BusinessWeek Mindanao (July 17, 2020)

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Volume XI, No. 18

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Briefly Online barter TRADE Secretary Ramon Lopez has clarified his recent statement that ‘online barter’ is illegal, saying exchanges of goods for personal transactions, not as business, is allowed. In a text message Wednesday, Lopez said barter trade is only allowed in three areas in the country -- Siasi, Jolo; Sulu and Bonggao, Tawi-Tawi. “Outside those areas, barter trading across borders is not allowed. This is what I meant as illegal if done in other areas, or if done online and cross border and as a regular business, in (the) course of trade and not registered, not taxed,” he said.

Trade rebound THE National Economic and Development Authority (NEDA) said yesterday that trade growth is expected to gain momentum in the coming months as quarantine measures in the country ease. In a statement, Acting Socioeconomic Planning Secretary Karl Kendrick T. Chua said the slower decline in trade performance in May is a welcome indication that economic activity has started to pick up. The Philippine Statistics Authority had reported that the country’s total merchandise trade registered a slower decline of 38.7 percent in May, after a steep 59.5 percent decline in April 2020.

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By RICHELYN GUBALANI, PNA

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UNA industry players here will launch a series of bi-monthly virtual fora to highlight their situation and efforts to address various concerns amid the coronavirus disease 2019 (Covid-19) pandemic.

A n d r e w P h i l i p Yu , president of the Soccsksargen Federation of Fishing and Allied Industries Inc., said LOCKED DOWN. A driver sits on his trisikad in Barangay 35 in Cagayan de Oro City on Monday after the city government locked down the community when one of its residents tested positive of COVID-19. mindanews photo by froilan gallardo

P6.44-B earmarked to restart R-12 economy By BONG S. SARMIENTO, MindaNews

KO R O NA DA L C i t y – A stimulus package of around P6.44 billion

has been earmarked in Soccsksargen (Region 12) for short-term response to

the economic distress caused by the coronavirus disease (COVID-19) pandemic in the area, regional economists said. RESTART/PAGE 10

Thursday the online activities will replace the shelved 22nd National Tuna Congress, CONGRESS/PAGE 10

Mosque where hostages were kept during Marawi siege to be demolished By FROILAN GALLARDO, MindaNews

MARAWI City — The iconic Dansalan Bato Ali mosque where Islamic State-inspired militants held their hostages dur i ng t he f ive - mont h Marawi siege in 2017, will be demolished on Monday. The mosque was heavily damaged by the fighting. A

bomb created a huge hole from the roof down to its basement. “It is so structurally damaged that it is impossible to rebuild it. We have to demolish the mosque and build a new one,” said MOSQUE/PAGE 10

Investigative Reports on the Impact of Covid 19 in Urban & Rural Areas By DR. MANNY JAUDIAN, COPC President ALLAN MEDIANTE, Editor in Chief With reports from GERRY LEE GORIT, PhilStar correspondent and RICHARD DELA Cruz, Eagle Broadcasting Corp.

(4th of a series) Hunger –vs- Observance of Health Protocols Inter views with LGU officials, barangay frontliners and ordinary folks

showed that in almost all urban and rural areas that we have visited the people have followed the guidelines on health protocols – meaning – majority of the populace observed wearing of face-

masks, social distancing and sanitary practices. However, there were areas in some provinces where the local folks ignored the health protocols: One of the eateries we passed by in Leyte said they are forced to open because they have no more income. REPORTS/PAGE 10

Teenagers in Dipolog City, Zambo del Norte seem not to care what social distancing is. photo by gerry gorit

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Local Davao City provides tax remedies for biz sector Oro dad seeks collaboration with NEDA for intervention programs DAVAO City – The city council here approved Tuesday three remedial measures to provide relief to local businesses affected by the coronavirus disease (Covid-19) crisis. “The city council is ready and very open to helping the business owners by passing ordinances that would give them more time to settle their taxes considering the situation in the city,” said Councilor Danilo Dayanghirang, chairperson of the City Council Committee on Finance, Ways and Means. First of the three ordinances passed is the Ordinance No. 0304-20 or the "ordinance granting a three-month extension on the deadline of payment for the third quarterly

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installment for Real Property Tax (RPT) and additional levy on real property for the Special Education Fund (SEF)." Under the measure, taxpayers are given until December 31 to pay the third quarterly installment of their RPT originally due on September 30. “According to the Ordinance, both the 3rd and 4th installment of the RPT shall be due on December 31, 2020, and no interest shall be imposed for the 3rd installment if paid within the extended deadline. A discount of 10 percent for prompt payment to the taxpayer if one chose to pay on time will also be given,” said lawyer Lawrence Bantiding, REMEDIES/PAGE 9

“WE will take it with high value. We understand the caution but if at all, we will be provided with the certain perspective coming from NEDA, it would be much appreciated.” This was expressed by Councilor Ian Mark Q. Nacaya, chair of the City Council committee on planning and development, in gratitude to the National Economic

Development Authority (NEDA)-10’s affirmative response to the councilor’s request for a copy of its intervention programs. “We have the regional perspective (on the intervention programs) but it can also change because it also depends on the situation of the city. We can you give you that perspective but it has to be tempered or informed

by the reality of the city,” cited NEDA-10 Regional Director Mylah Faye Aurora B. Carino. It may be recalled that during the City Council regular session Monday presided over by Vice Mayor Raineir Joaquin V. Uy, Director Cariño mentioned that NEDA-10 has already proposed a three-year Investment Program for the region

amounting to P197 billion. She said it is a list of 333 recovery programs and projects identified and particularly recognized as interventions directly affecting and benefitting the city. “Mas maayo nga ipag participate nato ang legislative body, because we are trying to help pag-abot sa engagement, PROGRAMS/PAGE 9

DA-10 upscales Kadiwa, unveils new info systems TO ensure unhampered food production, the Department of Agriculture (DA)-10 orients agrifishery suppliers on the financial grant assistance

under the enhanced “Kadiwa ni Ani at Kita Inclusive Food Supply Chain.” DA-RFO 10 Regional Technical Director for Operations Carlota S. Madriaga said the program aims to capacitate farmers and fisherfolk cooperatives and associations, including community-based organizations by granting

them financial assistance to upscale the Kadiwa ni Ani at Kita operations. The Kadiwa project is part of DA’s efforts in ensuring affordable and available food for all by directly linking suppliers to consumers, bringing their produce in communities, in time for the implementation of the community quarantine due

to COVID-19. Further, participants were introduced to two DA’s information systems, the Kadiwa Agribiz Portal and the Farmers and Fisherfolk Enterprise Development Information System (FFEDIS). The Kadiwa Agribiz Portal is an online information system where consumers and suppliers may interact for business engagements. Meanwhile, the FFEDIS, under the Sagip Saka Act, is a registry system that seeks to create a database of registered/ accredited farmers and fisherfolk. As provided in the Memorandum Circular 16, series 2020 of DA, the financial assistance may be accessed in three forms. Type “A” Grant, the beneficiary may receive P200,000 up to P1 million KADIWA/PAGE 9

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

Consumer protection amid ‘online migration’

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ANY entrepreneurs have closed their businesses when the government placed Luzon under enhanced community quarantine (ECQ) as one of its initial responses to slow down the spread of coronavirus disease 2019 (Covid-19) in the country. Trying to survive amid a pandemic, some of them migrated their physical stores to online platforms while some still maintained their physical stores and added the online stores. Other entrepreneurs have completely migrated

to online businesses while others have started their businesses online through social media. But with the booming online businesses, the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) received an increasing number of complaints related to online transactions. During the online edition of Tapatan sa Aristocrat Monday, DTI Assistant Secretary Ann Claire Cabochan said 10,323 online complaints were received by the department in January to June of this year. This is higher from DTI’s baseline year 2016,

