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Truce with rebels PRESIDENT Rodrigo Duterte has declared a unilateral ceasefire with communist rebels this Christmas season, Malacañang said Wednesday. P r e s i d e n t i a l Spokesperson Harry Roque Jr. said the President announced the suspension of military operations (SOMO) against the Communist Party of the PhilippinesNew People’s Army-National Democratic Front (CPP-NPANDF) Tuesday night. He said the SOMO would run from December 24, 2017 to January 2, 2018 and the Palace expects the communist rebels to return the favor. “This unilateral ceasefire would lessen the apprehension of the public this Christmas season. We expect that the CPP-NPANDFP would do a similar gesture of goodwill,” Roque said in a statement.

Russian mining firms TWO Russian companies are planning to put up mineral processing plants in the Surigao provinces, the Mines and Geosciences Bureau (MGB) said. MGB officer-in-charge Wilfredo G. Moncano told reporters on Tuesday that the bureau expects final signing with one of the companies signed by January. He did not identify the companies nor specify where in the Surigao region the plants will be built. “Actually, the first signing was with one [Russian] mining company — I do not want to mention the name — in October and [another] to sign early January,” he said. Mr. Moncano said a mineral processing facility typically costs about $200 million, but the two Russian investments could be worth $600 million.

IN-DEPTH

Lapasan Highway, Cagayan de Oro City

Martial law extension won’t affect economy www.businessweekmindanao.com

As of 6:00 pm Dec. 20, 2017 (wednesday)

Cagayan de Oro

YOUR Mindanao-wide BUSINESS paper

Thursday | December 21, 2017

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HE National Economic and Development Authority (NEDA) is optimistic that the one-year extension of martial law in Mindanao will not adversely affect the economy.

“If we go by the experience in Marawi, it’s going to be neutral at worst. It could boost investor confidence if it’s done (similar to) what happened in Marawi,” NEDA Director-General Ernesto Pernia told reporters on Thursday. Pernia noted the martial law declaration seemed to be well-administered “so our before and after analysis was it was more positive than negative.” extension/PAGE 11

Opposition lawmakers to question martial law extension before SC OPPOSITION lawmakers belonging to the “Magnificent 7” bloc on Thursday expressed their intent to contest the full-year extension of martial law in Mindanao before the Supreme Court. “We are definitely filing a petition before the Supreme Court,” Albay Rep. Edcel Lagman said in a press conference. “I hope this time the Supreme Court will see that there is no factual and constitutional basis for the extension of the period of martial law,” he added. A total of 240 members of Congress question/PAGE 11

CAGAYAN DE ORO ICON. Motorelas with Christmas-themed decors line the streets of Cagayan de Oro City during the annual Paskorela. An icon of the city, this cheap mode of transportation was introduced in 1964 by local inventor Rafael Floirendo. mindanews photo by froilan gallardo

Davao region council sees infra projects 11.5% growth By CARMELITO Q. FRANCISCO, Correspondent

DAVAO City — The Davao Regional Development Council (RDC) is banking on big-ticket infrastructure projects in the next five years as

a catalyst to achieving economic growth of 11.5% by 2022. Davao del Norte Gov. Antonio Rafael G. del Rosario, who chairs

the RDC, said the target for gross regional domestic product growth is achievable if all the key infrastructure projects are implemented within the timetable. projects/PAGE 11

Psycho-social intervention for IDPs to drag on to 2018 By MARK FRANCISCO, Staff Writer

CHRISTMAS VILLAGE. A staff of Lim Ket Kai Luxe Hotel in Cagayan de Oro City checks the miniature Christmas Village at the hotel’s lobby which is one of its Yuletide season attractions. photo by gerry lee gorit

PSYCHO-social intervention for the Marawi internally displaced persons (IDPs) who have opted to stay in Cagayan de Oro and Iligan cities will what make the psycho-social therapy volunteers busy during the whole of 2018. During their yearend evaluation held Wednesday, VO IC E Ne t w or k v i c e president Myrna Sios-e said that while the government is concentrating on structures rehabilitation in battle-torn

Marawi City, the volunteers will focus on psycho-social intervention with the affected residents. VOICE Net work, or Volunteer Organizations Information Coordination & Exchange, Inc., is composed of the Department of Interior and L o cal Government (DILG), Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD), city government of Cagayan de Oro, Archdiocese idps/PAGE 11

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Economy Agsur town regulates DepEd conducts Brigada dispensing of pharmaceutical products Eskwela in Marawi

ARAWI City -The Department of Education (DepEd) brought together on December 13 volunteers and resources from its offices nationwide to repair, paint, and clean some of the schools that were damaged by the Marawi crisis. Education Secretary Leonor Briones and DepEd-ARMM Secretary Dr. John Magno led the Brigada Eskwela in 16 schools: Bito Elementary School; Rorogagus Elementary School; Mipagaga Elementary

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thursday|december 21, 2017

School; Pendolonan Elementary School; Abdulazis Elementary School; Camp Bagong Amai Pakpak Elementary School; Sugod Central Elementary School; Sultan Conding Elementary School; Sikap Elementary School; Banga Primary School; Cabingan Primary School; Datu Tambak Primary School; Basak Elementary School; Pandi Elementary School: Marawi City National High School; and Amai Pakpak Elementary School. “Education must continue. Let’s all give quality education to the

learners. The Department of Education will help rebuild damaged schools here in Marawi City. ‘Di namin pababayaan ang Marawi City. Umpisa lamang ito. Hindi natin ititigil ang Brigada Eskwela hangga’t hindi natin matapos maayos ang lahat ng paaralan sa Marawi,” Briones said. Jomairah Noor, 5th grade student of Camp Bagong Amai Pakpak, expressed gratitude for all the help extended to them. “Nagpapasalamat po kami, dahil nakikita namin na hindi kami pinapabayaan. Marami pong tumutulong

sa amin. Sana po hindi na ulit magkagulo dito sa Marawi para tuluy-tuloy na pag-aaral namin at para maging masaya na kaming lahat dito,” she said. Briones also underscored the need to provide psychosocial assistance not just for the students but also for displaced teachers. Amai Pakpak Elementary School Grade 6 teacher Tanjirea Mascara was also thankful to DepEd and reiterated the challenge of teaching students who were affected by the siege. brigada/PAGE 10

