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Volume VI, No. 080
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Briefly Career coaching TAGOLOAN, Misamis Oriental -- The Department of Labor and Employment Region 10 (DOLE10), through its Eastern Misamis Oriental Provincial Field Office (EMO PFO), in coordination with the Local Government Unit (LGU) of Tagoloan conducted a Career and Employment Coaching Seminar to some 266 students of Tagoloan Community College on 11 November 2015, in Tagoloan town, Misamis Oriental. DOLE-10 EMO PFO Head, Errol Natividad commended the support of Josephine C. Almuena, the school’s designated College Guidance and Counselor during the said activity. The advocacy concentrated on Labor Relations, Labor Market Information (LMI), and Career Coaching. “It is important that graduating students are well informed on the basic labor standards in preparation for work after graduation,” Natividad said.
Firecrackers ban ZAMBOANGA City -- The local government units (LGUs) in the region had been urged to ban the sale and use of firecrackers to ensure zero firecracker-related incidents in their respective localities. Dr. Joshua Brilliantes, Department of Health (DOH) assistant regional director, made the call as they team-up with the Department of Education (DepEd), police and fire bureau on its 2015 anti-firecracker campaign. Brilliantes said they will focus on encouraging the public to use alternative ways in welcoming the New Year to eliminate if not lessen firecracker-related injuries.
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Social watch warns of ‘insertions’ in budget www.businessweekmindanao.com
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By MINDANEWS
DOST’s science, tech fair highlights industry benefits to Mindanao
M
ALAYBALAY City — The P3.002trillion 2016 budget approved by President Benigno Aquino III is “loaded with pork and lump sum a p p r o p r i a t i o n s ”, budget watchdog Social Watch Philippines said on Friday.
Leonor Briones, lead convenor of the group, said “more than P930 Billion is in automatic appropriations; while Special Purpose Funds total PhP408 Billion and Unprogrammed Funds total P67.5 Billion.” She said the projects include farm-to-market roads “which are identified budget/PAGE 11
THE Department of Science and Technology’s (DOST) Science and Technology (S&T) Fair for the Mindanao Cluster, held in Zamboanga City from December 3 to 5, focused on S&T’s impacts on the rubber, mining and food industries, including the halal sector. The fair showcased the many benefits of DOST’s Small Enterprise Upgrading dost/PAGE 11
LOBSTER. While the rest are enjoying shopping and merrymaking, a fisherman takes out lobsters from his fishcage in Barangay Day-asan, a fishing village in Surigao City. Fishermen sell live lobsters at P2,400 a kilo. mindanews photo by roel n. catoto
Mindanao banana industry ends year in bad shape
TOROTOT. Ambulant vendors line a sidewalk in Malaybalay City to sell plastic trumpets or torotot to those who want to greet the New Year’s eve with noise and merrymaking. mindanews photo by h . marcos c . mordeno
DAVAO City -- The year 2015 is not a good year for the banana industry as stakeholders hardly recovered from losses due to unresolved problems. Industry leaders even anticipate a carryover of the difficulties into 2016. This was expressed by Pilipino Banana Growers and Exporters Association (PBGEA) executive director Stephen Antig, who said 2 0 1 6 c ou l d e ve n b e a bleak year for the banana
industry if problems continue unresolved. He mentioned Panama disease that continues to wreak havoc on the banana farms and it has never been contained even with the development of resistant variety of Cavendish banana. He said it has not been perfected as yet. He said if they can produce the disease resistant variety “we still have to find out if banana/PAGE 11
Familiarize with the new generation currency: BSP THE Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP) has advised the public to familiarize themselves with the New Generation Currency (NGC) to avoid becoming victims of counterfeiting especially this Yuletide season. Vicente Celestial, BSPZamboanga acting branch head, issued the advice as 90 percent of the currencies in circulation at present are already NGC. Celestial said the security features of the NGC included the following: water mark; security thread; security fiber; see-through mark; concealed value; embossed prints; serial currency/PAGE 11
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Economy
DTI: Take caution in buying fireworks, firecrackers T HE Department of Trade and Industry reminds anew the public to be always cautious in choosing the fireworks and firecrackers they buy. The public are advised to look for the Philippine Standard (PS) mark when
purchasing fireworks and firecrackers to be assured of the products safety when used according to instructions,” said Atty. Fel Lester Brillantes, legal officer and consumer welfare div ision chief, Department of Trade and Industry (DTI), region 10,
during the simultaneous inspection of fireworks in stores in Cagayan de Oro— Agora, Bulua, Carmen, Cogon and Puerto spearheaded by the Regional Task Force on Illegal Firecrackers (RTFIF). Fireworks and firecrackers are under mandator y certification by the Bureau
DTI-BPS conducts in-plant testing of fireworks to check its compliance with the said standard. Only those manufacturers w h o c o mp l y w i t h t h e requirements of the Philippine National Standard on fireworks (PNS 12202:1994) are issued with the
of Product Standards (BPS) under the DTI. Under the BPS Product C e r t i f i c at i o n S c h e m e , manufacturers of fireworks are required to apply for PS license prior to distribution or sale of products. In the absence of accredited testing laboratory,
PS license and are authorized to use the PS mark on their products. With the same intentions against illegal and unsafe fireworks and firecrackers, the Philippine National Police (PNP), regulates the sale, manufacture, distribution caution/PAGE 10
MARINA ensures passengers safety in ports this Yuletide By ELAINE O. RATUNIL, Contributor
BROADCASTING DAILY AT 1368 ON AM BAND AND ON PARASAT CABLE TV AT CHANNEL 5
THE Maritime Industr y Au t h o r i t y ( M A R I NA ) has assured the safety of passengers of domestic vessels in all ports of northern Mindanao this Yuletide. Engr. Mark Anthony P Pascua, MARINA 10 regional director, said its office has activated the “Oplan Ligtas Biyahe Krismas 2015” to
L i g t as Biy a he Kr ismas 2 0 1 5 ,” M A R I NA a l s o operationalized the program in their respective area of responsibility and provided updates to the central office. D ome st i c p ass e nge r vess els w i l l b e clos ely monitored and inspected in compliance with MARINA rules and regulations prior to its departure. Implementation of
strictly enforce and intensify heightened alert status during the Yuletide Season. The undertaking, he said, was fully implemented by the Authority through the issuance of Special Order purposely intended to attend to the influx of passengers during the holiday season. Under “Oplan
MARINA Advisory No. 201219 dated 23 October 2012 entitled “Requirement of all Passengers to undergo and pass thru Security CheckUp” was also taken into consideration which required all passengers including those passengers of bus and private cars to undergo/pass thru the mandatory security check at the passenger terminal. (EOR/PIA)
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The right to choose Think a minute…A proud man who thought he knew it all, liked to say: “You can disagree with me. After all, you have the right to be wrong!” Freedom is probably the most valuable thing we can have. Many of us are free to choose our own leaders and government. We’re free to choose to study hard and get a good education. We don’t like to be forced to do anything, do we? We don’t want someone to marry us just because their parents forced them. We want our husband or wife to choose to marry us because they love us and want to live their life with us. God could easily have made us like robots or machines, so we’d have no choice but just do exactly what He wants. It’s because God loves us that He wants us to freely choose to love Him in return, and to enjoy living His right way. But we all rejected God’s love and His right, happy way of living. We chose to live our own way. We’ve chosen to do many things wrong: wrong thoughts and words, wrong attitudes, and wrong living. Just look at all the problems around us because of people’s greed and selfishness, vicious gossip, angry, hurtful words,
THINK
A Minute
Jhan Tiafau Hurst violence, immorality and lack of self-control, as well as dishonesty and corruption. When you and I choose to live our own way, Jesus said that we’re also choosing where we’ll live after we die: separated from God in Hell. In Hell, evil, pain and suffering will never end. You see, just like light and darkness cannot be in the same place together, God, who is perfectly good and right, simply cannot live together with any kind of wrong. Otherwise He wouldn’t really be God! Would you believe in a God Who says stealing, rape and murder is OK? Of course, not! It’s not God who sends us to hell, it’s you and I who send ourselves to Hell by rejecting God’s gift of forgiveness hurst/PAGE 10
