BusinessWeek Mindanao (December 22-23, 2021)

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Economic focus THE poor will be the focus of the government as the country recovers from the pandemic, Socioeconomic Planning Secretary Karl Kendrick Chua said.

In a statement for the 2021 first semester poverty statistics report Friday, Chua said the government achieved four years ahead, or in 2018, the 2022 poverty goal of lifting six million Filipinos out of poverty.

He said that while hitting its target early, the government continued to implement reform programs like the social protection program Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program (4Ps) to further uplift Filipinos’ lives.

Fisheries loan THE World Bank is considering a proposed $200-million loan for Philippine fisheries by February, according to project documentation posted by the bank Wednesday.

The seven-year project aims to improve fisheries management and enhance the value of fisheries production in coastal communities.

The appraisal date was Dec. 14 and the estimated board date is on Feb. 28.

SRP-compliant SUPETMARKETShave remained compliant with the suggested retail price (SRP) ahead of the Christmas holidays, Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) Secretary Ramon Lopez said.

In an interview during the Laging Handa briefing over PTV4 on Friday, Lopez said they continue to monitor prices and even came up with advertisements regarding the prices of specific goods.

“Sa ngayon po, wala po kaming natanggap na complaints. Katsi-check ko lang uli ngayong umaga at wala ho tayong complaints ng overpricing or at least iyong selling above the SRP (We have not yet received any complaint. I just checked this morning and we have not received any complaint on overpricing or at least selling above the SRP),” he said.

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HE numbers are not in yet but authorities said the damages wrought by super typhoon “Odette” would have a “serious” impact on the country’s economy already reeling from the COVID-19 pandemic.

My l a h Fay e Au ro r a Cariño, Region 10 (Northern Mind ana o) di re c tor of the National Economic Development Authority said the country’s economic managers have deployed teams to the areas badly affected by typhoon “Odette” to assess the damages.

Cariño said many areas impacted by the typhoon are major tourism earners like Cebu, Bohol and Siargao Island.

DAMAGES/PAGE 11

LANDSLIDE. The debris of a landslide caused by heavy rainfall during typhoon "Odette" in Brgy. Kilap-agan, Malaybalay City has not been cleared as of Monday, 20 December 2021. mindanews photo by h. marcos c. mordeno

Telcos lack ‘resiliency measure’ for internet connectivity in Mindanao – ICT expert

By ANTONIO L. COLINA IV, MindaNews

DAVAO City – The recent internet outage after typhoon “Odette” (international name: Rai) ripped through parts of the Visayas and Mindanao revealed that telecommunications (telcos) companies lacked re s i l i e nc y me asu re s to prevent disruption of internet connectivity in the south, an official of the Information Communications Technology (ICT)-Davao said.

Atty. Samuel Matunog,

ICT Davao president, said in a text message on Sunday that the recent internet disruption on the island was by far the “most disruptive and costly to the economy of the island.”

While the immediate cause was the typhoon, he noted that it only showed that telephone companies are not prepared to ensure communication lines and internet access would not be disrupted after the onslaught of a devastating typhoon.

“While the immediate cause may be typhoon Odette, t he more f u nd ame nt a l cause may have been the insufficiency of the resiliency me asures employe d by (telecommunications) companies to ensure Mindanao will not and will never be deprived of internet access,” he said.

Alfredo Baloran, head of Davao City Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council, told Davao City Disaster Radio LACK/PAGE 11

PSALM ordered not to take on more liabilities from delinquent power coops

RIDING HOME. Father and daughter head for home after getting household supplies in Barangay Kilap-agan, Malaybalay City on Monday, December 20, 2021. mindanews photo by h . marcos c . mordeno

THE Power Sector Assets and Liabilities Management Corporation (PSALM) said Wednesday that it has been instructed by the Department of Finance (DoF) to stop taking on additional liabilities from delinquent electric cooperatives.

“Finance Secretary Carlos G. Dominguez III said that PSALM should not incur more liabilities arising from non-paying electric cooperatives. He stressed that PSALM’s mandate does not include subsidizing the energy requirements of ailing electric cooperatives,” PSALM said in a statement.

Mr. Dominguez is the chairman of the PSALM Board of Directors, which is composed of the Secretaries of Energ y, Budget and Management, Justice, and Trade and Industry, as well as the National Economic and Development Authority (NEDA) and the President of PSALM. Mr. Dominguez said PSALM is not legally mandated to provide free electricity to entities w h i ch have no p ay i ng capacity, according to the statement. He added that the National Electrification POWER/PAGE 11

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Local 2 DOLE-10 to aid typhoon-affected workers via TUPAD C Advertising and Editorial E-mail : businessweekmindanao@gmail.com Contact nos. : 0917-7121424 • 0947-8935776

WED-THU|DECEMBER 22-23, 2021

AGAYAN DE ORO CITY— Displaced informal sector workers due to Typhoon Odette are prioritized in the Tulong Panghanapbuhay sa Ating Disadvantaged/ Displaced Workers (TUPAD) program of the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE)-10.

“Ang atong mga apektado nga mga workers sa maong bagyo muduol sila sa atong Public Employment Services Office or PESO nga na-establish kini sa local government units sama sa city, municipal or provincial nga gidumala sa mga PESO managers,” DOLE10 Regional Director

Albert Gutib said during the Talakayan sa PIA, December 21 at SM

Downtown Premier.

(Our affected workers due to the said typhoon

will just have to go to our Public Employment Services Office or PESO,

which are established at the local government units like in the city, municipality or province, and are handled by the PESO managers) Based on the guidelines, Gutib said the workers will need to render services for at least 10 days at 4 hours per day.

As for the profile of the affected workers, the regional director said the local disaster risk reduction and management councils obtain such data and DOLE coordinates with the LGUs so the latter could also get the list that is certified by the LGU. TUPAD is institutionalized and The Philippine Information Agency (PIA)-10 holds the Talakayan sa PIA with DOLE-10 to such is implemented discuss the labor advisory, especially on payment of bonuses to employees, and the during calamities, no vaccination, no work issues, December 21 at SM Downtown Premier. (SAYU/PIA-10)

typhoons, or man-made disasters. In the said program, beneficiaries will be employed for at least 10 days up to 30 days and will be paid based on the prevailing minimum wage in the region where they were hired.

Aside from helping workers affected by calamities and disasters, DOLE-10 also aided workers affected by COVID-19 pandemic of which they have already released about P867 million to 162,882 beneficiaries in the region through the COVID-19 Adjustment Measures Program (CAMP), Abot Kamay ang Pagtulong (AKAP), and Tabang OFW. (RTP/ PIA-10)

'Odette' leaves 5 dead, 53K displaced in Northern Mindanao THE Regional Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council in Northern Mindanao (RDRRMC-10) said Typhoon Odette killed five people, displaced a total of 53,340 individuals, and left an estimated P81 million worth of damage to property in the region.