NASIPIT, Agusan del Norte -- The municipality of Nasipit, Agusan del Norte is now regulating the dispensing of pharmaceutical products to avoid misuse and to promote responsible use of medicines in the said municipality, based on the approved Municipal Ordinance No. 010, series of 2017, authored by Sangguniang Bayan Member Benjamin S. Selim. Under Section 2 of the said ordinance, it shall be unlawful for any person, partnership, or corporation, to display and sell any drugs, medicines

and other health products, unless such display and sale is a duly licensed drug store or pharmaceutical company and with the prescription of a qualified medical practitioner. This is in line with the Republic Act (R.A.) no. 9711, otherwise known as the ‘Food and Drug Administration Act of 2009,’ which provides that the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) is the authorized agency to give license to all establishments to manufacture, import, export, sell, offer for sale, distribute, transfer, and dispensing/PAGE 10

RPN Radyo Ronda Stations Nationwide

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DZBS 1368 Baguio DZRL 639 Batac DZTG 621 Tuguegarao DZKI 1332 Iriga DYKW 936 Binalbagan DYKB 1404 Bacolod DYKC 675 Cebu DXKO 1368 Cagayan de Oro DXKS 1080 Surigao DXKD 1053 Dipolog DXKP 1377 Pagadian DXXX 1008 Zamboanga DXKT 1071 Davao DXDX 693 General Santos

Fraternal Order of Eagles (Philippine Eagles) NMR4 outgoing Governor Nelson Sarapuddin (left) turns over the gavel to incoming Governor Andrew Tupag Jr. (right) during the latter's installation last Sunday in Cagayan de Oro City. photo by mark francisco

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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Opinion

Businessweek Mindanao Corporation Publisher DANTE M. SUDARIA President/CEO

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Your destiny think a minute

jhan tiafau hurst Think a minute…A man was cleaning his car with a special brush when a little girl who had been watching him said, “My daddy has a brush like that to clean his car too.” “Really!” said the man. “What kind of car does your daddy have?” The little girl answered: “Oh, he hasn’t got the car yet, but he’s got the brush to clean it.” Well, I suppose you have to start somewhere! The important thing is that you do get started. And to do that, we first have to decide what kind of life we want. It’s strange how many of us want to live forever, when we can’t even decide what to do with our life now! Like the guy who said: “I’m going to stop putting things off, starting tomorrow.” You see, even if others have made decisions for

you, you can still decide how you’ll respond and handle the life that’s been handed to you. You still have control of your own att itudes. Happiness is an attitude and choice, no matter what situation you’re in. Remember, you can always find someone worse off than you whom you can help. It’s only when we stop looking at our own problems and reach out to make others happy, that we ourselves can be truly happy. But if you choose not to make a decision, that also is your decision you’ll live with. There are many smart, talented people who have never enjoyed the success they could have, simply because they could not make a decision and discipline themselves to follow through with it. Remember, if your life doesn’t change, it’s going stay the same! It’s that simple. So to move on from where you are, you must first decide where you’d rather be. If you can’t change your mind, you can’t change your life. “The moment you’re through changing, you’re through!” The great writer Tolstoy said: “Everyone wants to change the world, but no one destiny/PAGE 10

thursday|december 21, 2017

Never doubt yourself

HOTLINE

Vice President for Administration

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Ruffy magbanua I want to be an inspiration to all those studying in public schools. It’s really not imp ossible for you to have this. S o I hop e I’ll be an inspiration not just to those who want to become a lawyer, but even those who don’t want to be lawyers: Never doubt yourself -- Karen Mae

Lumahang-Calam , 2016 Bar topnotcher. KAREN Mae LumahangCalam, 2016 bar topnotcher says it all beautifully: Never doubt yourself. Karen, a distant relative, was a countr y girl with a big dream. She never doubted herself to excel in whatever tasks at hand, be it simple or the impossible. And she proved to all and sundry that dreaming big is basically free, and can be reach notwithstanding the distance and the challenges that lie ahead. Karen who hails from Kalilangan, Bukidnon comes from a typical farming family. Like many others out there, she was a product of a public

school education -- from elementary to high school. She graduated s a lut ator ian in 2003 at Kalilangan National High School and Cum Laude, BS Accountancy obtained at University of San Carlos in Cebu where she also earned her law degree. Parents Joaquin Calam, a one-time local photographer-turnedfarmer and Merlyn Lumahang, an admin chief of a local hospital in Kalilangan never doubted as well to provide the best education for her and older sibling Kenmaire who is now an accomplished doctor in Surigao. Ka re n , b e s t e d s om e 6,000 examinees in the 2 0 1 6 b ar e x am i nat i ons

to emerge as the bar topnotcher with a grade of 89.05 per cent. With her instant fame, Karen hop es to inspire young people, particularly those from the countryside who are enrolled in public schools to dream big. Her accountancy degree has provided her the opportunity to work at SGV, the country’s leading accounting firm. Karen attributed her success to her s cho ol, the USC as well as the support of her parents. K a r e n b e l i e v e s t h at success is never earned overnight. Working hard with prayers gave the extra mile for her dream to come true. hotline/PAGE 10

Christmas: way to save sinners from worms and fire of hell Kakampi mo ang batas

Batas Mauricio LIFE’S INSPIRATIONS: “… So the LORD GOD said to the serpent… `And I will put enmity between you and the woman, and between your offspring and hers; he will crush your head, and you will strike his heel’. ..” (Genesis 3:15, the Holy Bible). -ooo C H R I S T M A S WA S PROCLAIMED RIGHT IN THE BOOK OF GENESIS: Christmas---or the coming to earth of God from heaven in the form of man with flesh and blood, to accept in

Himself the penalty intended for man for his sins so that those who will receive and believe in Him as God and Savior---was announced by God Himself after He completed creation. As it were, this was part of the plan of God right from the start. According to studies by the Simbahang Anak ng Diyos Kadugo Ni Kristo (or AND KNK, the Children of God Blood Kin of the Christ Church), Jesus knew, pursuant to His unequaled omniscience, that because He created man the soil of the earth, they would be tempted (as they were in fact so tempted) to disobey G o d in His commands (which is the true sin that led to the death of mankind). B e c a u s e o f m a n’s disobedience to God, he is destined to eternally suffer the worms and fire of hell. God also knew that man cannot do anything by himself to avoid this

punishment in hell, so He willed that, at the proper time, He Himself will come down to earth in the form of a man, so He could be the one to receive the penalty for man’s sinfulness. -ooo ANNOUNCEMENT OF THE COMING OF JESUS TO EARTH IS FOUND IN MANY VERSES: Where can we find the pronouncement of God that He Himself will come to earth as an atonement for the sins of man? We can see the first proclamation of this in Genesis 3:15, where the Bible describes the curses given by God to the serpent after it successfully tempted the first woman and first man to disobey His commands. God said, the seed of the first woman and the seed of the serpent would be engaged in a clash---the woman would crush the head of the serpent, although it would be able to strike the

heel of the woman’s seed. This part of the Bible, studies of AND KNK indicate, foretold God’s coming down as the “seed of the woman”, who will crush the serpent (or the devil) and thereby open up salvation to humanity. This pronouncement in Genesis 3:15 is repeated in many other parts of the Bible. According to “The Basic Doctrines of the AND KNK”, the other verses that foretold the coming of Jesus in the form of man can be found in Isaiah 7:14, 9:2, and 96; Matthew 1:18-25, Luke 1:26-37, and John 1:1-124. From these verses, there is no denying the fact that it was God Himself, whose Name is Jesus, who came during the first Christmas. -ooo CHRISTMAS: WAY TO SAVE SINNERS FROM THE WORMS AND FIRE OF HELL: The will of God to save all sinners from the christmas/PAGE 10

