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Briefly Davao earns P10.34B DAVAO City – The city government said it has fully achieved its revenue target for 2020 even amid the coronavirus disease 19 (Covid-19) pandemic. In a statement Thursday, the City Information Office quoted acting City Treasurer lawyer Lawrence Bantiding as saying that the city earned a total income of P10.34 billion from local taxes, service income, business income, economic enterprise, other income, and from the Internal Revenue Allotment (IRA). The amount exceeded the P9.6 billion income earned in 2019.
No-interest loan COTABATO City – Ninety-seven (97) marginalized, small farmers and fisherfolks (MSFF) from the 63 barangays in North Cotabato individually received P25,000.00 non-interest-bearing cash loan from the Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries, and Agrarian Reform (MAFAR). MAFAR Minister Dr. Mohammad S. Yacob led the loan distribution on Tuesday, January 12, in the Municipality of Carmen. He said the loan aims to help the beneficiaries recover from their loss brought about by the Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) crisis. “Karamihan sa mga magsasaka ay nahihirapan sa kanilang pamumuhay dahil sa kawalan ng kita at capital upang muling makapagsaka. Ang programang ito ay isa sa nakikita nating makakatulong sa mga farmers and fisherfolk na naapektuhan ng pandemic,” said Yacob.
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Wednesday|January 20, 2021
By MYRNA M. VELASCO, Contributor
W
ITH plant shutdowns bringing power grids to breaking points again, the Department of Energy (DOE) nudged power plant owners to realign their maintenance activities to avoid brownouts during the summer months.
Energy Assistant Secretary Redentor E. Delola has called the attention of the generation companies (GenCos) on “a lot of plant outages in the past few weeks.” At this rate, Delola is not optimistic of a brownout-free summer season. “Considering the existing maintenance schedules of plants, we may have to realign our activities for the year to
ensure the level of sufficient supply,” he said, adding that some of the plant downtimes could stretch into the summer. The DOE does not see an e n c ou r ag i ng p owe r supply system, especially given forecasts of economic recovery this year. And for that, the DOE summoned the power firms this early so they can sort out BROWNOUTS/PAGE 6
BANGSAMORO FLAG. The official flag of the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao was unveiled Monday, in Cotabato City during the kick off ceremony for the region's second anniversary celebration on January 21, 2021. mindanews photo by ferdinand cabrera
Davao City's biz sector to donate cash for vaccines By ANTONIO L. COLINA IV, MindaNews
FROM HAWAII TO SURIGAO. Local tourists on Friday visit the landing site of Florentino Das, an intrepid Filipino sailor who made a 5,000-mile solo voyage from Kewalu Basin in Hawaii to Barangay Magsaysay in Sta. Monica town on Siargao Island. On board his self-made 24-foot sailboat, Lady Tamarau, powered by two 25-horsepower outboard engine, Das left Hawaii on May 14, 1955, supposedly for a 90-day voyage to the Philippines. Guided only by a simple compass and the stars, Das survived six storms and reached the shores of Siargao on April 25, 1956. mindanews photo by roel n . catoto
DAVAO City — S ome businessmen here have approached the local government to express their
intention to donate cash for the purchase of COVID-19 vaccines, Mayor Sara Duterte said.
Duterte said during her program over Davao City Disaster Radio (DCDR 87.5) on Friday, that the private sector was willing to help DONATE/PAGE 6
UNDETERRED by her young age, a 12-year-old girl has started raising funds for the restoration of corals in
Camiguin province. Sofia Pardo began her environmental advocacy when she was just 10, as a
graduating student of the International Baccalaureate Primary Years Program, where CORAL/PAGE 7
Girl, 12, leads fundraising for coral rehab in Camiguin
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2
Local
DOH-10 to build one hospital command center in MisOcc
O
ROQUIETA CITY, Misamis Occidental— To maximize the availability of hospital beds reserved for those infected with the coronavirus disease (COVID)-19, the Department of Health (DOH)-10 will soon establish the One Hospital Command Center (OHCC). DOH-10 Regional Director Dr. Adriano Subaan said, “One Hospital Center has already lodged with the EOC (Emergency Operation Center) and has three major functions: one is the health informatics, second is the referral and third is the dissemination of
the correct health information.” Subaan added that agents at that command center are trained to analyze, check availability of medical staff at the different healthcare facilities in the network, and can even check for available beds at both private and private hospitals as well as the temporary treatment and monitoring facilities (TTMF). Callers are given feedback on how to proceed to an available facility, and in the case that they need assistance with transportation, the OHCC will also arrange one. “Hopefully, we can establish a very efficient
one here in Misamis Occidental that will cover the whole province as we have established our regional emergency operation center that covers all the region and as well as adopted by the other cities and provinces. We are here showing support to the province of MisOcc simply because the people of Misamis Occidental, officials are also doing their part. The COVID-19 fight is not just a fight of the health center, not just the fight of DOH but the fight for everyone,’’ he added. For his part, Integrated Provincial Health Office (IPHO) Officer Benecio Adona said the One Hospital Command Center
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
(OHCC) will facilitate comprehensive and coordinated response to the COVID-19 pandemic by ensuring effective and efficient health facility referral by establishing a command center. “This is very good and timely advocacy of DOH Undersecretary Leopoldo Vega. Hopefully, kay karon man gud ang atoang referral system nakatutok ra man gud ta sa inter local health zone (for now our referral system is just focused on the inter local health zone). Though I believe that we should step up on implementing One Hospital Command Center,” Adona added. (SMRN/PIA Misamis Occidental)
DIVISORIA, CDO A. Velez St., Barangay 9, Cagayan de Oro City, Misamis Oriental Telefax No. (088) 856-1947 Mobile No. 0917-841-4000 / 0933-823-3164 GINGOOG CITY G/F Wyne Militante Bldg., Lugod St., Barangay 22, Gingoog City, Misamis Oriental Telefax No. (088) 861-0104 Mobile No. 0933-823-3168 LAPASAN, CDO National Highway (FICCO Bldg.), Lapasan, Cagayan de Oro City, Misamis Oriental Tel. No. (088) 231-6739 Mobile No. 0933-823-3160 PUERTO, CDO Purok 6, Puerto, Cagayan de Oro City, Misamis Oriental Tel. No. (088) 859-0574 Mobile No. 0943-708-7537 CAMIGUIN B. Aranas St., Poblacion, Mambajao, Camiguin Telefax No. (088) 387-0491 Mobile No. 0943-708-7539
