BusinessWeek Mindanao (December 28-30, 2020) by Mindanao Daily News

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Volume XI, No. 87

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Briefly Davao inflation DAVAO City -- Davao Region's year-on-year regional inflation dropped to 1.6 percent in November this year, the Philippine Statistics Office in Region 11 (PSA-11) said Monday. In a statement, PSA-11 said the current inflation was lower as compared to the previous month at 2.0 percent and relatively higher in comparison to the same month of the previous year (0.7%). PSA attributed the November inflation slowdown to the slower annual increment in Transport's index from 2.3 percent to 1.4 percent in November.

Coffee procesding BUTUAN City– The local government unit (LGU) of Las Nieves town in Agusan del Norte has welcomed the establishment of the P19-million coffee processing center, which will start construction in the first quarter of next year. The “Green Coffee Bean Production and Marketing" is a project jointly funded by the World Bank (WB), the Provincial Government of Agusan del Norte, and Philippine Rural Development Project (PRDP) under the Department of Agriculture (DA) that aims to establish a modern, value chainoriented and climate-resilient agriculture and fisheries sector. Seen to increase the coffee bean production and trade in the town and the nearby areas in the province, the processing center will be established with the Casiklan Wheels Farmers Association Inc., as the partner organization.

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ORONADAL City– The economic team of the Bangsamoro Autonomous Reg i on in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM) is bullish on the area’s investment prospects with the formal inclusion of Cotabato City to the region, particularly in boosting BARMM’s financial system. BARMM is slated to formally welcome to its fold tomorrow, December 15, Cotabato City, the seat of government of the BARMM as well as the defunct Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao. Ishak Mastura, chair of the BARMM Regional Board of Investments (RBOI), lamented that BARMM is the country’s region with the least banks, but the inclusion of Cotabato City to the Bangsamoro region will drastically change the financial landscape PROSPECTS/PAGE 9

EERILY QUITE. The Marco Polo Davao stands eerily quiet this Christmas season. Mindanao’s first and only five-star hotel stopped operations last June “mainly because of the effects of COVID-19.” mindanews photo

P7-B M'nao transmission backbone now complete By MYRNA M. VELASCO, Contributor

TRANSMISSION firm National Grid Corporation of the Philippines (NGCP) has completed and energized

the 230-kilovolt Toril-Bunawan transmission line, which forms the COMPLETE/PAGE 9

Technical working group formed for Agus-Pulangui assets’ privatization By MYRNA M. VELASCO, Contributor

LATE SHOPPERS. Christmas shoppers in Davao City join the long queue for jeepneys outside a mall. mindanews photo

A MULTI-sectoral technical working group (TWG) has been created to deliberate and sort out issues and

concerns on the planned privatization of the 728-megawatt Agus-Pulangui GROUP/PAGE 11

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Local Bong Go says government continues to explore multiple sources of vaccines S

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Stresses importance of safety and efficacy regardless of source

ENATOR Christopher “Bong” Go said that the government is exploring multiple sources of COVID-19 vaccines to ensure access of Filipinos to safe and effective vaccines to overcome the ongoing pandemic. Go also mentioned that the private sector has also been raising funds so they may assist the country in acquiring sufficient number of vaccines for Filipinos. “Ang private sector, magre-raise din po. May iba pa. Pinag-aaralan na po, it doesn’t matter kung saan manggagaling as long as safe and effective,” said Go. Go also mentioned that the country is aiming to finalize its negotiations with Sinovac Biotech to acquire 25 million doses of the company's COVID-19 vaccine for delivery by March next year. During a radio interview on Friday, December 20, Go said that

vaccine czar Carlito Galvez Jr. is presently in advanced discussion with the vaccine company to strike a deal that would be beneficial to the country’s fight against COVID-19. “Ngayon, marami na pong kinakausap ang ating vaccine czar. Meron na silang advanced discussion sa Sinovac, possible shipment March 2021, twenty five million doses,” Go said. Go stressed that he does not believe that the procurement of vaccines from Chinese company Sinovac has anything to do with preference, stressing that market availability is the primary consideration of the government for conducting negotiations with the company for the vaccines. “‘Di po ako naniniwala kung ano koneksyon nito, sa China man. May pandemya, magtulungan tayo. Sabi nga, no one is safe until

everyone is safe, depende na po ito sa availability sa market,” explained Go The Senator said that Galvez is also in talks with several other vaccine companies that can supply the country with the COVID-19 vaccines. “Nakapag-usap na rin sila sa Gamaleya, ongoing talks, ‘di pa masabi kung kelan. Pfizer po, advanced discussion. Johnson & Johnson, (confidentiality disclosure agreement) being finalized, AstraZeneca, for another twenty million,” he explained. “Siguraduhin nating priority ang mahihirap, vulnerable at frontliners, safe and effective dapat, saan man ito kukunin,” he added. Meanwhile, Go repeated his challenge to Department of Health Secretary Francisco Duque III and vaccine czar Galvez to inject EXPLORE/PAGE 9

BALINGASAG, MISAMIS ORIENTAL National Highway Balingasag, Barangay 4, Balingasag, Misamis Oriental Mobile Number/s: 0933-823-3161, 0933-823-3304 Tel. Number: 333-5161 CAGAYAN DE ORO P&J Lim Building, Tiano Kalambagohan St., Barangay 14, Cagayan de Oro City, Misamis Oriental Tel No. (08822) 727-829 / 231-6629 Telefax No. (088) 856-1947 Mobile No. 0933-823-3303 / 0943-708-7065 CAGAYAN DE ORO WAREHOUSE Warehouse 7, Bonbon Road, Kauswagan, Cagayan de Oro City, Misamis Oriental Mobile No. 0917-825-4149 / 0943-708-7065 CARMEN, CAGAYAN DE ORO Vamenta Blvd., fronting CEPALCO, Carmen, Cagayan de Oro City, Misamis Oriental Tel. No. (088) 233-2011 Mobile No. 0933-823-3159 CORRALES, CDO Corrales Ave., Barangay 29, Cagayan de Oro City, Misamis Oriental Telefax No. (088) 231-2055

DIVISORIA, CDO A. Velez St., Barangay 9, Cagayan de Oro City, Misamis Oriental Telefax No. (088) 856-1947 Mobile No. 0917-841-4000 / 0933-823-3164 GINGOOG CITY G/F Wyne Militante Bldg., Lugod St., Barangay 22, Gingoog City, Misamis Oriental Telefax No. (088) 861-0104 Mobile No. 0933-823-3168 LAPASAN, CDO National Highway (FICCO Bldg.), Lapasan, Cagayan de Oro City, Misamis Oriental Tel. No. (088) 231-6739 Mobile No. 0933-823-3160 PUERTO, CDO Purok 6, Puerto, Cagayan de Oro City, Misamis Oriental Tel. No. (088) 859-0574 Mobile No. 0943-708-7537 CAMIGUIN B. Aranas St., Poblacion, Mambajao, Camiguin Telefax No. (088) 387-0491 Mobile No. 0943-708-7539

Caraga biz sector urged to help gov’t end NPA extortion BUTUAN City – A top Army official has called on Caraga Region's business sector to help the government end the extortion activities of the communist New People’s Army (NPA) in the area. Brig. Gen. Maurito L. Licudine, commander of the Army's 402nd Infantry Brigade (402Bde), said extortion "capacitates the NPA to perpetrate atrocities". In an interview Tuesday, Licudine cited the 402Bde data showing that from 2010 to date, the rebels had killed 166 government troopers and 113 civilians in Caraga