Spreading the true Christmas joy hints and traces

roy cimagala Thanks be to God, we still celebrate Christmas in our country in a religious way. In an increasingly secularized world, our way of celebrating Christmas indeed stands out. And our fervent prayer should be that this way of celebration persists until the end of time and, in fact, should be purified and should develop some more in terms of depth and substance. This me ans t hat we continue catechizing and evangelizing others about the true spirit of Christmas,

especially the young ones who are now flooded with all sorts of spiritually numbing technological wonders. Not that this Christmas spirit is incompatible with the new technologies. It is just that we need to make everyone understand that all the advantages our new technologies give us should be inspired by this Christmas spirit for them to be truly good and useful to us. This is always possible, and, in fact, should be done. Otherwise, these new technologies will pose as a great danger to us, a sweet poison indeed. When we are in front of a crèche, we can, for example, ask the baby Jesus lying in the manger: “Why are you doing this for us? What’s your purpose? What do you want us to know and learn from your birth?” For sure, some ideas can come to our mind and can start an intimate conversation in our mind and heart with

the God who decided also to become man to save us and to complete his creation of ourselves, converting us into the image and likeness of God and children of his, in spite of our weaknesses, mistakes and sins. Even if at the beginning of our ref le c t ions, t he considerations are rather shallow and narrow, we s o m e h o w c a n c ap t u r e s ome t h i ng of t he t r ue Christmas spirit and joy that hopefully, if we persist in our reflections, will give us deeper and more complete understanding of Christmas. Only when we savor the answers to these questions would we understand why we go through the bother of decorating our homes with Christmas items, why we just would feel happy and festive, and willing to give and receive gifts from others, etc. It’s important that we pause and reflect on the true

spirit of Christmas so that we don’t get easily carried away simply by the peripherals of the Christmas season. We have to penetrate the true meaning of Christmas that, in fact, would fill us with great joy and thanksgiving as well as remind us of our duties and responsibilities. Yes, Christmas is about God determined to complete his creation of ourselves as his image and likeness and children of his. And not even our mistakes and sins can prevent him from pursuing his divine love for us. The greatness of his love is such that it can tackle the worst evil we can commit. If in the end, we find ourselves not to be with him in heaven, it would not be because of him, but rather because of us. When we are inspired by the spirit of Christmas, we will find many reasons to be happy and hopeful. We will joy/PAGE 10

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thursday|december 21, 2017

CorporateWorld

Two Chinese companies keen on power, infra projects in PH

WO major Chinese companies have expressed keen interest to partner with the construction arm of the Aboitiz Group to build power and infrastructure projects in the Philippines. Shandong Electric Power Construction

Corporation III (SEPCO3) and Dongfang Electric Company (DEC) strengthened their interest to partner with Aboitiz Construction, Inc. (ACI) during the latter’s recent visit to China in its efforts to explore further business opportunities overseas. The Chinese firms

offered to construct specifically infrastructure projects under the “Build, Build, Build” program of the Philippine government. “At home or abroad, ACI will continue to pursue opportunities that will allow us to advance business and communities

through our various projects, as well as put us on track to being the contractor of choice by completing projects on time, on budget, safely, and within specifications,” said ACI Chairman Jaime Jose Aboitiz. Construction and engineering company

SEPCO3 designs, builds, operates and owns power plants. It offered to construct power plants through the engineering, procurement, construction (EPC) method on a turnkey lump sum basis. DEC, meanwhile, is a comprehensive enterprise

group specialized in the manufacturing industry, research and development of cutting-edge technology, contracting international engineering projects, exporting complete plants and equipment, and conducting international economic and technical cooperation. (PNA)

CEBU PACIFIC (Cebu Air, Inc.) said it renewed its insurance cover with local insurer Pioneer Insurance (Pioneer Life, Inc.). In a statement, the Gokongwei-led airline said the renewal marks the third time it placed its annual cover with the insurer. “Over the past two years we have developed an excellent relationship with Pioneer. They understand the risks we

face and have developed innovative and effective strategies to help us manage them,” Cebu Pacific President and CEO Lance Y. Gokongwei said. Unicon, a unit of Cebu Pacific parent company JG Summit Holdings, Inc., acted as the insurance broker in the transaction. Pioneer reappointed the UK arm of Marsh, a global insurance broking and risk management company, as its pioneer/PAGE 10

THE consolidated revenues of conglomerate San Miguel Corporation (SMC) across all business segments would likely hit P927 billion level next year, rising 14-percent from what is targeted at P815 billion this 2017, according to a company source. Income from operations, the source added, will likely reach P125 billion for 2018, expanding 18-percent from forecast level of P106 billion on a full-year basis

this 2017. The company’s earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation and amortization (EBITDA) would also be at a brisk pace to the level of P166 billion in 2018 from this year’s R146 billion. When asked on these financial projections for the company, SMC President Ramon S. Ang asserted that they do not provide any forwardlooking figures, but he qualified all their business segments have been

contributing well both in the top and bottom lines. He said the conglomerate’s alcoholic beverages segment has been doing well, along with Purefoods subsidiary; and Petron Corporation which is into the downstream oil business. Conversely, Ang emphasized that it has been the company’s ventures into the electric power industry that have not been turning in favorably “because of the very low prices ushered in

by tough competition in the market.”’ “All of our organic businesses, they’re becoming more stable… food, beer and Petron really performed well,” he said. Ang added that for the power sector, the company would need to stretch its patience as to the targeted improvements on financial performance. With overcapacity and the intensifying market competition, revenues/PAGE 10

