BusinessWeek Mindanao (June 18-19, 2021)

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Briefly Rail consultancy T H E Tr a n s p o r t a t i o n department is expecting to award the project management consultancy services contract of the Mindanao Railway Project ( Ta g u m - D a v a o - D i g o s segment) this month, an official said on Wednesday. “Ito pong buwan na ito, tayo po ay umaasa na mai-award na po natin ‘yung kontrata doon po sa ating project management consultant (We are hoping to award the contract to the project management consultant this month),” Transportation Undersecretary Timothy John R. Batan said at a virtual press briefing. T h e D e par t m e nt of Transportation announced in December last year its invitation to shor tlisted Chinese consultants to submit bids for the project management consultancy services contract.

Veggie production BUTUAN Cit y – The p r ov i n c i a l g ove r n m e nt of Agusan del Norte has signed a memorandum of understanding (MOU) with the Depar tment of Agriculture (DA) 13 (Caraga), Mindanao Development Authorit y (MinDA), and private seed companies for the conduct of Vegetable Derby in the province. In a statement issued Thursday, the DA-13 said the signing of the MOU was led by Agusan del Norte Governor Dale B. Corvera and DA-13 Technical Director Rebecca Atega on June 16. “The Vegetable Derby was originally initiated by the MinDA to strengthen vegetable growing and production,” the statement read.

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HEALTH PROTOCOLS IN PUJs. Policemen check out improper use of face masks and shields inside passenger jeepneys at the MacArthur Highway in Matina, Davao City on Wednesday as the city grapples with the surge of COVID-19 cases. mindanews photo by gregorio c. bueno

BOC-10 destroys P75-M cigarettes from China M AK ERS of i l lega l ly impor ted ciga ret tes a re resorting to another tactic by making it look like the products they are shipping to the country is locally manufactured by labeling cigarette boxes with “Made in the Philippines,” an officer of the Bureau of Customs-10 (BOC-10) said Wednesday. This was the revelation of Oliver Valiente, chief of the Customs Intelligence and Investigation Service in Northern Mindanao, who noticed that several boxes of the imported cigarettes they have intercepted at the Mindanao Container Terminal (MCT) in Tagoloan, Misamis Oriental appear to be locally made. “They want to make it appear that these cigarettes are local,” Valiente said,

referring to t he PHP75 million worth of cigarettes from China that BOC-10 has destroyed at a facility in Barangay Mantibugao, Manolo Fortich, Bukidnon, on Tuesday. He said the shipment a r r ived at t he MC T i n January this year and was declared by the consignee Sixty Nine Enterprises as kitchenware. “Upon examination, the shipment revealed 135,700 reams of assorted cigarettes,” he said. Valiente said the cigarettes were destroyed with the use of a road roller and backhoe. He said the information that a contraband arrived at a local port was relayed to Customs deputy commissioner Teddy Raval. DESTROYS/PAGE 10

ITH the entry of Garcialed Vivant Energy as e quity p ar tner into Bukidnon Power Corporation (BPC) and North Bukidnon Power Corp. (NBPC), electricity supply for consumers in Bukidnon province will be shored up. In a statement to the media, Senator Juan Miguel Zubiri, who has been the original developer of the two power firms in the province, noted that Vivant’s foray into the province’s power generation business redounds to having “brought in energy experts with decades of experience and knowledge in the power value chain.” He qualified that “with Vivant at the helm, BPC and NBPC will provide the reliability and quality of service that the region needs as we prepare ourselves for economic recovery.” NBPC is supplying 5.0 megawatts that cater to the requirements for peaking power of the areas served VIVANT/PAGE 10

FISHING VILLAGE. The fishing village of Milbuk in Palimbang, Sultan Kudarat is home to the town’s Christian population. mindanews photo by bong s. sarmiento

Davao-Samal Bridge project still awaiting approval from China By ANTONIO L. COLINA IV, MindaNews

D AVA O C i t y – T h e Department of Public Works a nd Highways (DPW H) cannot start the construction of t he mu lt i-bi l lion

3.98-kilometer Davao CitySamal Island Bridge without the loan agreement from China, Public Works and Highways Undersecretary

Emil K. Sadain said. Reacting to Island Garden City of Samal (IGACOS) Mayor Al David Uy, the DPWH executive explained in a phone interview Tuesday BRIDGE/PAGE 10

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Local 2 Creation of BARMM sustainable dev’t body pushed C Advertising and Editorial E-mail : businessweekmindanao@gmail.com Contact nos. : 0917-7121424 • 0947-8935776

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OTABATO City – A lawmaker of the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM) has proposed the establishment of the Bangsamoro Sustainable Development Board (BSDB) to systematize development policies and practices in the region.

The proposal, introduced by BARMM Member of Parliament Abdulraof Macacua, is aptly termed Parliament Bill No. 53, or the Bangsamoro Sustainable Development Board Act of 2020. In an interview Thursday, Macacua said the BSDB aims to ensure the integration and harmonization of economic, social, and environmental

considerations as vital dimensions of sustainable development policy and practice in the region. “The BSDB is formed, foremost, to protect, promote, and maximize economic resources within the region,” said Macacua, also concurrent BARMM environment and natural minister. He said among the powers

and functions of the BSDB includes the development of a framework, ascertaining regulations, and evaluating implemented programs and policies that preserve the Bangsamoro environment and its resources. “The regulating body also has the authority to probe alleged anomalies concerning the operation and execution of

its projects,” Macacua said. He said the board shall comprise representatives from the regional government-line agencies headed by the Ministry of Environment, Natural Resources and Energy-BARMM. Macacua said the BSDB also encourages the youth, women, and non-Moro indigenous people to advocate the agenda set in the proposal. (PNA)

CHO Iligan commends IMS for COVID-19 vaccination support By CLAIRE R. GIGJE

ILIGAN CITY --The City Health Office here expressed its earnest appreciation to the Iligan Medical Society (IMS) for its all-out support to the vaccination program in response to the coronavirus disease (COVID)-19 pandemic. “Ang LGU dako kaayo ang pasalamat sa Iligan Medical Society kay very supportive gyud ang private doctors sa atong syudad sa Iligan ug maski pagsugod gyud sa vaccination program,

kanunay naa gyud sila,” expressed acting City Health Officer and Emergency Operations Center (CHO-EOC) Health Cluster Manager Dr. Belinda Lim during the vaccination simulation exercise at La Salle Gym Tuesday, June 15. [The LGU is really thankful to the Iligan Medical Society because the private doctors are really supportive to our city of Iligan and even from the beginning of the vaccination program, they have always been there.] COMMENDS/PAGE 11

BALINGASAG, MISAMIS ORIENTAL National Highway Balingasag, Barangay 4, Balingasag, Misamis Oriental Mobile Number/s: 0933-823-3161, 0933-823-3304 Tel. Number: 333-5161 CAGAYAN DE ORO P&J Lim Building, Tiano Kalambagohan St., Barangay 14, Cagayan de Oro City, Misamis Oriental Tel No. (08822) 727-829 / 231-6629 Telefax No. (088) 856-1947 Mobile No. 0933-823-3303 / 0943-708-7065 CAGAYAN DE ORO WAREHOUSE Warehouse 7, Bonbon Road, Kauswagan, Cagayan de Oro City, Misamis Oriental Mobile No. 0917-825-4149 / 0943-708-7065 CARMEN, CAGAYAN DE ORO Vamenta Blvd., fronting CEPALCO, Carmen, Cagayan de Oro City, Misamis Oriental Tel. No. (088) 233-2011 Mobile No. 0933-823-3159 CORRALES, CDO Corrales Ave., Barangay 29, Cagayan de Oro City, Misamis Oriental Telefax No. (088) 231-2055

MisOr rebels dwindling due to gov’t pressure DIVISORIA, CDO A. Velez St., Barangay 9, Cagayan de Oro City, Misamis Oriental Telefax No. (088) 856-1947 Mobile No. 0917-841-4000 / 0933-823-3164 GINGOOG CITY G/F Wyne Militante Bldg., Lugod St., Barangay 22, Gingoog City, Misamis Oriental Telefax No. (088) 861-0104 Mobile No. 0933-823-3168 LAPASAN, CDO National Highway (FICCO Bldg.), Lapasan, Cagayan de Oro City, Misamis Oriental Tel. No. (088) 231-6739 Mobile No. 0933-823-3160 PUERTO, CDO Purok 6, Puerto, Cagayan de Oro City, Misamis Oriental Tel. No. (088) 859-0574 Mobile No. 0943-708-7537 CAMIGUIN B. Aranas St., Poblacion, Mambajao, Camiguin Telefax No. (088) 387-0491 Mobile No. 0943-708-7539

THE presence of communist guerillas in the hinterlands of Misamis Oriental province is dwindling, an Army commander confirmed Thursday. Lt. Col. Ricky Canatoy, Commanding Officer of the 58th Infantry Battalion (58IB), said in a statement that aside from shrinking numbers, the New People’s Army (NPA) is "under pressure from the government to surrender due

to the loss of their forces and mass bases". On June 14, 2021, two NPA rebels surrendered to the joint forces of the 58IB and the 1001st Maneuver Company of the Regional Mobile Force Battalion in Dampil village, Lagonglong town following an encounter in Salay. The surrenderers were identified as alias “Jukol” and alias “Esay”, reportedly a vice commander and medic, respectively, of the Platoon Cherry Mobile, Sub-Regional Committee 1 of the NPA’s North Central Mindanao Regional Command (NCMRC). "Their surrender demonstrates that they are fed up with the NPA's erroneous ideology. This also implies that their trust and support have now shifted from the NPA to the government," Canatoy said. Authorities conducted a pursuit operation in Salay after a concerned civilian disclosed that NPA rebels dispersed into small groups and are regrouping with other recruits. The surrenderers divulged the locations of firearms cache in two sites in Saray village, Salay town. The troops seized two M16 rifles, an AK47, and two .30-caliber carbine rifles. The Army said a previous encounter on June 7 in the hinterlands of Mambuli village of Salay town resulted in the death of alias “Dariel”, also a member of NCMRC. Canatoy assured "non-stop efforts" to convince individuals who have been influenced by the NPA to surrender to the government. "Rest assured that the Army will not stop until the last member of the armed group surrenders and receives benefits under the Enhanced Comprehensive Local Integration Program," he said. (PNA)