In a report released Sunday evening, December

19, the total number of individuals displaced came from 15,086 families and 242 barangays, with the province of Misamis Oriental having the highest number with 33,435 individuals or 9,185 families from 27 barangays, which included this city.

The RDRRMC-10 also recorded damage to

houses, both partially and totally, with an estimated value of P1,132,000, while damage to infrastructure in San Isidro and Batangan Dike in Valencia City, Bukidnon was estimated at P80.1 million.

Meanwhile, the council reported five casualties and three injured in the aftermath of the typhoon.

ODETTE/PAGE 11

Zambo City marks increase in number of bus travelers ZAMBOANGA City – The number of travelers from and to this city has notably increased following the easing of restrictions since it was placed under Alert Level 2 effective December 1.

Movement of persons

under Alert Level 2 is allowed except for restrictions based on age and comorbidities, as may be determined by local government units.

Rafael Derick Evangelista III, the local integrated bus terminal

(IBT) administrator, said Thursday the number of passengers they serve increased to 800 outbound and 1,000 inbound passengers daily this month.

He said the increase in the number of travelers is huge compared to some 200 inbound and outbound passengers during the time of the stricter Alert Levels 3 and 4 health protocol restrictions in the past few months.

“Most of the time, the arriving buses are now full of passengers,” Evangelista said in an interview.

He noted that the IBT was serving an average of 3,000 passengers, both inbound and outbound before the outbreak of the coronavirus disease 2019 (Covid-19) last year.

Evangelista said he expects the number of passengers to further increase as trips from the city to Olutanga, Zamboanga Sibugay, and vice-versa; and from here to Cagayan de Oro City vice-versa, have also resumed on December 11 and December 14, respectively.

He added that buses serving the ZamboangaBacolod and ZamboangaCebu routes are also TRAVELERS/PAGE 11

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WED-THU|DECEMBER 22-23, 2021

SMC donates P30-M worth of food aid to Odette-hit provinces San Miguel Corporation (SMC) has activated its network in the Visayas and Mindanao regions to deliver truckloads of food to Odettehit areas. This, as the company dispatches fuel stocks at its Petron installations and, where possible, provide access to water at its affected manufacturing facilities to help fenceline communities.

SMC president and chief executive officer Ramon S. Ang said the company had, over the weekend, coordinated with various local government units to immediately extend aid to stricken cities and communities, with its donations reaching P30 million as of Monday, December 20.

Among the provinces SMC has been sending food donations to are: Antique, Agusan del Norte and Agusan del Sur, Bacolod, Bohol, Biliran, Bukidnon, Cagayan de Oro, Camiguin, Cebu, Dinagat island, Davao del Sur, Eastern Samar, Guimaras, Iloilo, Leyte, Marinduque, Misamis Oriental, Negros Occidental, Negros Oriental, Occidental Mindoro, Oriental Mindoro, Palawan, Siquijor, Surigao del Norte, Surigao del Sur, and Tagoloan.

“We are one with all our countrymen who were affected by the recent typhoon.

There’s a lot of things that are needed right now; we want to help make sure that basic food is covered. We will continue to assess the

situation in the coming days and weeks and find more ways to help,” said Ang. He added that following last week’s typhoon, the company, through its San Miguel Foundation, had immediately mobilized available resources from its facilities in the Visayas region and nearby provinces as well as Luzon, in order to bring immediate relief to some provinces.

SMC has since mustered more resources, including an additional donation of 10 truckloads of assorted food products, worth almost P20 million.

“We are exerting all efforts to reach, and help all affected provinces-with special focus on the hardest-hit areas.

Our priority is to get as much food stocks from our facilities all over the country, to the affected provinces in Visayas and Mindanao, and to make sure these are distributed to affected families at the soonest possible time” Ang said.

“We are coordinating with the LGUs, who would have the means and capability to distribute aid. Our efforts will continue. All our major businesses are contributing resources.

Wherever possible, our facilities in the Visayas region have also started organizing efforts to help surrounding communities. We join all Filipinos in praying for, and working towards the recovery of our countrymen,” Ang said.

In Mandaue, Cebu, DONATES/PAGE 11

AboitizPower energizes oil-fired plant to help restore power in Cebu

Cebu Private Power Corporation (CPPC) is a power plant located in the heart of Cebu City, embedded within the Visayan Electric Company (VECO) franchise area, and has the unique capability to deliver power directly to VECO circuits and its customers.

A

boitizPower distribution unit, Visayan Electric, is ramping up its efforts to restore power and aid in the recovery of the affected communities in Cebu. With power transmission lines and substation assets severely damaged, transporting electricity from generators to distribution utilities and communities continues to be a challenge.

In response to the affected communities’ need for immediate power restoration, AboitizPower deployed a team to energize its oil-fired power plant, operated and managed by its subsidiary, Cebu Private Power Corporation (CPPC).

CPPC is a power plant located in the heart of Cebu City, embedded within the Visayan Electric Company (VECO) franchise area, and has the unique capability to deliver power directly to VECO circuits and its customers.

Four CPPC power generator units started

Jasaan, Misamis Oriental Mayor Redentor Jardin confers with residents who are affected by tropical storm Odette. The local government unit of Jasaan has been actively evacuating residents as a precaution and took care of them in an impromptu evacuation center. Once the storm passed, Jardin ordered the municipal engineering office to clear all roads blocked with debris. jasaan lgu photo

delivering 18 MW of power supply directly to VECO on Sunday morning, providing much needed electricity starting with priority areas like hospitals, government facilities, and the Metro Cebu Water District pumping stations. CPPC expects more of its power generator units to operate in the next 24 hours, aiming to double power output to 36 MW. During the CPPC power plant energization activities, Cebu City Mayor Michael Rama said, “We are extremely grateful to AboitizPower and its business units Visayan Electric Company and CPPC for the swift response to provide the much needed power to our communities.

This is very crucial to Cebu’s recovery from the impacts of the typhoon.”

“We’re also hoping that National Grid Corporation’s transmission lines and substations can be fixed and operate at the required capacity as soon as possible,

so that the power supply to VECO, our key infrastructure facilities, and the people of Cebu can return to normal,” Rama added, “We are really fortunate to have the power generation capability of CPPC right here in downtown Cebu City, to help us out in this difficult time.”