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During the RITF press conference, DOH-10 Regional Director Dr. Adriano Subaan says the One Hospital Command Center (OHCC), a health care referral network linked with service providers such as hospitals, quarantine facilities, and medical transportation to quickly connect Filipinos needing medical attention. (SMRN/PIA Misamis Occidental)
DA-13 on alert after ASF found in nearby Davao Oriental towns BUTUAN City – The Department of Agriculture in Caraga Region (DA-13) has raised an alert over the new cases of African swine fever (ASF) reported in the Davao Oriental towns of Boston and Baganga. The two towns, particularly Boston, is situated next to the Surigao del Sur town of Lingig. In an advisory issued Monday, DA-13 called on
Caraga residents to keep watch and join the agency in keeping the region free from ASF. “As a preventive measure, live pigs and meat products from infected areas are still prohibited from entering our region,” the DA-13 advisory said. In November last year, an isolated ASF case was already recorded in ALERT/PAGE 7
DSWD disburses P983-M aid for Caraga seniors in 2020 BUTUAN City–The Department of Social Welfare and Development's (DSWD) social pension program provided a total of P983.2 million aid to
at least 168,163 indigent senior citizens in Caraga Region last year. In a statement on Tuesday, DSWD-Caraga (DSWD-13) said a total of 168,163 qualified indigent senior citizen beneficiaries in the region directly benefited from the program last year. “The Social Pension Program is a government assistance of P500 monthly stipend distributed per semester, amounting to P3,000 for the first semester (January-June) and another P3,000 for the second semester (July-December), which will be distributed in the municipality/city in a specific date scheduled by DSWD in coordination with the local government unit (LGU),” DSWD-13 said. The agency added that senior citizens qualified for the program are those 60 years of age and above who are already frail, sickly, or with disability. Seniors without regular pension from the government through the Government Service Insurance System (GSIS), Social Security System (SSS), Philippine Veterans Affairs (PVAO), Armed Forces and Police Mutual Benefit Association Inc., and those with no permanent source of income and no regular support from the family or relatives are also qualified DSWD/PAGE 7
CorporateWorld 3 PLDT targets more innovative solutions Globe ugrading VizMin this year Network to 4G LTE
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PLDT, Inc. is planning to produce more “innovative solutions” this year, as it expects that consumers would keep their digital lifestyle even after the coronavirus vaccine rollout. “There definitely will be an outpour of innovative solutions that support flexible working conditions across different industry shapes and sizes,” Alfredo S. Panlilio, PLDT chief revenue officer, said. He added: “Telco will come up with the best product portfolio that will champion mobility and other digital services.” Mr. Panlilio, who also serves as president and chief executive officer of Smart Communications, Inc., believes that even when the coronavirus vaccine finally allows for increased face-to-face interaction, consumers will still prefer the online lifestyle through e-commerce, e-gaming, e-learning, virtual entertainment, e-sports, and e-health. Such digital services have proven their “convenience and efficiency” versus how things were done over a
year ago, he noted. “Our recovery from this pandemic will not spell a return to the old normal. The change in behavior is already there and the final state will be both an online and offline modality, where online solutions will be more critical than offline. Internally, we are gearing up for a full hybrid way of working after seeing better operational efficiencies brought about by telecommuting and digitization,” Mr. Panlilio explained. PLDT and Smart have started focusing on costefficiency and customercentricity. The pandemic has given PLDT and Smart an “urgent reason to review and rationalize” their costs and initiatives, he said. “It also has allowed us to work closely together as one PLDT-Smart.” Japhet Louis O. Tantiangco, senior research analyst at Philstocks Financial, Inc., said the vaccine rollout would mean short-term losses for the home broadband segment. “First and foremost, classes could go back to SOLUTIONS/PAGE 7
G
LOBE Telecom Inc. is upgrading its network in 6 cities – 4 in Visayas and 2 in Mindanao, to 4G Long Term Evolution (LTE) technology, the telco announced yesterday. The upgrades will provide better connectivity to customers because of faster and more advanced technologies. Globe will replace its old 3G equipment with 5G-ready 4G LTE infrastructure in Bacolod
City, Cebu City, Mandaue, Lapu-Lapu in Visayas; and in Davao City and Cagayan de Oro in Mindanao. “We received feedback from customers who noted significant improvements in their call, SMS and data services after the site upgrades,” says Joel Agustin, Globe SVP for Program Development. Hence, “We are upgrading more areas with the newest available technology,” he added.
Already, Globe has upgraded its network into 5G-ready 4G LTE in 199 cities and towns in Metro Manila, Rizal, Quezon, Albay, Oriental Mindoro, Bataan, Leyte, Agusan del Sur and Pampanga. The telco is fast tracking its shift to 4G LTE this year, making it the new standard of mobile internet in the Philippines. This development is in line with global best practice as 3G technology
is now considered obsolete. Globe has been encouraging its customers nationwide to change their SIMs to a 5G-ready 4G/ LTE SIM and upgrade their devices to a 4G LTE device. SIM change is free at any Globe Stores and customers will retain their old number. For security reasons, customers are advised to upgrade their SIM at the Globe Store only.
PEZA approves P95-B investments in 2020 THE Philippine Economic Zone Authority (PEZA) announced Thursday it ended 2020 with P95.03 billion worth of investment approvals, a decline of 18 percent from P117.5billion projects approved the previous year. Some 326 projects got PEZA Board’s nod last year, of which 217 projects were from the manufacturing sector and 109 projects from the information technology and business process outsourcing (IT BPO) industry.
In terms of value, investment commitments in the manufacturing sector amounted to P34.44 billion, 13.4 percent higher than 2019’s pledges of P30.34 billion. For the IT BPO industry, investment pledges slipped by less than 1 percent to P17.41 billion last year, from P17.58 billion worth of projects in 2019. “Despite the pandemic that began in 2020 and affected global economy and trade, PEZA remains to perform at its best with
the help of its registered business enterprises,” PEZA director general Charito Plaza said in a statement. Moreover, investment pledges from foreign sources increased by 21.3 percent in 2020 to P59.73 billion from P49.26 billion the previous year. Top foreign investors in PEZA in the previous year were from the United States, United Kingdom, Belgium, Ireland, Spain, China, South Korea, Singapore, Taiwan, and Saudi Arabia.