NEDA sees PH trade recovery TRADE growth is expected to gain momentum in the coming months as quarantine measures ease, the National Economic and Development Authority (NEDA) said Tuesday. The Philippine Statistics Authority reported last July 10 that the country’s total merchandise trade registered a slower decline of 38.7 percent in May 2020, after a steep 59.5-percent decline in April 2020. Merchandise exports declined by 35.6 percent but with notable improvements in agro-based, forest and manufactured products. Imports, meanwhile, fell by 40.6 percent but showed slower contractions in major commodity groupings, particularly capital goods, raw materials including chemicals and manufactured goods, and consumer goods. “The slower decline in trade performance is a welcome indication that economic activity has started to pick up. This is due to the relaxation of quarantine measures in certain areas, the gradual reopening of business, and the restarting of production within the country and its trading partners,” acting Socioeconomic Planning Secretary Karl Kendrick Chua said in a statement. Manufactured goods, which accounts for almost 80 percent of total exports, is seen to gradually recover as the latest results of the Purchasing Managers’ Index (PMI) for the Philippines rose from 40.1 in May to 49.7 in June 2020. Notwithstanding the ongoing lockdown in Cebu where some of the electronics firms are located, the Semiconductors and Electronics Industries in the Philippines, Inc. (SEIPI) also indicated a gradual pick-up in semiconductors exports in the coming months and projected a flat growth in 2020. The NEDA chief said that given significant downside risks to global trade, the country needs to ramp up efforts to build a more competitive trade sector. “We have made some notable improvements in the past decade. However, we need to capitalize on this and further improve infrastructure, logistics, productivity, and the whole manufacturing value chain in order (to) bring down the cost of production and remain internationally competitive. In addition, we can attract more new technology and innovation through the passage of the Public Service Act, and provide performancebased, time-bound, and targeted incentives through the proposed CREATE (Corporate Recovery and Tax Incentives for Enterprises Act) bill. These can all help improve the enabling environment for foreign investments and external demand,” Chua said. The NEDA is leading the updating of the Philippine Development Plan (PDP) 2017-2022, which aims for a healthy and resilient Philippines. The updated PDP will highlight government efforts to re-calibrate and re-focus its strategies to address the economic impact of the coronavirus disease 2019 (Covid-19) pandemic. These strategies include building consumer and business confidence in the near term and enhancing economic resilience over the medium term. (PR)

in which online-related complaints were at 512 for the full year, and also higher than the 2,457 complaints received in 2019. Most of the complaints are related to deceptive sales, wherein the product represented by the seller is not the same quality or quantity when received by the buyer. “We attribute this to two reasons. One is because of the migration to online platforms during the period of ECQ, and second, the heightened awareness of consumers to address redress,” Cabochan said.

Be proactive Cabochan encouraged consumers to be more discerning when engaging in online transactions. She advised consumers to check if the online seller has a physical store or physical address to check the legitimacy of the business. Aside from messaging through online platforms like social media, she said it is better to check the contact number and e-mail address of the seller. This information will be asked by DTI if the consumer will file a complaint against the seller due to bogus

transaction, Cabochan said. However, if the physical address and contact details are not available, the DTI official said the complaint will be forwarded to the National Bureau of Investigation. Competition in electronic payments seen In the same virtual event, information and technology law expert and managing partner at Disini Law Office, lawyer JJ Disini said there will be exciting developments in digital payment in the country as e-wallets are now encouraged rather than using cash to avoid

transmission of the virus. He said two Chinabased technology companies, Tencent and Alipay, have investments in the country’s two major e-payment platforms. Tencent, the developer of WeChat, has significant investment in PayMaya, while Jack Ma’s Alipay also invested in GCash, Dinisi added. “We will see war (in e-payment market). I’m sure with that. They like to win the market by getting 60 percent or more of the market. What they will do is they will lower the price as much as possible. If they PROTECTION/PAGE 9

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Opinion

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ORLAN R. RAVANERA Mother Earth is now facing its 6th extinction and in the absence of a major change the global system will collapse in less than one hundred years. The unimaginable is becoming imaginable: the end of life on earth. Why is this so? Glaring is unsustainability in ecology manifested by climate change causing so much ecological turbulence and the extinction of billions of species that the Creator put in existence even before the homo sapiens came into

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Blind spots (Part 1) Think a minute...A lady was waiting for her flight at the airport, so she bought a small bag of cookies to eat while reading the newspaper. Gradually she became aware of someone else reaching into the package of cookies. Looking from behind her paper, she was shocked to see a well-dressed man taking some of her cookies! She did not want to say anything, so she just leaned over and took a cookie herself. A minute or so later she could not believe her eyes as this man took yet another one of her cookies. In fact, by now almost all of the cookies were gone! Finally, as if to add insult to injury, this man broke the last cookie in two and handed half of it back to her. Then he ate his half and walked away. Now she was angrier than ever! In fact, she was still mad later when boarding her plane. She opened her handbag for her ticket and was shocked to see her own package of cookies she had never even opened. At that moment she realized that earlier she had been eating the other man’s cookies, not her own! Yet

THINK A MINUTE

being. It has been said that the most flawed of all creation is the homo sapiens. In the 20th century alone, that species killed its own kind at the tune of more than 100 million human beings, the offshoot of two world wars and the cleansing of Stalin, Pol Pot, Hitler and continuing conflict in the Middle East and Mindanao. The anthropogenic climate change continues without let-up as carbon emission cannot be stopped as no less than the US President Trump and cohort global corporations are trumping the integrity of Mother Earth as they cannot stop their heavy rakings of some 9 trillion dollars yearly or 10 million dollars every minute through the continuing use of fossil fuel and coal. With so much veneration to the profit motive that

has already captured the mind of all governments, all universities, all religious groups and all institutions that are now conniving to sacrifice Mother Earth and the people to the altar of greed and profit, what must the Creator do to awaken humanity in deep slumber, buried in so much materialism and consumerism? Covid-19 could be the awakening process. And rightfully so as everyone is now on a standstill but are not reflecting. Let us therefore make a little reflection. Please allow me to reflect on the depth of paradoxes perpetuated by man himself. We use to shout, “Prosperity for all! In a world where only eight families have a consolidated wealth equal to the combined assets of 3.6 billion people (according to an Oxfam study), the imperative need for equitable

distribution of resources has become glaring. In the U.S., a cake worth $42,000 was voraciously eaten in a party while some 821 million people on earth are hungry. Now, am not surprised why the number of COVID-19 victims in the US is the highest. L et us now advance social transformation for people, planet, prosperity and peace. Such call is foremost in t he Unite d Nat ion’s Sustainable Development Goals, pronouncing in clear categorical term to stop poverty and hunger, stop social injustice, stop gross social inequities, among the 17 SDGs. Even His Holiness Pope Francis has underscored such call in his recent encyclical pronouncement in Laudato si' on care for our common home. His Holiness critiques consumerism and CALL/PAGE 11

Food safety tips to mitigate COVID-19 risks

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The real virus is man

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JEROME DE LA FUENTE

COVID-19 has changed the way businesses operate. N o w, a l l f o o d s e r v i c e businesses (restaurants, hotels, grocery/convenience stores, etc.) must implement new COVID-19 policies, while also following other food safety protocols (cooking foods to proper temp eratures, avoiding cross-contamination and cross-contact, accommodating food allergies, washing hands

properly, etc.). As your company l e ar ns to n av i g ate ou r “new normal” in this postCOVID-19 world, the following tips can maximize safety and mitigate risks for coronavirus, norovirus, foodborne illnesses and other food safety breaches: • Enhance cleaning and disinfecting efforts. Disinfection procedures are important to combat COVID-19. Your entire facility—especially hightouch areas—must be cleaned and disinfected throughout the day, using chemicals that meet EPA standards for killing COVID-19. Proper sanitation is also essential to combatting norovirus and other foodborne illnesses. • Wash you r hands . Handwashing is the number one way to prevent the spread of disease, including COVID-19. Ensure that

all employees wash their hands with soap and warm water for a minimum of 30 seconds. Wash hands frequently, including after using the restroom; using cleaning products; coughing/ sneezing; or touching money, cel lphones, do orknobs, etc. All employees must follow this important safety practice. • Implement COVID-19 safety protocols. Enforce social distancing and require appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE) based on the guidelines for your jurisdiction. This may include kitchen staff standing six feet away from each other, dining tables moved to proper social distances, implementing one-way traffic patterns, using disposable menus and/or requiring employees to wear masks. • Don’t let employees

w or k w h e n s i c k . Ta k e employees’ temperatures with a scanning thermometer before their shift. If they have a temperature of 100.4 or higher, or any symptoms of COVID-19, norovirus or other contagious illnesses— including fever, diarrhea, vomiting, coughing, etc.— send them home. • Tr a i n e m p l o y e e s regularly. Explain what the new protocols entail and why these rules are so important. Ensure compliance. Take immediate corrective actions when employees aren’t following protocol. • Add COVID-19 processes to your existing food safety protocols. While focusing on the COVID-19 crisis, don’t lose sight of other important food safety protocols. It’s important to train employees around TIPS/PAGE 11

The word that leads to eternal life JHAN TIAFAU HURST even though she was wrong, the man was so generous and kind he let her take his cookies. She was terribly embarrassed and ashamed that she had judged him. She had been completely blind to her own pride, assuming she was right when in fact she was the one who was wrong. This also blinded her to this man’s kindness to her. Sadly, we all have judged other people, even when we were the ones who were wrong. We think we see everybody else’s faults and weaknesses clearly, but we are blind to our own! We think we know much more than we actually do. Like the little SPOTS/PAGE 11

We need to examine how we understand the word of God. To be sure, God’s word isn’t just any word. Neither is God’s word just a brilliant idea, a practical doctrine, and effective ideology. It’s not just a strategy, culture, or lifestyle. God’s word, of course, can involve all these. But unless we understand that God’s word is Christ himself, the second person of the Blessed Trinity, the perfect image and word that the one God has of his own self, we will miss the real essence and character of God’s word. It’s this word that would bring us to the fullness of our humanity. We need to realize then that the word of God is inseparable from God himself. That’s because God is so perfect as to be in absolute simplicity. As such, God has no parts, no different aspects, no quality or property distinct

from his very being. His word and his being are one and the same. Of course, in our effort to understand and to relate ourselves to God, we have to make distinctions, since that’s how we think and reason out. We analyze first before we synthesize. But in God himself, there is no distinction between his being and his word, between what or who he is, and what he says and does. That is why we have to seriously take God’s word as spoken to us through Christ, and recorded in the Bible through the instrumentality of inspired human authors, who are recognized as such by the Magisterium of the Church. This is the lesson Christ imparted to his disciples and to us when he talked about the parable of the sower and the seed. (cfr. Mt 13,1-23)

