looking at WTE as a cleaner and more sustainable alternative to the traditional sanitary landfill, which is the waste disposal method allowed underRA 9003 or the Ecological Solid Waste Management Act of 2000. Cimatu said the country’s garbage woes

are only getting worse, especially in Metro Manila, which generates about 56,000 cubic meters of trash per day. “The problem on solid waste is one of the primary issues that we must address immediately,” the DENR chief pointed out. Cimatu assured that the WTE guidelines “adhere to the policy of the GUIDELINES/PAGE 9

DENR issues guidelines for setting up waste-to-energy facilities Lake Kivu (stock image). Credit: © Cmon / Adobe Stock

How ancient microbes created massive ore deposits, set stage for early life NEW research in Science Advances is uncovering the vital role that Precambrian-eon microbes may have played in two of the early Earth's biggest mysteries. University of British Columbia (UBC) researchers, and collaborators from the universities of Alberta, Tübingen, Autònoma de Barcelona and the Georgia Institute of Technology, found that ancestors of modern bacteria cultured from an iron-rich lake in Democratic Republic of Congo could have been key to keeping Earth's dimly lit early climate warm, and in forming the world's largest iron ore deposits billions of years ago. The bacteria have special chemical and

physical features that in the complete absence of oxygen allow them to convert energy from sunlight into rusty iron minerals and into cellular biomass. The biomass ultimately causes the production of the potent greenhouse gas methane by other microbes. "Using modern geomicrobiological techniques, we found that certain bacteria have surfaces which allow them to expel iron minerals, making it possible for them to export these minerals to the seafloor to make ore deposits," said Katharine Thompson, lead author of the study and PhD student in the department of microbiology and immunology. MICROBES/PAGE 9

THE Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) has issued guidelines on the establishment and operation of waste-toenergy (WTE) facilities for the treatment of municipal solid waste (MSW) in the country. Speaking at a forum in Taguig City on Thursday, Environment Secretary Roy A. Cimatu said the guidelines are embodied in DENR Administrative Order (DAO) No. 201921 that he signed last November 26. “With these guidelines, we hope that we will be able to demonstrate in a pilot basis one solution to the waste problem using WTE method without violating Republic Act (RA) 8749 or the Philippine Clean Air Act of 1999,” Cimatu said during the forum organized by Stratbase Group. WTE refers to the energy recovered from waste, usually the conversion of nonrecyclable waste materials into useable heat, electricity or fuel through a variety of processes. According to Cimatu, the DAO

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CorporateWorld

PAL to launch non-stop Manila-Perth route in March 2020

P

HILIPPINE Airlines (PAL) will offer nonstop flights between Manila and Perth, Australia beginning March 30, 2020, the carrier announced Monday. Using an A321 aircraft, the new route will depart from Manila every Monday,

Tuesday, Thursday, and Saturday at 12:05 a.m., and arrive at Perth Airport at 7:20 a.m. local time. Perth-Manila service will leave Perth’s Terminal 1 International at 8:40 a.m. local time, and touch down in Manila at 3:50 p.m. on the same day.

"Our pioneer nonstop flights will allow us to vigorously promote the Philippines as a top-notch tourist experience for residents of Western Australia, and we look forward to extending our gracious Filipino hospitality to them from the moment they step onboard our brand-new

planes,” said PAL Chief Sales and Marketing officer, Eugene Go, in a statement. By taking a non-stop flight to Perth, travelers will save at least four and a half hours in travel time compared to taking other airlines that require a stopover and flight connections, the carrier noted.

Perth will be PAL’s fourth Australian gateway, apart from non-stop flights to Sydney, Melbourne, and Brisbane. With the addition of Perth to PAL's route, PAL will be offering a total of 19 weekly non-stop flights to the four destinations in Australia. (PNA)

Del Monte swings to SteelAsia eyes P25-B new investments loss in 2nd quarter in aggressive expansion

DEL MONTE Pacific Ltd. swung to a loss of $37.35 million in the second quarter of its 2020 fiscal year because of one-off expenses as it shuttered a number of plants in the United States. The listed canned fruits manufacturer told the stock exchange yesterday it booked an attributable net loss in the August to October period from last year’s profit of $8.43 million. This accounted for the company’s one-off expenses in US subsidiary Del Monte Foods, Inc. (DMFI) which closed four production facilities to improve capacity utilization. Minus the oneoff items, Del Monte’s attributable net income in the second quarter soared 118.1% to $15.93 million,

driven by the 64.7% jump in its operating profit to $47.22 million. In the six-month period, the company’s attributable net loss reached $75.62 million from last year’s attributable net income of $11.45 million. Without the oneoff items, attributable net income stood at $20.07 million, an almost sixfold increase from $3.57 million in the year prior. Revenues during the period slipped 5.9% to $934.61 million as the slowdown in its US operations weighed on the improved performance in the Philippines and S&W in Asia. The company said moving forward, it expects to “improve operational efficiency, reduce costs and increase margins” DEL MONTE/PAGE 11

STEELASIA Manufacturing Corp., the country’s largest steel producer, plans to invest an additional P25 billion to build two more facilities as it embarks on an aggressive expansion drive to meet market demand, and enter the local bourse within two years. “We are capacity constrained today. On a per capita basis compared to our neighboring countries, we are much lower and we are filling it right now. Lots of demand is coming in, we haven’t seen the real Build, Build, Build (infrastructure program) which we believe will start to kick-in next year,” SteelAsia chairman and chief executive officer, Benjamin Yao said, in an interview with the Philippine News Agency on Monday. Yao said they intend

Gob. Bambi, mipahalipay sa Balingoanong si Von Tambeling No. 12 pick sa Gatorade PBA draft 2019 ANG SHOOTING guard ng a s i Joh n Von Jov i Tambeling maoy No. 12 pick sa fifth round sa Gatorade PBA R o ok ie Draft 2019 sa Robinsons Place Manila, niadtong Domingo, Disyembre 8, isip reinforcement nila ni Chris Ross, Alex Cabagnot ug Marcio Lassiter sa San Miguel Beermen.