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UT of 1,600 local government units (LGUs) in the country, 580 cities and municipalities have met the deadline of establishing the electronic Business One-Stop Shop (e-BOSS) mandated by the AntiRed Tape Authority (ARTA). In its Kapihan sa ARTA Tuesday, ARTA director general Jeremiah Belgica said these 580 LGUs are fully connected to the Integrated Business Permits and Licensing System (IBPLS). The IBPLS was created by the Department of Information and Communications Technology (DICT) to help LGUs streamline

and automate their transactions with the public, and is offered for free to help them put up their e-BOSS. Under the Ease of Doing Business and Efficient Delivery of Government Service Act, LGUs have to establish their BOSS, while Joint Memorandum Circular 01-2021 orders LGUs to automate their BOSS on or before June 17, 2021. To make transactions with the government easier, the e-BOSS shall accept electronic submission of application; issue electronic tax bill or order of payment; accept online payment; release electronic version of

permits, licenses, and clearances; and provide gateway facility linked to courier service where applicant prefers hard copy of the documents. But Belgica said there are other LGUs that already automated their services using other software and are not yet connected with the IBPLS. “We got (a) report from DILG (Department of the Interior and Local Government) that around 94 percent (of LGUs) have started automation,” he said in Filipino. “But what we want in ARTA, and what the law is saying, it (transaction) has to be end-to-end.”

The ARTA chief added they will continue to assist those LGUs that are not yet onboard the IBPLS, but bigger LGUs should accelerate the automation as they deal more with businesses transacting to get permits and licenses. Bottlenecks identified Belgica said ARTA understands there are difficulties for some LGUs to streamline and automate their services like accepting online payments. However, he said the agency will not tolerate the noncompliance of barangay officials that still process barangay permits at their level even

though the law already directs LGUs to process barangay permits and collect taxes and fees for barangays within their jurisdiction through the BOSS. “All the barangays that until now have not integrated (the barangay permits with the BOSS or e-BOSS), ARTA will write to them. We will also ask the mayors why the barangays are not yet integrated," Belgica said. He reminded public offices not to be a burden for the businesses and transacting public by complying with the Ease of Doing Business and Efficient Government Service Delivery Act. (PNA)

Jollibee offers discount to vaccinated customers AC Energy invests P415M SEVERAL brands under Jollibee Foods Corp. are offering vaccinated customers a 10% discount as part of a private sector initiative to encourage the public to get inoculated against the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19). “This discount promo is our way to thank our customers for getting vaccinated,” Jollibee Group Chief Sustainability and Public Affairs Officer Jose Miñana said in a statement on Wednesday. “The vaccine is the solution that we have been waiting for to protect ourselves and our loved ones, as well as help revive our

in unit for project sites

economy and livelihoods,” he added. Vaccinated customers of Jollibee, Chowking, Mang Inasal, Greenwich, Red Ribbon, Burger King, Panda Express, and PHO24 may avail of the discount by presenting their vaccine card along with a valid ID. Specific

terms for each discount promo are also available on the brands’ Facebook pages. The 10% off promo may be availed for as many times as they want when they dine in at the restaurants until the end of August. More than 150 restaurants in the NCR (National Capital

Region) Plus bubble are part of the Smart Bakuna Benefits program of the private sectorled campaign, Ingat Angat. The full list of participating brands is available on www. ingat-angat.com/benefits. Jollibee shares at the stock market closed lower by 3.81% to finish at P206.80 apiece.

AC ENERGY Corp. has subscribed to P415-million worth of shares in Buendia Christiana Holdings Corp. (BCHC) to fund the wholly owned subsidiary’s acquisition of potential project sites, the listed firm told the local bourse on Wednesday. BCHC is an AC Energy special purpose vehicle that will own the land for its parent firm’s development projects. In a regulatory filing, the listed firm said that it recently inked an agreement allowing it to subscribe to 75 million

redeemable preferred A shares with a par value of P0.10 per share, and 4.08 million redeemable preferred B shares at P100 apiece in BCHC. The shares will be issued out of unit’s authorized capital stock. “The subscription will be used by BCHC to fund acquisition of potential project sites,” AC Energy said. It said that the transaction is subject to the necessary regulatory approvals from the corporate regulator on ENERGY/PAGE 10

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For many people who’ve had COVID-19, the infections were thankfully mild and relatively brief. But these individuals’ immune systems still hold onto enduring clues about how best to neutralize SARS-CoV-2, the coronavirus that causes COVID-19. Discovering these clues could point the way for researchers to design highly targeted treatments that could help to save the lives of folks with more severe infections. An NIH-funded study, published recently in the journal Science, offers the most-detailed picture yet of the array of antibodies against SARS-CoV-2 found in people who’ve fully recovered from mild cases of COVID-19. This picture suggests that an effective neutralizing immune response targets a wider swath of the virus’ now-infamous spike protein than previously recognized. To date, most studies of natural antibodies that block

LETTERS FROM DAVAO

JUN LEDESMA

Philippine Press Institute Oro Chamber

Fight by the rules Think a minute… 28 June, 1997 was the date of the famous Bite Fight between world heavyweight boxing champion Evander Holyfield and Mike Tyson. During the fight, Tyson completely lost control of his anger and actually bit off part of Holyfield’s ear! Tyson lost his license to box and paid a $3 million penalty for not fighting by the rules. Hopefully husbands and wives never lose control li ke t hat in a conf lic t! Our marriage should be a harmonious duet, not a destructive duel in which we shoot hurtful, damaging words at each other. We must learn how to disagree and argue in a fair, constructive way that brings better understanding and closeness. Whenever you and your spouse disagree and have conflict, here are six helpful guidelines to follow. The first one is timing. If either of you is too angry to talk about the problem, then wait for a time when you both can calmly discuss the issue. Take time out, don’t take it out on each

THINK A MINUTE

SARS-CoV-2 have zeroed in on those that target a specific portion of the spike protein known as the receptorbinding domain (RBD)— and with good reason. The RBD is the portion of the spike that attaches directly to human cells. As a result, ant i b o d i e s s p e c i f i c a l ly targeting the RBD were an excellent place to begin the search for antibodies capable of fending off SARS-CoV-2. The new study, led by Gregory Ippolito and Jason Lavinder, The University of Texas at Austin, took a different approach. Rather than narrowing the search, Ippolito, L avinder, and colleagues analyzed the complete rep er toire of antibodies against the spike protein from four people soon after their recoveries from mild COVID-19. What the researchers found was a bit of a surprise: the vast majority of antibodies—about 84 percent—targeted other

portions of the spike protein than the RBD. This suggests a successful immune response doesn’t concentrate on the RBD. It involves production of antibodies capable of covering areas across the entire spike. The researchers liken the spike protein to an umbrella, with the RBD at the tip of the “canopy.” While some antibodies do bind RBD at the tip, many others apparently target the protein’s canopy, known as the N-terminal domain (NTD). Further study in cell culture showed that NTDdire c te d ant ib o dies do indeed neutralize the virus. They also prevented a lethal mouse-adapted version of the coronavirus from infecting mice. One reason these findings are particularly noteworthy is that the NTD is one part of the viral spike protein that has mutated frequently, especially in several emerging

NUTS & BOLTS

JEROME DE LA FUENTE

variants of concern, including the B.1.1.7 “U.K. variant” and the B.1.351 “South African variant.” It suggests that one reason these variants are so effective at evading our immune systems to cause breakthrough infections, or re-infections, is that they’ve mutated their way around some of the human antibodies that had been most successful in combating the original coronavirus variant. Also noteworthy, about 40 percent of the circulating TARGET/PAGE 11

Does CHR condemn Kieth’s murder or the use of APMs?

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Human Antibodies target many parts of Coronavirus spike protein

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FINALLY, the Communist Party of the Philippines and its armed combatant, the New People’s Army, owned up to the brutal and senseless murder of a young athlete, Kieth Absalon, and his cousin Nolven. There is simply no way for denial as the preponderance of pieces of evidence and the signature conduct of attack like the use of anti-personnel landmine point to only one source: the NPAs.