The seed is God’s word as received by the different kinds of ground, signifying the different attitudes people have toward God’s word. There are those that fell on the path, on rocky ground and on thorns, all of which obviously did not prosper in their growth. But the ones that fell on rich soil grew to maturity and bore a lot of fruit. Obviously should try to be the rich soil that receives the seed of God’s word with faith, but an operative faith that not only listens to God’s words but also acts on them, assimilating them into our life until they become our life itself, until they so identify us with Christ that we become “alter Christus,” another Christ, as we are meant to be. Let’s always remember Christ telling us, “Whoever keeps my word will never see

HINTS AND TRACES

ROY CIMAGALA death.” (Jn 8,51) These words are not meant to set aside our human word in whatever mode it may come, whether in a conversation or in some more serious stuff like our philosophies, ideologies, sciences, etc. Christ’s words are meant to inspire all our human words. We need to develop the proper attitude toward the word of God as contained in the Bible and authoritatively ETERNAL/PAGE 11

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5

Banking&Finance

PH achievement in ensuring budget transparency cited

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HE country’s bid to ensure transparency on government processes and engagement makes it among the best in this field, Department of Budget and Management (DBM) Secretary Wendel Avisado said. In his presentation during the second virtual pre-Stateof-the-Nation Address (SONA) forum Wednesday, Avisado said the Philippines remains among the world leaders in open government after it included people’s organizations

(POs) and non-government organizations (NGOs), among others, in the budget formulation. He said citizen engagement and participation also provided the government the capacity to monitor the effectiveness of the various government programs. This, Avisado said, enabled the country to secure 10th place among 117 countries that participated in the Open Budget Survey 2019 and the most transparent in Southeast

Cybersecurity risks rise as customers go online LENDERS NEED to boost spending to strengthen cybersecurity with digital transactions on the rise amid quarantine measures, a bank official said. “When you do digital banking, it’s imperative that you put a commensurate amount of security in the way to ensure this secure online experience of our customer,” Jose Paulo G. Rufo, chief information security officer and vice-

president at UnionBank of the Philippines, Inc., said in an online briefing on Wednesday. Mr. Rufo said they have “invested a lot” on technology as well as on educating consumers on proper cybersecurity “hygiene,” but said he could not disclose figures as they are confidential. Meanwhile, James P. Ileto, UnionBank vice-president of public RISKS/PAGE 11

Asia in terms of budget transparency. “This implies that we were able to make budget information publicly available in a comprehensive and timely manner through the publication of all eight key budget topics, such as the Enacted Budget and the Citizens Budget, among others,” he added. Avisado said the Philippines is also the only country in the world where citizens are included in the auditing team

of the Commission on Audit (COA) through the agency’s Citizen Participatory Audit (CPA) program. He said all these achievements have been attained through the help of the private sector, the civil society organizations (CSOs), POs, development partners, the academe, media, and the citizens in general. Amid all these positive developments, Avisado said challenges remain and these include the need to improve on

frontline service delivery, build open and responsive public institutions, and increase mechanisms for information dissemination. “That is why for our future directions, we need to undertake (a) more strategic and convergent approach in promoting participatory governance through the revision and enhancement of the (Participatory Governance) Cluster’s program and projects under the PGC roadmap,” he added. (PNA)

Bank exec cites importance of securing online presence AN executive of Union Bank of the Philippines (Unionbank) has underscored the importance of cyber hygiene especially now that more people are using online transactions to lessen their need to go out of their homes during the coronavirus disease 2019 (Covid-19)

In a virtual briefing Wednesday, UnionBank chief information security officer Jose Paulo Rufo said cyber hygiene means ensuring that one’s online presence is safe and his details cannot be hacked easily. This can be done by ensuring that people do not share their passwords

and personal identification number (PIN) and by having separate e-mail addresses for their bank accounts and social media accounts, he said. Citing a 2019 report by global cybersecurity giant Kaspersky, Rufo said the Philippines is one of the countries in Southeast Asia heavily targeted by

phishing attacks. He said the pandemic pushed the number of attacks higher since people relied on digital or online transactions as areas have been placed under quarantine. Rufo said people thus should only use the official online platforms of the ONLINE/PAGE 11

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#TravelSmart webinar

Digital tools help revive PH Tourism in New Normal A FTER several months of lockdown in various parts of the Philippines, efforts are underway to revive economic activity. This includes the tourism industry which is a top job generator for the country. For this purpose, a two-hour web forum titled “#TravelSmart: Safe and Sustainable Tourism in the New Normal” will be held on July 16, 2020. DOT Secretary Bernadette RomuloPuyat will be the keynote speaker in the webinar. The web forum has been organized by PLDT wireless subsidiary Smart Communications, Inc. in partnership with the DOT together with key partners such as Grassroots Travel, a nongovernment organization that helps communities protect their natural and cultural heritage through sustainable tourism. Joining DOT Secretary Puyat as speakers are Al S. Panlilio, Smart Communications Inc. President and CEO, Joselito “Boboi” Costas, founder of Grassroots Travel, Mon Isberto, Public Affairs Group Head for PLDT and Smart, Carlo S. Ople, PLDT Vice President, Marvin Santos, PayMaya Philippines Inc. Enterprise Head

BWM: July 17, 24 & 31, 2020

for Public Sector, Max Limpag, InnoPub Media Co-founder, and Jomelyn Manigos-De los Reyes, Bojo Aloguinsan Ecotourism Association Vice President. The webinar aims to shed light on the current challenges being faced by the tourism industry, to share best tourism practices of various institutions, and to present digital tools and mobile applications that local tourism players can tap and use to improve the tourism experience post-COVID. Target participants for the webinar include representatives of local government units, tourism officers, culture and heritage groups and members of the news media. "Reviving domestic tourism under current conditions requires that we combine seemingly opposed qualities:

discipline with creativity, caution with confidence. We hope that this webinar will provide insights on how the different stakeholders can work together to achieve this. For Smart, we are keen to explore how digital technologies can help," says Mon Isberto, Public Affairs head for PLDT and Smart. “To resuscitate the tourism industry, we have to work top to bottom and bottom to top, and empower the industry stakeholders especially the local communities in the rural areas who are the most vulnerable group even before this pandemic. They need to have the technological tool in order to advance--digital tools and a wealth of information and skills to have a share of the pie in the post-COVID era,” Costas adds.

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FRIDAY|JULY 17, 2020

NGCP warns against activities near transmission facilities, appeals for efficient energy use as PH assumes “New Normal"

NGCP implores the public to steer clear of kite flying and other activities near transmission lines which may endanger lives and cause unwanted power interruptions, as it seeks the collective efforts of consumers to conserve electricity as the country

gears up for a “new normal” routine. As of 29 May 2020, NGCP recorded 87 incidents of kites entangled in transmission lines, most of which were reported during the Enhanced Community Quarantine period.

This includes an 8-hour emergency shutdown of NGCP’s Las-PinasDasmarinas 230kV line last April 25. While no customers were affected, the reliability of the grid was compromised at that time. “These rising incidents

Making Budgeting as a Habit SNOOKY L. ALMOITE ADAS-III

Live within your means, they said. That way you won’t be in debt, they said. But what does this phrase mean? It pertains about a person spending not more than what they earn. For most of us, this is challenging to do and achieve. Even more so now with the pandemic affecting all of us financially and emotionally. Not overspending is, as what the young ones say, a pipedream. Not knowing when this pandemic would eventually end, one should be cautious and mindful whether such purchases are beneficial. Viable money practices are even more essential right now. That’s where budgeting comes in. There are three things you need to highlight when budgeting and these are well-calculated estimations, payment of debt and savings or emergency funds. To start with, track your expenses to help you produce estimations of future spendings accurately. Identify and analyze your current spending patterns and behaviors. If such purchases are not needed, then don’t buy it. It’s crucial to able to identify

which commodities are needs or wants. When you finally do, create a personal budget at the beginning of the month. It’s vital to categorize debt payment as part of your core expenses. Also, don’t forget to allocate funds for savings or emergency expenses. Despite how small the amount is, it won’t hurt to have extra funds kept for unforeseeable events. Most importantly, set goals. To have a solid financial foundation, setting goals are essential. Even if you’ve devised well-calculated budgets plans, without properly carrying it out in an organized and disciplined manner then there’s no use for doing so. Lastly, be consistent. Make budgeting a part of your routine. Living within your budget may sound constricting- it’s not. Being in a budget gives you more freedom financially. Freedom from crippling debt and having extra cash for an emergency makes a person financially sound. And when you’re financially stable, you can also have the freedom to do things which might have been hard to do back then.