Gikan sa Philippine Christian University si Von Tambeling, kinsa lumad nga molupyo sa Brgy. BaukBauk, Balingoan, Misamis Oriental. Maoy pahalipay ni Gobernador Bambi Emano nga laing Misamisnon na usab ang nagdala’g maayong dungog ngadto sa kaulohan ug tibuok kalibotan. Nagpamatuod lamang

nga ang Misamisnon dili palupig kung talento ug abilidad ang hisgotan. Is ip b a s ke t b o l i s t a s a iyang kabataan, idolo ni Gobernador Emano ang iyang ka-probinsiya nga mosikat sa basketball. Nagtungha sa Balingoan Central School ug Mantangale National High School ang umalabot nga basketball superstar nga si Von Tambeling. D a ku ng p as a l amat ni Gobernador Bambi Emano ngadto sa pamilya n i Vo n Ta m b e l i n g , hilabina sa iyang ginikanan nga naglugot u g n an i n g k am ot n g a mamatuto sa katarong ang ilang anak ug mahimong magmalampuson sa natad sa sports. Congratulations, Von Tambeling!

to put up a steelmaking facility on a 90-hectare property in Concepcion, Tarlac at a cost of P20 billion. It will have a capacity of 1.7 million tons for finished products. “We are waiting (to get) licenses and permits (to build the facility),” he said. “That’s almost similar to Candelaria (Quezon mill), it will have wire rods and rebars but bigger because central Luzon covers practically the whole Luzon, including northern Luzon.” Yao said the company has also acquired a property in Iloilo City where it can establish a rebar facility at a cost of P5 billion. Once completed, such facility targets to serve customers in Western Visayas, he added.

Yao said they intend to obtain bank financing and scout for investors to help support funding of the facilities. The two planned facilities are in addition to the three plants the firm is putting up in Compostela, Cebu; Lemery, Batangas; and Candelaria, Quezon; with investments of P36 billion combined. Company officials are also bullish in their outlook for the market in 2020 and over the next five to 10 years. “We’ll gonna be very busy (next year). In fact, last month, we hit record orders,” Yao added. Rafael Hidalgo, Vice President for Business Development, said: “There is a lot of developments going in the Philippines today, just not the projects

of the government --the Build, Build, Build and the infrastructure, but the private sector in general has a lot of confidence in the Philippines. So many of the private developers are investing in not just high rise but including these upcoming (projects like) the bridges, airports.” Meanwhile, Hidalgo is optimistic about holding an initial public offering (IPO) within two years. “We started preliminary work already on the corporate side but going out to actually starting the process with SEC (Securities and Exchange Commission), hindi pa nagsa start (it has not started)... We are also busy with the expansions so it depends on how fast we can start but within two years,” he told reporters. (PNA)

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First zero-waste eco run eyed to support ‘Lungs of CDO’ A

By VAL AMIEL VESTIL/AYEJ

IMING to unite Kagay-anons to raise awareness on plastic pollution and to strengthen the promotion of a sustainable lifestyle, the Happy Earth Store in partnership with Greenergy Solar will be organizing “ECHO: Run for the Environment,” on December 15 at Lane101, Masterson Avenue. This will be the first attempt of a zerowaste eco run in the city where disposable cups, fliers, and even printed race bibs that are single-use will not be utilized. “It’s high time to ingrain in our fellow Kagay-anons the importance of sustainable living and try to reduce the waste that might just end up in our oceans which will pose a risk not only to our marine ecosystems but to our human health as well,” Event Lead Sharifa Patayon said. In a recently published study by the National Center for Ecological Analysis and Synthesis, the Philippines was reported to be the world’s third biggest dumper of plastics in the ocean. “ECHO: Run for the Environment” hopes to help in reversing that. With a registration fee of P450, participants will receive a reusable stainless water bottle and event shirt with a printed official race number. Runners who will be bringing their own bottles may avail of the P350 registration fee which will include the

official race shirt with number. All proceeds generated from the Eco Run will be dedicated to the development of the ‘Lungs of CDO,’ a tree-growing activity in partnership with DENR-EMB 10 and CLENRO that will aim to build a tree park in CDO that will help absorb carbon dioxide released into the city’s atmosphere. Patayon quipped, “We want the generation of today to leave a legacy to CDO through these trees.” The run will start at 5am in Lane101. There are 3k and 5k categories. The event will culminate with the Earth Festival, a showcase and exhibit of environmentally-conscious businesses in CDO, lightning talks by local environmental advocates, and a play of local indigenous music. The movement is supported by Xavier University, Association of Young Environmental Journalists, YSEALI YOUnified, the Department of Environment and Natural Resources, the City of Cagayan de Oro, Lihuk, the DENR Environmental Management Bureau, CLENRO, Big Prints, Lane101, Alima, Circle Productions, Inc., Magic 89.3, and Food Panda. For more information and for preregistration, you may go directly to https://bit. ly/ZeroWasteEcoRun. You may also contact Sharifa at 09171595071 or email her at happyearthstorecdo@gmail.com.

