BusinessWeek Mindanao (January 3, 2020)

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Rosy picture THE country’s chief economist is optimistic the government will hit its target growth rate last year and this year, given a strong push from consumption and infrastructure spending.

Socioeconomic Planning Secretary Ernesto Pernia said he agrees with the Development Budget Coordination Committee’s (DBCC) gross domestic product (GDP) growth numbers at 6 percent to 6.5 percent last year.

“In the fourth quarter, consumer spending really got boosted by bonuses, OFW (overseas Filipino workers) remittances also rose 7.7 percent in October, and that also contributed to increased consumer spending which accounts for about two-thirds of GDP,” he told reporters Wednesday during the yearend media briefing.

‘Successful’ policies PRESIDENT Rodrigo Duterte’s administration will continue to implement its “successful” policies and programs this year to further boost the Philippine economy and improve the lives of all Filipinos, Presidential Communications Operations Office (PCOO) Secretary Martin Andanar said on Friday.

Andanar assured the public that the government would welcome 2020 with a decisive leadership to serve the people better.

“As the year 2019 ends, we at the Presidential Communications Operations Office (PCOO) enjoins every Filipino to look forward to a prosperous and blessed 2020,” Andanar said in a statement.

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Bill seeks to tax POGOs for teachers' pay hike www.businessweekmindanao.com

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Friday|January 3, 2020

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By DIVINA SUSON, Correspondent

LIGAN City -- Iligan City Lone District Representative Frederick Siao on Monday said he is eyeing to propose measure imposing taxes on Philippine Offshore Gaming Operations (POGOs) to fund the P10,000 pay hike for public school teachers per month.

HANDICRAFTS. A lumad family sells rattan handicraft to passing motorists in Kitaotao town, Bukidnon. mindanews photo

NorMin 2019: Tales of 2 Lanao, mass surrenders, call for justice

Siao, the chairperson of the House civil service and professional regulation committee, noted that public school teachers have been "unrelenting" in their push for a pay hike but that Congress is at a loss where to find the roughly PHP126 billion funding to make it happen.

Siao said lawmakers like him are trying to figure out how to balance the wage

issue with the interests of other civil servants and other government priorities.

"Right now, the first thing I see that can be taxed heavily to generate the PHP126 billion annually are those POGOs," he said.

The lawmaker explained that if POGOs are taxed or a law should be passed setting PHP126 billion as TAX/PAGE 11

By NEF LUCZON, PNA

THE first month of 2019 marked a new chapter in Mindanao's history when the Bangsamoro Organic Law (BOL) was ratified through a plebiscite on January 21.

The Lanao del Sur Provincial Plebiscite Board of Canvassers (PPBC) officially recorded a total of 503,420 voters who answered JUSTICE/PAGE 11

MinDA to help Davao Oro build bulk water facility

By ANTONIO L. COLINA IV, MindaNews

DAVAO City – The Mindanao Development Authority (MinDA) will assist Davao de Oro, formerly Compostela Valley, construct a P300 million bulk water project next year to improve access to potable water,

MinDA Undersecretary Janet Lopoz said Thursday.

She noted that MinDa allocated P500,000 for the feasibility and engineering study for the bulk water WATER/PAGE 11

PERFECT TIMING. A Brahminy Kite dives and scoops out a fish from the murky waters of Cagayan de Oro River in this MindaNews file photo by Erwin Mascarinas.

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MinDA invites private firms to BARMM peace partners’ caucus COTABATO City -- To sustain the gains of the Mindanao peace process, the Mindanao Development Authority (MinDA) will host a Peace Partners’ Caucus in Davao City this month, MinDA Secretary Emmanuel Piñol said Thursday.

The gathering aims to give opportunities for private individuals, companies, and corporate executives to contribute to sustaining peace and development efforts in the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim

Mindanao (BARMM).

Piñol said the caucus would be a venue to present possible areas of involvement by the private sector to sustain the peace gains made by the administration of President Rodrigo Duterte.

“I thought of holding the Peace Partners’ Caucus two days after President Duterte publicly instructed me to fasttrack the development of the Bangsamoro region, especially in the field of agriculture,” he said in a statement.

Piñol noted that the President was right when he emphasized the need to develop the BARMM’s agriculture and fisheries sector because of the region’s vast resources.

"You focus on BARMM agriculture," Piñol quoted Duterte as telling him in the presence of BARMM Chief Minister Ahod “Murad” Ebrahim last December 23.

The President was at the BARMM compound here Monday where he distributed certificates of land ownership to 912

farmer-beneficiaries.

Piñol said the Peace Partners’ Caucus would just be a simple matching of BARMM farmers and fisherfolk to potential supporters and buyers from the private sector.

For starters, he said, feed mill companies would be asked what raw materials they need in feed

formulation that could be sourced from the BARMM and the volume required.

As previously announced, MinDA will launch the Sorghum Development Program in Mindanao to produce grains for food and animal feeds.

Piñol said a Thai agricultural firm based in

the Philippines, CP Foods Philippines, has pledged to purchase sorghum from Mindanao, especially the BARMM. Farmers from the BARMM could also produce corn, cassava, copra meal, fish meal, and carrageenan as added feed components.

INVITES/PAGE 11

Women mobilized against fake news DAVAO del Norte — Women play a significant role in combatting fake news not only in the community but also in virtual world.

Representing the Provincial Government during the forum with women on countering Fake News , Davao del Norte Provincial Assistant

Provincial Administrator Mervin Jay Suaybaguio pointed this out while also noting that “women play a very significant role in whatever forms of communications that exist at home and in the community.”` Dubbed as “Kababaihan: Kaagapay sa Wastong Balitaan”, the

forum on countering fake news was a pilot activity tapping community women to help curb the spread of fake news.

PIA Davao del Norte information center also incorporated discussion on cyber wellness.

Suaybaguio believed that women and mothers are first teachers at home and that most of the principles in life, values and even wisdom that individuals are holding on to are influenced by mothers, thus they become a force to reckon with.

“If mothers and women in general know how to communicate effectively and use communication platforms to improve its community , there is no doubt that we can make our society a better place for all of us,” he said.

Knowing the influence of women in the society, MOBILIZED/PAGE 11

CAGAYAN DE ORO MAIN BRANCH P & J Lim Bldg., Tiano Brothers Kalambagohan Sts., Tel. # (08822) 727-829 * Telefax # (088) 856-1947 CAMIGUIN BRANCH B. Aranas St., Poblacion, Mambajao, Camiguin Tel. # (088) 387-0491 CORRALES BRANCH Corrales Ave., Cagayan de Oro City DIVISORIA BRANCH Atty. Erasmo B. Damasing Bldg., #61 Don A. Velez St., Cagayan de Oro City Tel. # (088) 857-3631 LAPASAN BRANCH Lapasan Hi-way, Cagayan de Oro City Tel. # (088) 231-6739 CARMEN BRANCH Vamenta Blvd., Cagayan de Oro City Tel. # (088) 231-2011

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CorporateWorld

Aboitiz unit to supply power to Batangas electric coop ABOITIZ Power Corp. has signed up the country’s largest electric cooperative to 3 megawatts (MW) of power supply, adding the Batangas distribution utility to the list of customers under its clean energy brand.

In a statement on Thursday, AboitizPower said it had closed its partnership with Batangas II Electric Cooperative, Inc. (Batelec II) on Dec. 18.

“The Cleanergy supply will be sourced from the Tiwi-MakBan geothermal power plants, which are being operated and managed by AboitizPower subsidiary AP Renewables, Inc. (APRI),” the listed company said, adding that the supply will be used by the electric cooperative for its local retail electricity supply (RES) customers.

Cleanergy is AboitizPower’s brand for clean and renewable energy with several hydroelectric, geothermal and solar power generation facilities.

APRI will also supply Batelec II with a 20-MW emergency power supply for a year, from Dec. 26, 2019 to Dec. 25, 2020.

The agreement for the additional Cleanergy supply was signed on Dec.

23, 2019.

AboitizPower, the holding company for the Aboitizes’ investments in power generation, distribution, and retail electricity services, quoted Batelec II General Manager Octavious M. Mendoza as saying: “We’ve been in the business for over four decades, and this is the first time we have decided to venture into the open access business and activate our local retail electricity supplier.”

