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BusinessWeek M I N DA N A O CREDIBLE

Volume XI, No. 101

Market Indicators AS OF 6:00 PM FEB. 2, 2020 (TUESDAY)

FOREX

PHISIX

US$1 = P 48.053

6,867.88

X X Briefly

1.20

53.12

cents

points

OFW dev't fund THE Development Bank of the Philippines (DBP) and the Mindanao Development Authority (MinDA) have agreed to establish an investment vehicle where Overseas Filipino Workers (OFWs) can deposit their hard-earned money for modest earnings while at the same time help rebuild the country's economy. In a post on his Facebook Page Tuesday, Secretary Emmanuel Piñol said the initiative arose from his discussions with top DBP officials led by its president, Emmanuel Herbosa, on Monday. Both parties agreed to work on the details and mechanics of the "MinDA OFW Investments Fund," which is expected to offer the country's foreign workers a secure investment program.

'Front-liners Month' A PENDING measure before the Cagayan City Council here seeks to declare February as "Covid-19 Front-liners' Month," drawing praises from public health officials. The proposed ordinance aims to designate the last Monday of February as a day of remembrance for "the sacrifices and efforts of both medical and nonmedical front-liners in the city´s campaign against the pandemic," said Councilor Edgar Cabanlas, co-author of the measure. "The pandemic caused an upheaval not experienced since World War II. Let´s not forget but remember those who sacrificed much, including their lives for us,” Cabanlas said Tuesday.

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Wed-Thu|February 3-4, 2021

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Slow recovery expected for Mindanao this year B Thank you for trusting us!

By ANTONIO L. COLINA IV, MindaNews

USINESS leaders in Mindanao has expressed optimism the island will slowly recover in 2021 from the economic lag it suffered last year due to the coronavirus disease (COVID-19) pandemic.

Maria Lourdes Monteverde, who will again be president of the Davao City Chamber of Commerce and Industry Inc. (DCCCII), said in a statement that

Mindanawons must learn to “adapt and live” despite the threats of COVID-19 although she believes that the year 2021 will remain RECOVERY/PAGE 7

Mindanao schools get chairs made of recycled plastics By MARK FRANCISCO, Reporter

MORE than 2,000 classroom chairs made out of recycled plastic have been donated by the Villar Social Institute for Poverty Alleviation and Governance (Villar SIPAG) in schools all over Mindanao. Since 2017, Villar SIPAG has operated a waste plastic recycling factory in Cagayan

de Oro City, producing 200 chairs a month to be distributed in public schools. This is part of Sen. Cynthia Villar's plastic recycling program as part of her initiative as chairperson of the Senate committee on the environment. CHAIRS/PAGE 7

CORN HARVEST.Farm workers harvest corn with a mechanical harvester in Barangay San Jose, Malaybalay City. mindanews photo by h . marcos c . mordeno

TOURISM COMPLEX. The Cebu Pacific Shrine, a landmark commemorating the ill-fated Flight 387 that crashed in the mountain ranges of Claveria, Misamis Oriental, has been transformed into a Tourism Complex and Botanical Garden.

Misor enhances Cebu Pacific shrine as a tourism complex SERVING as a pleasant surprise and enticing news for tourists and Misamisnons alike, Governor Yevgeny Vincente Emano leads the blessing and inauauration of Northern Mindanao's newest toust destination, the Misamis Oriental Tourism Complex and Botanical Garden. A tribute to the success of Emano's flagship program of tourism, tnis landmark project seeks to bring about hope to Misamisnons amidst the pandemic. L e d by E m a n o a n d provincial tourism head Atty. Jeffrey Saclot, the

inauguration of the Misamis Oriental Tourism Complex and B ot anic a l Garden, held in unison with the commemoration of the Cebu Pacific Flight 387 crash, aims to encourage people to have a wider array of options when visiting the area by boasting of amenities and

attractions previously known to be available only from neighboring provinces. Located midway between the municipality of Claveria and Gingo og City, t he relaxingly cool destination in addition to the beautiful botanical landscapes, will be SHRINE/PAGE 7

20,592 workers in Davao region lost their jobs in 2020: NEDA By ANTONIO L. COLINA IV, MindaNews

DAVAO City — At least 20,592 workers in the Davao region lost their jobs last year due to the coronavirus disease (COVID-19) pandemic, the regional of f i c e of t h e Nat i on a l Economic Development Authority (NEDA) reported on Friday. In her presentation on the Highlights of Davao Region’s

2020 Socioeconomic performance, NEDA-Davao director Maria Lourdes Lim said that as of December 31, 2020, out of the total affected workers, 18,470 were retrenched as companies opted to downsize operations due to redundancy of work functions and heavy financial losses. JOBS/PAGE 7

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Local 2 Moreno: Protocol compliance ensures protection vs COVID-19 variants C

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City Mayor Oscar Moreno says the risk of infection will be avoided if people fully comply with minimum public health standards, February 1. (CIO)

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

AGAYAN DE ORO CIT Y--While not dismissing public c onc ern over the ne w variants of COVID-19, City Mayor Oscar Moreno said the risk of infection will be avoided if people fully comply with minimum public health standards. “As medical authorities around the world like Dr. Anthony Fauci (senior medical advisor to US President Joe Biden), continually advise repeatedly, strict observance of minimum public health standards like wearing of face masks and face shields, physical distancing, hand disinfection and so on can protect us from COVID-19 or its variants,” Moreno said. The mayor said this in response to questions

over City Hall’s gradual transition from housing arrivals at city isolation units to home quarantine. Among the concerns raised is the possibility of returning residents contracting or being infected with B117, a COVID-19 variant that originated from Great Britain. Another COVID-19 variant was identified as originating in South Africa. Both Moreno and City Health Office (CHO) Epidemiologist Dr. Teodulfo Joselito Retuya, Jr. said inbound travelers to Cagayan de Oro City were already processed in every international airport in Manila, Cebu, Davao

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

BUTUAN City – At least 4,745 families in Caraga Region have been granted cash and livelihood grants by the Department of Social Welfare and Development-Region 13 (DSWD-13) since last year. “A total of P54,423,797 cash grants were awarded to said families last year, especially those whose sources of income were

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

and Clark before arriving in the city. Acting City Health Officer Dr. Lorraine Nery also said barangay health teams monitor the arrivals once they undergo their two-week home quarantine. “There is understandable concern over the new COVID-19 variants as well as the safety and efficacy of the vaccines. But there’s no debate over the effectivity of minimum public health standards. And all the airports, seaports and bus terminals are strictly enforcing and mandating their passengers to comply with these protocols,” Moreno said. (CIO/PIA10)