Region. “We capacitate these terrorists to kill more government troopers, workers, and innocent civilians by giving them funds through their extortion activities,” Licudine said. The Army official’s call came after 16 business owners belonging to the Butuan City Chamber of Commerce (BCCC) and Filipino Chinese Chamber of Commerce Association Incorporated (FCCCAI) pledged their commitment on Dec. 17 to stop paying the revolutionary taxes being demanded by the NPA. In July this year, at least 25 contractors and construction firms in the region also pledged not to give in to the rebels' extortion activities. Licudine said that based on the brigade's information, the NPA collects around ppppP15,000 to P20,000 a month from different business establishments in this city alone. “In our estimate, the NPA rebels collect around P9.3 million every year in Butuan City alone. This amount of money is a big contribution for the NPA to grow their strength and sustain their terroristic activities in the area,” Licudine said. He said former NPA rebels have also provided vital information on the scope of the rebels' extortion activities. One of the surrenderers, he said, was Lynlyn (name withheld for security reasons), who worked as a revolutionary tax collector for the NPA's Guerrilla Front 21. Licudine said the surrender of Lynlyn sometime in June this year was a fatal blow to the extortion activities of the guerilla unit, led by its finance officer identified as Jelan Pinakilid. Sometime in October this year, Licudine said authorities have arrested three revolutionary tax collectors of the same rebel unit. (PNA)

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Feature

Pagmamalasakit in the Season of Giving T

MVP Group mobilizes support to areas hit by Typhoon Ulysses

HE MVP Group, which is composed of the companies under the leadership of Manuel V. Pangilinan, pours in support to families affected by Typhoon Ulysses (international name: Vamco). “We salute you, our brave men and women across the MVP Group, for tirelessly helping our fellow kababayans. In a pandemic, that is heroism. Salamat sa inyong pagmamalasakit,” Pangilinan said. “Tuluy-tuloy po tayo sa paghahatid ng tulong at pag-asa sa ating mga

kababayan (We will continue to provide help and hope to our fellow countrymen),” Pangilinan added. Providing communication as aid PLDT and Smart provided communication support to affected residents in areas hit by Typhoon Ulysses by setting up libreng tawag, libreng charging, libreng wifi and libreng load stations in Metro Manila, South Luzon, North and Central Luzon, which have also received communication and connectivity assistance from the telco companies. Smart also sent free call

and SMS load to over 13 million Smart and TNT customers in areas affected by Typhoon Ulysses. It also extended the same assistance to other customers in that have been impacted by Typhoon Rolly. Mobilizing immediate relief PLDT and Smart, through the Alagang Kapatid Foundation, distributed relief snack packs to around 500 families in Barangay Banaba, San Mateo, Rizal. PLDT also provided 500 relief packs to affected communities in Apalit, Pampanga. Facemasks and

faceshields will also be given to residents in some areas in Cagayan, also through AKFI.

PLDT, through the Philippine Business for Social Progress (PBSP), will distribute relief packs to its partner communities in Calawis, Antipolo City which is located along the Marikina Watershed. PLDT also distributed relief packs, blankets, face masks, and face shields to 100 families in Brgy. Bago Latao in Minalabac, Camarines Sur. PLDT-Smart Foundation (PSF), together with PLDT and Smart, is currently providing additional relief packs to affected communities in Luzon.

Over 8,500 relief packs have been distributed to affected families and communities in typhoonhit areas. "With the several typhoons we have experienced in our country, PLDT-Smart and our Foundation were better prepared to respond to the needs of our people. We counted on our network of personnel and sales teams all over Luzon to immediately provide relief to affected communities. The bayanihan spirit is alive in the PLDT Group, SEASON/PAGE 11

Opinion

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Friends best fortune Think a minute . . . I recently saw a famous television and movie star interviewed on television. A few months earlier his brother had asked him to take a vacation with him driving across America, but he was extremely busy working on a new television series. However, he also knew this was a special opportunity to spend time with his brother. So he arranged for time off from his successful television show and career to drive across America with his brother. Just a few months later his brother died! Through tears on nationwide television, this movie star said how grateful he would always be for the time he chose to spend with his brother. It is so true that family and friends beat fortune and fame every time! Recently I met a businesswoman who told me that her husband had been killed. She said her husband and his brother had argued for months over their family inheritance. Finally one day her husband’s brother got so angry that he drove to their house, walked in with a gun, and killed his brother. And for

THINK A MINUTE

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ITB China announces two indsutry events in Beijing and Shanghai Following the successful premiere of the ITB China Industry Meetup Events in 2020, and traveller confidence recovering swiftly in China, the ITB China organisers have announced plans to launch an ITB China Special Edition in 2021. The two-day business event will make its debut in Beijing from 7-8 May 2021, to deliver an innovative s h ow c a s e for bu s i n e s s exchanges while providing a stage for sharing industry insights for the travel industry. The regular edition of ITB China 2021, together with the accompanying ITB China Conference in Shanghai, is being rescheduled to 24 – 26 November 2021. “Fueled by promising news about vaccine developments, we all anticipate upward trends in 2021. The way to real market recovery,

however, will be a steady and gradual one that our industry will have to walk jointly in order to reach a post-pandemic new normal,” said David Axiotis, general manager of ITB China. “ITB China successfully kicked off the journey to recovery for its partners in China by premiering the ITB China Industry MeetUp event series in six key regions across China over the past three months. As the next major milestone, ITB China is once again leading the way with a tailor-made event format, the ITB China Special Edition 2021. Taking place in Beijing in spring next year, we expect a promising outlook on cross-border travel and emerging business opportunities at that time. Lastly, ITB China 2021 in Shanghai is set to once again serve as the leading platform

to connect with the world’s largest travel source market, strategically rescheduled to the end of the year, paving the way for a strong rebound of the industry in 2022,” he added. The ITB China Special Edition in Beijing is a newly designed and hybrid event format that will feature two exclusive prescheduled m e e t i n g s e s s i on s w it h h an d - s e l e c t e d C h i n e s e buyers, representing the whole bandwidth of leisure, MICE, corporate and travel technology. A total of 1,500 participants are expected to join networking events to establish new valuable contacts, as well as attend an extensive series of content sessions by C-level industry experts, focusing on new traveller demands and travel trends. Additionally, the hybrid

NUTS & BOLTS

JEROME DE LA FUENTE

character of the event will be set up for those professionals who are not able to attend in person. Suppliers will be offered a solution for remote participation with an easy-to-exhibit package. The keynote speeches and panel discussions during the conferences will be made available to a global audience online through instant live streaming, while EVENTS/PAGE 11

My one wish for 2021 About this time every year, many of us try to recollect personal and family experiences during the year which is about to end. It is also now that we renew resolutions and express hope and wishes for the coming year. As has been our family tradition, our family, on my wife Mira’s side, usually meets for a Christmas lunch gettogether. During our last big get-together, attendees consisted of representatives from 4 generations, ages ranging from 8 to 80. But this year, we will have to do with a virtual reunion scheduled at 11 a.m., December 25 (Manila Time). We are expected to be joined by relatives from California, and Arizona. Let me recollect our wish list during earlier normal times. During one Christmas get-together, my daughter Frannie presided over a

parlor game which she called “Bayong List”. It consisted of each attendee listing down three wishes (in the order of preference) and dropping them in a tiny bayong. The attendees were grouped into 3 which each group trying to correctly guess the person whose wish list was being read. The group with the most correct answers won a special prize. We had so much fun trying to guess and later discovering who made the wish list being read. On a personal level, I felt much closer to my relatives after knowing a little more about what they wished and aspired for. As enumerated below, a good many expressed their wish to travel. But some surprised us with their “secret” desires. Here is what the “Bayong List” revealed: Foreign travel: Travel

around the world with family, a multi-country trip with best friend, live in the countryside in Japan, visit New York, visit Europe, go to Israel, go to North Africa, go to South America, go to Morocco. Special purpose travel: Walk the Camino de Santiago de Compostela, taste different beers around the world. Exotic travel destinations: Visit the Aztecs, trip to Bhutan, trip to Nepal. Special places: Oregon Gravity Falls, visit former Nazi concentration camps. Local travel: Travel all over the Philippines, go to Batanes. High adventure: Go to Antarctica, climb Mount Everest, do the UTMB (UltraTrail du Mont-Blanc) Ultra sports: Join the Tour de France, try mix martial arts, try sky-diving. Other sports: Try out in Junior NBA, play as a rookie