A local retail electricity supplier is a power distribution utility’s business segment that delivers power to customers whose consumption reached the threshold set by the regulator. These big power users or “contestable” customers are allowed to contract supply with a private RES or a local RES. “To make a difference, we have decided to source renewable supply to serve our contestable customers.

It’s such a bold move so we need a dependable partner to support us in this sustainability journey, and we trust AboitizPower can do just that,” Mr. Mendoza said.

AboitizPower described the partnership ABOITIZ/PAGE 11

ENERGY FIRM SUPPORTS MISOR TOURISM PROJECT: MisOr Governor Bambi Emano and STEAG State Power Inc. (SPI) Plant Manager Dr. Carsten Evers lead the unveiling of the proposed Provincial Botanical Garden and Tourism Complex during simple ceremonies held at the capitol grounds recently. The project, which is funded mainly

by MisOr’s share in the electricity sales of power generating companies in the province through the DOE ER 1-94 program, is expected to boost the local tourism industry. MisOr has received this year 17.8 million worth of financial benefits coming from STEAG State Power Inc.

Sta. Lucia ventures into Davao hospitality sector SOTOGRANDE Hotel Suites Davao is located in the heart of Davao Riverfront Corporate City Complex.

STA. LUCIA Land, Inc. (SLI) is venturing into the hospitality sector in Davao City, with the introduction of the SotoGrande Hotel

brand.

In a statement, SLI President Exequiel D. Robles said the company has seen the potential of Mindanao, particularly Davao City, as a business and tourism hub.

“Given its numerous offerings, from its famed

dive spots, farming resorts, to the numerous parks, not to mention its rich cultural heritage, it’s but natural for Davao to become a top-of-mind destination.

This is also the reason why, after developing several communities and condominium projects

in the city, we decided to venture in the hospitality sector through our SotoGrande Hotel brand,” he was quoted as saying in a statement.

Located in the heart of Davao Riverfront Corporate City Complex, VENTURES/PAGE 11

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IGNACIO BUNYE Among all of our heroes, Dr. Jose Rizal, whose martyrdom we are honoring today, is without any doubt the most written about. But one can never get tired leafing through Rizaliana materials.

There is always something new, something interesting to learn about him. Here are some interesting bits and pieces: A very prolific writer,

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Chance or choice Think a minute…There was a man who was the owner of the only hair salon in his little town. He cut and styled the hair of almost everybody in town and his business was quite successful. Then, a big modern hair salon moved to his town right across the street from his little shop. This new, big salon advertised in the newspapers and posted signs all over town that read: “$6 haircuts!

Everything for only $6!”

S o on a l m o s t a l l h i s customers began going to the new salon across the street for $6 haircuts. The owner of the old hair salon knew he could never afford to beat the big new salon’s price of only $6. But then he thought of a way to turn things around and win his customers and business back. He had a local sign company paint him a big sign which he put in front of his hair salon. It read: “We FIX $6 haircuts!”

We all have problems an d go t h rou g h t ou g h times. It’s the people who respond and handle those problems positively who end up succeeding in life. It’s

LETTERS FROM DAVAO

THINK A MINUTE

JUN LEDESMA LUCERNE, Switzerland -For a country that purports to be the foremost proponent of democracy, it does not stand to reason why the United States of America has the temerity to intrude into the sovereignty of other democratic countries like the Philippines which is about the longest surviving democracy in Southeast Asia.

The irony is sick. The Philippines has a functioning judicial system, a legislative and executive department the functions of which are defined by a constitution.

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The quintessential hero

Rizal wrote two immortal novels, Noli Me Tangere and El Filibusterismo. He also authored 18 poems, the most famous of which is Mi Ultimo Adios. Rizal hid the manuscript of Mi Ultimo Adios inside an alcohol lamp which was later turned over to his families. Another possible obra maestra, but irretrievably lost, was hidden inside the sole of his shoes. Alas, the shoes were destroyed by the elements when, after his execution at the Luneta, Rizal was buried in an unmarked tomb in Paco.

Also among his works were hundreds of essays and letters. What is probably not so well known is the fact that he also wrote his version of the Filipino folklore entitled “The Monkey and The Turtle.” This he did,

to emphasize the need to develop the reading habit among the young. Rizal’s version saw print in Trubner’s Oriental Record in London in July 1889, just two years after the publication of his first novel “Noli Me Tangere”.

Rizal was cool-headed.

But there was a time when he almost fought a duel with two other famous kababayans – Antonio Luna and Wenceslao Retana. Rizal and Luna almost dueled because of a girl – Nelly Boustead, a beautiful mestiza of English and Spanish descent. Luna felt that he had a first claim on Nel ly B ouste ad but Boustead appeared to be becoming infatuated with Rizal. In fact, Boustead later became one of the many girlfriends of Rizal.

In one boys’ night out, Luna reportedly got drunk

and said nasty things about Boustead. There are different versions of who challenged whom. Luna was known for his fiery temper and could have challenged Rizal. But Rizal was not one who would back out in defending his or a friend’s honor. Cooler heads were reported to have inter vened. When Luna regained sobriety, he realized his mistake and apologized to Rizal. Luna’s brother, Juan, also apologized to Rizal. Philippine history could have been drastically altered had the duel taken place. The two were good both with the sword and the pistol. Had the duel taken place, it would certainly have been fatal to either or both.

In the case of Wenceslao Retana, Rizal was offended by an article written by the HERO/PAGE 10

A sheer act of arrogance It is, therefore, a classic paradox for US Congress to impose on the Philippine government its wishful order to free a person indicted by the Regional Trial Court and affirmed by the Supreme Court by sheer suspicion that the court ruling is an act of political oppression and retaliatory.

The case in point is Sen. Leila de Lima who is accused in Court, not because of her dalliance with high profile inmates who had been convicted and imprisoned in the state penitentiary but her alleged involvement in one of the intricate drug distribution s y n d i c at e s p e r p e t r at e d within the confines of the prison cell at the time when she was the Secretary of the Department of Justice which has control and supervision of state penitentiaries.

De Lima had ser ved a s C h a i r p e r s on of t h e C ommission of Human R ig hts and for mont hs subjected then Mayor

Rodrigo Duterte to a probe on alleged extra-judicial killings carried out by the Davao Death Squads she claimed were organized by Duterte. While she claimed that there were thousands of EJK victims buried in a common burial ground she failed to produce a single piece of evidence.

Not even when she was DOJ Secretary. Her failure is expected. DDS is nonexistent as it was a phantom force conceptualized by the Integrated Nation Police as a psychological force against the communist liquidation forces way back in 1984.

Duterte was a neophyte lawyer then and has no influence whatsoever in t h e l o c a l an d n at i on a l government. Any which way you look at it, DDS and the so-called EJK attributed to Duterte are farcical before as they are today.

Fast forward, de Lima ran for Senator and by a quirk of circumstance, so did Rodrigo Duterte for

President. Both won De Lima by the skin of her teeth while Duterte a stunning victory over the well-oiled political machinery of his adversaries.

De Lima, who is still consumed by her motive to indict Duterte, renewed her personal agenda to implicate Duterte on EJK and other forms of human rights violation. Duterte, on the other hand, initiated an unrelenting campaign against drug syndicates and other crimes that were practically institutionalized by the inept government of B enig no Aquino III which nearly pushed the countr y into narco and failed state. She had likewise extrapolated EJK death statistics from 246 to 10,000 plus using perjured witnesses in senate hearings.

Indeed there were casualties in the unrelenting drive against drug syndicates but police records and hers do 1not match. De Lima also ARROGANCE/PAGE 10

Fish sauce excluded from Thailand's proposed tax on salty foods JHAN TIAFAU HURST not luck that controls your life! It’s your own choices that make you happy and successful. You see, “Things turn out best for people who make the best of the way things turn out.” No matter what happens these people keep going, because sooner or later “Tough people win over tough times.”

Remember, the same heat that melts butter also hardens clay. The difference is in their response. How about you? How do you respond? How do you handle the heat of problems and tough times in your life?

No matter which way the ball bounces, it’s still your game. So today, if you’ll HURST/PAGE 10

T h a i l a n d ’s E x c i s e Depar tment and Public Health Ministr y is considering a levy on salty foods in an attempt to tackle the sodium-rich diets of Thai citizens, and the health consequences.