“PEZA is grateful for the continued trust and confidence of our investors despite the difficulties we faced in 2020. This shows that PEZA is strong and actively pursuing its mandate, harnessing Philippine investment competitiveness, and creating opportunities for many Filipinos,” Plaza added. On the other hand, investments from local firms plunged by 68.3 percent to P35.3 billion last year from P68.29 APPROVES/PAGE 7
4
Opinion
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Rise to the challenge (Pt. 1) Think a minute...One man said, “I have problems flown in fresh daily wherever I am!” Ever feel like you cannot get away from problems no matter where you go? We all know that problems and challenges are a part of life. Some of them we face every day at home and at work. Then there is that once-ina-lifetime challenge we must overcome. How we respond to challenges greatly determines how successful and satisfying our life will be. Remember: “A smooth sea never made a skillful sailor.” The world of sports can help us see the kind of heart and courage we need to rise to the challenge. Years ago the Australian Herb Elliot was a great runner until he broke his foot and could not run for months. He was then forced to only watch as John Landy ran the mile in under four minutes. Afterwards, Elliot told a famous running coach that he also wanted to run the mile in less than four minutes. The coach looked at him and answered: “Son, do you know what it takes to run a mile in under four minutes?
THINK A MINUTE
JHAN TIAFAU HURST Are you ready to run until you can hardly stand and you’re almost unconscious?” Young Herb Elliot rose to the challenge. Less than one year later, at age 19, he broke the world record by running a mile in only 3 minutes and 54 seconds! The great female athlete Babe Didrikson won two gold medals in the Olympics and was also a champion in tennis, golf, horseback riding, swimming, basketball . . . and then cancer. At the end of her fight with this deadly disease, she called her husband to her bedside, took him by the hand and said: “Honey, I hope you’ll find someone to love you as much as I have loved CHALLENGE/PAGE 7
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International travel can safely restart, without waiting for vaccines Major international industry bodies have joined forces to call for the immediate restoration of international travel using proven processes and without waiting for or requiring vaccinations. The global Travel & Tourism private sector, along with Airports Council International (ACI), the World Economic Forum (WEF), International Chamber of Commerce (ICC), say the world cannot wait for the rollout of COVID-19 vaccines. Recognising that public health is paramount and welcomes the recent rollout of the game-changing vaccines, which in the long-term will play a major role in combating coronavirus and restoring
international travel. However, they must not be a requirement to travel as this will further delay the revival of the already ailing Travel & Tourism sector, which needs to restart now to save itself, millions of jobs in the sector and beyond, and the global economy. Getting people back to work will also provide enormous health benefits to those around the world, whose livelihoods have been affected by the devastating COVID-19 pandemic. Recent research from WTTC shows a staggering 174 million global Travel & Tourism jobs are now threatened. The safe opening of existing travel corridors,
with appropriate testing and hygiene proto cols, demonstrates that international travel can already take place at minimal and acceptable risk. Together with ACI, WEF, and ICC, WTTC has identified four key measures which need to be implemented to restore international travel safely, including globally recognised testing regimes before departure, common health and hygiene protocols that are aligned with globallyestablished standards set out by ICAO (and the WTTC Safe Travels protocols and Airport Health Accreditation), a risk management regime, and internationally consistent and recognised travel passes.
NUTS & BOLTS
JEROME DE LA FUENTE All the industry bodies warn against the introduction of so-called ‘health passports’ – as opposed to internationally-recognised t ravel p ass es c ur rent ly being considered - which would only further delay the recovery.
Safeguard your personal information Banks have not been remiss in reminding clients to safeguard their personal i n for m at i on e s p e c i a l ly PINs and passwords. But somehow scammers are still able to dupe bank clients into revealing these sensitive info. One usual ploy is by sending an email or SMS notice to the unsuspecting client that the client’s account has been deactivated. To reactivate the account, the client has to sign in again. In the process, the sensitive information is accidentally shared. I have often been approached by victims, hoping that their losses ar ising f rom s c ams b e mitigated. Unfortunately the hands of the bank are tied in cases where negligence was the proximate cause of the loss and that the hoax is not of the bank’s doing. Cardholders should also be very careful with their credit cards. These cards should be handled as if they were cash. Unless the card has
previously been reported as lost, an unscrupulous person can simply present a stolen card for payment. Believe me, the cashier on the other end, does not even check if the physical description of the presenter matches those of the card holder. I once mistakenly presented my wife’s extension credit card for payment of a restaurant bill. As soon as the card cleared, my wife’s card was automatically debited. Gigi Montinola is MAP president for 2021 Congratulations to Aurelio “Gigi” Montinola III who was recently elected as President of the Management Association of the Philippines (MAP) for 2021. Montinola is the chair of the Far Eastern University (FEU), Amon Trading, and Ramon Magsaysay Award Foundation, among many others. He was a former president of the Bankers Association of the Philippines (BAP), former president of the Bank of the Philippine
Islands (BPI), where he is a current member of the board. Montinola was awarded the 2005 and 2010 Asian Banker Leadership Award for the Philippines, and the 2012 MAP Management Man of the Year, respectively. A n ot h e r fe l l ow B P I director elected as MAP officer is Romeo Bernardo, managing director of Lazaro Bernardo Tiu & Associates. Filinvest launches first official crowdfunding platform Crowdfunding is officially here. The Securities and E x c h an g e C om m i s s i on recently allowed Investree Philippines to operate a crowdfunding platform that would connect small, medium and emerging enterprises with banks and other lenders. Investree Philippines Inc. is a joint venture of Filinvest Development Corp. and Investree Singapore Pte. Ltd. The SEC said the registration of Investree Philippines as crowd-funding
SPEAKING OUT
IGNACIO BUNYE intermediary and funding portal would be valid for one year, subject to a review by the SEC of the actual operation of the crowd-funding portal in the first 11 months for possible extension. Wi k ip e d i a d e f i n e s crowdfunding as the practice of funding a project or venture by raising small amounts of money from a large number of people, typically via the internet. This modern crowdfunding model is generally based on three types of actors: the project SAFEGUARD/PAGE 7
Encourage and don’t impose IN a situation where there are a number of legitimate options to choose from, we should be careful not to impose what we consider to be the best option, if the other options are good enough and can be chosen due to some legitimate reasons also. We need to be open to all legitimate options, because there are certain advantages when there is variety and plurality of options unless uniformity is truly called for. Besides, what may be considered as the best option can vary according to the specific conditions of the par ties involved. S ome parties may consider as the best option the one that has the best technical qualities, or the most beautiful, the most convenient, the most practical, etc. There can be a number of criteria and standards to indicate what would be the best option for them. What should rather be done is simply to encourage
rather than impose the choice of a particular option to the parties involved, explaining well why it is the best and worthy to be chosen by everyone. The more this particular option meets the criteria and standards that people have with respect to what they consider to be the best, the more chances it has to be accepted by them. We should just work on how to be most convincing in suggesting a particular option. In the case, for example, of suggesting that a particular uniform be worn by the students of a particular school, the school authorities may emphasize the fact that such uniform would easily identify them as students of such a school and would come out cheaper since the students need not have to worry about getting so many clothes to wear for the whole school year. Besides, they can also suggest that there is a certain
beauty and sense of equality when uniforms are worn. But then again, there can always be exceptions to this rule due to some legitimate reasons that should be respected. I myself prefer to wear a sotana or a clerical attire most of the time so people can immediately identify me as a priest. It’s not because I want to enjoy some special t re at me nt f rom ot he rs and some privileges and entitlement. It is more because even if I am just an ordinary mortal, I cannot hide the fact that as the Catechism teaches, my ministerial priesthood is essentially different from the common priesthood of the lay faithful, and such distinction should also be shown externally also for a number of practical purposes. (cfr. 1592) I know for a fact that in our country, thank God, many people when they see a priest would feel good and would be reminded of their
HINTS AND TRACES
ROY CIMAGALA spiritual and moral duties. Unlike in other countries where the clerics are bullied. Of course, I have no problem with other priests who think otherwise. They must have their reasons. And I respect them and their reasons. But they should also learn to respect mine. This is what is called openness and tolerance in a world marked by variety, diversity, plurality of ideas, styles, etc. Let’s remember that the tendency to impose things on others can clearly indicate ENCOURAGE/PAGE 7
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Banking&Finance
Bangko Sentral launches commemorative Lapu-Lapu banknote, medal T HE 500th anniversary of victory of Mactan and the Philippines’ role in the circumnavigation of the world marks the issuance of the P5,000 Lapu-Lapu commemorative banknote and medal. Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP) Governor Benjamin Diokno, whose message was read by BSP Deputy Governor and officer-in-charge Francisco Dakila Jr., said the 2021 Quincentennial Commemorations in the Philippines (QCP) “could not have been celebrated at a more opportune time”.