Manobo Youths: We need DepEd schools for IPs Lianga, Surigao del Sur--- “I strive hard to finish school and help my family because I know that Communist NPA Terrorist-influenced areas find it hard to prosper. We wish that a DepEd school will be constructed here in our sitio,” said Jackyboy Salinas, a young resident of Sitio Simowao (Kilometer 9), Diatagon, Lianga Surigao Del Sur during his speech at

the closing ceremony of the 3rd Lianga Youth Leadership Summit (YLS), Sunday (December 8) at the 9th Special Forces “Hounds’ Company, 3rd Special Forces “Arrowhead” Battalion headquarters in St. Christine, Lianga, SDS. Out of 95 YLS participants, 8 participants from the conflictaffected IP Community of Kilometer 9 joined for the

first time. In their problem tree, root cause analysis workshop, they identified the issues that greatly affects the youth in their community--- Quality education, and Insurgency were the some of the issues identified. Salinas, a product of Alternative Learning Center for Agricultural Development (ALCADEV), and his fellow YLS graduates, who

are currently secondary school students, said that it would be better if IP DepEd schools be established. Some of the ALCADEV and (Tibal Filipino Program of Surigao del Sur (TRIFPSS) graduates find it hard to transfer to other DepEd schools because their papers are not valid and are non-accredited. The reason why Communist-influenced

militant groups hamper the educational intervention of DepEd in conflict areas is because their schools, TRIFPSS and ALCADEV will become irrelevant and will die a natural death. Most of the IPs when asked, wanted to transfer to the DepEdaccredited IP government schools once these become readily available in their sitios,” Colonel Allan D Hambala, 401ST Infantry Brigade Commander, said. Meanwhile, the

Taiwanese baritone Wayne Yeh performs during Seasons, a fundraising Christmas fashion concert organized by civic advocate Julie Ang (inset) last December 8, 2019 at Seven Seas Waterpark. All proceeds of the event will go to the victims of the Mindanao earthquake coursed through Archbishop Antonio Ledesma and the Namaste group of Delsa Mortola who provide safe drinking water to the earthquake-affected populace. A businesswoman, Ms. Julie Ang has been consistently instrumental in raising funds to just causes such as this here in her beloved hometown of Cagayan de Oro City. photo by sluggo reyes/inset photo by abel matthew silawan

Department of Education (DepEd) said that they will include Kilometer 9 as a beneficiary of their Last Mile School Program to address gaps in isolated, disadvantaged areas and to offer a far better quality of education than the Alternative Learning Center and Livelihood Development (ALCADEV) and Tribal Filipino Program in Surigao del Sur (TRIFPSS) non-DepEd accredited and alleged NPA-linked schools.

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Research... from page 6

"If lifespan was determined solely by genes and environment, we would exp ec t t hat genetically identical worms grown on the same petri dish would all drop dead at about the same time, but this is not at all what happens. Some worms live only three days while others are still happily moving around after 20 days," Jakob said. "The question then is, what is it, apart from genetics and environment, that is causing this big difference in lifespan?" Jakob and Bazopoulou, a postdoctoral researcher and lead author of the paper, found one part of the answer when they discovered that during development, C. elegans worms varied substantially in the amount of reactive oxygen species they produce. Reactive oxygen species, or ROS, are oxidants that every air-breathing organism produces. ROS are closely associated with aging: the oxidative damage they elicit are what many anti-aging creams claim to combat. B a z op ou lou and Ja kob discovered that instead of having a shorter lifespan, worms that produced more ROS during development actually lived longer. "Experiencing stress at this early point in life may make you better able to fight stress you might encounter later in life," Bazopoulou said. When the researchers exposed the whole population of juvenile worms to external ROS during development, the average lifespan of the entire population increased. Though the researchers don't know yet what triggers the oxidative stress event during development, they were able to determine what processes enhanced the lifespan of these worms. To do this, Bazopoulou sorted thousands of C. elegans larvae according to the oxidative stress levels they have during development. By separating worms that produced large amounts of ROS from those that produced little amounts of ROS, she showed that the main difference between the two groups was a histone modifier, whose activity is sensitive to oxidative stress conditions. The researchers found that the temporary production of ROS during development c aus e d change s i n t he histone modifier early in the worm's life. How these changes persist throughout life and how they ultimately affect and extend lifespan is still unknown. What is known, however, is that this specific histone modifier is also sensitive to oxidative stress sensitive in mammalian cells. Additionally, earlylife interventions have been shown to extend lifespans in mammalian model systems such as mice. "The general idea that early life events have such profound, positive effects later in life is truly fascinating.

Given the strong connection between stress, aging and age-related diseases, it is possible that early events in life might also affect the predisposition for ageassociated diseases, such as dementia and Alzheimer's disease," Jakob said. Next, the researchers want to figure out what key changes are triggered by these earlylife events. Understanding this might allow scientists to develop lifespan-extending interventions that work at later stages in life. (Story Source: Materials provided by University of Michigan. Note: Content may be edited for style and length./ www.sciencedaily.com)

Guidelines...

from page 6 government to ensure the protection of public health and environment.” The DAO, he said, follows set guidelines and targets for solid waste avoidance and volume reduction through source reduction and waste minimization measures in accordance with ecologically sustainable development practices. He a d d e d t h a t t h e guidelines comply with Presidential Decree 1586 (Establishing an E nv i ron m e nt a l Imp a c t Assessment System); emission standards as contained in RA 8749 (Clean Air Act); effluent standards as contained in RA 9275 (Philippine Clean Water Act of 2004); and regulation on the use and disposal of hazardous substances and waste as stipulated in RA 6969 (Toxic Substances and Hazardous and Nuclear Waste Act of 1990). The Order shall take effect 15 days after its publication in two newspapers of general circulation and registration with the Office of the National Administrative Registerat the University of the Philippines Law Center.