The director general of the Excise Department, Patchara Anuntasilpa says the tax would be calculated based on the amount of salt in a product, with the prop o s a l b e i ng s e nt t o Finance Minister Uttama Savanayana by the end of 2019.

Fish sauce is a liquid condiment made from fish or krill that have been coated in salt and fermented for up to two years. It is used as a staple seasoning in E ast Asian cuisine and Southeast Asian cuisine, particularly

south east Asia and Ta i w a n . F o l l o w i n g widespread recognition of it s abi lit y to imp ar t a savour y umami f lavor to dishes, it has been embraced globally by chefs and home cooks.

“If the tax is approved, we will allow entrepreneurs one or two years to reduce the salt content and launch a less-salty version of their product.”

T h e Wo r l d H e a l t h Organisation and the UN both recommend taxing foods with a high salt content, saying increased s o dium int a ke le ads to high blood pressure, c ance r and k id ne y and heart disease.

It was reported h o w e v e r, t h a t w h i l e t he prop os a l is to l e v y

the tax on frozen and canned foods, along with processed items such as instant noodles, s e a s on i n g s u c h a s f i s h sauce and snacks like p o t at o c h i p s w o u l d b e excluded.

The Federation of Thai In du st r i e s h a s pl e d ge d to cooperate with the g ov e r n m e nt’s e f f o r t t o improve the health of Thailand’s citizens, but its head Wisit Limluecha says he is not in favour of taxing popular seasonings, snacks, f rozen or instant fo o ds.

“Res earch has found that these foods represent only 20% of what we eat each day, and e ver yone has different eating habits, so the better solution would be to advise consumers on how

NUTS & BOLTS

JEROME DE LA FUENTE

to eat healthily.”

Wisit warns that the tax may damage the country’s competitiveness in the fo o d s ector b oth overseas and in Thailand, where imported products are easily available. He also voices concern that small businesses will suffer if unable to afford ingredient and packaging changes.

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FRIDAY|JANUARY 3, 2020

5

Banking&Finance

Higher revenue, reforms to bring down poverty by 2022: DOF exec

H

IGHER government revenues, easier conduct of business, more efficient tax administration, and healthier people will help bring down poverty incidence by 2022.

These characterize the results of some of the Department of Finance’s (DOF) programs under the Duterte administration so far this 2019.

“Despite the combined challenges of a re-enacted budget for 4.5 months and the global trade tensions, the Department of Finance and its attached agencies did very well this year,” DOF Assistant Secretary and Spokesperson Antonio Lambino II told the Philippine News Agency (PNA).

The DOF executive said the agency fared well in working with lawmakers for, among others, the passage of additional sin taxes, heated tobacco products, and e-cigarettes for the Universal Health Care (UHC) program.

In the agency’s accomplishment report for last year, the DOF said

state revenues, for one, continue to increase with the help of the Tax Reform for Acceleration and Inclusion (TRAIN) Law, which was signed into law on December 19, 2017.

Aside from increasing the take-home pay of employees who have an annual income of PHP250,000 and below, this measure provides funding for the government’s priority infrastructure program

called Build, Build, Build program and the fuel marking program, which started in the second half of 2019 and is targeted to address oil smuggling.

Another first for the country is the excise tax on sugar-sweetened beverages (SSBs), which is primarily a health measure aimed at curbing the consumption of sugary drinks.

In the first half of this year, revenues from this measure amounted to

PHP55.6 billion, or 65 percent up compared to the 2018 figure.

Gains from this particular measure have been noticed by other governments in the region and the DOF said Vietnam and Indonesia plan to follow its implementation.

Another achievement for the agency this year is the signing of another hike in tobacco excise tax last July through what is now known as Republic Act

(RA) 11346, the second increase so far under the current administration.

This measure will help finance the government’s Universal Health Care (UHC) program, which provides low-income Filipino families access to quality and affordable health services.

Another plus for all Filipinos this year is the institution of the Rice Tarriffication Law (RTL), which liberalized rice

importation – a bid started about 30 years ago.

After high domestic rice prices pushed inflation up to as much as 6.7 percent in 2018, this law boosted supply and addressed food-related inflation upticks.

The rate of price increases has decelerated to as low as 0.8 percent in October this year and has started to normalize after rising to 1.3 percent last REVENUE/PAGE 9

Central banking in low inflation rate regime RISK brought about by the high inflation rate is already history as far as the Philippines is concerned this 2019, although lingering worries on the US-China trade remain an obstacle.

The elevated rate of price increases in 2018, which peaked at 6.7 percent in September and October, made Philippine monetary officials hike the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas’ (BSP) key policy rates by a total of 175 basis points to help rein in

inflationary expectations.

This decision complemented with the government’s fiscal measures and contributed to the deceleration of inflation rate to as low as 0.8 percent last October.

Last November, inflation started to normalize with a rate of 1.3 percent, bringing the 11-month average to 2.6 percent.

Monetary officials forecast inflation to average at 2.4 percent last year and 2.9 percent this

year and the next. All of these figures are within the government’s 2-4 percent target until 2021.

Aside from the policy rate reductions last year due to slower inflation rate, monetary officials also slashed banks’ reserve requirement ratio (RRR) by as much as 400 basis points for the big banks.

This is in line with the bid to make it at par with other countries in the region.

The RRR cuts also increased efficiency of the

domestic financial system as it lowers financial intermediation costly.

It also increases domestic liquidity and helps accelerate lending activities needed by the continued strengthening of the economy.

BSP Governor Benjamin Diokno, who took the helm starting March last year, said he will further bring the central bank closer to the people.

During the Bankers Reception hosted by the

BSP last July, the central bank chief said “a central bank cannot operate from an ivory tower”.

“It is important that BSP stakeholders understand what we are mandated to do.

It is crucial that our stakeholders trust our integrity and our capability to carry out our mandate,” he said.

The BSP has three pillars namely price stability, financial stability, and efficient payments and INFLATION/PAGE 9

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Environment DENR calls for continued public cooperation vs illegal wildlife trade

FRIDAY|JANUARY 3, 2020

T

HE Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) has urged the public to keep reporting suspicious activity after a tip-off led authorities to seize various exotic animals worth P300,000 and arrest three suspected wildlife traders in Oriental Mindoro last Tuesday.

A total of 56 heads of wildlife species—including the endangered green iguana and red-footed tortoise—were recovered from a raid conducted by operatives of the Philippine Operations Group on Ivory and Illegal Wildlife Trade or Task Force POGI at the residence of one of the suspects in Barangay Banus in Gloria town.

DENR Secretary Roy A. Cimatu said the raid was a positive example of how members of the public reporting information to authorities makes a difference in the fight against illegal wildlife

trade.

“Members of the public play an important role in protecting wildlife species, particularly reporting suspected violations of the country’s wildlife protection law,” Cimatu said. ”Therefore, we urge them to continue to be our eyes and ears, and together, we could make a real difference to the future of all wildlife species, especially those considered endangered or threatened,” he added.

Prior to the raid, Task Force POGI received a tip that an alleged illegal wildlife trader residing in Oriental Mindoro was temporarily shelteringvarious wildlife species from Palawan before being transported to different buyers across the country.

A surveillance then ensued until the task force confirmed that endangered wildlife were being kept in the house of a certain Fernando

Why are giant pandas born so tiny?

New clues from bones put an old theory to the test Born pink, blind, and helpless, giant pandas typically weigh about 100 grams at birth -- the equivalent of a stick of butter. Their mothers are 900 times more massive than that.

This unusual size difference has left researchers puzzled for years. With a few exceptions among animals such as echidnas and kangaroos, no other mammal newborns are so tiny relative to their mothers. No one knows why, but a Duke University study of bones across 10 species of bears and other animals finds that some of the current theories don't hold up.

Duke biology professor Kathleen Smith and her former student Peishu Li

published their findings this month in the Journal of Anatomy.

Baby panda skeletons are hard to come by, but the researchers were able to study the preserved remains of baby pandas born at the Smithsonian's National Zoo in Washington, D.C. The National Zoo's first panda couple, LingLing and Hsing-Hsing, had five full-term cubs in the 1980s, but none of them survived long after birth.

The researchers took micro-CT scans of two of those cubs, along with newborn grizzlies, sloth bears, polar bears, dogs, a fox, and other closely related animals from the Smithsonian National PANDAS/PAGE 10

Panda babies (stock image).