SPEAKING OUT

IGNACIO BUNYE in a university, ride 100 km on bike, go sailing. Want to watch: First International Hong Kong Race with Tim Yup, watch NBA game live with family, watch OKC game, watch Potomac Labrador show Secret passion: B e a Victoria Secret model, sing in front of an audience, to be able to sing a tune, dance in public, learn ballet, dance Argentinian tango. WISH/PAGE 11

‘Fratelli tutti’ JHAN TIAFAU HURST what? A little more money! We n e e d r e g u l a r reminding that family and friends are worth much more than fortune. Remember, money can never give you what family and friends can: love. You can always tell how happy a person is not by how much money he has, but by how close his relationships are with his family members; and by how many close, caring friends he has. A man who lost his best friend over a business disagreement shared the painful lesson he had learned. He said: “Money is like a glove and friendship is like your hand. You can live happily without your glove, but not without your hand.” FRIENDS/PAGE 11

THAT'S the title of the latest encyclical of Pope Francis that was issued last October 3, the vigil of the memorial of St. Francis of Assisi who coined that expression. That's the Italian for "Brothers all," and with those words of Pope makes a very extensive description of how Christian fraternity and social friendship should be, especially in the context of today's very complicated world. St. Francis, of course, was known for his special love for the poor and for animals and for all of God’s creation that he even called the sun and the moon as Brother Sun and Sister Moon. He considered everything as “fratelli tutti” to mankind. When I started reading the encyclical, I cannot help but feel a bit uncomfortable since it was asking for something that I considered as impossible to do. It was

talking about the right of man to migrate practically anywhere anytime, especially if one is pressured to do so for some urgent reasons. It also talked about having open borders, to welcome practically everyone to our country and homes, to give special attention and care to unexpected and uninvited people who usually bring with them big problems, etc. I found all this quite relevant to us in our country, since we have lots of OFWs and people migrating to other countries. Feeling a bit uncomfortable was my first impression which, of course, changed as I continued reading the document. I remember my childhood days when my mother was so open to receive beggars at home that they practically crowded our home daily. They would freely enter the kitchen area and wait to be

given food or alms. At a certain point, my father complained because the beggars were already disturbing the peace at home and that of his law office which was also located at home. I understood the position of my father, but I also liked what my mother did. S o I w a s a bit tor n between the two, though I tried to agree with both of them. Or said in another way, I did not take sides. Both have good reasons for their positions. I just assumed the wait-and-see attitude, knowing that one way or another, sooner or later, some resolution of the issue would be made. Anyway, as I continued reading the encyclical, I got impressed by the very e xte nsive, i ncisive and finely-nuanced treatment of the subject matter. Indeed, we really have to care for

HINTS AND TRACES

ROY CIMAGALA one another, since we are all brothers and sisters, all children of God, subjects and objects of our all-out love, irrespective of our temporal differences and conflicts, and our worldly conditions and statuses that can vary very widely, increasingly and complicatedly. Yes, we should be willing to be the good Samaritan as Christ wants us to be and as the Pope now reminds us of. We should be willing FRATELLI/PAGE 11

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ALGEN’S DIVE RESORT (088) 3872015 APPLE TREE RESORT & HOTEL 735411 / 754525 Fax: 754497 0917-7144040 / 0923-3269366 / 0939-9076948 BAHAY BAKASYUNAN SA CAMIGUIN (088) 3871057 / 3870131 Fax: 3870278 BASAMANGGAS RESORT 08822-760564 Fax: 760565 CAGAYAN RIVERVIEW INN 8584245 / 729039 Fax: 8584245 CASA CRYSTALLA 8561704 / 722465 Fax: 722480 CASA ISABELLA (088) 8564065 CASA AZUCENA 8563402 / 09236593973 CHALI BEACH RESORT 732840 / 8552108 Fax: 8555941 CHANANTHON BED & BREAKFAST 8568189 / 3093095 COUNTRY VILLAGE HOTEL 8583004-06 Fax: 8583006 D’BUDGETEL 8564200/726643 Fax: 8564300 DAHILAYAN FOREST PARK 8568562 to 63 DE LUXE HOTEL 8572144 / 724548 Fax: 724563 DISCOVERY HOTEL 727814 / 8563896 Fax: 8563897 DUKA BAY RESORT (088) 3312290 Fax: 725265 DYNASTY COURT HOTEL 8574802 Fax: 857900 GRAND CITY HOTEL 8571900 / 728469 Fax: 723718

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SLERS HAM & CAFÉ 8551438 THAI ME UP 738424/3108424 Fax: 738424 BARKADAHAN GRILL 8551234 LA TEGOLA CUCINA ITALIANA 8585959 LIMKETKAI LUXE HOTEL 8800000 DEAR MANOK 8564914 / 8573413 LIMKETKAI LUXE HOTEL Landline: (088) 880-0000, Mobile: 0917-312-4563 Email: info@limketkailuxe.com

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Globe, PLDT-Smart to roll out 4,000 cell sites

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LOBE TELECOM, Inc. and PLDT, Inc. on Tuesday detailed their plans for 2021, including new cell tower installations in various parts of the country. Ayala-led Globe committed to “fast-track cell tower installations in 24 more local government units (LGUs).” In an e-mailed statement, Globe said several LGUs in Palawan, Nueva Ecija, Negros Oriental, Oriental Mindoro, Occidental Mindoro, Cebu, Quezon, Batangas, Bulacan, and Ifugao “have set up their respective one-stop shops to facilitate the issuance of permitting requirements for telcos.” Joel Agustin, Globe senior vicepresident for program delivery, said the company was hoping such LGUs

would inspire others to support telcos in bringing better services to their customers in 2021. Globe targets to install 2,000 cell towers next year. In a statement on Dec. 15, the telco said it had installed at least 1,050 new cell sites and upgraded 10,876 sites this year “to further improve its connectivity and expand its coverage to include even the remotest provinces.” PLDT said in a separate statement on Tuesday that it was expecting the rollout of its home broadband service to reach 48% of the total cities and municipalities nationwide this year. PLDT plans to increase the capacity of its fiber-to-the-home network and lay out additional ports next year.

It said its fiber infrastructure is now at more than 422,000 kilometers. “This fiber infrastructure supports Smart’s mobile networks, which cover 96% of the population and are present in 95% of cities and municipalities,” it said. Smart Communications, Inc., PLDT’s wireless arm, plans to roll out 2,000 cell sites next year.

“To date, Smart has over 10,000 sites across the country, including more than 700 new cell sites fired up by the end of 2020 despite mobility restrictions and supply chain challenges due to COVID-19. These will help Smart increase its LTE population coverage, cover more municipalities and provide more capacity for dense areas,” PLDT said.

Phinma sells stake in solar firm to steel products unit UGC LISTED company Phinma Corp. has sold its stake in a solar energy unit for around P218.35 million to a subsidiary as it rationalizes the ownership structure of its construction materials business. In a regulatory filing on Tuesday, it said its steel products subsidiary Union Galvasteel Corp. (UGC) bought nearly 25 million of the shares of Phinma Solar Energy

Corp. at P8.83 apiece. The shares were paid in full on Monday. Phinma Corp. owns more than 97.84% of UGC. “The purchase price is equivalent to Phinma’s cost of investment in Phinma Solar,” Phinma Corp. said. The sale will consolidate UGC’s full ownership of Phinma Solar, which is jointly owned by Phinma Corp.

and the steel products unit. “Phinma Solar can add value in terms of product positioning and merging technology to complement the products and services offered by UGC,” Phinma Corp. said. In a separate disclosure on Tuesday, Phinma Corp. said that its board of directors approved the subscription of 24.73 million shares in UGC. “The additional

investment will increase UGC’s equity in support of its investment in Phinma Solar,” the firm said. Phinma Corp. is a holding company with interests in the education, steel products, housing, and business process outsourcing sectors. Its subsidiaries include UGC, Phinma Education Holdings, Inc., and Pamantasan ng Araullo, Inc.

