BusinessWeek M I N DA N A O CREDIBLE
Volume VIII, No. 141 As of 6:00 pm May 3, 2018 (Thursday)
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Briefly Caraga’s prime mover BUTUAN City -- Recent results of the Philippine Statistics Authority’s (PSA) survey revealed that Caraga’s economy grew by 4.3 percent in 2017 higher than the 2.0 percent growth recorded in 2016. PSA Caraga regional director Dr. Rosalinda Apura revealed that the services sector has contributed the largest share of the region’s economic growth in 2017. “Services remained to account for the largest share in the region’s economy with 49.7 percent,” said Dr. Apura. Services continued to expand in 2017 with 7.2 percent growth and Other Services also contributed the most to growth as it grew by 10.9 percent, she added.
Low job turn-out GENERAL Santos City -- Only 72 job seekers were hired on the spot by local employers during the regional Labor Day jobs fair here facilitated by the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE). Sisinio Cano, DOLE Region 12 director, said Thursday the newly-hired workers were among the 1,425 job applicants who registered and participated in the fair held at the SM mall trade halls here. He said a total of 103 companies and recruitment agencies joined the annual Labor Day jobs fair, which opened around 6,000 job vacancies. Some 83 companies offered vacancies for local placements and 20 for overseas work opportunities, he said. (MindaNews)
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Cagayan de Oro Lapasan Highway, Cagayan de Oro City
Mismatch blamed for Davao’s low job hires www.businessweekmindanao.com
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By ANTONIO L. COLINA IV, MindaNews
AVAO City -- Jobs mismatch has been blamed for the small number of job applicants who were hired during the Labor Day Job and Business Fair on May 1 to 2 at the Gaisano Mall of Davao.
Only 238 of the 5,174 j obs e ekers inter v ie we d during the job fair were hired. And of those interviewed, only 2,540 were considered qualified – 1,859 for local employment and 578 for overseas jobs – data released by the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) 11 showed. Davao City Chamber of Commerce and Industry Inc. president Arturo Milan
urged government to look for solutions to the jobs mismatch in the region to address the demand for a qualified workforce. “There is something that doesn’t fit. This is where the government, I should say, should look into and try to develop the skills that is really needed in the market,” he added. He surmised that jobs mismatch/PAGE 11
Korea’s leading paper hails MDN columnist MINDANAO Daily News (MDN) star columnist Ruffy Magbanua has been cited by South Korea’s leading newspaper The Seoul Times for his bold prediction that the reunification of the two warring Korean Peninsula was forthcoming. In his March 31, 2018 column published in the print and digital editions of the Mindanao Daily, Magbanua sees lasting peace as “not farfetched” with the efforts of the two Korean leaders, Kim Jong Un and Moon Jae-in to end the seven
BURNING EFFIGY. Labor Day (1 May 2018) protesters in Davao City burn an effigy of President Rodrigo Duterte, complete with a motorcycle and sunglasses, whom they call as the “Workers’ Punisher.” mindanews photo by manman dejeto
New owner seeks supply deals for Digos solar plant By MYRNA M. VELASCO, Contributor
AS the facility had been dislodged of feed-in-tariff (FIT) incentives in the second wave of development race, the
new majority owner of the 28.6-megawatt Digos solar power plant is now working double time in cornering
power supply agreements (PSAs) for the plant’s capacity. Alterpower Specialist, Inc. had just secured last week the approval of the Philippine deals/PAGE 11
mindanao outlook
Ruffy Magbanua
decades old of impasse. “Your wonderful story has now been published on the front page of The Seoul Times,” said The Seoul hails/PAGE 11
Innovations in inclusive business for peace, sustainability in conflict- affected Mindanao By UROOJ MALIK, Chairman, Hineleban Foundation Inc.
(Conclusion) IN the words of Hineleban and tribal leaders, this is
really a “Transformational Business Partnership” as it truly transforms the lives
of Lumads into becoming once again true “guardians” of the forests and ecosystems and markedly improves their innovations/PAGE 11
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Economy
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Caraga Catholic schools vow to teach population, dev’t BUTUAN City -- Memberschools of the Catholic Educational Association of the Philippines (CEAP) in Caraga Region committed to integrate in their curriculum the Population and Development Module in any possible approaches. As reflected into their plan during the recent training conducted by the Commission on Population (POPCOM)Caraga, teachers and some administrators also planned to orient the parents on Responsible Parenthood – Family Planning and convene
the School Administrators, Guidance Counselors and Social Studies teacher, for an echo on the use of the module. Participants also indicated into their plan the implementation of the Adolescent Health and Development initiatives of POPCOM-Caraga such as U4U Teen Trail, ParentChild Encounter, Seminar on Responsible Sexuality and many more. Some of the schools that joined the three-day training were: Father Saturnino Urios University (FSUU), Father
Saturnino Urios College of Sibagat and Trento, De La Salle John Bosco College, Saint Vincent De Paul Diocesan College, Agusan National High School, Father Urios Institute of Technology of Ampayon, Holy Child Academy of Marihatag Inc, St Paul University, Butuan City School of Arts and Trades, St James High School, and Candelaria Institute of Technology. The PopDev Education Module has two sets covering three educational levels – elementary, high school and college.