DSWD livelihood grants benefit 4.7K families in Caraga severely affected by the implementation of the community quarantines in the region,” DSWD-13 said in a statement Monday. DSWD-13 said the distribution of Livelihood Assistance Grant to different municipalities in the area started in the third quarter last year under the Bayanihan 1 and 2 program of the government. Only the major cities and municipalities in the region were prioritized during the Bayanihan 1 due to limited budget, it added. The recipients include Tandag City and Bislig City (August 26) in Surigao del Sur; Bayugan City and San Francisco in Agusan del Sur; the town of San Jose in Dinagat Islands; and Butuan City. Meanwhile, the agency said 14 municipalities were covered under the Bayanihan 2: Barobo, San Miguel, Bayabas, Hinatuan, and Cagwait Surigao del Sur; Mainit, Claver and Del Carmen in Surigao del Norte; Prosperidad and Trento in Agusan del Sur; Tubay, Nasipit, and Carmen in Agusan del Norte; and Basilisa in Dinagat Islands. The livelihood assistance under the Bayanihan 2 was released in December last year, DSWD-13 said. “Other than these areas, there are still recipient municipalities under the 2020 fund that are yet to receive the LAG such as Tagbina, Bislig City, Lingig, Lianga, San Agustin, Cantilan, Cortes, Marihatag, Tago, and Madrid in the province DSWD/PAGE 7

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OPINION:

Feature

A Strong Post Pandemic Economic Response AN overwhelming wave of construction activities is clearly noticeable in Uptown CdO between Pueblo de Oro, Primavera City, along Masterson’s Avenue and up to the beginning of Lumbia and beyond. We are seeing the rise of food parks, mixed use buildings, medical facilities and commercial establishments as well as residential housing mushrooming all over this exclusive part of Cagayan de Oro. That is actually an excellent pandemic response by the private sector and is a sign of the

enormous economic potential and the true character of the city of Cagayan de Oro. One other indicator has truly been how residents flock to the many indoor and outdoor dining facilities that now exist all over Uptown CdO. In the food parks and various restaurants you can now find everything from traditional Filipino, Halal, WesternAmerican, Korean, Italian, Chinese and several other food choices. In a certain way Cagayan de Oro has become a multicultural city giving its residents the benefit of having

The big impact in education of the new COVID-19 variant CRISPIN P. CAARE TEACHER III TABLON, CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY

Schools are just like every other place in society. The more people we have people back together and doing things in groups, the more likely for a transmission event. Local school leaders say the COVID variant is already on their radar. The emergence of fast-spreading coronavirus variants has once again put a spotlight on the role of children in the COVID-19 pandemic. Early data on one new variant had suggested that it was spreading more in children than in adults compared with other lineages. But researchers now suggest the variant is spreading more efficiently in all age groups, allaying those fears. We still don’t really know how much schools and children actually contribute to spread. In light of the increased infections in children, more accurate data on how they transmit the virus is needed, including how many close contacts children infect compared to adults. Continuing to close schools can have unintended consequences. Keeping kids at home can increase household transmission if parents bring babysitters into their homes. The coronavirus SARS-

CoV-2 has constantly evolved since it was first detected in humans over a year ago. Viruses replicate exceedingly fast, and each time they do, there's a small chance they mutate. This is par for the course, if you're a virus. But in the last few weeks, scientists have been investigating SARS-CoV-2 variants with a handful of mutations arising much faster than expected. Normally, we'd expect to see one to two largely inconsequential genetic changes in the coronavirus ever y few months. New variants are emerging with a constellation of mutations, all at the same time. Epidemiologists, virologists and immunologists are now t aske d w it h understanding how these mutations in the new variants may change the virus and how our bodies respond to them. Mutations could change SARS-CoV-2 in such a way that it may even be able to evade the immune response generated by vaccines. Preliminary research shows our current vaccines should be able to deal with the three most concerning variants, but data continues to roll in.

real choices. The awareness that real estate is, and has always been, the safest asset to own and invest in has surely contributed to accelerate all plans to start these various construction projects that suddenly sprouted all over the place. Many good real estate deals are also being made as the need to cash in on some investments to finance other projects is creating opportunity for existing land and home owners. One of the consequences of the lockdowns and restrictions of movement has also driven some family

members to move out of their family homes to enjoy their own space where nobody steps on each other’s toe. It is not always easy to live in an overcrowded house with the overseeing authority of the elder family members or even worse with the judging scrutiny of your in-laws. People are simply seeking more breathing space, more nature, an outdoor space like a garden or balcony and especially convenience like the one where all you need is around you in your immediate vicinity. Construction is a good indicator of

LORENS ZILLER

Vice President of the Italian Chamber of Commerce in the Philippines

economic health and where there is such activity there are also jobs and money is circulating. This was from the very beginning also the objective of the municipal government and it seems to be working well for Cagayanons. Soon there will also be the completion of more residential condominium units and commercial spaces like the ones in Primavera City

next to SM City with its mixed use lifestyle project that will define Uptown’s landscape anew, after defining it years ago with the realization of the first of CdO’s condominiums Primavera Residences. Uptown CdO will just be a unique place to live, work and play, as Pueblo’s original advertising mantra was saying. More work, more fun and more business for Uptown. Hurray!

Girls Scouts: It’s Eight (8) point Challenge! By: REINA MARIE G. EBISA Secondary School Principal I Portulin National High School Medina District Medina, Mis. Or.

Girl Scouting is not just a movement. It is a culture and lifestyle dedicated to lifelong ser vice. When humanity cr ies, a tr ue Girl Scout, firm in her principles, will not fear the challenge. She will always conquer, unfazed and steadfast amidst t he u nc e r t ai nt i e s , and triumph with and for the world. Girls Scouting enabled me to realize my worth as a person and my purpose in this world. It prepared me to ignite change into the hearts of others. As a Trainer I am empowered to take the lead, a Girl Scout who lives by the Girl Scout Promise and Law. Through the Eight-Point Challenge, Girl Scouting gave many opportunities to g irls in or order to help t heir communit y, create impact in the lives of ot he rs , and che r ish beautiful journeys in their lives. Girls Scouting makes a whole new person out of every Girl Scout. This is where she le ar ns deter minat ion , c om m it m e nt , p a s s i on , and inspiration. Girl Scouting amplified some girls’ voice and gave

opportunities to serve. My Girl Scout journey has been filled with people who inspired me to better myself and who created beautiful memories I will cherish forever. I am a Girl Scout because I want to inspire other girls in my own little ways. T h e E IG H T- P OI N T C HA L L E NG E is t he program of the Girl Scouts of the Philippines which e mb o d i e s m e an i ng f u l , responsive, relevant, contemporary and time-tested activities t hat wou l d a d e qu ately prepare the Filipino girl and young woman of today to face and cope with the changing times. The Eight-Point Challenge revolves around the following concerns: 1. The Challenge of Spi r itu a l it y an d We l l being considers the health-giving factors and activities which contribute to the making of a well-rounded girl, sound in mind, body and spirit. It delves into s p i r i t u a l i t y, r e l i g i o u s creeds and practices, ethics, values, attitudes and relationships. At the same time, it helps the

g i r l s i n re f l e c t ive an d critical thinking and decision-making. T h e C h a l l e nge a l s o takes the girl through Good Gro om i ng , S an it at i on , Hyg iene, Nut r it ion, Sports and Games, Safety, Hobbies, Personal Health, Fitness Programs, Home Living and Deportment, steering her clear of drug/ substance abuse and many other pitfalls and hazards in t his e ver- chang ing world. 2. The Challenge of Family Life reinforces the role of the Filipino girl in her family which is the basic unit of Philippine s o c i e t y. E m p h a s i s i s given on her attitude and c ont r i but i ons t ow ard s maintaining solidarity, teamwork, openness and c o o p e r at i o n , t o m a k e the family God-loving, strong, cohesive, stable and always prepared to endure the challenge of an ever-changing world. 3. The Challenge of Economic Self-Sufficiency provides prac tical and meaningful activities that would instill v a lu e s l i ke d i s c ipl i n e , resourcefulness, teamwork, decisionmaking, leadership a n d f e l l ow s h i p, s e l f denial for the common go o d, t h r i f t , i ndust r y, initiative, perseverance and creativity.

