BusinessWeek Mindanao (January 5-6, 2022)

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Briefly Bukidnon hydro TAN-led Philippine National Bank (PNB) has extended P2.4 billion loan to bankroll the construction of the proposed 12-megawatt Mangima runof-river hydropower project to be sited in Manolo Fortich in Bukidnon province.

The omnibus loan and security agreement was signed this December between project developer Mangima Hydro Power Corporation (MHPC) and lender-bank PNB. Signing the loan deal were PNB President Wick Veloso and PNB Executive Vice President Cenon Audencial Jr. and MPHC Chairman Nicandro Linao, who is also the head of Sta Clara International Corporation (SCIC) that has been engaged as engineering, procurement and construction (EPC) contractor for the hydro project.

The hydropower project has an annual electricity generation of 64.12 gigawatt hours. It is targeted to be on commercial stream by year 2024.

Davao quary THE Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) said it apprehended 14 illegal miners in Barangay Waan, Davao City on Dec. 11.

In a statement on Monday, the DENR said the operation was carried out by its Environmental Law Enforcement and Protection Service (ELEPS), which seized unlicensed equipment apart from arresting the persons engaged in unauthorized quarrying.

Environment Secretary Roy A. Cimatu said the operation was designed to “deter potential culprits and discourage them from violating existing environmental laws.”

Ready for another surge DAVAO City – Mayor Sara Duterte disclosed Monday the city government is continuously preparing for the possible surge of coronavirus disease 2019 (Covid-19) cases after the holiday season.

In her weekly radio program, she said the surge is expected either on the third or fourth week of this month.

"Our cases did not increase and decrease. Our preparation for the upcoming surge and we will use the same strategy prevention, detection, isolation, treatment, reintegration, and the management of the dead," Duterte said.

We strive for Excellence!

Philippine Press Institute Civic Journalism Community Press awardee for the following: 2013 Best in Business and Economic Reporting 2014 Best in Environmental Reporting 2017 Best in Business and Economic Reporting 2018 Best in Business and Economic Reporting

IN-DEPTH

Wed-Thu|January 5-6, 2022

P15.00

Bangsamoro's spending power up 5.6% in 2022 Thank you for trusting us!

By BONG S. SARMIENTO MindaNews

G

PATH OF DESTRUCTION. Houses along the coast of Burgos town in Siargao Island were wiped out by the wrath of Typhoon Odette in this photo taken on Monday, 3 January 2022. Odette made landfall in Siargao on 16 December 2021. mindanews photo by roel catoto

Loan for Davao-Samal bridge still under negotiation

By ANTONIO L. COLINA, MindaNews

DAVAO City – Six months before the end of President R o d r i g o R . D u t e r t e’s six-year term, the loan agreement for the multibillion 3.98-kilometer Davao City-Samal Island Bridge remains on the negotiating stage between the Philippine and Chinese governments.

Mayor Al David Uy, of Island Garden City of Samal (IGACOS), said during “Kasikas sa Probinsya” over Davao City Disaster Radio (DCDR 87.5) on Thursday

that in his recent meeting with Chinese Consul Li Lin, he was told that the negotiation for the P19.321-billion loan is ongoing between the Philippines’ Department of Finance (DOF) and its Chinese counterpart.

“According to him, the loan is already at the level of this agency – the financial arm – of the Chinese government.

The loan is under negotiation between DOF and the Chinese Government,” he said.

He said the Chinese consul

ENERAL Santos City – The Bangsamoro Autonomous Region i n Mu s l i m M i n d a n a o (BARMM) has approved a bigger budget of P79.86 billion for 2022, up 5.6 percent from its P75.6 billion spending power in 2021.

Bangsamoro interim Chief Minister Ahod Ebrahim certified as urgent the 2022 Bangsamoro Expenditure Program, which the Members of Parliament (MP) approved last week.

Data from the Bangsamoro Transition Authority’s (BTA) Legislative Technical Affairs and Information Services showed that the biggest slice of the budget was allocated for POWER/PAGE 7

general hopes to provide details on the result of the loan negotiation between the two countries next month.

Despite the delay, Uy said he is hopeful the construction will start before Duterte steps down in June next year.

He said the Chinese contractor will start the construction once the loan agreement is approved.

“They are awaiting the notice to proceed. Once it’s there, they are expected to mobilize, bringing in barges and cranes for the operation,” LOAN/PAGE 7

2021: Renewed hope towards 'steady' tourism recovery

By JOYCE ANN L. ROCAMORA, PNA

THE annual tourism revenue in 2020 is no doubt higher than the receipts generated this year since tourists were still able to enter the country from January to mid-March last year before the lockdown was imposed.

But i f you c omp are the figures from April to September of both years covering the pandemic period, the tourism industry this 2021 is seeing a renewed hop e towards a ste ady recovery path.

Data from the Department of Tourism (DOT) showed that tourism receipts from

April to September 2021 reached P3.1 billion, up by 91.6 percent from P1.6 billion generated in the same period last year.

"The current tourism scenario is looking generally optimistic as we end 2021. As Alert Levels have gone down, local travel requirements were also eased. Many of our destinations now accept local tourists who are fully vaccinated, with no need to present a negative RTPCR test," Tourism Secretary Bernadette Romulo-Puyat told the Philippine News RECOVERY/PAGE 7

DESPERATE FOR HELP. Residents of Burgos town in Siargao Island gather around a truck carrying drinking water from generous donors. mindanews photo by roel catoto

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58IB supports 'Bangon VisMin donation' drive C LAVERIA, Misamis Oriental--The 58th Infantry Dimalulupig Battalion together with its partner stakeholders, and family members took part in the Bangon VisMin Typhoon Odette donation drive at Sitio Puyawon, Barangay Mahanob, Gigaquit, Surigao Del Norte, December 26.

Spearheaded by the Regional Task Force to End Local Communist Armed Conflict (RTF-ELCAC)-10 in partnership with the 4th Infantry “Diamond” Division (4ID) and the people of Northern Mindanao, which aims to help the victims, and some targeted Indigenous Communities in the affected areas such as the Mamanoa Tribe of Sitio Puyawon, who were victims of Typhoon Odette.

The donation drive opted to reach out to the victims and share bundles of joy by distributing food packs, gallons of water, personal hygiene kits, and slightly used clothing.

Donors from private companies and clubs from Cagayan de Oro City and Manila such as GIG Security Agency, Ford Ranger Club Philippines, MUD CRABS, and Mumbaki Trucking Services, among others took part in the distribution of food packs to 67 households and handed over other items to Mabalao Gerry Kalinawan, the Chieftain of the Mamanoa Tribe.

