BusinessWeek Mindanao (June 28-29, 2021)

BusinessWeek M I N DA N A O CREDIBLE

Volume XII, No. 9

Market Indicators

AS OF 6:00 PM JUNE 26, 2021 (SATURDAY)

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Noynoy's legacy THE Employers’ Confederation of the Philippines (ECOP) on Friday recalled how former President Benigno Aquino III contributed to the betterment of the welfare of the workforce.

In a statement, ECOP cited labor-related laws passed during the Aquino administration that became “instrumental in advancing tripartism and prioritizing significant labor and social policy issues”.

These legislations include the Republic Act (RA) No. 10361, or the Domestic Workers Act; RA 10395, or the Strengthening Tripartism Act; RA 10771, or the Philippine Green Jobs Act; the Amendments of the Labor Code, mandating mandatory conciliation of all issues arising from labor disputes through the RA 10396; and the Amendments to the Public Employment Service (PESO) Act of 1999 through the RA 10691.

Fewer dengue cases THE number of dengue cases in the city for the first five months this year has decreased as compared to the same period in 2020.

Dr. Teodulfo Joselito Retuya, City Health Office resident epidemiologist, said from January to May 2021, the city recorded 244 dengue cases or “twice lower” compared to 565 last year.

About 19 dengue cases have been recorded in June based on the reports from different hospitals. In the same month last year, the city had 36 cases.

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MinDA pushes retention of Agus-Pulangi plants T HE MINDANAO Development Authority (MinDA) is still taking a firm opposition to the planned privatization of the Agus-Pulangi Hydropower Complex, MinDA Secretary Emmanuel F. Piñol said on Friday.

The power complex is a major green energy source for Mindanao which is due for rehabilitation that could cost up to P20 billion.

Piñol said MinDA is putting forward a “policy push to keep the ownership

and control of the state-owned Agus-Pulangi Hydroelectric Complex.”

“MinDA’s position is against the privatization of Agus-Pulangi Hydroelectric Complex, which is deemed RETENTION/PAGE 14

PEACE CARAVAN. A traffic enforcer checks on one of the 40 vehicles joining a convoy from Iligan City entering Cagayan de Oro City last week. The convoy was part of the “Unity Caravan” to drum up support for the extension of the Bangsamoro Transition Authority. mindanews photo by froilan gallardo

BOUNTIFUL CATCH. Tamban (sardines) abound in Buenavista, Agusan del Norte. Fisherfolk, however, say their catch has declined in recent years forcing some of them to fish in the waters of neighboring towns. photo by h . marcos c . mordeno / mindanews

Power coops urged to use embedded power

By MYRNA M. VELASCO, Contributor

GIVEN well-anticipated dilemma of recurring power supply shortages, t h e c o u n t r y ’s e l e c t r i c cooperatives (ECs) are being urged to take ‘embedded power generation’ as added recourse to ensure that their

services to consumers are not disrupted.

This has been the call set out by the National Electrification Administration (NEA), with it propounding that the ECs’ investment in embedded POWER/PAGE 14

Millennial docs help speed up CDO vaccination drive CAGAYAN de Oro millennial doctors, aged between 25 and 40, are sparing some of their time from regular hospital and clinic duties to help the local government and the Department of Health here speed up the Covid-19 vaccination drive.

In a featurette by the City Information Office on Friday, Dr. Kristine Angeli Llacuna, 30, said she and her colleagues volunteered because they wanted to be part of the solution to the pandemic.

"I encourage more health care workers, more doctors,

to join us in the fight against Covid-19. The sooner we do this, the more of us who will do this, the sooner the fight will be won," said Llacuna.

Already a volunteer in the "Doctors to the Barrios" prog r am by D OH, D r.

Johaimen Maca-alang, 27, DRIVE/PAGE 14

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Local 2 CDO officials thank nat'l gov't for ‘ventilators’ pledge C

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MON-TUE|JUNE 28-29, 2021

AGAYAN de Oro City officials on Friday thanked the national government for its pledge to donate mechanical ventilators to help fight the coronavirus disease 2019 (Covid-19).

This, after Presidential Spokesperson Harry Roque announced the allocation of mechanical ventilators to the city during Thursday’s Palace press briefing.

Mayor Oscar Moreno said the national government's

commitment was in response to the written request made by Cagayan de Oro 1st District Rep. Rolando Uy to Health Secretary Francisco Duque III. "Unlike intensive care units, which take some time to review and accredit by the Department of Health (DOH), mechanical ventilators are easier to acquire and use. Hopefully, it would be forthcoming and I’m thankful to the national government (for heeding our request) and to Congressman Uy for requesting

additional mechanical ventilators from Health Secretary Duque," Moreno said during Thursday’s City Hall online press briefing.

In Uy’s letter dated June 18, he also requested the expansion of the Intensive Care Unit capacity and Covid-19 capacity dedicated for the Northern Mindanao Medical Center (NMMC), which serves as the Northern Mindanao region's apex hospital for Covid-19.

"We urgently need to

strengthen NMMC’s capacity to respond to the pandemic,” Uy said.

Moreno said the DOH also recognized City Hall’s acquisition of 15 high-flow oxygen machines that it lent to the NMMC and to the city’s public and private hospitals, including the city-owned JR Borja General Hospital.

Meanwhile, Cagayan de Oro 2nd District Rep. Rufus Rodriguez thanked Duque, chair of the Inter-Agency Task

Force for the Management of Emerging Infectious Diseases, and co-chair Secretary Karlo Nograles for acting on the request for 24 ventilators, in the former’s letter dated June 21.

He said Roque announced that the government has placed 10 cities outside the National Capital Region on its priority list for vaccine distribution to help them contain the spread of Covid-19, especially the highly contagious Delta variant.

(PNA)

Bill up for effective project RDC-10 bares 2020 challenges, monitoring in BARMM road to recovery, dev’t prospects COTABATO City– A regional lawmaker has filed a bill before the Bangsamoro Transition Authority – Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BTA-BARMM) calling for a regionwide geotagging system for infrastructure projects for updates and transparency.

Member of Parliament (MP), engineer Don Mustapha Loong, the principal

author of BTA Parliament Bill 95, said Friday the proposal intends to ensure efficient government project monitoring in the region.

Geotagging, as described in the proposed bill, is the process of adding metadata and geographical information to the physical or site location of government infrastructure projects PROJECT/PAGE 14

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

REGIONAL Development Council (RDC)-10 Chairperson and Misamis Occidental Gov. Philip T. Tan called for sustained commitment to the region’s socioeconomic recovery efforts amid the lingering pandemic.

In his State of the Region Address during

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 126th RDC-10 Full Council meeting, June 24, Tan recognized the strong resolve of the members and development partners in overcoming the unprecedented challenges brought by the COVID-19 pandemic.

“Year 2020 was supposed to be a banner year for the region given our strong economic performance over the past three years. True enough, the results of the Gross Regional Domestic Product show that our region’s economy contracted by 5.2 percent last year due to the pandemic,” Tan said.

While the economic performance is well within the adjusted target range and better than the country’s average of negative 9.6 percent, the decline takes the region back ten years in terms of the ten-year regional

growth average.

“Our government will go to great lengths for all of us because public service is our calling. What has been pronounced in 2020 is that 20/20 vision does not rely solely on how we perceive our situation, but on focusing on the essentials, what lasts when all else fades - our relationships, our well-being, and ultimately, our lives. There can be no trade-off,” the governor added.

The RDC-10 chair solicited the support of the public in the rollout of the vaccination program, as well as assured the body that the government is on top of managing the public health crisis.

Moreover, NEDA-10 Regional Director Mylah Faye Aurora B. Cariño, shared the 2020 Regional Development Report, containing the initial assessment of the Regional Development Plan 20172022 implementation in the past three years, the region’s recovery efforts amid the pandemic, and other development initiatives and accomplishments.

During the meeting, Department of Health Center for Health Development–Northern Mindanao Regional Director Jose R. LLacuna, reported that the health agency is closely monitoring the provinces of Bukidnon, Misamis Occidental, and Misamis Oriental as these are considered under high risk areas of the pandemic.

Llacuna also thanked the local government units (LGUs), stating that the vaccines would be of no use without the implementers at the local level.

Committee Chairpersons presented various development concerns and priorities recommended by the Sector and Special Committees. A total of 38 action resolutions were passed during the meeting, several of which aim to address COVID-19 impact and other development concerns. (NEDA-10/PIA10)

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MON-TUE|JUNE 28-29, 2021

3 Jollibee Foods optimistic of 2022 economic rebound T

CorporateWorld

Vivant doubles growth in power retail marketing DESPITE a Covid-limped year, Garcia-led Vivant Energy Corporation is well on its way to doubling the growth of its capacity in the retail electricity market – with it aiming for 25 megawatts by yearend from a current portfolio of more than 13MW. “Right now, we are at 13.4MW, and based on what we have under negotiations, we would be ending the year with 25MW capacity of contracted capacity for retail supply,” Vivant Energy Executive Vice President and COO Emil Andre M. Garcia said.

He expounded that

the firm’s targeted clients are those in the 1.0-megawatt and higher base of electricity usage – and fundamentally, these are industries and big-ticket commercial establishments.

“A lot of them are in the 1.0MW range, that’s our niche market – lots of them are in the industrial space. And as far as the location, most of them are mainly in Visayas and Luzon,” Garcia specified.

The Vivant executive qualified that the customers they are catering to in the Retail Competition and Open GROWTH/PAGE 15

THE demand for residential property has continued to pick up since last year’s dip as more investors take advantage of promotional payment terms in anticipation of market recovery from the pandemic, a property expert said.

During the virtual The ViCon event Thursday,

Leechiu Property Consultants (LPC) chief executive officer David Leechiu said the demand rebounded for the second quarter this year in a row, with overseas Filipino workers (OFW) remittances showing “great influence” in the movement of the residential real estate price index (RREPI).

HE country’s largest fast food chain is confident that economic recovery is underway this year and even stronger in 2022.

Jollibee Foods Corp. chairman Tony Tancaktiong said during the company’s annual stockholders’ meeting Friday that the company is “encouraged and confident that the Philippine economic recovery will be underway within 2021” with the increasing vaccination rate.

More than 8.5 million doses of Covid-19 vaccines were already administered in the country.

Tancaktiong said many of the employees of the Jollibee Group have been vaccinated through their respective local governments, but the company will also provide free Covid-19 vaccine to those who have yet to be inoculated as well

as giving vaccine access to their dependents.

“Close to 90 percent of our employees will be vaccinated. We, in Jollibee Group, is one with the country’s efforts in addressing the pandemic,” he added.

With the firm’s optimism in economic recovery this year, Jollibee Group chief executive officer Ernesto Tanmantiong said the company will be opening 450 stores this year, spending a recordhigh P12.2 billion.

Tanmantiong said its international business will drive the Group’s expansion, especially in China, Vietnam, and North America.

“With the positive outlook for China and USA given their earlier recovery from the pandemic, and the Philippines’ recovery

underway as restrictions are lifted and vaccination rollout, we will accelerate our new stores expansion in the months ahead,” he said.

The executive added that in 2022, Jollibee Group expects to open at least 500 stores similar to its expansion rate prior to the pandemic and even higher than 500 stores in the succeeding years.

“The global crisis made more apparent the advantages of the geographical diversification of our business. We continued to invest for long-term growth even amid the pandemic in countries that presented opportunities,” Tanmantiong said.

Jollibee Group has 17 brands in 33 countries, with 5,815 stores worldwide as of end-May 2021.

(PNA)

Demand for residential property picking up “Capital values were modestly affected, thanks to developers who were quick to pivot and maintain market velocity,” he said.

Leechiu said the pandemic has affected residential condominium sales in Metro Manila last year, prompting developers to delay launches till the second

half of 2020 and offering unprecedented payment terms.

Unit sales are up by 5.7 percent in the first quarter of 2021 from the fourth quarter last year.

“Recovery in the upper-middle to luxury segment is strong with the rest of the segments expected to follow suit,” he added.

Leechiu said the softening of rental rates is seen as temporary and is expected to stabilize once quarantine restrictions ease, vaccine rollout speeds up, and office operations return.

Meanwhile, the Villar Group kicked off the two-day The ViCon, the country’s first and biggest virtual property

exposition that would showcase its complete real property offerings from various price points.

It has partnered with banks and an institution in providing affordable home financing to Filipino families, such as AllBank, Banco de Oro, Rizal Commercial Banking Corp. (RCBC), DEMAND/PAGE 15

4

Opinion

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Like father, like son (Pt.1) Think a minute...Not long ago a famous movie star and his son were put in jail for doing illegal drugs together. Being busted for drugs together is quite a tragic father-son bonding activity! But proves yet once again: “Like father, like son.”

Ask yourself: “Do I want my son to be like me?”

Our sons learn to follow our example both by our words and by our ways.

The things that we tell our children are important will become the things that are important to them.

Wa lte r R e ut he r, t he labor leader of the United Auto Workers in the U.S., was deeply influenced by his father who was a union organizer. Reuther’s father taught his sons at home how to debate major issues.

Their father said: “It was no accident that three of my sons became leaders of labor unions.”

However, we fathers teach our sons far more by our daily ways of living than by our words. Our son watches, listens and learns from the way we work, the way we play, and the way we treat

THINK A MINUTE

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MON-TUE|JUNE 28-29, 2021

Farewell, PNoy

PNoy passed away last Thursday at the age of 61. Like any man and like any President, he had his share of flaws. But I wish to remember him for his better qualities. He was humble, dignified, straightforward in manner and speech, and most important for me as a Filipino, he defended our patrimony.

I first met him when he was still a presidential son.