Cebu Pacific renews insurance cover with Pioneer

SMC’s consolidated revenues seen reaching P927B next year

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Sports New era begins for 4 PBA teams

wo of the most touted rookies this season will make their debut, while one team hopes its new name will bring new fortunes even as another hopes to begin its "Unconventional Era" in style as the second day of the PBA Philippine Cup takes place at the FilOil Flying V Centre in San Juan City on Wednesday night. In the league's one and only visit to the said arena for the elimination round of the seasonopening conference, Kia and NLEX clash at 4:15 p.m., while newlyrechristened Magnolia takes on Alaska at 7 p.m. While all eyes will

thursday|december 21, 2017

be on the highlyanticipated PBA debuts of number two pick Kiefer Ravena and number five pick Jeron Teng, the two freshmen to watch out in the Philippine Cup especially with Chris Standhardinger not available for this conference, the four teams in action actually look to begin a brand new moment in their respective franchise histories on a high note. Speaking of Standhardinger, the Picanto passed up on the chance to take him first overall in the draft and agreed with the San Miguel Beermen on a controversial trade that landed them veteran

players Ronald Tubid and Jay-R Reyes and seldom-used young gun Rashawn McCarthy. Explaining the rationale of the trade, Kia said that it is part of an "unconventional" scheme that it is planning for next season, and that brand of basketball is set to get a baptism of fire against Ravena and NLEX. Meanwhile, it's "new name" versus "new game" in the MagnoliaAlaska nightcap. Formerly known as Star, the Purefoods franchise, still using the Hotshots moniker, looks forward to go beyond the semifinals, and it all begins with a showdown against Alaska, which

is set to parade not just Teng but new comrades of Alex Compton in the coaching staff. Multi-titled coach Eric Altamirano, who actually led the Hotshots to the 1997 Philippine Cup title as the Purefoods Corned Beef Cowboys, and PBA legend Danny Ildefonso join Compton at the Aces camp alongside recently retired star Tony Dela Cruz and former star import Sean Chambers, who wil now act as consultant, signaling that they are set to bring in a different kind of approach to the game than the past years. (Ivan Stewart Saldajeno /PNA)

MinProBa champ suffers first defeat By Lito Delos Reyes

DAVAO CITY – Previously unbeaten MinProBA bantamweight champion Vincent “Asero” Astrolabio of MP Davao Gym finally suffered his

first defeat after losing to John Mark “Iceman” Apolinario of Sanman Boxing Gym on Sunday at the Robinsons Place in Gen. Santos City. defeat/PAGE 10

Narvasa steps down as PBA commissioner By Ivan Stewart Saldajeno

MANILA -- Barely 30 minutes before the PBA season officially begins, the league’s board of governors dropped a huge bomb. Newly-installed PBA board chairman Ricky Vargas told the media on Sunday that Chito Narvasa will resign as commissioner. “This morning, he submitted his resignation, which was effective today,” Vargas, who represents TNT, said through a press conference at the Smart Araneta Coliseum in Quezon City. However, Vargas added, “The PBA board, in a resolution passed today, has Chito Narvasa sustained until the end of the year to help us during the transition.” On what transpired in the past few days leading to Narvasa’s resignation, Vargas

said, “We reached out to Commissioner Narvasa, and we made amends that needed to be clarified and worked out on his personal hurts on the process. We thank him for all his contributions to the PBA.” In the process, Willie Marcial, the PBA media bureau chief, was appointed OIC while the process of finding the league’s new commissioner is underway. Narvasa’s two-season tenure as commissioner was met with controversies, especially with some of his policies from the banning of Spin.PH reporter Snow Badua to cover the games to a hair rule for female ballers during the defunct PBA women’s 3-on-3 tournament to the approval of the Kia-San Miguel trade that made the latter the new owner of the first pick of the

recent draft, which turned out to be Chris Standhardinger. The green light to push through with the swap, however, sparked a call made by a majority bloc consisting of the board governors of TNT, NLEX, Meralco, Blackwater, Alaska, Rain Or Shine, and Phoenix to withdraw its support to Narvasa. The board members of the other five teams, however, sided with Narvasa, leading to an impasse that was eventually resolved with Narvasa’s resignation. “We’re back together, stronger than ever,” said Vargas, who later revealed that he and NLEX Ramoncito Fernandez, the supposed board chairman for the new season, agreed to swap places. Fernandez will be the PBA board chairman for the 2022 season. (PNA)

GENERAL SANTOS CITY -PSC-Pacquiao Amateur Boxing Cup supervising technical director Rogelio Fortaleza is hopeful that they will scout a lot of promising talents in this nationwide grassroots boxing program that kicked off at Robinsons Place here yesterday, December 16. Fortaleza, during the official weigh-in of the Mindanao Preliminaries that has attracted a total of 90 boxers from 17 areas in the island, said, “Our objective here is to scout potential boxers for the national team. We are crossing our fingers na marami kaming madiscover.” However, he was somehow disappointed by the low turnout

of entries in the Mindanao Preliminaries with Cagayan de Oro City and General Santos City fielding the most boxers with 14 and 13, respectively. “Nagpadala naman ng mga invitations, sayang naman at hindi sumali ang iba,” Fortaleza said, considering that Mindanao is a breeding ground of great amateur boxers. Malungon, Sarangani has 11 boxers while Barangay Aglayan of Malaybalay, Barangay Labangal and Digos City has eight entries each. The Davao City boxing team, which originally brought eight boxers, only has seven boxers eligible to play after the official weigh-in held at Lagao Gym

yesterday morning. Kidapawan City fielded six pugs along with Sultan Kudarat as Koronadal City and Polomolok, South Cotabato each sent four boxers. Of all Mindanao entries entered, only a total of nine preliminary bouts will be conducted in the two-day event here. “Yung gagawing preliminary bouts eh yung mga weight classes lang na maraming entries. The rest didiretso na sa Mindanao quarterfinals na gaganapin sa Kidapawan on February 10 and 11,” Fortaleza said. Pitted yesterday were James Errol Gahaton of Barangay potential/PAGE 10

Potential talents eyed in PSC-Pacquiao boxing

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Banking&Finance R&I affirms investment grade rating for PH thursday|december 21, 2017

