BusinessWeek Mindanao (December 20, 2019)

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Briefly P2.1 trillion in 2019 A TOTAL of P2.1 trillion has been invested in the country through public-private partnerships (PPP) since the establishment of the buildoperate-transfer law in 1994, the PPP Center (PPPC) said Wednesday.

In a press conference in Quezon City, PPPC Deputy Executive Director, lawyer Mia Sebastian said the amount comprised a total of 143 PPP projects, 63 of which were awarded beginning 2010 to present.

She said about 17 projects are being actively monitored and assisted by the implementing agencies, both at the national government level side and the local government side.

IN-DEPTH

Govt exec confident to hit growth target www.businessweekmindanao.com

AS OF 6:00 PM DEC. 19, 2019 (THURSDAY)

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Friday|December 20, 2019

By LESLIE GATPOLINTAN, PNA

HE country’s chief economist is optimistic the government will hit its target growth rate this and next year, given a strong push from consumption and infrastructure spending.

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Socioeconomic Planning Secretary Ernesto Pernia said he agrees with the Development Budget Coordination Committee’s (DBCC) gross domestic pro duc t (GDP) growth numbers at 6 percent to 6.5 percent this year.

CONFIDENT/PAGE 9

GUILTY! Andal Ampatuan Jr and four of his relatives were found guilty of the murder in 2009 of 58 people, in what was an attack on political rivals. afp via getty images

Massacre orphans rejoice ‘not total victory’; can’t forgive perpetrators yet

By BONG S. SARMIENTO, MindaNews

Palay output up PRODUCTION of palay, or unmilled rice, in the fourth quarter is estimated at 7.70 million metric tons (MMT), up 7.6% year-on-year, the Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA) said.

In its Palay and Corn estimates report for the quarter, PSA said palay output is expected to exceed the 7.16 million MT recorded a year earlier. However, the estimated total is 0.4% lower than the palay production estimate made in October of 7.73 million MT. The agency noted that “(h)arvest area may increase by 1.5% from 1.847 million hectares in 2018,” while yield per hectare may fall to 4.11 MT from 4.12 MT.”

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GENERAL Santos City – A hundred children and kin of the media workers killed in the Ampatuan massacre a decade ago rejoiced here Thursday “but not with total victory” after hearing the ‘SULO’. A towering 85-feet long torch, locally called "sulo," has become a tourist attraction in the town of Villanueva in Misamis Oriental this Yuletide season. The multipurpose tower, worth P6-million, built with a sirene will also be used during disasters, said Mayor Jenny T. Uy. photo by gerry lee gorit

(SPECIAL FEATURE)

Pinoy Christmas: A fad for crisp bills

By PRIAM NEPOMUCENO, PNA

ASIDE from being dubbed as the most wonderful time of the year, Christmas in the Philippines is a season

of something new -- from clothes, shoes to money.

During the holiday season, giving new and crisp paper

bills, regardless of color and value, has become customary for Filipinos.

Just like the much-loved "lechon" often seen as a FAD/PAGE 9

guilty verdict handed down to the key suspects of the grisly manslaughter.

The court found Andal Ampatuan Jr., former mayor of Datu Unsay town, and REJOICE/PAGE 9

Bus company donates aircon bus to Army unit

By GERRY LEE GORIT, Reporter

THE Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board Regional Office 10 (LTFRB) has expressed elation over the donation by a bus company of one airconditioned bus to the Armed Forces of the Philippines' Forward Service

Supp or t Unit b as e d in Cagayan de Oro City.

Rural Transit Mindanao Inc. (RTMI) has donated one 45-seater airconditioned bus to the 10th Forward Service Support Unit (10FSSU) based in the 4th Infantry Division DONATES/PAGE 9

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Local

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Caraga corn production up in 1H 2019: DA

B

UTUAN City -- Effective interventions and the provision of support programs are seen as the main factors to the increased corn production in Caraga Region during the first six months of this year, an official of the Department of Agriculture-13 (DA13) said.

DA-13 Corn Coordinator Melody Guimary told Philippine News Agency on Tuesday that interventions made by the agency include the provision of quality seeds and post-harvest facilities to corn farmers in the area.

The over-all corn production (white and yellow corn) in Caraga

Region from January to June this year was recorded at 42,002 metric tons (MT), or 80.24 percent higher compared to 33,704 MT recorded in the same period last year.

Areas devoted to corn farming also increased in the two quarters this year with a total land area of 11,218 hectares compared to 9,265 hectares in the same period last year.

Increased production of yellow corn was also noted during the period compared to white corn, Guimary said, noting that a total of 24,998 MT of yellow corn were harvested from January to June this year in the region compared to 18,000 MT for the same period

last year. White corn production during the period was recorded at 17,004 MT compared to 15,705 MT last year.

Data showed that more areas in the region are devoted to white corn.

Area planted to white corn was 6,247 hectares during the period compared to 5,704 hectares in 2018, while areas planted to yellow corn in the first six months this year were 4,971 hectares compared to 3,499 hectares last year.

Guimary said corn production in Caraga Region this year -- both yellow and white -- is concentrated in the province of Agusan del Sur. During the first six

months this year, 38,251 MT of corn production was recorded in Agusan del Sur with a total land area of 9,944 hectares.

Agusan del Norte was next in high corn production during the period with 844 MT of production in 2,851 hectares.

Guimary said DA-13 is now working to increase corn production next year.

Among the preparations done by the agency is the conduct of a pre-procurement conference with the leaders of farmers’ associations and representatives of the local government units (LGUs) in the region.

The pre-procurement conference includes the gathering of requests from corn farmers on the interventions they wanted from the agriculture department.

“As we gather their requests, DA-13 also apprises our beneficiaries

on their roles and responsibilities in taking care of the equipment they receive,” she added.

Among the equipment farmers’ groups requested from DA-13 for next year include corn shellers, mechanical dryers, tractors, and quality seeds.

Last month, DA-

13 Regional Executive Director Abel James I. Monteagudo led the conduct of the "Corn Debry" in the provinces of Agusan del Sur and Surigao del Sur to encourage more farmers in Caraga Region to venture into corn production.

(PNA)

Guv wants bigger, efficient water system for Dinagat BUTUAN City – The provincial government of Dinagat Islands is exploring additional water sources that will provide more water supply to the people in the area.

Governor Arlene “Kaka” Bag-ao led a three-day exploration in the hinterlands of Manoligao in the town of Cagdianao that ended on Sunday (December 15) to personally assess the untapped water resources in the area.

“This is the second time that Governor Bag-ao headed an exploration in the area to look for more sources of water for Dinagat Islands,” a statement from the provincial government on Monday (December 16) said.

Bag-ao was joined by a team from the provincial government and representatives from national line agencies.

The first exploration was done last November this year where the team of the governor went to the existing water source of Dinagat to assess its state.

The exploration aims to determine the possible interventions the provincial government can undertake to improve the water service delivery to residents.

Provincial Information Officer Jeff Crisostomo told the Philippine News Agency on Monday that water distribution in the province is being catered by water systems managed WATER/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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Toyota Motor Philippines President Bids Farewell at End of Four-year Term

M

r. Satoru Suzuki recently bid farewell to members of the media as he concludes his fouryear term as President of local automotive giant Toyota Motor Philippines (TMP).

President Suzuki’s term lasted from January 2016 to December 2019, and was marked by a strong resurgence of local parts manufacturing, grassroots motorsports and environmental initiatives, as well as the introduction of key global models to the Philippine market.

The formal press announcement of his departure was attended

by TMP Chairman Mr. Alfred V. Ty, who led the farewell toast that was joined by over 120 guests from the media.

“His hands-on leadership approach propelled Toyota to rebound from last year’s tough market conditions, and we are fortunate to have a President who truly led by example,” said Chairman Ty before raising his glass to President Suzuki.