“Now, more than ever, with the global crisis brought about by the pandemic, we need a stark reminder of our glorious past. Now, more than ever, we need our heroes to remind us of our heritage and inspire us to overcome whatever challenge comes our way as a nation,” he said during the banknote and medal’s launch Monday. Diokno said the heroism of Lapu-Lapu, the chieftain of Mactan who led Visayan warriors, known as the pintados (the painted ones) in conquering the Spaniards, “gained the respect and admiration of succeeding
generations of Filipinos. “The BSP and the NQC (National Quincentennial Committee) have collaborated to produce this commemorative banknote and medal to celebrate the heroism of Lapu-Lapu and his warriors and to retell their story to the present generation,” he said. The obverse side of the banknote shows a young Lapu-Lapu, the image of the Battle of Mactan, the QCP logo, and a large outrigger warship used by native Filipinos, which is known as Karaoka. The reverse side of the commemorative paper bill depicts a Philippine
Challenges of face-to-face classes FLORENCE L. GALINDO Head Teacher I
THE first step will be welcoming back s ome high-needs students in small groups. Everybody’s c i rc u m s t a n c e s a re s o unique as we go through this unchartered territory. I like the fact that we are getting to tailor it to the needs of our kids in our communities to a certain extent. We want to make sure that the circumstances don’t prevent them from reaching their goal and graduating
from high school. That includes the district not providing transportation. The overwhelming majority of my students are not in walking distance. Uncertain how many teachers may voluntarily come back, princpals must also decide when to host the small groups. It is very possible that students will have another teacher to serve them. The first step is rebuilding connections
with the students. What you preach is also what you’ve got to practice. 2021 will be about building relationships with the students, staff and the c o m m u n i t y. T h a t a l l takes time, but for me it’s important to have a strong direction or leadership. I am a servant. I see myself as a servant leader. I am here to do whatever I need to do to make sure others are taken care, and are successful.
eagle, or the Manaol, which, he said, “embodies the ancient Visayan belief that all living creatures originated from an eagle.” A coconut tree can also be seen on the reserve side since this is wellknown in the MagellanElcano expedition; and a photo of the highest mountain in the country that can be found in Mindanao, Mt. Apo. Diokno said just like the other legal tenders in
the country, the P5,000 commemorative bill has security features like micro prints; fluorescent, magnetic, and optically variable inks; see-through images; intaglio prints; and a latent image with a concealed numerical value. On the other hand, the observer side of the commemorative medal has “Lapu-Lapu” markings placed on the image of the Lapu-Lapu Shrine in Cebu
and the logos of the BSP and QCP. The reverse side, in turn, has the markings of “Battle of Mactan” above the rendition of the said battle and an engraved “27 April 1521” at the bottom. “The 5000-Piso commemorative banknote paints for us a vivid picture of part of our country’s story complete with that we can only read about in history books,” he added. (PNA)
DOF exec BSP to prioritize financial as pandemic continues cites need stability THE Central Bank Philippines (FINEX). will prioritize financial bank chief for review stability as the coronavirus saidThethecentral banking system stretches remains “stable, sound, of PH food pandemic on, Bangko Sentral resilient and inclusive” ng Pilipinas Governor will continue being so programs Benjamin E. Diokno said and in the next years despite THE government’s food programs need some enhancement to address any weather-related supply constraints that results in price upticks, a Department of Finance (DOF) official said. In an economic REVIEW/PAGE 7
on Friday. “Supervisory priority areas moving forward include monitoring of asset quality, declining profitability, liquidity and capital positions,” Mr. Diokno said in his speech at the virtual induction ceremony of the Financial Executives of the
the risks caused by the pandemic. The capital adequacy ratio of big banks is currently around the 15-16% level, above the minimum thresholds of 10% and eight percent set by the BSP and the Bank of International Settlements, STABILITY/PAGE 7
Reading Improvement Skills for Home and School By: MARIAN G. SUGANOB – Teacher III Mangga ES
Does your child struggle with reading skills? As parents, we naturally want to help our children learn. Sometimes though, it is difficult to know just how to do that because teaching methods change a research on basic reading and reading comprehension identifies better strategies to develop specially designed instruction for reading disorders. Despite this, there are some strategies you can use with your child at home that do not involve direct instruction and are unlikely to conflict with strategies your child’s teachers use at school. Providing this additional help will overtime, dramatically improve your child’s reading skills. Participate in Library Reading Programs: Most libraries offer organized reading programs during school breaks for students based on their school levels. Many of these programs are themed and showcase some of the best works for children and young adults. Explore Different Forms of Reading Material: Check out works in both their book forms and books on tape, CD, or digital recording forms online. Many of the highest rated literature for children and young adults is available in tape and in book form. By having your student read along in the book while listening to the same book on tape you are providing excellent reading benefits. Compare Books to Film: Have your student read a book and then check out the video version of a book. Talk about the similarities and differences in the two
mediums. What did she like about each form? What didn’t she like? Did she prefer the book or the movie, and why? Study Reading Vocabulary: As your students reads books, have her make a list od words that were difficult or unfamiliar in the book. Make flashcards of these words, spend some time together talking about the meanings and looking them up in the dictionary. Take turns showing the cards and guessing the words and meanings. Strengthen Spelling Skills: Use the same deck created in number 3 above. Have your child learn the spelling of each word. Practice the spelling. When your child feels ready, have him write the words on paper. Give him reward to each mistake he finds and corrects. Read the Old-Fashioned Way: Take turns reading passages, or allow your child to follow along as you read. Compare Authors’ Books: Have your child read two books by the same author. It is a good idea for you to read them too so you can discuss them. Compare how they are similar and how they are different. Which did you and your child like best? Why? Most important, remember to keep your reading activities at home stress free. Activities like these are important for children with learning disabilities because they involve reading in a low- stress, enjoyable situation. Using these strategies regularly with your child will build skills and encourage them to see reading as a rewarding activity.