What made this murder bestial and brutal, however, is the fashion with which the two innocent boys were killed. Reports said that while the victims lay wounded from the blast of an anti-personnel mine the NPA delivered the coup de grace by shooting them close range in the head and at the back. Keith is a star football p l ay e r o f Fa r E a s t e r n University. His death was mourned by his alma mater and his peers. But nothing can console the parents of Keith and his cousin Nolven Absalon who are now crying for justice for their dead family members. The CPP-NPA asked forgiveness from the Absalon family “for the error” that their combatants committed. We do not know however in what mode of justice will they take against their own men. Forgiveness comes

with justice. In retrospect, this is not the first time the NPAs committed brutal murders against innocent victims. In 2008 in Davao City, a farmer, Vicente Ferrazini was shot in cold blood by NPA’s Paking Red Partisan Brigade for a flimsy reason that the victim allowed the military to camp in his farm. Then-Mayor Rodrigo Duterte denounced the killing of Ferrazini saying that the NPAs also would encamp on the same farm. The CPP/NPA announced later that they investigated the murder however said that the evidence is insufficient to warrant the maximum penalty of death. In another ambush staged by the NPAs sometime in November 2017 in Talakag, Bukidnon, the rebels fired at a private vehicle that was following a police car killing a 4-year-old child

and seriously wounding the other passengers. The NPAs apologized but nothing was heard of on what punitive action they meted to the perpetrators. What is sad and disturbing is that in many similar incidents the Commission on Human Rights, as well as organizations that claim to champion human rights and condemn violence, are rarely heard of. If at all CHR reacts, it’s a pipsqueak. In Davao City which was once labeled as the “killing fields” in the Philippines circa the late 1970s to mid-1980s perpetrated by the CPP/NPAs, the CHR, which was created in 1987, virtually stonewalled the crimes committed by the NPAs then but conveniently include the death statistics in its scorecards for those alleged victims of extrajudicial killings. CONDEMN/PAGE 11

Let’s be open to the new things ESPECIALLY to those of my

sense of mission. For this we

we can manage to do things

more deeply that we need to be open to the new things that are coming our way at an accelerating rate. In fact, we should be open to anything if we want ourselves to be truly a friend of everyone and of everything, to be like Christ who made himself, as St. Paul would put it, “all things to all men.” (1 Cor 9,22) He even made himself like sin without committing sin if only to identify himself with us more completely and thus finish his redemptive mission here on earth. (cfr. 2 Cor 5,21) For t his , we shou l d develop in ourselves an active, vibrant spirit of initiative to learn more things, to undertake more tasks, to broaden and lengthen our

that is based on our strong and deep faith in God who takes care of everything. Yes, it’s true that we have our limitations, we have our own niche in the world, but that fact should not deter us from continually looking for possibilities to do more and to be better. We should never say “enough.” Let’s remember that we are asked to participate in God’s continuing creative and redemptive work on us. Of course, this can only happen if we are truly with Christ, if we really have the spirit of God who never stops loving us with deeds and not just with sweet words and good intentions. If we have the spirit of God, we know that with his grace,

impossible to do. If we have the spirit of God, we know that despite formidable obstacles and difficulties, we can still do a lot of things. We can be like water that can manage to pass through the mountains to find its way to the sea. We just have to try and try. Obviously, we need to have a sporting spirit for this. Let’s not throw in the towel before we start a new ball game. These days when we have not only some kind of digital revolution but also the age of artificial intelligence, we should not be afraid to enter into these new fields, thinking that these things are not anymore for us and that these are only for the young people today.

JHAN TIAFAU HURST generation, we have to realize need to have a sporting spirit that we usually consider as other! The second guideline is to allow each other the freedom to say, “I’m angry” or “I’m hurt.” From time to t ime we a l l ne e d to express how we are really feeling inside. Remember, our feelings are not right or wrong, but real! So we should respect each other’s freedom and right to express them. Number 3, know why you are angry. Sometimes the thing that triggered your anger was only a small thing, but behind it is the real problem. And that is the one you need to understand and talk about. The fourth guideline is RULES/PAGE 11

HINTS AND TRACES

ROY CIMAGALA We should be open to anything, to wherever life leads a nd ta kes us. We know that with Christ, we can handle anything—of course, in ways that usually defy human standards and criteria. Let’s remember t h a t i f we h ave f a it h , m i r ac le s happ en . L e t ’s OPEN/PAGE 11

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Ayala begins employee vaccination via LGUs; will administer 1M doses in 2021

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ANILA – Over 2,000 employees of the Ayala Group of Companies who belong to the A4 (economic frontliners) category have begun receiving jabs of the COVID-19 vaccine on June 14 at the UP-Ayala Land TechnoHub in partnership with the Quezon City LGU. This is Ayala’s first vaccination site out of 24 sites around the country. In the coming days, Ayala’s medical arm, AC Health, in partnership with various LGUs will continue to administer jabs to Ayala’s A4 employees in vaccination sites in Makati Stock Exchange in Makati City, BGC Parkade 3 in Taguig City, and Ayala Malls Manila Bay in Paranaque. AC Health President and CEO Paolo Borromeo said, “As our public health experts have always advised, our goal as a country should be to vaccinate as many people as we can, as quickly as we can. We greatly encourage our employees to be vaccinated for their protection, as well as for the protection of their families, colleagues, and

communities. In doing so, we will help drive our country’s economic recovery safely and responsibly. For our part, our goal at AC Health is to administer 1Mn doses in 2021 for the Ayala Group and our external partners.” Earlier this year, Ayala launched the Ayala Vaccine and Immunization Program (AVIP), following its order of 1 million vaccine doses, expected to arrive in tranches beginning this month. Ayala created the AVIP for thousands of its employees (direct and outsourced), retirees, registered employee dependents, household staff and partners to encourage and facilitate their vaccination. AVIP also allows registered participants to have oneyear access to unlimited medical consultation as well as health monitoring in AC Health’s network of clinics and hospitals nationwide. “Since the onset of the pandemic, Ayala has been committed to protecting its employees. Apart from ensuring financial security through wage continuance, we also provided COVID-19

Ayala's employees in the A4 vaccination category get their first jab of COVID-19 vaccine at UP–Ayala Land TechnoHub, the first of the four vaccination sites that Ayala is opening with LGUs from June 14-30 to help ramp up the country's vaccination program. This year, Ayala targets to administer 1 million doses of COVID-19 vaccine.

testing for our customerfacing employees. We also expanded our capacity in our Qualimed COVIDreferral hospitals in Laguna and Bulacan to ensure that we could accommodate employees with severe symptoms. Through AVIP, we hope to give our employees and their loved ones additional protection from COVID-19 at the workplace and in their homes,” said Ayala Chief

Cebu Pacific announces new voluntary flight change policy starting July New and improved CEB Flexi product available for as low as PHP 499

Cebu Pacific (CEB), the Philippines’ leading carrier, will be implementing a new policy for passengers who want to make voluntary changes to their flights, in line with the continuous streamlining of processes across the business. Starting July 1, the travel fund option for voluntary flight changes will only be available for passengers who pre-purchased the CEB Flexi add-on during initial booking as this new and improved product allows passengers to cancel their flights for free, up to two (2) hours before departure, and store the value of the booking in a Travel Fund for as low as PHP 499. The amount in this virtual wallet is valid for two (2) years and may be used to book new flights or purchase other add-ons such as seat selection, additional baggage allowance, or travel insurance. Passengers who wish to change their bookings voluntarily without purchasing CEB Flexi can make use of the Unlimited Rebooking option of CEB and rebook as many times as they want up to two (2) hours before their scheduled time of departure. CEB has permanently removed change fees since March to provide guests with the muchneeded flexibility during this time. “We have made it a point that we are agile in responding to our customers’ needs amid the fluid situation. It is our commitment to provide safe, affordable, and convenient air travels for everyJuan in the years to come, and we need to make sure that we operate sustainably. This is why we are announcing this new and permanent policy after over a year of careful assessment,” said Candice

Iyog, Vice President for marketing & customer experience at Cebu Pacific. The CEB Flexi product has been made available to offer added flexibility to passengers so they may travel with peace of mind. This is also in line with the carrier’s commitment to keep supporting the industry in its efforts to boost the traveling public’s confidence to fly amid changing travel restrictions. Passengers can also avail of the CEB Flexi product as a bundle through GO Flexi, and enjoy free cancellation, checked-in baggage with a combined weight of up to 20 kilos, and a standard seat. "Trust that we will continue to listen to our customers and prioritize their needs as we endeavor to respond the best way possible. We have enhanced our products so everyJuan has access to greater flexibility on top of guaranteed safe and seamless travels with CEB,” added Iyog. Passengers affected by flight cancellations will continue to have the standard options offered by CEB, namely: unlimited rebooking, refund, and travel fund. For more information on CEB’s products, visit www.cebupacificair. com or message Charlie the chatbot on the CEB website or the official CEB Facebook page. Contactless flight procedures, updated schedules, travel document requirements, and FAQs may be viewed via https://bit.ly/ CEBFlightReminders CEB operates the widest domestic network in the Philippines covering 32 destinations, on top of its six (6) international destinations, spanning Asia and the Middle East.

Human Resource Officer John Philip Orbeta. More than a year into the pandemic, the Ayala group remains steadfast in bolstering the national and local governments’ efforts to defeat COVID-19. Ayala capitalizes on its diverse

business units to address both health and economic challenges. From ensuring the financial security and safety of its employees at the onset of the pandemic to building and capacitating key healthcare infrastructure nationwide,

Ayala continues to respond to the needs of its various stakeholders and the broader population. As of May 15, 2021, Ayala has allocated close to P16 billion in various pandemic-related initiatives.

CEB offers most affordable RT-PCR swab test for only PHP 2,500 Cheapest antigen test for only PHP 700 also available

The Philippines' leading airline, Cebu Pacific (PSE: CEB), ramps up its Test Before Boarding (TBB) process as it now offers the cheapest RT-PCR test at only P2,500 versus other local carriers, exclusively for its passengers. CEB offers the RTPCR test through its

two accredited partners –Health Metrics, Inc. (HMI) and Safeguard DNA Diagnostics Inc. (SDDI). This special rate is solely for passengers booked on Cebu Pacific and Cebgo. As a number of local and international destinations still require negative RT-PCR test

results prior to entry, CEB has ensured this requirement is made more accessible and affordable through these reduced rates. Results are guaranteed to be released within 48 hours, while a guaranteed 24-hour turnaround period is SWAB/PAGE 11 Misamis Oriental Gov. Yevgeny Vincente Emano (second from right), Vice Gov. Jeremy Jonahmar Pelaez (left) and Naawan Mayor Dennis Roa (right) lead the opening of the new Naawan public cemetery June 16. Roa expressed his thanks to Enrique Libron (second from left) for donating the 1.1 hectare property to be used for the purpose. Not in photo but who also graced the event is Gingoog City Vice Mayor Peter Unabia. lgu naawan photo

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SMC officially starts P1-billion nationwide vaccination program for employees, opens pilot site at LSGH in Mandaluyong

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AN Miguel Corporation (SMC) launched its first vaccination site at the La Salle Green Hills (LSGH) in Mandaluyong to officially start its 1-billion COVID-19 vaccine rollout for its 70,000 employees, extended workforce and their families. Present during the event are SMC president Ramon S. Ang, Senator Joel Villanueva, National Task Force (NTF) Against Covid-19 chief implementer Carlito Galvez Jr., National Task Force Against COVID-19 deputy chief implementer Vince Dizon, Department of Health (DoH) secretary Francisco