“Through the spirit of giving, we are able to bring hope and happiness to the IP community of the Mamanoa Tribe despite the calamity they have been through; and my deepest gratitude to the private individuals, family members, and club members who voluntarily contributed to make this activity possible may you be rewarded with blessings, may this simple act mean something to them and inspire them to keep going and persevering. ‘There’s always a rainbow after the rain,'” said 58th IB Commanding Officer Ricky L Canatoy. (58th IB/PIA Misamis Oriental)

Bayanihan Spirit. Spearheaded by the Regional Task Force to End Local Communist Armed Conflict (RTF-ELCAC)-10 in partnership with the 4th Infantry “Diamond” Division (4ID) and the people of Northern Mindanao, which aims to help the victims, and some targeted Indigenous Communities in the affected areas. (58IB)

Teaching Diverse Learners in the Classroom SITTI WADZNA H. SENTILLAS, Master Teacher-I Kibungsod Central School, Magsaysay, Misamis Oriental

Teaching is not merely instructing students what you want them to know based on the learning competencies given in a certain subject. It also means extending effort to provide the learners the best instruction possible to make learning simple and easy for them to understand. However, it is a fact that learners are not the same though they might be the same IQ level but they might be different in their way of learning, like being an auditory learner, visual or kinesthetic kind of learner.

Hence, the teachers must make an effort to do some differentiated instruction which refers to a systematic approach to planning curriculum and instruction for academically diverse learners. It is a way of thinking where in teachers

need to consider these dual goals: (1) honoring each student’s learning needs and (2) maximizing each student’s learning capacity (Tomlinson, C. 2003). Here, the teachers strategize various methods according to what the students required to learn, how they will learn it and on how they will express what they have learned.

In this manner, it increases the likelihood that every student will acquire the knowledge and skills as much as he/she can be competent as possible.

Moreover, Differentiation involves knowing the learners according to what they are capable of, then the teachers must assess them based on what they have learned already.

To assure that this approach is effective, the teachers should create an effective climate

for learning. In addition, differentiation technique is not making hard lessons become easy. It does not mean that one strategy is adaptable to all for it is not ‘one size fits all’. Absolutely, it does not also mean that it is the students’ sole responsibility to connect the lesson because teachers are expected to simplify complex topics for the learners to comprehend and absorb new information. This teaching strategy is said to be beneficial because it provides students different avenues to obtain content; it processes and constructs ideas; it also develops teaching materials and measures students’ learning capacity. Through this scheme, all learners can still learn effectively despite their diverse personalities and abilities.

Considering that differentiated learning approach is guided by the principle that kids in school really differ in their experiences, readiness, interests, intelligences, language, culture, gender, and modes of learning. Therefore, educators should contemplate the students’ individual differences. The teachers must meet the leaners’ starting point and ensure substantial growth during each school term. They must also give diagnostic test and assess the result which can be utilized in teaching. After measuring their potentials, modification of instruction is needed and they should not assume that learners can modify it by themselves in order to fit in the existing curriculum.

Indeed, teachers play a vital role in educating the youth.

They should keep in mind that human brains learn best when curriculum is highly interesting and relevant.

Their creativity, flexibility and resourcefulness reveal the significance of versatile teaching. Thus, teachers as prime movers of progress really make a difference in the teaching-learning process.

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Partido Reporma:

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Ping will not back down

Developing Infra in Brgy Malanang. Barangay Malanang, Opol, Punong Barangay Nilda Zafra (right) shares during the CORDS-X podcast with Communications Secretary Martin Andanar (left) that they have already finished establishing the first phase of their water system and are now preparing for its next phase in Upper Malanang while also simultaneously working on its twice a week waste management collection. (CORDS-X)

Brgy Malanang fast tracks infra projects, vax drive OPOL, Misamis Oriental-In line with the Duterte administration’s Build Build Build initiative, Barangay Malanang now fast tracks its infra projects as it develops its waste management and water system in its communities despite the disruption of the coronavirus disease (COVID)-19 pandemic.

“Adunay na kita’y initial nga gibuhat pinaagi sa atoang community infrastructure chairman sa lungsod sa Opol, nga nag-initiate gyud sila nga muabot ang tubig diri sa Barangay Malanang,” Barangay Malanang, Opol,

Punong Barangay Nilda Zafra shared during the CORDS-X podcast with Communications Secretary Martin Andanar.

(We already have initially done projects by our community infrastructure chairman in the town of Opol, who is really taking the initiative to get water here in Barangay Malanang) Zafra said they have already finished establishing the first phase of their water system in the lower area of their barangay and are now preparing for its next PROJECTS/PAGE 6

P

ARTIDO Reporma believes that Senator Panfilo “Ping” Lacson shouldn’t withdraw his candidacy for President, despite being behind in most surveys conducted ahead of the official campaign season for the 2022 national elections.

In a statement released on Wednesday, Partido Reporma's Arnel Ty added that the party disagrees with the views of some who say that Lacson should give way

to another candidate in a bid to unite the so-called opposition.

This, he said, is simply against the principles Sen. Lacson has stood for throughout his 50year career in public service – with proven, measurable results as a soldier, police officer, government executive and senator.

“These persons conveniently forget that their chosen leader abandoned the party the

candidate had belonged to – which, mind you, had supported that candidate for years on end – to run as an independent and form a coalition based on a color different from their old party,” said Ty. Partido Reporma stressed that this said candidate was the one who initially presented Lacson with a plan to “unify” the opposition but would then not allow their chairman to fulfill the commitments he had already made to his supporters and followers.

Lacson was the very first candidate to declare his bid for Presidency.

Ty added that this other presidential bet is also painting a different picture of how their unity talks broke down “on the pretense that the candidate did not want to see votes ‘wasted’ for the ‘opposition’… showing that it was merely a ploy to gain more power for the candidate’s own ends.”

Instead of sending innuendoes through the media, Partido Reporma challenged not just the

said presidential bet, but all candidates vying for local and national seats to stand on their principles and earn the vote of the Filipino people on May 9, 2022 Lacson has been very vocal about raising the “level of discourse” for the upcoming elections to educate voters on real issues and solutions instead of engaging in entertainment and gutter politics.

The lawmaker has repeatedly refused to talk ill of fellow candidates and instead focused on principled discussions with the public and private sectors alike through Partido Reporma’s “Online Kumustahan,” a series of hybrid dialogues that they have been holding across the country.

“We believe our countrymen resonate with Partido Reporma’s advocacy for reform in government and society -- and will show this has merit by electing Panfilo “Ping” Lacson as the country’s next President,” Ty concluded.

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Opinion

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Chance or choice Think a minute… There was a man who owned the only hair salon in his little town. He cut and styled the hair of almost everybody, so his small business was very successful. Then one day a big modern hair salon moved to town right across the street from his little shop. This new, big salon advertised in the newspapers and posted signs everywhere that read: “$6 haircuts! Everything for ONLY $6!”