If interested, contact:
DANICA SUDARIA
dannycarosesudaria0512@gmail.com 0936-046-2356
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Brownouts... from page 1
preparations in the entire supply chain before demand would pick up during the hotter months. Pre-pandemic level, the prognosis for the country’s power grids – especially the economic center of Luzon – had already been tight supply condition, but that was thwarted last year b e caus e of t he demand crash precipitated by the health crisis. B u t t h i s y e a r, t h e narrative could be a reverse of the pandemicstricken 2020, especially if the vaccine will finally be brought to Philippine shores in the coming months. To p r e p a r e f o r t h e inevitable and on the instruction of Energ y Secretary Alfonso G. Cusi, the DOE and the relevant industry players convened last January 12 for a threehour meeting “to assess the power situation in Luzon and ensure that there will be enough supply, especially during the summer months.” At t h e v e r y l e a s t , t hat has b e e n t he pre emptive undertaking of the government and the private sector, so electricity service interruptions will not dist ress consumers while the y als o b ounce back from the torment of the pandemic. Energy Undersecretary E m m a n u e l P. Ju a n e z a u n d e rs c ore d “t h e n e e d to have sufficient power supply and prevent power outages that inconveniences the consumers and disrupts
business operations during the country’s recovery from the effects of the pandemic.” The industry players who joined the DOE meeting are those from the National Transmission Corporation, National Grid Corporation of the Philippines, Energy Regulatory Commission, Power Sector Assets and Liabilities Management Corporation as well as the generation companies. Last year, it was not a power supply crisis that happened in the country – but it was more of human-induced confusion in billings because of the mandate of the ERC to the distribution utilities (DUs) to enforce “estimated billings”, hence, this is also an aspect that the industry may need to systematically address given the spillover impact of the pandemic this 2021. “ We a r e c o n s t a n t l y re m i nd e d by S e c re t ar y Cusi that we must ensure the efficient deliver y of basic energy ser vices to the people. We have to do better,” Juaneza told the power firms. System operator NGCP, for its part, reported that the power outlook for 2021 is “good”, but it cautioned that there is a need “to improve the situation further.” And with the requested adjustments in the maintenance shutdowns of power plants, the transmission firm stated that the GenCos must “submit a formal documentation of their requests so that the NGCP will revise the grid maintenance program.”
Donate... from page 1
the local government in its fight against COVID-19. T h e m ayor d i d n ot reveal the identity of the businessmen and the amount pledged to the city. She said the city government has not accepted the cash due to the limitations in the procurement process. “The city government did not accept the money from the private sector because even us, in the local government, can’t directly go to the vaccine-maker and say we will buy vaccines,” she said. Local government units may only procure COVID-19 vaccines by entering into a tripartite deal with the national government and vaccine-maker. L a s t T h u r s d a y, a tripartite agreement among the national government, local government units, private sector, and vaccine manufacturer was signed to purchase additional 14.4 million doses of COVID-19 vaccines from the BritishSwedish pharmaceutical company AstraZeneca. This will bring to 17 million the total vaccines to be procured under a tripartite scheme for the country, according to the National Task Force COVID-19. AstraZeneca committed to deliver initial doses of AZD1222, the vaccine jointly developed by the British and with Oxford University, to Davao City by the third quarter of this year. Duterte said the city’s supply of vaccines will augment the nationwide
Teacher as a Molder and a Leader, too By: LOURDINO A. SUGANOB – Teacher III Mabini ES
EDUCATION has always been an important matter that an individual should possess. It is stipulated in the DepEd Mission that as a mentor, we have to provide quality education to our learners. Thus, an educator, we have to strive hard to show that we are contributing to that mission set. We should act as a leader especially in the classroom level where we are directly dealing and teaching our learners. Educators are equally important in in contributing to the success of each learner and in building the foundation in the Educational System at any school or district. D r. Nan c y Bl ai r, a U.S. educator stated that “mindful leadership is a process of influence that nurtures the capacity of self, others and the system to achieve a goal” (Laureate, 2007). Truly an effective teacher leader entails lots of responsibilities. As a teacher leader, I need to know my capabilities and focus on the goal that I will be working on to give direction and mind set as to
what my priorities should be able to be of service to my students, colleagues and the community. I believe that teacher is a classroom leader that influences the students to learn better. A teacher is a community leader as well that helps the community to move and act for the betterment of the students. The community is the extension of the school system. Thus, for a student to perform better in school to achieve success, the community has to serve as the student’s model and inspiration to motivate and give the students purpose in life. As an educator working to be a teacher leader, I need to learn how to collaborate to other specialists as well as to community officials in order to create a mobile effect of change that is beneficial to the student. I know from experience that to collaborate is one of the hardest works to do for the teachers but I do believe that it is also one of the best ways to help students achieve their optimum level of learning. According to some known
educators in the country, “teachers, who work in collaborative environment where all school staff see the importance of their role in serving students who have disabilities will likely have more success serving as leaders”. I believe that to better help others, improving one-self first and foremost i s i mp o r t a nt t o h av e s ome t h i ng pro du c t ive and useful to impart and contribute to the betterment to the students and the community as a whole. Indeed, to become a teacher leader is an open challenge that all teachers in the school need to accept in order to ensure the quality of education that each individual student is receiving. The Future of our children lies on the hands of the dedicated teacher who are willing to devote time, love and care to the students under their supervision. A teacher leader with a vision and will to act for each student to be successful and productive citizens of the country is a wealth that is a most treasured.