4. The Challenge of the Environment prepares the girl to live in and cope with a rapidly changing environment and its attendant problems. 5. The Challenge of Preparedness underscores the importance and meaning of sur vival in dif ferent situ at ions. It translates the Scout Motto "Be Prepared" into real action not only at home, but also in school and the community, reinforcing Rob er t B aden-Powell's idea of being in a "state of readiness in mind and body" to do one's duty. 6. The Challenge of our Heritage and Citizenship opens opportunities for the Filipino girl to love her country and all that it stands for.She lo oks into her past that marked her country's history and brings to the fore what is best and useful. 7. The Challenge of the Arts accords venue for the preparation of and experience in the sublime and finer aspects of human endeavor. The Challenge seeks to enhance the girl's creativity, aesthetic sense, expressions and communication. 8. The Challenge o f Wo r l d C o m m u n i t y unfolds the "wider world" to the girl and her unique place in this scheme of things.

Opinion

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Successful business plan (Pt.2) Think a minute . . . ”The reason some people are successful is that they put their plan and work together for a pla n t hat work s.” Yesterday we started a plan for success both in our job and career, as well as in our personal life, so today we will complete the course. Rule number three: Be productive. This mea ns we learn to use our time a nd t a lent s e f f ic ient ly and effectively to produce something others think is worth having. It may be a good product or service or both. But to do this we must maintain our high standard of quality in our work. The world-fa mous musicia n Paderewski said: “When I miss a week of practice, my audience knows it. When I miss a day, I know it.” This takes daily discipline a nd commit ment to improving ourselves and our service to others. We must keep sharpening our skills, learning to use new a nd bet ter tech nolog y, even learning from our competitors. Remember: “The enemy of the best is second best.” “Good enough”

THINK A MINUTE

JHAN TIAFAU HURST rarely is! This leads to rule number four: Be motivated by a passion and purpose that gets you up every morning. “Fire in your heart will melt the lead in your feet.” Without this desire and drive, your best plans will never happen. There is a deep satisfaction that only comes from knowing you are fully using your abilities and training to become the best you can be. Yet, even if we did all this, we still need a purpose bigger than just our own personal desires and dreams. Something that is truly worth giving our life and time to. This brings us back to where BUSINESS/PAGE 7

WED-THU|FEBRUARY 3-4, 2021

Let's entertain ourselves!

Not a single day goes by without the capital "C". It makes us tired and sick mentally and physically. Many give up and withdraw themselves in their loneliness. A legal solitude from "somewhere up there". Many wonder whether it is good for our future, for the economy, for education, and for our personal life and its surroundings. Well, I don't want to swap with those up there ahd having to make the right decisions at the right time. You can already notice some things, people are becoming more and more

JOE PALABAO Vice President for Marketing ROSE MARY D. SUDARIA, PhD Vice President for Finance

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aggressive, no matter where in the world. Let's entertain ourselves! Quite simply and clearly expressed. Since my retirement but staying longer in my home office, I've been trying to entertain myself. I enjoy writing more - writing was and still is one of my hobbies. I enjoy playing my different instruments. I ignored that for years. I e nj oy l iste n i ng to music from my incredibly large record collection back to 1936. I put my photo album collection in the right order. Incidentally, this is a

wonderful task, since I am currently working on my biography. Entertaining means to talk with my wife and family personally too, and not only by messenger. Playing with the dogs, gardening, watching the daily TV-mass, praying ... . Ye s , i t ' s o u r n e w abnormality we have to live with. We must not get down. Trust in God. It's all in His hands. +++ Email: dor ingklau s@ gmail.com or follow me on Facebook, Linkedin and

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KLAUS DORING Twitter or visit my www. germanexpatinthephilippines.blogspot.com or www. klausdoringsclassicalmusic. blogspot.com.

Taking charge of oneself THE start of a brand new year is the time for most of us to set our plans for the rest of the year. While we busy ourselves setting the plans for the team and the organization, one very important plan that is often neglected, ignored, and overlooked is our own personal development planning. Personal Development Planning means improving oneself by focusing on certain habits and activities that will promote personal growth and help achieve one’s dreams and aspirations. The concept of Personal D e vel opme nt Pl an n i ng only became popular in the Philippine workplace in recent years. In the past, doing a plan for your own self-development is often frowned upon. It’s considered being “too ambitious” or “adelantado”. And since most Filipinos in the past believe in the “Bahala Na” system where everything is left to chance, personal planning is not in their vocabulary. You would often hear the phrases “Bahala na ang Diyos” or “Bahala Na sa akin si Boss”, when talking about better

career opportunities. Do you know of someone who is supposed to be good and have the potential but have often missed on a great career or business opportunities? Many people underachieve in their careers or businesses because they simply fail to realize and work on the areas of personal development that can help them earn the expertise, competence, and credibility. While some people were able to land good opportunities because they happened to be in the right place at the right time, for most, they have to look for or create those opportunities. And they better be ready when the opportunities come. That is why it’s important that we make our personal development plans. Creating a plan for our personal development will prepare us and help us get a better sense of control for whatever comes our way. Having a personal development plan is crucial for our continuous personal growth, for increasing our potential for success, and for maximizing possible opportunities.

In my experience and observation, just like any plans, preparing our personal development plan starts with having clear goals— both short term and long term. What do we aim to achieve in 5 years? What should we accomplish each year to help us hit our 5-year plan? Having a clear goal will allow us to plan the right course of action. Be S.M.A.R.T. when doing this. The next step is knowing and being conscious of our strengths as well as areas of improvement. Being honest about our “givens” is the first step to being better. What areas are we naturally gifted? What is lacking in us? We need to constantly assess where we stand in relation to achieving our goals. Tapping our natural gifts is not enough. We need to grow our skills and talents in our workplace. We need to be creative thinkers always looking for faster, better, easier, and cheaper ways to get the job done. We need to continuously better ourselves and step out of our comfort zone. Attend all available training programs offered by the company, even those

MINDFUL

JAY LEDESMA not directly related to our current job. Be involved in committees and projects which will expose us to other job functions and new skills. If opportunities are not available in the workplace, do self-study. There’s a lot of free learning materials on the internet which we can use. It is our job to be a better version of ourselves than we were yesterday. We need to possess and demonstrate good work habits and maintain a positive mental attitude. How are we under pressure? How do we behave when no one is watching? Sometimes, even the most skilled and talented ones missed on better career opportunities simply CHARGE/PAGE 7

Another Epiphany THE feast of the Presentation of the Lord, which falls on February 2, can be considered as another epiphany, another manifestation of Christ as our savior. This time, the manifestation is done not to the three magi anymore, but to two characters, Simeon and Anna. The feast is a good reminder to all of us, Christian believers, that we have a duty to present Christ to everyone as he truly is to us—the pattern of our humanity and the savior of our humanity that has been damaged by sin. While this duty is incumbent on every Christian believer, it is more so to clerics and other consecrated and religious persons. The priest, for example, is sacramentally conformed to Christ as head of the Church. It is his concern that the sacramental Christ in him be transformed into the living Christ—obviously with the constant help of God’s grace. Otherwise, he will be an empty suit.