The module is intended to help the educators in planning classes that cover two broad issues: 1) population and development, and 2) human sexuality and responsible parenthood. It is aimed at giving teachers access to a coherent and well-thought out guide and appropriate reference materials on the two topics which are also age appropriate and values laden. Belinda Ato-Candelario of FSUU, was among the module writers who was present during the said training, and she expressed her profound
appreciation to POPCOM in popularizing the said modules. It can be recalled that the modules were developed in 2009 at the University of San Carlos, Cebu City, together with some other writers from various catholic schools. The PopDev Education teaching module for Catholic schools was a product of a series of symposia on population and development by group of experts including priests and module writers from member-schools of CEAP. (POPCOM-Caraga/PIACaraga)
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Exclusive summer finds at SM appliance center
T
he heat is on, and it's time to cool your home and chill-out with these exclusive summer finds at SM Appliance Center. More than that, you can win exciting prizes in the Summer Lovin Specials promotions. This is the best time to check out high performance refrigerators that will keep your food always fresh and crisp, as well as freezer and refrigerator combinations that will give you convenient access to fresh food every day. There are exclusive
inverter refrigerators from Panasonic, LG, and Condura; as well as the Samsung Side by Side Refrigerator which has a digital inverter compressor that will give you superior energy savings. The SM Appliance Center also has inverter air conditioners in window and split type orientations that refresh and renew the air in your room while saving energy. The new TCL Window Type Aircons eliminate allergens, bacteria and viruses with its 5-in1 health filters; while Panasonic Premium Split
hirna expansion to Cagayan de Oro and Iligan to help breakdown ride-hailing app monopoly Davao’s homegrown taxi hailing application, hirna, is launching in Cagayan de Oro (CDO) and Iligan later this April, helping breakdown a monopolistic environment in the ridehailing industr y with its zero-booking fee ser vice that maximizes existing taxi fleets. “Cagayan de Oro and Iligan are our first expansion areas outside of Davao, consolidating our market stronghold in Mindanao. Expect more cities joining the rapidly growing hirna family in the next few weeks,” said Francisco Coco Mauricio, hirna Mobility Solutions, Inc. Managing Partner. Hirna will go live in the two cities within the first half of May after its April 26 Iligan launch and April 27 CDO launch. “With three key cities now on board, hirna aims to give Pinoy commuters a viable option in ride-hailing that breaks free from the monopolistic status quo,” said Mauricio. Hirna will partner with the recently established Cagayan de Oro Taxi Operators Associations (CDOTOA), which boasts the membership of 40 major operators representing over 50 percent of the city’s active taxi units. There are now 1,700 active hirna taxis ready to ser vice both CDO and Iligan. “We are honored to work with the taxi operators and drivers of CDO and Iligan as our partners in ser ving the public,” said Mauricio. “What we bring to CDO and Iligan as we begin our expansion from Davao to the rest of the countr y is fair competition that provides more passenger options and results in a healthy and innovative transport industr y for all stakeholders,” said Mauricio. He explained that hirna’s business model maximizes existing taxi fleets to avoid clogging streets with new cars and ensure less waiting time for commuters. Hirna does not charge drivers transaction fees to drivers which often eat up most of their income. The app is also unique for offering a 24/7 customer ser vice support to answer queries and even assist passengers with no smart phones book a ride. It includes LTFRB hotline numbers in the app to give passengers the ability to contact the agency for any queries or complaints. The hirna app can be downloaded from both iOS App Store and Google Playstore for Android phones. Contact the customer hotline numbers 09171114888 and 09992214888 for any inquiries.