vaccination program, targeting individuals who are not in the priority list of the national government. The national government will give priority to frontline health workers, indigent senior citizens, remaining senior citizens, remaining indigent population, and uniformed personnel. She said the local government did not set a ceiling on the budget for vaccines since it will also negotiate for more supply
from other pharmaceutical firms. Duterte also said the local government is not expecting the local economy to recover this year. Citing the assessment of the tax and auditing service firm SGV, Duterte said the local economy may start picking up in 2022. As of January 15, the D e p ar t m e nt of He a lt h (D OH)-Davao Region reported 171 new cases, bringing the total cases to
14,54, with 2,356 active, 11,700 recoveries, and 598 deaths in the region. Out of the total, Davao City, which reported the highest COVID-19 cases in Mindanao, tallied 10,087 cases, with 1,358 active, 8,225 recoveries, and 474 deaths. Davao de Oro reported 717 cases, Davao del Norte with 1,963, Davao del Sur with 1,081, Davao Occidental with 164, and Davao Oriental with 642. (Antonio L. Colina IV / MindaNews
Underprivileged residents of Brgy. Digkilaan (rightside) pose after receiving their rice bags during the Outreach program of The Fraternal Order of Eagles – Tinago Falls Chapter. Also in the photo are the wives (Ates) of the members (Kuyas) of the Phlippine Eagles.
Philippine Eagles-Tinago Club distributes rice packs to fire victims, poor rural residents of Iligan City ILIGAN CITY – More than thirty members of the Fraternal Order of Eagles – Tinago Falls Chapter distributed 10kilo rice packs to victims of the recent fire blaze that destroyed more than twenty houses in Zone 8, Cocogrove, Barangay Poblacion, Iligan City last December 10, 2020. Later on that day, the Club members also visited Barangay Digkilaan to distribute rice packs to the poorest residents of this remote barangay. The rice distribution activity was held on
December 23 and is part of the Chapter’s Christmas Outreach program. “Through our brotherhood, we hope to help the community where we are a part of. Especially during this season of giving, we wish to also share our blessings to those who have less in life”, explained Chapter President Paul Munsalod. A total of thirty-two victim families were able to receive rice packs during the distribution activity. The wives of the members also called as “Ates” led the actual distribution as the “Kuyas”
DEED OF ABSOLUTE SALE
EXTRAJUDICIAL SETTLEMENT OF ESTATE AMONG HEIRS WITH DEED OF ABSOLUTE SALE
K NO W A LL M EN BY T HES E PRESENTS: This DEED OF SALE made and executed by and between: VIRGIE P. NAVARRO, of legal age, widow, Filipino citizen and with residence and postal at Sambulawan, El Salvador City herein referred to as “VENDOR”; -And ORLANDO L. MANZANO, of legal age, married, Filipino citizen and with residence and postal address at Bayabas, West Bound Terminal, Cagayan de Oro City, herein referred to as the VENDEE; That the VENDOR is the portion owner of certain parcel of land under Original Certificate of Title No. E-5117, situated in the Sambulawan, El Salvador, Misamis Oriental containing an area of TWO HUNDRED (200) square meters, more or less, and has been the subject of an DEED OF ABSOLUTE SALE, filed by the heirs, in Favor of ORLANDO L. MANZANO, per DOC #123; PAGE #25; BOOK #CXXIII; Series of 2020 under the Notarial Registry of ATTY. RAMIL G. GARREON. BWM: January 6, 13 & 20, 2021
K NOW A LL MEN BY THES E PRESENTS: That the late NESTOR G. PAGAPULAAN died intestate on ____________ at_________________, EFI G. PAGAPULAAN, died intestate on __________ at _______________ and JOSELITA G. PAGAPULAAN died intestate on ______________ at _________________ at the time of their death left a certain real property with Original Certificate of Title No. E-5117, situated in the Sambulawan, El Salvador, Misamis Oriental, containing an area of ONE HUNDRED (100) square meters, more or less and has been the subject of an EXTRAJUDICIAL SETTLEMENT OF ESTATE AMONG HEIRS WITH DEED OF ABSOLUTE SALE, filed by the heirs of NESTOR G. PAGAPULAAN, EFI G. PAGAPULAAN, JOSELITA G. PAGAPULAAN, in favor of ORLANDO L. MANZANO, per DOC #124; PAGE #25; BOOK #CXXIII; Series of 2020 under the Notarial Registry of ATTY. RAMIL G. GARREON. BWM: January 6, 13 & 20, 2021
assisted in carrying and transporting the bags of rice. At the far-flung barangay of Digkilaan, more than 200 families were able to receive their rice packs from the Philippine Eagles. “In behalf of the people of Digkilaan, I wish to thank all the members of the Fraternal Order of Eagles – Tinago Falls Chapter for their generosity and for helping the underprivileged residents of this barangay”, expressed Barangay Chairwoman Nanchita Magaro. Troops from the 103rd Brigade stationed at Kampo Ranao were also present to assist in the humanitarian activity by providing the group security and transport vehicles for the rice load used in the distribution. (VNL/DPWH-PIO) 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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Aboitiz... from page 8
Inc. (TPVI) in Cebu — are ready to provide peaking capacit y in Visayas and Mindanao whenever necessary. The AP Oil BU is also certified for ISO 9001:2015 (Q u a l i t y M a n a g e m e n t System), ISO 45001:2018 (O c c u p a t i o n a l H e a l t h and Safet y Management System), ISO 14001:2015 (Environmental Management System), ISO 22301:2012 (Busi ness Cont i nu it y Management System), ISO 27001:2013 (Information Secu r it y Ma nagement System), ( ISO 5001:2018 (Energy Management System) and ISO 55001:2014 (Asset Management System).