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Opinion Ay Mali! It could very well be considered as the TV Blooper of the Year. Veteran TV host Steve Harvey at first mistakenly announced Miss Colombia Ariadna Gutierrez, as Miss Universe 2015. Moments later, he apologized for the error and this time correctly announced Miss Philippines Pia Alonzo Wurtzbach as the real winner. To show that it was a honest error, Harvey displayed the cue card which showed the winner. He also apologized profusely and emphatically via Twitter to “Miss Philipians” and “Miss Columbia”. Realizing that he committed another booboo, Harvey immediately deleted the message but not before it had been re-tweeted thousands of times. T h e M i s s Un i v e r s e management likewise apologized for the incident which initially r uf f led C olombians, including Colombian President Juan Manuel Santos Calderón who was watching the live TV coverage of the pageant. The management claimed that mistakes could happen in a live TV event. Netizens offered another explanation. Harvey became star-struck by the bevy of beauties causing him to commit the reading blunder. “Naduling seguro sa katitingin sa naggagandanhang mga contestants.” Although disappointed, Miss Colombia, to her credit, took everything in stride, saying that “Everything happens for a reason.” At least, the Miss Universe 2015 name-switching was not
deliberate, quite unlike what happened during the 1994 Manila Film Festival. To the horror of her co-presentor, a foreigner lady presentor deliberately announced the wrong winners in both the Best Actress and Best Actor categories. An investigation initiated by then Mayor Alfredo Lim disclosed that the incident was allegedly masterminded by a female publicist to favor her movie talents. Charges were filed but somehow the case slowly receded from public memory. For Pia, it was a dramatic finish to a three year personal quest to bring back to the Philippines the Miss Universe crown after a drought of four decades. For her countrymen, it was a fitting early Christmas gift. Wi t h h e r w i n , P i a exemplified the best of Filipina womenhood. Hindi lang maganda. May utak pa. At higit sa lahat, may puso. Noisy militants disagreed with Pia’s comments on US military presence in the Philippines but the overwhelming majority of Filipinos did not really care. Pia bounced back from two previous attempts to finally bag the Miss Universe Philippines crown. She trained very hard, believing that in God’s own time, she would eventually prevail. As Lola Nidora would say: Sa Tamang Panahon. She was ever a picture of self-confidence. Immediately after the loss of Manny Pacquiao to Floyd Mayweather, Pia tweeted: “Kalma lang. Babawi tayo sa Miss Universe.” Apart from her usual
rigorous physical and mental preparation, she took time to ask on social media the support of her countrymen. She was also reportedly very congenial to other pageant participants. Both efforts paid dividends. Votes via text messages poured in live from countrymen as she walked on stage. For the first time in the Miss Universe pageant, a “sixth judge” was appointed. The “sixth judge” represented the vote of fellow contestants. Congratulations Pia. We are very proud of you. xxx Throughout his presidency, Steady Eddie Ramos was often at the receiving end of mistaken introductions. In formal functions, it sufficed that the one tasked with doing the introduction (usually the senior Cabinet member in attendance) make a very brief statement. Eg. “Ladies and Gentlemen, let us all rise to welcome His/Her Excellency, the President of the Republic of the Philippines, President (Name).” H o w e v e r, i n l o c a l gatherings, the emcees, usually politicos, tried to impress Steady Eddie with long-winded introductions but with sometimes embarrassing results. After reciting the various accomplishments and virtues of Steady Eddie, quite a number of the emcees ended up saying: ”It is my pleasure to introduce to you our beloved President, the Pride of Ilocandia, our one and only (pause) PRESIDENT FERDINAND MARCOS.” Steady Eddie would goodnaturedly ask the red-faced
SPEAKING
O ut
Ignacio Bunye emcee: “Am I at the wrong event?” xxx A political pundit, who told me three months ago that Grace Poe would be disqualified by the Comelec, had another startling revelation last week. “Rodrigo Duterte would likewise be disqualified.” The cause of disqualification, the pundit said, is even more serious than Duterte’s supposed defective substitution of candidate Dino. The pundit explained: “Duterte is not a naturalborn Filipino. He is Japanese at birth. “Check his birth records. His birth certificate states his true name as Rodrigo Nakamura!” On another matter, the pundit revealed that Miriam is running not to win but simply to boost the rating of Mar. “Without Miriam, Mar would be at the bottom of the survey ranking!” I disagreed with the pundit pointing out that during campus surveys Miriam always emerged as the top pick of students. Note: You may email us at totingbunye2000@gmail.com.
Self-examination after Christmas LIFE’S INSPIRATIONS: “… The people walking in darkness have seen a great light; on those living in the land of deep darkness a light has dawned…” (Isaiah 9:2, the Holy Bible). -oooS E L F - E X A M I NAT I O N AFTER CHRISTMAS: After the euphoria of Christmas celebrations, the time would certainly be ripe for all who believe in Christmas to ponder on what we did, or did not do, to celebrate, in 2015, the so-called birth of Jesus Christ, our God and Savior. Did you, like millions of other Christians around the world, celebrate with festivities, games, gift-giving, and food fests? Did you splurge on partying, drinking, eating, purchasing and buying for yourselves gadget, clothes, shoes, watches, and other expensive and fancy items, or did you hop from one celebration to another? Or, did you make an attempt to even remember Jesus in the middle of your Christmas activities, and see that He is the light that was promised to save the world? Did you care to at least know why there is Christmas? Did you
try to understand why Jesus, who is God and Savior, who is the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit, decided to come to the world Himself? -oooPURPOSE IN CELEBRATING THE BIRTH OF JESUS: Surely, when anyone is c el ebr at i ng h is or he r birthday or the anniversary of anything, the reason is clear: it is to commemorate one’s birth into this world, or the establishment of a relationship, or of a company, or of some endeavor whose purposes are clear to the affected personalities. But to celebrate an event not only connotes festivities. The reason for the festivities and the celebration must also be clear to everyone. The celebration and festivities are not the “be-all” or the “end-all” of the event. Surely, Christmas is also like that. It is aimed at reminding believers the world over of the birth of Jesus. The objective is to let those who believe in Jesus know and understand that there is Christmas only because, Jesus, our God and Savior, came to the world for one very noble and very great purpose. -ooo-
WHY DID JESUS COME TO THE WORLD? The purpose of His coming is to accept in Himself, and thereby free sinners from, the penalty for sinfulness, which penalty consists of being burned by an unquenchable fire and being eaten by millions of worms, for eternity. If Jesus, our God and Savior, who is God the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit, did not come to the world, not only would there be no Christmas as we know it today. More importantly, there would be no forgiveness of our sins, and there would be no one who is going to escape the eternal hell of fire and worms. Everybody would be toasted and eaten by worms when the world as we know it shall have come to an end. That is the reason why all of those who profess to be followers of Jesus must start celebrating Christmas differently now. Christians must now stop senseless celebrat ions, pressuref i l le d p ar t ies, re ck less giving of worthless gifts, eating irresponsibly, as a way to commemorate the birth of Jesus. We must now force ourselves to celebrate
K akampi
Mo A ng Batas
Atty. Batas Mauricio Christmas with Jesus as the center of our activities and in the way that Jesus came to the world---in all humility and tenderness and to be a light for all! -oooP L E A S E WAT C H O R L I S T E N : “ Ta m b a l a n g Batas at Somintac”, a newscommentary radio program, aired at DZEC 1062 kHz and other Radyo Agila provincial stations, at www.youtube.com (type DZEC Radyo Agila Tambalang Batas at Somintac 1062 Live), and at http:// www.eaglebroadcasting. net/radyoagila 6 to 7 in the morning, Philippine time. Phone: 0922 833 43 96, 0918 574 0193, 0977 805 9058. Email: batasmauricio@yahoo. com.