Type Aircons provide cool comfort with its intelligent cooling technology. Another SM Appliance Center exclusive is the Sharp Air Purifier with Mosquito Catcher, with its chemical-free 5 step mosquito-catching mechanism. Its UV lights attract mosquitoes, which are captured by a powerful air suction to trap them on a chemical-free glue sheet inside. When you shop at SM Appliance Center, you'll not only be a winner because of the great selection of brands, but summer/PAGE 11
Chill out with your family and save energy this summer with Samsung Side by Side Digital Inverter Refrigerator.
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Opinion
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Finally, it’s morning calm in Korea HOTLINE
Businessweek Mindanao Corporation Publisher DANTE M. SUDARIA President/CEO
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ABEGAIL BAYNOSA era mae deloso Advertising
Ruffy magbanua ( E d i t o r ’s n o t e : R u f f y Magbanua, Mindanao Daily’s star columnist wrote this piece during his visit to Seoul last March 31, 2018 with his bold prediction that pretty soon lasting peace will come to the two warring Koreas, and true enough, the world rejoiced. Here’s a re-print.)
Juni Law Office Cruz Taal St., CDO Legal Counsel
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klaus doring
One of the most important parts in my life is the belief i n s u p e r n at u r a l p o w e r Member: which governs the universe. It do esn’t matter which Philippine Press Institute religion we belong to or believe in: the recognition Oro Chamber of God as object of worship. The form of worship should be our primacy need. During my stay in several Western countries, I experienced icy and star in Hollywood.” The conceited comments such as think a minute reporter was shocked and religiousness isn’t popular amused at Schwarzenegger’s any more. Religiousness plan. At that time, it was very hard to imagine how this muscle-bound bodybuilder, who was not a professional actor and who spoke poor Kakampi mo ang batas English with an Austrian accent, could ever hope to be Hollywood’s #1 movie star! When the reporter asked jhan tiafau hurst Schwarzenegger how he planned to make his dream Think a minute…You’ve come true, Schwarzenneger heard the expression ”What replie d: “I’ l l do it t he you see is what you get.” same way I became the #1 Psychologists tell us that bodybuilder in the world. nothing controls our lives First I create a vision of who Batas Mauricio more than our self-image. I want to be, then I start We live like the person we see living like that person as if in the mirror. We are what it were already true.” Sounds LIFE’S INSPIRATIONS: we think we are. If you don’t almost childishly simple, “… For none of us lives for think you’ll be successful, doesn’t it? But it worked! ourselves alone, and none you won’t. You can’t be it if Schwarzenegger DID become of us dies for ourselves you can’t see it. Your life is the #1 highest paid movie star alone…” (Romans 14:7, the limited to your vision. So if in Hollywood! Remember: Holy Bible). you want to change your life, “If you can see it, you can -oooyou must change your vision be it.” THE TULFO BROTHERS of your life. A successful businessman VIOLATED NO LAW: The Arnold Schwarzenegger I know wears a shirt with $64 million question that was not that famous in 1976 these words on it: “Don’t needed to be answered when he met with a newspaper pursue your dreams. Chase regarding the criticisms re p or te r. T he re p or te r ‘em down and tackle ‘em!” that are being hurled against aske d S chw arzeneg ger : You only get one life to live, two Tulfo brothers---Ben “Now that you’ve retired so why not live the best life and Erwin---in connection from bodybuilding, what possible? And doesn’t it make with the reported use of do you plan to do next? sense that the One Who some P60 million from the Schwarzenegger answered invented it is the One Who Department of Tourism very calmly and confidently: knows the best way to live it? (DOT) as advertising fees “I’m going to be the #1 movie hurst/PAGE 9 for their programs at PTV
What you see is what you get
just a quick nod of perplexing approval. I could only read him between the lines. But just the same, I temporarily agree with some reservations as I complete my morning coffee amid the biting cold of Seoul’s spring weather. Joey’s reaction was indeed a reserved reflection of how Seoul’s newspapers here weigh-in the current see-saw diplomacy of the North with the South. The most welcome news was the sudden twist of North Korea’s Kim Jong Un temperamental diplomacy. A surprising diplomatic posture indeed. In fact, many Koreans consider Kim’s move a rare momentum for cutting the Gordian knot on the Korean
peninsula with the scheduled bilateral and possibly trilateral summits with China or Russia getting into picture. The denuclearization of the Korean Peninsula may seem impossible for now, and even perplexing, and complicated, yet a glimmer of hope may come at the end of the tunnel. Indeed, Kim’s diplomacy has come to this beleaguered country with a ray of hope – that of making the seemingly impossible possible despite the abundance of skepticism, pessimism, defeatism, and fatalism. The most intriguing aspect is that this instant diplomacy largely surprised the world, it being shaped by the two Koreas with Kim leading the korea/PAGE 9
A change of religiousness?