“The initial power output from CPPC is very limited and will be sent to hospitals like CCMC, Vicente Sotto, Chong Hua, and Perpetual Succor, as well as to MCWD so that water supply can be restored, and to the Cebu Provincial Capitol. Until NGCP restores power transmission services, the electricity supply situation in Cebu city will likely remain inadequate. We ask for the public’s continued patience and understanding as we are doing our best to deliver electricity to our customers as soon as it is available,” VECO Chief Operating Officer Raul Lucero said.

AboitizPower continues

to mobilize its field teams to accelerate power restoration and relief operations activities in affected areas. Teams from its other distribution units like Davao Light and Power, Subic Enerzone, and Cotabato Light were deployed to assist in the power restoration efforts in Cebu.

About AboitizPower AboitizPower is the holding company for the Aboitiz Group’s investments in power generation, distribution, and retail electricity services.

It advances business and communities by providing reliable and ample power supply at a reasonable and competitive price, and with the least adverse effects on the environment and host communities.

The company is one of the largest power producers in the Philippines with a balanced portfolio of assets located across the country. It is a major producer of Cleanergy, the company’s brand for clean and renewable energy with several hydroelectric, geothermal, and solar power generation facilities. It also has thermal power plants in its generation portfolio to support the country’s baseload and peak energy demands.

The company also owns distribution utilities that operate in high-growth areas in Luzon, Visayas, and Mindanao, including the country’s second and third largest private utilities.

AboitizPower, together with its partners, is the Philippines’ largest owner and operator of renewable energy based on installed capacity. In the next 10 years, the company will significantly expand its Cleanergy portfolio, in support of the government's efforts to promote renewable energy in the country. AboitizPower will build an additional 3,700 MW of renewable energy, growing its existing Cleanergy capacity threefold by 2030.

Iponan, Cagayan de Oro City barangay chairman Dondon Allorin leads in the yearly celebration of the 2021 Suman Festival. The annual event is an ode to the delicacy which Iponan has been known for through the years. There were 18 entries for the 2021 edition that was held last Monday, December 20 coming from the various zones, sitios, schools and civic organizations in the barangay. photo courtesy of jay pascual

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Opinion

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Manobo-Pulangiyon Tribe: World's Most Oppressed KIM'S DREAM

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Discipline dominates Think a minute… During a football game of Augsburg University in t he U.S., Augsburg was losing. Then late in the game, defensive tackle David Stevens was put in to play and sparked a comeback in his Augsburg teammates. He made two i mp or t a nt t a c k l e s a n d recovered a fumble to get the ball back for his team.

The crowd cheered as he held the ball up high to inspire his team.

David Stevens was born to a woman who had taken an anti-nausea drug for pregnant women in the early 1960’s. Tragically the drug ended up causing terrible birth defects, so David was born with no legs.

David’s mother consequently abandoned him, making his horrible young life seemingly hopeless! But then, David was adopted by Bill and Bee Stevens. David’s new father and mother loved him so much they never wanted to cripple their son’s confidence for success in life. They continually supported and encouraged David, as well as challenged him to reach his full potential in spite of

THINK A MINUTE

JHAN TIAFAU HURST having no legs. They wanted to teach him to do things for himself so they never put him in a wheelchair.

Instead, when David was three-years-old they had prosthetic or artificial legs made for him.

In school David became a student leader, made good g r a d e s , and h a d m any friends. In high school he not only played football, but also basketball, baseball, and hockey. He even became a champion wrestler. When he started driving a car the license bureau offered him handicap license plates, but he politely refused them saying: “Those are for people who really need them. I’m DOMINATES/PAGE 11

WED-THU|DECEMBER 22-23, 2021

A Mockery of The Constitution and IPRA Law

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RUFINO T. MAGBANUA Vice President for Business Development

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ORLAN R. RAVANERA It was a shock to one of the authors of the Indigenous People’s Rights Act (IPRA Law), former Congressman Mohammad Omar Albano Fajardo and to his lovely wife, DTI Asec. Ameenah Fajardo to see more than one thousand families of the Manobo-Pulangiyon Tribe in extreme poverty living under shattered tents for five years now along the highway of Butong, Quezon, Bukidnon. Why? Because

they were ousted from their 1,111 hectare-Ancestral Domain by a powerful multimillion pineapple plantation c o m p a ny, t h e K i a n t i g Development Corporation, owned and managed before by the incumbent Municipal Mayor of Quezon, Bukidnon, Hon. Pablo Lorenzo III who has all the means and strength to bar the tribe from recovering the said ancestral domain. It is only here in our country where you can find more than one thousand families living in so much hunger and poverty, eating only “kamote” once a day or nothing at all and the children are all malnourished suffering from different kind of diseases, drinking water in the river where they are swimming. The children have to be tied-up as three have already been hit by running cars. All their utensils are

taken out from garbage.

The tribe has been struggling to reclaim back their rich ancestral domain where their ancestors are buried but has been transformed into plantation.

The armed men of the corporation would threaten them as there were times when every night, the armed men would fire their guns using fear as a means to control or subdue them.

Their painful narratives were listened to by Cong.

Omar who categorically stated that ousting them from their ancestral domain is a mockery of the IPRA Law and violation of what the highest law of the land, the 1987 Constitution has provided for in Art. II, Section 10 that, “The State shall promote social justice in all phases of national development.”

That’s how oppressed

the Manobo-Pulangiyon is.

Thus, the tribe has been advocating that justice be done ‘till heavens fall. For five years now, they have been shouting that in this country, be a mayor or a powerful corporation, no one is above the law; all must bow down to the majesty of the law because we follow the rule of law and not of men. Amidst morale collapse and religious apathy, it was astonishing to see kindreds who have come together to help the oppressed tribe regain back its dignity to be treated not as disposable wastes but as human beings, headed by no less than his Eminence, the amazing Arch. Tony Ledesma, S.J., and Bishop Noel Pedregosa. In numerous meetings attended by several agencies of government, i.e., DENR, NCIP & DAR TRIBE/PAGE 11

Rufus' climate action vs. emissions, Odette, et all UPTOWN, C agayan de Oro —The statement of C ong re ss man Ruf us Rodriguez that the PH is a biodiversity hotspot corroborates exactly with the global call for climate action.

The escalating impact of the climate crisis like the recent destruction brought about by the fury of TS Odette amid the ongoing Covid -19 pandemic is real.

Coupled with severe economic turbulence and the potential breakdown of man’s natural habitat, the call for a collective climate action is increasingly aligned and getting louder by the day to radically accelerate measures to mitigate natural disasters and global emissions.

The pandemic serves as a chance to create a resilient and inclusive zero-carbon

economy that leaves no-one behind, hence subscribing the gains of COP26 is but a timely gesture of global concern on emission and climate mitigation.

Harnessing the race for climate action will deliver long-term solution to tone down emissions.