Duque, Mandaluyong City Mayor Menchie Abalos and Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA) chairman Benjamin “Benhur” Abalos, Jr. “We thank the De La Salle Brothers for partnering with us in vaccinating even more Filipinos, particularly NCR-based workers and their families. We also thank the local government of Mandaluyong and the National Task Force Against Covid-19 for helping make this launch possible. We are vaccinating for free over 70,000 in our workforce. We are also looking to make the vaccines

available to more Filipinos, by extending access to those in our workforce’s own networks,” said Ang. “This way, we can help achieve herd immunity for our country, ensure that more lives are safe, and get our economy back on track sooner than later,” he added. Once fully operational by August, the La Salle Green Hills site will be able to accommodate up to 1,000 persons per day. SMC has purchased vaccines from Astra Zeneca and Moderna for its nationwide vaccination effort. The vaccines are set to arrive by next month. Aside from the LSGH and Jose Rizal University sites in Mandaluyong, Ang said SMC is eyeing 14 other vaccination sites in Laguna, Cavite, Batangas, Albay, Pampanga, Pangasinan, Isabela, Bataan, Cebu, Mandaue, Iloilo, Bacolod, Davao, and Cagayan de Oro. “We are happy that President Duterte has approved the start of vaccination for essential workers, as they are key to putting the economy back on track. For our

part, San Miguel commits to take care of our own, so that when larger volumes of vaccines arrive, they will no longer need to rely on government supplies--which can then be given to more of our countrymen,”Ang said. To commemorate the event, some 500 essential workers from SMC received their initial doses of the Sinovac vaccine at LSGH, through the COVID-19 Inter-Agency Task Force on Emerging Infectious Diseases (IATF) and the City of Mandaluyong. Meanwhile, another vaccination site, Jose Rizal University in Mandaluyong, which is jointly-managed by SMC and the City Government, will also continue to accept individuals under the A4 category. A number of SMC’s own medical staff are posted at the JRU site to boost the local government’s ongoing vaccination effort. SMC has been deploying its own, mostly newly-hired medical staff to various LGUs to STARTS/PAGE 11

San Miguel Corporation (SMC) yesterday launched La Salle Green Hills in Mandaluyong City as pilot site for its P1-billion program that will provide free COVID-19 vaccines to its 70,000 employees and extended workforce nationwide. Joining SMC president Ramon S. Ang during the event were Senator Joel Villanueva, National Task Force (NTF) Against Covid-19 chief implementer Carlito Galvez Jr., National Task Force Against COVID-19 deputy chief implementer Vince Dizon, Department of Health (DoH) secretary Francisco Duque, Mandaluyong City Mayor Menchie Abalos and Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA) chairman Benjamin “Benhur” Abalos, Jr. So far, SMC is eyeing 16 vaccination sites that include LSGH and Jose Rizal University in Mandaluyong City, Laguna, Cavite, Batangas, Albay, Pampanga, Pangasinan, Isabela, Bataan, Cebu, Mandaue, Iloilo, Bacolod, Davao, and Cagayan de Oro.

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Banking&Finance

Fiscal space allows PH to provide Strong demand pulls down T-bill rates stimulus measures: IMF exec

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HE Philippine government’s fiscal space provides it the leeway to spend on additional stimulus to further cushion the pandemic’s impact on the vulnerable sectors, an International Monetary Fund (IMF) executive said. In a virtual briefing for the release of the lender’s 2021 Article IV Consultation Wednesday, Mission chief Thomas Helbling said that while the government has implemented a comprehensive policy support package to address the pandemic’s impact on the economy and

the vulnerable sectors, “more resources could be needed” especially for the vulnerable families and the businesses. “(The) Philippines has some fiscal space to respond to downside risks should they materialize,” he said. Helbling identified some of the downside risks to growth, such as the supply constraints and delays in the vaccinations against the coronavirus disease 2019 (Covid-19), which could result in another spike in cases as well as increase the effects of external shocks like hike in interest rates and inflation.

A COMPETITION WORTH REMEMBERING By: GRESENIA A. RAFOLS Master Teacher II Bugo Central School

March 8, 2020: A seemingly bright day turned out to be even more wonderful upon the unexpected win of my student. Not all students are g ive n t he chanc e to p ar t i c ip ate i n any competition especially in the National Level. Indeed, we were very lucky because out of thousands Grade VI pupils of the Division of Cagayan de Oro, my pupil, Aizy R. Somera was the only one sent to Baguio City to compete in the 17th National Science and Math Quest in the Individual Category. As her teacher-adviser and Mathematics coach, I had to go with her. We were so happy and excited especially that it was the first time my pupil was given a chance to travel outside Mindanao and rode in an airplane. It was a very safe flight and travel on the way to Baguio City. We arrived on the 5th day of March, 2020. We w i t n e s s e d t h e Science-related contests on the 1st and 2nd days of the Activity. Those were on March 6 and 7 of 2020. March 8 came, the schedule of the Mathematics Quests both in the Individual and Team Category. My student and I were excited and ner vous thinking about whether or not we will win the competition that was joined by more than 50 contestants from both public and private s cho ols c om i ng f rom the provinces of Luzon, Visayas and Mindanao. I kept on reminding my contestant: “Don’t forget to pray for God’s gift of wisdom before the contest begins , just do your best and relax. Whatever the result, nothing will change, you are still the champion in our division.”

After saying that, my pupil walked slowly and went the seat designated to her. We just smiled to each other as I walked away from the testing room. I could only sit on my chair and hope for the best that my trained contender will be able to remember all of her learnings and apply them to the competition itself. I remember anxiously waiting for the result. After what seemed like an eternity, an announcement was made and with God’s grace, Aizy was able to make it to the top. She was declared as t he C HA M PION ! We were very happy and we immediately informed our school principal, Dr. Marichelle F. Saga and Dr. Jean S. Macasero for she was the in-charge of the 17th Science and Math Quest in our division. We were so blessed, having been sent to Baguio City and have garnered the 1st place in the competition. We were so grateful to our Almighty God, to our Deped Family especially to our Regional Director, Dr. Arturo B. Bayocot, to our Schools Division Superintendent, Dr. Cherry Mae L. Limbaco, to our City Mayor, Mayor O s c ar S . More n o, t o our Education Program Specialist in Science, Dr Jean S. Macasero, to our Public Schools District Supervisor, Dr. Margie G. Andrade, to our principal, Dr. Marichelle F. Saga, to my co teachers and to our Grade VI- Diamond family. Without them; we won’t be able to experience this one of a kind success story. Indeed, when we give our all in everything that we do and when we trust God for the rest, nothing is impossible.

After meeting with economic managers, Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP) officials, and representatives from the private sector from May 21 to June 11, Helbling said they took note of the gradual recovery of the Philippine economy and expect a stronger rebound starting in the second half of this year. The IMF, however, reduced its growth forecast for the domestic economy to 5.4 percent for this year from 6.9 percent last April, but hiked the 2022 projection to 7 percent from 6.5 percent. “The reason for this is we see a bit of slowing in the recovery in the first half of 2021 before pick-up in the second half of this year,” Helbling said, citing

the spike in Covid-19 cases last March as the factor for the slower economic recovery earlier in the year. Growth, as measured by gross domestic product (GDP), contracted by 4.2 percent in the first three months this year, slower than the previous quarter’s -8.3 percent print. Helbling said additional fiscal support should be focused on further improving the healthcare system, funding for vaccination programs, continued support to the affected families and businesses, and funding for the infrastructure program. He said the fiscal program for this year is “appropriate” and “provides for substantial MEASURES/PAGE 11

PROSPECTS for economic recovery are up for the Philippines but uncertainties remain thus, the greater need for policy discipline and readiness for any risks, Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP) Governor Benjamin Diokno said Tuesday. During the virtual forum of the Economic Journalists Association of the Philippines (EJAP), Diokno said multilateral agencies project an expansion of between 4.5-6.9 percent for the domestic economy this year. The upper-end of this growth forecast is in line

with the government’s 6-7 percent projection for this year. Last year, the economy contracted by 9.5 percent because of the pandemic, with all quarters recording negative prints. Diokno said the domestic economy has been registering improvements since posting its decades-low 17-percent contraction in the second quarter of 2020. Growth, as measured by gross domestic product (GDP), contracted by 11.6 percent in the third quarter of last year and by 8.3 percent in the following quarter.