He has to assume the very mind and heart of Christ, the sentiments, mission and concerns of Christ. As the sacramental image of Christ as head of the Church, a priest has to act like a mediator, a bridge that connects two ends—God and men. He therefore has to be intimately identified with both God and men, which is a never-ending task that requires grace and everything that a priest can do. Like Christ, he has to have the mind of God and assume the conditions of men, since this is the very heart of Christ. This, of course, can be hard and very demanding, but it is not impossible. With training and determined effort, this can be done. On God’s part, his grace is never lacking. In fact, it is poured out abundantly. We who believe in Christ should feel the need to make Christ alive everywhere. And given the new normal we are having these days, we have to learn how to present him by making use of the new

technologies we are having these days. We should feel the same urgency that St. Paul felt when he said, “Woe to me if I do not preach the Gospel. (1 Cor 9,16) It’s a cry that also has to spring in each one of us, who now participates in the abiding duty of preaching and teaching the word of God according to our personal circumstances. This is the challenge we have today. How do we craft a new approach, style or strategy for the continuing need of evangelization these days? How do we keep them adapted to the new sensibilities of the men and women of today? How do we make Christ alive in the new technologies? For sure, the Holy Spirit continues to animate the Church and inspire certain people, giving them the relevant charism, so that the Church’s vital activity of evangelization continues. But all of us have to do our part. First, we need to sharpen

HINTS AND TRACES

ROY CIMAGALA and intensify our awareness of our duty to evangelize. This task involves all of us. We cannot keep on living only for our own interests. We have to be men for others. And that can happen when we go all the way to doing the task of evangelization, among many others. The problem with how to make Christ alive among ourselves today centers on how to make our preachers and evangelizers—from the clergy down to the religious and committed lay faithful— credible!

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CorporateWorld

Improving manufacturing sector signals economic recovery: DTI

EPARTMENT of Trade and Industry (DTI) Secretary Ramon Lopez on Monday welcomed the improvement in the country’s manufacturing performance in January, noting this signals economic recovery for the Philippines. The IHS Markit Philippines Manufacturing Purchasing Managers’ Index (PMI) survey reported that the country’s manufacturing sector

improved for the first time since March 2020 with a score of 52.5, above the neutral score of 50. “We are encouraged by the signs of economic recovery that we are seeing, not only in the January manufacturing PMI but also those that point towards longerlasting economic rebound. Clearly, the whole-ofgovernment effort on the calibrated and safe reopening of the economy was key to this,” Lopez said

in a statement. Lopez added the latest PMI survey on the Philippine manufacturing sector underscores the importance of the REBUILD – Revitalizing Businesses, Investments, Livelihoods, and Domestic Demand – economic strategy of the government. DTI’s REBUILD strategy aims to bring back consumer confidence to revitalize domestic demand and create more

opportunities for local manufacturers. “The increase in PMI is a good development and we expect more gains for the economy,” he added. Lopez said the government is aware of the challenges faced by Philippinebased manufacturers, particularly issues on supply chain disruptions and rising input costs. “We will address these in the Recovery Cluster of the National Task

AgriNurture aims to boost farm production LISTED AgriNurture, Inc. (ANI) has partnered with the National Commission on Indigenous Peoples (NCIP) and the Unified Bagobo-Tagabawa Tribe on improving rice and corn production in Davao del Sur. In a regulatory filing on Monday, ANI disclosed that it had forged a memorandum of agreement with NCIP and the Unified Bagobo-Tagabawa Tribe

in an initiative that will promote inclusive agricultural and economic growth in the town of Bansalan, Davao del Sur. Under the agreement, the company will pursue land productivity by investing in the development, operation, and management of the rice and corn plantation in Bansalan. “All employment and labor requirements of the project shall be

primarily sourced from the Unified BagoboTagabawa Tribe. NCIP shall monitor and evaluate compliance of the parties in the terms and conditions of the memorandum of agreement,” the disclosure said. The Unified BagoboTagabawa Tribe will receive an annual royalty fee and annual net profit share in the project, the company said.

Meanwhile, ANI said that it would create other programs concerning health, skills development, and alternative livelihood as assistance to the communities in the area. It added that the parties under the agreement, together with other concerned national government agencies, would conduct tree planting activities spanning at least 2,000 hectares of land.

Better parent-teacher relations paramount in distance learning By FELICIDAD BALODO ORONG Head Teacher 1 Medina National Comprehensive High School Medina, Misamis Oriental

T H E d i st ant l e ar n i ng situation has further solidified cooperation between the teachers and parents as it becomes paramount under the prevailing circumstances. To enhance remote learning methodologies, teachers should be able to reach out and strengthen relationship with parents which is integral in the new learning process. Pedagogical research puts effective communication as essential for building school-family partnerships. It constitutes the foundation

for all other forms of family involvement in education. The manner in which schools communicate and interact with parents affects the extent and quality of parents' home involvement with their children's learning. For example, schools that communicate bad news about student performance more often than recognizing students' excellence will discourage parent involvement by making parents feel they cannot effectively help their children.

Parents also benefit from being involved in their children's education by getting ideas f rom school on how to help and support their children, and by learning more about the school's academic program and how it works. Perhaps most important, parents benefit by becoming more confident about the value of their school involvement. Parents develop a greater appreciation for the important role they play in their children's education. Research shows that parental involvement can free teachers to focus more on the task of teaching children. Also, by having more contact

with parents, teachers learn more about students' needs and home environment, which is information they can apply toward better meeting those needs. Parents who are involved tend to have a more positive view of teachers, which results in improved teacher morale. Good two-way communication between families and schools is necessary for your students' success. Not surprisingly, research shows that the more parents and teachers share relevant information with each other about a student, the better equipped both will be to help that student achieve academically.

DepEd Celebrates 2021 International Day of Education By JUVY A. ALABA

“Recover and Revitalize Education for the COVID 19 Generation” is the Department of Education (DepEd) theme on the International Day of Education. The department recognizes education as a critical role in building sustainable and resilient societies and contributes to all other Sustainable Development Goals. January 24 was proclaimed by the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) as the International Day of Education (IDE). UNGA invites all the member nations to observe IDE appropriately and continue to

consider enhancing international cooperation in support of the efforts towards the realization of Sustainable Development Goal 4, which aims to ensure inclusive and equitable quality education and promote lifelong learning opportunities all by 2030. DepEd organized an online webinar to commemorate the IDE in the Philippines. The target participants were teachers representing different schools, organizations, and education systems from countries worldwide. Education is a human right, a public

good, and a shared responsibility. But there are still significant issues in education. Among these are education, school safety, disciplinary policies, technology in education, and others. However, The most significant problem facing education today is the lack of innovation and mobility in higher education. Because of several private and public factors, colleges and universities have turned into massive private businesses with multi-million dollar athletic departments and multi-billion-dollar endowments.