Failure to act at the required speed and scale will only bring more disastrous health impacts, more economic turmoil and greater biodiversity imbalance.

Thanks to the effort of C ong ressman Ruf us Rodriguez of providing generous support to tackle the climate crisis via his proposed bill requiring graduating students to plant trees.

On a larger note, influential companies have leveled up their climate

targets to put the world on track, measures that would avert the worst impacts of the climate crisis.

The companies are building on their successes and pushing forward efforts of limiting global warming to a maximum of 1.5ºC. Along with their shared objectives, the number of companies joining the race to save Mother Earth have grown exponentially – including the millions of small and medium sized enterprises (SMEs) that make up over 95% of all companies around the world.

As a core part of the shared effort to accelerate climate action, all companies must have that sincere commitments for collaboration and innovation to accelerate their plans to decarbonize as part of the

Trapped in one’s own trap IN the Bible, there are a number of passages that talk about how some people, usually the wicked and evil ones, fall into their own snare that were supposed to be made for the others.

For example, in the Book of Psalms, we have the following passages: “Let the wicked fall into their own nets…” (141,10) “I did nothing wrong, but they tried to trap me. For no reason at all, they dug a pit to catch me.

So let them fall into their own traps. Let them stumble into their own nets.” (35,7) “They have dug a pitfall in my path.

But look! They themselves have fallen into it!” (57,6) T h i s w a s a l s o w h at happened when the chief priests and some elders of the people tried to trick Christ by asking him about the authority he had for doing what he was doing. (cfr. Mt 21,23-27) As the gospel narrated, Christ, of course, outsmarted them and asked them a question that they themselves

could not answer, since any answer they would give would put them on the spot.

We have to be most wary of any temptation to trick God by playing around with the truth. We just have to be very truthful even if we may have to suffer because of it, since by resorting to some trickery, we would just expose ourselves to greater shame sooner or later.

In this regard, St. Augustine once said, “They love truth when it enlightens them, but hate when it accuses them.

In this attitude of reluctance to be deceived and intent to deceive others they love truth when it reveals itself but hate it when it reveals them.

Truth will therefore take its revenge: when people refuse to be shown up by it, truth will show them up willy-nilly and yet elude them.”

We should therefore be most truthful, knowing how to grow in that virtue of truthfulness especially these days when things can get very complicated. In this

we need to understand that truthfulness can only start with our proper relationship with God. Other than that, our truthfulness, even in what we may consider as its best form, would always be suspect and vulnerable to elements that undermine the truth.

In short, we can only be truthful and sincere when we are with God who revealed himself in fullness insofar as we are concerned in his Son who became man, Jesus Christ.

Thus, Christ clearly said that he is “the way, the truth, and the life. No one goes to the Father except through him.” In other words, we can only be truthful through him.

We can only find the proper way for whatever is good for us through him. We can only have the real life, proper to us, in him.

Christ said it very clearly.

“Let your ‘Yes’ mean ‘Yes,’ and your ‘No’ mean ‘No.’ Anything more is from the Evil One.” (Mt 5,37)

UNRUFFLED

RUFFY MAGBANUA global roadmap to climate action.

Indeed, the call to climate action is paramount at this time of pandemic.

(Editor’s note: Ruff y Magbanua, is a climate change advocate. He attended a short course on climate change at Singapore Environment In stitute and c ur re ntly a member of the Climate Change Reality Leadership Corps)

HINTS AND TRACES

ROY CIMAGALA Truthfulness therefore starts with our relationship with God, and with how well we maintain that relationship.

This is something we have to realize more deeply, since very often we get contented with mere human criteria for truthfulness, that are often subjective, incomplete, imperfect, and vulnerable to b e maneuvere d and manipulated.

When we are not with God, then we can very easily play around with the facts and data, and pass them around as truth, but serving some self-interest instead of the common good, for example.

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WED-THU|DECEMBER 22-23, 2021

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CorporateWorld

PAL’s recovery plan gets US court's nod

F

LAG carrier Philippine Airlines, Inc. (PAL) announced on Saturday that the United States bankruptcy court overseeing its Chapter 11 proceedings approved during a hearing on Friday its recovery plan.

The US Bankruptcy Court of the Southern District of New York approved the embattled airline’s reorganizational plan aimed at reducing its debt, streamlining its fleet, and acquiring additional liquidity, the flag carrier said.

“The plan provides for over $2 billion in permanent balance sheet reductions from existing creditors,” the airline said in an e-mailed statement.

At the same time, the plan allows the flag carrier “to consensually contract fleet capacity by 25%.”

It also includes a $505-million investment in long-term equity and

debt financing from the airline’s majority shareholder.

The court hearing was held on Dec. 17, while the deadline for filing objections to the plan was Dec. 10.

“The consensual plan was accepted by 100% of the votes cast, which were from PAL’s primary aircraft lessors and lenders, original equipment manufacturers and maintenance, repair, and overhaul service providers, and certain funded debt lenders,” PAL said.

The airline said the effective date of the recovery plan is expected before the end of the year.

“Today’s court approval represents a critical moment in our journey to emerge as a stronger airline,” PAL President and Chief Operating Officer Gilbert F. Santa Maria said.

“We are thankful for our loyal customers, dedicated employees, and the support of our shareholders and

partners and government, which has enabled us to move efficiently through the process and reach this milestone,” he added.

PAL still has to go through a few more procedural steps before it can complete the Chapter 11 process.

“After [that], we will focus intensely on serving the public, navigating the continuing challenges of the pandemic and economic recovery, and sustaining the links that connect our archipelago,” the airline’s chief executive officer said.

The airline recently reported a loss of $11.67 million, or P582.65 million, for November, three months after filing for Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection, resulting in a cumulative loss of $69.09 million, or P3.45 billion.

To recall, PAL ended October with a loss of $27.87 million, or P1.4 billion.

Price freeze depends on LGUs: DTI AN automatic price freeze on basic goods and prime commodities will automatically kick off in areas declared under state of calamities by respective local government units, according to Trade and Industry Secretary Ramon M. Lopez.

Lopez said this during the Laging Hand Public Briefing in Malacanang, Friday, Dec. 17, the morning after Super Typhoon Odette hit some Mindanao and Visayas

regions.

As of Friday, Lopez said, all DTI regional offices reported that supplies are not affected.

But, he stressed the need to closely monitor that passage and supply chain are not hampered to avoid increases in prices of basic goods and prime commodities (BNPCs).

“As of last night, there is no increase in prices and supply is okay,” he said.

Meantime, Lopez said that he has been in

Factors that Affect Teaching and Learning during the Pandemic By: LEILA G. ISRAEL Teacher II South 1-A Central School

The COVID-19 pandemic has introduced uncertainty into maj or asp e c ts of national and global society, including for schools. A lot of factors affect teaching and learning.