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CorporateWorld
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Vista Land acquires controlling stake in Starmalls
H
OMEBUILDER Vista L and & L ifesc ap es, Inc. has secured a controlling stake in commercial developer Starmalls, Inc. as part of the consolidation of former Senator and bi l l i on ai re Ma nu e l B. Vi l l ar, Jr.’s re a l estate business. Vista Land on Tuesday
completed the acquisition of the first tranche of Starmalls shares, with the purchase of 6.69 billion common shares representing 79.43% of the total outstanding capital stock of the latter at P4.51 apiece through a P30.17-billion block sale at the Philippine Stock Exchange, according to data from the bourse.
Top BPO firms, execs cited at 10th International ICT awards GLOBE Business positions PH as top global outsourcing hub with portfolio of ICT solutions for BPOs Philippines has emerged as one of the world’s fastest growing IT-Business Process Management (IT-BPM) destinations in the world. In order to showcase these achievements, the ICT Awards was launched in 2007 by the Canadian Chamber of Commerce (CANCHAM) in close cooperation with IBPAP. The ICT Awards is one of the most renowned awarding ceremonies in the industry and its 2016 installment is geared to be the largest event yet. In its upcoming 10th year, a new category which determines the winner via online voting has been introduced: Most Popular Team Leader of the Year in the ICT Industry. “The new category allows us to celebrate the best of the best.” Julian Payne, President of CANCHAM shared, “We are very excited about the Team Leader category where we plan to implement a new voting system for the day itself. It will give us an opportunity to see what type of Team Leaders the companies will put forward.” ict/PAGE 10
Century Tuna maker completes P4.5-B takeover of coco firm CENTURY Pacific Food, Inc. (CNPF), maker of Century Tuna, has sealed a P4.5billion deal to acquire a company engaged in manufacturing coconut products from its parent firm. The country’s largest canned food manufacturer told the stock exchange yesterday it signed a share purchase agreement with its parent company Century Pacific Group, Inc. to take over Century Pacific Agricultural Ventures, Inc. (CPAVI). CPAVI is an integrated coconut producer of high-value organic certified and conventional coconut products for both export and domestic market. Its primary products include coconut water, desiccated coconuts, and virgin coconut oil. CNPF will use cash and bank borrowings to fund half of the transaction and the balance through the issuance of new shares. The listed firm’s board of directors approved the sale of 128.2 million primary shares to its parent at P17.55 each, increasing the latter’s shareholdings to 73.7% from 72.2%. The acquisition will provide CNPF a new avenue for growth and allow the company to take advantage of growing demand for healthy and organic food in the US and Europe. “CPAVI’s operations fits into CNPF’s core business, complementing its product takeover/PAGE 10
Vista Land told the stock exchange on Wednesday it bought the shares from the Villar-led Fine Group, namely Fine Properties, Inc., Althorp Holdings, Inc., Manuela Corp., Vista Land President and CEO Manuel Paolo A. Villar and the former senator. At the same time, the Fine Group subscribed to
2.62 billion new common shares of Vista Land. “F i n e Group i s ju st reinvesting the money back. This is supposed to be a share swap between the Fine Group and Vista Land,” Brian N. Edang, Vista Land head for investor relations, said in a phone interview. Vista Land has yet to purchase the remaining
8.82% equity in Starmalls s i n c e t h e s e s h are s are subject to a mandator y lock-up period under the PSE rules. The former will buy these shares once the lock-up period expires in January, Mr. Edang said. Up on c ompl e t i on , Vista L and will end up owning 88.25% of Starmalls, transforming the company
from a purely residential developer into the country’s fourth biggest integrated property developer behind Ay a l a L a n d , I n c . , S M Prime Holdings, Inc. and Megaworld Corp. Vista Land grew its ninemonth earnings by 18% to P5 billion from P4.25 billion a year ago on higher sales.
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BEIJING -- China shut down 17,000 polluting enterprises fol low i ng a pol lut ion discha rge inspect ion of 1.41 mi l lion compa nies from January to September this year, the Ministry of Environmental Protection said on Friday. Another 28,600 firms were ordered to suspend t heir operation. Among t he v iolators, 46,800 enterprises were found to have discharged pollutants and 63,700 were involved in illegal construction projects, the ministry said. The ministry received 73 public tip-of fs about pollution lodged through
the 12369 telephone hotline in September. The industries most complained about were chemicals, metal smelting and processing and nonmetallic mineral processing. I n N o v e m b e r, t h e ministry dispatched inspection teams to 504 e nt e r pr i s e s a c r o s s t h e country, including Beijing, T i a nj i n , H e b e i , I n n e r Mongolia, Guangdong and Xinjiang. During the inspection, violations were found in urban treatment of dust, central heating and oil vapor recovery in petrol stations, said the ministry. (PNA/ Xinhua)
Christmas smog hits Beijing Beijing has issued a yellow alert for heavy pollution on Friday morning, according to local authorities. A blue alert was issued Thursday and that night the air quality hit grade six, the highest of a six-grade system. The smog worsened in Beijing on Friday and Beijing air pollution emergency management headquarters
upgraded its alert from blue to yellow. Beijing Education Commit tee issued a n urgent notice calling for k i nderga r tens, pr i ma r y schools and middle schools to ban outdoor activities on Friday. The heavy smog led to over 200 flights delayed by smog/PAGE 10
Environment
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Failure to evacuate people resulted to several deaths in N. Samar, says NDRRMC CATARMAN, Northern Samar -- Failure to carry out preemptive evacuation in different municipalities in Northern Samar has resulted in several casualties, the head of the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (NDRRMC) said. Typhoon Nona, which hit Northern Samar last December 14 left 13 casualties. NDRRMC Exec utive Director Alexander Pama said the Office of Civil Defense (OCD) has always targeted zero casualty during previous disasters. Based on OCD statistics for Northern Samar, those preemptively evacuated were just 743 as compared to other regions, which carried out massive preemptive
evacuations. Other regions evacuated more than 700,000 people during calamities, according to Pama. The statistics also showed that the number of evacuees swelled to 12,700 after the typho on, w hich me ans people move out of danger areas after or during the typhoon. “Sa susunod ay magtulungan tayo. Preemptive evacuation is very, very important. The statistics will bear us out on this kaya magtulungan na lang po tayo,” Pama told the local chief executives during a briefing with President Aquino. “Tuloy-tuloy po kaming magkikipagtulungan, nandito kami we will provide
all the necessary support that you will need sa pag -recover ng Northern Samar.” Also, DILG Secretary Mel Sarmiento insisted that mayors should take the DILG’s Listo check list seriously. Listo or Operation Listo is a disaster preparedness program of the DILG mainly focused on typhoons. It seeks to highlight the importance of preparing for calamities. Chiefs of police should be carrying out the preemptive evacuation based on the recommendation of local chief executives, he said. In Gabaldon, Nueva Ecija, the volume of landslide tripled than that of Compostela Valley but there were no casualties because local officials followed the
check list, he said. In August this year, more than 20 miners died in a landslide in Benguet because the chief of police did not know preemptive evacuation, Sarmiento said. Before assumption, he said that Police chiefs must study on how to respond to disasters. Leadership by the local chief executives also play an important role in saving lives, he said. Mobilization by LGUs must be simulated regularly, and municipal mayors must also be guided by Project NOAH, he added. President Aquino went to Catarman on Wednesday to assess the damage of Typhoon Nona and led the relief efforts in Northern Samar. (PCOO)
PNoy visits Northern Samar, assesses extent of Nona’s damage By CONSUELO B. ALARCON
CATARMAN, Nor thern Samar – President Benigno S. Aquino III on Wednesday visited Northern Samar to assess the extent of damage
caused by typhoon Nona that hit the province in December 14 . Before he attended the briefing, he conducted an
BAMBI-KAB turnover and Brgy. B.A.M.B.I. @ Casinglot, Tagoloan. photo courtesy of governor bambi emano’s facebook page
aerial inspection of the typhoon-damaged areas. Up on a r r i v a l i n t h e municipality of Catarman, he proceeded to the provincial capitol for a br i e f i ng w it h t he l o c a l officials led by Governor Jose L. Ong on the extent of damage, the preemptive actions and the disaster response made by the local officials and the mayors of the affected towns as well as the Regional and Provincial Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Councils. B e fore h e pre s e nte d t h e up d at e s , G ov e r n or Ong expressed his p r o f o u n d ap p r e c i at i o n to President Aquino for visiting the province after the destructive typhoon caused widespread damage. “Your mere presence, y o u r e x c e l l e n c y, h a s e as e d t he suf fer ings of the people of Northern Samar, ipinakita niyo na hindi kami nag-iisa,” Ong said. During the brief ing,