Force, especially in the Task Group on Economic Recovery (TGER) to ensure that we can sustain the expansion of the manufacturing sector in the coming months,” he added. The TGER was created to push programs that would restimulate economic activities in the country to counter the adverse impacts of the coronavirus disease 2019 (Covid-19) pandemic. The task group’s programs focus on assisting the labor force to be work-ready and be able to adapt to the changing needs of industries,

taking advantage of technology for continued business operations, and promoting the country as an investment destination and safe destination for tourism. Some of the programs vital for economic recovery include the Department of Public Works and Highways’ Roads Leveraging Linkages for Industry and Trade (ROLL-IT) program that aims to improve mobility of goods and people; Department of Science and Technology’s programs to improve the competitiveness of RECOVERY/PAGE 6

Strategic Leadership: Its Importance for the 21st Century School Leaders MELANIE M. LIGUTOM Principal I Kalabaylabay Integrated School

Strategic leadership refers to manager’s potential to express a strategic vision for the organization or a part of the organization an d to m ot iv ate an d persuade others to acquire that vision. It can also be defined as utilizing strategy in the management of employees and the potential to influence organizational members and to execute organizational change. Strategic Leadership is important for the 21st century leaders. Through their strategic leadership, they can develop quality teachers and a holistic learners who are steeped i n v a lu e s w it h 2 1 s t century skills , and able to propel the country to development and progress. This is in consonance with DepEd’s Vision of pro du c i n g “F i l ipi n o s who passionately love their country and whose values and competencies enable them to realize their full potential and contribute meaningfully to building the nation” (DO #36 s.2013). As steward of School, s cho ol leaders play a crucial role in ensuring and enabling effective teaching and learning to happen through their quality management and leadership. Since, the quality of an educational system cannot exceed the quality of the teachers (McKinsey &Co.2007). One of the priorities of a school leaders is to establish a collaborative system in which they are resp onsive to the professional development

n e e d s of t e a c h e r s t o ensure that teachers are productively contributing to the delivery of quality , accessible, relevant and liberating basic education, the reason why the teachers undergo regular Teachers’ Need Assessment, LAC, In S er v ice Trainings, Seminars/Webinars and other analogous mattersall for teachers’ welfare. According to t he experts, some of the important characteristics of a strategic leaders are: Updated - efficient and e f fe c t ive l e a d e r ke e p updated about what i s h ap p e n i n g w i t h i n t he org an i z at i on and have various formal and informal sources of information. Judiciously using of power - school heads should learned to make a very wise use of power, they gradually push their idea and skillfully develop consent for such rather than forcing their ideas upon their subordinates and Ready to delegate and authorize - as an effective school heads, they are proficient in delegation. They are well aware of the fact that delegation empowered teachers and of course will avoid overloading of their responsibilities. They also believe that, authorizing the subordinates to make decisions will motivate them a lot. School Leaders can create vision, express vision, passionately possess vision and persistently drive it to accomplish.

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Economist eyes further rise of PH BOP surplus, USD reserves By JOANN VILLANUEVA

The improvement of the country’s fundamentals is expected to further boost balance of payment (BOP) position and foreign reserves, which both posted record highs in 2020. The Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP) reported on Monday the 2020 balance of payment (BOP) surplus rose to USD16.02 billion, more than twice the USD7.84-billion surplus in the previous year while gross international reserves (GIR) increased to USD110.12 billion from endNovember’s USD104.82 billion. In a report Tuesday, Rizal Commercial Banking Corporation (RCBC) chief economist Michael Ricafort attributed these outturns partly

to proceeds of the government’s foreign borrowings, both to boost regular funding needs and the requirements to finance coronavirus disease 2019 (Covid-19) programs; narrower trade deficit due to lower net imports because of the pandemic; increased net income from abroad; continued inflows of foreign direct investments (FDIs); and revenue inflows of the business process outsourcing (BPO) sector. He said the surplus in the country’s BOP, which is the record of a country’s total transactions with the rest of the world, is expected to be sustained amid dollar inflows from these factors. Ricafort said the reopening

EXTRA JUDICIAL SETTLEMENT/ PARTITION OVER A PARCEL OF LAND AMONG HEIRS

EXTRA-JUDICIAL SETTLEMENT OF THE ESTATE OF THE DECEASED SPS. LALY CAÑO LUIB AND CAMILO ISIN LUIB

KNOW ALL MEN BY THESE PRESENTS:

That the late ROLANDO VILLALBA, JR. who died on October 1, 2013 in Cagayan de Oro City, Philippines and died without issue; that said deceased died intestate without leaving any known debt which has remained unpaid or unsettled up to the presents, and all obligations incurred during their deaths were all paid and/ or settled; at the time of his death left the following described HOUSE and LOT with TRANSFER CERTIFICATE OF TITLE NO. T-185192 situated in the Barrio of Macasandig, City of Cagayan de Oro, Island of Mindanao, containing an area of EIGHT (80) SQUARE METERS, more or less, and has been the subject of an EXTRA JUDICIAL SETTLEMENT/ PARTITION OVER A PARCEL OF LAND AMONG HEIRS, filed by the heirs of ROLANDO VILLALBA, JR., per DOC #81; PAGE #17; BOOK #LXXVIII; Series of 2021 under the Notarial Registry of ATTY. JORGE B. MAGDAONG JR.

That the late SPS. LALY CAÑO LUIB AND CAMILO ISIN LUIB who died on July 21, 2019 and November 18, 2018 all in Cagayan de Oro City without any last will and testament; that the deceased at the time of their death left a certain Two parcels of land with Transfer Certificate of Title No. T-2766 situated in the City of Cagayan de Oro, containing an area of TWO HUNDRED THIRTY EIGHT (238), Transfer Certificate of Title No. T-33874 situated in the Barrio of Macabalan, City of Cagayan de Oro, Island of Mindanao, containing an area of FOUR HUNDRED TWENTY SQUARE METERS (420), and has been the subject of an EXTRAJUDICIAL SETTLEMENT OF THE ESTATE OF THE DECEASED SPS. LALY CAÑO LUIB AND CAMILO ISIN LUIB, filed by the heirs of SPS. LALY CAÑO LUIB AND CAMILO ISIN LUIB, per DOC #146; PAGE #29; BOOK #217; Series of 2020 under the Notarial Registry of ATTY. MARIO T. JUNI.