Soon almost all of his customers began going to the new salon across the street for $6 haircuts. He knew he could never afford to beat this big salon’s price of only $6. But then he thought of a way to turn things around and win his customers back.

He put up a big sign in front of his hair salon which read: “We FIX $6 haircuts!”

We all face challenges and tough times, but it is those of us who manage our difficulties positively and wisely who end up succeeding in life. It’s not luck that controls your life! It’s your own choices that make you and your family happy, successful

THINK A MINUTE

WED-THU|JANUARY 5-6, 2022

Let's Protest Against Open-Pit Mining

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VICENTE C. DELA VICTORIA Vice President for Operations JOE FELICILDA Vice President for Administration

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ORLAN R. RAVANERA The late DENR Secretary Gina Lopez was absolutely correct when during her stint as Secretary, she courageously stopped without fear or favor the digging or drilling and blasting to remove resource or ore/minerals aptly called open-pit mining. As a passionate environmentalist sui generis, open pit mining operations must be stopped with urgent sense of urgency.

Then Sec. Lopez understood ver y well that open-pit mining was the number one culprit on why our fishery and marine resources were rapidly vanishing. The massive digging or drilling and blasting in the uplands through open pit mining had caused thousands if not billions of tons of soil to be carried by the rivers to the sea which had destroyed sea life. Of the 13 major bays in the country, 10 are already biologically dead; of the 25 major rivers, 15 are already dried-up or silted. Seventyfive per cent of our mangroves, the spawning ground of fish, are already totally destroyed and only 5% is in excellent condition. Gone are our corral reefs, the finest on earth.

It is quite a pity that while the Philippine Archipelago has been described before by the President of the UN-FAO, Dr. Kent Carpenter, as “the Center of the center of marine life on earth,” but such wealth had vanished in a “wink of an eye.” Let us reflect for a

while what happened. It was then the period of Martial Law when Japanese trawlers were massively raking our seas called “Muro-Ami,” then processed and canned the fishes caught and sold to us.

After Martial Law period, our archipelago, too vast to guard by our Naval Force, became a “dumping ground” of toxic wastes by advanced countries like Canada, Australia and South Korea. Despite these horrendous death blows to our archipelago, what remains of our marine life is being taken advantaged by China as the West Philippine Sea is now the subject of massive raking by well-guarded Chinese vessels, in gross violation of our sovereignty, as stated in the United Nations’ Arbitral Ruling.

The Philippines is an archipelago of some 7,100 islands, oozing before with fishery and marine resources that were only found in our country. Our land resources are even richer with billions of megadiversity living in the 17 million hectares of dipterocarp forest. Don’t you know that in one ecosystem alone, i.e., 5,000-ha. Mt. Kitanglad, the number of flora and fauna is far greater in number compared to those found in one-billion ha. in North America? But that was before we have lost our forest ecosystem to the unscrupulous powerful loggers who have massively and illegally logged the finest of trees in the world by forming a strong cabal of vested interest. Indeed, we have lost our marine life, our megadiversity and our minerals through open-pit mining to the detriment of our ecological people, i.e., the fishing communities, the peasantry, the Indigenous Peoples, as our country has supplied the timber-needs,

the mineral-needs, the consumerist needs of the people in advanced countries following an extractive economy. Are you still wondering why there is so much poverty in a blessed land oozing with ecological resources?

Well, the final death blow to our fishery and marine life will happen if we allow open-pit mining as already banned by then Sec. Gina Lopez during her term. As legally defined, open-pit mining is “an open-cast or open cut mining and in larger context megamining, a surface mining technique of extracting rock or minerals from the earth from an open air-pit known as borrow.” Knowing that alone will already give us a concrete picture on the massive destruction of our mount ains w hich were once the forest ecosystem in an archipelago oozing with marine life. Subjecting these denuded mountains to open-pit-mining means no way can we regain back our ecological integrity. Thus, after the massive devastation and exploitation of the wealth above the ground, i.e., dipterocarp forests, agricultural lands through conventional agriculture which massively is using toxic chemicals in the 200,000-ha. plantations in Mindanao that have already polluted the watersheds, the focus now is how to extract ecological wealth under the ground, i.e., gold, ores, minerals, etc. through open-pit mining.

For what? To supply the mineral needs of the people in advanced and powerful countries? Well, I will not be surprised.

In 2015, as presiding officer of “Task Force Kinaiyahan” in pursuance of the “Writ of Kalikasan” issued by the

Court of Appeals in 2013 to stop illegal logging and illegal mining operation in Northern Mindanao, we were so aghast during our operation against illegal mining in the uplands of Cagayan de Oro to see in the campsite of illegal miners, AK-47, Armalites and grenades. The law enforcers, the core group of Task Force Kinaiyahan, who were with us, arrested three Chinese citizens who were only tourist-visa holders, doing open-pit mining operations in the uplands of Cagayan de Oro. It was a shock to us to know that those benefitting from our minerals through open-pit mining are not the Filipinos but Chinese. Where are these captured Chinese now? Well, we were told that they were just detained for a week. They were released a week after, allowed to go back to China and escorted by an el e c te d of f i c i a l !

ENOUGH IS ENOUGH OF OPEN-PIT MINING! ENOUGH IS ENOUGH OF OUR SUBSERIVIENT TO FOREIGN INTEREST! If we allow the continuing exploitation of our natural resources at a time when our country has already lost its ecological integrity and security, perhaps there is truth to the saying that the Philippines is indeed “a nation of coward people!” Let Typhoon Odette serve notice to one and all when some three hundred thousand families were rendered homeless and now hungry, let us now stop the pains of GAIA (Mother Earth) by stopping open-pit mining, the banning of which was lifted recently, much to the disappointment of our environmental hero who have already leaped to the Great Beyond who in her lifetime had exemplified oneness with all of God’s creation which is indeed true love.

The Lord's Epiphany and us

JHAN TIAFAU HURST and peaceful. Remember: “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.” So “When the stormy sea is raging, it is no time to jump ship.”

Difficult situations can actually make us a better, deeper person—just like the opposing wind makes the tree grow stronger, deeper roots. As one guy said after he went through a hard and painful time: “I learned lessons I didn’t know I needed to learn.” To his benefit, he chose to have CHANCE/PAGE 6

WITH the celebration of the Solemnity of the Epiphany of Christ, we are actually left with an invitation that can very well be a big challenge for us who profess to believe in Christ. This is none other than the duty to show or reveal Christ, as he is, to others.

Ep i p h a ny m e a n s t o manifest or to reveal. It’s Christ revealing himself as he is in all his Christological and soteriological nature to the whole world. Making use of the visit of the three kings to the child Jesus, Epiphany is the feast that reminds us that Christ is not only for the Jews but also for everyone, not only for a few but also for all.