Mr. Satoru Suzuki oversaw the CARS Program participation of TMP with the Philippine government, through the All-New Vios model. In 2019 alone, Toyota enjoyed three major launches

under his leadership: the Hiace World Premiere, Toyota GR Supra, and All-New Corolla Altis with the Hybrid Electric Vehicle (HEV) variant.

Upcoming projects initiated by President Suzuki include: the PHP 4.5-billion Luzon Hub, which will revolutionize Toyota’s logistic perations; the Toyota Mobile App to better connect customers with dealers; and expansion to a new business model to explore long-term leasing of vehicles.

“This is not a final goodbye, but a new beginning. I am sure I will see you all again very soon,” said President Suzuki as he

takes the final bow in front of the local media, with whom he has spent numerous launch events and drive activities,

among others. His most recent passion project outside of work is playing football with dealers and the media.

The next President of Toyota Motor Philippines will be publicly announced early next year.

4

Opinion

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Progress Think a minute…What’s your problem? You know that not all problems are bad? In fact, having problems sometimes means you’re making progress.

A big hardware business moved into the same bu i l d i ng w it h anot he r, small hardware store. The big hardware competitor posted signs all over the building that read: “Grand Opening.” So not to be beat, the owner of the small hardware business posted a big sign over his store that read: “Main Entrance.”

It’s successful people who know that their biggest obstacles often become their biggest opportunities. As one smart man said: “The same big stone that’s an obstacle to a weak person is a steppingstone to success for a stronger person.” The difference is in their attitude and response.

R e m e m b e r, y o u a r e not the only person with problems. Even the lion has to fight off flies! So “Don’t be afraid to face the music just because you don’t like the tune.” Many years ago, American farmers carried

JEROME DE LA FUENTE Philippine carrier Cebu Pacific has joined the International Air Transportation Association (IATA), the trade association for the global airline industry.

CEB is IATA’s largest member among Philippine carriers, comprising 44% of total domestic passenger volume and 46% of total domestic cargo, based on data from the Philippines’ Civil Aeronautics

THINK A MINUTE

Board.

IATA is comprised of over 290 member-airlines from 117 countries, representing 82% of global air traffic. With some of the world’s leading passenger and cargo airlines as members, IATA represents, leads and serves the airline industry.

Cebu Pacific was formally inducted into IATA by Conrad Clifford, Regional Vice President for Asia Pacific. The IATA team also briefed Cebu Pacific’s top management on IATA governance, industry conce r ns and how t he organisation can support CEB’s expansion plans.

“We are pleased to join IATA as we can gain access to expertise and learnings on best practices and innovations among global airlines, as well as help formulate policies on critical aviation issues.

Moreover, we will also be able to share our own operational experience and contribute to further developing the airline industry as a whole,” said Lance Gokongwei, President and CEO of Cebu Pacific.

For his part, Conrad Clifford, Vice President for Asia Pacific said the entry of Cebu Pacific augurs well for the growth of the country’s travel and tourism sector.

“We warmly welcome Cebu Pacific, Asia’s oldest low-cost carrier, to the IATA family. Today about 20% of our members globally are low-cost carriers and we encourage more to join. We look forward to working together with the Cebu Pacific team to help shape industry standards, best practices and policies that ensure the safe, efficient and sustainable growth of

aviation in the Philippines and Asia. Together with our 290+ member airlines, we make aviation the business of freedom,” said Mr Clifford.

Cebu Pacific achieved full compliance with the International Air Transport A s s o c i a t i o n ( I ATA ) Operational Safety Audit (IOSA), joining a registry of 437 carriers worldwide that have strictly complied with an internationallyrecognised and accepted evaluation system designed to assess the operational management and control systems of an airline.

Recently, Cebu Pacific was named the “Most Improved Airline” for 2020 by airline safety and product review w e b s it e a i r l i n e r at i n g s . com, citing the carrier’s commitment to “expand its WELCOMES/PAGE 11

Sen. Bong Go, the action man LETTERS FROM DAVAO

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JUN LEDESMA POLITICIANS have varied agenda and persuasion.

Others got into politics not knowing what to do. Most have a gift of gab others just vocal cords. We see them among those who have stuck in politics like barnacles for they have made it their industry or to protect their industry or their benefactors' industries.

A rara avis, however, is Sen. Christopher Lawrence "Bong" Go. A legislator of few words but a man of action. For over two decades Bong served as a special assistant to then Davao

City Mayor Rodrigo R .

Duterte. For us community journalists who kept track of the official and personal lifestyles of politicians, we took note of the avuncular regard of Duterte to his aide. Bong is his data bank, his appointment secretary and his gatekeeper. It's like 'no one comes near or calls Duterte except through Bong'.

Bong, therefore, h a s i mbi b e d D ut e r t e ' s compassion for the sick and the indigents; courage and the stamina. Bong is always there whenever or wherever his boss spends every Christmas like with cancer-afflicted indigent children, he was there with the Mayor in Leyte when the killer typhoon Yolanda and the tsunami that it spawned wrought havoc that leftover 6,000 dead that littered the streets of Tacloban. Davao City dispatched 15 dump trucks loaded with relief items and three medical and rescue teams headed by no

less than the mayor himself.

I have seen how Bong Go braved the rumbling flood water that hit Jade Valley subdivision. He rushed to the scene with his jet ski and went on to save residents trapped in their homes in the middle of the night.

If the institutionalization of Malasakit Centers was his ardent passion, it is not because he is Chairman of the Senate Committee on Health but because he saw how this worked in Davao City. Bong was given the task by Mayor Duterte to conceptualized Lingap Center "Para sa Mahirap".

Lingap initially catered only to Davao City residents but later catered to patients in other provinces who have heard of the assistance extended to indigents. " We cannot drive away people who are in dire need of help", Bong intoned.

B ong is wit h Mayor D ut e r t e w h i l e v i s it i n g soldiers in the Marawi siege.

He is with him negotiating

for peace with rebel leaders.

At the time when the Mayor became President his faithful and ever-loyal executive assistant receive and screen calls from any Tom, Dick, and Harry to include Presidents and Prime Ministers. The last time I saw Bong he holds three cellphones sometimes answering callers and texters simultaneously. So don't begrudge him if he answers in just one to three words.

Duterte never learned to operate a smartphone. He belongs to the talk and text generation.

Being the busiest and closest person around the circle of Duterte, Bong Go adapts to his work regimen.

The Mayor is a night owl.

He prowls the streets of Davao in the wee hours of the evening driving a taxi or in his big bike to inspect police stations or in search of criminals. In times of heavy rainfall, Duterte and Bong would use the mayor's black pickup and together with ACTION/PAGE 11

Constructive always, never destructive JHAN TIAFAU HURST their potatoes in wagons to the market. As their wagons bounced along on the rough, bumpy roads, the big potatoes were always the ones that ended up on top. And it’s usually the same with people. It’s the people with bigger hearts of faith and perseverance who end up on top, after getting over their life’s bumps and problems.

There’s a saying: “What doesn’t kill you makes you stronger.” Yes, problems may detour you and take you off course for a little while, but only you can choose to stop moving ahead. Sometimes we think that our temporary problems are permanent.

PROGRESS/PAGE 11

We cannot deny that in our life we will always have to face challenges and difficulties, resolve certain issues, go through the unavoidable differences and conflicts among ourselves, etc.

Through all this, we should always maintain a positive, hopeful and constructive attitude, rather than get carried away by all kinds of negativities, just complaining, whining, and fault-finding along the way.

We have to be wary of our emotions and passions that, once triggered without the guidance of reason and much less of our faith, hope, and charity, can go ballistic, inflicting harm all around. We have to learn how to control and regulate our anger and temper, and practice patience.