APANESE debt rater Rating and Investment Information, Inc. (R&I) affirmed its investment grade rating of BBB with Stable outlook on the Philippines’ foreign currency issuer rating. In a statement, the credit rater expects the domestic economy to remain on solid ground driven by aggressive infrastructure investment under President Rodrigo Duterte’s administration. It cited the stable financial system in the country as among the positive factors for the country. “Anticipated widening of the fiscal deficit and another current account deficit will unlikely be a major disturbing factor,” it said. Among those that boosted the credit raters’ optimism on the domestic economy are the strong private consumption, sustained

rise of investments and fiscal discipline. The debt rater does not see lots of negative factors for the domestic economy that could provide downward pressure on the country’s creditworthiness. This, even on the back of the recent strong growth of imports as a result of higher domestic demand, which in turn has resulted in a slight deficit in the country’s current account position after being in surplus for 13 consecutive years or since 2003. “R&I does not immediately take a negative view of the shift from a surplus mainly attributable to remittances from overseas, which tend to be used for consumption, to a deficit stemming from capital goods imports that can be the seeds of future economic growth,” the report said. The Duterte

administration targets a gross domestic product (GDP) of between 6.57.5 percent this 2017 and between 7 and 8 percent from 2018-22. “To that end, it is essential to sustain the momentum of investment from inside and outside the country by improving the business environment through continued reforms,” the report said. On Tuesday afternoon, Duterte signed the first package of the Tax Reform for Acceleration and Inclusion Act (TRAIN), which cuts the personal income tax of workers. The first package of the tax reform aims to give workers higher take home pay and correct the inequities in the tax system. “R&I will keep an eye on whether solid economic growth will bring about a steady rise in income levels. Going

forward, given likely inflation pressure from tax reforms, higher oil prices and the weaker currency, as well as from buoyant domestic demand, consumer price trends and the way the central bank controls the situation would draw our attention,” the statement said. The debt rater said inflation is seen to be hit by the expected sustained hikes in oil prices and the tax reform but pointed out that “if managed within the target range of two to four percent, however, inflation will not be a drag on the economy.” “Eyes are on the BSP’s (Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas) handling in inflation control while preserving economic growth momentum,” it added. As of end-November this year, inflation averaged at 3.2 percent. (PNA)

Tax reform, budget implementation set PRESIDENT Rodrigo R. Duterte yesterday signed into law the P3.767-trillion national budget for 2018 and the first of up to five tax reform packages — major measures crafted by his administration to help put economic growth on a faster lane and lift more Filipinos out of poverty. Signing both measures — Republic Act No. 10964 or the General Appropriations Act for 2018 and RA 10963 or the Tax Reform for Acceleration and Inclusion Act (TRAIN) — in simple ceremonies in Malacañan Palace puts them on track for prompt implementation starting Jan. 1. TAX REFORM KICKS OFF In his speech, Mr. Duterte described the TRAIN as “the administration’s biggest Christmas gift to the Filipino people as 99% of taxpayers will benefit from simpler, fairer and more efficient tax…” The entire tax reform program aims to shift the burden to those who can afford to pay more and raise additional revenues to help support the Duterte administration’s “Build, Build, Build” program that will see P8.44 trillion spent on major public infrastructure until he ends his term in mid-2022. “One of the TRAIN’s most significant

breakthroughs is that, beginning Jan. 1, 2018, those earning below P250,000 (a year) will be exempt from income tax,” Mr. Duterte said. “The law also addresses long-overdue corrections in our tax laws and introduces a more progressive tax system for the rich and the poor…” he added. “Revenues from the TRAIN will fund our priority projects to ensure quality education — including free tuition in state universities and colleges — quality health care, social protection and conditional cash transfers, improved infrastructure… and the reconstruction of Marawi” City that was razed as government forces battled Islamic State-inspired militants there for five months from late May. The measure — initially projected to rake in an additional P130 billion before last-minute insertions last week pared this down to a little more than P90 billion — cuts personal income tax rates, and makes up for the expected foregone revenues by reducing exemptions from value added tax, increasing excise tax rates for fuel and automobiles and introducing an excise levy for sugar-sweetened drinks. It also doubles taxes for some investment products as well as

the mining excise tax, and increases levies for tobacco and coal, while streamlining and reducing estate and donors’ tax rates, among others. Mr. Duterte was silent on controversial lastminute inclusions like changes in tobacco and coal tax schemes that some observers have alleged favor certain companies. “I am directing the Department of Finance to ensure effective implementation of Package 1 of TRAIN and to immediately submit to Congress Package 2 which deals with corporate income tax early next year…” he said, referring to his administration’s move to cut the corporate income tax rate — currently at 30% — to about 25% in order to match levels of competitors for investments elsewhere in Asia. Finance Secretary Carlos G. Dominguez III has said his department hopes to persuade Congress to make up for the first package’s revenue shortfall by approving next quarter “the second part of the package” that will include an excise tax amnesty, easing of the bank secrecy law and an increase in the Motor Vehicle Users Charge in order to bring projected revenues of the entire package back closer to

P130 billion. Sought for comment, Tax Management Association of the Philippines President Maria Lourdes P. Lim said she “welcomes the approval of the package 1 of the tax reform measure, primarily because it reduces the personal income tax, which will redound to the benefit of the working class, and because it will increase their take-home pay, and they will have more disposable income.” “But there are some proposals which appeared to have significantly departed from the earlier version and some of these were not even included during discussions in the past. For example, we see that… DST (documentary stamp tax)… rates were simply doubled. I don’t know where that came from in terms of whether there was a study made,” she added. “We were caught off guard. During the hearings, we did not discuss that at all.” For Ramon C. Casiple, executive director of the Institute for Political and Electoral Reform, “Congress is living up to its practice which is basically inserting provisions that there might be actually either loopholes or opportunities for them, and that is the reality there.”

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thursday|december 21, 2017

COHARA celebrates 21st Kumbira From November 22 to 23, the Cagayan de Oro Hotel and Restaurant Association (COHARA) celebrated the biggest and longest culinary show and competition in Northern Mindanao titled, “Kumbira”. With savory and sweet delicacies up for show in its various competitions, Kumbira 2017 hinged its theme on “Eat Right” to further its cause on advocating for healthy eating with the use of local ingredients. This year, Kumbira invited esteemed chefs in the culinary scene such as Norbert Gandler, Myrna Segismundo, Eduardo Tuazon, Raul Ramos, Michaela Makabenta, Robby Goco, Cheong Yan See, and JeanPierre Migne to serve as the board of judges. With schools as far as Cabadbaran, Iligan, and Naawan, 10 schools from all over Northern Mindanao participated in the student division, while 11 joined the kiddie and junior divisions. Meanwhile, wellknown and rising

Professional Division Grand Winner - Limketkai Luxe Hotel Special Occasion Cake DecoratingKinoguitan Central School

Kinoguitan Central School

establishments filled the professional and open divisions, which included Pane E Dolci, Limketkai Luxe Hotel, Mia’s Cakery, and more. Taking over the junior category, Liceo de Cagayan University nabbed the top two spots with one silver,

Team FSUU

bronze, and a gold from another group under Liceo’s banner. Bugo National High School was found at a tie with Liceo de Cagayan University Grade School with 1 silver each. Continuing their winning streak, Liceo de Cagayan University Grade