It’s a feast that reminds us that Christ is the Son of God, the second person of the Blessed Trinity who became man for our salvation. He is actually everything to us. He is the way, the truth and the very life for us. He is the very pattern of our humanity. How

we ought to be is defined for us by him.

So, this is the big challenge.

How can we present Christ to others as he is with our presence, words and deeds?

A tall order, indeed!

This Solemnity reminds us that we, Christian believers, should imitate the three magi in undertaking a search for Christ in the world, guided by the star of our faith.

Like the magi, we too should also make our search for Jesus amid the many confusing and even hostile elements of the world. Let’s proceed with our daily adventure of looking for Christ in all corners of the world, in all moments of the day and in all circumstances of our life. Let’s not be afraid.

God never abandons us and will guide us in his own mysterious ways. Let’s just be game.

Like the magi, we too should bring our precious gifts which in the end are not just a matter of things,

no matter how valuable they are, but rather of giving our whole life, our whole mind and heart, our whole selves to him.

We can be sure that whatever generosity we show Christ will always pale in comparison to the generosity he will shower on us. Let’s not be sparing in making that deal.

Let’s learn to undertake this lifelong adventure of looking for Christ, training ourselves to see him in everything and in everyone, and in all the situations and circumstances of our life, whether they be good or bad according to our human standards.

Let’s keep ourselves from straying from this path that is proper for us. Let nothing or no one lead us astray. We are actually sufficiently guided and protected. Things would just depend on us, whether we correspond to God’s will and ways or not.

E v e r y d a y, w e c a n

HINTS AND TRACES

ROY CIMAGALA make some kind of plan, something doable and not just theoretical, that would help us concretely and effectively in looking for Christ. In this, let us try to assume the attitude once described by St. Paul: “Forgetting what lies behind and straining forward to what lies ahead, I press on toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus.” (Phil 3,13) Yes, indeed, we have to have the mind of an athlete in looking for Christ. We should not be complacent in this duty.

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REPUBLIC OF THE PHILIPPINES Regional Trial Court 12TH JUDICIAL REGION BRANCH 07 Tubod, Lanao del Norte

IN RE: PETITION FOR CANCELLATION OF LEGITIMATION OF MINOR HEZEL ANN NARVASA BACO WITH REGISTRY NO. 2018-85 SPECIAL PROC. NO. 343-07-2019 DULY REGISTERED AT THE LOCAL CIVIL REGISTRAR OF TUBOD, LANAO DEL NORTE, REPRESENTED BY HER MOTHER AZINATE NARVASA BACO. For: AZINATE NARVASA BACO, Cancellation of Legitimation and Cancellation Petitioner, of the Second Birth Certificate -versusARTHEZEL ARCILLA BACO, Private Respondent.

THE LOCAL CIVIL REGISTRAR OF TUBOD, LANAO DEL NORTE; AND THE ADMINISTRATOR AND CIVIL REGISTRAR GENERAL, PHILIPPINE STATISTICS AUTHORITY (PSA), East Avenue, Quezon City, Metro Manila,

Public Respondents X----------------------------------------------------------X AMENDED PETITION

COMES NOW the Petitioner, through the PUBLIC ATTORNEY’S OFFICE and by the undersigned counsel, unto this Honorable Court, most respectfully states, that: NATURE OF THE CASE 1. This petition seeks to cancel the Legitimation with Registry No. 2018-85 and the Second Birth Certificate of the minor HEZEL ANN NARVASA BACO (hereinafter referred as “minor Hezel Ann” for brevity) with Registry No. 2008-1061 duly registered at the Local Civil Registrar of Tubod, Lanao del Norte pursuant to Rule 108 of the Rules of Court. The fact of legitimation is shown in the LCR Form No. 1A and in the Certificate of Live Birth of minor Hezel Ann being annotated thereat. Copies of which are enclosed herein as EXHIBITS “A” and “B”, respectively; PARTIES 2. The petitioner is the mother of the minor HEZEL ANN NARVASA BACO. She is a Filipino Citizen, married to the private respondent ARTHEZEL A. BACO, and a resident of Purok 1, Barangay Tibanga, Iligan City, where summons and other processes of the Honorable Court may be served; 3. The private respondent ARTHEZEL A. BACO is the father of the minor HEZEL ANN NARVASA BACO. He is a Filipino citizen, married to the petitioner AZINATE NARVASA BACO and a resident of Purok 1, Barangay Tibanga, Iligan City, where summons and other processes of this Honorable Court; 4. The public respondents are public officials tasked to make and keep records of (1) Births; (2) marriages; (3) deaths; (4) legal separations; (5) annulments of marriage; (6) judgments declaring marriages void from the beginning; (7) Legitimations; and others (See Art. 408, Civil Code of the Philippines) for the Municipality of Tubod, Lanao del Norte, and for the country, as for the Respondent Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA); 5. The said public respondents may be served with summons and other processes of the Honorable Court in the following addresses: Local Civil Registrar of Tubod at the Municipal Hall, Poblacion, Tubod, Lanao del Norte, while the Administrator and Civil Registrar General at the Philippine Statistics Authority, East Avenue, Quezon City, Manila; STATEMENT OF FACTS 6. The petitioner’s daughter named HEZEL ANN NARVASA BACO was born on March 23, 2007 at Cangomantong, Lazi, Siquijor. Her birth was duly reported and recorded in the Office of the Local Civil Registrar of Lazi, Siquijor on April 18, 2007 with Registry No. 2007-110 without the knowledge of petitioner. At the time when minor Hezel Ann was born, the latter’s parents were not yet married. Attached and made as an integral part of this Petition are copies of the Certificate of Birth issued by the Local Civil Registrar of Lazi, Siquijor as EXHIBIT “C” and the copy issued by the Philippine Statistics Authority as EXHIBIT “D”; 7. On February 13, 2008, the petitioner and the private respondent got married before the Office of the Municipal Mayor of Kolambugan, Lanao del Norte. Attached and made as an integral part of this Petition is their Marriage Certificate as EXHIBIT “E”; 8. Thereafter, on August 15, 2008, the petitioner, without any knowledge of the prior registration of the certificate of live birth of her daughter in Siquijor, decided to have the facts of birth of her daughter Hezel Ann recorded as “Late Registration” before the Office of the Local Civil Registrar of Tubod, Lanao del Norte. Accordingly, the same was record thereat. A copy of the PSA Certificate of Live Birth of minor Hezel Ann under Registry No. 2008-1061 is hereto attached and marked as EXHIBIT “F”; 9. On July 18, 2018, the petitioner submitted before the Office of the Local Civil Registrar of Tubod, Lanao del Norte a Joint Affidavit of Legitimation to elevate the status of the child from illegitimate to legitimated child pursuant to their subsequent marriage with Arthezel Baco which was celebrated after the birth of the minor Hezel Ann. The said fact of legitimation was then duly registered with the LCR of Tubod, Lanao del Norte with Registry No. 2018-85. A copy of the Joint Affidavit of Legitimation is hereto attached and marked as EXHIBIT “G”; 10. Sometime in August 2018, the Office of the Local Civil Registrar of Tubod, Lanao del Norte called the attention of the herein petitioner informing her to report to the Office of the Local Civil Registrar of Tubod and when she was already in the Office, she was furnished with a Feed Back Form (attached and marked as EXHIBIT “H”) issued by the PSA (Philippine Statistics Authority). In the said Feedback Form, the petitioner was advised to file a Petition for cancellation of the registration of legitimation in the second registered Certificate of Live Birth (See EXHIBIT “F”) of minor Hezel Ann, and once the document has been cancelled, the parents will submit a new Joint Affidavit of Legitimation for annotation using the timely registered Certificate of Live Birth of the minor HEZEL ANN NARVASA BACO at Lazi, Siquijor; 11. However, there is a need to not only cancel the registration of the legitimation of the minor Hezel Ann in her Second Certificate of Live Birth but also to cancel altogether the Second Certificate of Live Birth registered before the LCR of Tubod, Lanao del Norte as there are currently two existing birth certificates of the minor Hezel Ann (the first is registered before the LCR of Lazi, Siquijor, and the second is registered before the LCR of Tubod, Lanao del Norte). Therafter, in order for the minor Hezel Ann’s status to be elevated from Illegitimate Child to Legitimated Child, an Affidavit of Legitimation shall be filed at the LCR of Lazi, Siquijor, after the cancellation of her second birth certificate duly registered with the LCR of Tubod, Lanao del Norte; 12. Hence, this petition filed by the herein petitioner praying that the legitimation of the minor Hezel Ann and her second birth certificate duly registered with the LCR of Tubod, Lanao del Norte be altogether cancelled; 13. That this petition is made in absolute good faith and without any intention of defrauding any person or entity but solely for the purpose of correcting the record of birth of the minor Hezel Ann to conform to the true and correct status of birth of the minor as well as the marital status of her parents.