Feeling provoked for any reason doesn’t mean we are entitled to get mad.

The secret is to identify

ourselves with Christ who, as St. Paul said, will always strengthen us such that we can do all things. (cfr. Phil 4,13) We can echo St. Paul’s words: “I have learned to be content in whatever state I am: how to be abased, how to abound. Everywhere and in all things I have learned both to be full and to be hungry, both to abound and to suffer need.” (Phil 4,11-12) We need to process these words so they will always be with us especially when we are provoked by some problem or issue. Other similar passages from the gospel are helpful, like Christ’s words about never to get anxious, as recorded in the Gospel of St. Matthew.

“Do not be anxious about your life,” he said, “what you will eat or what you will drink, nor about your body, what you will put on. Is not life more than food, and the

body more than clothing?

Look at the birds of the air— they neither sow nor reap nor gather into barns, and yet your heavenly Father feeds them. Are you not of more value than they?...” (6,25-26) Again, the idea is for us to identify ourselves with Christ, his mind, his attitude toward life. It’s for us to have his spirit which he shares with us gratuitously, but to which we have to correspond.

He gives us the bigger and complete picture of things, reassuring us that everything will be okay. He has taken care of everything. With him, his love, and grace, we can bear and conquer all things.

Like Christ, we have to be ready to suffer also. He has said this very clearly. “If anyone would come after me, he must deny himself and take up his cross and follow me.” (Mt 16,24) We should discipline

HINTS AND TRACES

ROY CIMAGALA ourselves, especially our emotions and passions, and our attitude, so that instead of just giving a knee-jerk reaction to challenges, issues, problems, and difficulties usually expressed with an outburst of anger, we can easily get to see the reassuring bigger picture always painted

by Christ.

We have to teach ourselves to be patient, and rather than just being restrained and CONSTRUCTIVE/PAGE 11

CorporateWorld 5 Cebu Pacific becomes SSS, PayMaya ink agreement for IATA member real-time payment processing Advertising and Editorial E-mail : businessweekmindanao@gmail.com Contact nos. : 0917-7121424 • 0947-8935776

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CEBU PACIFIC on Tuesday said it has formally joined the International Air Transportation Association (IATA), a trade association for the global airline industry.

“We are pleased to join IATA as we can gain access to expertise and learnings on best practices and innovations among global airlines, as well as help formulate policies on critical aviation issues.

Moreover, we will also be able to share our own operational experience and contribute to further developing the airline industry as a whole,” Lance Y. Gokongwei, President

and CEO of Cebu Pacific, said in a statement.

The budget carrier said it is the largest IATA member among Philippine carriers, as it accounts for 44% of the total domestic passenger volume and 46% of total domestic cargo volume, citing data from the Civil Aeronautics Board.

IATA has more than 290 member-airlines from 117 countries, representing 82% of global air traffic.

Conrad Clifford, IATA Vice-President for Asia Pacific, said it is looking to encourage more low-cost carriers like Cebu Pacific to join the organization.

CEBUPAC/PAGE 11

S

OCIAL Security System (SSS) members now have an additional venue to easily pay their contributions and loans after the agency inked a partnership with digital financial services, PayMaya, on Wednesday.

In a briefing, SSS President and Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Aurora Ignacio said PayMaya is now among the 85 SSS accredited collecting and paying partners, 35 of which are already real-time processing of contributions

(RTPC) system compliant.

She said the agency has been continuously adopting the use of digital platforms to further aid members on accessing SSS services without lining up in banks and the various SSS offices nationwide.

She said the tie-up with PayMaya, for one, will provide greater payment convenience and faster and accurate posting.

Under the agreement, SSS members still need to access the agency’s Mobile App, which can be downloaded from Google Play Store, Apple

App Store, and Huawei App Gallery, and input their My SSS account user ID and password to generate the Payment Reference Number (PRN) or Statement of Account.

Once the member has created his PRN, he needs to tap the Pay button to display the two options namely Pay with PayMaya Account or credit/debit card.

If the member prefers to pay using his PayMaya account, the screen of his mobile phone will display the PRN, amount, and convenience fee of PHP10

per transaction.

He will be required to input his e-mail address and password and in turn, PayMaya will send a one-time password (OTP) for the transaction to continue.

If the member prefers to pay using his debit/ credit card, the screen will show his monthly contribution, convenience charge of 1.75 percent of the total amount. The payment will be completed once the member inputs his first name, last name, card number, and expiry AGREEMENT/PAGE 11

Aboitiz plans venture into ground-mounted solar power plants SN Aboitiz Power is planning to venture into groundmounted solar power plants to add to its portfolio of energy sources, which are mostly large hydroelectric power plants, the company’s president said.

“I’d like to at least have maybe 50 megawatts (MW) a year, 25-50 MW a year, that we could trade,” Joseph S. Yu, President and Chief Executive Officer of SN Aboitiz.

Asked about when the company plans to starting building solar power projects, he said: “Maybe the year after.”

Mr. Yu said the company does not see any reason to stop expanding its annual capacity target.

“We just keep going as long as the market could bear it,” he said, adding that the company would continue to push hydroelectric power development.

SN Aboitiz is the joint venture of Norway’s SN Power AS and listed energy company Aboitiz Power Corp. It owns and operates the 360-MW to 380-MW Magat hydroelectric power plant on the border of

Isabela and Ifugao provinces; the 8.5-MW Maris hydro plant in Isabela; the 105-MW Ambuklao hydro plant in Benguet; and the 140-MW Binga hydro plant in Benguet.

Last year, the company confirmed an announcement made by state agency National Irrigation Administration that they partnered to develop a floating solar farm on Magat dam with a capacity of 200 kilowatts.

The pilot floating solar project was meant to be tested for strong typhoons this year,

but the storms that came were not in the strength that the facility was meant to withstand, Mr. Yu said.

He said the company has spent about $400,000 for the pilot project.

For the company’s planned solar power capacity, Mr. Yu said he was looking at a combination of ground-mounted and floating solar farms.

SN Aboitiz may also study other technologies such wind power, although it had never dabbled on onshore or offshore wind farms.

“But if [the opportunity is] there we can put resources on that,” Mr. Yu said.

“The other thing also is as more variable renewable energy comes in, somebody has to come in and help modulate the frequency of the grid,” he said, referring to battery storage systems.

“So you have two places there for us. One is the hydro side because hydropower plants are one of the biggest batteries you could have. And of course, battery energy storage systems,” Mr. Yu said.

6

Billboard

Industry leaders push for Cleanergy

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T

HE Philippine energy sector has come a long way in the last 10 years, ushering in an era of landmark policies and initiatives geared towards industry competitiveness and environmental sustainability.

Over the past decade, the power sector has shifted from being highly dependent on fossil fuel to employing a more balanced energy mix with various companies taking a more active role in utilizing clean and renewable energy.

In 2013, renewable energy contributed around 26 percent of the country’s total power consumption. This has since increased to over 30 percent by the end of 2018 mainly due to the national government’s campaign to increase its use, as well as the growing appetite of consumers for more sustainable sources of power.

The government has committed to making sure that renewables contribute at least 50 percent of the country’s total energy consumption by 2030.

This is an optimistic goal given the growing awareness of companies towards the impact of renewable energy on their operations as well as the communities they serve.

Long before the trend on "green" and sustainable practices took shape,

UNIQLO Gives Back this Holiday Season

Hedcor's Sibulan B Power Plant in Sta. Cruz, Davao del Sur is one of 22 run-of-river hydropower plants in Mindanao and North Luzon. Holding a gross capacity of 277.36 MW of clean and renewable energy, Hedcor forms a large part of AboitizPower's renewable portfolio, which includes geothermal, solar, and large hydropower facilities all over the country.

green office developer and operator NEO Property Management, Inc. (NEO) had already been at the forefront of clean and renewable energy. In 2013, NEO partnered with AboitizPower for Cleanergy, the latter’s brand for clean and renewable energy.