the governor reported 92% or 6 0 6 , 2 5 6 i n d i v i du a l s from the 137,549 families were affected, 9 persons are still missing with 13 confirmed deaths. Partially damaged houses was recorded at 7 9 , 2 9 3 w h i l e tot a l ly damaged houses reached 41, 892. D a m a g e t o infrastructure was estimated at Php 2.09 billion while agriculture sector incurred Php211 million production loss. The President likewise l e d t h e d i s t r i but i on of relief goods, GI sheets, among others to typhoonaffected families. Accompanying the president were some of h is c abi ne t of f i c i a ls such as Health secretar y Janette L oreto Gar in, Defense secretary Voltaire Gazmin, DSWD secretary Corazon “Dinky” Soliman, Energy secretary Zenaida Munzada, DILG secretary Mel Senen Sarmiento and for me r DILG s e cre t ar y Mar Roxas. (PIA-8)
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Some banks to keep branches open on holidays SELECT BRANCHES of most banks will be open during the holidays, albeit with shortened operating hours, as they seek to continue servicing clients, with lenders’ automated teller machines (ATMs) also set to stay online 24/7. In separate advisories, lenders said some of their branches will be in operation during the upcoming holidays to process clients’ transactions and service cash requirements. BDO, CHINA BANK In an advisory for its banking schedule for the Christmas season, BDO Unibank, Inc. said it will open select branches on Dec. 24, 26 and 27. Shortened banking hours will however be implemented on Christmas Eve, w hi le t he regu l ar weekend banking schedule will be in effect on Dec. 26 and 27. For the complete listing of branches open during the holidays, clients may visit www.bdo.com.ph and www.facebook.com/ BDOUnibank. China Banking Corp. (China Bank), for its part, said almost half of its branch network will be open on Dec. 24 and 31 and on Jan. 2. “It’s business as usual for China Bank branches that have regular Saturday and Sunday banking on December 26 and 27 and January 3,” it said in a statement. METROBANK Metropolitan Bank & Trust Co. (Metrobank) is also opening select branches
during the holidays -- but mostly on half-day schedule -- on Dec. 24 and 31. Its clients can access the full list at https://www.metrobank. com.ph/BDOUnibank. BPI, BPI FAMILY SAVINGS Meanwhile, all regular branches and all kiosks of Bank of the Philippine Islands (BPI) and its thrift unit, BPI Family Savings, will be closed on Dec. 24 and 25. “On Dec. 26 and 27, branches and kiosks with Saturday and/or Sunday operations will be opened. On Dec. 28-29, all regular branches and kiosks -- except banks/PAGE 10
T
HE Social Security System (SSS) benefit releases amounted to P83.66 billion for the first nine months of 2015, up by 10 percent from P76.17 billion for the same period last year, as the total number of members who applied for various SSS benefits increased by eight percent to 2.7 million. In a news release, Agnes E. San Jose, SSS Vice President for Benefits Administration Division, said that 99 percent of the nine-month benefit releases were paid under the Social Security (SS) Program, which is the standard benefit package for members. SS benefit payments grew by 10 percent from 75.41 billion to P82.84 billion. “About 40,800 members eligible for benefits under the Employees’ Compensation or ‘EC’ Program received a total of P817.97 million in addit iona l f inancia l support from the SSS due to the work-related nature of their sickness, disability,
or death. This was higher by seven percent from the P763.82 million EC benefits disbursed for the same period last year,” San Jose noted. Benefit types offered under t he SS Prog ram include retirement, death, d i s a b i l i t y, m a t e r n i t y, sickness, and funeral, while the EC Program covers workrelated contingencies such as death, disability, sickness, funeral, medical services and rehabilitation. Both the SS and EC programs offer pension benefits. Keep contributions upto-date “A w i d e r a n g e o f contingencies are covered b y t h e S S S . We u r g e members to ensure that their contributions are up-to-date so that they and their loved ones qualify for benefits w h e n t h e n e e d ar i s e s . Members with higher and more frequent contributions also reap higher computed benefits,” San Jose said. SSS retirement claims,
which reached P46.67 billion or 56 percent of the total b e ne f it d isburs e me nt s, jumped 13 percent from P41.41 billion in 2014. Other SS benefit payments include P25.43 billion for death, P3.88 billion for maternity, P3.07 billion for disability, P2.23 billion for funeral, and P1.57 billion for sickness. Death claims accounted for the largest share of EC benefits at 78 of the total. The SSS also disbursed EC benefits to P83.07 million for disability, P77.68 million for sickness, P12.75 for medical services and rehabilitation, and P6.17 million for funeral grants. In terms of pension releases, combined payments under the SS and EC programs amounted to P57.69 billion, higher by 10 percent from P52.42 billion paid from January to September last year. The nine-month SS and EC pension payments this year totaled P57.09 billion and P598.87 million, respectively.
“Nearly 70 percent of all benefit releases were paid for the SSS pensions of members and beneficiaries. Pensioners normally receive their benefits through their own bank accounts, but there are also rare cases of those who choose to get monthly SSS pension checks from the mail,” San Jose noted. About 60 percent of pension disbursements, or P34.43 billion, were paid for SS retirement claims. SSS pension payments also include P20.77 billion for SS death, P1.89 billion for SS disability, P546.15 million for EC death, and P52.72 million for EC disability. The SSS has granted a series of benefit hikes in recent years, such as the increase in SS funeral grants from a fixed amount of P20,000 to a variable amount ranging from P20,000 to P40,000, dep ending on the member’s number of contributions and average monthly salary credit or benefit/PAGE 10
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Caution... from page 2
and use of firecrackers and other pyrotechnic devices as mandated in Republic Act 7183. Meanwhile, the PNP has started monitoring the market for banned firecrackers such big triangle, super lolo and equivalents, mother rockets, OG, plapla, piccolo, pop-pop, watusi (per FED-PNP Memorandum dated January 17, 2002), Goodbye Philippines, other firecrackers/pyro devices that could endanger life and limb, unlabelled firecrackers/ pyrotechnic devices and instructions attached, and i mp or te d f i re c r a cke rs / pyrotechnic devices. The list continues to grow so the PNP advices the public to be wary of the allowed specifications for fireworks to be sure that they are buying legal firecrackers. For firecrackers, only .02 grams or 1/3 teaspoon of firework/gun powder is allowed per firecracker. Buyers should also check if the length of the fuse is too long or too short and if the powder mixes are right. The Act also requires the manufacturers, wholesalers, and retailers to secure a license or permit prior to sale and distribution of their products and prohibits the sale of imported firecrackers. Manufacturers or retailers
found violating the RA 7183 shall be penalized with a minimum fine of P20,000.00 or imprisonment of not less than six months nor more than one year, or both, at the discretion of the court in addition to the cancellation of his license and business permit and the confiscation of inventory or stock. Among those fireworks brands issued with PS license, Atty. Brillantes said are: Phoenix, Dragon and DGN. The PS license issued to these companies are only for specific types of fireworks such as fountains, mines, hand-held sparklers, shells, bangers, party poppers, wheels, rockets, and excludes the products banned by the PNP. F u r t h e r, B r i l l a n t e s reminds the public to not only search for the PS mark on the fireworks they buy but to also check the package for proper labels. According to him, always check if the fireworks are properly labeled with name of the firework, classification and intended use, brand or trade name, name and address of manufacturer, and the words “Made in the Philippines.” It should also specify the effects of the firework such as “Emits shower of spark,” and/or “Produces bangs,” and warning and precautionary signs such as “Keep away from eyes and skin,” “Do not
put in mouth,” and “Use only under adult supervision. And more importantly, use the product as per its specified appropriate instruction to avoid the risk of injury and damage to property. (EOR/ PIA)
Hurst... from page 4
and new life. We condemn ourselves by refusing His right way of living, which He made for our own happiness and good. In fact, God loves you and me so much that He gave His own innocent life on a criminal’s cross, just so He could save us from living in Hell forever—away from Him. So won’t you ask Jesus to forgive you right now and choose to start living for Him everyday, for the rest your life? You can do it, with His help and power. Remember, you have nothing to lose and everything to gain. Just Think a Minute…
ICT...