THE rate of Treasury bills declined across-the-board Monday on huge demand given the ample liquidity in the domestic economy. The average rate of the 91-day paper slipped to 1.118 percent, the 182-day to 1.372 percent, and the 364-day to 1.577 percent. These were at 1.176 percent, 1.422 percent, and 1.649 percent for the three-month, six-month and one-year paper, respectively, during the auction last June 7. National Treasurer Rosalia de Leon said the auction committee doubled the awarded non-

competitive bids because of the high volume of bids. The Bureau of the Treasury (BTr) offered each tenor for P5 billion but awarded P7 billion for each. Total bids for the 91-day paper amounted to P28.229 billion, while it amounted to P34.037 billion for the 182-day T-bill and P38.03 billion for the 364-day paper. “Liquidity (were) looking for outlets as RTB (retail treasury bond) maturity further bolstered ample funds onshore searching for yield,” de Leon said. (PNA)

Economic rebound seen this year

Mr. WU, WEIMING Chinese national as Inventory Control Analyst of the company Asisha Intl. Corporation located at Patag 6th Division Cagayan de Oro City. JOB DESCRIPTION: • H e i s r e s p o n s i b l e f o r t h e processing, monitoring, and analyzing; and giving accurate reporting in the company’s inventory level. • With a focus on minimizing costs, while maintaining product availability at the right amount and supply needed. QUALIFICATIONS: • Chinese National. • Has an experience of Inventory skills. • Has good communication skills. • Ages 24-35 years old, Male only. SALARY: • Php 20k Monthly

In the first three months this year, GDP stood at -4.2 percent and some economists forecast another improvement in the second quarter of the year despite another enhanced community quarantine (ECQ) at the latter part of March. Diokno said expectations of better growth prints in the coming quarters are boosted partly by the government’s vaccination program against the coronavirus disease 2019 (Covid-19) and more strategic movement restrictions. “Given these factors

and barring yet unforeseen growth speed bumps, the Philippines has the essential elements to rebound this year,” he said. Diokno said uncertainties remain both here and abroad thus, “we have to be ready for the possible spillover risks resulting from differentiated and divergent recoveries.” “We need robust institutions and sustained policy discipline to see us through this Covid fog,” he added. During the same event, Finance Secretary Carlos Dominguez III said the REBOUND/PAGE 11

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‘Pa, Salamat’: Globe At Home embraces Dads with unique treats for the whole family Whether he's picking us up from school, making us laugh with his jokes, or secretly treating us behind Mama’s back, we can always count on Papa, Dada, Pa, Dad to be there for us. As a way of saying “Pa, salamat” to all fathers and father figures this Father’s Day weekend, Globe At Home launches various activities and promos to watch out for so that families can express their

appreciation and love for our very own haligi ng tahanan. “PA, SALAMAT” TREATS UNTIL JUNE 30! Just by purchasing a Globe At Home Prepaid WiFi or availing of any Globe At Home Plan in select retailers nationwide, surprise Dads with free treats such as cakes, gas vouchers, and even a car wash! Meanwhile, select

current Globe At Home customers who download the Globe At Home app may celebrate Father's Day with gift vouchers from Foodpanda, PureGo, HealthNow, and Viber. Apart from that, Globe At Home Postpaid customers can gift their tech-savvy dads with a Huawei Vision S monitor. How? Until July 7, customers can earn raffle entries by: * Updating Globe At

Administrative officers need leadership skills By KRIZZA LORRAINE E. DUHAYLUNGSOD-QUICOY JD Cashier/Administrative Officer IV DepEd, Division of Tangub City

Administrative leadership is about orchestrating tasks (and often includes mobilizing p eople) to develop and sustain organizational cooperation and team spirit. Successful administrative leaders are able to establish systems that protect and sustain essential operational functions to meet the needs of employees and workers.. There are at least two i mp o r t a nt a s p e c t s o f administrative leadership— operational leadership and strategic leadership. Operational leadership is accomplished through activities like hiring and supporting staff, overseeing budgets, and maintaining a positive workplace climate. Strategic leadership involves guiding the direction of the organization. Strategic leaders clarify purpose, inspire individuals to pursue a

shared vision, and ensure that goals and outcomes are attained. it makes it clear that orchestrating the work of teaching and learning, mobilizing staff to achieve program outcomes, and establishing systems to effectively run a healthy, thriving organization are indeed leadership functions. In our field of education, these responsibilities are typically characterized as management functions and are less valued than leadership functions. Instead of thinking of this important work a s m a n a g e m e nt ( a n d therefore less important than leadership), let’s claim it for what it really is— administrative leadership. The above description of administrative leadership includes both operational and strategic leadership dimensions. Experts also say that

advo cac y is a par t of st rateg ic le adership, Effective administrative leaders engage in advocacy because they are future oriented; they want to have influence on external conditions that impact their programs, not just react to them. The most qualif ied teachers cannot be effective in their work if their work environments ( i nclu d i ng sup e r v is or support, opportunities for professional growth, decision making, c o l l e g i a l i t y, r e w a r d s and re c o g n it i on , rol e clarity, task orientation, innovativeness, and physical e nv i ron m e nt ) d o n ot adequately support them. Administrative leadership is important because without it, pedagogical leadership cannot be sustained and children and families will be poorly-served.

Self learning modules By ALLEN ACABO JAMERO Teacher III Sto. Niño Integrated School Catarman, Camiguin

AS with all public school teachers nationwide, I use self-learning modules to teach my Grade 4 class. We give school supplies like pens and pencils to independent readers. Pens and pencils are rewards coming f rom my own p o c ke t . We a l s o g ive Learning Activity Sheets (LAS) for subjects that don't have available modules. We conduc t ye arend reading inventory to learners and the best reader with conprehension will be rated as independent readers. Best reader and only fe w comprehension is instructional. Slow readers and those who cannot understand are frustrating. At least 700 self-learning modules will be used to cover the lessons across all grade levels in basic education. Modules in the subsequent months are

currently being prepared. The data on the numbers of students who will be using various alternative learning modalities are “still being consolidated.” Initial data from DepEd as of the first week of July last year showed that most students prefer to use the “modular” approach among the blended and distance learning options. This is after the month-long enrollment period in public schools last June 2020 when students weremasked their preferred learning delivery mode through a survey form. Learners use selflearning modules in print or digital format. They may need home visitms by teachers for learners’ remediation or assistance. If it is workable, students could reach their teacher v i a e m ai l , t e l e p h on e , text message or instant

messaging. Hiring teaching assistants or para-teachers to help parents who cannot monitor and guide their children is being considered by DepEd in the newnormal setup. In the long term, faceto-face learning structures will have to be in smaller class sizes to accommodate social distancing. This has been the arrangement since last school year for all basic education schools save for a handful of elite schools who already do some amount of online learning. For all public schools where 95 percent of all elementary students attend and 80+ percent of all high school students are enrolled and most nnelite private schools, this form of distance learning will be a new experience forced by the realities of this pandemic.

Home contact details by July 4, 2021 to earn (1) raffle ticket; * Upgrading current Globe At Home plans to a higher plan OR buying any Globe At Home add-on device to earn (3) raffle tickets; * Upgrading current Globe at home plan AND buying any Globe At Home add-on device to earn six (6) raffle tickets PA, LET’S HANG OUT VIA VIBER CHAT PARTY ON JUNE 18! Each dad’s journey to fatherhood differs from one another and

it’s fun to discover the amazing stories of one dad to another. Hear it from Globe At Home ambassadors themselves! Dad of three, Drew Arellano, and first-time father, Slater Young will share their small and big dad wins at home, wise parenting do’s and don'ts, as well as cool and useful gadgets for dads through the Globe At Home Viber community on June 18. PA, TAG KITA ON SOCIAL MEDIA UNTIL JUNE 30! Stay tuned at the Globe At Home Facebook

page for daily social media challenges with #PaSalamat giveaways for Globe At Home Prepaid and Postpaid customers for a chance to win Samsung Smart Things worth Php 19,000. Be ready with throwback photos or favorite photos with dad, legendary dad jokes or memorable lines, as well as valuable life lessons from dad. Stay tuned to Globe At Home’s Facebook page for more information. Even if families today can’t celebrate like before, GLOBE/PAGE 10

Republic of the Philippines REGIONAL TRIAL COURT 10th Judicial Region Branch 44 Initao, Misamis Oriental IN THE MATTER OF ADOPTION OF JAZEL CARL TIMBA PEPITO, his registered name with no alias, and to change his name to JAZEL CARL AMANTI-AD LLANITA, which is the name he is to be known,

Spec. Proc. Case No. 2021-1690

Spouses EDSEL T. LLANITA and JANIT A. LLANITA Petitioners, -versusThe local Civil Registrar of Alubijid, Misamis Oriental, The Administrator and Civil Registrar General of the Philippines Statistics Authority (PSA), MS. Marivic E. Timba, Lugait Central Elementary School, Represented by Samy T. Igloria And Other Persons/Entities that Maybe Affected Thereby; Respondents. x---------------------------------------------------------------------------/ ORDER This Petition seeks for adoption of Jazel Carl Timba Pepito, by the petitioner Sps. Edsel T. Llanita and Janit A. Llanita. Finding the petition sufficient in form and substance, the same is hereby given due course. Let the hearing be set on October 07, 2021 at 8:30 o`clock in the morning, at this court sitting at the hall of Justice, Poblacion, Initao, Misamis Oriental. At the expense of the petitioner, let a copy of this order be published once a week, for three consecutive weeks in a newspaper of general circulation in the province of Misamis Oriental. The office of the Department of Social welfare and Development, Region Field Office X, Cagayan de Oro City is hereby directed to conduct a home and child study on the adopting parents, the natural parents and the child to be adopted. He or she is also directed to conduct counselling session with the biological parents of the child to be adopted. The reports thereof shall be submitted to this Court within sixty (60) days from the receipt of this order. Petitioner is directed to make arrangement with the court Social Worker for the schedulling and incidental expenses in conducting the case order. Let a copy of the order and the petition be furnished to the office of the Solicitor General, the Office of the Provincial Prosecutor, the Office of the Local Civil Registrar of Alubijid, Misamis Oriental and the Department of Social Welfare and Development, Regional Field Office X, Cagayan de Oro City. SO ORDERED. Initao, Misamis Oriental. March 04, 2021.

(SGD) ARTHUR L. ABUNDIENTE, J.D Acting Presiding Judge

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DIRECTORY

A maintenance personnel continues to sweep the deck of the Mahayahay bridge in Iligan City oblivious to the passing traffic around him. DPWH-Lanao del Norte 2nd District Engineering Office is stepping up its clean-up drive in the major roads and national highway of their area of responsibility.

A maintenance crew from DPWH-Lanao del Norte 2nd District Engineering Office is hard at work clearing the compacted soil and debris along a busy national highway in Iligan City as the agency intensifies its clean-up drive in its area of responsibility.