Office... from page 6

strict implementation of environmental laws including Republic Act 9275 or the Philippine Clean Water Act of 2004 and Presidential Decree No. 705 or the Revised Forestry Code of the Philippines. It i s c o m p o s e d o f personnel from the DENR and the Environmental Management Bureau. The task force works closely with the provincial and municipal government, the Department of the Interior and Local Government and Department of Tourism. “What we did and are doing in Boracay and Manila Bay, we will replicate in Puerto Galera,” the Secretary remarked. On his visit to the island, Cimatualso checked on the construction of a P100 M modern sewerage treatment plant (STP) in Brgy. Sabang. The STP can treat up to 1,750 cubic meters of wastewater per day and is already in commissioning stage. It is expected to be fully operational this month. The DENR chief thanked

Puerto Galera Mayor Rocky Ilagan for actively participating in the island’s rehabilitation by facilitating the construction of the treatment plant to address the urgent issues of water pollution. Cimatu also visited Brgy. San Isidro as a prospective site of a second STP in the island. In the past years, water quality in Sabang Bay, has shown high levels of coliform. The poor water quality was attributed to the growing numb er of commercial establishments along the island’s easement zone that discharges partially treated wastewater into the bay, and the inadequate wastewater treatment facilities in the island.

Microbes... from page 6

"Separated from their rusty mineral products, these bacteria then go on to feed other microbes that make met hane. That met hane is what likely kept Earth's early atmosphere warm, even though the sun was much less bright than today." This is a possible explanation to the 'faintyou n g- s u n' p a r a dox , originated by astronomer Carl Sagan. The paradox is that there were liquid oceans on early Earth, yet heat budgets calculated from the early Sun's luminosity and modern atmospheric chemistry imply Earth should have been entirely frozen. A frozen Earth would not have supported very much life. A methane-rich atmosphere formed in connection to large-scale iron ore deposits a nd life was init ia l ly proposed by Universit y of Michigan atmospheric scientist James Walker in 1987. The new study provides strong physical evidence to support the theory and finds that microscale bacterialmineral interactions were likely responsible. " The f unda menta l knowledge we're gaining from studies using modern geomicrobiological tools and techniques is transforming our view of Earth's early history and the processes that led to a planet habitable by complex life including humans," said senior author of the paper, Sean Crowe, Ca nada Research Cha ir in Geomicrobiolog y and associate professor at UBC. " T h i s k now le d ge of the chemical and physical processes through which bacteria interact with their surroundings can also be used to develop and design new processes for resource recovery, novel building and construction materials, and new approaches to treating disease." In the future, such geomicrobiological information will likely be invaluable to large-scale geoengineering efforts that might be used to remove from CO2 from the atmosphere for carbon capture and storage, and again inf luence climate through bacterial mineral interactions.

(Story Source: Materials provided by University of British Columbia. Note: Content may be edited for st yl e and l e ng th . /w w w. sciencedaily.com)

Tienda... from page 1

Piñol hopes that the program will contribute to the reduction of poverty in Mindanao and Palawan in the long run. "Farmers and fisherfolk will be registered as members of the MinDA Tienda for them to avail of the special prices while at the same time, they will be assured of a market for their produce," he said. He said the program also hopes to transform rural agricultural and fisheries production into a marketoriented activity, as the members will be guided on what to produce based on the needs of the market. "As card-bearing members, they will be earning shares every time they buy from and sell their produce to the MinDA Tienda," Piñol added. He said the program envisions rural stores selling wholesale-priced common items to its card-bearing members, including farm inputs like fertilizer, while at the same time guiding them on what to produce for the market outside of their communities will be established in Mindanao and Palawan next year. He said the Ateneo de Davao School of Business and Governance has volunteered to help craft the framework of what could be the first consumers and farmers supply depot in the rural areas of Mindanao. Piñol also reported that a private corporation based in General Santos City and Cebu, which owns 30 branches of convenience stores in Cebu, has also volunteered to partner with the agency by buying members’ produce for distribution in its stores outside of Mindanao. (PNA)

Durian... from page 1

Mr. Miculob said this partnership is “some kind of a breakthrough” that could prompt more exports to the US and other markets such as Europe. “It’s not easy to enter the US market. In fact, you have to pass the strict requirements. We submitted documents, but since we have our facility and we already have been exporting to Japan, it was easy for us,” he told the media in a forum last week. Products from the processing facility, which also handles other fruits like marang and lanzones, are also being exported to Singapore. Mr. Miculob said each pack of 300 grams is priced at $69 for the US market. “This (US) is a permanent market and the delivery depends on the level of the inventory,” he said. “The challenge that we have now is maintaining the quality of our durian,”

he added. Durian producers are also awaiting a bilateral agreement between the Philippines and China that would include protocols for products such as frozen fruit. “We are still waiting for the signing of the bilateral agreement for us to penetrate China. We have been asking for help from the national government and even the C onsu l G enera l of t he Philippines to China to fast-track the bilateral trade agreement,” he said.