from page 5
“2016 will also mark our 10th annual event, which is a great milestone for us.” Payne, continues, “We want to make this the best possible one yet and we can’t do that without the support of Globe Business.” Additionally the ICT Awards will continue the Cities for ICT sponsorship
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program where identified next wave cities may showcase themselves to potential ICT companies who are looking to expand. “ The Philippines has emerged as one of the world’s fastest growing destinations for IT-Business Process Management (ITBPM).” shared Globe Senior Advisor for Enterprise and IT Enabled Services Group Mike Frausing, “Our support in this year’s ICT Awards i s t e s t am e nt t o G l o b e Business’ recognition of these milestones as well as the importance of ICT in enabling enterprises embrace development and growth.” As the preferred ICT partner, Globe Business provides a comprehensive range of ICT solutions for the country’s top BPO firms that enable connectivity, increased productivity, and operational efficiency, helping them achieve and sustain business growth. The portfolio of s olut ions compr is es of E-line, Multi Protocol Label Switching (MPLS), Direct Internet, BGIX (Burstable Inter net), D at a C enter (Co-Location), Integrated Services for Digital Networks, Primary Rate Interface, all the way to Enhanced Managed Voice Solutions for wireline solutions to name a few. For wireless solutions, Mobile and TxtConnect are highly sought-after services. The data center and carrier ethernet services are ISOand MEF global standardscertified, respectively. The 10th ICT International ICT awards announcement of winners will be at the 2016 ICT awards Gala Night, March 22,2016 at BRANCH Mariott CAGAYAN DE ORO MAIN P & J Lim Bldg., Tiano Brothers Grand Ballroom. Kalambagohan Sts.,
Banks... from page 9
those with Tuesday dayoff schedules -- will also be opened,” BPI said in a statement. On Dec. 30, select branches will be open, it added, while on Dec. 31 to January 2, all branches and kiosks will be closed and operations will resume for all branches and kiosks on Jan. 4. BPI noted that clients of BPI Globe BanKO may carry out transactions during the holidays at open partner outlets. PSBANK Philippine Savings Bank (PSBank), in its holiday advisory, said all its ATMs, mobile and online banking will be available 24/7 for transactions the holiday season. “However, all PSBank branches nationwide will be closed on the following days: December 24 (special n on - w or k i n g h o l i d ay ) ; December 25 (regular holid ay); D e cemb er 30 (regular holiday); December 31 (special non-working holiday); January 1, 2016 (regular holiday),” it said. EASTWEST BANK Select branches of East West Banking Corp. (EastWest Bank) will also be open on Dec. 24 and Dec. 31 from 10:00 am to 3:00 pm. More detailed schedules could be found at its Web site: https://www.
eastwestbanker.com. PNB S chedule of banking operations of Philippine National Bank (PNB) during the holidays are also posted on its Web site: http://www. pnb.com.ph/. It said PNB branches will be open from Dec. 24 to Jan. 3, although most bank operations will run from 10:00 am to 3:00pm. SECURITY BANK S elect S ecurity Bank Corp. branches will also be open on Dec. 24 and 26-31, as well as on Jan. 2 for overthe-counter transactions. The list can be found on its Web site: https://www. securitybank.com/holidaybank-schedule/. UCPB United Coconut Planters Bank (UCPB), meanwhile, will have no operations on all scheduled holidays: Dec. 24-25, Dec. 30-31, and Jan. 1. Branches will resume banking operations on Dec. 28-29 and Jan. 4.
Benefit... from page 9
reported income to the SSS, and the five-percent acrossthe-board pension increase for all SSS that took effect in June 2014. Effective September 2013, the SSS also increased EC pensions for disability and death by 10 percent, and EC funeral grants were doubled from the previous P10,000 to P20,000.
Tel. # (08822) 727-829 * Telefax # (088) 856-1947
Takeover...
CAMIGUIN BRANCH B. Aranas St., Poblacion, Mambajao, Camiguin Tel. # (088) 387-0491
from pageCORRALES 5 BRANCH
Corrales Ave., Cagayan de Oro City
R.E.R. Highway, Kauswagan, Cagayan de Oro City Telefax. No. (088) 856-5763, Cel. No. 09268376542
WHOLESALE & RETAIL TENZEN CERAMIC TILE IMPORTED CERAMIC TILE IMPORTED GRANITE TILE IMPORTED GRANITE SLAB EUROLUX LIGHTING OSRAM LIGHTING FIREFLY LIGHTING AKARI LIGHTING FOCUS LIGHTING TILE TRIM WASH BASIN PVC MOULDING
ROYALTERN WATERCLOSET HUIDA WATERCLOSET SUNLOT WATERCLOSET SOHO WATERCLOSET ROYU ELECTRICAL DEVICES ANAM ELECTRICAL DEVICES GLASS BLOCK PINLIGHT/CHANDELIER BATHROOM ACCESSORIES CONCRETE PAVERS SHOWER PANEL ABC ZEMCOAT
CONGRATULATIONS
To the New Fraternal Order of Eagles NMR-1 Governor
ROYALTERN BATH TUB AEROGAZ WATERHEATER ARISTON WATERHEATER FIRSTANK STAINLESS TANK RONDINA KITCHEN FAUCET RONDINA LAVATORY FAUCET STAINLESS KITCHEN SINK PRETTYDOOR PVC DOOR ABC TILE ADHESIVE ABC TILE GROUT PVC/BRASS STAIRNOSSING DOOR KNOB
by increasing the combined DIVISORIA BRANCH CNPF’s ’share of Atty. Erasmocombined B. Damasing Bldg., #61 Don A. Velez St., Cagayan de Oro City stomach’Tel.and on # (088)leveraging 857-3631 existing LAPASAN capabilities BRANCH in the Lapasan Hi-way, Cagayan de Oro City manufacture of low acid Tel. # (088) 231-6739 products,CARMEN ” the listed firm said. BRANCH Vamenta Blvd., Cagayan de Oro City Aside from Tuna, Tel. # (088)Century 231-2011 CNPF produces 555 canned sardines; Argentina, Swift and Wow canned meat; as well as Angel and Birch Tree canned milk.