Not yet thirty at that time, (he still had thick hair), PNoy became an instant crush of high school students in Muntinlupa where he attended the finals of the Ninoy Aquino oratorical contest. Since assuming office in 1986 as Muntinlupa mayor up to the time I left in 1998, I tried to institutionalize an annual oratorical contest (around August 21) to honor his late father.

L ater, hearing about PNoy’s fancy for guns, I invited him to try our newly opened gun range at the Alabang stock farm. He did not disappoint as he consistently drilled holes at

the center of paper targets and dropped metal plates from varying distances and shooting positions.

I really get irritated whenever a convoy of a dignitary, with sirens blazing, jumps the line especially during heavy traffic. If they do not want to be late for their appointments, why don't they just leave home early, like the rest of us, to avoid the traffic.

Perhaps fully aware of the sensitivities of the ordinary motorists, PNoy shunned the use of “wang wang”. I was driving at normal speed towards Silang, Cavite one weekend when I noticed flashing lights at my rear view mirror. I slowed down a bit to allow the convoy to overtake me but it did not.

When I turned left to a side road, the convoy followed.

As soon as I parked my car, I noticed PNoy alight from his presidential vehicle. On the invitation of then BSP Governor Amando Tetangco, Jr., PNoy had come to try out the newly constructed BSP gun range where, a la American sniper Chris Kyle,

he easily downed round metal targets at 200 meters with his scope-mounted rifle.

Good voyage to the home of our Heavenly Father, PNoy. Please say “hi” to your Mom and Dad for us.

Do not ever let your guard down I received sad news from a family friend that his brother-in-law recently died of Covid. The deceased and his bereaved wife had been very careful and had stayed home since the quarantine started in March 2020. It is surmised that his brotherin-law was infected through food deliveries.

Meanwhile, an office mate reported one family who tested positive even after receiving their first dose of Aztra Zeneca. Fortunately, their symptoms were very mild.

There has been quite a confusion arising from conflicting statements on the use of face shields. So, just play it safe. Always have your face shields ready.

Tez Navarro, Muntinlupa City’s PIO, gave this update on

The silence of Mindanao THE International Criminal Court (ICC) has become a domineering institution that is presented as a prosecutor and judge at the same time.

It does not respect the justice system of sovereign nations and lump the victims of its misplaced prejudices with countries that have neither functioning government nor an iota of judicial mechanisms.

The ICC decides based on the whims of its prosecutor like Fatou Bensouda who recommended the formal investigation of President Rodrigo Duterte over his war on drugs and issues of alleged extra-judicial killings she claimed is carried out by the Davao Death Squad. DDS, she asserts, was organized by the President when he was still Mayor of Davao City and for that pronouncement alone she has reduced herself into a nincompoop.

T h e s e are t h e f a c t s about the mythical Davao Death Squad. DDS was conceptualized sometime in 1982 by Integrated National Police Regional Director, Gen. Dionisio Tan-gatue Jr. It was a phantom force, no warm bodies, used by the general as psychological warfare to counter the vicious liquidation squads of the NPAs called “Sparrows”.

He a ls o later came up with another ghost forces called “Christian Soldiers for Democracy”. That time Duterte was an Assistant City Fiscal (Asst. City Prosecutor in today’s legal term) and was investigating soldiers, policemen, members of the civilian home defense force, and suspected NPAs involved in killings.

The problem of Bensouda is that she swallowed hookline-and-sinker the fairy tales

and statistics contrived by the political opposition in the Philippines and some quarters in the media who extrapolated death statistics to suit their dubious agenda. Did she really believe detained Sen. Leila de Lima that more than 2,000 EJK victims were buried in an abandoned quarry adjacent to some housing subdivision in Davao City?

Did she also believe Maria Ressa of Rappler tweaked her death statistics from 3,000 to 7,000 and then raised it to 27,000? "This is far worse than any war zone that I've been in," she lied to Bill Whitaker of CBS “60 Minutes” and yet insists and persists on staying in the Philippines even though she is an American citizen? Did Fatou include in her report the claim of Amnesty International that 30 million Filipinos perished in government-sponsored

SPEAKING OUT

IGNACIO BUNYE the vaccination in Muntinlupa City to date: Total vaccinated: 147,989. Vaccinated with First Dose: 119,560. Vaccinated with Second Dose: 28,429.

224,574 have signed up for Muntinlupa’s vaccination pro g r a m , re pre s e nt i n g 58 percent of the target population.

Good news at the energy front Just when we start hearing about an impending power shortage in Luzon, this news coming from AC Energy is indeed welcome.

AC Energy’s 120-megawatt Gigasol Alaminos in Laguna, one of the country’s largest FAREWELL/PAGE 15

LETTERS FROM DAVAO

JUN LEDESMA EJK? B e ns ou d a i s t ot a l l y ignorant about the extent of operations of drug syndicates i n t h e c o u nt r y w h i c h government administrations that precede Duterte had virtually ignored. In deference to the death of past Pres.

Benigno Simeon Aquino III I will not go beyond saying that drug laboratories and SILENCE/PAGE 15

A climate disaster despite a landmark historic treaty While the rainy season

Treaty came into effect 60

deluge coastal cities from New

the Philippines, we are still sweating in summer temperatures. And not only us. In my home country Germany and neighboring European countries, the temperatures climbed up to 38 degrees. And as if it wasn't enough, California hit over 50 degrees Celsius yesterday.That has an impact again on the whole world.

The Antarctic is nearing a climate disaster despite a landmark historic treaty.

Burning fossil fuels threatens one of the last areas on earth left unspoiled by extractive human industries. Author Ajit Niranjan captionedit it in one of his latest write ups: "The remote continent of Antarctica is melting!"

Yes, when the Antarctic

little idea how successful i t w o u l d b e . Wo r l d leaders agreed to leave an uninhabited continent twice the size of Australia free from war, weapons and nuclear waste. They declared that the southern polar region, which is 98% ice and does not have an indigenous population, should belong to no country and instead be devoted to collaborative science. In the following decades, extra rules to stop companies mining minerals and drilling for oil turned Antarctica into the biggest nature reserve in the world.

About 90% of the world's surface freshwater is locked up in the Antarctic Ice Sheet and, as the planet heats up, glaciers whose collapse would

and growing less stable.

Wor l d l e a d e r s h av e pledged to limit warming to well below 2 degrees Celsius this century, but their current policies will heat the world by almost 3 C, according to Germany-based research group Climate Action Tracker.

A study published in the journal Nature in May found that a global temperature rise of 3 C would lead to an "abrupt jump" in the pace of Antarctic ice loss that would, in turn, trigger "rapid and unstoppable" sea-level rise.

Alessandro Antonello, a historian at Flinders University in Australia who has written a book about environmental politics in Antarctica, said "the central environmental challenge

JHAN TIAFAU HURST officially started here in years ago, its signatories had York to Jakarta are melting people every day. “Actions speak louder than words,” so our sons learn mostly from our daily example.

“More is caught than taught.”

Someone said: “Till a boy is 15 he does what his father says; after that, he does what his father does.”

A young man told his father: “When I was young I usually did not listen when you were telling me about right and wrong. But what influenced me most was watching you every day. I imitated what you were, not what you said.”

A major study was done of wealthy families with teenage sons in trouble with the law. Though the fathers FATHER/PAGE 15

HAVE MY SAY

KLAUS DORING to Ant arc t i c a to d ay is undoubtedly climate change."

Yet, of the 54 parties to the treaty that protects it, the 29 with voting rights include the world's biggest historical polluters, such as the US and Germany, as well as fastgrowing emitters like China, India and Brazil.

TREATY/PAGE 15

5 BSP sees more foreign investments in digital banking T Advertising and Editorial E-mail : businessweekmindanao@gmail.com Contact nos. : 0917-7121424 • 0947-8935776

MON-TUE|JUNE 28-29, 2021

HE Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP) is seeing more investment inflows from foreign banks for digital banking in the country.

Governor Benjamin Diokno said in a press conference Friday that since the start of the country's digital banking framework in December 2020, the central bank anticipates growth in foreign investment in digital banking.

“In fact, a number of new and incumbent foreign banks have expressed intent to establish a new digital bank or convert their existing license to a digital bank license,” Diokno

Banking&Finance

said.

BSP Policy and Specialized Supervision Sub-Sector managing director Lyn Javier said the central bank has received queries and interest from foreign banks in Europe and Asian regions.

At least three banks have completed phase one of the licensing process for digital banks, Javier said, adding that the BSP will continue to evaluate other applications upon submission of complete documents.

Moreover, Diokno said aside from opportunities in digital banking in the Philippines, foreign banks have huge

Monetary execs raise inflation forecast to 4% HIGHER oil prices in the international market resulted in the upward revision in the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas’ (BSP) average inflation forecast for this year.

In a briefing streamed through the central bank’s Facebook page on Thursday, BSP Deputy Governor Francisco Dakila Jr. said the 2021 projection was changed from 3.9 percent to 4 percent.

Inflation forecasts for 2022 and 2023 average 3 percent.

“The factors that led to the revision in the inflation forecast include higher global crude oil prices, as well as a more favorable global growth outlook,” Dakila said.

These factors, however, are countered by the “lower-than-expected outturn in May inflation, as well as (the) continued strength of the peso,” he said.

The inflation rate in May was at 4.5 percent, the third consecutive month of INFLATION/PAGE 14

prospects in partnering with the private sector in promoting investments in infrastructure and sustainable finance.

“Foreign banks have the capacity to pool funds to finance infrastructure projects in key sectors such as renewable energy, low carbon transport, sustainable water management, and sustainable waste management,” the BSP chief said.

He added that foreign banks have financing opportunities for big-ticket and long-term projects under the Build Build Build program.

There is also a growing acceptance for green and

sustainable finance in the country, Diokno said.

“With global market expertise, foreign banks can facilitate the underwriting of green, social, or sustainability bonds or develop innovative sustainable finance instruments. Given their global market expertise, foreign banks can facilitate underwriting of green, social, or sustainability bonds or finance infrastructure projects in key sectors such as renewable energy and low carbon transport,” he said.

With the liberalization of the entry of foreign banks, there are now 29 foreign banks operating in the country, of

which, 12 are included in the 2020 list of Global Systemically Important Banks.

Diokno said that as of end-April 2021, the combined assets of these foreign banks amounted to PHP1.4 trillion, or 7 percent of the banking system’s total assets.

Deposits in foreign banks grew by 43.4 percent since the liberalization of the banking sector in 2014, “indicating trust and confidence in foreign banks even amid the pandemic”, Diokno added.

He said investment activities of these banks also reached PHP377.5 billion as of end-April this year. (PNA)

DOF chief, biz groups recall Aquino admin’s economic reforms FINANCE Secretary Carlos Dominguez III and business groups have recalled the economic reforms done during the administration of former president Benigno Aquino III, who passed away Thursday morning.

In a text message to reporters, Dominguez cited that the Tax Incentives Management and Transparency Act (TIMTA) and the sin tax law have helped in shaping a strong economy prior to the coronavirus disease 2019 (Covid-19) pandemic.

TIMTA has enabled the government to review and

analyze the economic impact of tax incentives given to qualified companies.

Dominguez said this law passed under the former Chief Executive has “resulted in the formulation and enactment of the Corporate Recovery and Tax Incentives for Enterprises (CREATE) Act, which was recently signed by President Rodrigo Duterte in March.”

“Sin tax law, which increased the excise tax (of ) sin products and reduced to one rate the number of categories of taxes on cigarettes, (has) also laid the groundwork for increasing excise taxes on

cigarettes as well as the enactment of legislation on excise tax on sugary drinks,” he added.

Aquino signed in 2012 the legislation, in which the government earmarked 85 percent of the higher tobacco revenues to health expenditure and 15 percent to tobacco-producing regions.

According to The Asia Foundation, the road to Universal Health Care, which was enacted into law in 2019, began during the passage of sin tax law as revenues from higher taxes on cigarettes go to healthcare.

REFORMS/PAGE 14

BusinessWeek MINDANAO CREDIBLE

RELIABLE

Editor: GILBERT Y. CHAO

FEATURE

IN-DEPTH

Mon-Tue|June 28-29, 2021

6

Ex-Janitor wins Digital Marketer of the Year Award

E

STRAT 360 Marketing Company’s Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Ruben Licera is adjudged as the “Digital Marketer of the Year” of the prestigious 2021 Asian Leadership Awards for Excellence in Branding and Marketing..

Regularly held in key cities in Asia for the past 19 years, this year's award giving was held virtually last June 10.

Asian Leadership Awards aims to recognize the achievement of Asia’s leading visionaries. Ruben Licera was recognized for his contributions towards the region’s economic development through “Digital Marketing” as a vehicle of growth for businesses and individuals he has worked with.

Genesis of A Digital Marketer Unknown to many, Ruben Licera started his career in the industry as a janitor of a computer shop in Davao City. During his off-cleaning time, he was exposed to learning the basic skills in using Microsoft 95 and connecting to the world via the then starting world wide web.

His International Trade Fair Management and Marketing in Rotterdam in 2007, sponsored by the Royal Government of Netherlands, opened his eyes to the opportunities digital marketing can provide to careers and businesses.

With newly acquired skills in both offline and online marketing, he launched his digital marketing career as an online part-time writer by night, and PR and Marketing officer by day at an international resort.

Before joining full-time as a digital marketer, Ruben Licera was a respected blogger and influencer from Cebu. His stories have garnered him awards from the Philippine Blogging Awards, and the Globe Media Excellence Awards - Visayas (formerly Cebu Media Excellence Awards).

It was during his stint as Community Manager for the Google Developers Group (GDG) and Google Business Group (GBG) that he was able to get trend information of the “next big thing” in digital while working at nights as a full-time digital freelancer.