Republic of the Philippines REGIONAL TRIAL COURT OF LANAO DEL NORTE 12th Judicial Region OFFICE OF THE CLERK OF COURT EX-OFFICIO SHERIFF Tubod, Lanao del Norte NOTICE OF EXTRA – JUDICIAL SALE (EJF No. 224-07-2020) Upon the Extra Judicial Petition for Sale under Act 3135, as amended, filed by the 1st VALLEY BANK, A DEVELOPMENT BANK, Baroy Branch, Baroy, Lanao del Norte against IVY JOY P. MACALISANG, of legal age, separated and a resident of Poblacion, Tubod, Lanao del Norte, to satisfy the indebtedness which as of October 30, 2018, amounting to FOUR HUNDRED FIFTY THOUSAND (P450,000.00) PESOS ONLY excluding penalties, charges, attorney’s fee and expenses of foreclosure, the undersigned or his duly authorized deputy will sell at Public Auction on 9th day of September, 2020 at 10:00 A.M. or soon thereafter at the Regional Trial Court, Branch 07, Provincial Capitol of Lanao del Norte, Pigcarangan, Tubod, Lanao del Norte, to the highest bidder for cash or manager’s check and in Philippine Currency, the following property with all its improvements, to wit: LIST OF MORTGAGED PROPERTY OCT No. P-18,605 Lot No. 6094-B, Csd-12-000184 “A parcel of residential lot situated in Barangay Poblacion, Municipality of Tubod, Province of Lanao del Norte, Island of Mindanao containing an area of TWO HUNDRED SEVENTY FIVE (275) SQUARE METERS, more and less, including all the improvements found thereon, more particularly described and bounded as follows; Bounded on the NW, along line 2-3 by a Road; on the NE, along line 3-4 by Lot 6094-C, Csd-12-000184; on the SE, along line 4-1 by Lot 6094-D, Csd-12-000184 and on the SW, along line 1-2 by Lot 6094-A, Csd-12-000184.”

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

In the event that the Public Auction cannot take place on the said date, it shall be held on October 7, 2020 without further notice.

Tubod, Lanao del Norte, Philippines, this July 8, 2020.

BWM: July 10, 17 & 24, 2020

(SGD) ATTY. AISA B. MUSA-BARRAT Clerk of Court VI and Ex-Officio Sheriff By:ROY B. MADRONA Sheriff IV

of kite entanglements comes at a period where electricity is crucial in the ongoing efforts to combat COVID-19. Breaching safety clearances not only threatens power transmission delivery for the entire grid, but also endangers the lives of kiteflyers. Transmission lines carry extremely high voltages, between 69,000 volts to 500,000 volts. Compare this to the power supplied by our outlets, which is only 220 volts. Lines also need not be physically touched to cause accidents,” warned the company. While power demand dropped during the enhanced community quarantine, the downgrading to general community quarantine in the National Capital Region and the gradual resumption of commercial and industrial operations

have steadily increased demand for power. To ensure uninterrupted power delivery services, NGCP is appealing for the prohibition of kite flying, kaingin or grass burning activities, and malicious planting of vegetation below or within the transmission right of way corridor. The company also strongly encourages the public to implement efficient energy use practices in order to prevent demand-induced power shortages. Simple conservation habits include the following: - Remove plugs of appliances from outlets when not in use. Appliances on standby mode still consume electricity. - Use compact fluorescent lamps (CFL) or LED bulbs.

- Keep the air conditioners at 25°. Close doors and windows before opening the airconditioner. - Regularly clean fan blades and airconditioner filters. Airconditioner condensers must be cleaned every 6 months or earlier, depending on usage. - Defrost refrigerators when freezer ice reaches ¼ inch. Make sure refrigerator doors are tightly closed. - Shift electricity-heavy tasks such as using the washing machine and ironing to off-peak periods (before 11AM and after 7PM). NGCP assures its customers and stakeholders that its transmission facilities are adequate for the delivery of any and all available power to the grid. “As we brace for the WARNS/PAGE 11

The Lonely Planet: Life as a School Head By: CLYDE D. TALAMPAS

A professor of mine who i s a S c h o o l’s D i v i s i on Superintendent once told our class that being a school head or a school Principal is a “lonely” one. At first it didn’t sink in my mind and heart what she meant by that. Her statement back then, made no sense to me . Until one day I was called by the Division Office for a school head position. Before becoming a school head last 2014, I was a school teacher for twelve years in the Department of Education. Way back it did not ever occur to me that I would become a school head one day. I was already happy and contented with my life as a classroom teacher. In fact I was planning to retire as Teacher – one only, following the footsteps of my co-male teachers, who during that time were my model teachers, living a simple yet a happy life as a classroom teacher. In 2014, after applying for AFFIDAVIT OF ADJUDICATION OF SOLE HEIR WITH DEED OF ABSOLUTE SALE

a Head teacher position, I was assigned as a School in charge at Dunggoan Elementary School. A two to three-hours ride from the city proper. During those times in the mountain, I was just learning many things, the way of life of the Indigenous People, their culture, their language and everything that a new school head should supposed to learn. It was a huge adjustment for me knowing the fact that I will be handling a school, teachers, pupils and the whole community plus the fact that I will be leaving my wife from Monday until Friday, adds another concern to me. It was a mind boggling experience. I didn’t know what to do at the time. But as other school heads had gone before me, they would always say “Don’t worry, you will eventually learn from DepEd.” Looking back, I could jokingly say that the path that I treaded was like in the NBA. This is my fifth school since becoming a

school head. Just like any NBA player, they never know when and which team they will be traded. It is only then that I realized what my former professor has said about School heads being on a “lonely” place. I just felt a sudden emptiness deep inside after remembering her words inside my office.” She was right”, I said to myself. But I promised myself not to get caught up with those words, and get busy instead. B eing in a “lonely” place as a school head is just a matter of choice. Me, I choose to be happy with my present position and I am very glad to have become one of the most promising school heads in the Division of Cagayan de Oro City. I enjoyed my life as a school administrator. I don’t know what my future would bring and I don’t know where I would be heading on my next journey as a school head, but I’m certain that I will have a favorable trip ahead.

Republic of the Philippines OFFICE OF THE MUNICIPAL CIVIL REGISTRAR Libertad, Misamis Oriental

That the late ANASTACIO SANGLITAN, who died without leaving any, will; he left a parcel of land embraced in TAX DECLARATION NO. 0812002100100 located at Rizal, Claveria, Misamis Oriental, containing an area of 16,535 Square Meters, more or less, and has been the subject of an AFFIDAVIT OF ADJUDICATION OF SOLE HEIR WITH DEED OF ABSOLUTE SALE, filed by the heirs of ANASTACIO SANGLITAN, per DOC #283; PAGE #57; BOOK #LXIX; Series of 2020 under the Notarial Registry of ATTY. DALE BRYAN D. MORDENO.

In compliance with Republic Act 10172 notice hereby served to the public that JOAN BONGAT JALAGAT has filed with this office a petition for CLERICAL ERROR of GENDER from “FEMALE” to “MALE” in his Certificate of Live Birth who was born December 27, 1989 at Poblacion, Libertad, Misamis Oriental and whose parents are CELESTINO JALAGAT and JULIETA BONGAT.

BWM: July 10, 17 & 24, 2020

BWM: July 10 & 17, 2020

-o0oNOTICE OF PUBLICATION

Any person having knowledge and / or claiming interest of may be adversely affected by said petition may file his/her written opposition not later than July 22, 2020 with this office.

(SGD) XENIA O. ACOSTA Municipal Civil Registrar

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FRIDAY|JULY 17, 2020

Remedies... from page 2

the head of the City Treasurer’s Office (CTO). Under the second measure, the city government will give tax amnesty or relief to delinquent RPT payers through Ordinance No. 021820. “ This shall apply to assessed penalties and interest on delinquent back taxes relating to real properties as of December 31, 2019, and prior years. All accrued penalties and interest shall be condoned only upon settlement of RPT within 6

months from the effectivity of the Ordinance,” Bantiding said. Meanwhile, the third legislative action seeks to assist vendors of city-owned public markets by granting a 60-percent reduction on the rental fees of stalls or booths that are open from April 1 to June 30, 2020. “If we remember, we waived the payment for the closed stalls inside governmentowned spaces during the quarantine. For the open stalls but their incomes are reduced because of Covid-19, they were given a 60-percent reduction on their rental

fees. For example, if they have rent due to the amount of P10,000 per month, now they only pay the amount of P4,000,” Dayanghirang said. (PNA)

Programs... from page 2

nga sa ilang (executive) p ag subm it na a s a d m i perspective, with high value considering it comes from NEDA,” Nacaya said. He pointed out that the city council also has a level of view on how to undertake the programs and projects and go in-between and sit down with the executive

department in resolving the issues besetting the public, particularly the impact of COVID 19. “We are in unison with the executive branch but in this time of crisis there are acts and actors in the executive that we’d like to pursue according to their aspirations or priority. We laud the executive for applying what has been necessary for the furtherance of the governance there is in times of pandemic. True enough, we produced best results among other LGUs in responding against the pandemic. But we could not