Credit: © Alden / Adobe Stock

Zamoranos Jr. Zamoranos, together with Zam Angelo Zamoranos and Jessie Dacutanan, was arrested and charged with violation of Republic Act 9147 or the Wildlife Resources Conservation and Protection Act of 2001, which defines and penalizes illegal possession and trading of wildlife species.

Under the law, violators could face a jail term of up to 12 years and a fine of not more than P1 million.

Task Force POGI is a composite team of wildlife law enforcers from various agencies including the DENR’s Biodiversity Management Bureau and the National Bureau of InvestigationEnvironmental Crime Division.

The Provincial Environment and Natural Resources Office in Oriental Mindoro assisted the task force in carrying out the raid at Zamoranos’ residence.

Protection measures tightened for tarsiers in Mt. Matutum

By ALLEN ESTABILLO, PNA

Environment personnel have limited the entry of visitors to a declared tarsier sanctuary on Mt. Matutum in South Cotabato province in a bid to protect the critical primate and its habitat.

Forester Gabriel Baute, area superintendent of the Mt. Matutum Protected Landscape (MMPL), said Thursday they stopped accommodating walk-in visitors at the sanctuary in Barangay Linan, Tupi starting this holiday season as part of their enhanced conservation and protection program.

He said the influx of visitors might disturb the tarsiers, dubbed the world’s smallest primate, and threaten their natural habitat.

Baute cited that tarsiers are nocturnal animals, normally sleeping during the day and active only during the night, like owls.

“Hence, visitors are enjoined to avoid disturbing these animals in their natural habitat or when visiting the tarsier sanctuary,” he said in a statement.

Baute said like other wildlife species, tarsiers are best left in their natural habitat rather than being captured and caged

TARSIER. The Protected Area Management Office of the Mt. Matutum Protected Landscape (PAMO-MMPL) has limited the entry of visitors to the tarsier sanctuary in Barangay Linan, Tupi town in South Cotabato province to protect the critical primate and its habitat. It prohibited the entry of walk-in visitors to the site as part of their enhanced conservation and protection measures. (Photo courtesy of PAMO-MMPL)

as pets.

Tarsiers are known to commit suicide when in captivity and exposed to stressors like camera flash, human touch, and other forms of disturbance, he said.

It is listed under “near threatened species” by the International Union for the Conservation of Nature.

In response to the move, the municipal government of Tupi has adopted a program dubbed “voluntourism,” which mainly raises awareness on the need to protect

the tarsiers and their sanctuary.

Visits to the site are currently allowed through pre-arranged schedules with the Municipal Environment and Natural Resources Office (Menro).

Rolando Visaya, Tupi Menro chief, said the program promotes the principles of volunteerism and responsible tourism.

Through the program, he said they tap visitors to help plant trees at the site and its immediate environs.

Their primary targets are individuals with high

regard and motivation for the protection and conservation of biodiversity, especially the tarsiers, he said.

“This gives our visitors the opportunity to see the tarsiers in their natural habitat and at the same time take part in protecting them,” he said.

Mt. Matutum is a known sanctuary of tarsiers, which are called “mal” by Blaan and Tboli tribal residents in the area.

The area is part of the 13,947-hectare MMPL, which covers the TARSIERS/PAGE 10

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GFAL for DepEd personnel to run until July 2020

THE Government Service Insurance System (GSIS) has extended the deadline in applying for GSIS Financial Assistance Loan (GFAL) until July 26, 2020 for employees of the Department of Education (DepEd).

“More than half of GSIS membership are DepEd personnel.

So they are given more time to take advantage of GFAL benefits until July 2020 instead of the earlier announced December 2019

deadline,” GSIS Chairman and Acting President and General Manager (APGM) Rolando Ledesma Macasaet said.

GFAL is a program that enables GSIS members to consolidate and transfer to GSIS their outstanding loan balance from lending institutions that charge high interests. GFAL’s low interest and longer payment term yields higher take-home pay for members and

protects their future retirement benefit.

Chairman Macasaet said GFAL is GSIS’s response to President Rodrigo Duterte’s call to put an end to high-interest money lending schemes that leave government workers cash-strapped and wedged deeper into debts. The loan facility was first offered to DepEd personnel on May 15, 2018, and subsequently opened to other government employees on July 29, 2019.

“We reiterate that the deadline for application for GFAL for the rest of GSIS

members is also July 26, 2020,” he said.

Under GFAL, the maximum loan amount is Php500,000, with a 6% interest rate per annum and 6-year payment term through salary deduction. If the amount of loan balance transferred to GSIS is lower than P500,000, borrowers may apply for the remaining credit as Top-Up Loan for their other needs.

GSIS pays GFAL’s proceeds directly to lenders, while Top-Up loan proceeds are released to members.

Interested GFAL applicants from DepEd must be permanent

government employees with outstanding loan from lending institutions, government banks, or cooperatives accredited or recognized by their agency; have at least three years of periods with paid premiums; and have no due and demandable loan account with GSIS. Moreover, they should not be on leave without pay at the time of application; have a take-home pay of not lower than Php5,000 after deduction of monthly obligations; and have no pending administrative case or criminal charges.

All GSIS offices are open every Saturday for GFAL transactions, including the conduct of a financial literacy seminar, which borrowers are required to attend prior to loan processing and approval.

Interested parties may visit the GSIS website (www.gsis. gov.ph) or Facebook account (@gsis.ph); email gsiscares@gsis. gov.ph; or call the GSIS Contact Center at 8847-4747, 1-8008-847-4747 (for Globe and TM subscribers), or 1-800-10-8474747 (for Smart, Sun and Talk ‘n Text subscribers).

Desy dela Cruz, an avid and very talented member of CDOTC who hails from Bukidnon, recently emerged into adulthood with the celebration of her 18th natal day last December. Aside from being gifted with talents in the arts, Desy is an outstanding student and a model youth in her community. photo by kuya jay photography as provided / hmua : erika zuce llegaria Republic of the Philippines REGIONAL TRIAL COURT OF MISAMIS ORIENTAL Office of the Clerk of Court 10th Judicial Region Cagayan de Oro City SHERIFF'S NOTICE OF SALE EJF FILE No. 2019-809 Upon extra-judicial petition for sale under Act 3135 as amended filed

by NATIONAL HOME MORTGAGE FINANCE CORPORATION (NHMFC) with principal office address at 104 Amorsolo St., Legaspi Village, Makati City, with branch office at Mezzanine Floor, Consuelo Bldg., Corrales Ave., Cagayan de Oro City against SPS. PRESCO MIJIAS ANUNCIADO & MA. SOCORRO P. ANUNCIADO, with postal address at Crossing Libona, Bukidnon or at Lot 7, Block 1, Villa Trinitas Subd., Bugo, Cagayan de Oro City to satisfy the mortgaged indebtedness which as of October 31, 2019 amounts to ONE MILLION TWO HUNDRED TWENTY EIGHT THOUSAND ONE HUNDRED FORTY THREE PESOS & 30/100 (Php 1,228,143.30) the undersigned sheriff will sell at public auction on JANUARY 14, 2020, at 10:00 o'clock in the morning to 4:00 o'clock in the afternoon or soon thereafter at the Hall of Justice, Goldridge Building, Macapagal Drive, Upper Carmen, Cagayan de Oro City, to the highest bidder, for CASH and in Philippine Currency, the herein described property thereon, to with: TCT No. T-66127

"A PARCEL OF LAND (Lot 7, Block 1, Psd-10-015679, being a portion of Lot-1-D-2-E-9, (LRC) psd-96900) situated in the Barrio of Bugo, City of Cagayan de Oro, Province of Misamis Oriental, Island of Mindanao, containing an area of One Hundred Thirty (130) square meters, more or less."

Prospective buyers/bidders may investigate for themselves the tile of the herein described property and encumbrances thereon, if any there be.

All sealed bids must be submitted to the undersigned on the above stated time and date.

In the event the auction date falls on a HOLIDAY, it shall be on the next working day without further notice and publication.

December 5, 2019, City of Cagayan de Oro.