Projects... from page 3

phase in Upper Malanang while also simultaneously working on its twice a week waste management collection with the support of the provincial government unit of the province.

COVID-19 vaccination drive F u r t h e r, B a r a n g a y Malanang also bolstered its vaccination drive for the attainment of herd immunity through its recorida and intensified information campaign against the proliferation of fake news.

“As of now, mostly ang akong constituents diri sa Barangay Malanang, nagpavaccine na gyud sila tungod kay required na sa atoang komunidad or sa atoa nga magpa-vaccine sila tanan.

Maihap nalang gyud ang wala magpa-vaccine,” Zafra shared.

(As of now, most of our constituents here in barangay Malanang are already vaccinated because

our community has made it a requirement to vaccinate them all. Only a remaining

The widening learning gap

By GLORIA B. SAYSON Secondary School Teacher III Ozamiz City National High School

AS students return to cl assro oms, s ome are catching up on unfinished learning but others are falling further behind, widening pre-pandemic gaps. Our analysis finds that students remain behind in both math and reading.

What’s more, gains made since the beginning of the school year are uneven.

While some students are making up lost ground, others are stagnating.

Similarly, concerns around student mental health have lessened somewhat since the spring but they remain higher than before the pandemic.

Furthermore, we aren’t even out of the woods yet.

Disruptions to learning are not over and student attendance rates lag

significantly behind prepandemic levels. Varying access to support programs can be another reason why some students seem to be bouncing back more quickly than others.

Hi g h - i n c om e p are nt s are 21 percentage points more likely to report their child has participated in a program to support either academic or mental health recovery including tutoring, summer school, after-school programs and counseling and mentoring.

If current trends persist, students from high income families can recover unfinished learning by the end of the school year.

Historically disadvantaged students meanwhile can remain up to a grade level behind their peers.

few are not vaccinated).

(VPSB/PIA-10/Mis amis Oriental)

Chance... from page 4

a humble, teachable heart willing to learn those lessons. Remember, the same heat that melts b u t t e r h a r d e n s c l a y.

T h e d i f fe re n c e i s t h e i r response.

How do you respond?

How do you handle the heat of problems, pressures and pain in your life? No matter which way the ball b ou n c e s , it’s s t i l l y ou r game—if you choose to stay in the game. Today, if you will ask Jesus to take full charge of your h e a r t a n d l i f e , He c a n start working everything, including your difficulties and disappointments, together for your good and lasting happiness. Won’t you choose to start living His way every day? You’ve got nothing to lose and absolutely ever ything to gain! Just think a minute.

PRAYER

Adapting to the New NormalSupporting Learners

WHEREFORE, premises considered, it is most respectfully prayed of this Honorable Court, that after due notice, publication and hearing, judgment shall issue, by ordering the LCR of Tubod, Lanao del Norte and the PSA, to:

LESLEY G. GAMUTIN Teacher 1, Bugo Central School

1. CANCEL the Legitimation of the minor HEZEL ANN NARVASA BACO which is duly registered at the Local Civil Registrar of Tubod, Lanao del Norte with Registry No. 2018-85; 2. CANCEL the Second Certificate of Live Birth of the minor HEZEL ANN NARVASA BACO which is duly registered at the Local Civil Registrar of Tubod, Lanao del Norte with Registry No. 2008-1061; 3. FURNISH a copy of the Order of Cancellation of Legitimation with Registry No. 2018-85 and cancellation of the Second Certificate of Live Birth of the minor HEZEL ANN NARVASA BACO which is duly registered at the Local Civil Registrar of Tubod, Lanao del Norte with Registry No. 2008-1061 to the Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA), East Avenue, Quezon City, Metro Manila;

Other reliefs and remedies, which are deemed just and equitable under the foregoing premises are likewise prayed for.

RESPECTFULLY SUBMITTED,

Tubod, Lanao del Norte, Philippines,

24 May 2021.

DEPARTMENT OF JUSTICE PUBLIC ATTORNEY’S OFFICE TUBOD DISTRICT OFFICE 1st Floor, Farmer’s Training Center Tubod, Lanao del Norte by: LARIZA AIDIE R. UGSOD Public Attorney I Roll No. 70787 IBP O.R. No. 062659; January 4, 2019 PTR No. 4073658, December 27, 2018 (for 2019) MCLE VI-0016388 dated January 11, 2019 Issued at Pasig City Countersigned by: ATTY. JOHN DALE A. CANTALEJO OIC-District Public Attorney

Due to the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, there has been a great deal of disruption to learning, the impact of which will be felt long into the next academic year and possibly beyond.