Impacts... from page 1

relasyon with nature, sa ating lifestyle (The completeness of WWF’s evolution and why our present projects are like these is because of our relationship with nature, with our lifestyle),” she stressed. S a l a o s ai d t h at ou r lifestyle has impacted and is continuing to impact the way we produce and consume energy and food, and the way we travel. These three — the energy sector, the food sector and transport sector — are the three “biggest source of GHG emissions” that cause climate change. The Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) said in a 2014 report that these three sectors’ combined GHG emissions account for 73% (energy Sector, 35%; agriculture, 24%; and transport, 14%) of the total GHG in the atmosphere. “Kung ano ang paraan natin ng pamumuhay ngayon, narating natin dahil sa fossil fuels, mining, harnessing resources of Mother Earth (The way we live at present is because of fossil fuels, mining, and harnessing the resources of Mother Earth),” she said. Salao said these during the WWF-Philippines Media Event at a hotel in Davao City. The objective of the event was to showcase the synergy and interconnectedness of all programs and projects WWFPhilippines is implementing, especially in Mindanao. WWF-Philippines, the 26th national organization in the WWF global network, is a non-profit organization that works for 24 years in the country to improve Filipino lives by crafting solutions to climate change, providing sustainable livelihood programs, and conserving the country’s richest marine and land habitats. It could be said that Mindanao is where the idea of WWF-Philippines was brought to life. “WWFPhilippines was actually born and conceptualized in Mindanao” when the first set

of board members, led by its first president, Celso Roque, were invited to Turtle Islands in Tawi-Tawi to showcase the beauty of the Philippines. The purpose of the trip was to invite people to commit to do nature conservation work and the establishment of an organization that is now officially known as the Kabang Kalikasan ng Pilipinas Foundation, Inc. (KKPFI), Salao recalled. “At the time, there was a conscious effort to focus on marine conservation,” she said, adding that the Turtle Islands project continued until early 2000s. T h ro u g h t h e y e a r s , howe ve r, W W F ’s work e volve d f rom fo c us i ng on wildlife to encompass everything about nature. This also prompted a change in the organization’s name: from World Wildlife Fund to World Wide Fund for Nature. “The change of name [was needed] because nature is the underlying reason-for-being of WWF,” she stressed as she explained that this also encompasses humankind's relationship with nature. “Everything we do impacts nature and the environment and these also rebound back to us, primarily where food and water are concerned.” Salao also encouraged everyone not to lose hope and be over whelmed by the problems confronting humanity at present. “The moment we think na wala na tayong pag-asa (that we no longer have any hope) is the moment na (that) we get defeated by our own actions. Nasa kamay natin ang (In our hands are the) solutions, kahit tayo ang gumawa nung problema (even if we are the cause of the problems),” she stressed. She also emphasized the importance of protecting nature. “Kaya ng nature na mabuhay na wala tayo pero di natin kayang mabuhay without nature (Nature can continue living without us but we cannot go on living without nature),” she said. (Bong D. Fabe, a journalist, is presently the Integrated Communications Manager of the European Unionfunded SMILE Project of WWF-Philippines, based in Surigao City. The SMILE Project harnesses the power of solar energy that have low to zero greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions to enhance the target islands’ resilience to climate change, environmentallysound livelihood interventions to attain longer-term human and environmental resilience, and help in developing their e c o - t o u r i s m p o t e nt i a l s to address their needs for development.)

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THURSDAY|DECEMBER 12, 2019

LIST OF AWARDEES Best CSR Program:

Transport & Auto Industry Leaders:

Resort Industry Leaders:

CEPALCO STEAG State Power Inc. SM Cagayan de Oro

Pabama Transport Corp, Bukidnon MGM Motors Mindanao, Inc., Davao ISUZU Cagayan de Oro

Dahilayan Adventure Park, Manolo Fortich Club Tara Kampo ni Juan, Bukidnon

Outstanding Cooperatives:

Tourism Industry Leaders:

Agro-Industry Leaders:

ORO INTEGRATED COOPERATIVE, CDO TAGUM COOPERATIVE, Tagum City DEARBCI – Manolo Fortich, Bukidnon

Fantasyland Travel & Tours, Dipolog City Seagull Resort, Davao City Seven-Seas Resort, Cagayan de Oro City

REBISCO, Manollo Fortich, Bukidnon Bounty Fresh Corp., Cag de Oro TADECO (Tagum Agricultural Devt Corporation)

Electric Cooperatives:

Outstanding Women Business Leaders

Micro Entrepreneurs:

Davao del Sur Electric Cooperative, Inc. Davao del Norte Electric Cooperative, Inc. Siargao Electric Cooperative, Inc.(SIARELCO) Outstanding Mega-Entrepreneur: Mags Lopez Calpito Cue Ms. Beverly Dayanan Jalosjos Group of Companies

Ms. Irene Floro, President, Oro Chamber, Ms. Sholai Lim, PWDC chair of Comval Ms. Jacintza Cellona, President of (RIC) Women Association (SIURICWA) Lanao Norte Hotel Industry Leaders: Mullberry Hotel, Cagayan de Oro Hotel Tavern, Surigao Margarette Business Hotel, Bukidnon

Cucina de Oro Pizarella, Cagayan de Oro Necy Ann Ty, Davao City Social Entrepreneurs: Len Cabili, Iligan City Joe Green Project, Davao City Anthill, Davao City

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WED-THU|DECEMBER 11-12, 2019