In January 2019, NEO renewed its partnership with AboitizPower for the supply of 13.5 megawatts (MW) to its facilities in Bonifacio Global City, Taguig.

“We want to give our customers an overall ‘green’ experience, from the design and architecture of our buildings, up to the power supply we use,” NEO Chief Executive Officer Raymond Rufino earlier said.

Constructivism CARMELITA T. HALASAN Teacher 1 Bongbongon Elementary School

CONSTRUCTIVISM is a learning theory found in psychology which explains how people may acquire k now le d ge a nd le a r n .

It t herefore has d irec t application to education.

The t heor y suggests t hat humans construct knowledge and meaning from their experiences.

Const r uct iv ism in education has roots in epistemolog y, meaning t he le a r ne r h a s pr ior knowledge and experiences which is often determined by their social and cultural environment. Learning is therefore done by students constructing knowledge out of their experiences.

Constructivist teaching is based on the belief that learning occurs as learners are actively involved in a process of meaning and knowledge construction as opposed to passively receiv ing informat ion.

Learners are the makers of

meaning and knowledge.

Constructivism is not a specific pedagogy. Piaget’s theory of constructivist learning has wide ranging impact on learning t he or ie s a nd te ach i ng methods in education and is an underlying theme of many education reform move me nt s . R e s e a rc h support for constructivist teaching techniques has been mi xed w it h some research supporting these t e c h n iqu e s a nd ot he r resea rch contradict ing those results.

The concepts of constructivism has inf luenced a number of d i s c i p l i n e s i n c lu d i n g psycholog y, sociolog y, education and the histor y of science.

D u r i n g i t s i n f a n c y, constructivism examines the interaction between human experiences and their ref lexes or behavior patterns.

UNIQLO welcomes the holiday season with its “Give the Gift of LifeWear” event for the children of Bantay Bata and SOS Children’s Villages Philippines held at UNIQLO SM Megamall.

With the mission of “Unlocking the Power of Clothing”, UNIQLO is committed to reducing its environmental impact by offering innovative products and achieving sustainable business simultaneously.

They recognize the power of clothing and are shifting its focus on planet, people, and community.

Over 100 children from Bantay Bata and SOS UNIQLO/PAGE 11

Kalungsuran gihangyo, paspasan pagsumiter sa ilang 2020 budget SUBLING g ip anawagan d a l a a n g p a h i nu m du m sa tanang kalungsuran sa Misamis Oriental nga dili langayon, ug kung mahimo dunganon pagsumiter ang ilang 2020 budget ngadto sa Sangguniang Panlalawigan, hilabina hapit na mahuman ang tuig 2019.

Si B oard Member Vicente “Enteng” Pelaez, miyembro sa Committee on Finance and Appropriation nga gipangulohan ni Board Member Wayne Militante, dili tiaw ang mga rekisitos sa ipasar nga 2020 annual i nv e s t m e nt p l a n s a 2 3 ka lungs o d s a Mis amis Oriental, tungod kay moagi gayud kini sa makuting pamaagi, hilabina adunay mga kabag-ohan sa balaud u na p a k i n i d e b atehan sa konseho. Basin unya kono og malangan, sila ra gihapon ang mag-antos.

Dili ikalimod nga n a g l a b a d i nt aw o n a n g bagul-bagul sa mga miyembro sa Provincial Board kung ngano daghang papeles nga nangawala sa buhatan sa bise gobernador ingon man sa opisina sa

SP secretar y, hinungdan nga s a mat ag karon ug u ny a , h a l a p a g i h ap on si l a og p ang it a s a mga dokumento ug pag-usab og buhat sa mga papeles aron l amang ma human ang t an ang h i s got an an kabahin sa pagpatuman sa nagkadaiyang programa ni Gobernador Bambi Emano alang sa katawhan sa Misamis Oriental.

Matud pa sa abogadong si Board Member Pelaez, adunay higayon nga nakiha sila sa Sanggunian human mangawagtang ang dokumento nga unta nabuhatan na sa resolution.

Gani, nagmahay ang pipila ka kalungsuran

tungod sa pagpasagad sa opisina sa SP secretary.

“Naglisod man gud ang C om m itte e on F i nanc e and Appropr i at ion nga g ip angu lohan ni B o ard Member Wayne Militante.

Ug, ako, isip miyembro niini kay gakawala man ang AIP ug budget nga kopya nga naka logbook naman unta nga nadawat kani,” saysay ni Board Member Pelaez.

Si Gobernador Bambi Emano, sa laing bahin, nakurat sa obserbasyon ni Board Member Pelaez, kung diin gipamulitika sa opisina sa bise gobernador ug SP secretary ang tanang lakang sa mayoriya nga mga miyembro sa alyansang

PaDayon Pilipino ug PDPLaban. “ We urge our mu n i c ip a l it i e s to h e e d the call of Board Member Enteng Pelaez, so that the immediate and timely action shall be accorded to them.

The observation of Board Pelaez only strengthen the reason of the creation of the Governor’s Legislative Liaison Office (GLLO), which main function is to prevent untoward incidents in the plenar y circle…dunay tendenc y ng a i l a hang i - s ab ot a he kaning importante nga mga dokumento nga para nako law-ay gayud nga pamaaging pamulitika,” masulob-ong tipik sa gobernador.

Sa dili maihap nga higayon, laing insidente na usab nga adunay nangawala nga dokumento sa buhatan sa SP secretar y ug bise gobernador. Dili na hinuon mawala sa hunahuna sa kadaghanan nga tingali tinuod adunay sabotahe nga gihimo ang duha ka opisina aron dili makahatud s a maayong s erbisyo si Gobernador Bambi Emano.

Gob. Bambi, mipahalipay’s ‘chessers’ gikan MisOr, CdeO MIPADANGAT sa iyang pahalipay si Gobernador Bambi Emano sa tanang nagmalampuson sa pagbitbit pauli sa medalyang bulawan atol sa Northern Mindanao Regional Meet chess competition sa Tubod, Lanao del Norte, ning bag-o. Matud sa gobernador, laing kadaugan na usab kini sa molupyo sa Misamis Oriental ug Cagayan de Oro. Giharos ni Mar y Joy Ta n , l u m a d n g a t a g a Jasaan, Misamis Oriental, ang medalyang bulawan sa secondary girls chess tournament sa standard ug blitz categories; samtang si Keith Ilar ug Cassey Tabamo, pulos taga El Salvador City, naghari sa elementary division

standard ug blitz rivalries.

Si Jake Sabordo gikan sa Misamis Oriental General Comprehensive High School (MOGCHS) maoy nanguna sa blitz event alang sa secondary boys event.

Gikan sa Cagayan de Oro si Ruelle “Tawing” Canino nga mibitbit ug kadungganan sa 64-square-board standard ug blitz skirmishes sa elementary division.

Si Mary Joy Tan sa Jasaan; Keith Ilar ug Cassey Tabamo sa El Salvador City, Misamis Oriental; Clyde Harris Saraos, David Rey Ancheta ug Tawing Canino sa Cagayan de Oro maoy pambato ngadto sa Palarong Pambansa didto sa Mindoro sa sunod tuig.

Nanghinaut si Gobernador

Photo courtesy of SunStar Cagayan de Oro

Bambi Emano nga dugangan pa sa atong mga atleta gikan sa Misamis Oriental ug Cagayan de Oro ang ilang kaikag nga maghari sa nagkadaiyang sports tournaments susama

sa chess, ug uban pa. Kung unsa man ang ikatabang sa iyang pamunuan, andam kini motunol bisan kanus-a. Ug, unta ang Diyos magauban kanila.