DPWH intensifies clean-up drive of national highway and bridges

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LIGAN CITY – The Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) through its Lanao del Norte 2nd District Engineering Office ramps up its clean-up drive of the national highway, major roads, and bridges within its area of responsibility (AOR). Clean-up teams from the Maintenance Section are regularly inspecting their assigned road sections and bridges in Iligan City and Lanao del Norte to remove any mud, soil, debris and garbage that may clog, cause severe backup or overflow in the drainages and gutters along the national highway. “Weeks before PAG-ASA

declared the start of this year’s rainy season, we already made sure that debris and domestic wastes were removed from our network of canals and drainages”, explained District Engineer Alykhan Ali. Aside from declogging operations, DPWH personnel have also cleared the two major waterways of Iligan – Baslayan and Bulog creeks in an effort to prevent flooding in the city’s commercial areas. Residential wastes like plastic bottles, food packaging, discarded clothing, paper materials comprise about ninety-percent of the garbage collected from the trash traps installed by DPWH along the two

creeks. In addition, Maintenance personnel have also been conducting vegetation control operations and grass-cutting activities along the city streets and major highways to further boost the clean-up campaign of the agency. The Lanao del Norte 2nd District Engineering Office also continues to honor its commitment to the Department of Education’s (DepED) on its annual Brigada Eskwela activity. Four local schools in this city recently benefitted from the grasscutting activity conducted by DPWH maintenance personnel. (VNL/ DPWH-PIO)

Continuing IEC campaign boosts COVID-19 vaccine uptake in Lanao del Sur MARAWI CITY, Lanao del Sur--The continuing information and education campaign conducted by the Provincial Inter-Agency Task Force (PIATF) for the Management of Emerging Infectious Diseases here to encourage its residents to get vaccinated against the coronavirus is finally gaining ground. "Ang ating Resbakuna rollout dito sa Lanao del Sur ay tuloy-tuloy at napakaganda ng respond ng mga tao," said Integrated Provincial Health Office chief Dr. Alinader Minalang in

today's episode of Network Briefing News. [Our Resbakuna rollout here in Lanao del Sur has been continuous and the response from the people has been very good.] Minalang, who is also the deputy chairperson of the PIATF, admitted the vaccine hesitancy was a major concern before. However, through continuous information drive to educate residents on the benefits of vaccination

and its importance to the overall strategy to end the pandemic, the demand for vaccination against the dreaded virus has improved in the province. The education campaign, he said, also includes correcting misconceptions about the COVID-19 vaccine. Minalang said a total of 22,280 residents have been vaccinated as of June 13. EXTRA JUDICIAL SETTLEMENT OF ESTATE WITH ABSOLUTE SALE

Vaccination is being held at the Provincial vaccination Hub located at the Provincial Capitol in Marawi City and identified municipalities. "So far meron na VACCINE/PAGE 11 EXTRAJUDICIAL SETTLEMENT OF THE INTESTATE ESTATE OF REENA BAGOLOR CABRIOLE WITH DEED OF ABSOLUTE SALE OF PORTION OF REGISTERED LAND KNOW ALL MEN BY THESE PRESENTS:

That the late GALO A. SABANAL died intestate on October 18, 1979 at Cagayan de Oro City, leaving a parcel of land with Original Certificate of Title No. EO-405 Decree No. 667868 situated in the Barrio of Kauswagan, City of Cagayan de Oro, Island of Mindanao, containing an area of FIVE THOUSAND TWO HUNDRED FIFTY FOUR (5,254) SQUARE METERS, more or less, and has been the subject of an EXTRAJUDICIAL SETTLEMENT WITH WAIVER OF RIGHTS OF THE HEIRS OF GALO A. SABANAL, filed by the heirs of GALO A. SABANAL, per DOC #407; PAGE #83; BOOK #37; Series of 2020 under the Notarial Registry of ATTY. REYNALDO A. VICTORILLO.

That the late ESCOLASTICO CAMPAÑA ABISO who died intestate on March 02, 2021 at Aposkahoy, Claveria, Misamis Oriental, and JUANA GUNDAYA ABISO who died on March 29, 2021, in Sitio Mahayahay, Barangay Lunotan, Gingoog City, Misamis Oriental, at the time of their death left a certain parcel with TCT No. T-5626 SITUATED IN Purok 3, Mahayahay, Lunotan, Gingoog City, containing an area of 1.8808 hectares and has been the subject of an DEED OF EXTRAJUDICIAL SETTLEMENT OF THE ESTATE OF ESCOLASTICO CAMPAÑA ABISO and JUANA GUNDAYA ABISO, filed by the heirs of ESCOLASTICO CAMPAÑA ABISO, per DOC #331; PAGE #68; BOOK #8; Series of 2021 under the Notarial Registry ATTY. REYCARTE M. NAMBATAC.

That the late FIDEL E. MAGALLANES, who died on 11 September 2006, at Paitan, Quezon, Bukidnon, died in state, without Will or Testament, and without any outstanding debts in favor of any person or entity; at the time of his death left a certain parcel with Transfer Certificate of Title No. T-62141situated in the Barrio of Poblacion, Mun. of Quezon, Province of Bukidnon, Island of Mindanao, containing an area of SIX HUNDRED FORTY EIGHT (648) sq.m., more or less, and has been the subject of an EXTRA JUDICIAL SETTLEMENT OF ESTATE WITH ABSOLUTE SALE, filed by the heirs of FIDEL E. MAGALLANES, in favor of DITO TELECOMMUNITY CORPORATION, represented by its Chief Admin Officer and Corporate Secretary, ATTY. ADEL A. TAMANO, hereinafter called the “ VENDEE”, per DOC #231; PAGE #48; BOOK #11; Series of 2020 under the Notarial Registry of ATTY. JORLITO O. PINGAL.

That the late REENA BAGOLOR CABRIOLE who died on February 13, 2012, at Kinawe, Libona, Bukidnon, without a will and debt; that the time of his death left a certain real property with Transfer Certificate of Title No. T-124802 situated at Kinawe, Libona, Bukidnon, containing an area of SIXTY THOUSAND SIX HUNDRED TWENTY (60,620) square meters, more or less, TRANSFER AND CONVEY unto the VENDEE, her heirs, assigns and successor-ininterest, FOUR THOUSAND (4,000) SQUARE METERS, subject of the actual survey on the ground and which area was already agreed by the parties, ABSOLUTE AND IRREVOCABLE AND FREE FROM ALL LIENS AND ENCUMBRANCES, and has been the subject of an EXTRAJUDICIAL SETTLEMENT OF THE INTESTATE ESTATE OF REENA BAGOLOR CABRIOLE WITH DEED OF ABSOLUTE SALE OF PORTION OF REGISTERED LAND, filed by the heirs of REENA BAGOLOR CABRIOLE, in favor of CHEIZZY ECHEM OUANO, per DOC #280; PAGE #56; BOOK #2; Series of 2021 under the Notarial Registry of ATTY. SYLVAN GERALD L. SABIO.

BWM: June 11, 18 & 25, 2021

BWM: June 4, 11 & 18, 2021

BWM: June 18, 25 & July 2, 2021

BWM: June 11, 18 & 25, 2021

EXTRAJUDICIAL SETTLEMENT WITH WAIVER OF RIGHTS OF THE HEIRS OF GALO A. SABANAL KNOW ALL MEN BY THESE PRESENTS:

DEED OF EXTRAJUDICIAL SETTLEMENT OF THE ESTATE OF ESCOLASTICO CAMPAÑA ABISO and JUANA GUNDAYA ABISO KN O W AL L M EN BY TH ESE PRESENTS:

KNOW ALL MEN BY THESE PRESENTS:

A PUBLIC SERVICE BY:

10

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FRI-SAT|JUNE 18-19, 2021

Energy... from page 3

BCHC’s capital stock increase as well as the full payment of the subscription price. In December 2020, AC Energ y said that it was infusing P350 million in BCHC to fund the acquisition of potential project areas. In the first quarter, the Ayala-led firm’s attributable net income rose by 54% to P829.32 million from P539.58 million in the same period last year, amid higher revenues from electricity sales.

Vivant... from page 1

by Bukidnon Second Electric Cooperative. That is sourced from a bunker-diesel power facility sited in Lantapan. Additionally, BPC is the owner of two bunkerfired power plants that had had been signed up by First Bukidnon Electric Cooperative Inc., being the capacity off-taker, primarily to serve the requirements of its customers. In February this year, Vi v a nt E n e r g y a n d it s f u l ly owne d subsidiar y Amberdust Holding Corporation acquired the shareholdings of BPC and NBPC via sealed share sale and purchase agreements

(SSPAs); and that has been proffered as expansion point for the Garcia-led company in Mindanao. According to Vivant Corporation Chairman and CEO Ramoncito E. Garcia, “our investment in BPC and NBPC is our contribution to the government’s efforts to achieve energy security in Mindanao, an area that is vital to the countr y’s economic recover y with its largely untapped potential.” Prior to the Bukidnon venture, Vivant first injected equity investment in Minergy Power Corporation of the Abaya group, which generally caters to the power requirements of Cagayan de Oro, another bustling city in Mindanao. Garcia emphasized their vision “is to bring excellence to industries t h at i mprove e ve r yd ay living,” and for that, their company’s opportunity to power up Bukidnon “feels like a chance to give back.” B e yond Mindanao, Vivant is also known as a major provider of energy services to off-grid areas, primarily in Palawan province; while continuously pursuing investments in Visayas especially in its home-province of Cebu.