The sector has been forced to quickly adapt to new ways of doing things to ensure education continued across the country.

The most obvious change has been learning shifting from classroom to home with technology needing to be adopted and improved to accommodate this until the new academic year while some students have since returned to the classroom, a significant number continue to learn remotely and this is likely to continue.

While learning remotely, there`s been a big switch in focus from teaching to learning, with parents stepping in to help conduct home schooling. As education slowly starts to come out there`s an expectation that parents, who have had much more of an input into their child`s education, will want to continue this particularly in the immediate term.

Education leaders may need to explore ways of consulting parents about their child`s education, whether that’s scheduling in remote meetings, setting up a parent committee or providing better support for parents so they feel adequately equipped to support their children with work.

While emphasis has been focused on online learning, it`s important to remember that this is an enabler of learning and there`s more significant factors that need to be looked at as we try to adapt to the new normal.

Engaging with learners remotely has allowed teaching and learning to continue and brought education into the realm of the young person, interacting with them in spaces they`re likely much more comfortable in, and that`s a takeaway all providers should value from this period of uncertainty. They need to adapt technology to provide a better learning experience not only gives stronger level of engagement when classroom delivery is not possible.

7

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WED-THU|JANUARY 5-6, 2022

Power... from page 1

the Ministry of Basic, Higher, and Technical Education at P24.7 billion.

The Ministry of Public Works is next with P16.3 billion, then the Office of the Chief Minister with P8 billion.

Rounding up the top 10 agencies with the biggest budget allocations this year are the Ministry of Health with P4.6 billion; BTA with P3 billion; Ministry of Social Services and Development with P2.6 billion; Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries and Agrarian Reform with P1.5 billion; Ministry of Interior and Local Government with P1.2 billion; Ministry of Human Settlement and Development with P814 million; and Ministry of Environment, Natural Resources and Energy with P642 million.

MP Ubaida Pacasem, who is also the deputy minister of Finance, Budget and Management, said the budget would be utilized to spur recovery initiatives from the COVID-19 economic recession.

The Bangsamoro government’s main source of revenue is the block grant, which is stipulated in Republic Act 11054 or the Bangsamoro Organic Law (BOL).

The annual block grant is automatically appropriated in the General Appropriations Act and released directly to the Bangsamoro government.

The amount is equal to five percent of the net national internal revenue tax collection of the Bureau of Internal Revenue and the Bureau of Customs in the third fiscal year preceding the current fiscal year.

The Bangsamoro government, which is seated in Cotabato City, is composed of at least 28 ministries and offices.

The Bangsamoro region was created in 2019 following the ratification of the BOL, which is anchored on the Comprehensive Agreement on the Bangsamoro

(CAB). The region straddles the provinces of Maguindanao, Lanao del Sur, Basilan, Sulu and Tawi-Tawi, the cities of Marawi, Lamitan and Cotabato, and 63 villages from six towns in North Cotabato.

The CAB is the final peace agreement between the government and the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) signed in 2014 after 17 years of negotiations.

The BARMM is governed by the 80-member BTA, which is dominated by MILF nominees.

The BTA’s mandate is until June 30, 2022.

The transition period in the BARMM, however, has been extended for three more years to 2025 due to the delays caused by the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic to the performance of the Bangsamoro government and in the implementation of the provisions of the peace agreement.

Under the Annex on Normalization of the CAB, the 40,000-strong MILF and their weapons need to be decommissioned as key milestones of the peace agreement are reached.

The decommissioning process is now in Phase 3 involving 14,000 MILF combatants, or 35 percent of the front’s members, and about 2,500 weapons. It kicked off last November and so far, at least 5,000 have been deactivated.

Part of the normalization process is also the transformation of MILF camps into peaceful and productive economic zones.

Loan...

from page 1 he said.

On January 14, 2021, the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) and China Road and Bridge Corporation signed the design and build contract agreement after the Chinese contractor won the bidding and was subsequently issued with the notice of award on December 14, 2020.

However, the DOF submitted on April 26 an updated loan application reflecting the revised financing ratio of 90% loan and 10% local fund to China International Development Cooperation Agency and ExportImport Bank of China.

According to DPWH, the project will “provide a resilient and reliable transportation link between Metro Davao and Samal Island, enhancing internal mobility and external linkage to support the growth potential of Davao region.”

The agency said it would provide ease of access to tourism activities in IGACOS, enhance community access to employment, education and other social services and alternative route during emergency situations and disasters.

The construction of a tollfree four-lane bridge – with two lanes each direction – can serve around 25,000 vehicles a day between Davao City and IGACOS crossing over Pakiputan Strait, it added.

Recovery... from page 1

Agency.

Since the gradual resumption of tourism operations last September, more establishments have reopened and the country saw an uptick in the number of domestic travelers in major tourist destinations.

In Boracay alone, tourism arrivals ballooned by 1,151.61 percent to 173,104 from the 13,830 tourists recorded on the island during the same period in 2021.

The DOT also continued to promote the Philippines as a country that banks not only on the safety of travelers but also its host communities as it actively vaccinates tourism workers nationwide.

As of December 24, at least 88.38 percent or 282,780 tourism workers have been inoculated against coronavirus disease, while the remaining 11.62 percent are waiting for their schedule.

EXTRA-JUDICIAL SETTLEMENT OF ESTATE WITH SALE KNOW ALL MEN BY THESE PRESENTS:

That the late EULOGIO B. ACHAS who died on May 5, 2012 without any will, that at the time of his death, he left a certain real property located in the Municipality of Manolo Fortich, Bukidnon under Transfer Certificate of Title No. T-28217 containing an area of FORTY-TWO THOUSAND NINE HUNDRED THIRTY TWO (42,932) square meters, filed by the heirs of EULOGIO B. ACHAS, per DOC #183; PAGE #38; BOOK #3; Series of 2021 under the Notarial Registry of ATTY. RICCI A. JAMILA.

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Republic of the Philippines Local Civil Registry Office Province: Lanao del Norte Municipality: Sultan Naga Dimaporo -oOoNOTICE OF PUBLICATION In compliance with Section 7 of R.A. No. 10172, a notice is hereby served to the public that NABEL SANCHES MANAGUERE has filed with this office a petition for Correction of Clerical Error – SEX/ GENDER from “FEMALE” TO "MALE" in the certificate of Live Birth of NABEL SANCHES MANAGUERE who was born on 22 AUGUST 1991 at DANGOLAAN, Sultan Naga Dimaporo, Lanao del Norte and whose parents are MAGUID MAMPAO MANAGUERE and EVELYN SANCHEZ. Any person adversely affected by said petition may file his written opposition with this office not later than 15 Days.