The Tagpangi Elementary School Learning Continuity Plan By: CLYDE D. TALAMPAS

As the school opening is about to begin on August 24, 2020, the Tagpangi Elementary school is all set to implement its Learning Continuity Plan. This plan is in line with DepEd’s Basic Education Learning Continuity Plan (BE-LCP), a package of education interventions that will respond to basic education challenges brought about by COVID-19. Some of the principles of BELCP are the following: 1. Protect the health, safety and well-being of learners, teachers and personnel and prevent the further transmission of COVID-19. 2. Ensure Learning continuity through K-12 curriculum adjustments, alignment of learning materials, deployment of multiple learning deliver y modalities, provision of corresponding training

for teachers and school leaders, and proper orientation of parents or guardians of learners. 3. Facilitate the safe return of teaching and nonteaching personnel and learners to work places and schools/CLCs, taking into considerations the scenarios projected by the Department of Health and the IATF. 4. Be sensitive to equity considerations and concerns, and endeavor to address them the best we can and 5. Link and bridge the BELCP to DepEd’s pivot to quality and into the future of education, under the framework of Sulong Edukalidad and Futures Thinking in Education. The Tagpangi Elementary School has already presented its LCP last July 14, 2020 to the Division office and waits for the approval of its implementation. Some of the features

of Tagpangi Elementary School’s Learning Continuity Plan are: 1. Adoption of the Most Essential Learning Competencies (MELC) provided by DepEd. 2. Modular Delivery mode of instruction. 3. Printing of Modules and Learning Activity Sheets. 4. Designing of Class Programs 5. Construction of hand washing Facilities 6. Provision of Hygiene kits and materials 7. Stakeholders engagement 8. Information Drive on the new normal and 9. Presentation of the school’s LCP to the barangay and the parents. Tagpangi Elementar y School is highly committed to implement strictly its Learning Continuity Plan and sets high standard to assure quality education is being delivered to Tagpangi Elementary School learners.

stop there and think only about health but we also have to think about the future of our people,” the councilor further pointed out. As Nacaya commended NEDA for producing vital instruments that would lift the entire region, he also asked for its assistance in elevating the city from the mess caused by the pandemic. (SP/JAOclarit)

Kadiwa...

from page 2 to finance value-adding activities as assemblers of farmers’ produce such as procurement of produce aggregation and preprocessing (cleaning, sorting, packing, drying, etc.). Type “B” Grant, the beneficiar y may receive P500,000 up to P5 million to finance value-adding activities as consolidators and distributors of farmers’ produce to consumer markets such as assembly, storage, transport, delivery of produce/products to distribution centers or buyers. Meanwhile, Type “C” Grant, the beneficiary may receive P50,000 up to P150,000 to finance the start-up cost requirement of operating and maintaining Kadiwa retail markets (palengke) or retail stores. Since the Kadiwa ni Ani at Kita program rolled out in Region 10, March 30, there have been a total of 66 assisted agri-fishery suppliers. To date, the program has generated a total sales of

P12.7 million and has served 49,414 households. (DA10/ PIA10)

Protection... from page 3

need to subsidize, they will subsidize,” he said in Filipino. He added additional fees for cash-in services are probably charged by the banks, not the e-payment platform, because most of the big banks are not fully connected to other banks. C on s u m e r a d v o c at e Laban Konsyumer Inc. (LKI) president and founder lawyer Victorio Mario Dimagiba said the group wrote a letter to the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas to stop banks from collecting additional fees and charges for transactions that were previously available without cost. House Bill 6122 To further strengthen consumer protection in this time of booming online transactions, Cabochan said the DTI fully supports the House Bill 6122, or the Internet Transaction Act. She said the DTI backs requiring online sellers to register their business activities. She added one of the recommendations of the department is the creation of a new e-commerce office. “There are two offices in DTI now -- Fair Trade Enforcement Bureau and e-Commerce Office. Merge them and grant DTI the additional powers under the bill. Then no need to create a new office,” Dimagiba said. (PNA)

Republic of the Philippines REGIONAL TRIAL COURT OF LANAO DEL NORTE 12th Judicial Region OFFICE OF THE CLERK OF COURT EX-OFFICIO SHERIFF Tubod, Lanao del Norte

Republic of the Philippines SUPREME COURT Regional Trial Court 12th Judicial Region, Branch 21 Kapatagan, Lanao del Norte

NOTICE OF EXTRA – JUDICIAL SALE (EJF No. 226-07-2020)

OFFICE OF THE CLERK OF COURT AND EX-OFFICIO SHERIFF NOTICE OF EXTRA-JUDICIAL SALE: EJF NO. 21-88

Upon the Extra Judicial Petition for Sale under Act 3135, as amended, filed by the 1st VALLEY BANK, A DEVELOPMENT BANK, Baroy Branch, Baroy, Lanao del Norte against Spouses BEN P. MIRANDA and LODYM H. MIRANDA, of legal age, married and residents of Poblacion, Magsaysay, Lanao del Norte, to satisfy the indebtedness which as of January 18, 2019, amounting to ONE HUNDRED FIFTY THOUSAND (P150,000.00) PESOS ONLY excluding penalties, charges, attorney’s fee and expenses of foreclosure, the undersigned or his duly authorized deputy will sell at Public Auction on 9th day of September, 2020 at 10:00 A.M. or soon thereafter at the Regional Trial Court, Branch 07, Provincial Capitol of Lanao del Norte, Pigcarangan, Tubod, Lanao del Norte, to the highest bidder for cash or manager’s check and in Philippine Currency, the following property with all its improvements, to wit:

Upon extra-judicial petition for sale in accordance with the provision of Republic Act No. 720, as amended filed by 1st VALLEY BANK, INC., represented by NERI B. BLISS, Branch Manager, MORTGAGEE, against MATEA CASTAÑARES ABONG married to COSME B. ABONG, of Poblacion, Kapatagan, Lanao del Norte, MORTGAGOR, to satisfy the mortgage indebtedness the total amount of ONE HUNDRED SEVENTY FOUR THOUSAND SEVENTY ONE PESOS and 21/100 (P174,071.21) becomes due inclusive of interest, penalty, attorney's fee and liquidated damages, plus publication, Sheriff's expenses and other related incidental expenses, the undersigned or his duly authorized deputy will Sell at Public Auction on October 1, 2020 a 10:00 o'clock in the morning to 2:00 o'clock in the afternoon at the Office of the Clerk of Court, RTC, Branch 21, Kapatagan, Lanao del Norte to the highest bidder, for CASH or MANAGER'S CHECK and in Philippine Currency, the following described real property with all its improvements thereon, to wit:

LIST OF MORTGAGED PROPERTY OCT No. P-20,701 Lot No. 420, Pls 588-C-1 “A parcel of residential lot situated in Barangay Poblacion, Municipality of Magsaysay, Province of Lanao del Norte, Island of Mindanao containing an area of THREE HUNDRED (300) SQUARE METERS, more and less, including all the improvements found thereon, more particularly described and bounded as follows; Bounded on the West, along lines 1-2 by Lot Nos.; 409 & 408; On the North, along lines 2-3 by Lot No. 421; On the East, along lines 3-4 by Road; On the South, along lines 4-1 by Lot Nos. 419 & 410, all of Pls 588-C-1.”

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

In the event that the Public Auction cannot take place on the said date, it shall be held on October 7, 2020 without further notice.

Tubod, Lanao del Norte, Philippines, this July 8, 2020.

BWM: July 10, 17 & 24, 2020

(SGD) ATTY. AISA B. MUSA-BARRAT Clerk of Court VI and Ex-Officio Sheriff By:ROY B. MADRONA Sheriff IV

TRANSFER CERTIFICATE OF TITLE NO. (P-12763) 149-2017000107 Registry of Deeds of Lanao del Norte A parcel of land situated in Picalawag, Karomatan (now Sultan Naga Dimaporo), Lanao del Norte with an area of FOUR HUNDRED FORTY SIX (446) SQUARE METERS, more or less. Lot No. 9, Sgs-12-000332. Bounded on the NW., along line 1-2 by Lot No. 194 (portion), Pls-326, on the NE., along line 2-3 by Road, on the SE., along line 3-4 by portion of Lot 194, Pls-326, and on the SW., along line 4-1 by Lot Sgs-12000332. Registered in the name of MATEA C. ABONG of legal age, married to COSME B. ABONG. All sealed bids must be submitted to the undersigned on the above-mentioned time and date. In the event the Public Auction should not take place on the said date, it shall be held on October 8, 2020, without further notice. Kapatagan, Lanao del Norte, Philippines, July 6, 2020. BWM: July 10, 17 & 24, 2020