For example, t here is confusion over how last year's school closures affected student accomplishment, as well as how this academic year's quick conversion of most instruction to an online platform would affects a ch i e ve me nt . B e c aus e the virus has an influence on student learning, it's difficult to make educated judgments about whether or not to return to inperson training. Even now, education administrators must weigh the health concerns associated with inperson learning against the educational requirements of children, which may be best addressed when children are in their physical classrooms.

There is no in-person interaction with a teacher

or study mates in distance learning. It is for the pupils' protection. Students study on their own at home, and the learning is more personalized, varying in speed and timing according to each student's availability.

This term originally referred to correspondence courses in which students communicated with their schools or teachers by mail or parent-teacher contact.

Distance education has lately gone online, and other modalities such as modular deliver y have expanded to incorporate a vast array of systems and techniques on virtually any connected device.

Schools around the country have temporarily closed and rapidly moved from on-campus, face-to-face study to distant learning to combat the spread of coronavirus and preserve healthy social distance.

The figures are staggering, and the ramifications are immense.

constant dialogue with manufacturers of BNPCs as he acknowledged that the suggested retail price (SRP) bulletin of BNPCs has remained the same

since 2019.

He explained though that as consumer representative, DTI will balance also balance both DEPENDS/PAGE 11

The Challenges of Distance Education during a Pandemic By: MARY BELLE A. SANTIAS Teacher II South 1-A Central School

Distance learning has been around for a long time in all education. When there is a physical distance between the student and the instructor, it refers to learning mediated through technology equipment. It has grown in popularity as a result of a succession of developments, particularly with the quick growth of technological innovation.

Other modules in remote education, such as blended l e a r n i n g ( o r hy b r i d learning), have emerged in tandem, providing a combination of face-to-face and technology-mediated instructions that provides a resi lient, accessible learning experience. Many educational institutions have been forced to employ distant learning in order to keep up with the present COVID-19 scenario.

Children and teenagers around the world have experienced a massive disruption and interruption in their learning process due to the effects of the pandemic. The decision throughout the world of closing schools in order to reduce the spread of the virus at the beginning of 2020 meant that during its peak, a lot of students were at risk of falling behind.

E duc at ion must b e rethought in order for it to transcend classes and be

recognized as the engine of society by all individuals.

The cognitive, social, and critical thinking skills developed in the classroom increase opportunities for changing lives and breaking the vicious cycle of intergenerational poverty by promoting women's empowerment, creating defense mechanisms against social issues such as marriage and child labor, and increasing a country's economic growth.

Although this quick shift gave continuity to the learning process, it also exacerbated educational inequities among students, particularly those who reside in rural regions or in low-income nations, as well as those who lack fundamental information technology skills. Such traits may make it more difficult to gain access to contemporary technological resources that are needed to support the remote learning trend. Taking into account that the current scenario may remain for a longer period of time, we recommend a long-term move to online learning. As a result of this circumstance, educational institutions will need to be prepared and equipped with the appropriate resources to facilitate the acceptance of such a trend.

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Telco DITO ending 2021 with over P2-B revenue: Tamano DITO Telecommunity Corp. announced on Monday that it had generated P2 billion in revenue as of Dec. 18, and that it expects to reach up to P2.3 billion by the end of the year.

“We already have that as of Dec. 18; we already reached our P2-billion revenue mark,” DITO Telecommunity Chief Administrative Officer Adel A. Tamano said during a virtual briefing.

“For next year, our ambitions are much bigger,” he noted. “I am not allowed to say that because we are still working on our budgets and our plans for next year.”

DITO Telecommunity has already built more than 4,000 cell towers, the company said, up from 1,300 towers it r​ eported in February this year.

The telco, which began commercial operations in March this year, said in July that it was targeting to complete 4,500 cell towers

by December as part of its nationwide expansion.

“Coupled with that is our milestone of achieving the 22,000 kilometers of fiber-optic cable,” DITO Telecommunity

Chief Technology Officer Rodolfo D. Santiago said at the same briefing.

DITO Telecommunity now has more than five million subscribers in more than 500 areas, according to Mr. Tamano.

The company reached 52.75% of the national population in the second technical audit results released by the National Telecommunications Commission (NTC) recently. Its average broadband speeds were at 89.13 megabits per second (Mbps) for fourthgeneration (4G) network and 853.96 Mbps for 5G. DITO Telecommunity has committed to cover 51.01% of the national population and render a minimum average broadband speed of 55 Mbps in its second year of operations.

If it fails, the government must recall the Certificate of Public Convenience and Necessity and frequencies awarded to it and keep its performance bond of P25 billion.

In its first technical audit earlier this year, the NTC declared DITO DITO/PAGE 11

Bichronous Online Learning: Potential and benefits By: MARITES O. LAGAMON Teacher-III Bongbongon Elementary School

A new paradigm shift is changing the educational l ands c ap e of how we teach and learn. Despite the pandemic that we are currently facing, there is a move away f rom traditional lecturing and passive students to a more interactive, and collaborative approach in which pupils tend towards to be more engaged in the learning process. This paradigm shift that we have now is what we call the Bichronous online learning. Moreover, this online platform happens to be one of the most popular form of distance learning modality nowadays.

Bichronous is an Internet-based class which offers synchronously and/ or asynchronously. Also, it can be accessed by means of gadgets such as smart phones, laptops, tablets, personal computers and other digital devices. With t hes e dig it a l le ar ning resources, learners acquire new technical skills wherein

they can familiarize, manipulate, and utilize these said gadgets and software as tools for knowledge.

The Covid-19 pandemic change d our common prac t ices. Me anw hi le, online learning in education takes place across distance and not in a traditional classroom.

Thus in a classroom setting, both teachers and learners have to be available in the same place at the same time. Meanwhile, this new online learning modality offers a variety of delivery styles that can serve more benefits to learners. As it appears that face-to-face is not yet allowed, the prompt advancement of technology meets the needs of learners nowadays.

Although modular learning is still implemented, however there are also learners and parents who choose bichronous online le ar ning mo dality for family’s health and safety purposes.

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WED-THU|DECEMBER 22-23, 2021

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WED-THU|DECEMBER 22-23, 2021

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WED-THU|DECEMBER 22-23, 2021

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WED-THU|DECEMBER 22-23, 2021

Lacson Re-Tasks Partido Reporma Campaign Team to Focus on ‘Odette’ Response

AS A clearer but grimmer picture emerges on the extent of the damage wrought by Typhoon Odette, Senator and presidential aspirant Panfilo “Ping” Lacson has directed various teams from his Partido Reporma, campaign volunteers, and even his own Senate staff to focus on helping the victims of the storm, his spokesman said Tuesday.