ATTY. MARIO T. JUNI
Cell No: 09352379999
SEOUL, South Korea -- Now I know why this country, despite the bellicose threat from North Korea continues to be called the Land of the Morning Calm. South Korea is indeed oozing with that irresistible appeal au naturel -- of picturesque high mountains and clear waters and splendid tranquillity, particularly in the morning. Yet at a distant, there lies a closet neighbor the whole world is closely watching with extreme caution and constant fear. I asked Joey, my tour guide for four straight days in this city of more than 25 million peace-loving Koreans a straight question: Is the North serious of its threat? His ready answer was
makes people unwilling and morose because of exaggeration and sometimes even hypocrisy. Increasing negative headlines about the “ i n s t i t u t i o n a l c h u r c h” nowadays and also in the p ast, and emb ar rassing comparisons lead only to discord. How comes? We want to see the religiosity of our fellow creatures. We want to understand their ideology. But we are also poking our nose into other people’s business too much. Let’s look behind the scenes and let’s find out what religious behavior promotes: hu m i l it y in ac tu a l l ife. Maybe. It’s hard for us to do without affecting others. We even forget the real meaning of religiousness. St. John Cr ysostom subscribed the topic “Pagans and Christians”
very well: “There would be no pagans if we were good Christians. But the pagans see us manifesting the same desires, pursuing the same objects - power and honor - as themselves, how can they admire Christianity? They see our lives open to reproach and our souls worldly. We admire wealth e qu a l ly w it h t h e m an d e ve n more. How, t he n , can they b elieve? From miracles? But these are no longer wrought. From ou r c onve r s i on ? It h a s b e c om e c or r up t . From charity? Not a trace of it is anywhere seen. (Quotation “Wi n n ow i ng Fan”, Vol. X X , Ju n e 2 0 0 3 , S of G Foundation, Makati). I am proud to have people in my surroundings who taught be how to be on the right track - unconcerned and unnoticed. Natural and uninhibited, they showed me how to put real
religiousness into action besides praying and going regularly to church. I call such people religious. I mean it as praise because they don’t like to blow their trumpets while a acting as Christians in our daily life. Having such people around us make it easier to practice forgiveness... . I’ll be back on air soon. It’s Mango Radio 102.7 FM proudly broadcasting from Davao City and Zamboanga City. It’s a mission-oriented radio station. I am blessed b eing toget her wit h a l l these wonderful religious people. +++ Email : dor ing klau s @ g mail.com or follow me i n Fa c e b o o k , L i n k e d In or Twitter or visit www. germanexpatinthephilippines.blogspot.com or www. klausdoringsclassicalmusic. blogspot.com .
The Tulfo brothers violated no law 4, is quite simple: was there any law that was violated by anyone here? Critics are complaining that the P60 million payments appear to be reeking with anomaly, simply because the DOT is headed right now by their sister, Tourism Secretary Wanda Tulfo Teo. Many are saying that a big favor accrued to the Tulfo family by the use of DOT funds for Ben’s and Erwin’s programs. Now, if we are to talk about the law here---and it is the law we should be talking about on matters such as this---it would be clear that no rule or regulation was transgressed by the use of some P60 million in DOT funds for the programs of Ben and Erwin Tulfo. Why am I saying this? For the simple reason that the two did not directly transact with their sister, Wanda, or with the agency that she is heading today, the DOT. -ooo THERE WAS NO DIRECT CONTRACT BETWEEN
DOT AND THE TULFOs: Under the Anti-Graft and C or r upt Pr a c t i c e s Ac t (or Republic Act 3019, as amended), what is considered therein as graft is the giving of favor by an officer or employee of the government in favor of his immediate re l at i v e s , t h rou g h t h e discharge of his or her official duties and responsibilities. What the law contemplates here is the direct contractual engagement b etwe en a government official, like Secretar y Teo, with the members of his or her own family, like Ben and Erwin. So the question should really be, did Teo directly contract with Ben and Erwin in connection with the P60 million advertising fees for their programs? The clear answer is, no. DOT actually contracted with another party. And Ben and Erwin contracted with someone else. According to the pieces of evidence that Wanda released to the media on Monday, April 30, 2018, DOT entered into an
agreement with PTV 4, not with her brothers or their company. This seals the fact that no law was ever violated in this transaction. On the other hand, Ben and Erwin contracted with PTV 4, not DOT. Therefore, there is no contractual relationship at all between DOT and Teo, and Ben and Erwin. -ooo THE GOVERNMENT--DOT AND PTV 4---BENEFITED FROM THE P60 M TULFO CONTRACT: Of course, Tulfo critics will say that their contract should not have been entered into in the first place because, even assuming it did not violate any law, it would not be looked kindly upon by, and will not sit well with, our countrymen. Well, if the truth be told, there are many contracts in government that did not sit well with, nor were looked kindly upon by, many citizens, but yielded truly beneficial results just the same. My view is that, the tulfo/PAGE 11