Smog... from page 8
Friday noon, according to the official microblog of Beijing Capital International Airport. PM2.5 stood at an average of 180 micrograms per cubic meter in Beijing as of 2:30 p.m Friday, but hit 360 micrograms per cubic meter in the southwest part of the city, data from Beijing Municipal Environmental Monitoring Center showed (BMEMC). A cold front will disperse the smog on Saturday, and the air quality will drop to grade two on Sunday, according to BMEMC. China has a four-tier warning system for weather condition, with red as the most severe, followed by orange, yellow and blue. (PNA/ Xinhua)
CDO MAIN BRANCH P & J Lim Bldg., Tiano Brothers Kalambagohan Sts., Tel. # (08822) 727-829 * Telefax # (088) 856-1947
DIVISORIA BRANCH Atty. Erasmo B. Damasing Bldg., #61 Don A. Velez St., Cagayan de Oro City Tel. # (088) 857-3631
CAMIGUIN BRANCH B. Aranas St., Poblacion, Mambajao, Camiguin Tel. # (088) 387-0491
LAPASAN BRANCH Lapasan Hi-way, Cagayan de Oro City Tel. # (088) 231-6739
CORRALES BRANCH Corrales Ave., Cagayan de Oro City
CARMEN BRANCH Vamenta Blvd.,Cagayan de Oro City Tel. # (088) 231-2011
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Budget... from page 1
with legislators who tend to claim credit for them during election sorties.” Briones said “transparency is the hallmark of accountable budgeting,” but noted that “the practice now is for legislators to send instructions to agencies just by text or telephone calls. This is true for health assistance, employment and cash dole-outs. This trend further muddles the flow of information to the public, especially since there is no paper trail.” Social Watch called for more details on the 27 amendments from the Bicameral Committee which are subject to “conditional implementation”. “The Constitution does not provide for conditional implementation. The proposed General Appropriations Act can either be approved in full or its particular line items be vetoed by the President,” it said. The group said the 2016 budget “will benefit the political objectives of the present administration as well as the incoming officials. This is due to the redefinition of savings which is provided for in the general provisions of the GAA. The provisions of the 2016 budget can easily be changed and transferred; projects can be stopped; new projects can be initiated because of the redefinition.” Social Watch cited the following as examples of re v i sions and b udgeta ry adjustments in the budget: • P326 million increase for Farm to Market Road Projects under the Department of Agriculture (P7.377 billion from P7.051 billion in National Expenditure Program) • P987.930 million increase for Assistance to
Indigent Patients under the Department of Health-Office of the Secretary (P2.783 billion from P1.795 billion in NEP) • P2.54 billion increase for Government Internship Program and Tulong Pangkabuhayan sa Ating Disadvantaged Workers Project under the Department of Labor and Employment-Office of the Secretary • P403 million increase for Training for Work Scholarship Program under the DOLETechnical Education and Skills Development Authority (P2.206 billion from P2.203 billion in NEP) • P1.248 billion increase for Local Infrastructure Program under Department of Public Works and Highways-Office of the Secretary (P19.813 billion from P18.566 billion in NEP) • P5.382 billion increase for Protective Services Program under the Department of Social Welfare and Development-Office of Secretary (P6.698 billion from P1.315 billion in NEP) • P144 million increase for Tulong Dunong Program under the Commission on Higher Education (P1.130 billion from P986.231 million in NEP) • P662.538 million increase for Financial Assistance to LGUs under Local Government Support Fund in the Allocation to Local Government Units (P862.538 million from P200 million in NEP) PDAF-like “Earlier, Social Watch estimated that around PhP33.2 Billion went to PDAF-like funds distributed across five agencies. Estimates from other groups are more or less similar to what we have arrived at,” Briones added. PDAF, or the Priority Development Assistance Fund, is a discretionary fund the use of which may be determined by members of Congress. But in November 2013 the
Supreme Court declared it as unconstitutional. The Supreme Court has also declared as unconstitutional the Development Acceleration Fund channeled to members of the Senate. Social Watch however said the redefinition of savings authorizes the transfer of DAPlike funds already declared by the Supreme Court as unconstitutional. ‘Inclusive growth’ In his message during the signing of the 2016 General Appropriations Act on Dec. 22, Aquino said the approved budget reflected his administration’s goal of achieving inclusive growth. He added his government implemented thorough consultations so that the people themselves would design the projects that must be funded. (MindaNews)
DOST... from page 1
Program or SETUP, with project visits to the program beneficiaries Philippine Pioneer Rubber Product Corp. (PPRPC) and Monmon Bakeshoppe and Snack Haus in Zamboanga. Organized in 2000 as a federation of six agrarian reform communities, PPRPC provides milling services to rubber-producing cooperatives, rubber farmers and traders. With SETUP’s assistance, the company managed to increase production by 25%, improving quality and accelerating service delivery to rubber farmers and traders. It has become compliant to ISO 2000 quality standards and generated 23 additional jobs, from 127 to 150 employees. On the other hand,
Monmon Bakeshoppe was also given assistance through upgrades of the bakery facility to meet the growing demand of customers. It increased gross sales by 11.3%, improved product packaging, and now employs eight additional employees from the previous five regular workers. The S&T Fair also saw the launch of various DOST initiatives, such as the rubber testing laboratory inside the DOST Region IX compound at Pettit Barracks in Zamboanga City, as well as the Food Innovation Center in Northern Mindanao located at the Mindanao University of Science and Technology in Cagayan de Oro City, which will serve as a hub for innovation of food products. Also launched was the Halal Laboratory at the DOST Compound in Cotabato City, which is projected to increase the integrity of locally made halal products and give credibility to certifying bodies, local halal product manufacturers, producers, and processors for local and international trading. The program Complementary Food Production for the CARAGA Region was also rolled out, featuring food technologies introduced by DOST’s Food and Nutrition Research Institute. These include the Rice-Mongo Curls, a nutritious snack made from rice flour and mongo flour; and the Rice-Mongo Baby Food Blend, a ready-to-eat baby food. These technologies are part of DOST’s strategies toward meeting one of the Philippines’ Millennium Development Goals, namely, to reduce by half
Attaining “Education Challenges posted to for All” Filipinos teachers under ECE By Lourgen D. Alfeche T-III Paitan, Quezon, Bukidnon
Education is very important for it plays big role on providing good future among children. Moreover, for Filipino families, it served as tool rekindling the hope that in the near future, a good life awaits them, and it is through investment of education. Yes, education has been tagged as one of the strategies to improve and impower Filipinos and their status in life. Department of Education is continuing in its advocacy in promoting education, wherein all Filipinos can have the chance to avail it and reap its fruits. The program Greater Opportunities! Education has been created to bring advocacies on education reform closer to Filipino people. It is one strategy designed in order to provide “education for all.” Further, GO! Education is at aim of addressing the need to inform and engage the general public and its internal stakeholders in its
mission in providing Education for All in the Philippines. This program focuses on three prime components, namely: curriculum enhancements t h r o u g h K t o 1 2 Ba s i c Education program, provision of sufficient resources to eliminate basic education input gaps and improvements to quality of teachers and teaching. Fact be embraced that attaining education is equivalent to a more chance of gaining opportunities in the real world. Every child, especially from poor family, is hoping for a better life and education could be his hope in reaching this. It is just so overwhelming that programs like Education for All is created to make this hope be realized. Education is indeed not just simply a thing that a child should have because it is an important matter that should be known to him, but it is already entwined with ambition, goals and realization of dreams.