School flooded the Kiddie Category results, placing in the top three spots of the competition, and finding themselves at a tie with Kinoguitan Central School in third place. In the open category, Pane e Dolci Co. reigned supreme with

3 silvers, and 1 bronze, while Cafe Pilar sweeped the second place and third place results with a total of 4 silvers. For the professional category, Limketkai Luxe Hotel nabbed the top spot with one gold, and one bronze, followed by

Student Division Grand Winner -Father Saturnino Urios University

Student Division 1st Runner up- Liceo de Cagayan University

Student Division 2nd Runner up - Mindanao State University-Naawan

Mia’s Cakery with one gold and one silver. Meanwhile, Apple Tree Resort and Hotel with one bronze shared third place with Mindanao State University-Maigo School of Arts and Trades, with one silver. Sweeping a number of medals, Father Saturnino Urios University sat comfortably in first place in the student category, with 2 golds, 1 silver, and a bronze. Meanwhile, Liceo de Cagayan University placed second with 4 bronzes, and 1 silver. Taking third place in the student category, Mindanao State University at Naawan claimed 2 silvers, and 1 bronze. Closing with some remarks from Kumbira Judges Norbert Gandler, and Myrna Segismundo, the two have been staple judges in the competition. In its 21 years, Segismundo highlighted the beauty that lies in the local ingredients found in the city markets, and the city’s dishes that can rival even those from international restaurants. With a culinary show as big as Kumbira, discovering these dishes has begun easier and easier every year.

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Thursday | December 21, 2017

The 16th KI TAPOK hosted by the Cagayanons of Northern California in San Francisco, California By: Gwendolyn Ramos-Garcia

APOK is the most awaited event by Cagayanons living abroad. And what exactly is TAPOK? It is a gathering of sorts where Cagayanons from all over the planet converge in one venue in order to reconnect with childhood chums, classmates, neighbors and friends from the old hometown. The latest TAPOK held in one of the most beautiful cities of the world, San Francisco, California was, just like previous ones, successful and fun. However, it was unique and different for many reasons and probably, the most enjoyable of all TAPOKs as the accompanying pictures show. Firstly – it was the very first TAPOK graced by the presence of no less than City Mayor Oscar Moreno and his first lady Arlene, the Vice Mayor, several councilors and department heads and by DOT Region X Director May Unchuan. Secondly – its schedule was arranged to enable attendees to maximize their time while in the Bay Area

Thirdly – TAPOK 2017 had all 3 day events at the Hilton in Burlingame, with 2 nights of dancing to a live band and a deejay. TAPOK was conceived by Roy Gaane and had its start way back in 1983 in Chicago and has since become a tradition, a most awaited event. It is held in cities where there is a KI Chapter able and willing to host the affair, no mean feat. Roy Gaane, the founder of Kagayanon International started TAPOK and its Cagayan de Oro counterpart, DUAW. Since this was the first year of TAPOK without Roy who passed on 2 years ago, KI Northern California Chapter made sure there would be a proper tribute to the man who started it all. His wife Gerlou and Anjanette were present to accept Norcal Cagayanons’ loving tribute to Roy. We had guests from different KI chapters in the U.S. and Canada and also Cagayanons from places as far as Australia, England, and Cagayan de Oro.

A group photo showing attendees during the formal dinner dance aka Gala Night

CDO’s 1st lady Arlene with Peter & May

The host chapter, the Cagayanons of Northern California. led by Peter & Wendy

Gerlou & Anjanette Gaane with the Tribute to Roy

The delegation from Cagayan de Oro, led by Mayor Oscar & Arlene Moreno

Mayor Moreno belting it out with Peter

The dance floor filled to the rafters during Gala Night!

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thursday|december 21, 2017

RESORTS, HOTEL & RESTAURANTS

Stargate Dream Vacation Resort 8515003 / 8509999 The VIP Hotel 726080 / 8562505 Fax: 726441

from page 2

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RED PLANET 8800888/8801306 Travelers Pod 8518988 Uptown Condotel 8511800 Villa Paraiso Apartelle 3870419 Fax: 3870429 HONORARY MEMBERS: Dept. of Tourism 723696/726394 / 8564048 Fax: 723696 RESTAURANTS: Bigby’s Café 72-1071/857-5511/8575836 Fax: 711843 Café Laguna 8582999 Fax: 8567001 DM Villaruy Restaurant 733790 Golden Ajirang I 856-5271 Fax: 727876

from page 4

La Ilongga Restaurant 72-6183 / 857-3652 Fax: 72-4605

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La Tegola Cucina Italiana 8585959

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Paras Beach Resort 8568563 Fax: 8568563

where applicable, to use, test, promote, advertise, and/or sponsor health products. T he mu n icip a l it y is imposing the following penalties for any act of violation to the said ordinance: 1st Offense – reprimand; 2nd Offense – a fine of P2,000 and confiscation of pharmaceutical products; and 3rd Offense – a fine of P2,500, confiscation of pharmaceutical products and cancellation of Business Permit. The Sangguniang Pan l a l aw igan approve d said ordinance through Sanggunian Resolution No. 277-2017 and with the efforts of Vice Governor Ramon A G. Bungabong. (Jessica O. Mellejor, LGU-Agusan del Norte/PIA-Agusan del Norte)

Missy Bon Bon 8566852 / 09228606442 Fax: 8566852

Grand Caprice Restaurant 72-6955/856-2302 Fax: 72-4986

Thai Me Up 738424/3108424 Fax: 738424

N Hotel (088) 8801924

Dispensing...

Though she didn’t expect to top the bar examinations, the extra efforts to make h e r d re ams bi g re a l ly made wonders, t he b ar exams being considered the countr y’s toug hest professional examination. To land on top is beyond what she prayed for, but Karen never doubted herself. the Kalilangan beauty and brain believed she can do it -- with a big bang. Merr y Christmas! (ruffy44_ph2000@yahoo. com)

Mapawa Natures Park 8584402 Fax: 725265

Miami Inn 8581901 to 02 Fax: 725279/728486

from page 2

“Ang challenge para sa amin ngayon ay kami mismong mga teacher ay biktima din ng kaguluhan. Imbes na umiyak ako at magmukmok, kailangan ipakita sa mga estudyante namin na matatag kami. Kailangan turuan at tulungan yung mga bata na maging matatag sa kabila ng mga nangyari,” Mascara said. Marawi City has a total of 69 schools, 22 of which were totally damaged by the war affecting more than 62,000 students who were enrolled in public and private schools as well as in state universities and colleges. In November 2017, the DepEd-ARMM started to repair seven damaged schools in Marawi City and 54 others in various parts of Lanao del Sur. (Bureau of Public Information-ARMM/PIA-10)