BWM: Feb. 3, 10 & 17, 2021

Performance Task in New Normal By: MA. FLORDELIZ F. ERAN Teacher III City Central School

In ‘new normal’ of distance learning, performance tasks are a great way to provide students with something a little different to do at home, that still keeps them focused on important learning. Making some adjustments is even more possible. A good performance task is open-ended, providing entr y points for students at all levels. It focuses on big ideas and important learning. Here are some short tips in giving performance task especially done at home. (1) Find a task you think might be appropriate for your students and doable with materials likely to be available at home. (2) Simplify the chosen task as much as is reasonable. A short, simple task will be much more likely to succeed. (3) Take a look at the rubric. The assessment criteria will give you a

good idea of the learning fo cus of the task. (4) Think about which parts of the task are most likely to cause challenges for your students. (5) Set a flexible time frame for the task, and if possible, provide students with some platform through which to share their work and a little feedback from the teacher would be great idea. Normally, teachers like to see performance tasks that are completely the child’s own work. But in this new normal, parents working with children on an engaging learning challenge will yield so much more than a product. Let the child enjoy what they are doing. Let them experience on their own. Positive parent-child relationships focused on completing a learning challenge will create memories that would last a lifetime.

of the economy and availability and rollout of Covid-19 vaccines are projected to also enhance investors’ sentiments and attract more foreign investments into the county. The upgrade of the country’s investment grade rating to A-level by Japan Credit Rating Agency (JCRA) last year and affirmations by Moody’s Investors Service, Fitch Ratings, and S&P of their respective investment grade ratings on the country

also back the country’s attractiveness to foreign investors, he said. “(These factors) could also further help boost the country’s BOP, and, in turn, GIR to new record highs, going forward,” he added. Ricafort, however, cited that risks remain given the possible lockdowns if more Covid-19 infections are registered vis-à-vis the new variants, which will dampen growth opportunities. (PNA)

New normal in education

ROSEMARIE V. SALISE TEACHER III SACRED HEART VILLAGE ELEMENTARY SCHOOL

The COVID-19 pandemic means education may never be the same again. Whether it's parents home-s cho oling t heir children while working f rom home, te achers' attempts to keep 30 kids engaged on a Zoom call or pupils sat at new socially distanced desks, education's 'New Normal' has arrived at a blistering pace. As the country continues to confront different issues brought about by the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic, the Department of Education (DepEd) is addressing the challenges in the basic education for the school year 2020-2021 through its Basic Education Learning Continuity Plan (BE-LCP) under DepEd Order No. 012, s. 2020. The BE-LCP is consistent with the mandate of Section 1, Article XIV of the 1987 Constitution for the state to protect and promote the

right of all citizens to quality education at all levels, and to take appropriate steps to make such education accessible to all. Under Section 6, Chapter 1 of Republic Act No. 9155, or the Governance of Basic Education Act of 2001, DepEd is vested with the authority, accountability, and responsibility for ensur ing access to, promoting equity in, and improving the quality of basic education. Hence, the BE-LCP aims to ensure the health, safety, and well-being of the learners, teachers, and personnel in the time of COVID-19, while finding ways for education to continue amidst the crisis. In particular, the BE-LCP has been designed with a legal framework responsive to the “new normal,” keeping in mind the constitutional mandate to uphold the right of all citizens to quality education at all times.

Recovery... from page 5

micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs) such as the Small Enterprise Te ch n ol o g y Up g r a d i ng ( SET U P ) pro g r am , t he C o l l a b o r at i v e R & D t o Leverage Philippines Economy (CRADLE) program, and the Business Innovation through Science and Technology (BIST) for Indust r y prog ram; and Department of Labor and Employment’s programs for training and reskilling the workforce as well as livelihood packages and virtual platform for referral and pl a c e me nt for t he unemployed. “These are just a few of t he prog rams b eing

implemented and there are a lot more. What is important here is that the whole-ofsociety is working with industry, local governments, and communities to ensure that businesses do not just survive but continue to be competitive in the long run post-pandemic while practicing minimum health standards to prevent the spread of Covid-19,” Lopez said. The DTI chief is also looking for ward to the passage of the Corporate Recovery and Tax Incentives (CREATE) bill that will rationalize fiscal incentives for registered enterprises and will cut the corporate income tax rate from 30 percent to 25 percent retroactive from July 1, 2020. (PNA)

How to teach dressmaking effectively amidst pandemic LINDA T. HERNANDO Teacher II Ozamis City National High School

In March this year, President Rodrigo Duterte declared Metro Manila and the entire Luzon under enhanced community quarantine (ECQ) because of the coronavirus pandemic. As a result, classes from preschool to college were indefinitely suspended. There are two types of online teaching and learning: synchronous, which happens in realtime, and asynchronous, which has no interaction but uses online channels. Some would actually mix the methods. I think the benefit of applying this kind of learning system is that students have the chance to choose their pace will be in terms of their academics,

unlike onsite classes where students do not have a choice but to go on with the pace of the discussion. Now, students can adjust their pace based on how fast or slow they could understand the topic that they are studying. It’s good for someone who excels in individual activities, as compared to group works, although there are still group work, prominent pa sa online ang individual learning to avoid hassles. I think that online l e a r n i n g m i g ht b e a solution for some but not for all because we need to be considerate of those who doesn’t have any access from technology or Internet.

Printed Modular Approach: The New Normal Mode of Learning Delivery CHARITO MIGUELA GAMBOA Teacher III Binitinan Elementary School

COVID-19 struct the world and its sting spread fast to countries infecting people and taking lives. This becomes the challenge in all the components of the society including the Department of Education which comprise the largest group among the agencies in the Philippine government. This is the reason why the department focuses management of school to continue basic education programs despite the health threat brought by the Pandemic that becomes the “New Normal”. As Zhao (2020) points out, "virtually all schools were paused" and teaching was reorganized substantially. Distance Learning refers to a modality of learning delivery where learning takes place during teaching between the teacher and the students who are geographically distant from each other. This modality has three types: Modular Distance Learning (MDL), Online Distance Learning (ODL), and TV/Radio-Based Instruction. Among the mentioned modalities MDL modality using printed modules and related references is given the

emphasis in most public school in the country. For the mentioned schools, it is included as part of this journey are the implementation of modular distance learning. Modular Distance Learning requires individualized training that enables learners to use print or digital format/ electronic copy of self-learning modules (SLMs) (DepEd Order 12, s. 2020), whatever is applicable in the context of the learner, and other learning tools such as materials for the learner, textbooks, activity sheets, study guides, and other study materials. On a computer, tablet PC, or smartphone, learners access electronic copies of learning materials. CDs, USB storage, and computer-based applications can all be used to deliver e-learning materials, including offline E-books. The teacher is responsible for tracking the learners' progress. Students can ask the teacher for assistance through e-mail, phone, text message/ instant messaging, etc. The teacher must, when possible, allow home visits to students in need of remediation or assistance. As para-teachers, every

family member or other stakeholder in the group needs to serve. This pandemic crises test the ability responses from the teachers. As Netolicky (2020). notes: “In a time of crisis, teachers must act swiftly and with foresight but also with careful consideration of options, consequences and side effects of actions taken”. That is real, but nobody can expect the best remedies, the best steps, and the side effects of any action taken in this crisis. Leaders at school without a safety net are walking a tightrope. There are no precedents and no manuals for handling schools in a pandemic. Due to COVID19, teachers strategies have changed dramatically and even, irreversibly. Research points out that the concepts of good leadership are constant, such as providing a clear vision, improving others, managing people, and building power (Leithwood, Harris, and Hopkins 2020). The evidence also points to the significance of contextresponsive pedagogies, which suggests a change in school leadership strategies due to COVID19 (Harris 2020).