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FRIDAY|DECEMBER 20, 2019

Remittances seen to boost peso this year THE Philippine peso is expected to receive a boost from the strong inflows of remittances this year, but the situation can reverse next year on projected improvement of imports.

In a research note, ING Bank Manila Senior Economist Nicholas Mapa said the local currency has been getting additional support from the robust inflows from overseas Filipino workers (OFWs).

On Monday, the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP) reported that cash remittances grew by 8 percent last October alone to 2.67 billion, while year-to-date expansion was 4.6 percent to $24.9 billion.

The monthly remittance growth last October was the highest so far this year.

On Monday, the peso ended the trade at 50.635, sideways from its 50.64 close last Friday.

Mapa said remittance inflows in the 10th month this year is higher-thanexpected “helping provide additional strength for the peso in 2019 and gives hope for a strong consumption print in fourth quarter”.

He said cash remittances remain resilient despite the issues like the US-China trade war, the unrest in Hong Kong, and the geo-political BOOST/PAGE 9

BSP probes 10 banks for links to money laundering scheme

P

HILIPPINE monetary officials are now looking at information that about 10 banks received the alleged dirty money that passed through Ayala-led Bank of the Philippine Islands (BPI), through its partnership with Westpac Banking Corporation’s remittance arm.

Reports said BPI has “suspended indefinitely” its use of LitePay facility after Westpac reportedly violated Australia’s money laundering law 23 million times.

In an interview by journalists Tuesday, Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP)

Deputy Governor Chuchi Fonacier said BPI has submitted a partial report on the matter since the local bank was used as the entry-point of the funds into the domestic economy.

She said BPI has shared with authorities how much of the funds have been channeled to domestic universal and commercial banks (U/KBs), but she declined to give specifics.

“We are still in the process of verifying the information they shared with us,” she said.

Fonacier said they will also conduct onsite visits to the involved banks but said this will be done only after

Making school playgrounds edible CARMELITA T. HALASAN Teacher 1 Bongbongon Elementary School

OPEN space has done wonders for students with learning difficulties who tend to struggle in a classroom environment. It’s less confrontational than a classroom. They’re getting some of their anger out and they feel a lot better. School gardens are a wonderful way to use the schoolyard as a classroom, reconnect students with the natural world and the source of their food.

In a school garden, school children

7

Banking&Finance

are set to work cultivating flower and vegetable gardens. The school garden is an outgrowth of regular school work. It is an effort to get children out of doors and away from books.

It is a healthy realism putting more vigor and intensity into school work.

School gardens are a great way to get children to learn about nutrition.

They make the connection between growing food and good diets, develop life skills and increase environmental

awareness. It instills positive impact on student achievement and behavior.

It instills appreciation and respect for nature that lasts into adulthood.

Gardening with children provides them with skills to help your child’s development. Young children can practice locomotor skills, body management skills and object control skills while they move from one place to the other carrying tools, soil and water.

the review.

She said the transactions were not flagged because it involved small amounts that do not require reporting to the Anti-Money Laundering Council (AMLC).

Under AMLC rules, covered transactions include cash or other equivalent monetary instruments that surpass P500,000.

Fonacier said BSP investigation on this issue might be finished by next month since it is already in the second half of December, and there will be lots of holidays.

She is also open to the possibility that they will be in touch with Australian monetary officials but stressed that this will depend on the result of BSP investigation. (PNA)

Term deposits post undersubscription ahead of holidays UNDERSUBSCRIPTION was again registered during the term deposit facility (TDF) auction Wednesday and a ranking Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP) official said this in line with their expectations.

Data released by the central bank showed that the 15-day facility received tenders amounting to P41.519 billion, lower than the P50-billion offer.

The central bank’s auction committee accepted all the bids.

The tenor’s bid

coverage ratio slipped to 0.8304 from the 1.1666 during the auction last December 11.

Its rate averaged at 4.3288 percent, higher than the previous auction’s 4.3249 percent.

On the other hand, both the 8-day and 28-day facilities received strong demand.

Banks submitted a total of P73.831-billion worth of tenders for the shortesttenor TDF, higher than the P60-billion offer.

Its bid coverage ratio DEPOSITS/PAGE 9

8

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FRIDAY|DECEMBER 20, 2019

CONGRATULATIONS 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: Mallberry Suites 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

9

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FRIDAY|DECEMBER 20, 2019

Boost... from page 7

concerns in the Middle East. “ This development highlights the unchanging narrative of the Philippine current account: OF (overseas Filipino) remittance growth,” he added, citing “come hell or high recession, remittance f lows have grown with Filipinos always finding a way to make Christmas merry”.

Map a , h ow e v e r, discounted a similar situation next year as the current account expected to come under renewed pressure on projected imports related to the government’s fiscal push.

“But one thing’s for sure, OF remittance will continue to post decent growth prints to offset this weakening pressure,” he added.

Phi lippine St at ist ics Au t h o r i t y ( P S A ) d a t a show that imports posted a 10.8-percent decrease last October alone, a turn-around from year-ago’s 26.2 percent expansion, due partly to the decrements of nine of the 10 major import commodities like iron and steel, cereals and cereal preparations, and industrial machinery and equipment. (PNA)

Deposits... from page 7

increased to 1.2305 from last week’s 1.1139 when tenders reached P66.835 billion, higher than the P60-billion offer.

Bids for the 28-day facility totaled to P49.924 billion, higher than the P40-billion offer.

Its bid coverage ratio improved to 1.2481 from 0.7452 in last week’s auction.

Average rate declined to 4.3436 percent from 4.3496 percent last week.

BSP Deputy Governor Francis Dakila Jr. said the P150-billion offer in this week’s TDF auction is lower than last week’s P180 billion “amid expected increase in demand for cash ahead of the holidays.” (PNA)

Confident... from page 1

“In the fourth quarter, consumer spending really got boosted by bonuses, OFW (overseas Filipino workers) remittances also rose 7.7 percent in October, and that also contributed to increased consumer spending which accounts for about two-thirds of GDP,” he told reporters Wednesday during the yearend media briefing.

Pernia said the country’s “catch-up plan” on spending on infrastructure projects has also some impact on increasing economic growth from October to December.

National Economic and Development Authority (NEDA) Undersecretar y Rosemarie Edillon also cited private consumption will be “really robust” given the slow inflation, especially food inflation as well as government consumption.

“Investment spending is also very hefty especially this fourth quarter, actually leading to the fourth quarter,” she said, adding that tourism

receipts are expected to post gains with an offshoot of the Southeast Asian Games (SEA Games).

Edillon said the domestic demand will more than makeup for slow external demand.

The country's GDP surged by 6.2 percent in the third quarter, bringing the ninemonth average to 5.8 percent From 2020 to 2022, Pernia, also NEDA Director-General, said economic planners are targeting a 6.5 percent to 7.5 percent GDP growth.

“The main advantages there would be the budget would have been passed by then before the end of the year so there will be no reenactment of the budget for 2020 and so that would already be a good start for the year and in the home stretch, government spending on infrastructure will increase further because we want to finish as many infrastructures as possible,” he added.

Pernia said consumption spending is also a growth driver as inflation remains stable.

On the downside, he said the trade war between the United States and China is “still continuing although it has softened a bit and we hope it will soften further.”

“Of course, our natural disasters which are a common phenomenon in the Philippines and possible water shortage in the summer months especially given that the concessionaires are now kind of setback in their plans, or maybe they will be pushed forward ahead. They will be pressured to deliver better services in the coming year and possible delays in infrastructure projects,” he added. (PNA)

Rejoice... from page 1

brot h e r Z a l d y, f or m e r governor of the Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao, guilty for 57 counts of murder and sentenced to 40 years in prison without parole.