(SGD) ATTY. BERNARDINO M. BERING Clerk of Court VI & Ex-Officio Sheriff

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FRIDAY|JULY 17, 2020

Congress... from page 1

which was previously held every September. He said they have canceled this year’s congress, which is considered as the country’s biggest gathering of tuna i n du s t r y s t a k e h o l d e r s , “owing to the health crisis that continues to affect the global community, including the Philippines.” “This difficult decision has been arrived at after a careful assessment of the present situation,” Yu said in a statement. He said they will instead hold online fora dubbed “Oras ng Mananagat sa Panahon ng Pandemya” from September to November. Yu said the activity is a “proactive decisive move to ensure that the challenges, issues and concerns confronting the fishing industry are actively attended to and deliberated by all stakeholders, and addressed by our global, regional, national, and local partners.” In t h e w a ke of t h e Covid-19 crisis, he said the area’s fishing and aquaculture industry must move forward while complying with the national government’s safety and health protocols. “(This is) to ensure that we can sustain our contribution to the Philippine economy and provide livelihood to a significant number of Filipinos,” he said. The annual congress, which drew an average of 600 local and foreign delegates these past years, had served as a venue for top industry players to discuss pressing concerns, among t hem t he cons er vat ion and management of tuna and other critical marine resources. It was joined by officials and representatives of various government agencies, as well as non-government groups. At the start of the enhanced

community quarantine last March due to the Covid-19 threat, tuna producers and exporters reported substantial losses due to the suspension of flights from the city to Metro Manila and other routes. But it was later remedied with the opening of more commercial cargo flights that brought tuna and other agricultural products to major markets. Dubbed as the “Tuna Capital of the Philippines,” the city hosts six of the country’s eight tuna canneries. The industr y, which generated export receipts of around P22 billion in 2018, directly employs some 27,290 people and provides livelihood to 109,160 others through various secondary activities. (PNA)

Restart... from page 1

Rommel Tanghal, chief of the planning division of the National Economic and Development Authority-12 (NEDA-12), said the figure reflects the amount realigned or reprioritized by various national government agencies (NGAs) based in the region to fight and cushion the economic impact of COVID-19. “ The amount was intended to restart the regional economy downed by COVID-19 and for the continuous efforts to fight the virus,” he told MindaNews. He said the fund was intended for disbursement from May to December 2020, subject to the clearance by the head offices of the respective NGAs. According to him, part of the fund came from allocations to canceled appropr iations such as conferences, travels and other activities banned by the government due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Tanghal said the efforts to restart the regional economy

battered by COVID-19 have been contained in Volume 1 of the SOCCSKSARGENRegional Recover y Plan (RRP) 2020-2022. The fund, among others, will be used to provide subsidy to distressed businesses and workers and for the purchase of p e rs on a l prote c t ive equipment for frontliners, he added. Teresita Socorro Ramos, NEDA-12 director, said the regional office’s online survey and focused group discussions involv ing t he bus ine ss sector, various economic stimulus packages and the then proposed extension of Republic Act 10469 or the “Bayanihan to Heal as One Act” served as inputs to the plan. “Under Volume 1, it is ensured that government strategies and resources are focused on the urgent recovery interventions for COVID-19, thus priority PPAs (programs, projects and activities) were realigned in order to abide with RA 10469,” she said in a statement. The RRP’s Volume 2 involves rehabilitation and resiliency measures and is expected to be presented next month to the Regional Inter-Agency Task Force on the Management of Emerging Infectious Diseases, the Regional Development Council, and the Regional Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council, among others. In Region 12, investments generate d for t he f irst quarter of this year, when COVID-19 began to rear its ugly head, sharply dropped by 96.42 percent to only P69.13 million, NEDA-12 data showed. For the same period last year, the region registered investments worth around P1.93 billion, indicating the investments for the first quarter of 2020 was down by P1.86 billion. The Board of Investments

registered only a single investment in the region during the first three months of 2020 — the Treelife Coco Sugar, an exporter of banana chips located in Carmen, North C otabato, which generated 168 jobs. Tanghal earlier said that investors adopted a wait-andsee attitude as the COVID-19 pandemic, which originated in Wuhan in central China last December, spread to other countries. He, however, expressed confidence the economic climate in the region “will improve once the measures to defeat COVID-19 are adequately put in place.” The COVID-19 lockdown from mid-March to May brought economic activities in the region to a standstill with businesses shutting down and sending workers out in the streets jobless, he noted. Region 12 straddles the provinces of South Cotabato, North Cotabato, Sultan Kudarat and Sarangani and the cities of General Santos, Tacurong, Kidapawan and Koronadal, the regional center and the capital of South Cotabato. Manufacturing, agriculture and fisheries largely fuel its economy, with canned pineapple and fresh and canned tuna products among the region’s top dollar earners. (Bong S. Sarmiento / MindaNews)

Mosque... from page 1

S e c re t ar y E du ard o d el Rosario, Task Force Bangon Marawi chair. Del Rosario said the family of Marawi Mayor Majul Gandamra and the 21 sultans of Dansalan (old name of Marawi) have given the approval to demolish the mosque. He said the new structure will cost P105 million with the money coming from the contractors involved in the

“Nasawi, Nag ALS, Nakabangon” By: AGNES P. CLAPANO T-III/ ALS Coordinator Sinacaban District Division of Misamis Occidental

Si Reagan A. Lomo, 34 na taong gulang,nakatira sa Dinas, Sinacaban, Mosamis Occidental ay nagging Drug Surrenderie noong pinaigting ang kampanyang Gira Kontra Druga na Operation Tokhang Program ni Pangulong Rodrigo Roa Duterte. Dati akala niya patapon na ang kanyang buha. Sugapa sa alcohol at druga, walang araw na hindi nalalasing, mins an ha los wa l a na siyang malay na inihahatid sa kanilang bahay. Puro problema at pasakit nalang ang hatid niya sa kanyang ina na walang kupas sa kapapayo sa kanya na baguhin na ang kanyang buhay dahil wala itong kahihinatnang mabuti. Laking pasalamat niya nang isang araw dumating sa kanilang barangay an gaming grupo mula sa Alternative Learning System dito sa Sinacaban at hinikayat silang

sumali sa aming programa sa ALS na tinatawag na SAVELIFE (Save and Assist Victims of Vices Empower them to Live Life with Integrity Faith in God and be the Encourager) kung saan nagpa Inter-Barangay Basketball Tournament kami na may kasamang Drug Awareness Symposium ng PNP, Spiritual Upliftment at ALS Literacy Program. Sa programang ito, lahaty ng hindi nakapagtapos ng pag-aaral ay nabigyan ng pagkakataong makapagaral ng ALS Secondary at makakuha ng mga naaayong mga Training Skills sa TESDA. Dahil ditto kanyang napagtanto na hindi pa huli ang lahat. Bigla siyang natauhan at na himasmasan sa tulong na rin ng aming walang sawang pagtuturo at pagtitiyagang mapuntahan sila ng ALS, TESDA, DSWD,

Rural Health Unit Officers, mga Spiritual Leaders at mga Kapulisan sa kanilang barangay. Sa tulong ng Panginoon, siya ngayon ay nabago, nakapagtapos na ng high school at nakapasa ng National Accreditation and Equivalency Test ng ALS. Nakakuha ng tatlong National Certificates of Competency II ng Masonry, Tile Setting at Carpentry sa TESDA at ngayon ay Malaya na siya sa lahat ng ugat ng kahirapan- ang bisyo na muntik nang kumitil ng kanyang buhay. “Sa ngayon hindi na ako nawawalan pa ng pera dahil kabila’t kanan ang kumukuhang construction works sa akin. L aking tuwa ng aking ina nang binilhan ko siya ng groceries noong unang sahod ko at nang makaipon na ako ay

nakabili na rin ng sariling motorcycle na siyang gamit ko pagpunta sa aking trabaho. Dahil ditto, lubos akong nagpapasalamat u n a s a May k ap a l, s a pagpapadala niya sa akin ng savior”. ani niya. Bi l ang A lte r n at ive System Coordinator, ang sarap sa pakiramdam na may mga taong nabago ang buhay dahil sa ganitong mga programa ng Gobyerno. Puspusan an gaming paglillingkod para mas mapabuti ang aming serbisyo para sa kapakanan ng lahat.

planned rehabilitation of Marawi. “We could not have done this (rebuilding of the mosque) if this is government-funded because the Commission on Audit would never allow this,” he said. He said that aside from Dansalan Bato Ali Mosque, the task force is eyeing to demolish Jamie’O Mindanao Al Islami or the Grand Mo s qu e , D i s om angc op Mosque, Sultan Macabando Mo s q u e , S h e i k Ab d u l Rahman Pacasum Mosque or the White Mosque, and the Masjid Darussalam. Del Rosario said they are hoping the demolition of the Grand Mosque would follow once the negotiations with its administrators would succeed. He said they prepared a budget of P900 million for the rebuilding of the mosques but only have P300 million on hand. He said Maranao architects were hired to design the new mosques with provisions that their owners would have a free hand to change it to their satisfaction. Sultan Nasser Sampaco, who was among those who approved the demolition of the Dansalan Bato Ali Mosque said the structure was built in the 1950s. During Martial Law, Sampaco said the mosque was burned to the ground and the land was converted into a cemetery. “It took many years to rebuild it through donations from our community,” he said. He said the reconstruction was finished in 1980.