EXTRA-JUDICIAL SETTLEMENT AMONG HEIRS WITH DEED OF ABSOLUTE SALE KNOW ALL MEN BY THESE PRESENTS:

That the late SPOUSES MAURO BANAL MARUCUT who died on January 30, 2004 and Venancia Romero Marucut who died February 24, 2017 all died in Cagayan de Oro City, without any will; the said deceased spouses, at the time of their death were awardees by the National Housing Authority of a certain real property, and more particularly described as follows, to wit: Transfer Certificate of Title No. T-161413 situated in Macabalan-Puntod Sir Project, Cagayan de Oro City, containing an area of ONE HUNDRED NINETEEN (119) square, and has been the subject of an EXTRA-JUDICIAL SETTLEMENT AMONG HEIRS WITH DEED OF ABSOLUTE SALE, filed by the heirs of SPOUSES MAURO BANAL MARUCUT and Venancia Romero Marucut, per DOC #115; PAGE #23; BOOK #152; Series of 2021 under the Notarial Registry of ATTY. EDITH ABUT DOCDOCIL

Since Saturday, December 18, simultaneous relief efforts have been undertaken by these teams in Cebu, Leyte and Siargao with additional volunteers joining to help in Southern Leyte, Negros Island, and Palawan, Partido Reporma spokesman Ashley “Ace” Acedillo said.

Through its alliance with LPGMA PartyList, Partido Reporma will also dispatch a Landing Craft Tanker (LCT) to ferry heavy equipment, housing materials, food, and water to various

BWM: December 8, 15 & 22, 2021

EXTRA-JUDICIAL SETTLEMENT OF ESTATE WITH SALE KNOW ALL MEN BY THESE PRESENTS:

That the late EULOGIO B. ACHAS who died on May 5, 2012 without any will, that at the time of his death, he left a certain real property located in the Municipality of Manolo Fortich, Bukidnon under Transfer Certificate of Title No. T-28217 containing an area of FORTY-TWO THOUSAND NINE HUNDRED THIRTY TWO (42,932) square meters, filed by the heirs of EULOGIO B. ACHAS, per DOC #183; PAGE #38; BOOK #3; Series of 2021 under the Notarial Registry of ATTY. RICCI A. JAMILA. BWM: Dec. 22 & 29 2021, & Jan. 5, 2022

EXTRA-JUDICIAL SETTLEMENT OF ESTATE OF THE LATE MARCILA LUISITA ROA ALVAREZ KNOW ALL MEN BY THESE PRESENTS: That the late MARCILA LUISITA ROA ALVAREZ, who is also known as Luisita Roa Alvarez died intestate on September 13, 2021 in Malaybalay City, Bukidnon, that at the time of death of the named decedent, she left real and personal properties, I. Transfer Certificate of Title No. 133-2015000745 situated in the Barrio of Poblacion, city of Malaybalay, Province of Bukidnon, Island of Mindanao, containing an area of FORTY-ONE THOUSAND NINE HUNDRED SIXTEEN (41,916) sq.m., more or less, II. Katibayan ng Orihinal na Titulo Blg. CARP 2018000752 situated at Barangay of Capitan Angel, City of Malaybalay Province of Bukidnon, Island of Mindanao, containing an area of TWENTY-THREE THOUSAND NINE HUNDRED NINETY SIX (23,996) Square meters, III. Transfer of Certificate of Title No. 137-2011003903 situated in the Barrio of Gusa, City of Cagayan de Oro, Island of Mindanao, containing an area of THREE HUNDRED TWENTY-THREE (323) sq.m., more or less, IV. Transfer Certificate of Title No. 137-2016001563 situated in the Barrio of Gusa, City of Cagayan de Oro, Island of Mindanao, containing an area of THREE HUNDRED (300) square meters, more or less, V. A) Transfer Certificate of Title No. 133-2018003375 situated at Datu Mampaalong St., Purok 4, Brgy. 09, City of Malaybalay containing an area of 266 SQ.M., B) Transfer Certificate of Title No. T-79171 situated at Datu Mampaalong St., Purok 4, Brgy. 09 City of Malaybalay, Containing an area of 1,300 SQ.M., C) Portion of Transfer Certificate of Title No. T-79174 situated at poblacion, Malaybalay City, Bukidnon; consisting of Three Hundred Twenty-eight (328) square meters, VI. A) Tax Declaration No. F-058669 (Building) situated at Purok 2, Capt. Angel, Malaybalay City, Declared Owner: Luisita R. Alavrez, B) Tax Declaration No. F-051093 (Building) Situated at Purok 2, capt. Angel, Malaybalay City, Declared Owner: Luisita R. Alvarez, C) Tax Declaration No. G-047413 (Building) Situated at Kialiwas, Mailag, Valencia City, Declared Owner: Luisita R. Alvarez, D) Tax Declaration No. G-047411 (Building) Situated at Kialiwas, Mailag, Valencia City, Declared Owner: Luisita R. Alvarez, E) Tax Declaration No. G-047414 (Building) Situated at kialiwas, Mailag, Valencia City, Declared Owner: Luisita R. Alvarez, F) Tax Declared No. G-047415 (Building) Situated at Kialiwas, Mailga, Valencia City, Declared Owner: Luisita R. Alvarez, G) Tax Declaration No. G-047416 (Building) Situated at Kialiwas, Mailag, Valencia City, Declared Owner: Luisita R. Alvarez, H) Tax Declaration No. G-047412 (Building) Situated at Kialiwas, Mailga, Valencia City Owner: Luisita R. Alvarez, VII. Bank Deposits: a. Union Bank Current Account No. 001200022492; b. Union Bank Savings Account No. 101200057840; c. Union Bank Dollar Account No. 131200004390; d. China Bank Account No. 137400013360, Malaybalay City; e. Development Bank of the Philippines, AR Farms Account No. 000015828306; f. Dumaguete City Development Bank, Valencia City, Bukidnon; g. Land Bank of the Philippines, Malaybalay City, Bukidnon; h. other banks and financial institution which the parties have yet to determine. VIII. Motor Vehicles-

And has been the subject of an EXTRA-JUDICIAL SETTLEMENT OF ESTATE OF THE LATE MARCILA LUISITA ROA ALVAREZ, filed by the heirs of MARCILA LUISITA ROA ALVAREZ, per DOC #168; PAGE #34; BOOK #XXIV; Series of 2021 under the Notarial Registry of ATTY. FULGENT THOMAS T. GARAY. BWM: December 8, 15 & 22, 2021

according to the Philippine National Police.