Award... from page 12

Dayta Abellanosa, Past District Governor (PDG) Aldrico T. Mañus and Lady Rosie Mañus in honor of the late Tirso F. Manus, RC West Foundation, Inc., PDG Rhia Rita Y. Abalos, Inner Wheel Club Past President Remedios C. Espiritu for the memory of Santiago & Feliza dela Cruz, PAG Armando A. Tarayao, PAG Almarco C. Brito, PAG Adrian Co, Past Director Rodilla D. Gaylo, Ms. Teresa L. Elloso Celdran and other Rcwestcdo Rotarians who have generous hearts for Public School Teachers. The MOPSTA Committee 2019-2020 is chaired by PAG Tina Hidalgo; Vice Chair is Rotarian/Atty Gloria Tango, under Vocational Service headed by PAG Almarco Brito. CLUB FLAGSHIP PROJECTS Other notable flagship project of Rcwestcdo includes The Oro Open Golf Tournament, now on its 20th year, a major fundraising activity of the club that encourages golfers from around the country to not just strut their wares but thru their participation, holistic projects in community and literacy are realized; school buildings built in Barangay Balubal and Barangay Tablon and Project Uplift, a scholarship grant project of the club, molds, assists and gives utmost opportunities for elementary and high school students to earn basic education and possible, an undergraduate degree. Moreover, the club is also giving a Skyhydrant Unit for safe drinking water for select hinterland barangays. Two were installed in Brgy. Bayanga and Dansolihon. And more units to be installed in Maramag, Basilan, Marawi, Cotabato and some Barangay’s in CDO this Rotary year. The club is set also to hold its 5th Annual Medical Mission this December. ABOUT ROTARY CLUB OF WEST CAGAYAN DE ORO The Rot ar y C lub of West Cagayan de Oro was conceived by the Rotary Club of Cagayan de Oro on June 3, 1969. A nucleus committee was then organized headed by the late PDG Dante Sarraga w it h Plut arco “C o coy” Velez, Aldrico “Al” Mañus, Dodong Velez, Tito Nable, Ric Santos and Frank Guerra as members. The resolution to organize was submitted and approved during the District Assembly held on June 13-14, 1969 in Iloilo City under the term of DG Pafs Mejia. The Board of Directors of Rotary International approved the Charter on February 16, 1970. Subsequently, the Charter presentation was held on June 23, 1970 at the Villa Hermosa Hotel with PDG Cocoy Velez as President and the former Congressman Luis Taruc as Guest Speaker The charter members included, PDG Cocoy Velez, PDG Al Manus, Past President (PP) Faeling Floirendo, Rtns.

Frank Guerra, Dodong Velez, Tito Nable and Ric Santos. Today, the club is the biggest in the district with 102 members. More than 50% of the members had been with the club for more than 5 years while 20% has been with the club for more than 10 years. Over the years, the club became one of the most prominent club in the district producing seven District Governors, namely, PDG Cocoy Velez, PDG Bands Hernandez, PDG Al Mañus, PDG Tony Aguilar, PDG Ben Vegafria, PDG Joe Nebrao, PP Ernie San Juan who was nominated but was not able to hold the office due to illness and lastly in 2009-2010, DG Rhia Abalos as the first lady governor in the District. For more Information please contact: DepEd Region 10, Dr. Rebecca P. Postrano Cell # 0917-327-0565 Rcwestcdo, PAG Tina A. Hidalgo Cell # 0906-903-0451 (The correspondent is a Past Director for Public Relations of Rc westcdo and ch ai rs t he R ot ar y International District 3870 Information, Communication and Technology (ICT) since 2009)

Chance... from page 4

ask Jesus Christ to take full charge of your life, He’ll start working everything, including your problems and pressures, together for your good. So why not start living His way every day? You can’t lose. Just Think a Minute…

Prevent... from page 4

completed the training to learn about early warning signs such as: • Minimal luggage and clothing • Multiple men being escorted one at a time to a guest room • Individuals who cannot speak freely or seem disoriented • Guests who insist on little or no housekeeping Wyndham Hotel Group already entered a partnership with Polaris back in 2014 to produce, distribute and train their employees on comprehensive educational tools on human trafficking. It has become a standard for global hotel companies to issue a slavery or human trafficking statement containing the organizations commitment to combat the issue. These statements are important in establishing and overseeing a working strateg y for companies’ due diligence processes, r isk i d e nt i f i c at i on and management, training and awareness. Just as important as a combative process, however, is the creation of performance indicators to measure the success of stated policies. Hilton has committed to not only train all employees on the issue, but also map all operating hotels and pipeline countries against hu m a n r i g ht s r i s k s i n

c ol l ab or at i on w it h t h e I nt e r n at i o n a l To u r i s m Partnership. But even for well-trained staff members, detecting an ongoing crime can be hard as it is mostly conducted behind closed doors and t h e w ar n i ng s i g ns c an surface in different nuanced ways. Staff members, as well as guests have to stay vigilant and not be afraid to escalate suspicious behavior. It is encouraging to see companies in the hospitality industr y taking steps towards the eradication of forced labour and other forms of human trafficking, but there is yet a long road ahead to the attainment of this goal.