Reports... from page 1

Their regular customers have been requesting that they serve food because they charge cheaper than others. Aling Basya, the owner of the eatery in San Ricardo, Leyte also told us that their community is a hinterland barangay and their customers did not bother to wear face mask when entering their thatch-roofed eatery along the highway and did not observe social distancing. One of the customers said, they are not afraid of Covid, rather they are afraid of hunger. But there was no local contamination in their barangay according to Aling Basya. When there are LSIs and ROFs the LGUs immediately isolate them in School buildings. In Z ambales, the Provincial Police Director, said their problem was really the control of the residents’ movement. “Most of those who can’t be restrained from going out of their homes are those who lost their jobs and livelihood. It is hard to control them as they are more afraid of hunger than the Covid-19,” he added. O n e of t h e ow n e r s of tourist resorts in Iba, Zambalez, said she had to dismiss their workers when the Covid-19 crisis begun in March because her company cannot sustain the business as there are customers coming

in. “All of our reservations were cancelled and there were no check-in guests anymore. Sadly, even though I wanted to help my workers (some 20 of them) for their livelihood, I cannot afford to pay their salaries anymore. But we paid their salary by the end of March, and as support to them, we also paid in advance their 13-month pay,” claimed Ms. Vilma Mirador, owner of Palmera Tourist Resort. Ms. Mirador said they told their workers they are allowed to search for other jobs temporarily to sustain their needs. “I told them, mag diskarte muna kayo habang hindi pa tayo pinapayagan na magbukas muli (Find other means to sustain your needs).” However, most of her employees said they are afraid to go out because of fear and had to follow health protocols. “That’s why we, resort operators (more than 200 in Zambalez) are asking intervention from the government agencies concerned to allow them to re-open this month, because our employees’ welfare is our paramount concern.” She said that hotels and restaurants have already reopened with observance of health protocols. “There’s no difference between us, resorts and hotels or restaurants, we can follow same regulations,” she exclaimed. Profess or G o dys on Dolfo of Northern Zambalez College, and who is also a Past President of the local Rotary Club and Chamber of Commerce, appraised the reportorial team that the most affected sector in their province is tourism. “We have more than 200 resorts here and our visitors come from foreign countries. We hope that the government agencies concerned will allow our tourism resorts to re-open. There is minimal incident of infraction to health protocols and regulations. Our residents are very observant of social distancing. We can efficiently impose that in our resorts,” he said. In Calbayog, Samar, Brgy Kag. Dorothy told the reportorial team that they have conducted “Bandilyo” (public announcements in all barangays) for discipline in observing health protocols. As of this interview date, she said that almost 80% of their constituents in Brgy San Lorenzo, are now wearing facemasks. She added that they also imposed observance of curfew hours. However, they have also fined some residents who have breached this protocol. They have imposed fines for those who do not observe health protocols. “Some of our residents were not used to wearing face masks and social distancing. That’s why we have reprimanded them to follow regulations imposed by the Department of Health,” she added. As for the “Angkas” issue, many couples could not comprehend this directive. So there are several instances of infraction. We are continually educating them to observe and follow health protocols,” she said.

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Spots... from page 4

girl who said to her father: “Daddy, I know everything!” Her father replied: “Oh, really? And how do you know that?” She answered: “Well, I thought and I thought and I thought—and I can’t think of anything I don’t know!” Sadly that is what we adults do when we judge other people—even though we have many things wrong with our own character, relationships and life. Today, won’t you ask the only true, perfect Judge to forgive you for your sinful pride that is blinding you to your own character faults and wrong way of living? Only Jesus can help you start changing and becoming the truly honest and compassionate person He created you to be. A person who loves and forgives others just as He has you. Just think a minute…

Tips... from page 4

COVID-19 policies (e.g., new cleaning and disinfecting practices, wearing PPE, maintaining social distance, etc.) but also reinforce the importance of basic food safety rules, such as cooking foods to proper temperatures, avoiding time/ temperature abuse, avoiding cross-contamination, accommodating food allergies, etc. It’s important to mitigate COVID-19 risks, but it’s essential to prevent other food safety breaches as well.

Call... from page 4

irresponsible development, l aments env ironment a l degradation and global warming and calls all people of the world to take swift and united global action. W o n d e r f u l pronouncement from the Pope amidst the paradox of religious apathy and moral collapse on climate change. Look at Gaia (Mother Earth), feel Her pain and tears (the melting of the iceberg (one thousand hectares per day); look at Her stomach (the Oceans that are now very acidic and rising; Gaia has cancer and Her cells are dying (the extinction of the species); Gaia is now feverish (global warming). It is a scientifically established fact that for every one Celsius degree increase in global temperature, there will be a corresponding ten percent reduction in food production. As global heat intensifies, the insects’ bites will become fatal and can reach up to higher altitude. It is predicted that there will be at least one billion global refugees in the next 100 years, that people in Bhopal have to leave the country for reason of pestilence, migrating to Calcutta but during that time, Calcutta is predicted to be under water. The second bitter reality is the unsustainability in the economy as only a few are in control of the resources. Who decides? Who profits? Who benefits? And these global oligarchs are giving high

adherence to the growth-atall-cost development strategy called Neo-Liberal Capitalism which is only successful in sacrificing mother earth and the people to the altar of greed and profit! These oligarchs are using “trickledown approach to the masses as an alibi. No sir! No such thing. In so-called trickledown approach, we just allow all those which have already passed the digestive system of cattle to be eaten by the poor Let us now all wake up. Today, there is need for a paradigm shift: from unsustainability to sust ai nabi l it y! Mone y should not be used to make more money but to improve the quality of life of the people. Enough is enough of economic development that benefits only a few. No less that a national leader from Myanmar by the name of Aung San Suu Kye, the State Councilor of Myanmar, leader of the national league for democracy, has stressed this truism in her speech, saying that human development must now be the focus and not consumerism and materialism. Yes, “higit sa lahat, TAO.” In this context, the essence of cooperativism has become the answer because its DNA is that of being membersowned, value-based and sustainable. It is the only counter vailing force to debunk the contemporaneous development paradigm. This is the reason why the United Nations has coined the term, Transformative Cooperatives for People, Planet, Prosperity and Peace, to advance the UN’s SDG. Even His Holiness Pope Francis has given credence to cooperativism as the path to serve the least of our brethren, questioning why in a world with so much abundance and food, many are wallowing in hunger and poverty. Ind e e d, one’s t a l e nt must not be used for selfag g randizement but to collectively advance the welfare of everyone, for God’s greater Glory! HOY GISING!

Eternal... from page 4

taught and transmitted through the Church. Is there faith and piety when we read and meditate on the gospel, for example? Do we realize that with faith and piety, whenever we read the gospel it’s like listening to Christ himself? We have to be wary of our tendency to be so seduced by our worldly cultures and systems that we fail to discern Christ when we meditate on the gospels and even when we develop our philosophies and ideologies. Christ should be the primary and ultimate object of any literature that comes our way. That’s because as St. Paul would put it, “In Christ all the fullness of the Deity lives in bodily form and in Christ you have been brought to fullness.” (Col 2,9) In other words, the fullness of our humanity can only be achieved through our full

identification with Christ who makes himself available to us through his word!

evolving process so we need to be up-to-date on how they do it,” he added. (PNA)

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Risks...

relations, said they saw “at least 50% growth in digital transactions and a fivefold increase in digital account openings during the pandemic.” Amid the surge in transactions, Mr. Rufo said they also observed a spike in phishing activities. “When the lockdown started, they just started to grow (phishing incidents). It just grew almost on a day-to-day basis and we had consumers seeing and some of them unfortunately being victimized,” he said, noting some of these schemes pretend to be charity drives for virus response. Mr. Rufo said the bank employs a 24/7 Integrated O p e r at i on C e nte r t hat monitors internet protocol and security. He added they have employees focused on using blockchain to secure customer data and transactions and address cyber fraud incidents. He urge d clients to practice “cyber hygiene” in their financial transactions and refrain from using familiar words or names of relatives as passwords to guard against cyber attacks. The Aboitiz-led lender’s net income increased 22% year on year to P2.641 billion in the first quarter, supported by better revenues and higher net interest income.