Digital Marketing CEO In 2010, Ruben Licera first launched his Search Engine Optimization (SEO) agency with Php 500.00 and a borrowed PC from his brother and failed.

With the first failures in starting businesses, Ruben Licera founded ESTRAT 360 Marketing Company (ESTRAT360.com) - now an international award-winning integrated communications and digital marketing agency from Cebu, serving the world.

Some of the successful brands and companies ESTRAT360 is fortunate to work with are: SUBWAY®, Anejo Gold Rum, Ginebra San Miguel, Cemex Philippines, PASAR Corporation, Tsuneishi Shipbuilding Co., Rico’s Lechon, Cafe Laguna Group and a dozen more international and national brands in FMCG, Coaching and Consulting, Hospitality and Real Estate sectors.

From a one-man agency, with Coach Ruben Licera at the helm of ESTRAT360. com, the company has grown to more than 35+ full time digital professionals and have managed more than 300+ clients, 58,000+ campaigns serving 28 nationalities.

“Live The Great Life” Advocate Coach Ruben Licera is widely connected to grassroots organizations providing pro-bono mentorship on how to scale their business through digital marketing. He is also empowering other Filipinos from the countryside in learning online freelancing and digital marketing through partnerships with

Philippine government agencies such as the Department of Information and Communications Technology (DICT), Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) and Department of Tourism (DOT).

“Live The Great Life’ is Coach Ruben Licera’s mantra,” says ESTRAT 360’s Customer Experience Director Kezia Rico.

“As an active youth leader in his younger days, Coach Ruben believes that one’s role after serving God is serving others by sharing

one’s blessings. And he never forgets to share wherever, whenever,” shares Rico.

Awards and Recognitions In 2017, Ruben Licera and his team at Rico’s Lechon won the prestigious Asia Pacific Stevie Awards SILVER for “Innovations in Public Relations”.

It was followed by strings of local awards. In 2018, Ruben was chosen as a delegate of the Google Connect Live 2018 in San Francisco, USA. In that same year he was recognized as one of the “Pillar of Youth Leadership“ Awards given by the Parliament of Youth Leaders, Inc. for his advocacy of providing jobs through online freelancing.

In 2019, Ruben Licera was awarded as one of the Outstanding CAS Alumni of the University of the Visayas (UV).

Coach Ruben Licera capped 2019 with a BRONZE “Communications Professional of the Year” Award from the 2019 International Business Awards (IBA) in Vienna, Austria.

“Coach Ruben is always

goal and success driven to provide the best for his family and extended family in ESTRAT”, says ESTRAT’s Chief Operating Officer Iren Sangre-Licera.

Secrets to Success When asked about the secrets of his success from a computer shop janitor to founder and CEO of an international award-winning digital marketing agency, Coach Ruben Licera quips, “As an Iglesia Ni Cristo (INC) member, we always start our planning and execution with a prayer. We can plan all we want, but success will always be from God.” Coach Licera adds, “We always aim to win and excel as a team in all our campaigns. For those we fail, we will always aim that we get the wisdom of the experience and then move fast forward with action and determination.”

Coach Ruben ends, “I choose to define success not with how much I can accumulate in this life.

Creating impact for others to grow is my measurement.

Want guaranteed success?

Always aim to serve others.”

7

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MON-TUE|JUNE 28-29, 2021

Mindanaoan learners get affordable data packages from TNT, Smart H UNDREDS of students in Mindanao have received a threemonth data subsidy through “TNT Tropang Saya,” a nationwide program that provides learners easier access to learning apps and productivity tools.

The program is organized by PLDT’s wireless unit Smart Communications, Inc. (Smart) and its leading prepaid brand, TNT. Under the program, learners received free Giga Study 299 that comes with 4GB of open access data and 1GB/day access to online learning

tools such as Google Suite, Microsoft 365, YouTube, Canvas, and Learning Management Systems.

For 17-yearold Cagayan de Oro student Stephen Ceballos, this initiative has enabled him to enjoy attending his online classes in Misamis Oriental General Comprehensive High School. “As a student coping with blended learning, having an efficient internet connection and access to affordable load are a must,” he said. “Not everybody is able to buy a WiFi device, but with these affordable TNT data promos, we can enjoy studying and watching online entertainment. I also

DIRECTORY

A student using an online learning tool powered by affordable data packages from TNT and Smart.

share my experience with this program to other students because this will surely help them, too,” he added.

Meanwhile, Althea

Aquiza, a student from Caraga Regional High School in Surigao City, said that her student life during the pandemic has been made easier with good internet connection through promos like Giga Study, and a strong network powered by Smart LTE. “Staying online is not a problem anymore, thanks to affordable data load from TNT,” she shared.

“We at Smart recognize the value of pursuing education amid this challenging time. We are glad to be able to partner with schools across the country to assist students in their distance learning needs, and empower them with the tools that they need to

follow their passions with purpose. We look forward to reaching and helping even more students so that no one gets left behind,” said Melvin Nubla, VP, Head – Go-to-market and Subs Management.

TNT Tropang Saya is in line with Smart’s ‘Live Smarter, Live with Purpose’ campaign that encourages the Filipino youth to discover and pursue their passion and purpose, enabled by digital technology.

Digital literacy and education continue to be flagship CSR programs of Smart and its parent firm, PLDT, Inc., reinforcing their commitment to the United Nations Sustainable Development Goal (UNSDG) #4 on Quality Education.

A PUBLIC SERVICE BY:

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MON-TUE|JUNE 28-29, 2021

4 month old Baby Yuan of Malaybalay City needs your help!

BY JOEL C. ESCOL, MDNN News Editor & OSCAR LEDESMA, MDNN Bukidnon Bureau Chief

MALAYBALAY CITY - If there is a very hurting story that challenges the lives of every couple, it's when their baby is sick and rushed to the nearest hospital.

This is the very sad and heartwarming story of Angel Bayron Misto and Jhonrey Atillo Solijon. Their 4 month-old baby Yuan was admitted at the Bethel Hospital in Malaybalay City, the heart of the province of Bukidnon.

The couple lives in Purok 2 Capinonan, Cabanglasan, one of the towns in Bukidnon which is very near to Malaybalay City. It would only take you less than an hour by bus or passenger jeepney to be able to reach to this 4th class municipality.

"We are knocking at your kind heart to please help Yuan survive this challenge of his life. We need financial help and more prayers for our four month old baby Yuan, says Angel crying, the

15 year-old mother of Yuan.

BABY'S CONDITION MDNN learned from the biological parents of Baby Yuan that his condition started with having a greencolor human waste and then he kept on vomiting until he became dehydrated and vomitted Milo-colored watery substance. The worst thing was when his human waste was all blood, and he was immediately rushed at Bethel Hospital in Malaybalay City last June 14, 2021.

The attending physician diagnosed the baby as having Hirschprung Disease (HSCR), a birth disorder characterized by the absence of particular nerve cells (ganglions) in a segment of the bowel in an infant. The absence of ganglion cells causes the muscles in the bowels to lose their ability to move stool through the intestine. (peristalsis) PARENT'S FINANCIAL

CRISIS Angel, Yuan's mom admitted they have financial problem and the couple cannot sustain the medical prescriptions given by Yuan's attending physician.

Even her sister has already been helping her procure some money from relatives and friends. Right now, one prescriptions alone cost over P4,000.00 aside from a lot of medical prescriptions.

"Mangayo jud mi tabang sa mga taga Malaybalay ug sa mga tawong adunay

malumo nga kasingkasing sa Facebook and other social media platforms para maluwas si Baby Yuan. Kung aduna lang unta mi kwarta dili jud ko magpaka-ulaw pangayo sa mga tawo nga dili namo kaila, says Angel in an excluisve interview conducted to his sister.

For those who feel the recent predicament of Baby Yuan and wanted to help the family, you can donate to their gcash account: 09506348005 Jonela Jone or call Yuan's mom Angel thru this phone # 09700509132.

THE USE OF COMPUTER IN INSTRUCTION By: MARIVIC G. RAVANERA

“Technology alone isn’t going to improve students’ achievement. The best combination is great teachers working with technology to engage students in the pursuit of the learning they need.’-U.S. Secretary in Education, Arne Duncan Information and Communication Technologies in Education defines teaching and learning with Educational ICT tools such as digital camera, computer, tablet, application software, projector, display monitor or television, digital recorder, switcher and other technology devices. Based on the international researches, ICT enhanced learner’ learning and promoted better teaching method. .

A report made by the National Institute of Multimedia Education in Japan, proved that an increase in student exposure to educational ICT through curriculum integration has a significant and positive impact on student achievement, especially in terms of "Knowledge Comprehension" · "Practical skill" and "Presentation skill" in subject areas such as mathematics, science, and social study.

Integrating ICT into education has been applied in our school. It is considered as a necessary fusion of technology and education for us to deliver an interesting and long-term learning towards our learners. Investigating the advantages and disadvantages of ICT integration in our school, I focused to study and analyze its effectiveness and limitations in the English Department both Junior and Senior High School. The department is composed of eleven teachers. Eight of us are teaching Junior High School and three English Teachers are teaching Senior High School. As educators, we are well-equipped in terms of using ICT in our classroom. Although some of us are digital immigrants but the administrator has offered special trainings sponsored

by PLDT teaching educators about the new trends in education using ICT. Thus, this is an implication that our school’s vision, plans, norms and values that are shared to us, school members are definitely focusing on the importance of ICT integration. According to (Chai, Hong and Teo 2009), an effective ICT integration depends on the perceptions and vision of school leaders rather than teachers’ ICT skills. Therefore, it is a vital role in successful technology integration.

In our English classes, we often use ICT

integration if there are class observations conducted by our administrators. We do have our personal laptops but we need to borrow a projector to other departments since, our school could not provide us ample materials to sustain the need to merge technology in classroom instruction. Amidst the limitations and difficulties in securing for a projector, we, teachers are still eager to transfer knowledge through the use of multi-media devices. This is one of the barriers in terms of conveying the 21st century approach of teaching due to lack of resources and insufficient funds to support the school’s program. It’s our burden as educators because we are expected to perform our duties in accordance to the standards and ideals of the school we are serving but they could not provide sufficient tools needed in ICT integration.

To validate my notions in this case, I explored two English classes both in Junior and Senior High School for one week. The teachers prepared their lessons through PowerPoint presentation. They opened their classes through an opening prayer by playing an inspirational video then followed by a grammar drill and motivation which were presented through an interactive games researched from the internet. As the teaching procedure proceeded, the teachers introduced the lessons interestingly by including video clips as part of the explanation and evaluated the learners through a formative tests based on the topic discussed which was also shown in the slides prepared by the teachers. This was the usual pattern in the classes I had probed. After my short survey, I witnessed how effective and convincing would be the lessons if they were carried through the educational ICT devices.

I delved some of the advantages of ICT assimilation in teaching the millennial: 1. ICT approach in teaching directs students to learn meaningfully.

2. ICT approach in teaching creates healthy learning environment.

3. ICT approach in teaching develops higher order thinking skills.

4. ICT approach in teaching helps long-term memory retention among learners.

5. ICT approach in teaching makes complex lessons comprehensible.

Having known these advantages of

using ICT in class instructions, All the English teachers agreed that ICT is the solution of all classroom management and behavioral problems of the students. It also addresses the learners’ poor academic performance. It was proven through the test result of one of the classes I observed wherein over 90% of the students had more fun in the classroom when their teacher integrated ICT in their lessons that made them understood the topics and so they got high score in the formative assessment. To support this datum, Current research has indicated that ICT assists in transforming a teaching environment into a learner-centered one (Castro Sánchez and Aleman 2011).

Since learners are actively involved in the learning processes in ICT classrooms, they are authorized by the teacher to make decisions, plans, and so forth.

ICT therefore provides both learners and instructors with more educational affordances and possibilities.

Without a doubt, ICT is a powerful tool in transferring information and transforming perception. With its wide range of functionality and boundless methods of presenting creative concepts, I would like to recommend to our school administrators that they must strengthen the use of ICT in education through providing projectors or televisions in every department so we can productively stimulate our students’ interest in learning.

Since, this is the possible solution to address common problems arise in the class.

The administrators should be sensitive enough to the arising necessities of the educators because they have all the faculties to support in the implementation of the school’s program. Their tasks as leaders in an institution must not demand for results but respond to the needs. Watts-Taffe et al. (2003) found that teachers can act as catalysts for the integration of technology through ICT. If the encouragement, equipment, and necessary technological support are available from institutes for the teachers, developing an ICT class will be easier for them. As a result, the teachers will develop a positive attitude towards the use of ICT in the classroom since they will feel the support of the institution through providing essential materials needed for their ICT approach in teaching.

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DILG-10 to LGUs: Protect privacy of COVID-19 patients

AS THE government calls on all coronavirus disease (COVID)-19 patients to truthfully and accurately disclose their personal data to proper authorities to contain the spread of the virus, the Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG)-10 reminds the local government units (LGUs) on their responsibility to protect such information.

"Kung kinsa’y naa'y mga COVID-19 cases, mga suspected, ang atong mga punong barangay dili na sila allowed nga magngalan ug positive sa publiko," DILG-10 Regional Director Arnel Agabe said during the

Northern Mindanao COVID-19 Response Task Force press conference, June 25.