SSS on contribution hike: We need to implement the law SOCIAL Security System (SSS) officials said on Wednesday they have listened to the clamor of employers and some business groups to defer the contribution hike in the state-run pension fund, but the scheduled increase in contribution rate is mandated by law. “As much that the SSS would like to support the clamor of the public that the intended increase to be deferred, actually we are not going to do that because the basis for such increase is a legislative act,” SSS senior vice president and chief legal counsel Voltaire Agas said in a virtual press conference Wednesday. Under the Social Service Act of 2018, the SSS shall implement contribution rate hike in 2019, 2021, and 2025. SSS president and chief executive officer Aurora Ignacio announced in the same virtual event that the state-run pension fund will push through with the

contribution rate increase from 12 percent to 13 percent starting January 2021. Ignacio said the minimum monthly salary credit (MSC) will also increase from the current P2,000 to P3,000 starting next year, while also hiking maximum MSC from the current P20,000 to P25,000. SSS chief actuary Edgar Cruz explained how the rate increase will impact on the members’

contribution to the SSS. For members with MSC of P3,000, the monthly contribution will increase from P370 to P400 starting January 2021. For those with MSC of P10,000, it will increase from P1,210 to P1,310. For those with MSC of P20,000, contribution will hike from P2,430 to P2,630. “The purpose of this mandated contribution rate increase was made by the legislature. Because as we all know in 2017,

we had a P1,000 across the board pension benefit increase for our pensioners, and that benefit adjustment or increase was not funded. So it will put at risk the sustainability of the fund, such that this legislated increase. We’re just supposed to allow the SSS fund to be restored to where it was prior to grant of the 2017 increase,” Agas said. He added that the SSS/PAGE 9

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Caraga

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OPINION:

Retirement in CdO and returning OFWs

ost of us remember the wonderful Christmas time in our childhood years with the Christmas tree, the Nativity as well as the colour- and lightful decorations all around the houses, the malls and the workplaces. People were singing Christmas carols and going out shopping to buy gifts for all the family and friends. This year the feeling is definitely different. There is definitely less display of decorations but instead we cosy up to our own homes, our families, our immediate friends. Family members that are far from their beloved ones like the many OFWs and the Seafarers in Europe, the US, the Middle

East and the rest of the World spend their Christmas time on video chat and social media with their children and relatives in the Philippines. Many of them are parents or event grandparents with their children far away. The travel restrictions all over the world have kept many families apart even for this Christmas time where many Filipinos were travelling back home in the past years. Since people stay more at home they are now very conscious about their living environment and this very festive season makes it just very evident. Many families actually have relocated or have made plans to relocate to better and safer homes.

Overcrowded areas have proven to be a less safe place to live, to raise our children and especially host one’s those that we cherish the most like our parents or grandparents. This category of elder people, 60 and above, due to the higher risks of contracting illnesses need a special place not only in our hearts but also with their accommodations. When mobility is limited its good to live with all the basic facilities and amenities at hand. Several senior citizen and Uptown residents I met in Primavera Residences told me that they sold their houses in the subdivisions and moved into a smaller condo-apartment because its just so

much easier for them. Less surface to keep clean and tidy, an elevator taking them up and down, in-house amenities to enjoy the pool, a short walk around or just some fresh air on the terrace, the rooftop or the balcony while sipping a coffee. For them its an increased and deserved lifestyle. Not many places like that can offer such comforts but fortunately there are more raising in Uptown especially as more OFWs and Seafarers are returning from their assigned countries to settle in the Philippines and enjoy their pension and savings. With the possibility to enjoy a fresher climate, go jogging or simply walking around Pueblo de Oro or even on the

If interested, contact:

LORENS ZILLER

Vice President of the Italian Chamber of Commerce in the Philippines

rooftop, Primavera City has for sure the best credentials to happily accommodate those returning Pinoys. While in the US and in parts of central and northern Europe it is very common to ‘abandon’ the elderly in “retirement homes” in the Philippines as well as in Southern Europe we love to take care of our parents and grandparents in welcoming them back with us in our own homes or setting them up just in the neighbourhood. Therefore many choose to live in an apartment nearby their families, an option that

DANICA SUDARIA

gives them certainly more autonomy while maintaining their dignity fully intact. At a certain age it may not be that easy to adapt and live together with all the relatives all under one roof. With medical services being delivered also at home and thanks to the technological changes that have happened through our latest COVID experience living in a condominium may seem to be the best solution especially for those who don’t want to have the added aggravation of living in a house.

dannycarosesudaria0512@gmail.com 0936-046-2356

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Prospects... from page 1

landscape and will augur well to the investment climate of the region. “(With its inclusion to the BARMM, we will be) promoting Cotabato City as the Islamic banking and financial hub not only of the region but of the country,” Mastura said in a statement on Monday. Based on last year’s results of the plebiscite in Cotabato City for the ratification of Republic Act 11054 or the Organic Law for the BARMM, 36,682 voted in favor of the city’s inclusion against the 24,994 “no” votes, or a difference of 11,688 votes. Mohamad Pasigan, chair of RBOI’s board of governors, and Mastura recently met with Malaysian Ambassador to the Philippines Norman Muhamad and Malaysian embassy counsellor Irwan Rizani to discuss the possible opening of a branch of Malayan Banking Berhad ( May b a n k ) , Ma l ay s i a’s universal bank and the biggest bank in that country, in Cotabato City. Mastura said they would like to see Maybank’s Islamic banking subsidiary, Maybank Islamic, the largest Islamic bank within the Association of Southeast Asian Nations, to follow suit once Maybank opens a branch in Cotabato City. Currently, Al-Amanah Islamic Investment Bank is the only Islamic bank that operates in the country and has a branch in Cotabato City. That is set to change with last year’s passage of Republic Act 11439 or the Philippine Islamic Banking Act, Mastura said. According to him, Islamic banks and financial institutions that will open branches in the BARMM will enjoy fiscal incentives such as income tax holidays and reduced tariffs for imported capital equipment. BARMM straddles the provinces of Maguindanao, Lanao del Sur, Basilan, Sulu and Tawi-tawi and the cities of Marawi, Lamitan and Cotabato (with its formal turnover tomorrow) and 63 villages from six towns in North Cotabato. Cotabato City is strategically located and hosts the most number of banks within the Bangsamoro region. The city is also home to a branch of the Banko Sentral ng Pilipinas or Central Bank. The banking prof ile of BARMM will improve dramatically with Cotabato City’s inclusion to the region, Mastura said. But e ve n b e fore it s formal inclusion to the BARMM, Cotabato City was already serving in that role considering that it is the provisional capital of BARMM with the Bangsamoro government complex located in the city, according to the RBOI statement. Wit h t h e BA R M M government having an annual block grant amounting to