The former PNP chief once again stressed that he prefers to work quietly to aid others without media fanfare, which he believes negates the pure intentions and efforts of any wouldbe Good Samaritan.

Lacson reiterated this in Partido Reporma’s most recent “Online Kumustahan” dialogue in Lingayen City, Pangasinan last affected areas in helping typhoon Sunday with running Visayas and Mindanao victims. mate Vicente “Tito” Lacson, in a in the next few days, Sotto III and the recent out-of-town Acedillo added. party’s senatorial engagement, called for candidates, saying: This is in contrast a moment of silence to some netizen “Ang pagdamay ay for those who perished pwedeng ipakita sa comments saying in the typhoon, which gawa - hindi lang sa that the lawmaker as of Monday has is more focused on pagsasalita kundi sa reached 375 persons, campaigning than gawa. Ganoon ang dapat na pagdamay sa ating kapwa, sa ating kapwa Pilipino

na kasalukuyang naghihirap,” Lacson said in his speech.

[Empathy can be shown in actions, not just through talk, but through work.

That’s how we should commiserate with our fellow man, our fellow Filipino in need.]

The three-term senator’s presidential run is anchored on his long and vast experience as a soldier, a policeman, a legislator and a rehab czar, in the hope of offering the most effective solutions to the country’s myriad problems. These include solving the coronavirus pandemic, the looming huge national debt, poverty and loss of livelihoods, and other issues— built in more than 50 years as a public servant.

Republic of the Philippines Cagayan de Oro City AFFIDAVIT OF SOLE ADJUDICATION I, MARGARITA S. VILLAMALA, of legal age, married, Filipino, and a resident of Kauswagan, Cagayan de Oro City, Philippines after having been sworn to an oath in accordance with law do hereby depose and say; 1. That I am Surviving Heir of WILSON T. VILLAMALA 2. That WILSON T. VILLAMALA, who died intestate on Dec 23, 2020 left the following real property which is more particularly described as follows; Vehicle Year: 2014 Model/ Type: Mitsubishi Montero Sport Plate No.: AAJ-3614 3. That I hereby adjudicate the subject property to myself and to my name only. Being the only surviving heir; 4. That I execute this Affidavit to attest to the truthfulness of the forgoing statements.

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WED-THU|DECEMBER 22-23, 2021

Dominates... from page 4

not disabled.”

From the time he was young, David was taught never to think of himself a s d i s a d v ant a g e d or a cripple. Instead he learned to dis cipline and train himself so he was able to do much more than anyone ever thought possible.

Whatever disadvantage you might be facing, you too can rise above it to achieve your life’s goals and dreams. If you ask Jesus to take full charge of your heart and character daily, with His power you can discipline yourself to reach your potential and the great plan He has for you—no matter what challenges you face. Just think a minute.

Tribe... from page 4

together with legal luminaries , i.e., Atty. Lagamon, Atty.

Eric Alajar, IBP National P r e s i d e n t , At t y. B a r t Estrada, and PNP Officers, certificates came out issued by these agencies, giving legal credence and validity to the claim of the tribe that the 1,111 hectares belong to the tribe as its ancestral d o m a i n . T h e s e mu l t i agencies’ certification has recently merited a Certificate of Recognition of Ancestral Domain signed by no less than the Honorable NCIP National Chairperson, Sec. Allen A. Capuyan together with the six NCIP Commissioners. After five long years of advocacy and legal struggle, the longawaited Certification was issued on the 6th day of October 2021, much to the rejoice of the tribe and to all those who have been fighting for justice.

As categorically stated in the C ertificate of Recognition of Ancestral Domain, “WHEREAS, pursuant to the mandate of the 1987 Constitution to their ancestral domains, respect and preserve their culture and ensure their economic, social and cultural wellbeings and in accordance with the provisions of Republic Act No. 8371 other wise known as Indigenous Peoples’ Rights Act (IPRA} OF 1997, the Indigenous Cultural Community known as the Manobo-Pulangiyon Indigenous Peoples (IPs) is hereby RECOGNIZED as the rightful owner and possessor of a certain ancestral domain situated in Barangay San Jose and portion of Barangay Butong , Mu n i c ip a l it y of Quezon, Province of Bukidnon, containing an area of 1,111.4040 hectares, more or less.”

So, with that concrete and categorical proof of ownership, have the more than one thousand tribal families now entered their ancestral domain? NO! When the chieftains have recently served notice to the corporation of that Certification printed in a tarpaulin, that notice has been torn-off into shreds by the armed guards as ordered “daw” by the higher ups.

Hon. Secretary Capuyan – your Certificate Sir is not followed but instead shred-off into pieces! Isn’t that a great disrespect? Well, there are those who cannot moderate their greed, feeding upon the flesh of the poor and the oppressed for massive raking!

How oppressed are our Indigenous Peoples? When I invited Mr. Ceazar Soriano of PTV4 to document issues besetting the IPs in Mindanao early this year, he had shown three episodes in his program, Magandang Gabi Pilipinas entitled, AGAW LUPA, AGAW BUHAY. Here is the summary based on the IPs’ narratives: Since2016, a total of 92 individuals have fallen victims to extra judicial killings with around 160 victims of frustrated EJKs; 227 IPs have been illegally ar reste d, det aine d and abducted and 27 reported being subjected to torture.”

As reported, “Indigenous lands have become battlegrounds of conflict pitting communities against powerful forces that aim to grab these lands and resources to advance their political and economic interest in support of an agenda that is dr iven by cor p orate greed. Dispossession and displacement of IP communities from their own ancestral lands continue unabated despite t h e re c o g n i t i o n o f I P rights in national as well as international human rights law.” Well, the ManoboPulangiyon’s story is perhaps just a “tip of the iceberg.”

Mga politikong kandidato, ang gagaling ninyo magsalita.

Please take note that the poorest of the poor now and the most oppressed are the Indigenous Peoples! Are you the right leaders to run the country? How will you liberate the 12-15 million IPs from poverty and oppression?

Please remember this biblical truism: You will be judged by the Almighty NOT on power, fame or wealth but on how you have served the least of our brethren – the poor and oppressed IPs!

Power... from page 1

Ad m i n i s t r at i o n ( N E A ) should take the lead in resolving payment disputes.

The NEA is in charge of electrification in the c ou nt r y s i d e and work s directly with cooperatives.

PSALM, on the other hand, manages the outstanding obligations of electric co-

ops to the NEA and other government agencies.

BusinessWorld asked NEA to comment, but it had not replied at the deadline.

PSALM President and Chief Executive Irene B. Garcia has raised concerns over increasing receivables f rom co op erat ives. She raised the issue to the DoF on Dec. 6.