(Our punong barangays are not allowed to disclose the names of our COVID-19 confirmed or suspect cases to the public) He added that the Department of Health (DOH) and the National Privacy Commission (NPC) implement the Republic Act No. 11332 or the Mandatory Reporting of Notifiable Diseases and Health Events of Public Health Concern Act, and the Data Privacy Act of 2012 in processing COVID-19 patient data in pursuit of disease surveillance and

The Plight of Education in the New Normal MARIVIC G. RAVANERA

What is new normal? It is the situation wherein people in all walks of life need to adjust to the new situation. Because of the pandemic which we are experiencing right now it’s really important that all of us need to adapt to its new style or way of life. As we know because of COVID 19, everything is affected especially the Education aspect not only here in the Philippines but all over the world. B efore this pandemic, we have the face to face learning modality but now the Department of Education have find ways so that the learners will still learn and don’t stop doing their school work. Teachers also really find ways to go on with the classes for the year through modular and online class. That is the very reason why the school opening for the year 2020-2021 was extended to October 5, 2021. Lot of learners as well as parents complained about this kind of learning. Before most of the parents were asking why their children got low grades in particular subject and they even asked what the teachers have done?

But now because of the situation, they learned and realized how the teachers work hard just to help the learners to learn. Lot of challenges are encountered by the teachers, the learners and the parents. First the teachers are having hard time especially with the distribution and retrieval of the modules. Not all parents would go to school to get

and return the modules on time. The teachers need to follow up the learners and parents through call, text and chat just to remind them about their modules.

There are learners who also passed their modules unanswered. Some of them would return the modules very late. It really needs perseverance and patience in doing the task. In other words the love of teaching must be the ultimate goal.

On the technical aspect, teachers need to adopt the technology needed in performing such noble work.

Advance technology that includes virtual teaching through Zoom, Google meet and MS Teams are learned by the teachers in order to cope with the call of new normal and new technology.

Teachers would provide t hems elves computers or even laptops for easy communication with the learners and parents. For the parents, the new normal set up affects their daily routine especially those who are working outside their homes and even those who are fulltime housewife because they need to attend to their children and be there to see to it that their kids are answering their modules seriously.

The plight in education during this pandemic is somewhat very challenging to the teachers. But as modern heroes, they need to fight back against this dilemma in order for them to uphold the Vision and Mission of the Department of Education.

DILG-10 Regional Director Arnel Agabe says during the Northern Mindanao COVID-19 Response Task Force press conference, June 25, that punong barangays are not allowed to disclose the names of COVID-19 or suspect cases to the public. (DILG-10)

response.

Based on the said joint memorandum circular, the DOH only discloses the obtained data to public health authorities and concerned health care providers for purposes of contact tracing and management of the disease.

It also states that the personally-identifiable data may also be disclosed to other government entities authorized based on DOH guidelines.

"Kung naa’y violation sa privacy or na’y data breach sa personal information of security incident, kini siya, kung kinsa’y responsable pwede na siya mahatagan ug pinalidad in accordance with RA 10173 or the Data Privacy Act of 2012," Agabe said.

(If there is a privacy violation or data breach on the

personal information of security incident, those responsible will be dealt with in accordance with Republic Act 10173 or the Data Privacy Act of 2012) Doing so can help lessen the fears of patients on COVID19-related physical assaults, harassment, and discrimination, and encourage them to report their symptoms, take confirmatory tests, and submit themselves to treatments by proper authorities, the NPC stated.

As to complaints on imposing the health protocols, Agabe said they have not received any complaint regarding the barangay officials who have not imposed the minimum public health standards. If ever there are violations on such, the official is held liable with negligence of duty. (RTP/PIA-10)

GSIS grants Php65B in multi-purpose loans The Government Service Insurance System (GSIS) announced that it has granted a total of Php65 billion in multi-purpose loans to its 250,783 members since it opened the program last 1 October 2020.

Dubbed the GSIS Multi-Purpose Loan (MPL), the loan facility consolidates all service loans and waives surcharges on all in-default loan accounts.

“We encourage our other members, especially those who have reached their borrowing limit and have been unable to pay their GSIS loans, to avail of GSIS MPL’s affordable payment terms,” GSIS President and General Manager Rolando Ledesma Macasaet said.

Qualified member-borrowers may apply for up to 14 times their basic monthly salary but not to exceed Php3 million. First-time availees will enjoy waived surcharges on their outstanding loan balance. MPL prevents penalties incurred by members for unpaid GSIS loans from ballooning and eating up their retirement and other benefits.

MPL has a low interest rate of 7% to 8% depending on the member’s premium payments.

It is payable in monthly instalments from two to seven years depending on a member’s premium contribution and employment status. Those with HELP accounts that are consolidated under MPL may pay the loan up to 10 years. Payments will be automatically deducted from the borrower’s salary.

Qualified to apply for MPL are active and special GSIS members who have paid at least three months of premiums; are not on leave of absence without pay; have no pending administrative or criminal case; have no arrears under the GSIS Financial Assistance Loan or GSIS housing loan; and are working in agencies with existing memorandum of agreement with GSIS. In addition, they must not be tagged as suspended by their respective agencies and have a net takehome pay not lower than the amount required under the General Appropriations Act after all monthly obligations have been deducted. Their agency must not also be on suspended status.

The following GSIS service loans shall be consolidated under MPL in the following order: Salary Loan; Restructured Salary Loan; Enhanced Salary Loan; Emergency Loan Assistance; Summer One-Month Salary Loan; Conso-Loan Plus or Enhanced Conso-Loan Plus; Member’s Cash Advance, eCard Cash Advance, or eCard Plus Cash Advance; Home Emergency Loan Program (HELP); Education Assistance Loan I and II; Fly Pal, Pay Later; Study Now, Pay Later; and Stock Purchase Loan. Not included are GSIS’s housing loan, policy loans and emergency loan except for emergency loan accounts in arrearages and in default in which case the amount in arrears or in default will be deducted from the proceeds of the MPL. Not included are GSIS’s housing loan, policy loans and emergency loan except for emergency loan accounts in arrearages and in default in which case the amount in arrears or in default will be deducted from the proceeds of the MPL. LOANS/PAGE 13

The Skyrocketing Role of Technology to Students’ Engagement & Learning By: FLOREMIE B. MANSUGOTAN, PhD Teacher III Opol Central School

Technology has become commonplace as a teaching tool in the classroom and has become an integral part of sustaining society. The incorporation of technology into schools can be a valuable asset that can help students learn quickly. It is used to improve and facilitate learning, access, critical thinking, and even transmit information. Technology increases engagement in the classroom and makes education learning facile and more efficient. It is therefore essential that students should pick up the basics of technological literacy in particular and have it incorporated into their lessons.

Although the use of laptops, tablets, and smartphones has the potential to be a distraction, it provides students with easy-to-access information, deepens their understanding of hard

lesson concepts, accelerates their learning, and offers fun opportunities to practice what they have grasped.

Furthermore, technology in the classroom makes the teachers’ job easier without adding extra time to their day. School administrators and teachers should gain more advanced competencies of technology for the enhancement of student learning.

In addition, technology can foster collaboration inside and outside the classroom setting. Therefore, it’s vital to maintain the implementation of technology into education. The integration of technology in the classroom has introduced new class lecture methods, such as utilizing e-books, online journals, e-learning software, slides, and video presentations. Not only can teachers engage with students during lessons,

but students can also communicate with each other even after class. Through the use of technology, students get to work together to solve problems collaboratively. In this way, students can share their thoughts and ideas and support each other.

The continued use of technology has made it possible for ever y learner to acquire new skills and mastery in today’s dynamic world.

In the 21st century, every learner is so dependent on technolog y that they cannot do and complete their tasks without it. Technology brings together tools to promote educational learning development. As we evolve continuously, technology has influenced the way we live and, we rely heavily on it. Hence, technology is unequivocally significant in our lives.

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LANGUAGE IN EDUCATION VILMA A. GALINADA

The Philippines is a multilingual country with diverse culture. Its diversity creates controversies in terms

of determining the specific language that will unite the nation. Even in the field of education, language barrier

Virtual education vis-a-vis the real world

By PORFERIA EVA C. SALADA Master Teacher II East City Central School

W H E N many p are nt s are wanting to pull their children away from computer screens, or office workers are urged to take more screen breaks to give their eyes a rest, the idea of donning a virtual reality (VR) headset might not initially appeal.

VR’s capacity to teach, to allow students to have experiences beyond the limits of their physical world, to train staff, and to work remotely with colleagues in a shared virtual space has seriously beneficial ramifications in the real world.

VR content can revolutionise education.

More s cho ols arou nd the world are adopting the technology, using kit in the classroom to give pupils otherwise-impossible

experiences.

They could be transported to the Great Pyramid, or visit the ruins of Roche Abbey in Yorkshire, taking students on virtual field trips to destinations tens of thousands of miles away. VR is clearly a financially less burdensome alternative to a real-life field trip.

In the US, classroom VR is starting to merge with curricula, allowing students and teachers to create, upload and share their own content across a collaborative online community.

One stand-out advantage of using VR in education is that direct (albeit simulated) experience has been proven to be a more engaging means of communication than reading a textbook.

RADaR

By CRISPIN P. CAARE Teacher III Tablon Elementary School

THE Department of Education (DepEd) launched the R apid Assessment of Damages Report (RADaR) mobile and web applications to ensure immediate response interventions and learning continuity in the event of disasters and other emergencies.

Even before the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic, DepEd had been working on enhancing the safety for all learners and DepEd personnel through the development of the Disaster Risk Reduction Management Information System (DRRMIS).

The RADaR mobile and web applications will supp or t our reg iona l, division, and school-based Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Coordinators in reporting and rapidly assessing the impacts of disasters.

Reports from the RADaR app will provide estimates of the damages caused by disasters and will serve as the basis for response interventions to these schools.

The mobile and web application will be vital in ensuring the safety of learners and personnel once the safe resumption of face-to-face classes will be allowed.

Children will bear the greatest impact if a disaster takes place in a school environment, and we must guarantee their safety

during emergencies while they are away from their parents and guardians.

The accurate and timely data provided by the RADaR app will be vital in ensuring a strategic flow of information for response and life-saving decisions and actions by schools, communities, local governments, and concerned national organizations.

Due to its vulnerability to typhoons, earthquakes, volcanic eruptions, and droughts, the Philippines ranks ninth among the most disaster-prone countries worldwide according to the 2019 World Risk Index.

The R AD aR app is one part of the DRRMIS, being established within the DepEd through the Education Safe from Disasters Project, which a i m s t o i mp r o v e t h e knowledge and capacity of education personnel and learners on safety from disasters. It will include other applications and tools, such as the Comprehensive School Safety (CSS) Monitoring Application and the School Watching App (SWApp), that will be pilot tested in selected schools.

The expansion of the project may transform disaster risk reduction systems in the Philippines and beyond, helping many more children stay safe in emergencies.

is one of the determining factors that decline the learners’ competencies.

This opens to the discussion of the “Enhanced Basic Education Act of 2013,” otherwise known as the K-12 law. The previous administration touted K-12 as the biggest educational reform in decades. One of its goals was to “Give every student an opportunity to receive quality education that is globally competitive based on a pedagogically sound curriculum that is at par with international standards .By adding two more years in senior high school or SHS, K-12 did align our country with the customary length of basic education systems abroad.

University professors have given feedback that college freshmen today think and act more maturely than their predecessors (students

now graduate from high school at around age 18).

But professors also complain they find themselves reteaching basic ideas and skills that freshmen were supposed to have mastered in high school – but for some reason haven’t.

One of the adjustments in Basic Education Curriculum brought about by the new K - 1 2 pro g r a m i s t h e introduction of Mother Tongue- Based Multilingual E duc at ion (MTB-MLE) specifically in Kindergarten, Grades 1, 2 and 3 to support the goal of “ Every ChildA- Reader and A –Writer”

by Grade 1.”

MTB-MLE refers to “firstlanguage-first” education that is, education which begins in the mother tongue and transitions to additional languages particularly Filipino and English. It is destined to address the

high functional illiteracy of Filipinos where language plays a major factor. Wherein the learners’ own language makes them to express without difficulty, then, there is no fear of making mistakes.

It also encourages active participation by children in the learning process because they understand what is being discussed and what is being asked of them. They can directly use their mother tongue to create and explain their thoughts, articulate their feelings and put in new perceptions to what they already recognize.

In the Philippines, the Department of Education through the Republic Act 10533 or the Basic Education Act of 2013 implemented the K-12 curriculum, which included the use of mother tongue in the instruction from Pre-Elementar y to Grade III. Mother Tongue

B as e d – Mu lt i - L i ng u a l Education (MTB-MLE) in the Philippines is the use of more than two languages for literacy and instruction in subjects like mathematics, science, health and social studies. Also, this program seeks to address the “high f unc tional illiterac y of Filipinos” where language plays a significant factor.

The inclusion of MTB-MLE in the K to 12 curriculum is mandated by Republic Act 10533. It explicitly states that “the curriculum shall adhere to the principles and framework of MTBMLE, which starts from where the learners are and from what they already knew proceeding from the known to the unknown; inst r uc t iona l mater i a ls and capable teachers to implement the MTB-MLE curriculum shall be available.

(Medilo, 2018)

Developing Suitable Teaching Strategies By: LOURDINO A. SUGANOB – TEACHER III Mabini ES

The Classroom is dynamic environment, br ing ing together students from d i f fe re nt b a ck g rou n d s with various abilities and personalities. Being an effective teacher t he re fore re qu i re s t he implementation of creative and innovative teaching strategies in order to meet students’ individual needs.

Whether you’ve teaching two mont hs or twenty years, it can be difficult to know which teaching

strategies will work best with your students. As a teacher there is no ‘one size fits all solution, so here a range of effective teaching strategies you can use to inspire your classroom practice.

Many teaching strategies work in any classroom, no matter the age of the students or the subject.