“We are happy on the conviction of the key suspects … but sad that Sajid was acquitted,” said Ronie Perante Jr., son of the slain Gold Star Daily correspondent Ronie Perante.

Sajid Ampatuan, who did not attend the promulgation, was the elected vice governor of Maguindanao at the time of the massacre. Sajid, who is also facing corrupted charges, is out on bail.

“I am happy the major suspects were convicted, but it’s hard to accept that others were acquitted… All the 197 suspects should have been convicted,” said Xhandi Morales, daughter of Russel Morales of News Focus.

Forty-three suspects were found guilty while 56 others were acquitted. Of the 43, 28 were given a sentence of reclusion perpetua (40 years) without parole and 15 others sentenced to six to 10 years as accessories to the crime.

Xhandi said she could not forgive those who perpetrated the brutal murders even if they have been found guilty.

“Ku n g g u s t o n i l a

makuha ang pagpatawad, paghirapan nila. Mahirap ang magpatawad, pero hindi kami magpabaon sa galit (If they want to be forgiven, they should work on it. It’s not easy to forgive, but we won’t harbor hatred),” she stressed.

The showing of the live coverage of the promulgation, which was arranged by the National Union of Journalists of the Philippines, was not fully seen by the orphans and their kin because instead of a giant television screen, organizers used an internet connection.

There was also no mass as earlier announced but only a short prayer at the Saint Paul of the Cross Novitiate.

June Colleen Maravilla, 24, eldest daughter of slain Bombo Radyo reporter Bart Maravilla, said they have waited too long for judgment day to come.

“There are strong evidences against the principal accused Ampatuans but it still took that long for justice to be rendered,” she said.

Together with her four siblings and about 50 other family members of the other slain media victims, June Colleen took an absence from her work at the South Cotabato provincial jail to witness the showing of the live coverage of the promulgation at the novitiate.

She was only 14 years old when the November 23, 2009 massacre stole away their father – who both acted as their daddy and mommy at the same time because their mother was working abroad then.

Because of the threats to their lives, the Maravilla siblings, whose youngest then was three years old, were forced to leave Koronadal City and stayed with their relatives in the Visayas.

June Colleen noted the threats came after their mother Ivy refused bribe offers, in the millions of pesos, allegedly from the Ampatuan camp, to withdraw from the case.

“If we accepted the bribe offer, we will not be here today to witness the promulgation with our fellow orphans,” she said.

The children and other kin of the slain media workers wore black shirts printed with the words “It’s been 10 years. Do not let the story die with them #fightfor58.

Ampatuan massacre” The verdict came more than 10 years after the massacre that killed 58 people, including 32 media workers.

At least 197 persons have been charged with the grisly manslaughter, considered the worst election-related violence in the country and the single deadliest attack against media workers in the world.

The massacre’s principal suspects also included former Maguindanao governor Andal Ampatuan Sr., who died from an illness while in custody.

Esmael Mangudadatu, then vice mayor of Buluan

town, challenged the Ampatuan’s grip on power.

That fateful day, he sent his wife Genalyn and several female family members to file his certificate of candidacy for governor. The slain media workers were there to cover the filing. The other victims included civilians who passed by the wrong time.

Mangudadatu eventually won t he g ub e r nator i a l race and served for three terms. He is now the second district representative of Maguindanao.

Of the arrested suspects, 90 have been detained while 11 have been released on bail.

Eight suspects had died, including the Ampatuan patriarch.

Eighty suspects remained at large. (Bong S. Sarmiento / MindaNews)

Fad...

from page 1

centerpiece in during the "noche buena" and "media noche" feasts, the Filipinos' fascination for crisp bills as gifts is ingrained in tradition supported by the practice of banks to issue new denominations during the holidays.

Businesswoman Charlene Manuel, from San Carlos, Pangasinan said that the giving of crisp bills, especially those with high value, looks good. " Nag i g i ng t r a d is yon pagsapit ng holidays, pinamimigay ang mga bagong bills dahil maganda tignan at hindi nakakahiyang ibigay sa mga pagbibigyan. Wala ring pinagkaiba ito kung magbibigay ka ng regalo, syempre bago. Ganon din sa bills (It's a Filipino tradition to give new bills as gifts during the holidays and giving new money is sometimes better than other stuff. And like traditional gifts, you will opt to give new ones, to show your regard to the person)," she said.

Her views were shared by Kaye Imson Pangilinan, a new mom living in Navotas, who said that it is more exciting for some to receive new money as gifts during the holidays.

"Kasi pag Pasko, mas exciting daw na makatanggap ng bagong pera. Amoy pa lang nakakatuwa na.

Tapos mapabata o matanda napapasaya (During Christmas it's more exciting for some our 'kababayans' to receive crispy new bills as gifts. Just by smelling it, someone becomes happy. I think both old and young people are happy when they receive these)," she added.

For Joel Locsin, a resident of Binondo, Manila, new bills equate with the coming New Year which is just six days away from Christmas, hence the fixation of Filipinos to give new money as gifts.

For Tiea Mar yze Villanueva, an overseas Filipino worker currently in Dubai, United Arab Emirates, giving of crispy new money can be likened to a good luck charm to greet the coming New Year.

The same holds true for marketing executive Trisha Alcantara, a resident of

Mangatarem, Pangasinan, adding that new bills give a good and positive vibe for the coming New Year.

"Bagong taon, bagong pera at bagong buhay (New Year, new money, and new life)," she added.

For Tiffani Nepomuceno of Caloocan City, the Filipino fixation for new money during the holidays can be attributed to the tradition of having new things for the holidays.

"Ne w clothes, ne w furniture, and new money, that's the traditional way of greeting the Christmas Season," she added.

As for Jeca Marie AlejoCurammeng, a new housewife f rom B arangay Muzon, Malabon, giving new money equates to sharing happiness and blessings to old and young people alike. (PNA)

Donates... from page 1

(4ID), Camp Evagelista, Patag, Cagayan de Oro City.

LT F R B - 1 0 R e g i o n a l Director Aminoden Guro, who was invited to witness the turn-over ceremony last Friday, recalled how RTMI provided buses to the army troops during the Marawi siege some three years ago in response to the request made by the Philippine Army, through the LTFRB Regional Office 10.

"This time, there's no need to request from bus companies any more. The donation made by Yanson Group of Bus Companies, through the RTMI, will help ease the burden of transportation shortage on the side of the military," Director Guro said.

RTMI has facilitated militar y transport of p e rs on n e l i n te r ms of augmenting transportation by providing buses, through the LTFRB, for the Armed Force of Philippines' operating troops during the Marawi incident, Guro said.

Allan Vallente, RTMI vice president for administration, Mindanao Area, said the donation of the bus is part of RTMI's corporate social responsibility (CSR) program, even as he said that the military has helped them in their operation along the way.

"We hope that through this simple act of kindness, we are able to help ease the transportation (woes) of the military. Let this 45-seater bus be a symbol of harmonious relationship that we have, and may it help serve you (10 FSSU) and the rest of your (military) community," Vallente said during the blessing and turn-over ceremony.

"This is also a way of thanking you (military) for your continued support in our daily operations," he added.

In response, Lt. C ol. L awrence Aninag, commanding officer, of 10FSSU, said: "RTMI, as a company, has been our partner in our administrative and operational functions, especially during and after the Marawi incident."

RTMI also opened various opportunities by way of enhanced skills training of some military personnel, said Aninag.

Aninag also said, "10FSSU assisted in carrying out their (RTMI) CSR by providing RTMI with security awareness program, conducted to its drivers and other personnel."