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Business... from page 4

we started: you find success and happiness as you help others find it. That is the greatest success a human can achieve, because it is the true, satisfying success our Maker designed us to have. Remember, when we know that God Himself is with us, we cannot lose, since He works everything together for good when we live for Him and His purpose. Won’t you ask Jesus to forgive you for living your wrong way and to take charge of your life every day? Then, He can help you start living His plan and principles for your success in this great business called life. Just think a minute . . .

Charge... from page 4

because they don’t display the right work habits and work attitudes. Don’t count the time and efforts we put into our job, give our best to whatever we do whether it’s recognized or not, be a team player, don’t take all the credits especially when it’s not yours, and always look at the brighter side of things instead of being “negatron”. I promise you, these will not go unnoticed! Personal development also involves expanding our contacts and network. Having an ever-widening circle of contacts increases the number of open doors coming our way. Joining committees, projects, and other intracompany activities will not only help grow our skills but will also allow us to develop better and wider working relationships and connections. The same is true when we join industry organizations and associations. We expand our social exposure and access. Being surrounded by people with like-minded goals and who are willing to help us can directly affect how successful we can be. As we expand our network, we need to develop or enhance our personal brand. How are we known or perceived by the people we work with and work for? Is it the brand that represents who we really are and who we can be? Is it the brand people want to be associated with? How we think, how we behave, what we say, and how we look to make up our brand. Let us be conscious of the kind of brand we are creating for ourselves. And finally, we need to work on our health and wellness. Our mindset, stress level, and work stamina are affected by our physical wellbeing. When we are healthy and physically conditioned, we can think and perform better and accomplish more. Spend at least 1 hour a day on meditation to clear our mind, on exercise to tone our body, and on prayers/ reflections to enrich our soul. If you agree and believe that you need to have your personal development plan, now is the right time to do it as we are starting a new year. If

you are an employee, you may consult or partner with your HR Team or superior. Most organizations now include Individual Development Plan in their performance management system. If you have the extra resources, you can attend formal programs on this or hire a Coach. Otherwise, there’s a number of websites showing DIY personal development plan. For a first-timer, this may look overwhelming. The key is to take one step at a time. You don’t need to do everything all at once. But you have to start somewhere NOW. Let’s be mindful that it’s only you who know what you want to achieve, and the key to achieving it is in your hands through the actions you take. Ha r d w o r k i s v e r y important but is not the be-all. But it If you set a goal, make a plan, and work on it every day, you will see personal development and progress within your career. Yo u w i l l b e c o m e unstoppable and you will see your entire future open up in front of you. It’s time you take charge of yourself !

DSWD... from page 2

of Surigao del Sur. The remaining 2020-funded grants in these areas by the last week of February,” it said. The LAG is a financial assistance given to families belonging to the informal sector, particularly those affected by the quarantine measures. The Sustainable Livelihood Program (SLP), meanwhile, is a capacitybuilding program aimed to provide the poor, vulnerable, and disadvantaged sectors with various livelihood opportunities while empowering and capacitating them in the process. (PNA)

Recovery... from page 1

a challenging year, with or without the vaccines. Monteverde, president of DCCCII from 2011 to 2012, will again take helm of the business community of the city starting January 23. Sh e s ai d bu s i n e ss e s should optimize their digital presence for their operations or marketing amid the pandemic, emphasizing the need to upscale the skills of the workforce to thrive under a new normal. She e nc ou r age d t he

flourishing micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs) to register with the Department of Trade and Industry and Business Bureau. “There is really a need to reboot the economy, and the government is giving measures – to support the business sectors especially, the MSMEs, including the manufacturing sector – such as the Bayanihan Act and the work-from-home schemes or flexible working hours,” she said. Mindanao must be ready for the great reset in both the economy and the upcoming developments, according to her. “Davao and Mindanao economies need to recover the lost ground and momentum it had pre-COVID, and we need to double up the efforts, especially since 2021 is also a pre-election year,” she said. Monteverde added that Mindanao will “reboot, recharge, recover and have the great reset, as long as we don’t lose focus on giving importance to both the economy and the new wealth, which is our health.” For his part, Mindanao Business Council president Vicente T. Lao said the government must improve logistics infrastructures that will benefit the agricultural sector as the world becomes more concerned about food security amid pandemic. “As the world becomes more and more concerned with food security, the agricultural based economy of Mindanao will benefit from it. The government has to improve our logistics inf rast r uc tures s o t hat goods being exported out of Mindanao will be cost effective and become globally competitive,” he said.

Shrine... from page 1

equipped with new facilities and amenities such as coffee shops, fruit stands, camping areas, and cottages to help promote fo o d tourism, historical/cultural tourism and fun tourism. A mi lestone proj e c t that will cement Misamis Oriental into the tourism map of the Philippines, the tourism complex will also present nevw opportunities for livelihood for many Misamisnons due to the expected influx of tourists. Wit h t he c ont i nu e d support of Governor Bambi Emano, the one of

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a kind Turism Complex and Botanical Garden is envisioned to become a top tourist destination not only in the country but all over the world. Wit h t he su cce ss f u l blessing and inauquration of the Misamis Oriental Tourism Complex and B otanical Garden, Governor Bambi Emano wants tourists, locals and foreigners allke, be given more reasons why they should #ExploreMisOrMore!

Chairs... from page 1

Only three such plants exist - one is in Las Piñas and the other in Iloilo - and the one here in Cagayan de Oro services the whole Mindanao. According to Cagayan de Oro operations in charge Suzette Townend-Gomera, they constantly receive requests for chair donations from the Department of Education and the local government units (LGUs). T hu s , t h e y n e e d t o distribute at least 50 pieces a week where the team goes as far as Mati, Zamboanga, Surigao and Marawi, among others. "On some occasions, the requesting parting will be the ones to pick up the items from our facility but if they don't have the means of transport, we can deliver the chairs to them," Gomera said. Each unit is made of 20 kilos of recyclable plastic which the facility generates from the its partner-provider, the provincial government of Misamis Oriental. The wastes are fed into a crusher, washed in a tub, dried, melted, molded into indiv idu a l chair p ar ts, pressed, assembled and painted before they roll out. “In turning plastic wastes into useful furniture like school chairs, we are not only reducing the amount of plastic garbage that goes into our water resources, which harms the environment. We are also able to provide livelihood sources to the poor, because the jobless, the non-skilled and even the physically disabled are employed by the factories,” Villar said. Villar has sounded the alarm on the countr y’s worsening problem on plastic wastes. She authored Senate Bill No. 1331 or the Extended Producers Responsibility

(EPR) Act of 2020 which seeks to institutionalize the practice of EPR in waste management. The senator also authored S enate Bi l l 333 or t he Single-Use Plastic Product Regulation Act, which seeks to regulate the manufacturing, importation and single-use of plastic products.