Oligarchy... from page 4

firms. The following day Pangilinan meekly complied. The dubious contract entered into by MWSS and the concessionaires are well within the expertise of Duterte being a lawyer. He sensed something is terribly wrong upon knowing why the government has to pay the concessionaires for alleged losses they incur. Instinctively as a lawyer he personally reviewed the contract and discovered how onerous and lopsided were the provisions that he blew his top. Later he learned that for years consumers are being billed by the concessionaires and made to pay for a sewerage project which was inexistent. But there is merely the tip of the iceberg. Late in 2016, I Googled MWSS and was aghast to read about the extent of corruption in the agency. Its function as a regulatory body of the concessionaires had been effectively caponized. The members of the Board of the Metropolitan Waterworks and Sewerage System are paid by the concessionaires. Their monthly take and perks are quite hefty I learned later that there was a mad scramble to be on ‘board’ when the Duterte took over the helms of the government. Thus, the first time President Duterte inquired about the impending shortage of water supply in Metro Manila MWSS even attempted to defend the concessionaires. Since the President is into the warpath, he might as well drag MWSS and the Local Water Utilities Authority (LWUA) into the chopping board. Why LWUA? That could be answered with a question. How come LWUA allowed the sale of dozens of water utilities/districts and to whom? President Duterte will be surprised to discover a lot more and he should be prepared for some disappointment. Water, a vital natural resource, is the lifeblood that strengthens the stranglehold of the tentacles of oligarchs. A Department of Water can take over the functions of MWSS, LWUA and the National Water Regulatory Board. But that for how long? Will an emergency power granted to the President by

Congress solve that? The last time emergency power was recommended to solve the horrendous traffic at Edsa, the lawmakers literally slept on it and Duterte gave up on it. Ironically, Duterte gets unconditional support in his war against the oligarchs from one of the pillars of the opposition, Lito Atienza. But where are the rest of those who claim are champions of the rights of the poor? The professional street marchers and barkers? The Church? The running priests? Why are they so conveniently silent in this battle against oligarchy? A word of advice for those who want to test the mettle of the President, the man you earlier referred to as one from the boondocks. He is actually the first Tanodbayan investigator assigned in Mindanao to probe into crimes and corruption in the bureaucracy. Later he was appointed Assistant City Fiscal is known today as Assistant City Prosecutor. So there you are. The members of the oligarchy who had been smarting and lording it over p olit ici ans and decision-makers for having underwritten their political campaign and vices, you better settle your debts to the government and reform. Haven’t you heard Digong initial admonition? “Not during my watch. Huwag sa panahon ko”.

Scandalized...

from page 4 danger that is so common nowadays. Many good people fall for it. In their ardent desire and effort to be good and holy, they end up making themselves their own god, their own redeemer, such that they could not stand anyone or anything that is not like them. They would regard dealing with the peripherals as a waste of time, since these cases, so unlike them, are already consigned by them to the category of the completely lost, hopeless, and irredeemable. Instead, we should try to be always open to everyone, and in fact give some special attention, like what Christ did, to the difficult cases, the lost sheep, lost coin, and the prodigal son. We should try to foster relationship with others, trying to be always engaging, so that with friendliness and cordial treatment, we can manage to clarify things and hopefully motivate people toward conversion. For this, we truly have to be mature both in the human and Christian sense, vitally united with Christ and keenly discerning of what the Holy Spirit is prompting us.

their communities will be established in Mindanao and Palawan next year. He said the Ateneo de Davao School of Business and Governance has volunteered to help craft the framework of what could be the first consumers and farmers supply depot in the rural areas of Mindanao. Piñol also reported that a private corporation based in General Santos City and Cebu, which owns 30 branches of convenience stores in Cebu, has also volunteered to partner with the agency by buying members’ produce for distribution in its stores outside of Mindanao. (PNA)

Talks... from page 2

For u m ( E B F ) ; an d S r. Mary John Mananzan, of the Association of Major Religious Superiors in the Philippines (AMRSP). PEPP is a platform for five church institutions and groups, namely, the Catholic Bishop’s C onference of the Philippines, National Council of Churches in the Philippines, PCEC, AMRSP, and EBF, that supports the peace process between the government and NDFP. (PNA)

Del Monte... from page 7

from the reevaluation of its US plants and the introduction of more health and wellness products. “The plant restructuring in the US is a necessary step for us to remain competitive in a rapidly changing marketplace,” Del Monte Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer Joselito D. Campos, Jr. said in the statement. “Ongoing transformational initiatives at DMFI are already showing a positive impact on FY2020 results, and DMFI is on track to exceed recurring EBITDA targets for this financial year. We are maintaining solid market share across legacy categories, while expanding into other new growth categories and channels,” he added.

Release...

month current pension up to a maximum of P10,000, it said. “Pensioners who resumed their regular monthly pension after Dec. 31, 2018 (after the five-year guaranteed period) will be granted one month current pension up to a maximum of P10,000.” For the members who retired from 2015 to 2019 and have availed of immediate pension, GSIS said they will only start receiving the Christmas cash gift five years from their retirement date. “GSIS members who r e s i g n e d o r s e p a r at e d from government service between 2006 to 2019 before reaching age 60 and who started receiving their regular monthly pension between 2015 and 2019 will receive the cash gift once they have been regular pensioners for at least five (5) years.”