The bus will be used in times of calamity, to rescue stranded passengers, during i n s u r g e n c y, a n d ot h e r incidents free of charge.

A memorandum of agreement between RTMI, represented by VP Vallente, and 10FSSU, represented by Lt. Col. Aninag, sealed the deed of donation, witnessed

by Col. Michele Anayron, chief of staff, 4ID, and RTMI Bulua Branch Manager John del Castillo.

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10

Two Liceo composers making waves for Beethoven’s 250th Anniversary Collection

T

By TITO MIKE

WO Kagayanon composers are rocking the internet via an international collection of compositions honoring the 250th Anniversary of composer Ludwig van Beethoven.

Last December 10, Prof. Horst Hans Bäcker and Mr. Niño Cesar Tiro paid a courtesy call on City Mayor Oscar S. Moreno to update him on the project’s latest developments.

“Niño's piece is the most played among all

250 piano pieces since Susanne Kessel premiered it,” Bäcker told Mayor Moreno. “Volume 9 (where our pieces will be published) will be on market by the end of January 2020.”

The pair has been invited to visit Germany next year where Kessel,

Composers Horst Hans Bäcker (in blue) and Niño Cesar Tiro (in black) pay a courtesy call on Mayor Oscar S. Moreno. Also in photo are Toting Tiro Potenciano (Niño's cousin) and his wife Ena Marie.

the pianist from the Beethoven’s birthplace in Bonn who initiated the project, will play their compositions as part of the worldwide celebration of Beethoven’s birthday (nmz, badblog, 2015).

"Beethoven Year 2019/2020 is full of concerts and we are free to choose when we want to be a part of one," Bäcker notes.

However, the duo admits going to Germany is beyond their means without sponsors to cover their expenses, but remain open to corporate and individual sponsors who wish to support their trip.

Bäcker’s Fantasie über Ludwig van Beethoven and Tiro’s Phantasie für Ludwig compositions are among the 250 piano pieces selected to be published and distributed worldwide in Volume 9 of

Susanne Kessel

The 250 Piano Pieces for Beethooven Book Series featuring 250 piano pieces by 250 composers from 43 countries all over the world to commemorate the 250th Anniversary of Beethoven’s birthday in 2020.

Kessel has worked on a number of remarkable collaborations with various

composers. Since 2013, she has been inviting composers of new music, jazz, and film music from around the world to compose piano pieces inspired by Beethoven and his body of work to commemorate the 250th Anniversary of the great German’s composer’s COMPOSERS/PAGE 11

11

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FRIDAY|DECEMBER 20, 2019

Composers... from page 10

birthday in 2020.

Bäcker reached out to Kessel in 2013 when he was still based in Germany and was invited to send in his composition. When he moved to Cagayan de Oro in 2016, Bäcker told Tiro about the project upon hearing some of the latter’s compositions.

Tiro reached out to Kessel and was likewise invited to send in his composition for the collection.

“Even when I was still in college, I already wanted to write music based on the notes represented by the letters of a person’s name,” Bäcker said. “I discovered that if I use German, Italian and French names of notes, I ended up having 12 letters of the alphabet not represented by notes. By using the 12 semi tones in an octave, you can put these 12 tones there, then you have every letter with a note!”

“B y u s i n g t h e n ot e symbols represented by the letters of his name, now I have a complete Ludwig van Beethoven melody!”

In a social media post on her event page, Kessel said: “Welcome piano piece No. 197: Horst-Hans Bäcker (RO/DE) - Fantasie über Ludwig van Beethoven. A nice piece that is composed out of the note-letters of the name Ludwig van Beethoven.”

Bäcker is the Associate Dean of Liceo de Cagayan University’s Conservatory of Music, Theatre and Dance as well as its Professor for Composition and Orchestral/ Choral Conducting and Conductor of the Cagayan de Oro Symphony Orchestra.

B orn in Bucharest, Romania but educated in Germany, Bäcker studied Composition under Ludwig Wer ne r Wei and at t he Conservatory in Wuppertal and Gyula Horvath at the Mozarteum in Salzburg; conducting under Kurt Prestel and Performance Practice of Early Music with Nikolaus Harnoncourt. He completed his Masters in Composition under Jürg Baur at the Rhineland Academy of Music in Cologne.

A self-confessed advocate o f av a nt - g a rd e mu s i c , Tiro grew up in a musical household and taught piano in the family owned studio.

His sister was also a pianist who oriented him in classical music every time she played.

In college, he wrote under the pseudonym Ludwig when he wrote some of his avant-garde pieces.

“Beethoven is like No. 1 for me!” said the self-styled anachronistic, eccentric and outright melodic composer from Cagayan de Oro. “Phantasie für Ludwig is a Sturm und Drang piece in A minor based on the Beethoven style of Classical Romantic composition. There are a few nods there and there from the meister’s monumental works.

The dissonance and melodic and harmonic tension in this piece conveys the ups and downs in a composer’s life and depicts Beethoven

succumbing the frailty of the human mind and body. The works ends in A, neither a major nor minor, symbolizing the continuing struggles that everyone, especially Ludwig, faced in life.”

“Welcome piano piece No. 199: Nino Tiro (PH) - Phantasie für Ludwig. A piece of high romantic piano music, film-music style by a composer and music teacher on the Philippines,” said Kessel in the event page of her project. “The piece is about Für Elise. Something that you love to play when you are with friends and someone asks you: Please play something for us. Thank you, Nino!”

Tiro is the only Filipino composer included in the project. He is currently a faculty member of the Liceo de C agayan Universit y Conser vator y of Music, Theatre and Dance and principal double bass player of the Cagayan de Oro Symphony Orchestra.

The premieres of the piano pieces are being held in Beethoven’s birthplace in Bonn, with further premieres scheduled in other cities as well. Radio recordings (WDR) and CD productions will accompany the project. All 250 pieces will be published by 2020 by EDITIONS MUSICA FERRUM and will be available for purchase internationally.

In a recent post at her event page 250 Piano Piece for Beethoven, Kessel announced, "After 6.5 years of work: Next Sunday, 1st of December 2019, the monumental, historic collection of 250 new piano pieces for Beethoven's 250th birthday will be complete!

Two weeks before the official start of the "Beethoven-Year 2019/2020." (with Ena Marie E. Tiro)

UNIQLO... from page 6

C h i l d r e n ’s V i l l a g e s Philippines were treated to a holiday shopping spree from the brand’s wide array of LifeWear essentials. To get more into the Holiday spirit, Mr. Jose Mari Chan and Ms. Lea Salonga gave a warm Christmas serenade to our kids and other guests. Joining the festivities, UNIQLO P h i l i p p i n e s’ p a r t n e r s , i n f lu e nc e rs and me d i a accompanied the children with their shopping.

"Filipinos have always welcomed us from the time we introduced UNIQLO here in 2012, so we want to reciprocate that by giving back to those in need,” shared Geraldine Sia, UNIQLO Philippines’ Co-COO. “More than just bringing good clothing to our customers through our apparel, it is also our mission to share our LifeWear to members of our community who don’t have access to our clothing and to our stores," she added.

UNIQLO is committed to making the world a better place. As of August 2019, it has managed to collect 90.79 million articles of clothing globally through its AllProduct Recycling Initiative.

These items have been

delivered to communities in need, disaster survivors, and refugees in 22 countries and region around the globe. UNIQLO encourages Filipinos to donate pre-loved clothes to continue spreading the gift of LifeWear even after Holidays.

For more updates, customers may visit UNIQLO Phi lippines’ website at www.uniqlo.com/ph and s o cial media accounts, Facebook (facebook. com/uniqlo.ph), Twitter (twitter.com/uniqloph) and Instagram (Instagram.com/ uniqlophofficial).