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CorporateWorld
Air Asia gives discounts to gov’t workers on domestic flights
G
OVERNMENT employees will now earn discounts on their domestic flights as the Department of Budget and Management (DBM) has signed Wednesday a Government Fares Agreement (GFA) with budget air carrier Air Asia Philippines. The agreement will enable government workers to enjoy
discounted rates and exclusive privileges on official trips. Under the GFA, Air Asia will provide 8 to 9 percent discounts to all government employees on official domestic flights. Their rebooking fees will also be waived and they will be able to receive a complimentary 20 kilogram baggage. “Being an initiative of the Department of Budget
Smart to complete upgrade of QC cell sites THE management of Smart Communications announced Wednesday that it expects to complete the upgrade of its cell sites in Quezon City within this month. Hopes are high that with the completion, delivery of mobile services in the country’s most populous city would improve substantially. Smart management, in a statement, said it has stepped up the deployment of Long-Term EvolutionAdvanced (LTE-A) and carrier aggregation (CA) technology across Metro Manila to enhance the
mobile data experience of its subscribers. The telco claims that LTE download speeds are ranging from 29 megabits per second (Mbps) to 224 Mbps in such areas as Batasang Pambansa and Quezon City Memorial Circle. The company also reported that the average daily data revenue increased by 23 percent while LTE device usage was also up by 33 percent between September 2017 and March 2018. To meet the growing subscribers’ needs, Smart said it has upgrade/PAGE 9
and Management and the Procurement Service, it seeks to limit costs and secure savings in the procurement of air transport needs of all government employees for their official trips,” Budget Secretary Benjamin Diokno said in his speech during the signing held in Ortigas, Mandaluyong City. Government agencies may be able to book their flights online
through the website of the Procurement Service which is an attached agency of the DBM. The agreement with Air Asia is the third one to be forged by the government following earlier GFAs with Philippine Airlines and Cebu Pacific last year. As of end of 2017, a total of PHP202.8 million were generated as sales under the
government fares agreement. The government was able to save PHP19.5 million due to the discounted fares, according to the DBM. A total of 138 government agencies have availed of the GFA including national government agencies; state universities and colleges; and government owned and controlled corporations. (PNA)
FDC unit CEO tops board seat voting for WESM governing body By MYRNA M. VELASCO, Contributor
THE chief executive officer (CEO) of the energy investment arm of Filinvest Development Corporation (FDC) had topped the voting for a board seat at the governing body of the Wholesale Electricity Spot Market (WESM). In a voting held on Wednesday (April 25) among power generation companies that are traders at the WESM, FDC Utilities, Inc. (FDCUI) President and CEO Juan
Eugenio L. Roxas emerged at the top, edging out rivals who are from the top three players in the power industry. Second in the final tally had been Aboitiz Power Executive Vice President Emmanuel V. Rubio; and followed by SMC Global Power Holdings Corporation General Manager Elenita D. Go; then First Gen Senior Vice President Victor Emmanuel B. Santos. Coming in last in the
poll outcome had been Power Sector Assets and Liabilities Management Corporation Officerin-Charge Arnold C. Francisco, who was also the lone government nominee in the Philippine Electricity Market (PEM) Board. Four seats will be allotted to the generation companies in the restructured PEM Board, which will then serve as the governing body of the WESM following its transfer of day-today operations to an
independent market operator. That entails then that all four private generation firms – FDCUI, San Miguel Group, Aboitiz Power and First Gen will all corner a seat in the PEM Board; and it will be state-run PSALM that would be dislodged in the process. Industry watchers have noted that the voting result “shows the stronghold of the private sector in the liberalized power sector, with the government tops/PAGE 9
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Environment Cimatu wants ‘all hand Boracay rehab off to a on deck’ as DENR prepares to implement ‘first aid’ good start, says Cimatu solutions to Boracay Island
T
he rehabilitation work in the pollutionchallenged Boracay got off to a good start with the overwhelming support and cooperation from its residents and stakeholders, Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) Secretary Roy A. Cimatu said over the weekend. A few days after the resort island was closed to tourists on April 26,
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Cimatu said he was surprised and happy with the warm reception the DENR and other national agencies in charge of the rehabilitation have received from residents and stakeholders. “We anticipated confusion and disturbance among the residents and stakeholders, but thank God there was none. We’re very happy dahil maganda ang reception ng mga tao,” Cimatu said in an interview with the state-