TITLED FARM LAND FOR SALE Location: Talakag, Bukidnon Price: P800,000/hectare only Details: * Along barangay road * Around 600 meters from national highway * Slope type land * Total area: 17.2 hectares For more details pls contact the Owner @ * 0926-823-3766 * 0949-134-6078

Destroys...

that the “ball is now in the hands” of the Department of Finance (DOF) to close the loan agreement with the Chinese government. In an inter v iew over Davao City Disaster Radio (DCDR 87.5) last Monday, Uy criticized DPWH over the turtle-paced development of the bridge project. On January 14, 2021, the DPWH and China Road and Bridge Corporation (CRBC) 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. Sadain said the signed contract agreement was t hen submitted to DOF last January 15 to start the loan negotiation for P19.321 billion to finance 100% of the contract with the Chinese contractor. H o w e v e r, t h e D O F submitted on April 26 an updated loan application ref lecting t he rev ised f i na nci ng rat io of 9 0% loan and 10% local fund to Ch i na I nter nat iona l Development Cooperation Agency (CIDCA) and ExportImport Bank of China (China Eximbank). According to Sadain, the loan agreement is expected to be finalized between the two countries by the third quarter of this year. The frustrated Uy said that he wanted to know the plan of the DPWH for the Davao City-Samal bridge project and its real status if it would still be pushed, saying he almost died of and lost his mother to coronavirus disease (COVID-19) without seeing any progress on the project. Uy apologized to the DPWH in another interview last Tuesday after Sadain explained to him that the loan negotiation with China has just started and that the agency could not commence without the funding source. He added that Sadain will meet with him in Samal to provide update on the project. According to DPWH,

Republic of the Philippines Department of Transportation LAND TRANSPORTATION FRANCHISING & REGULATORY BOARD Regional Office No.10, Apovel, Bulua, Cagayan de Oro City

Republic of the Philippines Department of Transportation LAND TRANSPORTATION FRANCHISING & REGULATORY BOARD Regional Office No.10, Apovel, Bulua, Cagayan de Oro City

LEO L. VILLASAN Applicant/Petitioner. CASE NO. R10-EV-PUJ 2021-06-2016

CANDRA TRUCKING SERVICES Rep. by: RUTCHEL FERNANDO ROLOMA Applicant/Petitioner. CASE NO. R10-NC-PA-TH 2021-06-2029

from page 1

Most of the sources of information, he said, come from local industries and local counterparts in the Customs organization. “ We a d h e r e t o t h e standing order of (Customs Commissioner Rey Leonardo Guerrero) to remain vigilant in our ports to maintain the inf lux of smuggled goods. We are maintaining it, day in, day out," Valiente said. He added that the BOC10 has so far intercepted three batches of misdeclared imported cigarettes, as he assured that legal action ha s a l re ady be en f i led against the consignees of the shipment and the brokers who facilitated the goods’ release. (PNA)

Bridge... from page 1

NOTICE OF HEARING

NOTICE OF HEARING

APPLICANT/ PETITIONER requests the authority to extend the Validity of the Certificate of Public Convenience to operate PUJ SERVICE on the route: CARMEN MARKET- TALAKAG BUKIDNON AND VICE VERSA and with the use of ONE (01) unit/s. This application/petition shall be considered by this Board on June 28, 2021 at 10:00 A.M. at this Board on which date Applicant/Petitioner shall formally submit his/her/its evidence. The Applicant(s)/Petitioner(s) shall publish said notice at least Five (05) Days prior to the date of hearing once in a newspaper of general/ local circulation. Party(s) opposed to the approval/granting of the application/petition must file his/her/its written opposition with supporting documents, unless this Board deems it necessary to require additional documentary evidence and/or his/ her/its oral testimony(s). WITNESS, AMINODEN D. GURO, Regional Director, LTFRB-Region X, this 16th day of June 2021 at Cagayan de Oro City, Philippines.

APPLICANT/ PETITIONER requests for the Issuance of Certificate of Public Convenience to operate TH SERVICE on the route: FROM CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY TO ANY POINT IN THE ISLAND OF MINDANAO AND VICE VERSA and with the use of ONE (01) unit/s. This application/petition shall be considered by this Board on July 05, 2021 at 10:00 A.M. at this Board on which date Applicant/Petitioner shall formally submit his/her/its evidence. The Applicant(s)/Petitioner(s) shall publish said notice at least Ten (10) Days prior to the date of hearing once in a newspaper of general/ local circulation. Party(s) opposed to the approval/granting of the application/petition must file his/her/its written opposition with supporting documents, unless this Board deems it necessary to require additional documentary evidence and/or his/her/ its oral testimony(s). WITNESS, AMINODEN D. GURO, Regional Director, LTFRB-Region X, this 17th day of June 2021 at Cagayan de Oro City, Philippines.

(Sgd.) ATTY. MOHAMAD FAHDEL S. PIMPING HEARING OFFICER

(Sgd.) ATTY. MOHAMAD FAHDEL S. PIMPING HEARING OFFICER

BWM: June 18, 2021

BWM: June 18, 2021

the project will “provide a resi l ient a nd rel iable transportation link between Metro Davao & Samal Island, enhancing internal mobility and externa l linkage to support the growth potential of Davao region.” It added that it would also 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 EXTRA-JUDICIAL SETTLEMENT OF THE INTESTATE ESTATE OF EDWIN P. RODRIGUEZ WITH DEED OF ABSOLUTE SALE K NO W A LL M E N B Y THE S E PRESENTS: That the late EDWIN P. RODRIGUEZ who died on May 17, 2020 in Gingoog City, Misamis Oriental, at the time of his death left a parcel of land with OCT NO. P-5763 situated at Pangasihan, Gingoog City with an area of 2,527 square meters, OCT NO. P-5765 situated at Odiongan, Gingoog City, with an area of 52,473 Square meters, at the time of death, the deceased left portions of the same parcels of land, thus: OCT No. P-5763 situated at Pangasihan, Gingoog City, and TCT No. (T-18355) 138-2020000411 situated at Pangasihan, Gingoog City, with an area of 46,388 square meters, and has been the subject of an EXTRA-JUDICIAL SETTLEMENT OF THE INTESTATE ESTATE OF EDWIN P. RODRIGUEZ WITH DEED OF ABSOLUTE SALE, filed by the heirs of EDWIN P. RODRIGUEZ, in favor of BYRON NOEL N. BUQUE, per DOC #298; PAGE #61; BOOK #8; Series of 2021 under the Notarial Registry of ATTY. REYCARTE M. NAMBATAC. BWM: June 4, 11 & 18, 2021

serve around 25,000 vehicles a day between Davao City and IGACOS crossing over Pakiputan Strait, according to DPWH. (Antonio L. Colina IV / MindaNews)

Globe... from page 8

Globe At Home makes it possible to still own the world at home and have them say #PaSalamat to today’s awesome dads and father figures in our lives. Follow Globe At Home’s Facebook page and subscribe to the Globe At Home Viber community. For more ways on how to say #PaSalamat this Father’s Day weekend, bookmark this page: https:// glbe.co/PaSalamat. EXTRA-JUDICIAL SETTLEMENT OF THE ESTATE OF THE DECEASED SPS. LEONARDO V. JAVIERTO AND VICTORIA B. JAVIERTO K NO W A LL M E N B Y THE S E PRESENTS: That the late SPS. LEONARDO V. JAVIERTO AND VICTORIA B. JAVIERTO, who died on February 21, 1989 and December 13, 2013, respectively, all in Cagayan de Oro City without leaving any last will and testament; at the time of their death, are the registered owners of a parcel of land with Transfer Certificate of Title No. T-28583 situated in the Barrio of Carmen, City of Cagayan de Oro, Island of Mindanao, containing an area of THREE HUNDRED (300) SQUARE METERS, more or less, and has been the subject of an EXTRA-JUDICIAL SETTLEMENT OF THE ESTATE OF THE DECEASED SPS. LEONARDO V. JAVIERTO AND VICTORIA B. JAVIERTO, filed by the heirs of SPS. LEONARDO V. JAVIERTO AND VICTORIA B. JAVIERTO, per DOC #351; PAGE #71; BOOK #218; Series of 2021 under the Notarial Registry of ATTY. MARIO T. JUNI. BWM: June 4, 11 & 18, 2021

11

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FRI-SAT|JUNE 18-19, 2021

Rules... from page 4

to realize that your anger i s t he re a l e ne my, not your wife or husband. So stay on the same side and fight together against the anger and problems that are hurting your marriage and family. Numb er 5: L ower your voice, and you will raise the quality of your communication and relationship. Last, but definitely not least, invite God to the fight. You need to ask Jesus to take control of your heart, since only He has the kind of real love, wisdom and self-control you need to actually use your differences to build a stronger, closer, more satisfying life together. Just think a minute.

Target... from page 4

antibodies target yet another portion of the spike called the S2 subunit. This finding is especially encouraging because this portion of SARSCoV-2 does not seem as mutable as the NTD segment, suggesting that S2-directed antibodies might offer a layer of protection against a wider array of variants. What’s more, the S2 subunit may make an ideal target for a possible pan-coronavirus vaccine since this portion of the spike is widely conserved in SARS-CoV-2 and related coronaviruses. Taken together, these findings will prove useful for designing COVID-19 vaccine booster shots or future vaccines tailored to combat SARS-COV-2 variants of concern. The findings also drive home the conclusion that the more we learn about SARS-CoV-2 and the immune system’s response to neutralize it, the better position we all will be in to thwart this novel coronavirus and any others that might emerge in the future.

Condemn... from page 4

The prejudiced of the CHR against the police and military oftentimes elicits doubts on its fairness and sense of justice. In July 2013, Sally Chua, a businesswoman from Quezon City was kidnapped but later rescued in Davao City by police operatives led by then Col. Bato dela Rosa. Three of the four kidnappers who fought it out with the law were killed. When the raw video clip that showed the dead bodies of the kidnappers in the aftermath of fighting was seen by CHR Chair Etta Rosa, she exclaimed: “...but this is murder”. For us who have seen so many atrocities committed by the NPAs we cannot help but wonder as to whose rights and sides is the Commission working for. Anyway, even as it came late we take note of the CHR condemnation of the use of landmines which, it asserted, is prohibited under the International Humanitarian Law. It is not moreover clear whether CHR condemns the murder

of Kieth and Nolven or just the use of IED. In the case of Absalon murder, Sen. Dick Gordon, Chairman of the Senate’s Human Rights Committee exclaimed, “shocking as it is, the barbarity and impunity by which killings are perpetrated in this country have got to stop. Criminals must be punished, and justice must prevail”. Some soundbites from a Senator who wants to defund NTF-ELCAC. Maybe this time he can muster the courage to denounce the NPA atrocities. Of course, we do not expect the Makabayan bloc to do sincerely the same.