DIRECTORIES

Bahay Bakasyunan sa Camiguin (088) 3871057 / 3870131 Fax: 3870278

Brigada...

limketkai luxe hotel 8800000 Dear manok 8564914 / 8573413 LIMKETKAI LUXE HOTEL Landline: (088) 880-0000, Mobile: 0917-312-4563 Email: info@limketkailuxe.com

Christmas...

worms and fire of hell is unmistakable, so that when He Himself came here, He instructed the world how salvation can be obtained. However, for the present generation and all subsequent generations to come, He has given commands to His believers that they should already be the ones to carry out this task. God’s clear commands for His believers to take up the work of guiding others to His salvation can be found in the following verses: Matthew 28:19-20, 2 Timothy 4:12, Jude 1:23, and Proverbs 24:11-12. In these parts of

the Bible, there is only one message: those who claim to believe in Jesus must act to fulfill His purpose of saving everyone. Therefore, as Christmas 2017 comes around, Christian believers around the world should conduct an audit of themselves to see if they are able to comply with the aforesaid commands of Jesus. If they still are unable to do so up to now, they should ask themselves: what are we waiting for? As the Bible says, let no one claim that he has no part in the work of saving sinners, because God Himself will punish them for their refusal and failure to obey Him. -ooo WATCH ANG TANGING DAAN” AT FACEBOOK: “Ang Tanging Daan” is a Bible exposition and prayer session for ever yone, in English and Filipino, 24/7, worldwide, that can be viewed at www.facebook. com/angtangingdaan. Please see the video section. Reactions: 0917 984 24 68, 0918 574 0193, 0977 805 9058. Email:batasmauricio@ yahoo.com

Joy...

from page 4 find meaning in everything in our life, including the p ro b l e m s , d i f f i c u l t i e s , mistakes and sins that we may commit. We will feel confident and reassured, especially when we face the unavoidable challenges, trials, difficulties, and mistakes we can commit. This is how we can generate and spread the true Christmas joy that should be with us all throughout the year. Christmas is not only a season in our life. It should be with us in our whole life. roycimagala@gmail.com.

Destiny... from page 4

wants to change himself.” So ask yourself right now: What’s the one decision I need to make to change my life? The smartest one you can make is to ask your own Maker to take control of your life every day. Then with Jesus’ power, you can start making the best choices that will change you and give you the new life you want. In fact, you can decide your destiny today. Just Think a Minute…

in the restructured power industry especially when it comes to offering the cheapest rate to end-users. On the oil side of its business, SMC has also been reaping positive margins from extraction of more high value products from its upgraded Bataan refinery.

Defeat... from page 6

Apolinario, a former W BO Or ienta l super f lyweight champion from Maasim, Sarangani Province, landed more telling blows against Astrolabio, who was already tired in the final three rounds of their scheduled ten rounder. The 20-year-old Astrolabio only kept on clinching to avoid Apolinario’s left-right combinations. It was only the first loss after 10 straight wins by Astrolabio while the 27-year old Apolinario improved his record to 19 wins with 4 knockouts against 11 losses and 3 draws. Mea nwhi le, reig ni ng Mi nProBA f ly weig ht champion Genesis ‘Cobra’ Libranza scored a majority d e c i s ion ove r M ic h a e l Enqriquez in their 10-rounder bout. Judges Mario de Ramos and Satur Ponpon bot h scored it identical 98-92 for Libranza while judge Brembot Dulalas saw it a draw at 95-all. It was the main event of the “Hard Hitters” boxing card by the MP Promotions held in celebration of the birthday of Sen. Manny Pacquiao. On the other hand, Rene Mark Cuarto defeated Bonjun L operez by u na n i mou s decision; Orlie Silvestre defeated Ronnie Tanallon by TKO in 2:55 of 1st round; Aries Buenavides defeated Jetli Purisima by 7th round TKO; Joel Lino defeated Marlou Sandoval by TKO 5t h round; Vince Paras defeated Aldren Moreno by 5th round TKO; Mervin Lulu defeated Paolo Perono by TKO in rest period of 2nd round; Jay-ar Inson defeated Hagibis Quinones by TKO in 1:29 of 2nd round; Vincent Dayaganon defeated Jovany Tagusi by split decision; Matthew Arcillas defeated Dingdong Quinones by TKO in 1:53 of 1st round; Jhunie

Delgado defeated Jessie James Boyles by TKO in 2:17 of 1st round; Lienard Sarcon defeated Jerry Tabago by KO in 1st round; Ruben Dadivas defeated John Paul Ibones by TKO in 1:15 of 1st round; and, Dave Barlas defeatedRoger Salaton by unanimous decision. (Lito delos Reyes/PNA)

Potential... from page 6

Labangal, General Santos C it y a g ai n s t K i m Ja d e Sagrado of Barangay Aglayan, Malaybalay in junior boys pinweight (4446 kilograms) division; Ben John Rey Yagahon of Barangay Aglayan against Alvin John Sumodlayon of Barangay Labangal in junior boys light flyweight (48 kgs) and Alfred Gomez of Malungon against Jayson Brillo of Sultan Kudarat in junior boys light flyweight. Today’s (December 17) bouts feature youth boys light fyweight (46-49 kgs) Ariel Almamento of General Santos City vs Ferdinand Me l e g r it o of B ar an g ay L abangal and Christian Lanutan of Malungon vs Jake Sone Saludar of Polomolok; youth boys flyweight (52 kgs) - Arceboy Baranggan of Barangay Aglayan vs C a r l Jo s hu a R a f a e l o f Malungon, John Ignatius Macas of Cagayan de Oro City vs Nino Kongkong of Koronadal City and Nichole Jhon Ligas of Digos City vs Criz Sander Laurente of General Santos City; and youth boys bantamweight (56 kgs) - Zaldy Recopuerto of Malungon vs Remark Brillo of Sultan Kudarat. Philippine Sports Commission (PSC) chairman William “Butch” Ramirez was sick and was not able to come. He was instead represented by PSC Commissioner Celia Kiram who was joined by PSC executive director lawyer Sannah B. Frivaldo and Philippine Sports Institute (PSI) national director Marc Edward Velasco. G enera l Santos Cit y Mayor Ronnel C. Rivera was also present. Senator Manny Pacquaio, who was flying in from Manila, was expected to grace the opening program that has yet to start as of this writing. (PSC-PSI)

Pioneer... from page 5

reinsurance broker. Pioneer Insurance and Surety Corp. is the flagship company of the Pioneer Group. Pioneer Insurance specializes in all nonlife insurance lines, including property, marine, motor, and aviation.