BWM: Dec. 18, 27, 2019 & Jan. 3, 2020

MA. TERESITA QUIBLAT-INSO Sheriff IV

These are just some of the beautiful MIM models who paraded at Limketkai Center last during the yearend presentation of Models in Motion. Based in Cagayan de Oro City, MIM scouts and trains potential models, readying them for future opportunities. photos by mark francisco

Gov. Bambi: Children are the future of this country NAGTUO si Gobernador Bambi Emano nga kung giunsa pag-atiman ang atong kabataan karon, adunay maayong kaugmaon nga naghulat kanila sa unahan.

Mensahe niini ngadto sa mga ginikanan, padayong atimanon ang ilang mga anak pinaagi sa katarong ug kaligdong tungod kay sila ang bugtong paglaum sa atong nasud.

Hilabihan ka lipay ni Gobernador Emano nga nagsud-ong sa kabataan k auba n a ng i l a ng mga ginikanan atol sa Capitolsponsored Looney Tunesi n s p i r e d C h i l d r e n’s Christmas party niadtong Disyembre 23, 2019, sa h aw a n a n s a k apitolyo.

Ma l ipayon pa k i n i nga na k igdu la ug nag papicture kauban ang mga

bata nga anak ug apo sa mga empleyado sa kapitolyo.

Tinuig kini nga ginapahigayon sa gobernador dinhi sa kapitolyo aron mahatagan sa higayon ang kabataa n nga ma lingaw s a pa ma sko, papremyo ug pagkaon nga dalit sa kapitolyo.

Duga ng k a l ipay ug k a l i ngaw a n a ng m a g ic show, pa-ice cream, pacotton candy, ug pa-pop corn nga unlimited alang sa tanan. Lakip pa ang dance performances sa mascot kauba n si Jol libee, face painting ug balloon making sa nakadugang kasadya ug kalingawan.

Gipasalamatan ni Gobernador Emano a ng Hu ma n Resouce Management Off ice nga nagdumala sa nasangpit nga

kalihukan, ug mga bisita nga mitambong susama sa iyang mga pag-umangkon nga anak nila ni Konsehal Nadya Emano-Elipe ug MOISC Genera l Ma nager Prex y Elipe; Board Member Boboy Saba ug Boa rd Member Saysay Emano. Bisan ang mga miyembro sa Misamis Oriental Department Heads Associat ion (MODH A), gipasalamatan sa

gobernador sa ilang suporta sa kalamposan sa maong okasyon.

Walay laing pangandoy si Gobernador Ba mbi Emano ning panahon sa kapaskuhan mao lamang nga unta ang tanan makabaton sa malipayon, madagayaon ug malinawong pasko ug bu la ha ng bag-ong t u ig.

Susama kaniya, mao usab ang atong pag-ampo.

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FRIDAY|JANUARY 3, 2020

Revenue... from page 5

November.

The DOF has reported that domestic rice prices declined by about PHP10 per kilo compared to the 2018 level.

While the higher importation has initially hurt domestic rice farmers, the government has assured the sector that at le ast PHP10 bi l lion annually will be allocated for the s ec tor throug h the Rice Competitiveness Enhancement Fund (RCEF) to help lift palay harvest by way of low-interest loans, farm equipment, high-yield seeds, and skills training.

With the various tax measures and collection enhancement programs, the proportion of tax to gross domestic product (GPD) has improved to 14.7 percent last year from 14.2 percent in the previous year.

As of end-September this year, the tax-to-GDP ratio further rose to 15.7 percent, the highest first quarter to third-quarter level in 22 years.

Debt consolation has also resulted to drop in the debtto-GDP ratio to 41.9 percent in 2018 from a high of 74.4 percent in 2004 and this is seen to drop further on various fiscal measures.

These measures are seen to elevate the country’s credit rating not just simply to investment grade, which was first achieved in 2013, but to ‘A’ level.

This year, the country got its first-ever ‘BBB+” rating, the highest B-level rating from S&P Ratings.

The government is now preparing to graduate from the highest B-level investment grade rating to ‘A’ level through better fiscal discipline and a modern financial system.

Lambino said the government has also started targeting erring foreign workers like those involved in the Philippine Offshore Gaming Operations (POGO).

Finance Secretary Carlos Dominguez III said POGO service providers in the country are subject to income tax and value-added tax (VAT) and their workers should be properly registered.

Lambino said all these measures are being done to support the administration’s goal to increase revenues to finance its infrastructure program and bring down poverty incidence to just 14 percent by 2022.

As of 2018, the country’s p ov e r t y i n c i d e n c e h a s declined to a low of 16.6 percent.

Lambino said the latest drop of poverty incidence in the country showed that about 5.9 million Filipinos have been lifted out of poverty, near the current government’s target of 6 million by the end of its term in mid-2022.

“We need to stay on track towards achieving that ultimate goal and even surpassing it,” he added.

With these achievements, Rizal Commercial Banking Corporation (RCBC) chief

economist Michael Ricafort gave the DOF a 90 percent rating for this year.

He explained that the Finance Department has “done a great job in helping expedite various tax/fiscal reform measures in recent years.”

He said the increase in excise taxes of alcohol and tobacco products will help boost recurring sources of tax revenues. “ Fu r t h e r s t r u c t u r a l improvements in the government's recurring tax revenue collections to help narrow the budget deficit and further improve the government's overall fiscal management/performance, thereby could support further upgrades on the country's credit ratings,” he said.

The economist is hopeful that lawmakers will okay the proposed bill that targets the gradual reduction of corporate income tax rates from 30 percent to 20 percent over 10 years.

This bill along with the proposed fiscal rationalization measure “would be needed in able to provide greater certainty on investment decisions by both local and foreign locators,” he said.

Ricafort said additional sin taxes can still be approved “as local sin taxes have yet to catch up with other ASEAN/Asian countries and increase funding for the government's Universal Healthcare Program.”

He is also optimistic about the eventual approval of the real property valuation reform bill, eyed to generate additional revenues for local government units (LGUs).

Gains from these measures will also help the government compensate private property owners whose lands will be affected by the government’s infrastructure projects “in able to somewhat reduce d e l ay s i n t h e ro l l out / implementation of various infrastructure projects,” he added. (PNA)

Inflation... from page 5

settlements system.

It ensures price stability through proper management of inflation rate and external debt, allowing an efficient delivery of credit to the banks, which in turn will extend financing to their clients.

Part of this is the move to provide effective foreign exchange policies and public awareness campaigns on the role of the central bank.

On financial stability, BSP executives continue to conduct off-site surveillance and on-site examinations not just on banks but also BSP-supervised financial institutions (BSFIs), sustain approval of virtual currency (VC) exchanges, push for growth of the Personal E quit y and R et irement Account (PERA) initiatives and address issues involving financial services.

On the efficient payments and settlements system, the BSP further improved policies on electronic banking, block chain-based

remittance platforms, and digital payments.

Diokno earlier said that digital payment is now among the normal mode of p ayments, t hus, t he need to enhance internet access and mobile phone ownership not just for social connections but also on safe and convenient financing services.

On top of these programs is the financial inclusion bid targeted to increase Filipinos’ inclusion in the formal banking system for them to experience the benefit of the expanding economy.

In su m mar i z i ng t he BSP’s achievements this year, Diokno said they will continue to push for reforms that would support the domestic economy since this remains among the strongest and resilient in the world to date.

These characteristics, he said, are backed by the low inflation rate, improvement on unemployment rate to historic low of 4.5 percent, the under-employment rate, and the poverty incidence to 16.6 percent in 2018, with the latter declining by about 2 percent annually in recent years, which, he noted, is unprecedented.

“So we’re very optimistic that maybe before the end of this administration’s term poverty incidence will be somewhere around 10 percent,” he said.

Aside from these factors, the central bank chief also said that the country’s gross international reserves (GIR) continue to remain high, which amounted to USD6.4 billion as of end-November this year.

T h e c o u nt r y ’s t o t a l foreign currency reserves are equivalent to 7.5-month worth of imports of goods and services and payments of primary income. This is higher than the international standards of equivalent of 3-month worth of import and services.

“And I’m optimistic that 2020 will be even better,” he added.

Asked for his thoughts on how the BSP fared this year, Rizal Commercial Banking Corporation (RCBC) chief economist Michael Ricafort gave the central bank a rating of 90 percent.

“The BSP has done a great job in easing monetary policy, though there is still leeway for additional cut/s on policy rates to somewhat t ake away s ome of t he monetary policy tightening/ rate hikes in 2018,” he told the Philippine News Agency (PNA).