Safeguard... from page 4
in the ones imposing the presence of pride, conceit, superiority complex, selfrighteousness, the inordinate desire to dominate, etc. Besides, this tendency to impose is not anymore in step with the temper of the times, given the way people, especially the young ones, are nowadays. Email: roycimagala@ gmail.com
Challenge... from page 4
you.” As her husband began to weep, she said: “It’s OK, dear. While I’ve been in the hospital I have learned that EXTRA-JUDICIAL SETTLEMENT OF ESTATE WITH SALE K N O W A LL MEN BY T HESE PRESENTS: That the late SPOUSES EUTEMIO A. MILLAMA AND ALEJANDRA MILLAMA died intestate on March 14, 2011 and March 21, 2011 respectively both in Kauswagan, Cagayan de Oro City, Philippines, leaving behind them above mentioned legitimate children as their only heirs; that at the time of her death, the deceased spouses left behind the following properties to with TRANSFER CERTIFICATE OF TITLE NO. T-25367, Lot 817, Pls854, containing an area of FORTY THREE THOUSAND TWO HUNDRED AND NINETY THREE (43,293) SQUARE METERS, Certificate of Title P-28420 situated in the barrio of Damilag, Municipality of Manolo Fortich, Province of Bukidnon, Island of Mindanao containing an area of EIGHT HUNDRED FIFTY SEVEN (857) Square Meters, Certificate of Title T-47004 North: Lot 1365-D-3G-PSD-10-004935, South: Lot 1365-D-3-F-PSD-004935, East: Lot 1365-D-3-E-2 of SUBD. Plan PSD-105921 West Road, Transfer Certificate of Title No. T-41231 situated at #3802 San Lucas St. Kapisnon, Kauswagan, Cagayan de Oro City, containing an area of TWO HUNDRED (200) Square Meters, more or less, Tax Declaration No. G-093072 ( BLDG. Only) Situated at Kapisnon, Kauswagan, Cagayan de Oro City, Transfer Certificate of Title No. T-124626 situated in the Barrio of Kauswagan, City of Cagayan de Oro, Island of Mindanao, containing an area of EIGHT FOUR (84) SQUARE METERS, more or less, Tax Declaration No. G-208537, Lot 3134 N. Subd. Plan and has been the subject of an EXTRAJUDICIAL SETTLEMENT OF ESTATE WITH SALE, filed by the heirs of SPOUSES EUTEMIO A. MILLAMA AND ALEJANDRA MILLAMA, in favor of JORY D. MONTILLA (Vendee) do hereby sell, transfer and convey unto said Vendee, his heirs, assigns and successors-in-interest the below described parcel of land with Transfer Certificate No. T-25367, per DOC #434; PAGE #87; BOOK #II; Series of 2011 under the Notarial Registry of ATTY. ALFRED LORD TENNYSON Q. GACCION IV. BWM: Jan. 13, 20 & 27, 2021
a moment of true happiness is a lifetime, and I have had a lot of happiness.” That is character and courage rising to the challenge. To give your life to loving others and your Creator is what life is all about. Jesus will enable you to take whatever problems and pain are thrown at you and use them to grow and live a life full of love, truth, peace, power, and purpose. From this day forward, won’t you choose to live your Maker’s way? Jesus will always be with you to guide and strengthen you to rise to every single challenge you face—big or small. Just think a minute . ..
Safeguard... from page 4
initiator who proposes the idea or project to be funded, individuals or groups who support the idea, and a moderating organization (the "platform") that brings the parties together to launch the idea. Wikipedia adds that crowdfunding has been used to fund a wide range of for-profit entrepreneurial ventures, such as artistic a n d c r e at i v e p r o j e c t s , medical expenses, travel, and community-oriented social entrepreneurship projects. Note: You may wish to share the foregoing via Facebook, Twitter and/or Linked-In.
Review... from page 5
bulletin, DOF Undersecretary Gil Beltran cited further acceleration of domestic inflation rate in December 2020 to 3.5 percent from month-ago’s 3.3 percent, which was traced to the impact of typhoons on several agricultural products. The rate of price increase of vegetables posted the highest jump at 19.73 percent last December from the previous month’s 14.62 percent. Rice, which has been posting deflation in the past months, posted a 0.10-percent inflation rate last December. Meat inflation accelerated to 9.95 percent last month f rom Nov e mb e r’s 8 . 1 5 p ercent, which B eltran attributed to the impact of the African swine fever (ASF). Among the regions, he said Cagayan Valley and Bicol registered the highest inflation rate at 6.6 percent due to the devastation brought by the strong typhoons last November and December. Beltran thus highlighted
the need to restrategize the Department of Agriculture’s food programs “so that unaf fec ted regions can supply alternative supplies of vegetables to typhoonbattered regions immediately after a typhoon.” “Likewise, a stronger program to stamp out ASF needs to be set up,” he added. (PNA)
because of what happened, people have started appreciating what is being done through the digital space such as e-retailing, business transactions being done online, and e-payments. These could be kept moving forward. These could keep the vibrance in data demand and help the telco sector,” Mr. Tantiangco said.
from page 5
from page 3 billion in 2019. The PEZA chief said the agency remains committed to attract more investments, generate more exports, and create more jobs for Filipinos despite the coronavirus disease 2019 (Covid-19) pandemic. “We hope that coming 2021, we will be able to attract more foreign direct investments in the country, keep the PEZA brand of service renowned worldwide, and help the Philippine economy bounce back and even become a self-reliant, self-sustaining, and resourcegenerating investment haven in Asia,” Plaza said. (PNA)
Stability...
respectively. Meanwhile, the industry’s non-performing loan ratio stood at 3.81% at endNovember 2020. The BSP said this could have 4.6% at end-2020, still better than the 17.6% seen in 2002 as a consequence of the Asian Financial Crisis. “At the onset of the pandemic, the banking system had significant capital and liquidity buffers built up due to both regulatory requirements and several years of favorable banking conditions,” Mr. Diokno said. “The result of our stress tests suggests that banks can continue to lend and prosper through a broad range of adverse scenarios,” he added. Meanwhile, Mr. Diokno said annualized bank lending rates have been declining, particularly the lower loan limit. In his presentation at the event, he said P143.8 billion in loans to micro-, small, and medium-sized enterprises were used by banks as alternate reserve compliance as of the reserve week ending Dec. 17.