P70 billion this year and P75 billion next year going thru the banking system in Cotabato City, this volume of money alone cements its role as the financial center of the region, Mastura noted. In addition, government money also goes through the city to service the needs of the military in the region with the 6th Infantry Division, one of the Armed Forces of the Philippines’ biggest divisions in terms of p ers onnel, resources and budget, located in neighboring Datu Odin Sinsuat, Maguindanao. International donors and official development assistance from foreign aid agencies including the agencies of the United Nations, which have programs to assist the BARMM, also course their money through the city’s financial system, Mastura said. That is aside from the huge remittances flowing to its banks from Overseas Filipino Workers, of which Central Mindanao is a top recruiter and source for several years now, particularly those working in the Middle East, he said. BARMM spokesperson Naguib Sinarimbo recently disclosed that the Inter Governmental Relations Body, which is mandated to coordinate and resolve issues on intergovernmental r e l at i o n s b e t w e e n t h e national and the BARMM governments, scheduled the transfer of supervision of Cotabato City to the B angs amoro reg ion on December 15. Sinar imb o s aid t hat President Rodrigo Duterte recently agreed to turn over Cotabato City to the Bangsamoro region based on dis cussions held in Malacanang last year. Cotabato City is under Soccsksargen or Region 12 and used to be its seat of government until the regional center was transferred to Korona d a l C it y, S out h Cotabato during the Arroyo administration. Cotabato City Mayor Cy nt h i a Gu i an i - S ay a d i early this year appealed to President Duterte to “hold in abeyance the turnover of the city to BARMM” and asked for a status quo until the end of the transition period on June 30, 2022. Guiani-Sayadi disclosed that local officials have received death threats and warnings to bomb the city for their opposition to be

part of the BARMM. “It is very disheartening that it seems like we have no freedom to express what we truly feel and to serve as the voice of our fellow Cotabateños in rejecting the BARMM,” she said in a statement published by the Oblates-owned DXMS radio station based in Cotabato City. “You see why we do not want to belong to the region? Instead of you trying to impress us with your accountable and excellent governance, you have shown us how you failed your people. And more horribly, how you can become so violent when there are people who try to go against you,” she added. Guiani-Sayadi vowed to continue fighting against the city’s inclusion to the BARMM, “even at the cost of her life.” In opposing the city’s turnover to the Bangsamoro region, Guiani-Sayadi stressed earlier that the Supreme Court has yet to resolve her petition questioning the results of the plebiscite that was allegedly marred by irregularities. The mayor also pointed out that the BARMM still has no local government and education codes, among other priority legislations. The Bangsamoro Transition Authority, the interim governing body of the BARMM, approved the Bangsamoro Administrative Code in October.

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from page 1 f inal lo op of the P7.09 billion Mindanao backbone project. W i t h t h e p r o j e c t ’s completion, the company noted that “this will secure the reliability of power transmission ser vices in the entire Mindanao.” NGCP explained that the Mindanao backbone “will connect bulk generation f rom t he nor t her n and southern parts of Mindanao a n d e n s u re s t a b l e a n d continuous power from Lanao del Norte, passing through Agusan del Sur, all the way to Davao del Sur.” Apart from the newly energized Toril-Bunawan line, the other components of the Mindanao t r ans m iss i on b a ckb one included the upgrade of t h e B a l o - i - Vi l l a nu e v a Maramag-Bunawan line to 230kV from 138kV; as well as reinforcements of the Malita, Matanao, Toril,

Republic of the Philippines Province of Misamis Oriental Municipality of Initao -o0oDecember 21, 2020

CCE-0026-2020 R.A 10172

In Compliance with the publication requirements and pursuant to OCRG Memorandum Circular No. 2013-1 Guidelines in the Implementation of the Administrative Order No.1 Series of 2012 (IRR on R.A.10172), Notice is hereby served to the public that REGIE P. RABANES has filed with this Office, a petition for change of first name from “ “ to “ “ and correction of entry in sex from “FEMALE” to “MALE” or correction of entry in the date of birth from “ “ to “ “ in the certificate of live birth of REGIE P. RABANES at Initao, Misamis Oriental and whose parents are HENRY RABANES and FATIMA PATLUNAG. Any person adversely affected by said petition may file his written opposition with this Office not later than January 13, 2021. BWM: Dec. 23 & 30, 2020

(SGD) ISAIAS A. JARALES Municipal Civil Registrar

Bunawan, Balo-i, Villanueva and Maramag substations. According to the company, the generating facilities that will be linked to the transmission line would be the 552-megawatt GNPower Kauswagan coal-fired power facility; the 300MW Therma South power facility; and the 300MW San Miguel C onsolidated Power C or p or at i on c o a l - f i re d power plant. For the completed Mindanao transmission backbone, NGCP noted that the energization of the project components “started with the power transformer in Villanueva substations and Maramag-Villanueva 230-kV line 2,” and that was in September 2019. Further, the Balo-i-Villanueva lines 1 and 2 were energized September and October of that same year. A d d i t i o n a l l y, t h e transformers in Bunawan substations and the Maramag-Bunawan lines were energized October of 2019; and followed by the energization of another new transformer in Villanueva substation and the Maramag-Villanueva line 1 around November last year; while the power transformer in Toril substation was also simultaneously energized in that same period. The company stressed “w it h t h i s c ompl e t i on , the line will supplement the existing DavaoTo r i l - M a t a n a o 1 3 8 kV transmission line in transforming any and all available and incoming generation, ensuring transmission service reliability for the entire region.” NGCP said it pushed f o r t h e c o mp l e t i o n o f the project “despite the difficulties posed by the varying lockdown protocols implemented across the country.” And when the MindanaoVisayas Interconnection Project (MVIP) will finally reach commercial f r uition, the Mindanao transmission backbone will serve as a critical support to “accommodate the capacities needed to fully support and utilize the capabilities of the interconnection,” the company said.

Explore...

SSS...

themselves first with the vaccine to allay the fears of some people and build their confidence in its safety and efficacy. “Ku ng ‘ d i nat i n maat ta in ‘ya n, ta kot a ng Pi lipi no, k aya nga po kina Sec. Duque at Galvez, mauna sila,” he said. “(This is) to encourage naman po at mawala ang t a kot ng mga t ao, pero dapat una hin natin a ng p o o r, v u l n e r a b l e , a n d f r ont l i ne r s , of c ou r s e . Sila ang nangunguna sa labang ito — sundalo, guro, medical workers. Huwag rin natin pabayaan ang mga senior citizens natin na vulnerable and, especially, a ng mga ma h i h i r ap na k a i la nga n lu mabas at magtrabaho — dapat po libre ito sa ma hi hirap,” mentioned Go. In earlier interviews, Go said that a national vaccine roadmap has already been prepared for a systematic distribution of the vaccine once it is deemed safe and effective. He encouraged c on c e r n e d a g e n c i e s t o pr o p e r l y c om mu n i c a t e and implement the vaccine pro g r a m to a s s u re t he public that the government is doing its best to restore normalcy amid the ongoing pandemic. “Napa k a-i mp or t a nte po sa vaccine na ito ang issue ng affordabilit y at accessibility. Unang una, pagdating sa availability — dapat po unahin a ng ma hi hirap nating kababayan,” he reiterated. Once the vaccines are available, Go emphasized t hat members of poor a nd v u lnerable sector should be prioritized in the immunization against COVID-19. As for gover n ment officials and those who can afford, Go said that many of them are willing to pay for their own vaccinations as long as it is proven safe and effective. This is the reason why the poor and t he v u l nerable mu st be prioritized.