The economist said the 75 basis points cut in the BSP’s key policy rates this year “still resulted to some reduction in borrowing costs/financing costs by business es, consumers, gover nment, and ot her institutions, fundamentally due to the easing trend in inflation to 3.5-year lows.”

He explained that these cuts were boosted by the RRR reductions “that effectively infused more than PHP450 billion in additional peso

funds/liquidity into the banking system/financial system, thereby allowing banks increase their lending activities/business.”

He said the policy rate and RRR cuts allowed banks to post higher interest rate margins and increased their return on equity (ROE).

“Growth in banks' loan business would likely pick up/increase in the coming months in view of the lagged positive effects of monetary easing/lower RRR in terms of faster loan growth (could accelerate from among the slowest in 9 years), increased economic activities, faster growth in investments/ capital formation, and faster economic/GDP growth in the coming quarters,” he said.

Ricafort, meanwhile, said that decline of inflation rate to 0.8 percent last October gave the BSP additional flexibility to slash its key rates further, citing also the Federal Reserve’s decision to cut by another 25 basis points its short-term interest rates.

“A ny f u r t he r e a s i ng in monetary policy could still have supported and justified the still relatively slower local economic/GDP (gross domestic product) growth due to slower global economic growth/outlook largely brought about by the lingering US-China trade war as well as underspending by the government largely due to the 3.5-month delay in the approval in the 2019 national budget and the 45day election ban on some infrastructure/construction projects by the government,” he added.

Domestic growth posed slower growth in the first half this year on account of the delay in the approval of this year’s national budget, which was only signed into law mid-April, and the impact of the election bank on construction.

Growth, as measured by gross domestic product (GDP), slowed to 5.6 percent in the first quarter this year from quarter-ago’s 6.3 percent.

It further slowed to 5.5 percent in the following quarter but recovered in the third quarter to 6.2 percent.

Average growth as of endSeptember this year stood at 5.8 percent, lower than the adjusted 6-6.5 percent target band for this year, which was previously set between 6-7 percent. (PNA) EXTRAJUDICIAL SETTLEMENT AMONG HEIRS Notice is hereby given that the intestate estate of the late MYRNA YU-DINULOS which property described as follows: Lot No. 4-A, Psd-12-005184, covered

by Transfer Certificate of Title No. T-21,466 (a.f), containing an area of ONE THOUSAND ONE HUNDRED TWENTY TWO (1,122) Square Meters, more or less is the subject of an EXTRAJUDICIAL SETTLEMENT AMONG HEIRS under Notary Public ATTY. DOROTHEA S. BASALO per Doc. No. 412; Page No. 83; Book No. CXLI; Series of 2019.

BWM: January 3, 10 & 17, 2020

RESORTS, HOTEL & RESTAURANTS DIRECTORIES

A PUBLIC SERVICE BY:

ALGEN’S DIVE RESORT (088) 3872015 APPLE TREE RESORT & HOTEL 735411 / 754525 Fax: 754497 0917-7144040 / 0923-3269366 / 0939-9076948 BAHAY BAKASYUNAN SA CAMIGUIN (088) 3871057 / 3870131 Fax: 3870278 BASAMANGGAS RESORT 08822-760564 Fax: 760565 CAGAYAN RIVERVIEW INN 8584245 / 729039 Fax: 8584245 CASA CRYSTALLA 8561704 / 722465 Fax: 722480 CASA ISABELLA (088) 8564065

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CHALI BEACH RESORT 732840 / 8552108 Fax: 8555941 CHANANTHON BED & BREAKFAST 8568189 / 3093095 COUNTRY VILLAGE HOTEL 8583004-06 Fax: 8583006 D’BUDGETEL 8564200/726643 Fax: 8564300 DAHILAYAN FOREST PARK 8568562 to 63

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

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Hurst... from page 4

ask Jesus Christ to take full charge of your life, He’ll start working everything, including your problems and pressures, together for your good. So why not start living His way every day?

You can’t lose.

Just Think a Minute…

Arrogance... from page 4

never took cognizance of more than 1-million drug pushers and drug dependents who had surrendered and rehabilitated.

Death statistics attributed to drugs in the Philippines are a drop in the bucket compared to that in the US and its next-door neighbor Mexico. It is t herefore c r y pt i c w hy A m e r i c a n C ongress would put to task President Duterte and order him to release de Lima from detention. Was there a conspiracy in the past that the US is now unabashedly compelled to get de Lima out of the calaboose?

Banning Duterte and those perceived to be behind de Lima's incarceration partakes of a childish act. I am presently traveling across Europe and I can swear there are more places to see here than America. My wife and I are with Australian and New Zealanders and none of them has a US i t i n e r a r y. S w i t z e r l a n d for one is swarming with Chinese tourists an Aussie acquaintance quipped, " Are we in Lucerne or in China?"

So there. It's time some American politicians temper their misplaced arrogance.

Hero... from page 4

historian. In the offensive article, Retana hinted that the Rizals were ejected by the Spanish authorities from their ancestral property in Biñan for non-payment of taxes. Retana subsequently issued a public apolog y and the duel was called off. Retana and Rizal later became very good friends.

During his years in Germany, Rizal was known to frequent beerhouses. The German variety, of course, was not the seedy kind. It was more like a clubhouse of German students. Rizal frequented them not just for the beer but also to practise his German.

Because of Rizal’s close association with the painter Juan Luna, Rizal became part of two of Luna’s immortal paintings. In “Blood Compact”, a mural which is prominently displayed at the entrance of the Malacanan ceremonial hall, the forearm of one of the parties to the blood compact was supposed to have been modeled after Rizal’s. In “Parisian Life”, ( n ow d i s p l ay e d at t h e National Museum of Fine Arts) Rizal was one of three gentlemen featured at the background. The other two were the painter himself, Luna, and Ariston Bautista Lin. One of the earliest

celebrations of Rizal Day One of the earliest official public recognitions accorded to Rizal was the renaming of the District of Morong to the Province of Rizal on June 11, 1901. Subsequently, towns, streets, plazas, schools and other institutions have been named after Rizal.

Statues and busts of Rizal have been built not just in the Philippines but also in prominent foreign cities.

Exact replicas of the of the Rizal monument in Luneta may be found in Madrid and in Fujian, China.

Celebrations of Rizal Day have been observed in various communities in the years after Rizal’s execution.

Here is one celebration as described by Ignacio O. Bunye, my p ater na l grandfather. (Translated from the original Tagalog) “Residents of Alabang (Muntinlupa) were active participants in the organization called “Ikalalaya” – one of the earliest organizations which actively advocated and supported a movement to honor Rizal. In 1910, “Ikalalaya” organized a simple program commemorating the national hero. A likeness of Rizal, fashioned out of clay was paraded in the streets of Alabang on top of a baby carriage. Behind the carriage was the 9-man band of Victorino Porciunkula.

The parade ended at the house of G. Moral where a ‘salu-salo’ was hosted by Germogenes Arciaga and Salustiano Bragat.

“The following year, on the birth anniversary of Dr. Rizal, a much bigger parade which started from Sukat and ended at Tunazancillo (the whole length of Muntinlupa) was held. The occasion was graced by Lope K. Santos, Governor of Rizal, Honorio Musni and Board Member Silvestre Apacible.”

Note: You may w i sh to share the foregoing via Facebook, Twitter or LinkedIn.

Pandas... from page 6

Museum of Natural History and the North Carolina State College of Veterinary Medicine.

They used the scans to create 3-D digital models of each baby's bony interior at birth.

As a baby animal grows and develops inside t he womb, its bones and teeth do, too. The researchers examined t he degree of ossification, or how much the skeleton has formed by the time of birth. They looked at whether the teeth had started to calcif y or erupt, and the degree of fusion between the bony plates that make up the skull.

The panda may be an extreme example, but all bears have disproportionately sma ll babies, Li said. A n e w b o r n p o l a r b e a r 's birthweight as a fraction of mom's is less than 1:400, or less than one-half of one percent of her body mass.

For the vast majority of baby mammals, including

humans, the average is closer to 1:26.

One decades-old idea links low birthweights in bears to the fact that, for some species, pregnancy overlaps with winter hibernation.

Pregnant females don't eat or drink during this time, relying mostly on their fat reserves to survive, but also breaking down muscle to supply protein to the fetus.