When the teacher implements a combination of effective teaching strategies, their students

have more opportunities to perform better in class.

In a class, they should work as a team, by this they can interact with other students and try to finish their work as best as they can. All in all, group work is a fun and interactive way to develop the suitable teaching strategies.

E n c ou r age l e ar n i ng also from experience, the best lesson often happens outside the classro om.

Getting out into the

real world offers a new perspective for children and can help them gain more profound understanding of what goes in the classroom and how life goes when time passes by.

Teacher can also teach the students how to lead and teacher their classmates, by letting students lead in the class, it will make your students to display the knowledge they have and to share it with their classmates.

POLITENESS STRATEGIES USED IN GROUP CHAT AIMEAH BLANCO-HADJIHABIR, MAE-Eng.

In t h e a d v e nt of t e c h n o l o g y, communication becomes a vital tool in connecting peoples’ lives and it evolves through the social media. Furthermore, this new way of messaging creates innovative approach in relating to people around the world and it breaks the barrier of communication. Hence, nearly many aspects of people’s lives (e.g., daily conversations, shopping, giving information, job) have been influenced by the communication possibilities made available by social media. Eshgnihad and Moini, (2016) Moreover, facebook Messenger has emerged as an important platform for a bevy of developers, humanitarians, and activists to create bots focused on real impact, all leveraging artificial intelligence and Messenger's 1.2 billionstrong user base to tackle inequality and the world's most pressing problems.

Facebook opened up the Messenger platform to developers last year, and since then more than 100,000 unique bots have been created. You can't help but notice the recent surge of social good among them whether it's a boot helping new activists find local protests in the Trump era, connecting refugees with translators in real time, coaching women through salary negotiations, and even encouraging talks about mental health. Petronzio, (2019) thus, in today’s trend of communication not just connecting people for daily

functions and activities but it has a great impact in the society.

In daily communication, obviously satisfying our needs is one of the main basic functions of language use. To achieve this goal, users apply different strategies to be polite, especially in requesting speech act, which is an imposition to the hearer. Polite language, especially in achieving requests asking others to do something for us, and various politeness strategies can be used. To that end, there are various norms and conventions in different cultures and communities (culture dependent). As politeness strategies are one of the areas in pragmatics, Akutsu (2006) claims “communicative competence comprises pragmatic competence and it’s difficult for a learner of a language to participate in the target language community successfully without the competence” (p. 135). Studies on interlanguage pragmatics and acquisition of pragmatic competence have shown that pragmatic knowledge and skills can be taught to some extent. Many English as a foreign language (EFL) learners are not aware of pragmatics itself. In other words, they do not know how words and phrases are used with especial meanings in different situations. Distinguishing politeness strategies as well as having optimal knowledge about pragmatics, learners are able to apply suitable

strategies to the situations. Therefore, we decided to notify the learners of such vital communicative issues in academic contexts.

Fraser (1983) describes pragmatic competence as “the knowledge of how an addressee determines what a speaker is saying and recognizes intended illocutionary force conveyed through subtle attitudes”. Without this knowledge, there are cases where interlocutors cannot understand each other and failure in communication occurs. One important aspect of pragmatic competence is politeness.

Politeness is “the expression of the speakers’ intention to mitigate faces threats carried by certain face threatening acts toward another” Mills, (2003). There are strategies by which the interlocutors can mitigate threads carried by face threatening acts which are called politeness strategies.

In the advancement of technology, group chatting is a new form of communication and it is one of the fastest way to disseminate information, explain facts, and express insights and emotions. In this way of connecting with people, it cannot be avoided to create conflicts and grudges due to miscommunication. Thus, politeness strategies must be applied by learners in communicating with their teacher as a person with authority as well as to their peers with respect.

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MON-TUE|JUNE 28-29, 2021

“Hello Modules!” Acknowledging the Star of Pandemic Learning

By ARCELIE ALMEDA ROLDAN, T-I, Lugait CS

We welcome 2020 with such joy and merrymaking not knowing, unsuspecting victims as we are, that a month or two, our lives as we know it and our world as we live it, will flip upside down, turn 360 degrees and drastically change everything we get used to. It is like being teleported to a new reality of apocalyptic repercussions.

A n d we pu bl i c s ch o ol teachers are forced to take heed of the health protocols installed by the higher powers and faithfully followed through when the heads of the Department of Education decided on a moved school year from June to October.

The education department t hen held conferences,

press interviews and relayed instructions. The top men and women of the department led by secretary Briones upon the final say of the president led the education sector to adopt to changes and continue with the basic education of this country despite the emerging medical crisis. Hence, the birth of the different instructional modalities of distant learning: online and modular.

Distant learning is an expensive prerogative. It is no wonder the school’s MOOE budget pie is eaten largely by funds for printing instruments and s uppl i e s n e c e s s ar y for module production. One may think that printers, inks

Educational technology in the future

By IMELYN G. DORIA Master Teacher II Bulua Central School

THE advancements promised by edtech can pre s e nt an e x t re m e ly challenging yet rewarding avenue for educational institutions and trainers alike.

Virtual reality (VR), augmented reality (AR), a r t i f i c i a l i nt e l l i g e n c e (AI), gamification and big data are all concepts that are finally spilling over into the education sector in a monumental way. Education technology (edtech), if delivered right, could be game changing in the way that it transforms traditional ways of teaching and learning.

According to recent reports, the global e du c at i on te ch nol o g y market size is anticipated to reach $404 billion by 2025, growing at a rate of

16.3 percent from 2020 to 2025. Applications such as VR and AR promise more immersive learning experiences through simulations that are almost as authentic as the real thing. When you consider the learning process in high-risk areas such as the medical or fire services, you can quickly see the need for these applications.

They can bring a level of competence to learners that will be invaluable when faced with the real thing, de-risking training and boosting confidence.

In the education system, these are still fairly new concepts, but they could in time transform the way we learn about disciplines such as const r uc t ion, architecture, mechanics and engineering.

Is there cyberbullying in blended learning?

By EDITHA N. BAHADE Teacher III Catubo Integrated School Kinoguitan District Division of Misamis Oriental

WITH attentive oversight and online safety features, teachers can foster a positive learning environment in the remote classroom.

With kids spending more time online than ever, many teachers are witnessing an increase in cyberbullying among their students in online classrooms.

In a re c e nt re p or t analyzing communication on millions of websites, discussion boards and gaming platforms, the results were bleak, with a 70 percent increase in hate speech and a 40 percent increase in online toxicity between students in online platforms.

An estimated 37 percent of students ages 12 to 17 reported being cyberbullied, with 30 percent saying it’s happened more than once.

Meanwhile, 60 percent report having witnessed online bullying. Research has repeatedly shown that victims of cyberbullying face a much higher risk of self-harm and suicidal behaviors.

The remote shift makes it easier for students who are already participating in cyberbullying to target victims.

With remote learning possibly extended through 2022, schools need to be ready to address and prevent cyberbullying in the virtual classroom in order to encourage safe learning environments. Combatting cyberbullying requires teachers and other support staff to learn the signs of trouble and implement strategies to accentuate positive digital citizenship.

and bond papers will suffice but unfavorable occurrences such as printer malfunction and laptop reformats does happen to the irritation of the module producers. Thus, teachers pay for maintenance of these sorts. Another main concern is the internet connection. Good for central schools affording a better internet connection. They can conduct online classes effortlessly while barangay schools mainly have modules making to tend to.

The celebrity of the

pandemic season is clearly and without a doubt, the self-learning modules or simply called “modules” by the general public. The general public who has assorted receptions to it.

They love it. They hate it.

They are impartial to it. It doesn’t really matter. It is still a solution to a problem, a way to forego basic education during these trying times.

But the star’s popularity is sometimes colored with humor, resignation and even controversy. This is natural.

Celebrities do have good and bad publicity sometimes.

This publicity whether bad or good only add to their fame to the masses: both fans and non-fans.

Parents and guardians alike may respond with a neutral “hello modules!” come distribution schedule but the module story is all too familiar to the teachers working behind the scenes to bring about the star’s shining moments and accepts their flaws and prima donna personality.

Teachers as the modules’ main manager get to be acquainted with its true nature, its format, its font, its lay-out and especially its contents. It is not a secret that it has its unsavory side but all in all the manager know that it is regarded as a hero among poor and struggling learners. Modules, like stars, are human-like, they are helping but needs extra help themselves. Their existence has greater purpose: the redemption of public school children.

HR's importance in this pandemic

By DELMA R. DENAPO Administrative Officer IV DepEd Tangub City

T H E w ar for t a l e nt and g re at resignation puts human resources professionals and chief remote work officers in high demand.

What a difference a few months makes. Human resources (HR) professionals went from laying off workers and desperately trying to hold onto their own jobs to becoming one of the hottest growth areas.

Listings for human resources are up 52.5 percent, significantly higher

than other sectors on the site. As a comparison, job postings on June 18 were up 30.5 percent compared to pre-pandemic levels.

In addition to HR personnel, a quick search for “recruiter” jobs on LinkedIn’s job section showed 269,960 results. It wasn’t too long ago that thousands of recruiters and HR people were posting their own résumés online seeking work.

We’re now in a roaring, war-

for-talent environment. HR finds themselves at the center of the action. They need to deal with a confluence of factors, including recruiting, hiring and onboarding employees. This group needs to help figure out the newly emerging hybrid work environment, which includes employees being in an office setting a couple of days a week and at home for the rest of the time.

Sharing Learning Resource: Easing the Burden of IMs Making Among Teachers

By CECIL FILAMAE CAVALIDA NAVAREZ, T-I, Kalangahan Elementary School

The task of constructing teachermade teaching and learning resources fit to your class of learners’ needs can sometimes be a tedious and pain-staking efforts to teachers particularly those belonging to the technologically-challenged generation of teachers. In the time of a national health crisis, the Department of Education especially the schools get innovative and adaptive to the changing educational landscape and so with the available modes of delivery of educational services.

These educational services must be suitably catered in meeting the needs of the public school clienteles without compromising or risking the health and well-being of both educators and learners.

The setting of a school learning resource filer helps ease out the weight

of learning resource construction and generation. The innovator observed that her co-teachers mostly work by themselves when it comes to finding, researching and creating valuable instructional materials in the different learning areas they are handling. This way of tacking a task is fine but as they say, “in unity, there is strength,” meaning if teachers could pin their works in a kind of online organizer, they can share their work with their co-teachers therefore they could access other works to supplement instruction. They could no longer feel overwhelmed by the load of resources they have to make, file and revisit.

Plus the culture of caring and sharing and even the ‘bayanihan’ spirit are thoroughly emphasized and put to meaningful practice even in a small school community like Kalangahan

Elementary School.

It is with the backdraft of easing the burden of co-teachers that this simple initiative is built on. This particular innovation is timely, practical and user-friendly/teacherfriendly. With a school resource filer, or with the KES-LRF, teachers are able to upgrade their skills, get the much-needed support from co-teachers and b e given time and accessibility to optimize the use of the available teacher-made learning resources construction and contextualized by themselves and for their intents and purposes. A local school-based learning resource storage fit for the unique needs of the learners of Kalangahan Elementary School is what KES LRF(Kalangahan Elementary School Learning Resource Filer) is for.

Making it or Breaking it in Online Teaching

By RONA BERTULFO PASCO, T-I, Lugait CS

“Good morning, class!” is the precursory line upon the start of a class only this time, the teacher is gazing upon the screen of her laptop or desktop computer instead of a classroom of eager, bored and sometimes restless pupils.

She may proceed to ask how each and everyone is. She then extracts her power point or video lesson presentation from her computer’s system after providing a lively motivation, motive questioning, or a springboard paragraph to set the learners to the tone and groove of the lesson at hand.

When she asks them a series of curious questions to test their prior knowledge in the review part of her lesson plan, he or she may not expect outright succinct replies. A few kids may giggle and chuckle, a number of them would go mum and won’t answer, and there are those who with or without shooting their hands up, deliver a believably good enough response when inquired. Teacher would appreciate this smart reply to the relief and perhaps envy of the classmates. Teacher would then carry on with the rest of the lesson presentation. She discusses the salient points of either her lesson of the day or lesson of the week.

A practical blunder or two can surface. Every once in a while, an annoying microphone feedbacks, a switched on camera flashes the pictures- of a pupil’s bed, his or her living premises. Anyone in the class could also hear the nearby dog barking, the neighbor’s roosters crowing and

even hear the calling out of the fishmonger passing by the neighborhood. Nevertheless, the teacher exercises grace under pressure and move her lesson forward to application phase. She gets to make the pupils cooperate to her preplanned activities and moves with ease and finesse if she is lucky enough even when the pupils get unruly. A likely event could also picture a teacher haggardly managing noise traffic in the virtual classroom. Perhaps she would lose her cool (but this is of the extreme incidents sort) and be barking at every misbehaving opportunity or misdemeanor.

We make it or break it. The former is the better answer but teacher ‘breaking it’ is not an isolated case. Humans as they are, and though not entirely commendable nor helpful, they lose it over seemingly small stuff sometimes.

That’s the true test of a teacher’s professionalism. It is also interesting to note that our name and well-being is on the line. In situations like this, teachers are expected to get creative and to strategize in order to swerve away from going overboard and suffer the utter loss of classroom control and camaraderie.

In the end, the assessments, the performance tasks and eventual evaluation of how teachers manage classes online will always affect learners’ academic progress and their level of satisfaction and the hoped for level or learning maturity.

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Education in the new normal situation

By FRANCISCA G. ADLAON Principal I, Kinoguitan Central School

Education may never be the same again under the new normal in a post-COVID-19 pandemic.