RedDoorz... from page 12

learning opportunity. Staying in a hotel for the first time and indulging in new, enjoyable activities excited the children and gave them an early Christmas memory that they’ll never forget. This was the first time that a number of them felt that they belonged as part of a larger, caring community, encouraging them to try new things.”

RedDoorz kicked-off the program in Davao City on November 23, where RedDoorz employees surprised the staff and children of the United Muslim, Christian and Lumad For Peace and Development in Mindanao - a non-profit organization caring for Lumads, indigenous people, and informal settlers in Mindanao - with an impromptu Christmas party complete with food, games and prizes.

Virlanie Foundation kids from marginalized communities in Metro Manila were treated by RedDoorz, to an overnight stay at a RedDoorz hotel topped by a mini Christmas Party on November 24. RedDoorz also partnered with Sunshine Corner Ministry of Encouragement, Inc., a child-caring institution catering to the needs of abused, abandoned, and neglected children in Cebu City, to give the children a fun day they would never forget on November 26.

RedDoorz C ountr y Marketing Manager Raenald De Jesus highlighted why RedDoorz wanted to give back to the underprivileged sections of the community through this initiative. He said, “These children have had a disadvantageous start in life and we wanted to give them the chance to experience a fun-filled weekend before Santa Claus sets off with his bag of goodies. RedDoorz launched its #MomentsToCelebrate campaign this holiday season to spread cheer by enabling more people to travel, and to remind more Filipinos to create quality moments with their loved ones.”

RedDoorz now has more than 200 partner hotels in over 20 cities nationwide.

Action... from page 4

b a c kup v e h i c l e s w ou l d roam the street to assist stranded senior citizens or helpless women with children in tow and conduct them to their homes. On most of these occasions, Bong Go is with

the mayor.

When the Federal Movement was relaunched Mayor D uter te was t he unanimous choice and was fielded by the proponents to conduct a nationwide campaign to rekindle the i d e a of a f e d e r a l f or m of government. B ong presence was prominently conspicuous and he earned the moniker "photobomber". It went on that way even when Duterte won the Presidency.

It comes as no surprise when Bong was catapulted from the tail end of the senatorial surveys to being on the lead pack Bong, it is turning out, is getting to be a very productive senator.

And true to his experience and commitments is the most perceptible politician.

But he is not seen in parties or glitzy events as most of our politicians are wont to do. Bong is present in e ve r y c a l am it y m a k i ng people feel the presence of government His pieces of legislation cater to the poor and to the youth. His Malasakit Centers defines that and his role in the success of the SEA Games demonstrates that.

Professor Clarita Carlos describes Sen. Bong Go quite aptly. "Senator Go is the epitome of an Action Man, indeed".

Progress... from page 4

Water... from page 2

by local government units (LGUs) in the area.

“A lot of areas in the province are not yet provided with water supply through t h e s e w a t e r s y s t e m s ,” Crisostomo said.

He added that most of these water systems are now facing difficulties in providing services to the people due to the lack of infrastructure support and equipment.

“In San Jose, the capital town, we are experiencing a water crisis. There is a need to repair and upgrade the infrastructures of the water system,” he said.

The recent evaluation also revealed the need for intervention to address the problems of siltation and the presence of sediments in water sources in San Jose, Crisostomo added.

“We have a lot of untapped water sources. This is what Governor Kaka wants to tap and develop to provide our people with much wider, efficient, and safe water sources,” he said.

Though the provincial government has funds to develop its untapped water sources, Crisostomo said the governor is also planning to tap funds from the national government through the submission of project proposals.

He added that more funding is needed to construct road networks towards the water sources.

“Roads are necessar y for the transportation of necessary materials needed to construct structures and for the development of these water sources,” he said. (PNA)

But if you stay patient and positive, then the end of your problem will become the beginning of your new season of success. So why not ask Jesus Christ to take charge of your heart every day. It’s only with Him on your side, and His peace and power in your life, that you can turn every problem into progress. Just Think a from page 5 “We warmly welcome Minute…

Cebu Pacific, Asia’s oldest low-cost carrier, to the IATA from page 4 family. Today about 20% global footprint using new of our members globally generation fuel-efficient are low-cost carriers and aircraft.” we encourage more to As of end-September 2019, join. We look forward to Cebu Pacific ramped-up working together with the capacity by 23%, totaling 19 Cebu Pacific team to help million seats. The carrier flew shape industry standards, close to 16 million passengers best practices and policies on 121 routes with more than that ensure the safe, efficient 2,600 weekly flights. and sustainable growth of aviation in the Philippines

and Asia. Together with our 290+ member airlines, we make aviation the business of freedom,” Mr. Clifford said.

Cebu Pacific said it has fully complied with the IATA Operational Safety Audit (IOSA). There are 437 carriers worldwide that has complied with the evaluation system that assesses the operational management and control systems of an airline.

The budget carrier grew its capacity by 23% as of end-September, reaching 19 million seats. It flew nearly 16 million passengers on 121 domestic and international routes.

Cebu Air, Inc., the listed operator of Cebu Pacific, said its nine-month profit surged 142% to P6.75 billion, as it added flights and raised average fares.

Agreement... from page 5

date of the card.

“As more and more people put their thrust on the SSS as a reliable partner in times of unexpected life events, we are confident that we can meet every expectation because there are reliable and innovative institutions like you to support us,” Ignacio added.

PayMaya President and Chief Executive Officer Orlando Vea said they are honored to be part of the agency’s digitalization bid to help its members.

He said digitalization of SSS’ payment transactions, among others, is cost-effective for the members in terms of value and time and energy.

“We’re happy that SSS has fully embraced digital.

Here at SSS digital is a new normal,” he added. (PNA)

CebuPac...

Welcomes...

Constructive...

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

from page 4

moderate, let us rev up our optimistic and cheerful selves, knowing that each challenge and difficulty brings with it some grace of God and some precious lessons to learn.

We should not allow ours elves to b e guided only by our emotions and feelings, and not even by our intelligent estimation of things. We have to be guided by faith, hope, and charity. This is how we can see and react to things the way Christ does.

Yes, we have every reason to be positive and constructive in our attitude even in the gloomiest situation we can find ourselves in. Just be with Christ. That’s the secret! roycimagala@gmail.com

ALLAN'S LECHON Main: Purok 4 Puerto, Cagayan de Oro City Cell #: 0928-616-4431 / 0905-777-0670 Branch: 31st Nazareth, Cagayan de Oro City Cell #: 0926-594-9540

Free: HALANG-HALANG or DINUGOAN!

Branch: Casinglot, Tagoloan, Misamis Oriental

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Friday|December 20, 2019

12

RedDoorz gives underprivileged kids Moments To Celebrate with 100 Open Doors Campaign

R

edDoorz, Southeast Asia’s largest and fastest growing hotel chain, spread the joy of Christmas early this year by giving children from marginalized communities from across the Philippines access to one-hundred rooms at various RedDoorz hotels, as part of its recently launched #MomentsToCelebrate holiday campaign.

RedDoorz worked with Virlanie Foundation,

Sunshine Corner Ministry of Encouragement Inc., and United Muslim, Christian and Lumad for Peace and Development in Mindanao to give one hundred children nationwide – from Luzon, Visayas, and Mindanao – their firstever travel experience in the form of special pre-Christmas treats and an overnight stay at RedDoorz hotels. Under supervised conditions from qualified volunteers

and child guardians, the children were chaperoned for a series of Christmas themed events including educational learning sessions, parlor games and team-building exercises.

Caleb Uy, Donor Relations Officer of Virlanie Foundation, one of the beneficiary communities of RedDoorz’s #MomentsToCelebrate campaign, said, “This experience was a great REDDOORZ/PAGE 11

Virlanie Foundation Kids and their guardians