The think ing is that, energetically, females can only afford to nourish their babies this way for so long before this tissue breakdown threatens their health. By cutting pregnancy short and giving birth to small, i mmatu re babies, bea rs would shift more of their growth to outside the womb, where babies can live off their mother's fat-rich milk instead of depleting her muscles.

Proponents of the theory concede that not all bears -including pandas -- hibernate during the winter. But the idea is that small birthweight is 'locked in' to the bear family tree, preventing nonhibernating relatives from evolving bigger babies too.

"It's certainly an appealing hypothesis," Smith said.

But t he Du ke tea m's research shows this scenario is unlikely. The researchers didn't find any significant differences in bone growth between hibernating bears and their counterparts that stay active year-round and don't fast during pregnancy.

In fact, despite being small, the researchers found that most bear skeletons are just as mature at birth as their close animal cousins.

The panda bear is the one exception to this rule, resu lts show. Even in a full-term baby panda, the bones look a lot like those of a beagle puppy delivered several weeks premature.

"That would be like a 28-week human fetus" at the beginning of the third trimester, Smith said.

O t her fac tors m ig ht have pushed panda babies toward smaller sizes over time -- some researchers blame their bamboo-only diet -- but data are scarce, Li said. The researchers say the panda bear's embryonic appearance likely has to do with a quirk of panda pregnancy.

A l l bea rs ex perience w h at 's c a l le d " d e l aye d implantation." After the egg is fertilized, the future fetus enters a state of suspended

animation, f loating in the womb for several months before implanting in the uterine wall to resume its development and get ready for birth.

But while other bears gestate for two months after implantation, giant pandas are done in a month. " T he y 're ba sic a l ly u nderc o oke d ," s a id L i, now a Ph.D. student at the University of Chicago.

The researchers say they only looked at skeletons in this study, and it could be that other organs like the brain tell a different story.

But the new study suggests that baby pandas follow the same trajectory as other mammal relatives -- their bones mature in the same sequence and at similar rates -- but on a truncated timetable.

"Development is just cut short," Smith said.

Scient ists a re st i l l searching for a complete ex pla nat ion of why t he p a n d a's p e c u l i a r s i z e differential evolved over geological time, and how.

"We really need more information about t heir ecology and reproduction in the wild," Smith said, and we may not have much time given their risk of extinction.

But this study brings them one step closer to an answer.

This research was suppor ted by a Sha red Material Instrumentation Facility Undergraduate User Program grant, the Duke Department of Biology, and the Undergraduate Research Office at Duke.

(Story Source: Materials provided by Duke University.

Original written by Robin A. Smith. Note: Content may be edited for style and length./ www.sciencedaily.com)

Tarsiers... from page 6

mu n icipa l it ies of Tupi, Tampakan, and Polomolok i n Sout h C otabato a nd Ma lungon in Sarangani province.

T he D e p a r t m e nt of Environment and Natural Resources declared parts of Barangay Linan, Tupi as a tarsier sanctuary by virtue of Proclamation 1030 signed by former president Fidel Ramos on June 23, 1997.

It declared the Philippine Tarsier (Tarsius syrichta) as specially-protected faunal species ma ndated t he establishment of appropriate sanctuaries to preserve and protect them. (PNA)

Republic of the Philippines Province of Misamis Oriental Municipality of Initao -oOoCCE-0054-2019

NOTICE OF THE PUBLIC

R.A. 10172

In compliance with the publication requirement and pursuant to OCRG Memorandum Circular No. 2013-1 Guidelines in the implementation of the Administrative order No. 1 Series of 2012 (IRR on R.A. 10172), Notice is hereby served to the public that OLIVE NEWTON M. CABRERA has filed with this office, a petition for change of first name “ ” to “ ” and correction of entry in the sex from “MALE” to “FEMALE” or correction of entry in the date of birth from “ ” to “ ” in the certificate of live birth of OLIVE NEWTON B. MARFORI at initao, Misamis, Oriental and whose parent are OLIVER B. MARFORI and LORNA N. BAGARES.

Any person adversely affected by said petition may file his written opposition with this office not later than January 9, 2020.

BWM: January 3 & 10, 2020

(SGD) ISAIAS A. JARALES Municipal Civil Registrar

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FRIDAY|JANUARY 3, 2020

Tax...

from page 1

government's share from the whole POGO sector, allocating the amount for teachers' pay hike would be possible.

“Taxing the POGOs to fund the PHP10,000 teachers’ pay hike clamor would be like ‘hitting two birds with one stone’ or solving two problems at once. I have to confer with House Ways and Means Committee chairman Representative Joey Salceda to see if this approach is doable,” Siao said.

Siao is the author of House Bill 1992 (An Act Upgrading the Minimum Salary Grade Level of Teachers from Salary Grade 11 to 19) which was consolidated into Salary Standardization Law-5.

He explained that “by labeling the PHP10,000 as allowances or add-ons to the basic pay, we avoid the complication of increasing the retirement funding which is attached to the basic pay figure. This is the silver lining in this huge challenge.” (PNA)

Justice... from page 1

"yes" and 9,735 "no" to the question whether they want their respective localities to be part of the new region that would replace the Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (ARMM).

In Marawi City alone, 58,688 voted "yes," while only 112 voted "no."

The majority of votes led to the creation of the new Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM), with Cotabato City, and some barangays in North Cotabato as new part of the territory.

But the province of Lanao del Norte refused to let go of its six towns to be part of the new BARMM. In its s eparate B OL plebiscite on February 6, the provincial office of the Commission on Elections (Comelec) said the province's 22 towns have a total of 352,518 registered voters, but only 242,667 actually cast their ballots.

Under the BOL, the six towns planned to be included in the BARMM are Balo-i, Munai, Nunungan, Pantar, Tagoloan, and Tangkal.

Anti-communism drive When President Rodrigo Duterte signed Executive Order (EO) 70, which led to the creation of the National Task Force to End Local Communist Armed Conflict (NTF-ELCAC), calls for rebels and supporters to surrender intensified throughout the year.

ELCAC has its localized versions, through the local government units, which were crucial in implementing EO 70 to the grassroots with the help of the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP).

Most of the mass surrenders happened in Bukidnon province, with raids and offensives undertaken by the military that said to expose hideouts, including alleged abuses and crimes committed by the rebels.

This also prompted the AFP, specifically the 403rd Infantr y Brigade under the 4th Infantry Division, to file charges against the Communist Party of the Philippines.

In addition, Presidential Communications Operations Of f ice S ecretar y Jose Ruperto Martin Andanar was appointed to be the officer-in-charge for the Cabinet Officers for Regional Development and Security (Cords) in Region 10.

Cords-10, under Andanar's leadership, was tasked to implement and supervise EO 70 in the region, which according to Andanar will remain unhampered.

In one of the gatherings participated by the media here on December 13, Andanar s aid t hat t he R eg iona l TF-ELCAC in Northern Mindanao tops the country for being the most active region in implementing EO 70 and yielding rebel surrenders.

These surrenders were then screened so that they will be qualified to avail of the Enhanced Comprehensive Local Integration Program (E-Clip), a government pro g r am t hat prov i des livelihood and financial aid to the former rebels and their families.

The death of Philippine Military Academy's (PMA) Cadet 4th Class Darwin Dormitorio on September 18, became a national headline.

But his story in his home city, Cagayan de Oro, gave more perspective to the cadet's family in calling for justice.

Not only Dormitorio's family but also the community of the schools he attended prior to PMA, held prayer rallies in remembrance of him. His death has caused the resurgence of the conversation and debate surrounding the Anti-Hazing Law. Eventu a l ly, susp e c t s were arrested, who were Dormitorio's upperclassmen, and PMA officials were replaced due to the incident.

Dormitorio was laid to rest in Cagayan de Oro City, while charges against the suspects are pending in the courts. (PNA)

Water...

from page 1 supply system.

Based on the agreement with the provincial government, Lopoz s aid t he agenc y wou ld a s s i s t t h e prov i n c e i n project development, implementation, monitoring and evaluation, and skills enhancement for project sustainability.

The official admitted that the issues relating to the absence of water supply in several communities in the provinces pose a hindrance to enhancing productivity and addressing poverty.

She said that MinDA would also help the local government access funds for the project.