Whether it is a scene of parents home-schooling their children while working from home, teachers' attempting to keep 30 pupils engaged in a Zoom call, or pupils sitting in a new socially distanced desks, education's 'New Normal' is here to stay, even amid confusion.

When it comes to a new normal in education, this means more effort from students and more patience from teachers.and vice versa.

The students ultimately need to listen to their teachers, but teachers who are receptive and understanding will listen to their needs if they are still trying to their best amid this horrible pandemic.

Teachers are finding new

modes of teaching for the sake of providing the students with a quality education. The good ones aren't there to make you miserable or just give you busy work; many teachers have the lofty goal of discussion and engagement in mind when students come to the classroom. As students, we need to be meeting them halfway. If before that meant showing up to class, now it might mean turning on your camera, asking questions, and meeting deadlines if at all possible.

It may feel like more work, but it makes all the difference in terms of building a relationship with teachers, not to mention making for a good class. That's the kind of standard we need to set for ourselves, because we still deserve a good education.

Although we may not be in an optimal situation, we can still

Improving learning for all

By IMELYN G. DORIA Master Teacher II Bulua Central School

WHILE there is no single education initiative that will achieve the same results ever ywhere—as school systems differ in learners and educators, as well as in the availability and quality of materials and technologies—an important first step is understanding how technology is used given specific local contexts and needs.

While technology has disrupted most sectors of the economy and changed how we communicate, access information, work, and even play, its impact on schools, teaching, and learning has been much more limited. We believe that this limited impact is primarily due to technology being been used to replace analog tools, without much consideration given to playing to technology’s

comparative advantages.

These comparative advantages, relative to traditional “chalk-andtalk” classroom instruction, include helping to scale up standardized instruction, facilitate differentiated instruction, expand opportunities for practice, a n d i n c re a s e s t u d e nt engagement. When schools use technology to enhance the work of educators and to improve the quality and quantity of educational content, le ar ners w i l l thrive.

Further, COVID-19 has laid bare that, in t o d a y ’s e n v i r o n m e n t where pandemics and the effects of climate change are likely to occur, schools cannot always provide inperson education—making the case for investing in education technology.

Transforming the global education system

By PORFERIA EVA C. SALADA Master Teacher II East City Central School

DISRUPTIONS to learning this past year could lead to an improved education system worldwide.

Around t he world, innovative means of teaching and learning have emerged from the pandemic that, if continued, could offer hope to transform how we learn for the better.

Even before the pandemic, t here were concerns about the global extent of learning poverty – the share of children who can’t read and understand a story. School closures combined with escalating poverty are set to increase global inequality.

In rural areas with little access to computers or s m ar tph on e s , n e w solutions are popping up

such as projectors and audio trainings.

It’s critical that we aspire not to return to the ‘old normal’ but instead use the disruption to ensure the education of the future is more innovative, accessible and sustainable.

Adapting education and training models can help address both the loss of education and skills during the pandemic, and the inequalities in education t h at w e r e p r e v i o u s l y present.

While school closures have largely been responsible for the rise in online education, the user base of educational platforms has expanded to include those seeking help with skills training.

grow as individuals and rise to what we're capable of.

Similarly, teachers should be willing to accommodate students’ concerns. For the classes in which this is possible, they should check in on individual students and try to get to know them and their situation. This allows for a relationship that ensures both sides are clear about expectations and realities. If one student is particularly struggling outside of class, the teacher will know how to set a standard for that particular student. This has always been a helpful way to run a classroom, but now it’s imperative. If it's not possible to reach out to

every student, teachers should make it clear that everyone is encouraged to reach out with any of their concerns.

Starting a new school year in this environment means quite a bit more patience and effort is required from everyone. We have to have sympathy for our peers and we have to push ourselves further than what we thought we were capable of. It's going to require a lot of nuance— every difficult situation won't be clear cut, and we'll have to ask questions we aren't used to asking one another. We must take this opportunity to learn and grow the best we can, even if maybe the economy isn't.

Effectiveness of modular learning to students By: MARIAN G. SUGANOB – Teacher III Mangga ES

Modular learning is a form of distance learning that employs the use of self- learning modules.

The self- learning modules are based on the most essential learning competencies (MELCS) provided by DepEd. Ideally, the modules must include sections on motivation and assessment that serve as a complete guide for both the teachers’ and students’ desired competencies. The teachers will monitor learner’s progress through home visits and feedback mechanisms and guide those who need special attention.

Since education is no longer held within the school, parents serve as partners of teachers in education. Parents play a v it a l rol e a s h om e facilitators. The primary role in modular learning is to establish a connection an d g u i d e t h e ch i l d.

(FlipScience, 2020) Parents and guardians perform the various roles in modular learning. They are the ones to get and submit printed self- learning modules (SLMs) from and to schools at the beginning

and end of the week. They must check their child’s schedule or workweek plan seeing if it is being followed on what are the given activities. Lastly, they must provide their child with a productive learning environment to help them focus more on learning.

The use of modules encourages independent study. One of the benefits of using mo dules for instruction is the acquisition of better selflearning skills among students. Students must engage t hems elves in learning the concepts presented in the module.

They develop a sense of responsibility and in accomplishing the tasks provided in the module.

With little or no assistance from others, the learners progress on their own. They are learning how to learn; they are empowered (Nardo, M.T.B). The advantages of modular instruction include more choice and self-pacing for students; more variety and flexibility for teachers and staff; and increased adaptability of instructional materials.

Philippines, neighbors to strengthen risk reduction

By ROSALINDA A. MAWAS Teacher I Balulang Elementary School

SENIOR disaster management officials from Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) member economies are intensifying regional cooperation for a more resilient disaster risk reduction in the face of the current pandemic, climate change, and other risks.

Member economies have gained so much experience in terms of effectively responding to major disasters and dealing with risks on multiple fronts.

However, we need to improve our risk disaster governance to fit the current situation by encouraging risk-informed development strategies, improving disaster risk monitoring and early warning capacity for better risk identification so that we can respond more comprehensively.

Besides the ongoing

coronavirus disease 2019 (Covid-19) pandemic, APEC region is suffering heavy losses due to natural events ranging from typhoons, cyclones, floods, earthquakes, landslides, disease epidemics to plagues.

APEC member economies share disaster risk reduction policies and measures that they are implementing to manage the pandemic, including emergency declarations, m a s k m a n d at e s , n e w guidelines and protocols for managing evacuation centers, as well as new protocols for crossing borders amid travel restrictions.

The region’s emergency management capability and capacity has been stretched to unprecedented levels, making reliance on local communities more important than ever before.

The classroom in a post-COVID era

By EDITHA N. BAHADE Teacher III Catubo Integrated School Kinoguitan District Division of Misamis Oriental

THE educational system’s response to the global health crisis demonstrated how technology can transform the way teachers teach and students learn. This new transformative approach and beyond-the-classroom learning found schools in all levels embracing education technology apps and online remote classes, with every teacher and student trapped in the online space for more than a year. But as lockdowns ease and everyone seems to be looking forward to going back to traditional campus learning, we are rethinking where EdTech solutions can be continually used. Will an on-campus education benefit from the potential merge and infusion of digital solutions?

What modality of education will we then see in a postpandemic era?

Education has been one of the most impacted sectors during the COVID-19 pandemic. Immediately, hundreds of thousands of educators and students ventured into the academic cyberspace and started giving and receiving education online. The chalk-and-talk method was suddenly replaced with digitizing education, resulting to enhanced learning. However, not all teachers or students were prepared for this paradigm shift. Teachers were caught unprepared when they were asked to shift instructional modality from face-to-face to online environment.

Setting up a School-based Learning Resource System

By CECIL FILAMAE CAVALIDA NAVAREZ, T-I, Kalangahan Elementary School

Setting up the KES-LRF, a School Reservoir of Learning Resources Across Modalities was an idea given birth and brought to life in the middle of an overstuffed new normal learning environment wherein teachers old and new are caught in a frenzy to perform beyond their respective capabilities and perform various tasks in novel ways relative to their line of work. As public school teachers are virtually challenged to perform beyond the usual educational service deliveries and are periodically monitored and instructed by higher up authorities, their persistent school heads included, the ma’ams and sirs comply, perform and continually improve their crafts.

Thanks to the encouraged culture of continuous improvement within the department. As reports submission, conferences and even classroom observations are shipped to the virtual

or online platforms, the innovation author came up with the idea of starting a school-based LR repository or reservoir for Kalangahan Elementary School teachers to transfer, upload, download and exchange relevant teacher-made, teacher-researched and learner-friendly learning resources: video lessons, presentations, reading and activity sheets and even assessment tools.

This school LR innovation is a humble project on the process or an on-going initiative inspired by the LRMDS portal and the Region X Google Drive Sharing system. It is one simple yet helpful proposition to help the teachers at Kalangahan Elementary School teachers store their teacher-developed instructional aids and share them with their coteachers all the more enhancing the bayanihan spirit among themselves.

This school-based endeavor addressed the concern of easy storage of and wide access to learning resources in a smaller scale - the school community.

Teachers from all grade levels are encouraged by the project initiator, created or enhanced teaching aids, designed lesson presentations and even devised their locally contextualized assessment materials, for uploading, downloading or file sharing.

The innovation aimed at aiding the Kalangahan Elementary School teachers in instructional resource generation and exchange therefore taking the load off on embarking in teacher-resource making alone.

Though it is still on its beginning phase and expected to grow, this kind of instructional development is a warm and welcome help to the humble and hardworking mentors of Kalangahan Elementary School.

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MON-TUE|JUNE 28-29, 2021

NARRATIVE ANALYSIS AND ITS PIVOTAL FEATURE AIMEAH BLANCO-HADJIHABIR, MAE-Eng.

Personal accident insurance for over 6,000 Philpost personnel. The government executives who participated in the “appreciation ceremony” for the grant of personal accident insurance to over 6,000 personnel of the Philippine Postal Corporation (PhilPost) pose for posterity. They are (from left): PhilPost Mega Manila Area Director Gilbert Javier; Assistant Postmaster General (APMG) Maximino Sta. Maria; Deputy Chief Implementer of the Government Response against COVID-19, Sec. Vince Dizon; GSIS President and General Manager Rolando Ledesma Macasaet; Postmaster General and Philpost CEO Norman Fulgencio; Asst. Postmaster General (APMG) Maura Baghari-Regis; GSIS Executive Vice President Nora Malubay; GSIS Insurance Group (IG) Marketing Manager Maria Rosanna Sanchez; Vice President and OIC of GSIS Insurance Group Joseph Philip Andres; GSIS Vice President Leopoldo Casio Jr.; and APMG Joel Zamudio.

GSIS to insure over 6,000 PhilPost personnel Government Service Insurance System (GSIS) President and General Manager Rolando Ledesma Macasaet recently announced that the pension fund will provide insurance coverage to 6,600 Philippine Postal Corporation (PhilPost) personnel including permanent and contractual employees and postmen nationwide.

"Ang insurance policy na ibibigay ng GSIS sa Philpost personnel ay may kasamang accidental death o dismemberment, medical reimbursement,

at burial assistance. Isang malaking kaginhawahan sa panig ng manggagawa ang pakikipagtulungan ng Philpost sa GSIS upang mabigyan sila ng insurance lalo na ngayong panahon ng pandemya. Mapapanatag ang kalooban nila dahil may tutulong na sa kanilang pamilya kung sakaling may mangyari sa kanila,” Macasaet said.

"COVID-19 has put the world at a standstill, running for more than a year now. Ngunit Sa kabila ng mga pagsubok na

dumarating, patuloy po ang aming paglilingkod at paghahatid ng serbisyo nang may malasakit. Nandyan din po ang magigiting na kartero at kawani ng Post Office handang tumugon," PhilPost Postmaster General and Chief Executive Officer Norman Fulgencio said.

PhilPost has allotted a budget of Php616,000 for the insurance coverage.

It is the second agency that partnered with GSIS to insure their personnel. Last June 14, the Manila City Government approved a

Php7.5 million insurance coverage to around 45,000 barangay officials, including tanods and chairpersons of the Sangguniang Kabataan.

At the height of the COVID-19 pandemic in April 2020, GSIS launched the Bayanihan Fund for Frontliners.

Under the program, the family of public frontliners who would succumb to COVID-19 are entitled to an additional Php500,000 in insurance benefits over and above their life insurance benefits as GSIS members.

Loans...

Automated Processing System (GW@PS) kiosk for those in the GSIS Head Office; or over-the-counter or via drop box in all GSIS branches and extension offices nationwide.

MPL proceeds will be directly credited to the

borrower’s GSIS electronic card (eCard) or unified multipurpose identification (UMID) card.

For other details, interested parties may visit the GSIS website, www.gsis.gov.ph; GSIS Facebook account, @

gsis.ph; email gsiscares@ gsis.gov.ph; or call the GSIS Contact Center at 8847-4747 (if in Metro Manila), 1-8008-847-4747 (for Globe and TM subscribers), and 1-80010-847-4747 (for Smart, Sun, and Talk ‘N Text subscribers).

from page 9

Members may apply for MPL via email to the GSIS handling branch; Electronic G SI S Me mb e rs O n l i n e (eGSISMO); GSIS Wireless

Active Reading: Keeping your Brain In Shape for Exceptional Reading Proficiency By: FLOREMIE B. MANSUGOTAN, PhD Teacher III Opol Central School

Are you someone who likes to read novels? When was the last time you read a book? or Have you ever been so into a good book that it feels like you’re there? If so, you are not on your own. Reading books is a brilliant brain exercise and brings forth power to boost productivity.

Surprisingly, numerous children nowadays are reading books less than ever before. Tablets, laptops, social media, smartphones, online video games are all indestructible competition for the experience of reading books. Children who refused to read lost the joy of getting lost in the enchantment of a story or perhaps missed out on vital learning of a

specific topic.