Launched... from page 1

granted by the Development Bank of the Philippines (DBP) with a PHP38 million-loan for the initial units. LT F R B - 1 0 d i r e c t o r Amenodin Guro said the loan granted by the governmentowned banks have 5 percent equity, with 6 percent interest of the total cost of the vehicle, and payable within seven years. Orots co is t he f irst cooperative here granted a loan from DBP and the first transport cooperative operating under the gover nment's t he PUV Modernization Program in the city. The unit is a fully airconditioned Hino brand unit with Wi-Fi and Card swiping machine, an additional eight passengers can stand in the aisle if seating capacity is already full. The cities of General Santos and Butuan will also follow suit. (PNA)

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from page 5

pension. For those who received P10,000 and below last year, they will be granted one

DIVISORIA BRANCH Atty. Erasmo B. Damasing Bldg., #61 Don A. Velez St., Cagayan de Oro City Tel. # (088) 857-3631 LAPASAN BRANCH Lapasan Hi-way, Cagayan de Oro City Tel. # (088) 231-6739 CARMEN BRANCH Vamenta Blvd., Cagayan de Oro City Tel. # (088) 231-2011

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Tienda... from page 2

He said the program envisions rural stores selling wholesale-priced common items to its card-bearing members, including farm inputs like fertilizer, while at the same time guiding them on what to produce for the market outside of

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FEATURE

IN-DEPTH

Wed-Thu|December 11-12, 2019

12

Search for 38th Most Outstanding Public School Teacher Award Launched by Rotary Club of West CDO “The mediocre teacher tells. The good teacher explains. The superior teacher demonstrates. The great teacher inspires.”

- William Arthur Ward

By CLIFFORD JOSE GARRIDO ROA, Correspondent

Rcwestcdo President Franck Catajoy and Secretary Ellen Dizon

four avenues of service is the utmost foundation in the mission of recognizing HE Rotary Club of West the teachers, as any Cagayan de Oro (Rcwestcdo), advocacy that can help the community of its needs, one of the premier and let alone, a teacher whose most active Rotary Club in Rotary profession, more of a International District 3870 today, vocation is to mould the young people to become has officially launched the search successful in their own for the Most Outstanding Public chosen field in the future. School Teacher Award (MOPSTA) “Vocational Service is the way Rotary fosters and in partnership with Department of supports the application Education, Region 10. of the ideal service in the pursuit of all vocations. educational models to Rcwestcdo Club Inherent in the Vocational President Franco “Franck” other teachers,” Pres. Service ideal, among Catajoy officially bared the Catajoy said. He added: “The club is others, is the recognition search during the club’s of the worthiness to slated to celebrate its 50th regular meeting at The society of all useful anniversary by February VIP Hotel, Cagayan de occupations,” PAG Tina 16, 2020 and what a way Oro City. said. to recognize once again “Now on its 38th SEARCH CRITERIA the hardwork, tireless year, this search aims AND MECHANICS efforts and never-ending to recognize the The Search is open to sacrifices of our public accomplishments of public classroom school school teachers”. public elementary and secondary school teachers Past Assistant Governor teachers of the elementary and secondary levels who (PAG) Tina Abalos in the delivery of quality have been teaching for at Hidalgo, the chair of the basic education, aims to least 3 successive years search for the last 3 years encourage teachers to with good moral standing quipped that Vocational continue improving their and without administrative competencies, and identify Service, one of Rotary’s charges. The coverage areas shall be from all Divisions of Region X. In the search for MOPSTA, the process

T

PDG Al Manus, District Governor Bans Ibrahim and PAG Erna Maagad

of selection will be done in two levels: division and regional. Division nominees will be screened and reviewed by the DepEd Division Search Committee. At the regional level, the MOPSTA Committee of the Rcwestcdo together with DepEd Region X officials will compose the selection panel to determine the semifinalists and finalists. Finalists will undergo an interview and actual teaching demonstration. The selection process will be based only on the prescribed criteria in choosing winners broken down as follows: Personal Qualities and Character 3%; Instructional Competence and Teaching Effectiveness 47%; Community Involvement 3%; Demonstration (Classroom Visit) 25%; Teacher-Student Involvement (after school) 2% and; Interview of Finalists 20%, for a total of 100%. Club Public Relations Committee Chair Rotarian, Atty. Jenny Uplinger shared that full

Officers and Members of the Rotary Club of West CDO

Past Director Airene Suan, Past District Secretary Roger Uy, PAG Almarco Brito and MOPSTA Chair PAG Tina Abalos Hidalgo

application requirements and selection criteria are available at all School Division offices and DepEd Region X Office. Applications with supporting documents must be submitted to DepEd Division Office by December 21, 2019. Final phase of selection and interview of finalists will be done in February 2020.The Rotary Club of West CDO together with DepEd Region Office will announce the winners only during the awarding ceremonies. Outstanding teachers who are previous awardees of similar searches conducted by Metrobank and MOPSTA previous top winner can no longer join the search. CASH PRIZES MOPSTA grand winner, 1st Runner-up, 2nd Runner-up will receive cash prizes and trophies. Finalists will receive cash prizes, Certificate of Recognition and Scholarship Certificate of any Vocational Courses. Grand Winner - Php 100,000.00; 1st Runner Up - Php 50,000.00 and;

2nd Runner Up - Php 40,000.00. Previous grand winners went on to be selected as Metrobank’s Outstanding Teachers includes Dr. Michelle Rodriguez (2012), Dr. Enerio Ebisa (2014) and Ms. Mary Jane Ramo (2018). SPONSORS, DONORS AND BENEFACTORS Rcwestcdo and its partner in service, the Department of Education, Region X, and gives due recognition to the heirs of the late Mayor Justiniano R. Borja through the GIGI BORJA ENDOWMENT FUND who are the major contributors of MOPSTA. Rcwestcdo specifically acknowledges the children of the late Mayor Borja in the persons of Mrs. Christine BorjaSagarbarria, Mrs. Cecilia Borja-Chiongbian and the Recently Retired Honorable Justice Romulo V. Borja. Along with the Gigi Borja Endowment Fund are equally dedicated sponsors like as well as the Abellanosa Family in honor of the late Luneta AWARD/PAGE 11