Earlier, MinDA chair Emmanuel Piñol said the Development Bank of the Philippines would provide a P300 million loan to the province for the construction

of the project, which will benefit households in Nabunturan, Montevista and Monkayo.

He s aid t he proj e c t is par t of the recently launched Mindanao Water Supply Program that aims “to contribute to attaining peace, prosperity and poverty reduction to isolated and remote areas in Mindanao through the provision of water supply for drinking and irrigation.”

The project seeks to “contribute to the weak agricultural productivity due to the lack of access to production areas, processing centers and farm-to-market roads, including access to water supply for drinking and irrigation,” according to a MinDa briefer.

Pi ñ ol s ai d t h e y are working to improve access to clean water in Mindanao.

“The launching of the Mindanao Water Supply Program intends to address an oftentimes neglected or overlooked problem in the country – the lack of access to safe and potable water,” he said.

Piñol also said MinDA plans to put up desalinization facilities in the island communities of the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM) and Zamboanga Peninsula to bring safe and potable water to underserved communities there.

Under this new program, Piñol said the desalinization technology is one of the solutions being eyed by the government to increase people’s access to clean water, along with source development, communal water system, and household level water system.

He said the desalinization technology, which removes salt and other minerals from water, would be viable for the island-provinces of TawiTawi, Sulu and Basilan in the BARMM, and other island communities in Zamboanga Peninsula with little to no access to safe and potable drinking water.

For t he te ch nol o g y, Piñol said the government can choose from the desalinization technology offered by Israel, China or Italy.

He said another component of the program is the development of the solar-powered irrigation system for agriculture. The implementation of the MinDA Water Supply Prog ram will commence next year, which will be implemented in collaboration with local government units, according to him.

Invites... from page 2

Sup e r m ar ke t c h ai n s could also provide BARMM vegetable farmers, especially those from Lanao del Sur who have been trained by groups like “Go Negosyo”, with access to the market.

With BARMM officials led by Ebrahim and regional agriculture and fisheries minister Mohammad Yacob supporting the Halal Meat and

Poultry Production Program in the region, MinDA will also link up cattle, goat, and poultry farmers to potential buyers.

Piñol said MinDA would also link BARMM fishermen's groups to buyers of their produce.

With the productionmarketing agreements forged, MinDA will tap government financing institutions, such as the Development Bank of the Philippines and Land Bank of the Philippines, to fund the programs. (PNA)

Mobilized... from page 2

Suay baguio pushed for equipping them with k n ow l e d g e on h ow t o communicate effectively, and how to use various communication portals using the social media.

With such knowledge, he banked on women to “to improve their community,” thus, “there is no doubt that we can make our society a better place for all of us”.

However, a reverse can also be true especially when women would indulge in gossip mongering as Suaybaguio said that such act which has been noted to “create a chaotic society , kagubot ug walay pagka sinabtanay sa mga katawhan sa komunidad (disorder and misunderstanding among people is the community”.

Suaybaguio noted that even before the emergence of fake new fueled by social media, gossip mongering has already been playing h avo c i n c om mu n it i e s worldwide, “destroying family relationships, friendships and even lives”.

“That is how powerful information is. It can build a nation. It can strengthen relationship; It can make someone’s life better if used properly, but it can also destroy whatever we have established in just a snap of a finger, if used improperly,” he said.

Suaybaguio lauded the Philippine Information Agenc y for advo c at ing “Dismiss Disinformation” to curb the flagrant spread of fake news especially in social media.

Noting the event as timely, he pinned hope on those attending the forum on fake news to transform themselves into “agents of change” and make use of information for more productive endeavors, while citing the women sector as a potent force to create meaningful impact in the society.

“Dako ang among paglaum nga kining maong activity magpdayon pa kay dako ang akong pagtuo nga kini makahatag pa ug dakong kausaban ug kalambuan.

(I have high hope that this activity will continue because I believe that this can create change and development.),” he said.

Aside from discussing the adverse consequence of fake news and how to detect it, PIA Davao del Norte Information Center also made participants understand the concept of media information literacy

particularly dealing with Cyber Wellness.

The PIA has expressed desire to tie up with the women sector in protecting children and youth sector from the threats of cyber bullying, the adverse consequence of cyber dating, from falling prey of false advertisement and from the side effects of over indulgence of online games. (PIA XI/ Jeanevive Duron Abangan)

Aboitiz... from page 3

as “favorable” because APRI’s geothermal plants are in Batangas and the neighboring province of Laguna.

Juan Alejandro A. Aboitiz, AboitizPower first vicepresident for energy trading and sales, said he was pleased that Cleanergy was chosen as partner of choice of Batelec II. “It’s an honor for us to serve the growing number of customers who are pushing for a more sustainable energy source,” he said.

So far, AboitizPower and its partners has around 1,200 MW of Cleanergy capacity from its hydro, geothermal, and solar power plants that are spread nationwide to support the country’s rapidly growing demand for clean and renewable energy.

Ap ar t f rom s e r v i ng its contestable customers through its local retail electricity supply business, Batelec II also supplies electricity to its franchise area of more than 300,000 households across 15 municipalities and two cities in Batangas.

Ventures... from page 3

SotoGrande Hotel Suites is a “perfect home option for vacationers and visitors who want to have access to quality and comfortable accommodations at a practical rate,” Mr. Robles said.

SotoGrande Hotel Suites is five minutes away from the Davao International Airport, and within walking distance of the Davao Crocodile Park, the Butterfly House and the Tribu K’ Mindanawan Cultural Village.

Also within the Davao Riverfront City Complex are the Rancho Palos Verdes Sports and Country Club and

St. Paul College of Davao.

Tourist destinations like the Eden Nature Park, Jack’s Ridge, GAP Farm and Zip City are also easily accessible.

“We’ve always believed in the need to provide guests the best experience whether their in our hotels for business or pure leisure. This is why every time we build our SotoGrande hotels, we make it a point to design and configure it with the comfort, safety and convenience of our guests in mind. This latest addition to our growing SotoGrande Hotel brand also serves as a testament to our commitment to help promote and further grow the country’s tourism industry,” Mr. Robles said.

SotoGrande Hotel Suites’ amenities include lap and kiddie pool, a jacuzzi area, poolside bar, spa, veranda or viewing deck, and gym among others.

Hotel guests can also access the Rancho Palos Verdes Sports and Country Club, considered the first fully-equipped sports and recreational hub in the city.

It has an indoor basketball court, indoor tennis court, indoor badminton court, bowling alley, billiard hall, f ine dining rest aurant, swimming pool and gym.

“Sta. Lucia Land will remain committed to its promise of delivering only the best developments that individuals could enjoy and find value from… Our commitment doesn’t end with just building houses and communities as we will also help contribute in the evolving and growing tourism industry through our hotel and condotel offerings,” Mr. Robles said.

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IN-DEPTH

Friday|January 3, 2020

Applying for business name?

DTI offers online early registration in just 3 easy steps

O

NCE again, Department of Trade and Industry reminds all new and existing business establishments to check the validity of their business name registrations before applying or renewing for mayor’s permit comes January to avoid experiencing any hassle or penalties.

To avoid long queues, applicants can register or renew their business name in the convenience of their homes using their mobile phones in just 3 easy steps.

Sole proprietors can simply log on to the Business Name Registration System’s (BNRS) website at bnrs.dti.gov. ph and follow the steps: (1) apply for new/renewal; (2) pay online; and (3)

download the certificate of registration.

The online platform is part of the agency’s efforts to provide business establishments the ease of doing business.

Business names that are renewed within 90 days after expiration will make additional payment of 50% of the scope’s amount as penalty.

On the other hand, business name application or renewal processed in any Negosyo Center or DTI office will only take around 15 to 30 minutes to be processed. The certificate is valid for 5 years.

Applicants both new and for renewal only need to comply three requirements: (1) duly-accomplished business name registration form; (2)

FEATURE

one (1) valid and active governmentissued ID with applicant’s full name, signature and photograph; and (3) registration fee.

The registration fee depends on the scope of the business applied: P200 for barangay level; P500 for city or municipal level; P1,000 for regional level; and P2,000 for national level.

All business registration fee must also include a P30 documentary stamp.

For individuals who are requested to file a business name in behalf of the business owner, the following are required: (1) filled-out application form signed by the owner; (2) authorization letter signed by the owner; and (3) original valid IDs of the owner and representative.

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