Online... from page 5

businesses they need to transact with to ensure safe transactions. Phishing is a crime being done by cybercriminals by using fake electronic mail (e-mail) addresses of a certain institution like banks to obtain individuals’ personal details, account numbers, and PIN. Rufo said they have received complaints about phishing among their clients since the quarantine was put in place in the middle of March but did not give any figures regarding the increase, saying that “these kinds of activities are almost non-existent prior to the lockdown.” He said their clients have informed them they received electronic mails telling them to go to a certain website to update their information or to donate to causes, such as the fight against the Covid-19. “What we immediately do to help our customers is to secure their online accounts immediately so that they don’t get victimized any further. We help in educating the customers. And we helped the customers in going to the law enforcement agencies so that the bank and the consumers can go after the cybercriminals,” he said. Rufo said Unionbank continues to work with law enforcement agencies to also get updated on how the fraudsters operate nowadays. “Cybersecurity is really an

Feature...

so much of that, I am thankful I have been working on strengthening my faith for as long as I can remember. I also checked with mental health institutions. Yes. It is because disturbances in us is possible when we are grieving. I remember I dreamed bad things; I dreamed about different premonitions (Because I am scared of this!) which really affect my way of living and I was always afraid for possible turnout of events and scared that things will happen again. Plus, I met a motorcycle accident weeks ago. After that, I was beginning to be scared (and still am) of riding vehicles! My muscles tremble and I cannot breathe when I am riding in a rushing vehicle. It was really bad and sad moments of my life that my aunt asked me do I have not faith at all for letting such kind affect me. Thus, I let professionals explained to me why things are happening such and they told me, pain is still fresh and I am still in a grieving stage and it is but normal. The important thing is I am doing my daily tasks, I work normally just like before that dreading day, that I am waking up each day still living the life even it feels different. That is why I still go to work and deal with work and any other businesses to keep going in my life. Until now, I have been trying to be consistent. There are days that I don’t feel like getting out from bed or going to work but I told myself if I would not do my best, then what is life ahead, more so that I still have many family around me. Then, I started dealing w it h my Mam a D i ng’s question, that if I think lots of negative things, what kind of faith that I have. So I prayed and told God, “You hold the wheels, Lord, and I will go wherever You drive me to.” Those days, and even these days, when I cry any time of the day, even in the middle of doing a report is truly a test of faith and I am here, being sure that my faith will push me through. What else have I been doing? Before I wrote this article, I was occupied arranging my earrings in a mini accessory organizer that Ma’am Jam, my officemate, gave me as her advance birthday gift and I admire it a lot. Small things that brought us happiness. Earlier, when my mom is about to go to our town market, I asked her to buy me a 3 feet-long cloth for a backdrop as well. I set up a mini-studio in our little house for my product shoots. I have been receiving a lot of collaborations lately. Long ago, I told myself I will stop from what I am doing and just live quietly. It brought peace somehow, but it is not even helping me all along. I need a therapy and I realize I just have to progress even a little. Plus, I have been receiving

a lot of sensible comments and it made my heart big. It comforts me at some point. Hence, these seldom articles I am publishing. I accept collaborations that I like to do and learned to reject those which I cannot do for now. When my pace is slow and the project is big, I am sure I cannot give my all and it will affect the performance and will just cause me disappointment, thus of simply saying no to it this early. I am also planning to put little repairs and improvement in my Lola’s house (My mom currently lives here with me) to make my official little studio possible, and it still give me headache how to start on that (LOL). But let’s see for the coming weeks. I also do journalizing and collecting art and crafts materials. Recently, I am so hooked in a sticker printer I found online. Thus, if you know local stores who sell kiss cut printers and stuff, please let me know. In addition, I am also into flowers these days. I do visit Father during weekends, reason we likely purchase flowers during Saturdays or Sundays. I bought mine for my place at home and it’s quite a therapy. I did mention of therapy and that, I have been working on my sleep. I recently listen to Mindfulness Meditation therapists suggested to me. I currently listen to music from a Soothing Relaxation channel. You can found them in Youtube if you like. I was also doing shopping therapy online. Well, not really that much since I am on a budget but online shopping therapy really got me. I am just thankful Zalora always put my Wishlist on sale (I never bought something which was not on sale!), that I was able to avail up to 80% discount. (This aricle isn’t Zalora-sponsored, just a disclaimer. LOL). Nothing much really changed when it comes to my interests. Aside from what I wrote, I am still into K Dramas, still hoarding stationeries and colored pens. I am also progressing with my online classes. Currently, I am already in the Module 3 of my Professional Diploma in Digital Marketing class. I missed a lot of lessons, that I need to do rescheduling and as well as postpone my class on Smartphone Photography for some other time. I have plans and I do

intend to pursue them. Plans are what kept me going as well, and these make me happy. I have so much love around me that even though this birthday might be different, less happy, felt lacking, but the love that I have been receiving is so much and over-pouring and that, made me grateful. It let me focus on the things that matter and no longer on those people I have been angry with, have hurt me in the past years and have caused me stress. My 27 years is not allhappy but I won’t have it any other way. With all that I have experienced for the past few weeks, I have learned to step on my own ground and reflect, to let go of so much hate and instead receive the love that I have been given, to ignore negative people and appreciate those who stay with me, to be satisfied and most of all, to be grateful for all the blessings. “The Lord is my strength and my shield; My heart trusts in Him, and I am helped; Therefore my heart exults, And with my song I shall thank Him.” (Psalm 28:7)

Warns... from page 8

gradual resumption of our daily routine, we can expect a rise in power demand. Under the EPIRA, we cannot intervene on generation or distribution issues. What we can guarantee is the readiness of our transmission facilities to deliver available power to where it is needed,” NGCP stated. To r e p o r t k i t e entanglements, high growing vegetation, and kaingin activities in the proximity of transmission lines and towers, you may contact NGCP’s Tip Hotline at 0917.847.6427 or 0918.847.6427.

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

Republic of the Philippines Province of Misamis Oriental Municipality of Initao -o0oJuly 14, 2020 CCE-0018-2020 R.A 10172

NOTICE TO THE PUBLIC

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 KENNETH A. FRANCISCO has filed with this Office, a petition for change of first name from “ “to “ “and correction of entry in sex from “MALE” to “FEMALE” or correction of entry in the date of birth from “ “to” “in the certificate of live birth of KENNETH A. FRANCISCO at Initao, Misamis Oriental and whose parents are SEVERINO A. FRANCISCO and ESTERLITA P. AYING. Any person adversely affected by said petition may file his written opposition with this Office not later than August 7, 2020. BWM: July 17 & 24, 2020

(SGD) ISAIAS A. JARALES Municipal Civil Registrar

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Friday|July 17, 2020

Personal Feature:

By IRENE JOY B. DAYO

How I spend days on this life as we fight COVID-19

I

T HAS been so hard to start writing the first word of this article because it would mean another tear for me to cry on and I do not want my readers to feel the pain because it has been hard dealing with it myself. As what I have posted months ago in my website, admitting the pain would be so hard to do for me because I could cry with the reason and

(Life reflections and birthday during pandemic)

I am not ending it until there are still tears for me to cry on. I told you so, I am surviving my daily life escaping from my loss. But today – well, at the time I am writing this article, it’s July 13 and it is my 27th birthday. 27 years, and this day is exactly 2 months since I lost my beloved Father. He’s not with me to celebrate this day he prepared so much, that it cuts deep. It’s been the saddest – ever.

It is indeed true that I have silent cries on the night, I have regrets that haunt me every time I start to smile. However, it is still true that I have a lot of memories with my father to cherish. I am glad I was able to hug my father when we are riding in the motorcycle from church, tell him some of my funny moments at work, tell him about my life outside work, things that I have discovered and telling him

someday, I would be able to pursue something, I just have to wait. He never pressured me, he just smiled. He does that, all the time. These moments let me live. I may no longer receive answers to some of my questions to him but the memories already complete the puzzle. And, that is why in my birthday, I am also somehow grateful. There are things that we tend to forget because we are occupied with our intense, deepest emotions, but whenever I pray to the God above, I realize there are so much. Firstly, are the memories, for the last beautiful years with my father, for the years that Lord God let him to spend time with us. I just

remember swimming with him in the river when I was young, hunting some wild birds, collecting gold fishes he brought for me from a cousin in Cugman, listening to his funny stories, preparing his coffee when I get home, or just simply eating together in the warm night in our place in Alog. I missed most of those young years when I do not need to be so far away from them. I really miss those, that if I can turn back time, I would spend more of my Sundays there. Then, my family around me. There are words that I cannot utter but being feeling better even just for hours just comforts me and it would not be possible if it’s not because of my cousins, aunts and uncles, my

family. My bestfriends, friends, brethren at our Church and colleagues who are just a phone call away. I am beyond grateful for having people who are always there for me, listens to my stories and helps me in different ways possible. Life is even colorful when you have a lot of people who colors it with you, and I am so, so thankful I have several people in my life. Life for the last few weeks More on that, I know I have been away from Facebook — well, of course except Facebook Stories and Instagram. I just need to share less but I really did not opt out. I just need to be little away to relax my mind, to embrace the reality and to know what it is that I have to do from now on (not because it is what I saw and learn in social media). I know I move at my own pace, I have my own timeline and all that I need to do will only be realized by me. Social media can be so much toxic, can be a stressful tool comparing lives with others, comparing how you deal pain with others and can eventually cause misery. For me, it’s not the way I need, I have to ponder it myself. I am getting better, by the way. My mental health is better. I am just thankful that I was able to find ways to cope up with my situation and firstly is that I pray. The stress brought about the coronavirus disease has caused anxiety to me too, even before I lost my father and I learned from Learning and Development webinars that PIA provided to its employees to fight stress brought about by the pandemic, that one effective way is to strengthen our Spirituality and even before I realize FEATURE/PAGE 11