coronavirus disease 2019 (Covid-19) pandemic has “taken heavy toll” on SSS cash flows due to decline in contribution collection and higher claims on unemployment insurance coupled with the expanded paternity benefits. “Because of these, any delay of implementation -- which is mandated by the law -- will seriously endanger not only the fund, but equally important, in peril the SSS’ ability to provide prompt and much needed financial assistance for members during this pandemic,” the SSS executive said. Cruz said per last valuation, the SSS fund life is projected to be 2054. The SSS also launched the Workers’ Investments and Savings Program (WISP), which will be rolled out by January 2021. Those members with MSC exceeding P20,000 are automatically enrolled in WISP. For instance, those with MSC of P25,000 are mandated to be included in the WISP. Their monthly contribution will also increase from the current P2,430 to P3,280 come next month. Cruz said those with MSC exceeding P20,000 make up 20 percent of total SSS members. Under the WISP, members are entitled to retirement, total disability, and death benefits in addition to the Regular SSS Program. SSS will invest a significant contribution under WISP in risk-free government securities and a modest portion will be invested in equities in blue-chip corporate investments. Earnings realized from investments will also be distributed proportionately based on members' contributions. This means that the bigger the contribution, the higher the earnings that the member stands to receive. To date, SSS projects that base return of investments of 4.5 percent and investment income under WISP is tax-free. (PNA)

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EXTRAJUDICIAL SETTLEMENT OF ESTATE AMONG HEIRS WITH DEED OF ABSOLUTE SALE KNOW ALL MEN BY THESE PRESENTS:

That the late EMILIA P. BIZAR who died on September 10, 1983 in Dansolihon, Cagayan de Oro without any will or testament; the said decedent, at the time of her death, left two (2) parcels of land with OCT NO. P-1257 Lot No. 20605, Cad. 369-D containing an area of TEN THOUSAND ONE HUNDRED EIGHTY TWO (10,182) square meters and OCT NO. P-1142 Lot No. 20875, Cad 369-D containing an area of THIRTY NINE THOUSAND SIX HUNDRED AND THIRTY SIX (39,636) square meters, and has been the subject of an EXTRAJUDICIAL SETTLEMENT OF ESTATE OF THE LATE EMILIA P. BIZAR, filed by the heirs of EMILIA P. BIZAR, per DOC #363; PAGE #73; BOOK #38; Series of 2010 under the Notarial Registry of ATTY. JAMES KIUNISALA JUDITH-II.

This instrument is made and entered into by and between JOSEFA Y. PABELIC, JOAN M. PABELICCARILLO, RENAR M. PABELIC, GLORIA M. PABELIC, JAIME Y. PABELIC, MYRNA PABELIC CASIÑO, GLORIA M. PABELIC all legal age, Filipino and resident of Cagayan de Oro City hereinafter referred to as the VENDORS and ORLANDO L. MANZANO, of legal age, married to MERLINDA S. MANZANO, Filipino citizen and a resident of Zone-1, Bayabas, Cagayan de Oro City, hereinafter referred to as the VENDEE, that the VENDORS are the absolute co-owners of parcel of land with Transfer Certificate of Title No. T-70413 situated at Iponan, Cagayan de Oro City, containing an area of FOUR THOUSAND NINETY (4,090) square meters, more or less, and has been the subject of an DEED OF ABSOLUTE SALE, filed by the heirs of ULPIANO PABELIC, in favor of ORLANDO L. MONZANO, per DOC #276; PAGE #56; BOOK #212; Series of 2019 under the Notarial Registry of ATTY. EMMANUEL A. GAABUCAYAN.

That the late HERMIE BAHADE and ALBERTA BERNASOR BAHADE, who died without a will and debt on June 13, 2011 and on July 28, 1988, at Municipality of Claveria, Misamis Oriental, acquired real properties with Original Certificate of Title No. E-514, situated in Madaguing, Claveria, Misamis Oriental, containing an area of EIGHT HUNDRED THIRTY-FIVE SQUARE METERS (835 sq.m) more or less and Original Certificate of Title No. E-694 situated in Madaguing, Claveria, Misamis Oriental, containing an area of THIRTY THOUSAND SEVEN HUNDRED EIGHTY-NINE SQUARE METERS (30,789sq.m) and has been the subject of an EXTRAJUDICIAL SETTLEMENT OF ESTATE AMONG HEIRS WITH DEED OF ABSOLUTE SALE, filed by the heirs of HERMIE BAHADE and ALBERTA BERNASOR BAHADE, in favor of JASON C. UY a portion of that certain parcel of agricultural land together with all the improvements thereon, situated in Barangay Madaguing, Claveria, Misamis Oriental, with Original Certificate of title No. E-694 containing an area of Twelve Thousand Five hundred (12,500) square meters, more or less, per DOC #155; PAGE #31; BOOK #XVII; Series of 2020 under the Notarial Registry of ATTY. ANNE MARGARETTE JUSTINE M. CRUZ.

BWM: Dec. 16, 23 & 30, 2020

EXTRAJUDICIAL SETTLEMENT OF ESTATE OF THE LATE EMILIA P. BIZAR KNOW ALL MEN BY THESE PRESENTS:

DEED OF ABSOLUTE SALE KNOW ALL MEN BY THESE PRESENTS:

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SIGNED PARTNERSHIP. Hedcor and AFI signed a Memorandum of Agreement with the Barangay Local Government Unit and representatives of the associations involved.

Hedcor, AFI boost local livelihood of partner associations in Mindanao

HE pandemic brought about restrictions in mobility, limited transport of goods, and closing of markets, which has greatly affected the livelihood of communities. As such, Hedcor—the run-ofriver hydropower arm of AboitizPower, finds value in helping its partner communities recover through livelihood assistance. In partnership with the Aboitiz Foundation (AFI), Hedcor will aid in the implementation of the P450,000-worth livelihood recovery program through the provision of egg machines to four different associations in Bukidnon and Davao del Sur. This initiative is part of a bigger program by AFI titled “Restart: Aboitiz Foundation Recovery Program for

Partner Cooperatives.” The program involves the provision of in-kind donations for livelihood recovery and training to select cooperatives nationwide. These egg machines are complete with readyto-lay hens, as well as rearing cages with built-in feeding through a waterer. As such, it is named egg machine because it is able to produce eggs regularly within a period of 16 months. The livelihood assistance will also cover a month’s supply of Pilmico’s poultry feeds and necessary training conducted by Pilmico’s Animal Production Specialists to help recipient associations take better care of their poultry and maximize their yield. All these efforts are for the purpose of improving income

SIGNED PARTNERSHIP. Hedcor and AFI signed a Memorandum of Agreement with the Barangay Local Government Unit and representatives of the associations involved.

through poultry and boosting small-scale poultry farming in the area. The partner associations who will be receiving such assistance include the Dalirig

Women Organization, Guihean Women’s Organization and Lingion Power Association Rural Improvement Club from Bukidnon, and the Tibolo Tribal Women’s Association from Davao

del Sur. In the signing of the Memorandum of Agreement, partner cooperatives extended their gratitude for the collaboration. “We would like to

extend our heartfelt gratitude to Hedcor and Aboitiz Foundation for granting us with this livelihood project.” shared Jocelyn Litohon, President of the Guihean Women’s Organization. “This project will greatly help our organization to grow and develop. Moreso, this can also be a source of livelihood income for our organization which can be used for future purposes. Thank you so much!” Hedcor has been in constant collaboration with associations in their partner communities since it began its hydro operations in Manolo Fortich, Bukidnon and Santa Cruz, Dava del Sur. These collaborations include capacity-building training on Leadership and Values Enhancement training and Business Continuity Planning.

Ayala acquires controlling stake of Qualimed AYALA Healthcare Holdings, Inc. (AC Health) through Healthway Philippines Inc. (HPI), today has signed agreements to acquire a controlling stake of Mercado General Hospital, Inc. (Qualimed), which owns or has interests in the Qualimed Health Network. The agreements were signed on December 21, 2020, between HPI, led by Paolo Borromeo, AC Health President and CEO, Qualimed, represented by Dr.