Reading books exposes you to some ideas and allows your imagination to take flight in various places, times, and events.

Imagining things in the head is always better than watching them on Netflix or online videos. A magnificent book makes you feel a part of the story. Good books expand your imagination and creativity. The written words stimulate the brain to create pictures, scenes, and objects and transport yourself to a fantasy world that becomes a reality in your mind, contrar y to watching a movie, where you’re simply an observer to another person’s vision.

Practicing reading is like weight training for your brain. If you read regularly, y o u’ l l g e t s i g n i f i c a nt academic gains. Reading increases your vocabulary as it exposes you to countless new words. With an increased lexicon and lexis, you’ll become a more advanced communicator. Not only it improves your academic performance at school but, it also helps you understand other people. Reading books about other people’s cultures, beliefs, practices, and reallife experiences can help you connect and understand the way they live. On the other hand, book access can also be pretty much easier today.

Accessing any of the books

has made it possible for the libraries, bookshops, and authors by making digital copies available online without paying a cent.

Every good book is a gateway to an understanding of everything, opens up new dimensions, and the opportunity to learn new things that will make you smarter in life. However, the significance of reading is not only limited to making you intelligent. Books are a good source of inspiration and motivation that could change your way of thinking.

Lastly, reading books will positively change your life and will surprise your curiosity in a spectacular way.

Narrative Analysis plays a vital part in understanding society. It aims to understand the relationship of human actions to the social context.

The fundamental part of social inquiry is when people tell about their lives. Thus, this is the power of narrative wherein it makes sense of human experience. Narrative approach in discourse analysis is concerned not only with the story-telling components or characteristics of an account, but also with the social interactions (Earthy, 2008).

Furthermore, Narrative analysis starts within the framework of socio cultural theory (Moen, 2006).It targets to determine the kinds of stories told about based on social context. These stories reflect culture and tradition of a certain society. It may trace the following: film, music, media text, pictures and text in general. Moreover, narrative theory is important in terms of analyzing the structure, concepts, terms and point of views. Research using narrative analysis produces generalizations of meanings, actions, thought and attitudes related to the topic. The study of analyzing the narrative structures is called narratology (Felluga, 2003). The important role of stories in expressing economic progress and failure, individual growth and development and even socio historical issues is an avenue for realization and reflection to improve and to correct the mistakes of the past. Basically, narrative analysis emphasizes the power of imagination in constructing narrative stories which are reliable and valid details for discourse analysis.

Narrative is the most frequently used form of discourse. This gives an insight on how to teach language through the use of narratives and analyze them using narrative analysis (Cortazzi, 1994).Because of its effectiveness in understanding the problems of the society most of the researches use narrative analysis in solving present issues in the field of teaching. Definitely, education is a continuous process and it evolves from time to time. For the reason that education’s evolution drastic advancement various researches sprout in the entire globe. Most of the researchers use narrative analysis approach in their study because they do believe that personal accounts of people in a society speaks a lot of reality and it represents culture.

According to Chan (2017) in his research “A Dynamic Relationship between Culture, Language and Education Australian Journals of Teachers Education” he said that Narrative Analysis is a tool to develop a curriculum on teacher development and this research used narrative analysis to process the

individual development of family and school stories and racing past experiences and memories of specific childhood activities.

Basically, storytelling is a reflective act which acquires an understanding of how narrative inquiry supports teachers to become reflective thinkers. Court (2007) also stated in his research “Using Narratives and Discourse Analysis in Researching Co-Principalships in New Zealand” that storying technique had been very effective in clarifying issues encountered by the principals in dealing with their constituents. These researches using narrative analysis in enhancing the teachers and developing the curriculum have great contribution in the teaching-learning process.

Considering that they are the promoters of life-long education. In addition, narrative analysis has also a great involvement in refining the skills and potentials of the learners. An article entitled “A Narrative Analysis of Action Research Teaching Composition” suggested on how to apply narrative analysis in honing the writing capacity of the students.

It focuses on providing techniques for teachers in teaching composition writing and at the same time the author emphasized the role of narrative analysis in validating and assessing the gathered data. Hence, the narrative analysis in this article defined the successful action research, successful teaching practice and successful classroom composition.Katila (2016) also agreed this claim when he said that narrative analysis can be a springboard for creative writing. Besides, the skill of storytelling is the foundation of informationprocessing approach in which it emphasizes the story structure and its relationship to comprehension, retention, and production of discourse and social action (Wood & Kroger, 2000). That is why narrative analysis is deliberated as the underpinning of the productive skills such as writing and speaking.

Indeed, narrative analysis has significant role in education’s progression. Its powerful narrative features reveal the untold stories of the society. These are human experiences which appeal to the demands of change and life’s challenges. Through narrative analysis several issues have been solved and many new strategies and techniques in teaching have been discovered. Therefore, Understanding ones culture bro a d e ns p e r s p e c t i ve and unlocks wonderful opportunities for growth and development so, one of an effective approaches to fathom the depth of humanity is through narrative analysis.

14

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MON-TUE|JUNE 28-29, 2021

Inflation... from page 5

steady inflation print.

T h e B SP ’s i n f l at i on forecast for last month ranged from 4 percent to 4.8 percent.

Average inflation in the first five months of this year stood at 4.4 percent.

Monetary officials expect the elevated inflation rate to remain until the third quarter of this year. (PNA)

Reforms... from page 5

In a May 2016 statement, Dominguez said the Duterte administration “will continue and maintain the current macroeconomic policies” of then President Aquino.

In separate statements, the Philippine Chamber of Commerce and Industry (PCCI) and the Makati Business Club (MBC) said they are mourning the passing of Aquino.

“It is with great sadness that we learn of the passing of former President Noynoy Aquino,” PCCI president Benedicto Yujuico said.

He added that Aquino continued to boost the countr y’s fiscal stability and macroeconomic fundamentals that he inherited from the previous administration.

“(I)t was during his term that the Philippines won its first investment-grade credit rating. In 2013, three years into his Presidency, Fitch Ratings raised the country's credit rating to investment grade citing the political and e c onom i c re for ms implemented under Aquino.

Other credit rating agencies followed suit,” Yuijico said.

He said economic growth was also remarkable during the Aquino administration, which peaked at 7.2 percent in 2013, the second fastest economy in Asia, only behind China.

He added foreign direct investment inflows rose by 60 percent when Aquino finished his term. “(T)he legacy of President Aquino should live on,” the PCCI chief said.

Meanwhile, MBC also recalled how the Aquino a d m i n i s t r at i o n h e l p e d in improving the lives of Filipinos, with its “propeople social policies” such as modernizing education, expanding cash transfers, and “relatively clean government”.

“We pray for President Aquino, send our condolences to the family, and thank them for his service to the people and democracy. We join the nation —including many in the business community, who

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knew him, served with him, or called him friend— in their sorrow, prayers, and rededicating ourselves to lifting up more Filipinos,” MBC said. (PNA)

Project... from page 2

and uploading them to a webbased application.

Loong said it also includes the project’s name, location, and cost to allow the public and netizens to check the progress of projects in realtime.

“G e o t a g g i n g o f a l l infrastructure projects in the BARMM will allow for more effective policy-making, improve the planning and programming of development projects, cumulative location of development projects, and track and monitor the progress of government projects,” he said in his explanatory note.

In 2020, the Department of Public Works and Highways’ national office required mandatory geotagging of all infrastructure projects to improve planning, budgeting, project monitoring, and contract management processes.

Loong, former regional public works secretary of the defunct Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao, also explained that geotagging would serve as a transparency mechanism that allows the citizens to monitor d e ve l opm e nt s i n t h e i r communities, and avoid duplication and overlapping infrastructure projects.

“It will also allow the government agencies to determine w hich areas are receiving development projects,” he said.

Co-authors of the bill were BTA members engineer Baintan Ampatuan, Amilbahar Mawallil, lawyers Laisa Alamia, Rasol Mitmug, Jr., Suharto Ambolodto, and Rasul Ismael. (PNA)

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from page 1

still finds time to serve at vaccination sites because he wants to see population protection achieved at the soonest possible.

Another Doctor to the Barrio volunteer, Dr. Rohaina Rataban, 27, screens vaccinees.

New DOH employee Dr. Katherine Imelda Marie F. Libres, 31, urged recent board passers to volunteer.

"It's also nice that we can help teach the people on why (Covid-19) vaccines are important during this time," she said.

In April, the City Health Office (CHO) called on medical doctors in the private sector to assist in vaccination drives.

C HO has p ar t ne re d with three malls to become vaccination sites while one more mall has offered its cinema area to accommodate residents from uptown areas and hinterland villages.

(PNA)

Retention... from page 1

best left in the hands of the government but defining its role in an era of market competition,” said Mr. Piñol who chairs the agency.

The Wholesale Electricity Spot Market, which has been operating for over a decade in Luzon and the Visayas, is scheduled to open in Mindanao on June 26. “We need these assets to not just tame future supply volatilities but also continue fulfilling its obligation to serve especially the marginalized areas,” he said.

Piñol issued the statement following the recent Mindanao Power Forum and the recent power supply problems in the northern mainland Luzon.

The Mindanao-Visayas

Republic of the Philippines Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao Province of Lanao del Sur E-mail: malabang.lgu2019@gmail.com MUNICIPALITY OF MALABANG

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OFFICE OF THE MUNICPALITY CIVIL REGISTRAR NOTICE FOR POSTING The public is hereby notified that JERRY MALACO RAKIM has filed with this office a petition for correction of his DATE OF BIRTH (Date) from “AUGUST 16, 1966” to “AUGUST 13, 1966” in his certificate of live birth.

Any person claiming interest or may adversely affected by said petition may within ten (10) days file his written opposition with this office.

DATE: June 30, 2021

BWM: June 21 & 28, 2021

(SGD) ASHRAF B. BAULO Municipal Civil Registrar

interconnection project, which will integrate the Mindanao supply into the national grid, is expected to be completed within the year.

“While our power supply is considered to be stable, we continue to pursue measures and approaches to support (the) expected rise in the demand for power while keeping energy rates costeffective as the economy recovers from the pandemic, and industries reset operations to pre-COVID levels,” he said.

The World Bank is funding a feasibility study on the rehabilitation of Agus-Pulangi complex, which is composed of seven hydroelectric plants with a combined capacity of 1,001 megawatts (MW). It is currently operating with an output of less than half its capacity.

Rey S. Polestico, the National Power C or p.’s (NPC) focal person on the Agus-Pulangi rehabilitation, said the preparatory study is “nearly completed.”

The rehabilitation cost, he said, is estimated between P12.5 to P20 billion.

It is eyed for financing t hroug h eit her of f ici a l development assistance or a multilateral funding source initiated by World Bank.

Mr. Polestico also reported during the Mindanao Power Forum that the World Bank has already approved the grant to finance the feasibility study and is awaiting Special Presidential Authority for the fund.

The hydropower complex is owned by the government through the Power Sector Assets and Liabilities Management Corp. (PSALM) and operated by NPC. It i s m a n d a t e d f o r privatization under Republic Act 9136 or the Electric Power Industry Reform Act (EPIRA), which was passed in 2001.

The clean energy facility used to be Mindanao’s main power source. The southern islands’ energy mix has now tilted towards fossil fuel, with coal and oil-based plants accounting for 67% of supply.

Power...

from page 1 p o w e r g e n e r at i o n c a n “mit igate f uture p ower supply shortages in their respective coverage areas.”

N E A Ad m i n i s t r at o r Edgardo R. Masongsong primarily noted that these on-the-fence power

generation assets “could serve as supplemental energy supply during peak demand times; and reserve or back-up power to consumers during emergencies or calamities.”

He expounded the ECs “should be aggressive in as far as developing, installing and operating their own embedded power generation – not only to meet peak ele c t r icity demand but t o prov i d e s t an d by or emergency power during calamities.”

From t he rot at i ona l brownouts that tormented Luzon electricity consumers this year, it is expected that such quandary of supply shortfalls or the so-called ‘red alert’ incidents in the grid due to reserve deficiency may happen again in next year’s summer months up to year 2023-2024.

In line with the NEA directive on that alternative for the power utilities, Ernesto Silvano Jr., head of the agency’s Total Electrification and R ene wable Energ y Development Department (TEREDD), had been designated to “assist the ECs in developing their own embedded power generation.”

Masongsong primarily sought the ECs’ concurrence “to e x pl ore t he us e of renewable energy sources, like solar, wind, hydro and biomass to help meet growing energy demand in their respective franchise areas.”

The NEA chief indicated that “a feasibility study is ongoing on the establishment of a hybrid mini-grid system using renewable energy” and that shall cover at least six unserved off-grid areas.

These proposed installations shall be in the franchise areas of Quezon II Electric C ooperative Inc. (QUEZELCO II); Zamboanga del Norte Electric Cooperative Inc. (ZANECO); and S out h C ot ab ato II Electric Cooperative Inc. (SOCOTECO).

In addition, the agency divulged that feasibility studies had so far been completed “for the hybridization of existing diesel power plants with renewable energ y and battery.”

Targets on such hybrid technology deployments are 10 islands in Northern and Western Samar; and this is in collaboration with the National Economic and Development Authority.

15

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MON-TUE|JUNE 28-29, 2021

Father... from page 4

told their sons to be honest, hardworking and respectful of others, those same fathers would cheat, lie, and make dishonest business deals. No wonder their sons were in trouble with the law! They followed their dad’s bad example and ways, not his words and speeches.

So Dad, ask yourself: “What is there about me I do not want my son to copy?