According to Ms. Garcia, as of Oct. 31, Lanao del Sur Electric Cooperative.

Inc., (LASURECO) was in arrears to PSALM by P12.40 billion, while Maguindanao Electric Cooperative, Inc. (MAGELCO) owes P2.91 billion.

“For the past two ye ars , L A SU R E C O and M AG E L C O h a v e b e e n drawing their full energy requirements from PSALM but have not been paying PSALM in full,” PSALM said.

PSALM said that t he Energ y dep ar t ment in May 2019 aske d t he c omp any to “pr i or it i z e allocation to LASURECO and MAGELCO in order t o avoi d t h e re c u r r i ng load dropping incidents in Mindanao.”

In April 2020, under Republic Act No. 11469 or the Bayanihan to Heal as One Act, PSALM increased a l l o c at i on s t o t h e t w o c o op e r at ive s to e ns u re stable power in Southern Mindanao during the height of the pandemic.

Damages... from page 1

“The numbers are not in yet but judging from news reports, it will take huge investments and time for these areas to recover,” she said.

T h e D e p a r t m e nt of Tourism in its 2020 report said Cebu and Bohol are top tourist destinations in the country while Siargao Island has become famous among the young travelers.

The rep or t s aid t he country earned US $9.31 billion in 2019 but crashed by 82.1 percent in 2020 because of the COVID-19 pandemic.

CNNGo, a travel site for CNN International , had recently named Siargao’s Cloud 9 as top 8 among the world’s best surfing spots.

Surigao del Norte Gov. Francisco Matugas estimated the damage in Siargao Island at 20 billion pesos.

Matugas said Siargao’s famous board walk was swept away by ‘Odette’s’ category 4 winds and waves.

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Lack... from page 1

(DCDR 87.5) on Monday that communication lines were down, but responders here were able to employ contingenc y plans in monitoring the rivers.

He added that they are proposing for the procurement of satellite phones next year to augment the disaster response capabilities of the city to prepare for typhoons with similar intensity as that of super typhoon Yolanda on November 3, 2013.

He said using the satellite gadgets, communication lines of the responders will not be disrupted even after the occurrence of strong typhoons.

After typhoon Odette barreled through the Visayas and Mindanao, major telcos Philippine Long Distance Telephone Company, DITO Telecommunity and Globe Telecom announced that i nte r n e t s e r v i c e s we re disrupted due to multiple fiber cable cuts.

Odette... from page 2

Despite the city government here saying there was no casualty in the flooding, the RDRRMC-10 recorded a certain Roberto Tanusan, 44, a resident of Barangay Balulang as having died from a "falling stone”.

The RDRRMC-10 also noted the signal disruption of cellular networks’ signal and internet connectivity in most parts of the region.

"As per DICT (Department of Department of Information and Communications Technology), three landings (cable stations) of Smart Fiber are down as of December 18, 2021. DICT and other internet providers in the region are experiencing difficulties in connectivity," the report said, but added that services were restored the following day, December 19. (PNA)

Travelers... from page 2

making the necessar y preparations to resume operation.

A l s o s e t t o re s u m e operation are buses serving the Zamboanga to Sirawai and Siocon towns in Zamboanga del Norte.

Currently, there are 18 trips, both inbound and outbound, from the city to

Pagadian City; 14 inbound and outb ound t r ips to Dipolog City; five inbound and outb ound t r ips to Cagayan de Oro City; and, one outbound and an inbound trip to Olutanga daily.

Un d e r A l e r t L e v e l 2, the requirements for inbound passengers include vaccination cards for fullyvaccinated individuals; the Safe, Swift, and Smart Passage (S-Pass); and any governmentissued identification card (ID).

Inbound passengers who are partially vaccinated are required to present negative swab test results before allowed entry.

Previously, all inbound passengers are required to present negative swab test results, the S-Pass, ID, and a travel order. (PNA)

Donates... from page 3

Ang said that the San Miguel Brewery facility has opened its Henan Cortes water station to the public, providing water for free from 8am to 5-pm daily. While the water is not potable, it may be used for washing and other purposes, as water access in the area is still limited.

Fuel subsidiary Petron is also set to donate food products to some 3,700 families in its fence line communities in Mandaue and Mactan, Cebu.

In Bohol, where fuel stocks had run low, Petron has sent fresh stocks of fuel, as Ang assured other provinces needing fuel that the company will work to make sure their requirements will be met.

Outside of SMC’s efforts, Ang, in his personal capacity, has also extended support to the relief operations, donating P1 million to Operation Damayan, a fund drive organized by Philstar Media Group.

Depends... from page 6

side of manufacturers and consumers.

He urged manufacturers to submit their justification for price adjustments so that the Consumer Policy Advocacy Bureau of the DTI can study their petition. He explained that DTI has already a formula on cost item changes in prices.

“As representative of the consumers, we negotiate with firms so that ifever there is a need to increase prices, we can

temper it and not allow the entire cost to be passed on to consumers,” he said.

The DTI only adjusted by 3-5 percent some SKUs of Noche Buena products, but not the entire BNPC SRP bulletin.

He said they continue to monitor the Noche Buena SRP to ensure no one violates the price range. DTI is also promoting brands that did not raise prices.

So far, Lopez said, there has not been any complaint of overpricing or selling above SRP as supermarkets remove products from shelves that are selling higher than the SRP. “So, we can say there is 100 percent implementation and compliance,” he said.

Meantime, Lopez shared his observation on the recovery of the domestic economy as most establishments are allowed to open and people, including kids, can go out to malls already.

Thus, he said, there is no need to bring the Alert Level system to Level 1 from the current Level 2 as he explained the need to continue enforcing the minimum public health safety protocols, particularly social distancing and wearing of masks.

Already, retail establishments are reporting that 80 percent of their customers are back and expects 100 percent as Christmas approaches. “So, there is no need for Level 1,” he said. This also means that more workers are going back to work.

DITO... from page 6

Telecommunity compliant with its requirement to cover 37.03% of the countr y’s population and provide a minimum average broadband speed of 27 Mbps in its first year of service. R.G. Manabat & Co. conducted the technical audit.

The third telco player’s listed parent company, DITO CME Holdings Corp., is set to conduct an P8-billion stock rights offering. The rights offer period will begin at 9 a.m. on Dec. 27 and conclude at 12 p.m. on Jan. 18. The price per share has been set at P4.88.

“The proceeds from the offer will be contributed by the company as additional capital into DITO Telecommunity to support a successful commercial rollout and for general corporate purposes,” DITO CME said in a disclosure to the stock exchange on Friday last week.

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WED-THU|DECEMBER 22-23, 2021

Congratulations to the Nominees and Awardees of the 3rd Mindanao Governance and Leadership Awards