Revenues... from page 5

electricity prices have been on precipitous slide, “but this development is very beneficial to the consumers,” he said. The power generating assets of the San Miguel g roup a re w e l l - k n ow n ‘competition trendsetters’

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Extension... from page 1

Me anw h i l e, N E DA Undersecretary Rosemarie Edillon cited the Philippine credit rating upgrade by Fitch Ratings despite the declaration. “And that is really because of different characteristics of martial law we are having and that we are hoping that it will be maintained throughout this extension,” she said in a press briefing. Edillon based her optimism on the assessment in Mindanao after the Marawi siege, noting there was no significant effect in the local economies of other provinces. “We looked at it from the point of view of the goods market, inflation, tourism, construction and in terms of shipping. And from these indicators, we see that there was no really discernable impact of martial declaration in Mindanao,” she said. She added that there was even a slight uptick in the amount of investments pouring into Mindanao in the second quarter of the year. “This goes to show that the rest of the investors actually were able to isolate the Marawi crisis from the martial law implementation and that it did not affect their decisions,” she added. Edillon also cited result of fourth-quarter business and consumer expectation surveys indicating that the declaration was “not listed as among the issues that were bothering the respondent consumers and businessmen”. Congress on Wednesday approved President Rodrigo Duterte’s request to extend the imposition of martial law in the entire Mindanao until December 31, 2018 amid persistent threats of ISIS-inspired terrorist groups. (PNA)

Question... from page 1

voted to approve to extend martial law in Mindanao, while only 27 voted against it. The approved extension will take effect beginning Jan. 1, 2018 until Dec. 31, 2018. I n h i s l e t t e r d at e d Decemb er 8, President Ro dr igo Duter te asked Congress to further extend the declaration of martial law in the whole of Mindanao for the entirety of 2018 to totally eradicate terror threats posed by remnants of Islamic State (IS)-linked terrorists and by communist rebels in the region. Lagman said the Constitution requires an actual state of rebellion, not just mere threats, for such proclamation of martial rule. “They only constitute threats to violence and terrorism, these are not grounds for extending the martial law,” he said. L a g m a n a d d e d t h at the period of one year is “inordinately long”, saying that any extension of the martial law declaration should not exceed 60 days as provided for in the Constitution.

“The duration of the martial law would be blatantly against the concept of the Constitution. Because the general rule is that there should be no declaration of martial law almost in perpetua,” he said. He said an extension cannot be extended anymore as it will result in a series of extensions. Lagman said they are still awaiting the issuance of Resolution of Both Houses 13, containing the martial law extension, as a principal document before raising the matter to the high court. Other members of the Magnificent 7 bloc include Representatives Tom Villarin, Gary Alejano, Edgar Erice, Teddy Baguilat, Raul Daza, and Emmanuel Billones. (PNA)

IDPs... from page 1

of Cagayan de Oro, Citizens Watch for Good Governance, Jesuit Volunteers Philippines, Mindanaw Tribal School, Xavier University’s Year of Service program, Kasilak Development Foundation, Inc., Balay Mindanaw and Duyog Marawi. Toget her, t he g roup had held psycho-social inter ventions to 19,464 persons who temporarily resided here at the height of the Marawi crisis earlier this year. Many of the residents have already returned but for the rest who opted to live and make business here while their hometown is rehabilitated, VOICE Network will continue the psycho-social interventions, Sios-e said. “It will take around six months to one year for an individual to be completely healed psychologically and emotionally,” she added. “ Through volunteerism, people affected by calamities and conflict could rise above and beyond their own to help each other and care for those needing help the most and accompaniment to survive the crisis.”

P35.257 billion. The MRS phase 1 is targeted to be operational by 2022. Other projects that the RDC is pushing are the bridge that will link Davao City and the Island Garden City of Samal, upgrade of the Davao International Airport, Davao wharf, and a new bypass road in Davao City. ADB LOAN Meanwhile, Secretary Datu Abul Khayr Alonto, chair of the Mindanao Development Authority ( M i n DA ) , l a u d e d t h e Asian Development Bank’s (ADB) infrastructure assistance program to spur connectivity projects in Mindanao, particularly the $380-million (about P19 billion) loan for road projects in the Zamboanga Peninsula Region. “This reaffirms ADB’s commitment to help strengthen the Mindanao Development Corridors and promote economic growth in Mindanao,” Mr. Alonto said in a statement released Tuesday, Dec. 19. ADB announced last week that the institution’s Board of Directors has approved the $380-million loan under the Improving Growth Corridors in Mindanao Road Sector Project. “This is really all about bringing progress closer to the people, through connectivity infrastructure and we could not be more grateful to have ADB’s usual support,” Mr. Alonto said. The MinDA head noted that the transport and logistics studies of ADB served as critical inputs in firming up the strategic priorities for the Mindanao Development

Corridors, which is intended to improve infrastructure, establish connectivity, and spur the development of growth clusters within the island-region. The corridors approach divides the island economy of Mindanao into four : the Northern Mindanao De velopment C orridor, Southern Mindanao De velopment C orridor, t he Wester n Mindanao De velopment C orridor, and the Bangsamoro Development Corridor. MinDA said the ADB is also supporting the new subregional framework of the Brunei, Indonesia, Malaysia, Philippines-East ASEAN Growth Area (BIMP-EAGA) Vision 2025. The road map covers $23 billion worth of priority infrastructure projects for the sub-grouping within the Association of Southeast Asian Nations. ADB, which serves as the regional development advisor of BIMP-EAGA, provides technical assistance and support to projects particularly on transport, p o w e r, e n v i r o n m e n t , economic corridors, and green cities. ERRATUM In connection with the EXTRA-JUDICIAL SETTLEMENT WITH PARTITION OF REAL ESTATE AND DEED OF ABSOLUTE SALE for correction of entry published on December 1, 8 & 15, 2017 the correct name of one of the heirs is ESTELA V. RAGMAC not as published. Our Apology BWM: December 21, 2017

Projects... from page 1

Mr. del Rosario noted that the target is not out of reach as the region recorded a 9.4% growth rate in 2016. “We managed to hit about 9% and it is not impossible to achieve a double-digit figure. It is easy to attain it, especially if Congress approves the budget for the projects for the region,” Mr. del Rosario said last week during a council forum where key projects were highlighted. The economic growth target is included in the Davao Region Development Program 2017-2022. One key component of the program is the Mindanao R ailway System (MRS), particularly the first phase covering a 102-kilometer stretch running from Digos City, Davao del Sur to Tagum City, Davao del Norte with Davao City in between. An initial P6.58 billion has been allocated out of the total estimated cost of

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