BWM: January 5, 12 & 19, 2022

(SGD) JOCELYN R. COLORADA Municipal Civil Registrar

Philippine Tour Operators Association, Inc. (PHILTOA) president Fe Abling-Yu, meanwhile, hopes that the eased restrictions would continue throughout 2022.

"Ang nangyayari kasi close, open, close, open tayo. Then pumasok na 'yong August, nagsarado nanaman so wala nanaman din, so 'yong recovery parang urong-sulong (What happened is we close then we open then close again. Back in August, we close so it seemed like recovery is unsteady)," she said, citing the closures when the Delta variant struck the country.

"Since nasa Alert Level 2 na tayo sana lang magtuloy-tuloy na. Nandoon kami sa hope na magtutuloy-tuloy na the challenge is mayroon na naman tayong variant pero sana 'yong pagbo-booster at vaccination makatulong (Since we're already on Alert Level 2, I hope this continues. We are hopeful this would but the challenge now is the new variant so hopefully the boosters and vaccination would help)," she added.

'2022 optimism' For 2022, Romulo-Puyat sees "revenge travel" manifesting across all markets of the Philippine tourism industry. And in the wake of disconnect and economic hardship brought about by the pandemic, Filipinos are likely to travel "more consciously".

A recent research commissioned by AirBnB showed that over 80 percent of Filipinos it polled seek to travel in a way that positively impacts locals while about 76 percent want to be more conscious when it comes to familiarizing themselves with the host community and how they can make a contribution.

The DOT has vowed to pivot towards sustainable tourism development models, with focus on providing guests with high-quality experiences rather than mass tourism and short-term gains.

With no certain date yet as to when the country will open its

borders for foreign leisure travelers, the DOT believes domestic tourists will continue to be the main tourism growth driver next year.

Apart from them, the DOT said it will tap into the growing workation market, seeing that remote work is likely to stay throughout and even after the pandemic.

"The trend was something that came along as a need by employees who worked from home during the pandemic, yet also needed the time to take a break and recover from cabin fever. We are confident that with the increasing prominence of remote work, this trend will linger on even after the pandemic," Romulo-Puyat said.

But if the Philippines reopens, she said foreign tourists can rest assured that health and safety protocols would be in place.

"The DOT yields to the wisdom of our health experts and we fully understand the need to protect the health and well being of the rest of the country, especially now that we have started to see the light at the end of the tunnel," she said.

The Philippines was supposed to end its almost 21-month closure to foreign tourists last December 1, but the plan was suspended amid the growing threat of the heavily mutated Omicron coronavirus variant, of which four confirmed cases were already reported in the country.

The Tourism chief is also hoping to successfully host the World Travel and Tourism Council (WTTC) Global Summit in March 2022, a MICE event seen to boost the Philippine travel sector's recovery.

"The DOT has been rigorously preparing for the WTTC Global Summit since the middle of this year, and we are continuously strengthening our preparations to successfully host the event in March of 2022," she said.

"The WTTC Global Summit is widely considered as the most influential event for travel and tourism professionals and stakeholders, and we are making

sure that the health and safety of our guests, as well as our staff, are on top of our priority list," she added.

'Odette devastation' Meanwhile, the DOT is working on a "rehabilitation and recovery" plan following the devastation of Super Typhoon Odette, which has affected several tourist destinations, including Bohol, Camiguin, Cebu, Negros Oriental and Occidental, Palawan, Siargao, and Southern Leyte.

Romulo-Puyat said the plan will focus on addressing immediate concerns of affected tourism workers, such as cash-for-work or alternative livelihood programs and the reconstruction of affected facilities of various enterprises.

The agency, through the Tourism Promotions Board, is also facilitating the delivery of relief goods and basic necessities to Cebu, Siargao, Tacloban, Palawan, and Negros Oriental.

Cash donations from tourism stakeholders were also given to affected establishments and DOT Regional Offices. In addition, the DOT is in close coordination with the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) for financial assistance.

In Siargao, Romulo-Puyat said the DOT together with the Makati Med Foundation will continue with the vaccination program for tourism workers, and at the same time see to the immediate medical needs of the community.

"The Department hopes to provide an inventory of the damage as soon as power and communication lines have been restored. For the time being, the Department is exhausting all means to help the local government units provide the immediate needs of those affected by the typhoon," she said.

"We stand behind with our kababayans and our tourism stakeholders from Visayas and Mindanao in these difficult times," she added. (PNA)

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Pueblo de Oro wins two golds at 2021 Real Estate Excellence Awards

P

UEBLO de Oro Development Corporation (PDO), the property development arm of the ICCP Group, recently bagged two gold awards in the Property and Real Estate Excellence Awards organized and presented by FIABCI (Federation Internationale des Administrateurs de Bien-Conselis Immobiliers) on December 9, 2021.

Pueblo de Oro was recognized with two golds for Westwoods Subdivision, a master-planned development at the heart of Pueblo de Oro’s 400-hectare Township in Cagayan de Oro City. It was cited as the Most Outstanding Developer 2021 for Mindanao (Residential Low Rise Category), and for Most Outstanding Developer 2021 (Environmental Category).

Eduardo del Rosario, Secretary of the Department of Human Settlements and Urban Development, graced the event and led the industry achievers who were conferred the titles of Diplomate and Fellow in Real Estate.

FIABCI, or The International Real Estate Federation, is a business networking organization for real estate professionals worldwide.

According to the Philippine chapter of the International Real Estate Federation (FIABCI), which organizes the event, real estate projects nominated to the competition underwent a stringent evaluation

by experts of various disciplines.

The 16 categories are high-rise, midrise and low-rise residential, environmental (rehabilitation/ conservation), heritage (restoration), master plan, hotel, convention, industrial, office, public infrastructure/ amenities, resort, retail, rural, specialized, and sustainable development.

Supporting the awards are FIABCI-World’s membership of 48 national and multinational chapters, 90 professional associations, 95 public and private academic institutions, over 2,300 regular members, and around a million associate members in more than 70 countries across the globe.

Dr. Reghis M. Romero II, president of the Philippine chapter of the International Real Estate Federation (FIABCI), and chairman of the board of judges for 2021, said the judging was made tough by the criteria essentially adopted by FIABCI-Ph from FIABCIWorld’s Prix d’Excellence, acclaimed as the “Oscars” of the global real estate industry.

Targeting the Prix d’Excellence “The judging basically entails assessment of excellence in all of the disciplines involved in the project, from conceptualization and planning all the way to completion and sale – thus encompassing both natural and social sciences, or

FIABCI-PH chairman Arch. Nestor Mangio, PDO special projects manager Marc Terence Liamson, PDO president & COO Prim Nolido, & FIABCI-PH chapter president Dr. Reghis Romero II.

from the various facets of engineering, material science and architecture to arts and humanities, economics, finance and marketing,” Dr. Romero II explained.