Edwin Mercado, President and CEO, and Whiteknight Holdings, Inc., represented by Ayala Land, Inc.'s Alfonso Javier D. Reyes. The closing of the transactions shall occur after the fulfillment of the conditions agreed upon by the parties. The addition of Qualimed expands the AC Health clinic and hospital portfolio, housed under Healthway Philippines Inc. This includes all family, specialty and corporate clinics, which earlier this

Panay Medical Ventures Inc, Iloilo City

year were integrated under one Healthway brand. With the acquisition, AC Health will now have four general hospitals, more than 85 outpatient clinics, and about 80 corporate clinics, as well as the country's first cancer specialty hospital which the company announced previously. "We have always believed in Qualimed's vision to deliver accessible and affordable healthcare to Filipinos. Over the past

few years, we have built a strong partnership between Qualimed and Ayala Land and we are delighted to integrate Qualimed into AC Health's growing portfolio. The COVID-19 pandemic has renewed the Ayala Group's commitment to invest in healthcare, and with this investment, we will be better positioned to provide much-needed healthcare services for the country," said Fernando Zobel de Ayala, Chairman of the Board of AC Health. The Qualimed Health Network includes 4 hospitals: Qualimed Sta. Rosa located in Nuvali, Qualimed San Jose Del Monte in Bulacan, Qualimed Iloilo in Iloilo City, and Daniel O. Mercado Medical Center in Tanauan, Batangas. In addition, Qualimed also operates an ambulatory surgical center in UP-PGH, and has clinics in Makati, Quezon City and in Cebu IT Park. "With the addition of the Qualimed Health Network, AC Health now completes the entire continuum of patient care, from primary clinics, multi-specialty care and now

to hospital care. We have taken a deliberate approach to building up our healthcare ecosystem, with the goal of delivering an integrated patient experience for more Filipinos. In addition to expanding our touchpoints, we are also excited about creating unique synergies in our network, such as patient referrals, expanded opportunities for our medical professionals, and greater operational efficiencies on pharmacy and diagnostics," said AC Health President and CEO, Paolo Borromeo. "We are delighted to be part of the AC Health family. During this pandemic, our partnership with AC Health to upgrade our hospitals and to build our COVID-19 labs has been pivotal, allowing us to serve thousands of patients across our network. It is this collaborative spirit that will ensure Qualimed's continued growth during these challenging times. Qualimed has always endeavored to make healthcare more accessible, and we hope this partnership will allow us to accelerate that vision even further" said Dr. Edwin

Mercado, President and CEO of Qualimed Health Network. Qualimed Sta. Rosa and San Jose Del Monte were converted into full-scale COVID-19 Referral Hospitals through upgrades on facilities and manpower. Each hospital was also equipped with its own modular-type BSL-2 laboratory for COVID-19 testing, in support of the IATF's T3 (Test, Trace, Treat) program. To date, Qualimed has seen about 30,000 confirmed and suspected COVID patients, and has performed over 82,000 COVID tests. Healthway Philippines Inc. will house all of AC Health's clinical and hospital businesses. This includes all family, specialty and corporate clinics, which earlier this year were integrated under one Healthway brand. HPI also houses AC Health's new cancer specialty hospital, which is a partnership with Cancer Treatment Services International (CTSI), a Varian company to develop and operate the first comprehensive oncology center in the Philippines.

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MON-WED|DECEMBER 28-30,

Season... from page 3

with MVP providing the needed leadership during moments of crisis," said PLDT-Smart Foundation President Esther Santos. PSF and Smart have been actively serving typhoon victims in the Bicol Region since Typhoon Rolly. With t h e on s e t of Ty p h o on Ulysses, relief operations have extended as well to families in Metro Manila that experienced floods, including Marikina. With the devastation caused by massive flooding, PSF and PLDT-Smart Sales teams are also conducting relief operations in Rizal, Bulacan, ADDENUM TO THE EXTRAJUDICIAL SETTLEMENT OF ESTATE OF MICHAEL LEONAR LLUCH KNOW ALL MEN BY THESE PRESENTS: That the late MICHAEL LEONAR LLUCH who died on 19 July 2014 at Cagayan de Oro City; that MICHAEL LEONAR LLUCH died intestate, without a Will or Testament and without any outstanding debts in favor of any person or entity; that on 8 January 2015, we, the surviving heirs, executed an EXTRAJUDICIAL SETTLEMENT OF THE ESTATE OF MICHAEL LEONAR LLUCH which includes real properties situated in Cagayan de Oro City and Iligan City, and more particularly described as follows with 1) Tax Dec. No. 14-002401441 situated at Pala-o, Iligan City, containing an area of 445 sq.m, 2) Tax Dec. No. 14-002401442 situated at Pala-o, Iligan City, containing an area of 215.78 sq.m. (BLDG), 3) Tax Dec. No. 14-0024-01015 sitauted at Pala-o, Iligan City, containing an area of 396.92 sq.m. (BLDG), 4) Tax Dec. No. G-012480 Aguinaldo St., Cagayan de Oro, containing an area of 370 sq.m., 5) Tax Dec. No. G-012534 situated at Aguinaldo St., Cagayan de Oro, containing an area of 1,277 sq.m., 6) Tax Dec. No. G-012535 situated at Aguinaldo St., Cagayan de Oro, (BLDG), 7) Tax Dec. No. G-109265 sitauted at Carmen, Cagayan de Oro, containing an area of 256 sq.m., 8) Tax Dec. No. G-109266 situated at Carmen, Cagayan de Oro, containing an area of 256 sq.m., 9) Tax Dec. No. G-012554 situated at Mortola St., Brgy 40, Cagayan de Oro City, containing an area of 66 sq.m., 10) Tax Dec. No. G-178389 sitauted at J.R. Borja St., Poblacion, Brgy 32, Cagayan de Oro City, containing an area of 46.50 sq.m., 11) Tax Dec. No. G-269347 situatec at Tiano Brothers St., Cagayan de Oro City, containing an area of 33 sq.m., 12) Tax Dec. No. 063936 sitauted at Pinikitan, Camaman-an, Cagayan de Oro City, containing an area of 26 sq.m., 13) Tax Dec. No. G-063327 situated at Pinikitan, Camaman-an, Cagayan de Oro City, containing an area of 1297 sq.m., 14) Tax Dec. No. G-063774 sitauted at Pinikitan, Camaman-an, Cagayan de Oro City, containing an area of 2759 sq.m., 15) Tax Dec. No. G-063774 situated at Pinikitan, Camaman-an, Cagayan de Oro City, containing an area of 36 sq.m. and has been the subject of an ADDENUM TO THE EXTRAJUDICIAL SETTLEMENT OF ESTATE OF MICHAEL LEONAR LLUCH, filed by the heirs, per DOC #470; PAGE #94; BOOK #39; Series of 2020 under the Notarial Registry of ATTY. MARIA LEONITA Q. GO. BWM: Dec. 14, 21 & 28, 2020

Nueva Ecija, Cavite, Batangas and Laguna. Relief goods have also reached the provinces of Cagayan and Isabela. PSF also works with Alagang Kapatid Foundation, Inc. (AKFI) to reach farflung communities as part of Tulong Kapatid relief operations. “Despite the ongoing crisis, Filipinos remain hopeful because of the unwavering spirit of bayanihan. AKFI has been a witness to the change brought about by even a small act of kindness. It honestly inspires us to serve more communities and families in need. And we will do that as long as our Kapatids continues to trust and support the foundation's efforts,” said Alagang Kapatid Foundation, Inc. Executive Director Menchie Silvestre. AKFI and Smart provided snack packs and bottled water to 1,000 individuals from Barangay Tañong, Marikina City, which is a few meters away from Provident and close to the evacuation center of Barangka. AKFI distributed relief packs, vegetables, and face masks, Domex Ultra Thich Bleach, and Neozep Forte Tablets to 100 families in Barangay Mabca, Sagnay, Camarines Sur. AKFI also provided libreng charging services through One Meralco Foundation’s generator set. AKFI also served residents affected by Typhoon Rolly and Ulysses in Oas, Libon, and Tabaco, Albay as well as Vizon, Camarines Norte. One Meralco Foundation (OMF) handed out 1,300 relief packs to affected families in Marikina beginning with those from Barangay Tumana who were seeking shelter at Marikina High School last EXTRAJUDICIAL PARTITION KNOW ALL MEN BY THESE PRESENTS: That the late MARCELINO A. RAFLORES who died on 20 January 2010 at 11th-21st St., Nazareth, Cagayan de Oro City, without any will and leaving no indebtedness, that at the time of his death, MARCELINO A. RAFLORES left a certain real property with Transfer Certificate of Title No. T-87767 situated in the Barrio of Macasandig Municipality of Cagayan de Oro, Island of Mindanao, and has been the subject of an EXTRAJUDICIAL PARTITION, filed by the heirs of MARCELINO A. RAFLORES, per DOC #227;PAGE #46; BOOK #XIV; Series of 2017 under the Notarial Registry of ATTY. CANCIO NICANOR M. GUIBONE. BWM: Dec. 28, 2020, Jan. 4 & 11, 2021