Do I have character worth copying?” Won’t you ask Jesus right now to forgive you for not living the way you know you should, and to help you start changing, so you can begin to truly walk your talk? That is the only way to get a confident and clear conscience, so you will want your son to be like you. Just think a minute.

Farewell... from page 4

solar farms, is now operational and has started exporting renewable energy to the grid.

Earlier in April, the company operationalized its 63 MW GigaSol Palauig in Zambales.

More good news.

According to AC President DEED OF EXTRA-JUDICIAL SETTLEMENT OF ESTATE OF DECEASED PERSON WITH SPECIAL POWER OF ATTORNEY KNOW ALL MEN BY THESE PRESENTS:

That the late ULPIANO PABELIC who died intestate on 28 January 2007 at Cagayan de Oro City, the deceased left a certain parcel of land with Transfer Certificate of Title No. T-70413 situated in the Barrio of Iponan, City of Cagayan de Oro, island of Mindanao, containing an area of FOUR THOUSAND NINETY (4,090) SQUARE METERS, more or less, and has been the subject of an DEED OF EXTRA-JUDICIAL SETTLEMENT OF ESTATE OF DECEASED PERSON WITH SPECIAL POWER OF ATTORNEY, filed by the heirs of ULPIANO PABELIC, per DOC #410; PAGE #82; BOOK #XV; Series of 2018 under the Notarial Registry of ATTY. EMELITO J. MARQUIÑO. BWM: June 14, 21 & 28, 2021

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

That the late MANUEL SABANAL and BERNARDA ADINO SABANAL, who died on January 21, 1975 and April 3, 2016 at Cagayan de Oro City, without any will, that said decedents died intestate, without Will or Testament, and without any outstanding debts in favor of any person or entity; that the said decedents, at the time of their death, left certain conjugal real properties with Transfer Certificate of Title No. T-14138 situated in the District of Carmen, City of Cagayan de Oro, Island of Mindanao, containing an area of TWO HUNDRED FIFTY (250) SQUARE METERS, more or less, and Transfer Certificate of Title No. T-14139 situated in the District of Carmen, City of Cagayan de Oro, Island of Mindanao, containing an area of TWO HUNDRED FIFTY (250) SQUARE METERS, more or less, and Transfer Certificate of Title No. P-5604 situated at Barrio Carmen, City of Cagayan de Oro, Province of Misamis Oriental, Island of Mindanao, containing an area of ONE THOUSAND (1,000) square meters, more or less and has been the subject of an EXTRA-JUDICIAL SETTLEMENT OF ESTATE, filed by the heirs of MANUEL SABANAL and BERNARDA ADINO SABANAL and BERNARDA ADINO SABANAL, per DOC #431; PAGE #87; BOOK #CXXVII; Series of 2021 under the Notarial Registry of ATTY. DALE BRYAN D. MORDENO. BWM: June 28, July 5 & 12, 2021

and CEO Eric Francia, the company is expected to start the operations of the 150 MW Ingrid Power quick response thermal plant in Pililla, Rizal in the next few weeks. Francia added that the company has another 276 MW of renewables capacity under construction in the Philippines, with plans to double the capacity before the end of the year.

A 120-megawatt facility like Gigasol Alaminos can power approximately 80,000 homes while avoiding more than 100,000 metric tons of carbon dioxide equivalent of greenhouse gases. Gigasol Alaminos is notable for its pioneering Sustainability Hub. 32,000 kilograms of plastic waste were recycled into ecobricks which were used in building the plant’s facilities.

The site also features a tree nursery. It is surrounded by Ayala Land’s Carbon Forest, a woodland reserve that acts as a carbon trap and fosters biodiversity.

In various stages of completion are the following renewable energy projects of AC Energy: 1) 4 megawatt Bataaan RE Tech Hub 2) 40 MW Alaminos Battery Storage in Laguna 3) the 72 megawatt Arayat-Mexico solar plant in Pampanga and 4) the 160 megawatt GigaWind in Ilocos Norte.

Located in Pagudpud, Ilocos Norte, the 160 MW GigaWind Pagudpud wind farm is set to be the biggest wind farm in the Philippines to date. The P11.4 billion facility will be the third wind development of AC Energy in Ilocos Norte. The project’s EXTRAJUDICIAL SETTELEMENT OF ESTATE OF AMONG HEIRS KNOW ALL MEN BY THESE PRESENTS:

That the late RAMONITA CAARE and ELENO N. CAARE, who died on August 16, 2002 and December 2, 2009 all at Molugan, El Salvador, Misamis Oriental, died intestate leaving two (2) parcels of land with TCT No. T-46590 situated at Molugan, El Salvador, Misamis Oriental, Island of Mindanao, containing an area of THREE HUNDRED NINETEEN (319) SQUARE METERS, more or less, and TCT No. T-46591 situated at Molugan, El Salvador, Misamis Oriental, Island of Mindanao, containing an area of SEVEN HUNDRED TWENTY SIX (726) SQUARE METERS, more or less and has been the subject of an EXTRAJUDICIAL SETTELEMENT OF ESTATE OF AMONG HEIRS, filed by the heirs of RAMONITA CAARE and ELENO N. CAARE, per DOC #99; PAGE #20; BOOK #LXVII; Series of 2021 under the Notarial Registry of ATTY. LYNN AMOR L. PACLARPANULAYA. BWM: June 28, July 5 & 12, 2021

target completion is slated for Q4 2022, in time for full year operations in 2023, when supply in the Luzon energy market is expected to be tight.

Note: You may wish to share the foregoing via Facebook, Twitter or Linkedin.

Silence... from page 4

organized crimes proliferated in the country especially in Metro Manila.

The gall of this prosecutor to indict our President and yet closed her eyes in the ongoing bloody drug wars in Mexico where tens of thousands die in the hands of the drug cartels. How can Bensouda play possum on the drug affliction in the US that claims thousands of lives amidst the proliferation of $36-billion worth of drugs from neighboring Mexico and not counting yet those that come from Columbia where crimes and murders attributed to drugs happen.

C los er to home is t he drug menace in Thailand victimizing the youth in their tender age. All these countries have their own war against drug syndicates.

Whoever told Bensouda that this war is just a walk in the park and that there ought to be no bloodshed must be dreaming.

In the span of many years, I witnessed, as I was in the midst of unraveling events that predate Duterte (who was elected Mayor of Davao City only in 1988). I was there to report the bombing of San Pedro Cathedral by extremist and separatist elements, the virtual control of Davao City by the CPP/ NPA which rendered it as the veritable “killing fields” in the Philippines, and how criminal and drug syndicates crept into the city when the NPAs were eventually defeated.

Wh e n D ute r te to ok over the helms of the City Government in 1988, he dealt with iron hands all forms of criminality and instilled discipline unheard of in the past. He led assaults on a drug laboratory and even taking his war beyond the borders of the city to warn those who would attempt to smuggle drugs in Davao City of dire consequences. But he too set up drug rehabilitation centers. He set up tripping points all over the city to monitor movements of suspected characters, initiated the appointments of tribal representation in the city

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council, and appointed deputy mayors. He created crime detection and emergency apparatus that includes 911 and high definition CCTVs all over the city. Speed limits were enforced and no more fireworks during New Year's eve. As if Task Force Davao and the Davao City Police Force are not enough, he patrols the city at midnight as a taxi driver or on a motorbike.

In time Davao City was listed as among the most peaceful and livable places in the world, most child-friendly, and mo st c omp e t it ive.

It is the commercial and communication center in Mindanao a city that enjoys a healthy investment climate.

For those who make an issue over the imperceptible reaction of Dabawenyos and Mindanaowons over Fatou Bensouda's midnight recommendation to investigate President Duterte on the issue of extra-judicial killings, do not mistake the silence as the acquiescence of Bensouda’s exhortation. It is as simple as saying bring your threats and misplaced prejudices elsewhere. We have a functioning judicial system and a vibrant democracy.

Treaty...

from page 4 "There is definitely a level of hypocrisy," Antonello added. And yes, he is so very, very right, my dear readers.

For scientists, cooperation meant refueling planes at bases of other countries — essential in such a hostile landscape — and sharing findings. Teams of scientists in the Antarctic have collected climate data stretching back hundreds of thousands of years and in 1985 they discovered a dangerous hole in the ozone layer above it.

Earth's polar regions are warming faster than the rest of the planet. But unlike the North Pole, which has become the focus of geopolitical tensions as melting ice reveals rich resources, the South Pole has few known minerals or fuels to exploit other than some reserves of coal and oil. That has helped shield it from the attention of extractive industries.

Still, the Antarctic is

Demand...

big and similar enough to nearby geological areas to likely be home to more from page 3 resources. Together with UnionBank, and PAG-IBIG the region's inhospitable Fund that are taking part in landscape — with thick ice The ViCon. and harsh weather making “We felt the need to open any commercial extraction a digital window so that we costly — the Treaty's 1991 can continue reaching and ban on mining and drilling serving our clients since the has kept Antarctica free pandemic seemed to shut from anything other than the physical doors for us. scientific exploration. The The ViCon is just one of ban is indefinite and may the many digital initiatives first be reviewed in 2048. that we will be unfolding "Climate breakdown is in the future,” chairman drastically changing the Manuel Villar Jr. said in a scenery in the Antarctic, statement. (PNA) ' ' s a i d L a u r a M e l l e r, an e colog ist and p ol ar expert with Greenpeace from page 3 Nordic, which successfully Access (RCOA) frame are campaigned to protect the strategically spread in the region from mining and country’s two main power drilling. "For life in the grids, hence, that is giving w ate r su r rou nd i ng t he the company “right customer continent, that is a drastic diversity’ in the power retailing transformation." Species sphere. such as the Patagonian Garcia further explained Toothfish are still being “one of the reasons why there hunted unsustainably in the was a sudden growth in RES, Southern Ocean surrounding because of Covid, a lot of things the Antarctic. Seabirds like had slowdown. But now that albatrosses and petrels get a lot of things are opening caught up in huge nets as up, a lot of the negotiations bycatch gets thrown away. have continued, that’s why The legal uncertainty we’ve been able to grow that also applies to tourism. by yearend.”

Antarctica receives about Via its licensed retail 70,000 tourists each year, electricity supplier (RES) most ly in t he summer. subsidiary Corenergy Inc., While this is low relative Vivant Energy has introduced to to the size of the continent, targeted contestable customers they mostly go to the same “all-inclusive services” and several dozen locations, tailor-fitted solutions to meet which concentrates their their energy needs. impact. Antarctica has no As prescribed under the police force and — without RCOA policy, contestable a sovereign government — it customers are those end-users is still unclear who would that can already exercise ‘power pay for the damage done by of choice’ and directly contract foreign visitors in the event their electricity requirements of large-scale disasters like from preferred suppliers. an oil spill from a grounded Solar rooftop solution is one ship. investment domain that the Still, as an example of company has been widening global cooperation, the its business grips on – and it Antarctic Treaty has not is also part of the package that been matched — though they will be offering to clients some experts are skeptical in the electricity retail market that it could be replicated space. in today's political climate The RES unit of the company of rising populism. was registered with the Energy Another climate change Regulatory Commission (ERC) global problem without in October 2012. Vivant Energy solution? stepped up on its RES business +++ last year.

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Shopee Among Top 30 on the List of GradPhilippines’ Top Graduate Employers of 2021

S

FEATURE

IN-DEPTH

Mon-Tue|June 28-29, 2021

16

The ranking acknowledges Shopee for its popularity and quality among companies in the Philippines

HOPEE, the leading e-commerce platform in Southeast Asia and Taiwan, has been voted as one of the top 30 Graduate Employers to work for in the Philippines.

GradPhilippines, is a platform that connects students, recent graduates, and early career talents with potential job opportunities, employers, internships, and more. It is the most sought-after employer awards in the Asia Pacific Region, especially in countries like Australia and New Zealand.

The Top 100 Graduate Employers list recognizes the highest quality and most popular graduate employers in the country and acknowledges exceptional employers who hire early-career talents.

GradPhilippines’ methodology has been refined to ref lect an employer’s popularity and quality. This is achieved by combining data from search

engines, page views, and employee reviews. Through this, an objective and comprehensive ranking of graduate preferences have been determined.

Karen Perez, Head of Operations and HR Center of Excellence at Shopee Philippines, said, “Shopee is honored to make the list of GradPhilippines’ Top Graduate Employers of 2021. In line with our ongoing effort to support the development of the future digital economy, it’s important that we train and support the next generation of talents in various categories for them to excel further in their careers. We value everyone at Shopee and are committed to taking care of our people culturally, virtually, and remotely. We look forward to grooming more young talents to enhance their skills and knowledge in the tech and e-commerce industry.”

Shopee prides itself on simplicity, positivity, and continuously providing

opportunities for growth. Shopee has a strong company culture that’s dynamic and collaborative, which creates an open and honest environment that makes talents feel like an asset to the company.

As the economy bounces back from the repercussions of the pandemic, Shopee will continue to equip tech talents for e-commerce through programs like the Global Leaders Program (GLP). Launched in 2018, the Shopee Global Leaders Program is a two-year graduate program consisting of four six-month local and overseas rotations made for highly enthusiastic and ambitious young Filipino talents.

Participants will help drive Shopee’s

campaigns and new initiatives by working with local and overseas teams.

During the program, they can gain momentous experiences, regional exposure, and also contribute to the expansion of Shopee across the region.

Participants will be part of a structured learning and development program and receive committed mentorship from Shopee leaders.

For more information about the Global Leaders Program, visit https:// careers.shopee.ph/GLP Download the Shopee app for free via the App Store or Google Play. Check out with ShopeePay to enjoy more great deals on Shopee.