Jobs... from page 1

S h e s ai d 2 , 1 2 2 w e re displaced as companies decided to close shop after taking a heavy beating due to the pandemic. Lim said severelyaffected industries during this period included the s e r v i c e s s e c tor, mai n ly administrative and supp or t s er vices; ot her ser vice activities such as activities of membership organizations, repair of computers and personal and household goods; and a variety of personal s e r v i c e s a c t iv it i e s ; and accommodation and food ser vice activities. She said the pandemic resulted in the nonhiring particularly in the services sector, as well as s h or t e r w or k i n g h o u r s with lesser compensation, measures resorted to by establishments to mitigate losses in the second quarter and third quarters of 2020. She said the business s e c tor w as p ar t i c u l arly affected during the period of enhanced community quarantine, implemented for the whole of April until May 15, 2020, as Davao City “was still considered high risk for COVID-19 infection.” Lim added that employment rate during the second quarter of 2020 was rep or te d at 82.1%, a de cre as e by 14.8% as compared with 96.9% of the same period in 2019. A c c o r d i n g t o h e r, employment rates for third and fourth quarters of 2020 improved to 92% to 93.2% as community restrictions eased. She said the agency projected employment rate to improve this year, owing to the resumption of bu s i n e ss e s but “t h i s will still be at lower levels compared to pre-COVID employment rate recorded in early 2020” at 95.4%.

As of Januar y 29, the D e p a r t m e n t o f He a l t h (D OH) Davao rep or ted 91 new cases, bringing the total to 16,974 with 2,668 active, 13,615 recoveries, and 691 deaths. Out of the total, Davao City reported 11,459 cases, with 1,501 active, 9,415 recoveries, and 542 deaths. Davao de Oro repor ted 888, Davao del Norte with 2,391, Davao del Sur with 1,200, Davao Occidental with 191, and Davao Oriental with 845. Despite the challenges brought about by the pandemic, Lim added that prospects for the country’s economy this year remain e ncour ag i ng , “w it h t he continuous calibrated reopening of businesses and mass transportation, as well as relaxation of age group restrictions,” which will stir economic activities in the months ahead. S h e a d d e d i m mu n i z at i on pro g r am against COVID-19 of the government will also help the economy bounce b a ck , w it h gove r n me nt allocating P72.5 billion pesos this year to provide v a c c i n e s t o at l e a s t 5 0 million Filipinos. “The Duterte administration’s ef for ts to increasingly open the e c o n o my w h i l e t a k i n g resolute steps to fast-track the vaccination program and keep the COVID-19 cas e load to t he lowest level possible would boost business and consumer confidence that are crucial to our robust economic recover y,” she said. EXTRA-JUDICIAL SETTLEMENT OF REAL PROPERTY WITH WAIVER OF RIGHTS KNOW ALL MEN BY THESE PRESENTS: That the late CAMILO PAIG who died intestate on October 20, 2019 leaving parcel of land with Technical Description as to TCT No. 117355 situated in the Barangay Upper Balulang, City of Cagayan de Oro, Island of Mindanao, containing an area of TWO HUNDRED (200) Square Meters, and has been the subject of an EXTRA-JUDICIAL SETTLEMENT OF REAL PROPERTY WITH WAIVER OF RIGHTS, filed by the heirs of CAMILO PAIG, in favor of MARIA PAZ PAIG (Assignee), per DOC #264; PAGE #53; BOOK #CXIV; Series of 2020 under the Notarial Registry of ATTY. NOEL G. BACAL. BWM: Jan. 20, 27 & Feb. 3, 2021

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J&T Express spreads the love for VisMin sellers J

As much as 50% shipping discount

&T Express Philippines is starting the month of love with a treat for its sellers from Visayas and Mindanao. Known for efficiently delivering parcels even to far-flung and hard-to-reach locations in the country, J&T decided to give back by offering sellers up to a 50% discount on shipping rates. Running from February 1 to February 28, J&T’s Visayas & Mindanao Doble Panalo Promo will let both VIP customers and walk-in clients avail of a 20% to 50% shipping rate discount, starting with a base weight of 10 kilograms. Transactions above 10.01 kilograms coming from Visayas and Mindanao to any point of the country will get 50% off standard shipping rates.

“This love month is all about inclusivity for J&T. This is why we would like to show our support for our entrepreneurs in Visayas and Mindanao by encouraging our buyers and customers from anywhere in the country to try out products and goods coming from the two island groups,” said Zoe Chi, VicePresident of J&T Express Philippines. “2020 has been a challenging year for our merchants and entrepreneurs, especially those in rural and remote areas. But we know there is tremendous love for our sellers in our communities. This Doble Panalo Promo is just one of the activities we have planned to ensure that no merchant or entrepreneur is being left behind in this ecommerce boom,” said Chi.

Mechanics: *Terms and conditions apply 1. 20% or 50% Discount from the standard shipping rates. 2. This promo applies to all transactions from Visayas and Mindanao to any point of the country. 3. Valid for transactions weighing up to 10kg (20% off ) then transactions above 10.01kg will get 50% off. 4. Applicable to VIP and Walk-in clients.

Promo period: February 1 - 28, 2021 Per DTI fair Trade Permit No. FTEB-112824 Series of 2021

Bago graces Tau Gamma Phi leadership symposium in Opol By MARK FRANCISCO

OPOL, Misamis Oriental Councilor Jay Bago was chosen as the keynote speaker in the leadership symposium of the Tau Gamma Phi (Opol chapter) that was held Sunday, January 31 at Seven Seas Waterpark and Resort. Bago was chosen as the speaker due to his credentials as a lawyer. In his speech, Bago spoke first about divine law, then about the Constitution, then about national laws, then about laws on corporations where Tau Gamma Phi belongs as a non-profit civic organization.

If interested, contact:

DANICA SUDARIA

dannycarosesudaria0512@gmail.com 0936-046-2356

Bago also took the opportunity to thank Tau Gamma Phi (Opol chapter) for their continuing civic outreaches in the communities of Opol where his constituency belongs. "They were the ones who volunteered to assist in the covid response of the barangays. On a regular basis, they also have other activities such as tree planting, coastal clean-up drive, donation of trash bins in the barangays, donation of school supplies to students, and many other philanthropic works,"

Opol, Misamis Oriental Councilor Jay Bago speaks during a gathering of the Opol chapter of Tau Gamma Phi Sunday (January 31, 2021) at Seven Seas Waterpark and Resort. photo by mark francisco

Bago said. Tau Gamma Phi (ΤΓΦ), also known as 'Triskelions’ Grand Fraternity', is a fraternity established in the Philippines. Its members call themselves Triskelion. Its aims are to see a Fraternity System devoid of violence in lieu of the rampant violence pervading the university campus at the time of its founding, to avoid elitism if they can, and to earnestly propagate their fraternity's principles as their way of life without political influence or pressure. Based on these goals, the Triskelions categorized their formal group as a 'protest fraternity'. The Fraternity encourages its members to strive for spiritual growth and to organize sociocivic activities for the benefit of communities. Tau Gamma Phi is now one of the largest international fraternities, with about 2,500,000 registered members worldwide. Bago, has been very active in advocating for the passage and eventual implementation of local ordinances in his hometown.