Elfleda E. Viovicente Teacher – I Sobsob Elementary School Sobsob, Bugcaon, Lantapan, Bukidnon Lantapan District
Dealing with children, especially under Early Childhood Education, needs patience, commitment, compassion and the ability to connect with them. A teacher’s role often becomes that of facilitator when children have difficulties on learning how to get along. Teaching young children is a challenge and probably exhausting but at the end of the day, it is very rewarding not only to yourself but also to the children you work with every day. How do you hold a child’s curiosity? What inspires a very young child? How do you make learning enjoyable? These are just some questions you need to ask to yourself. Teachers in early education must be adaptive and imaginative. They need to place themselves in their students’ shoes so that children will be interested. Teachers should constantly come up with new ways to guide children through
their early learning stages. Young children learn how to think figuratively, which leads to make-believe play, and their language bursts and develops. Children learn how to express their own feelings. They also begin to nurture relationships with peers as well as expand family relationships. They begin to understand “right” versus “wrong,” and to understand they have the choice about which way to go. Lastly, young children continue to form their gender identity and begin to understand what it means to be male or female. These are somehow challenges posted to Early Childhood Education teachers. In this stage, children are still on the phase of learning the basics that would serve as transition in higher learning. Thus, being comprehensive and patient enough are essential to fully succeed in teaching kids in this learning stage.
the proportion of people who suffer from hunger and to solve the persistent problem of malnutrition among 0-5 year-old children. Yet another launch was held for Better Mine, a DOST and University of the Philippines collaboration for the mining industry that eliminates the use of mercury and cyanide, thus promoting a non-hazardous and environment-friendly method to extract gold in the Philippines for smallscale mining applications through integrated goldcopper mineral processing. Better Mine can increase gold recovery by 40-50% to as high as 80%, recover other valuable minerals, like copper and zinc, has a tailings disposal and treatment system, flexible operation, as well as low capital and operating expenses for smallscale miners. “With DOST and the science and technology agenda, we Filipinos must chart our own course guided by the principle that what we do ultimately benefits Aling Maria and Mang Juan, that science is being felt by the people,” said Dr. Rowena Cristina L. Guevara, DOST undersecretary for S&T services during the S&T fair opening ceremony. A Sci-Tech Campus Journalism TrainingWorkshop, research forum, and exhibit, were also held, among others.
Banana...
from page 1 it will be accepted in the market”. “Definitely there will be a change in the taste,” he added. While they teamed up with the Philippine Council for Agriculture Aquatic and Natural Resources Research and Development (PCAARRD) and the Southern Philippines Agri-business and Marine Aquatic School of Technology (SPAMAST) in developing such variety, Antig said it takes several years and the process will take 10 to 15 years before it can be released to the market. He said there were PBGEA member-companies that undertake Research and Development costing to some Php 200 million for the development of Panama disease management program. It includes set of packages. He disclosed that in 2016 it will already be on stage 3 of the set of packages. In fact, Antig said they were in the process of conducting a study on the Development of
11
2014 ppi’S Best in ENVIRONMENTAL Reporting
an Integrated Management Program of Fusarium Wilt Diseases affecting Cavendish banana in their laboratory in Lapoy, Mandug, this city. He said a field trial area of about 10 hectares is covered for the study. Antig also voiced concern over prospect of sustaining their market. “We are losing our market” considering that other countries Vietnam, Thailand, Indonesia, Myanmar, Cambodia have been aggressive in their production and also selling their produce to their main market - China and Japan. Ecuador and other Latin American countries, he said were also competing with their market. He said they foresee a banana world war in the market and a big disadvantage since production cost is much higher than their competitors. In 2014, the banana export volume in boxes reached 90,147,480 from January to September and decreased to 85,324,491 for the same period this year. Antig also voiced concern on the possible impact of El Nino, which the Philippines Atmospheric Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA) pronounced would extend until June 2016. “If farms are hit by this weather pattern its effect will be felt three months after that is until September of next year thus making it harder for the industry to recover,” he stressed. Meanwhile, Antig reported that big plantation companies operating here are now in the process of developing banana farms in countries like Sri Lanka, India, Vietnam and Taiwan. “This is in preparation for their next move if they see that it is no longer viable to operate a plantation here in the Philippines,” he said. Currently, the total area planted to exportable banana is 42,316.41 hectares which is smaller from 2014 with a total area of 44,479.65 hectares or a difference of 2,163.24 hectares. (PNA)
Currency... from page 1
number; optically variable device and optically variable ink. “Be familiar with it through touch since by merely touching you can determine if the money is counterfeit or genuine,” Celestial said. He said the security thread of counterfeit money could be easily removed and its paper as well as the printing is of ordinary quality. He said they have scheduled the conduct of information drive in banks, schools and offices “so that more people will be aware of the NGC security features.” (PNA)
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monday|december 28, 2015
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Gawad Kalasag Northmin winners handed cash prizes By MARK FRANCISCO
W
INNERS of Gawad Kalasag 2015 in Northern Mindanao received their cash prizes in a ceremony last Tuesday at Seda Hotel C entrio in Cagayan de Oro City. The cash prizes ranged from P15,000 to P50,000 depending on the category they belong. The following are the winners Best Provincial Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (PDRRMC) – Lanao del Norte; Best City Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (CDRRMC) Highly Urbanized City – Cagayan de Oro; Best Municipal Risk Reduction and Management Council (1st – 3rd class municipality) – Tubod, L an a o d e l Nor t e ; B e s t MDRRMC (4th – 6th class municipality) – Bacolod, L an a o d e l Nor t e ; B e s t C DR R MC ( C omp one nt City) – Valencia, Ozamiz and Malaybalay; Best Barangay
Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council ( Ru r a l ) – D e m o l o g a n , Bacolod, Lanao del Norte; civil society organization – Ecoweb; GEM – government emergency response management – Oro Rescue; government national
ho spit a l – M HA R R S RTTH; early learning center (urban) – Barangay 18 Day Care Center, Gingoog City; Public S cho ol Urban – Bukidnon National High School and Gusa National High School, Public Rural S chool – L ala National
High School, Maranding Central School and Salay C entral School; Private Urban S chool – Sacred Heart of Jesus Montessori School; Private Rural School – Our Lady of Perpetual Help Academy and Regina Agelorum School of
Vilanueva; Heroic Act – Tagoloan Municipal Police Station. The nominees for the national finals are Lanao del Norte for Best PDRRMC, Tubod and Bacolod for Best MDRRMC, MHARRS RTTH for best government
national hospital, Ecoweb for best CSO and Sacred Heart of Jesus Montessori School for best private urban school and Our Lady of Perpetual Help Academy for best private rural school. In her speech, Office of Civil Defense (OCD) 10 director Ana Cañeda said Region 10 has the most number of national nominees and wished them the best of luck for the national finals to be held in early 2016. Gawad Kalasag is the Search for Excellence in Disaster Risk Reduction and Management and Humanitarian Assistance 2 0 1 5 . It i s i n it i at e d yearly since 1998 by the t hen Nat iona l Dis aster Coordinating Council as a mechanism to obtain s u s t ai n e d c om m it m e nt and support by recognizing exceptional contributions in DRRM, in strengthening the resilience and adaptive capacities of the communities to disaster risk.