Solutions... from page 3
the face-to-face format. So that’s the thing that you have to consider,” he said in a phone interview on Jan. 6. PLDT’s fixed-line home broadband revenues for the first nine month of 2020 grew 14.06% to P23.93 billion from P20.98 billion in 2019. The telco saw its mobile ser vice revenues for the Ja nu a r y t o S e p t e m b e r period of 2020 hit P71.79 billion, 10.54% higher than the previous year’s P64.94 billion. The c o m p a n y ’s attributable net income grew 23.1% to P19.68 billion during the nine-month period. “But then again, with what happened because of the pandemic, some of the changes it has brought could remain permanent. I mean,
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DSWD... from page 2
to benefit from the program. A total of 170,000 indigent senior citizen beneficiaries were targeted for the program in Caraga last year, DSWD-13 said, adding that at least 3,957 individuals were disqualified after a review. “The disqualified individuals were found to be deceased, some have t ransfer re d residences, there were cases where a beneficiary cannot be located. Some were also receiving regular pensions and family support,” the agency said. Of the 168,163 recipients last year, 37,879 senior citizens are from Agusan del Norte, and 42,897 are Agusan del Sur residents. In Surigao del Sur, 42,215 benefited from the program last year, 33,348 in Surigao Del Norte, and 11,824 in the Province of Dinagat Islands. (PNA)
Alert... from page 2
Cortes, also in Surigao del Sur, although it was immediately contained. No A SF c a s e s we re reported in the region after the effective containment of
the isolated case in Surigao del Sur last year. “We request our fellow C araganons to help us protect our region from ASF by following biosecurity measures such as establishing foot baths in their piggeries, avoid swill feeding, do not buy processed meat products from affected areas, and report illegal selling of meat and meat products, especially from online sellers without veterinary certificate and shipping permits,” the DA-13 said. The cause of the isolated ASF case in Surigao del Sur last year was due to the entry of contaminated processed pork products in the area. (PNA)
Coral... from page 1
the pupils were required to choose a project that they are passionate about. Pardo said there was no question about her love for Mother Nature. “A f te r f i n i sh i ng t he project, we would have to present our results at the PYP exhibition, as well as base the project on one of the UN's Sustainable Development Goals. I always loved the sea and the beach, so I chose Sustainable Development Goal 14, Life Under Water," the 12-year-old was quoted in a statement sent to the Philippine News Agency by the Sangkalikasan Producers Cooperative (SPC) recently. Pardo and SPC, through it s proj e c t l e a d e r Jo s e Rodriguez, worked to fund the successful micro fragmentation and colony fusion of slow-growing massive corals to preserve reef biodiversity. Among those who answered Sofia's fundraising call was the Dis cover y Leisure Company, as well as several private individuals. "Because of their donations, I was able to plant a coral bed under the name of Domuschola International School to raise awareness about coral reefs and bleaching,” she said. SPC lauded Pardo for the funds she has raised to beef up the organization's coral restoration initiatives. Two years ago, couple Bunne Gamboa-Santos and Michael Santos, both SPC directors, traveled to Florida, USA, to learn and train
under the MOTE Institute, which pioneered the coral restoration program. When the couple came back, they lost no time to transfer everything they have learned to SPC members. Meanwhile, Alexandra Hill, SPC resident biologist who leads the coral rehabilitation in Camiguin, said that the restoration project in the island-province started as early as 2013, in partnership with the Department of Environment and Natura l R es ources (DENR) and the Department of Science and Technology (DOST). Und e r t he g ui d ance of DOST project director Virna Salac, SPC trained and transferred the technology of Coral Asexual Reproduction to multiple local communities in different areas of the country. "Massive corals are more resilient to anthropogenic stress conditions and climate change. The experiment proved that massive corals can be grown in conditions that can accelerate growth rate and increase survival rate," Hill said. Hill said the experiment was initially scheduled to run for a year, but the coronavirus disease 2019 (Covid-19) pandemic cut it short to just four months. However, recent dives have shown success despite the lack of data, she noted. "This is extremely promising as we are the first group within the country to have conducted this kind of experiment and it shows that micro-fragmentation and colony fusion is possible w it h i n t he Ph i l ippi ne s despite lack of funding and resources," she said. (PNA)
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ASA Books is a locally owned purveyor of brand-new books at amazing value. The titles have been carefully selected, with the aim of satisfying a wide array of reading interests. Some of the genres in the offer include children's books, young adult fiction, contemporary fiction, classics, and fantasy. For the non-fiction aficionados, there are cookbooks, biographies, as well as books on wellness, sports, business, economics, history, and many more. There is definitely something at Basa Books for everyone. And that’s not even the best part. What’s most exciting about Basa Books is that absolutely all of the titles are at 50% off the list price.
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It’s only fitting that the first Basa Books pop-up store be launched in Cagayan de Oro City, where the brand’s founders are from. They grew up loving books and want everyone else to share that affection. This is why Basa Books is committed to providing a great selection of books and always at excellent accessible value. “Books take you places without having to leave the safety of your home. In these trying times, we need the solace and escape that books offer more than ever,” says co-founder Atty. Maricel Seno. The Basa Books pop-up store officially opens at Ayala Centrio Mall, Ground Floor (beside Mango) on 20th January 2021, and will be there until March 2021.
AboitizPower Oil BU lends hand to senior high students amidst pandemic IN A bid to ease the learning woes of students in its host communities, the AboitizPower Oil Business Unit (BU) turned over towards the end of 2020 financial assistance to senior high school scholars from these localities. The AboitizPower Oil BU, in partnership with
the Aboitiz Foundation, handed out the subsidies to 28 scholars from Naga City in Cebu and 26 scholars from Maco in Davao de Oro on Nov. 6 and Dec. 9, respectively. “The financial assistance is really a huge help to us, especially during this time. Most of us have parents who are
currently unemployed because of the pandemic, so this will definitely go a long way,” Marlou Amit, a grade 12 student at the Tuyan Senior High School in Naga City, shared. The financial assistance — which covers school fees, books, and miscellaneous educational expenses — is
a welcome boost in the learning experience of the scholars, who all admit are struggling amidst the ongoing health crisis. Under the current blended learning setup, they are taught through various means such as online, television, radio, and printed materials, among others. According
A scholar of Therma Power Visayas, Inc. (TPVI) receives her stipend during the turnover of financial assistance at the Naga National High School in Naga City, Cebu on Nov. 6, 2021.
to the United Nations Children’s Fund, COVID-19 is not only a health crisis but also a learning crisis, adding that during these times, children experience stress, fear, and anxiety. The AboitizPower Oil BU hopes that through some of their interventions, they can help schools bring a sense of normalcy to the children’s lives. A letter penned by the beneficiaries from Maco, who have been Aboitiz scholars since 2016, reads, “We are very grateful for the financial help you have provided us since our first year in this institution. Your scholarship offer is the very reason [for] our perseverance and persistence.” AboitizPower Oil BU Vice President for Corporate Services Jokin Aboitiz said their goal is not only to help energize the nation but also to build a more conducive learning environment for students, especially at a time like this. “We partner with our host communities to help provide better education to the youth, in line with our promise of advancing business and communities,” Aboitiz
added. AboitizPower supports its host communities by working closely with local government units in the implementation of socially relevant programs. At the height of the pandemic in 2020, the organization helped strengthen local COVID-19 responses through direct remittances to host communities under the Department of Energy’s Energy Regulations No. (ER) 1-94 program. Through collaborative projects funded by the program, the AP Oil BU worked closely with its neighboring local government units (LGUs) to mitigate the effects brought upon by the virus. The AP Oil BU manages and operates the oil-fired power generation assets of the Aboitiz Power Corporation. Its facilities — which include two land-based power facilities operated by Therma Marine, Inc. (TMI) in Maco, Compostela Valley and Nasipit, Agusan del Norte; as well as power plants operated by Cebu Private Power Corporation (CPPC), East Asia Utilities Corporation (EAUC), and Therma Power Visayas, ABOITIZ/PAGE 7