Open... from page 4

just put ourselves at God’s dispositions. He knows much better than we do. Thus, we can afford to be cheerful and confident about everything, though we cannot deny that we will have suffering. But again, if we are truly with Christ, we would know how to bear all that suffering with peace and joy. Let’s hope that everytime we pray, we would always be moved to come up with some initiatives. That should be the usual effect of a real prayer. God will always ask us to f low with the times, working with him in his continuing creative and redemptive work on us. May we not be afraid of this responsibility! Email: roycimagala@ gmail.com

Starts... from page 6

help out at understaffed vaccination sites. The company is looking to hire some 300 medical professionals composed of nurses and doctors, for its vaccination program, and to help partner LGUs implement their vaccine rollout. To date, over 100 have been hired and deployed to vaccination sites in Ma n d a lu y on g , Ma n i l a , Quezon City, and Malabon. More will be deployed to Paranaque and Pasig cities. The government recently issued guidelines to prioritize Filipinos under the A4 category or frontline personnel in essential sectors for vaccination. Majority of SMC’s employees who are waiting for their first dose of COVID-19 vaccine fall under the A4 category. E a r l i e r, S M C a l s o

encouraged employees and their families under the A2 (senior citizens aged 60 and above) and A3 (persons with comorbidities) to get jabs at areas where they are residing after a recent surge of cases that necessitated another lockdown. Since the COVID-19 pandemic struck the country in March last year, SMC’s total pandemic response efforts have reached over P14 billion. This includes over P1 billion in medical-related donations and initiatives. SMC has donated RT-PCR testing machines, automated RNA extraction machines, PCR test kits, high-flow nasal cannula, swabbing booths, and PPEs, to health facilities nationwide. Better World EDSA, the company’s own RT-PCR testing laboratory, raised the government’s testing capacity and made testing more accessible to the public. The company also supported medical front liners through donating P9.5 million worth of fuel donated to the government’s free shuttle service program and waived P230.7 million in toll fees to date to benefit over 10,000 medical workers. During the first few months of lockdown last year, SMC reconfigured its liquored operations to produce and donate some 1.3 million liters of disinfectant alcohol to hospitals and vital installations nationwide.

Swab... from page 5

priced at PHP 3,200 for both laboratories. HMI has clinics in Pasay and Makati; while SDDI has facilities in Mandaluyong, Bacolod, and Davao. “We continue to do what we can to rebuild the public’s trust and confidence in air travel. As we remain committed to providing affordable f lights for everyJuan, we also made it a point to see where else we can reduce costs for our passengers – we are happy to work with our laboratory partners to make available the cheapest RT-PCR swab test rates that may conveniently be booked on our website,” said Candice Iyog, CEB vice president for Marketing and Customer Experience. The Philippine Airport D i a g n o s t i c L ab or at or y (PADL) also offers both R T- P C R a n d a n t i g e n tests exclusively for CEB passengers, for only

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PHP 3,300 and PHP 700, respectively. The TBB testing facility at the NAIA Terminal 3 is also open for walk-ins daily, with fees to be directly paid to PADL. Passengers booked on Cebu Pacific and Cebgo can easily choose and book appointments via http://bit.ly/ CEBTestOptions. From there, everyJuan will be redirected to each laboratory's page to finalize their schedule online. Testing is just one out of the three key steps CEB strictly implements to regain passenger confidence. Other approaches include safety and sanitation, as well as track and trace. CEB continues to implement a multi-layered approach to safety and has been rated 7/7 stars by airlineratings. com for its COVID-19 compliance. Passengers are also constantly reminded to register in the Department of Transportation's Traze App for a more efficient contact tracing process. Guests are strongly urged to always check with the LGU of their destination for latest updates. For a list of travel requirements, testing options, flexibility options and frequently asked questions, passengers may conveniently visit www. cebupacificair.com.

Vaccine... from page 9

tayong nakacover na 21 municip a lit ies a l l over Lanao del Sur at hinahabol nalang natin yung ibang mga munisipyo na hindi pa natin napupuntahan," he added. [So far we have covered 21 municipalities all over Lanao del Sur and we are getting ready to cover the other municipalities that we have not visited.] The Resbakuna vaccination rollout is set to reach the municipalities of Mulondo and Kapai on June 15, Sultan Dumalondong and Butig on June 16, Tugaya and Balindong on June 17, Bacolod-Kalawi on June 21, Pualas and Madalum on June 22, Poona Bayabao and Lumba Bayabao on June 23, Tamparan and Ditsaan Ramain on June 24, and Picong and Lumbaya Unayan on June 29. Meanwhile, Minalang reiterated the government's call for residents to get inoculated.

"Itong bakuna na ito, ito lang ang tanging pagasa natin sa ngayon upang makabalik tayo sa normal," he emphasized. [This vaccine, this is our only hope right now so that we can get back to normal.] He also dispelled the public’s fear on the safety of the COVID-19 vaccine, giving assurance that the vaccines have undergone strict screening, and are safe and effective. Minalang also conveyed that the Sinovac vaccine that they are giving is Halal and very much allowed in Islam. (APB/PIA-ICIC)

Commends... from page 2

Along with the LGU’s gratitude, she also conveyed that it still sees the medical association to nonetheless carry on its started support, especially now that there is a challenge of needing more monitoring physicians for high-risk patients as the city’s second vaccination hub is expected to operate soon. With the IMS’ undertaking, the CHO sees a remarkable contribution to the progressing vaccination program. “Ang challenge nato is once mahan-ay lang gyud sa Iligan Medical Society ang schedule nila, maka-man ang doctors sa monitoring, among estimate siguro naa sa mga 400 [vaccinees] kay hapon naman gud daw sila available. Pero kung mafull blast ni, maka vaccinate siguro ta og 800 to 1,000,” Lim added. [Our challenge is once the Iligan Medical Society organizes the schedule of doctors that can man the monitoring, our estimate is there will be 400 [vaccinees] because their availability is just in the afternoon. But if this will be on full blast, we can maybe vaccinate 800 to 1,000.] (CRG/ PIA-10/ICIC)

Measures... from page 7

stimulus.” Helbling further said strong monetary policy is also expected to drive growth improvement and investors’ confidence. BSP’s accommodative policy should remain, he said, adding this is seen as still appropriate vis-à-vis the current inflation pressures, which are considered to be

temporary and will likely taper off in the second half of the year. He said monetary policy’s task is to ensure that interest rates remain low for the households, firms, and the debt service. Last year, the BSP slashed key policy rates by a total of 200 basis points to help buoy the domestic economy and encourage lending among banks. To date, the rate of the central bank’s overnight reverse repurchase (RRP) facility is at record-low 2 percent. Helbling also cited the need for the government’s push for structural reforms such as on tax reforms, digital payments, continued cutting of red tape, and climate mitigation and adaptation, as well as reduction on restrictions for foreign investments, fast-tracking of the national ID program, and further improvement on social protection programs. “ Thes e refor ms wi l l help the Philippines build back better and position the country for a more equitable and greener future,” he added. (PNA)

Rebound... from page 7

g ov e r n m e nt f a c e d t h e pandemic’s challenges head on because of the reform measures that provided, among others, healthy cash resources and solid credit ratings that allowed the government to borrow funds at lower cost. “Because of the successive tax and structural reforms pursued by the Duterte administration, our fiscal fundamentals remained solid. We did not suffer the kind of fiscal downturn that typically accompanies an economic crisis,” he said. Dominguez said although the government borrowed funds from both the multilateral lenders and commercial sources to help finance its pandemic-related spending, interest burden did not increase partly because of the well-calibrated monetary policy responses of the BSP. “When the crisis hit us, much of the spadework was done. We really did not have to go back to the drawing board in order to plan for the country’s economic recovery,” he added. (PNA)

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DOST-Bukidnon empowers Talakag, grants 2.8M sci-tech project funds D OST-Bukidnon, under its Community Empowerment through Science and Technology (CEST) program, recently granted 2.8M science and technology project funds to the Geographically Isolated and Disadvantaged Areas in Talakag, Bukidnon. The agency will implement a total of six projects that include various science and technology interventions. DOST-Bukidnon will distribute Ceramic Water Filters to communities that lack drinking water, install two Automatic Rain Gauges to flood-prone areas, and provide a Plastic Densifier and Shredder for better solid waste management.

The project also includes six Science and Technology Academic Research-Based Openly Operated KioskS (STARBOOKS) units to the community. STARBOOKS is a stand-alone information source designed to bring S&T information to the grassroots. The roll-out of the Malnutrition Reduction Program (MRP) is within the funding. Through the MRP, undernourished children ages 6-59 months will consume BigasMonggos (Big-Mo) for 120 days. Big-Mo is a food technology developed by the Food and Nutrition Research Institute (DOSTFNRI). It contains 130 Kcal (energy) and four grams of protein per 30

farmers. The DOST-CEST program dedicated to ending poverty, especially to Geographically Isolated and Disadvantages Areas (GIDA) and identified conflict-driven areas through five key entry points: Health, Human Resource Development, Economic Development, Disaster Risk Reduction and Management, and Environmental Protection. For more information about CEST and DOST programs, one may visit Check turn-over of the sci-tech project fund to LGU-Talakag the DOST-Bukidnon office at Vicente Neri St., grams serving portion A group of from the Food and Drug Malaybalay City (with - enough to meet the marginalized coffee Administration. 18 % of recommended farmers in the Miarayon Another set of projects StaySafe.ph app R code), or email bukidnon@region10. energy and 28.6 % of area will also receive a are to be turned over to recommended protein complete set of food-grade LGU-Talakag by the end of dost.gov.ph, or call 088813-5463, 09564068669. intake for 6-month to equipment, training, the 2nd quarter for more (NBCalotes/DOST less than 59-month old and assistance to acquire S&T interventions for the children. a License to Operate IPs, women, children, and Bukidnon)