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2015 Miss Universe Pia Wurtzbach: In the eyes of a Kagay-anon friend By Cheng Ordonez, Executive Editor, BWM
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AGAYAN DE ORO CITY -- In the eyes of the world, Pia Wurtzbach is the most beutiful woman in the universe. But, before that, in the eyes of the Filipinos, she was the most beautiful woman in the Philippines. And, even before that -- she was the most beautiful woman in the eyes of her friends. One of her friends is Vianccy Marie Unabia of Upper Carmen, this city. Aside from being beautiful, confident and friendly, what other features has Vianccy saw and remember in Pia that could have been factors in her winning and being crowned as Miss Universe 2015? Unabia has supported Wurtzback since 2013 when the latter joined the Bb. Pilipinas until 2015, when she was got the crown. “Negative words, things and thoughts are banned when you’re with Pia (Wurztbach),” Vianccy recounted in her times with the crowned Miss Universe 2015. “Pia is always positive. She doesn’t want to curse even when things go wrong. And, if something does go wrong, she tells us to just accept it for now and to make the necessary correction and to make sure that it will not happen again,” Vianccy said. Vianccy said Pia is full of confidence and an intimidating diet. “Because, that how she feed herself. She very concious of the food she takes, and she’s very determined. When she does things, she does it
immediately -- not today not tomorrow, not next month, even when the Miss Universe Peagant was months away, Vianccy remembers during her meetings with Pia before
more, Pia goes to the gym, said Vianccy. She also fondly remembers Pia to be punctual in their meetings and very disciplined in what she does. “She a person who is non-judgmental, flexible,
the Miss U. Vianccy said Pia takes on boiled eggs, vegetables without dressings and steamed chicken minus the skin and water. If she wants juices, she goes for the fresh ones. And, to tone her body
friendly and humble, and even shares personal matters with close friends,” Vianccy said. When asked about Pia’s outlook in life, Vianccy said her Miss Universe friend could have taken her strength from her
family -- her Mom and sister. Vianccy remembers Pia telling her about their ordeal when her father left them, and how she tried to catch up with life too early to support her family, and eventually became the see full story/PAGE B2
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2015 Miss Universe Pia Wurtzbach: In the eyes of a Kagay-anon friend By Cheng Ordonez, Executive Editor, BWM
C
AGAYAN DE ORO CITY -In the eyes of the world, Pia Wurtzbach is the most beutiful woman in the universe. But, before that, in the eyes of the Filipinos, she was the most beautiful woman in the Philippines. And, even before that -- she was the most beautiful woman in the eyes of her friends. One of her friends is Vianccy Marie Unabia of Upper Carmen, this city. Aside from being beautiful, confident and friendly, what other features has Vianccy saw and remember in Pia that could have been factors in her winning and being crowned as Miss Universe 2015? Unabia has supported Wurtzback since 2013 when the latter joined the Bb. Pilipinas until 2015, when she was got the crown. “Negative words, things and thoughts are banned when
you’re with Pia (Wurztbach),” Vianccy recounted in her times with the crowned Miss Universe 2015. “Pia is always positive. She doesn’t want to curse even when things go wrong. And, if something does go wrong, she tells us to just accept it for now and to make the necessary correction and to make sure that it will not happen again,” Vianccy said. Vianccy said Pia is full of confidence and an intimidating diet. “Because, that how she feed herself. She very concious of the food she takes, and she’s very determined. When she does things, she does it immediately -- not today not tomorrow, not next month, even when the Miss Universe Peagant was months away, Vianccy remembers during her meetings with Pia before the Miss U. Vianccy said Pia takes on boiled
eggs, vegetables without dressings and steamed chicken minus the skin and water. If
she wants juices, she goes for the fresh ones. And, to tone her body more, Pia goes
to the gym, said Vianccy. She also fondly remembers Pia to be punctual in their meetings and very disciplined in what she does. “She a person who is nonjudgmental, flexible, friendly and humble, and even shares personal matters with close friends,” Vianccy said. When asked about Pia’s outlook in life, Vianccy said her Miss Universe friend could have taken her strength from her family -her Mom and sister. Vianccy remembers Pia telling her about their ordeal when her father left them, and how she tried to catch up with life too early to support her family, and eventually became the bread winner of the family. “In between joining the Bb. Pilipinas from 2013 to 2015, Pia worked in the London as a chef for a
restaurant,” Vianccy told Manila Bulletin. “I think, behind the Miss Universe crown, Pia wants to provide her family a good life. Paradoxically, it is that yearning that gave her the needed strength to reach the Miss Universe Peagant, which reign she and her family is now enjoying,” Vianccy added. Aside from Vianccy, Kagayanons are eager for Pia’s homecoming and to see their kababayan Wurtzbach in her full Miss Universe regalia. But, not too early. City Investment and Promotions Officer Eileen San Juan said Wurtzbach’s schedule is now in the hands of her handlers. It used to be Bb. Pilipinas Charities, Incorporated only. But, now it would be both that and the Miss Universe Organization.
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Grandiose Tangub City 23rd Christmas Symbols Festival L
ast December 1, 2015 at exactly 8:00PM, thousands of foreign, domestic and local tourists witnessed the colorful, joyous, mesmerizing and grandiose opening of Tangub City’s Christmas Symbols Festival of the Philippines. Now on its 23rd year, Tangub City’s Christmas Symbols Festival is one of the longest running Christmas Symbols Festivals in the country today. The symbolic Christmas Festival starts December 1 each year and ends first week of January the following year. It is one of a kind festival in the country showcasing the grandiose Christmas Symbols of Tangub City and it is an exhibit of Tangubanons ingenuity and creativity. In an interview, Vice Mayor Edmar Alota- Chairman of the Christmas Symbols Festival told Business Week Mindanao that this 2015 theme of the festival is “Tangub City Celebrates Christmas Round the World Part
By Joe P. Palabao, Editor-at-Large 4”. He further said that Lighting of Christmas Symbols starts December 1, 2015 and every night there after up to the first week of January 2016 from 5:30PM to and turning off the lights at 2AM except on special occasions. Sixteen (16) entries of the different beautiful landmarks of the world are being showcased in this year’s festivalChristmas Round the World Part 4. Vying for a grand prize at the end of the festival are landmarks from the amazing National Folk Museum of Korea, the beautiful Hollywood Universal Studios, towering Titanic Belfront Museum, Belfry of Northern Ireland, Finland, Canada, Paris, Disneyland, Japan Museum and other global landmarks that would give joy and satisfaction to the tourists. Foreign, domestic and local tourists can tour the sixteen countries’ landmarks in three hours by just buying their visas at the entrance of each landmark Christmas Symbols Destinations.
“Imagine, you can tour around the world in just three (3) hours”. Indeed it is fantastic and great experience. Tourism Czar and Regional Director of Northern Mindanao Catalino ‘Butch’ E. Chan 111 in his inspiring message said that last year Christmas Symbols Festival 2014 has a total of 198,000 foreign, domestic and local tourists who visited Tangub and has earned more than 2 Million sales in small medium enterprise. Indeed it’s a great come on to all the tourists from all over the Philippines. And this year 2015, it is expected to double the tourist arrivals to Tangub City being the Christmas Symbols Capital of the Philippines and earned more revenues. He further said that the festival really upholds the spirit of Christmas in the hearts of the Tangubanons, enhanced Tangubanons ingenuity, their resourcefulness in order to continue promoting Tangub City as a tourist destination every
Yuletide Season. The fifty five (55) barangays of City of Tangub have also their welcome arches and are also beautifully and intricately decorated with hues of Christmas Lights to attract foreign, domestic and local tourists. It is also a contest wherein every barangay put in their best efforts to show what they have got to make their barangays beautiful for the tourists to see and enjoy. The Christmas Symbols Festival of the Philippines began its story twenty three (23) years ago when Jenny Wee Tan and Philip Tan as a young couple started to dream of making the plaza of Tangub City, Misamis Occidental, Mindanao, Philippines a paradise each Christmas-thus the Christmas Symbols Festival was brought to life and where their blissful life began being respected and powerful local leaders of Tangub City. They brought Tangub City to the world tourism map. MABUHAY!
Tangub City Mayor Philip Tan and Dr. Jennifer Tan - Chairperson, NorthMin Regional Tourism Council. photo courtesy of escapemanila.com
Tourism Czar Regional Director Catalino “Butch” E. Chan III
Replica of the soon to be constructed Panguil Bay Bridge displayed at the Christmas Symbols Festival in Tangub City. Also known as the Bridge of Peace, Panguil Bay Bridge will connect Misamis Occidental and Lanao del Norte provinces. photo courtesy of escapemanila.com