Thursday afternoon. This was followed by a distribution of 600 food bags in the heavily affected areas of Rodriguez and San Mateo, Rizal. Earlier, the Meralco Rescue Team also deployed their boats and safety personnel in Commonwealth, Quezon City and Marikina to help in efforts of the local government for search and rescue. Over the weekend, the OMF also sent out over 2,000 food packs to affected communities in the province of Isabela, Ilagan City and Cagayan. Through OMF’s partnership with the Philippine Air Force and the Philippine National Police, the food packs were distributed in evacuation c e nte rs i n Tu g u e g ar a o City, Amulung and Solana, Cagayan. Meralco also continues to support the power restoration efforts in Albay, Camarines Sur and Catanduanes where it deployed 206 linemen and support personnel who are working with various electric cooperatives in the area. Gensets were also lent by the company to support the operations of government offices and hospitals. The OMF also deployed its solar mobile charging stations in the provinces severely hit by Typhoon Ulysses. It also distributed 1,000 food packs in the heavily devastated communities in Catanduanes and Tinambac and Tigaon, Camarines Sur. The Metro Pacif ic Investments Foundation (MPIF), along with AKFI, organized a relief effort initiative where it turned over 155 10-kilo vegetable packs in communities in Riverside, Sitio Sto. Nino in Barangay Wawa, Rodriguez Rizal. In addition, the PSF, OMF and MPIF turned over rescue boats and floatation devices to the Philippine Air Force to aid in their emergency and rescue operations. Maynilad also turned over about 4,000 snacks and bottled water bundles to families affected by Typhoon Ulysses in Muntinlupa, Malabon and Quezon City. Around 1,500 bottled water was also distributed to communities in Tanay and Manila, while 200 blue jugs of drinking water were turned over to Cagayan and Tuguegarao. Meanwhile, PayMaya Philippines quickly enabled 20 donation partners to provide additional channels for their typhoon relief efforts. It likewise provided financial

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assistance to its active Smart Padala agents affected by the typhoon in Bicol. PayMaya a ls o c ol l ab or ate d w it h PLDT-Smart Foundation and Smart for the “Building #SafeAndSmart Communities through Relief and Livelihood A s s i s t a n c e” p r o g r a m . PayMaya is also set to distribute cleaning materials to residents of affected areas. This communication is intended solely for the use of the addressee and authorized recipients. It may contain confidential or legally privileged information and is subject to the conditions in http://www.smart.com. ph/corporate/disclaimer.

the PNR with friends, ride a glider plane. Other wants/wishes: To write a book (completed 2x), to work with especially impaired children (done 2x), to ride a bicycle, to see snow, to swim with dolphins. How one unforeseen event can change all our plans in an instant! If we were to play the same game today, I am sure each one will have only one wish - an end to this pandemic and a chance to once again live normal lives. Note: You may wish to share t he fore goi ng via Facebook, Twitter, or Linked-In.

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from page 4 to inconvenience ourselves if only to help anyone, especially the one in some urgent and special need. But the encyclical also mentioned about the rule of law that should always be upheld, although it is asking that our laws should be more and more inspired by the true Christian spirit of fraternity and social friendship. This is where, I think, the big challenge is. We have to f i nd w ay s and mechanisms of how our laws, s o cial str uc tures, cultures, attitudes, etc. can truly capture the Christian spirit of brotherhood and friendship. A very tall order! Email: roycimagala@ gmail.com

Friends...

How happy and close are your family relationships? How many close, caring friends do you have? Jesus said: “I call you friends if you have my kind of heart and way of living.” So won’t you ask Him to forgive you for all your wrong living? Then, as you become His friend, you can start enjoying the new life and love He wants to give you. He will not only help you rebuild your broken relationships, but He will help you build a “fortune of friends” who also are His true friends. Just think a minute ...

Events... from page 4

s i mu lt ane ous ar t i f i c i a l intelligence-based translation in different languages will be offered for all content sessions. ITB China, the largest B2B exclusive travel trade show in China, set to take place in November in Shanghai, will keep revitalising business relations between the Chinese and global travel industry during and after this major transformation of the market, and help global suppliers and Chinese agencies to quickly chart the newly developed travel business landscape in China.

Wish... from page 4

Want to meet: Harr y Styles, Kobe Bryant. Want to own: a 1965 red convertible Mustang, a Subaru Impreza, more dogs. Want to ride: ride the Concorde, flight deck ride on an Airbus A380, ride

Fratelli...

Group... from page 1

hydropower assets in Mindanao In a Department Order issued by Energy Secretary Alfonso G. Cusi this month, it was stated that the members of the Agus-Pulangui Hy d r o p o w e r C o m p l e x (APHC)-TWG shall comprise of representatives from the Department of Energy, Energy Regulatory Commission, Mindanao Development Authority (MinDA), Power Sector Assets and Liabilities Management Corporation, National Power Corporation and National Transmission Corporation. Designated as chair of the technical working group is Energy Assistant Secretary Redentor E. Delola; and the rest will comprise the memberships of the TWG. As specified by the DOE

order, the privatization plan that must be crafted for the AgusPulangui hydropower complex must be in keeping with the effective implementation of the Bangsamoro Organic Law or Republic Act 11054. The energy chief ’s order further stipulated that the APHC-TWG shall be taking support from the Offices of the Undersecretaries, Offices of the Assistant Secretaries; Electric Power Industry Management Bureau; Renewable Energy Management Bureau; Energy Policy and Planning Bureau; Legal Ser vices and the Mindanao Field Office. “The resource persons as identified shall assist the APHC-TWG in their deliberation of matters relative to privatization of the APHC and other power-related issues in the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region by providing their expert views, conducting technical, legal and institutional review as necessary,” the DOE said. The department similarly prescribed that the TWG can also invite resource persons from other government agencies or private sector “to assist in the fulfillment of their responsibilities.” T h e Po w e r M a r k e t Development Division of the Electric Power Industry Management Bureau (EPIMB) shall ser ve as technical secretariat of the TWG, according to the DOE order. “The Secretariat shall f a c i l i t at e A P H C - T WG meetings and carry out the tasks as may be assigned or as may be necessary to the APHC-TWG in performing their responsibilities,” the department noted. The privatization of the Agus-Pulangui plants had been deferred by the government b e c au s e of opp o s it i on i nte r j e c te d by v ar i ous stakeholders in Mindanao. The last consensus was to plan the divestment of the hydropower assets only after their rehabilitation, a project currently being advanced by state-run National Power Corporation. The Agus-Pulangui hydropower complex had traditionally been the major source of electricity supply for Mindanao, but sourcing had been subsequently diversified following the commercial operations of various coalfired power facilities in the grid.

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MON-WED|DECEMBER 28-30, 2020