He also cited the need for adopting FIABCI-World’s judging criteria as strategic so as to enhance the chances of the would-be awardees to also win global distinctions in Prix d’Excellence.

“Since the winners of our Property and Real Estate Excellence Awards automatically become eligible for participation in the Prix d’Excellence, we have to make sure that they will also pass its criteria with flying colors,” Dr. Romero II stressed.

“Thus, our board of judges comprises prominent personalities who are icons in their respective fields,” he added.

Besides Mr. Romero, the board of judges included vice president for corporate sales Anthony Maglunsod of the Pag-IBIG Fund; president Winston Conrado Padojinog of the University of Asia and the Pacific; Eduardo Ong of the Philippine Federation of Real Estate Service Professionals and past chairman of the Professional Regulatory Board of Real Estate Service; author and professor Ar. Manuel Maximo LC Noche of the University of Santo Tomas College of Architecture;

chief executive officer David Leechiu of Leechiu Property Consultants Inc. and trustee at the IT & Business Process Association of the Philippines; FIABCIPh trustee and president Emmanuel V. Rausa of E.V. Rausa Realty; president Yu Kee Su of the FIABCI International Finance and Prix d’Excellence committees; and president Budiarsa Sastrawinata of FIABCI-Indonesia and chairman and CEO of the Ciputra Group of Companies.

The need for international judges like Yu Kee Su and Budiarsa Sastrawinata is imperative to ensure, not only objectivity,

but also accurate and comprehensive adherence to the Prix d’Excellence criteria.

Supporting them was the FIABCI-Ph Technical Committee headed by chairman Nestor Mangio and chairman emeritus Florentino Dulalia Jr. Constituting the Technical Committee were FIABCI-Ph secretary-general Jexter Dulalia; vice president for Visayas Oscar Labrador; vice president for Mindanao Rodrigo Mallonga; trustees John Lizares, Cris Garrido, and Emmanuel Rausa; and Manuel Maximo LC Noche, Alpher E. De Vera, and Carlos Romelle M. Hernandez.

Next: The Oscars of Real Estate The gold winners are eligible to compete in June 2022 at the FIABCI International Prix d’Excellence Awards, which is globally regarded as the “Oscars of Real Estate” and whose criteria involve excellence in architecture and design, development and construction, community benefits, environmental impact, and financial and marketing success.

The gold winners received a total average score of more than 95 percent, while the silver winners got scores of 90 to 95 percent.

All 38 nominated projects were inspected and rated on-site by members of the FIABCI-Ph technical committee before getting evaluated by members of the board of judges.

Brillante Mendoza presents Palitan

IF you could have one more night of forbidden moments with that one person from your past, will you risk everything just to have that burning moment of pleasure you’ve been dreaming of?

Internationally-acclaimed director Brillante Mendoza tells us the story of four lost souls who connected through love, friendship, and lust. PALITAN is an upcoming GL (Girls love), sexy-thriller movie premiering on Vivamax this December 10.

This is an explosive story about Jen (Cara Gonzales), an openly bisexual woman, and her partner James (Luis Hontiveros)

who is battling some serious mental health issues. Together they are a dysfunctional couple, but somehow they make things work. To free themselves from the boredom and stress from the pandemic, the couple decides to visit Jen’s hometown. There, in that almost idyllic setting, a monster from the past is aroused from its slumber - the love of Jen’s life, Marie (Jela Cuenca), who is now marrying their friend, Al (Rash Flores).

Trying to reconnect, they reunite, which readily turns into a wild and steamy night of foursome among Jen, James, Marie, and Al.

Driven by passion and fueled by unspoken desires the night rages on consuming everything in its path.

More than the passionate lovemaking and sexy scenes, PALITAN also has its share of some profound realizations about life - from embracing one’s identity, learning how to ask for help while battling your demons, confronting your oppressors, and standing firm with your life choices.

PALITAN features four of the next breed of promising lead stars and hottest bunch of actors today - Cara Gonzales, Luis Hontiveros, Jela Cuenca, and Rash Flores.

These four lead stars have proven that they are more than just their drop-dead gorgeous physique and perfectly chiseled faces - they have surprised everyone that beyond the looks lies the hooks that can handle heavy, and intense acting scenes.

This film is by Palanca awardwinning screenwriter Honeylyn

Joy Alipio. Alipio has been notable for having several internationallyacclaimed screenplays like Taklub, which received the Prize of the Ecumenical Jury award in the Cannes Film Festival in 2015, and Mindanao, which received two awards in the 41st Cairo International Film Festival.

It has been a long time wish of Mendoza and Viva Communications Incorporated chairman and CEO, Vic Del Rosario to join forces for a film, and PALITAN is just one of the many projects lined up for this formidable and exciting collaboration.

Mendoza even expressed his and Boss Vic’s excitement in creating films together. In one of his interviews Mendoza shares this vignette, “Whenever I see Boss Vic abroad, sa mga festival, sabi niya, “Kailan tayo gagawa?”… sabi ko malapit na Boss, malapit na.” (“Whenever I see Boss Vic abroad, in festivals, he’d say, “when will

we make movies?”… I’d say soon, Boss, soon.”

And now, finally we can truly say the heat will SOON be on.

Watch as four people play the games people play when they are consumed by passion in this tricky affair as PALITAN premieres on Vivamax this December 10, 2021.

Go to web.vivamax.net or download the app and subscribe via Google Play Store, Huawei App Gallery and App Store.

Watch all you can on Vivamax for only P149/month and P399 for 3 months for bigger savings.

For payment thru website, you may choose from EC Pay, 7 Eleven, All Day, All Day, Pay Mongo, GrabPay, GCash, or PayMaya. For payment thru app, you may choose from Globe, Smart, GCash, Paypal, Visa, or Mastercard. For payment thru E-commerce, you may choose from Lazada, Shopee, Comworks, Clickstore, or Paymaya. For

payment thru authorized outlets, you may choose from Load Manna, Comworks, Cebuana Lhuillier, Palawan Express, and Load Central. VivaMax’s cable partners are SkyCable, Cable Link, Wesfardell Connect, Fiber, BCTVI, Cebu Cable, Zenergy HD, Cotabato Cable Television Network Corporation, and Concepcion Pay TV Network, Inc. PALITAN is also streaming on Vivamax Middle East! To our dear fellow Pinoys in UAE, Saudi Arabia, Kuwait, Oman, Bahrain, and Qatar, watch all you can for only AED35/ month. In Europe, Vivamax can be streamed for only 8 GBP/month.

Vivamax is also available in Hong Kong, Japan, Malaysia, and Singapore, Indonesia, Thailand, South Korea, Taiwan, Brunei, Macao, Vietnam, Maldives, Australia, New Zealand and now in the United States of America and Canada.

Vivamax, atin ‘to!