run radio station dzRB. He added: “We thought we would not get their unity and cooperation but I was surprised. They already understood and accepted the fact that we have to clean it and that they have to show their cooperation.” According to Cimatu, around 98 percent of Boracay residents and business owners have volunteered and agreed to self demolish their structures built illegally
along the road. “This is around 300 establishments causing road obstruction,” he said. “Around 90 percent of them have given their waiver for us to proceed with the demolition. Unlike before that they were threatening to file cases against us,” he added. At the same time, Cimatu said the DENR will ask displaced Boracay workers joining the cash-for-work program
Environment Secretary Roy A. Cimatu, as chair of the inter-agency Task Force Boracay, urged all stakeholders to help and participate in the restoration of Boracay as the island is shut down on April 26, 2018. “We need to rehabilitate Boracay to make it a safe, living, and environmentally sustainable island where people from all walks of life can enjoy the benefits its beauty can bring,” Cimatu said. “For that to happen we will need ‘all hands on deck’ - government employees, business owners, workers, residents, and of course, the tourists - local and foreign, who have made Boracay a byword in the tourism world.” The Secretary said the DENR’s rehabilitation efforts in Boracay during the six-month closure period will be focused on five key areas: drainage and sewerage rehabilitation; solid waste management; forestlands and easement recovery and alienable and disposable land management; road and transport (which includes air quality management); and biodiversity conservation, wetlands rehabilitation, and geological hazard management. “Within this period we intend, as President Rodrigo Roa Duterte directed, to put in place what we might call a ‘first aid’ solution to Boracay’s woes. We will put its sewage and solid waste systems in place. We will demolish illegal structures - big or small
- in the foreshore and protected areas, in the wetlands and forest lands, and even within the road easements,” Cimatu said. “We intend to review the road and transport network, including the use of the jetty ports, motor vehicles and other means of transport to make these conform to the most desirable means to transport people and goods within a small 1,078-hectare island,” he added. The DENR will also revisit the Boracay Master Plan to integrate it with the more comprehensive Northern Aklan Master Plan, which is seen to boost tourism in areas near Boracay such as Malay, Caticlan, Carabao Island, and the entire Aklan province. President Duterte earlier called for the closure of Boracay Island so that the DENR and the inter-agency team tasked with restoring the island can focus on their work. Cimatu vowed to deliver a ‘new Boracay’and work towards the sustainability of the island even after the six-month closure period has expired. “Let me reiterate: Government will not and should not do the ‘cleanup’ alone. Yes, we will ensure that the governance rules and regulations will be in accordance with law and at par with the standards of world class tourist destinations. We will provide adequate security and fast, reliable and, friendly government services. But we need your help to ensure that Boracay remains at its best now and in the future,” he said.
Tree planting contributes to mitigating climate change, says UN chief United Nations Secretary-General Antonio Guterres said Wednesday that treeplanting contributes to mitigating climate change impact. “The health of our planet is essential to our own health and wellbeing, and to our future, and trees are an essential part of it,” said the UN chief at a tree-planting ceremony on the occasion of the International Day of Forests, hosted by the Netherlands in its capacity as President of the Security Council. “I welcome the Dutch presidency’s focus on tackling the root causes of conf lict, including climate change,
which has very serious implications for peace and security in all regions,” he said at the event that was held at the UN headquarters. “Trees and forests play an essential role in mitigating the impact of climate change. Planting trees is one of the most important things we can do to contribute to the health of the planet,” he added. “Forests are the lungs of our planet, drawing in carbon dioxide and breathing out oxygen. And trees improve our lives both on a grand scale and at the local level. Strategic planting of trees can help save the planting/PAGE 9
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Hurst...
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So ask Jesus Christ to forgive you for living your own way, and to take charge of your life every day. He’ll help you start seeing and being the success He created you to be—so you can be fully satisfied with what you see and get in life. Just Think a Minute…
already getting eclipsed in the market’s vantage point.” PSALM though is still a “significant player” in the industry, with several of National Power Corporation’s assets remaining under its charge due to some hurdles in privatization processes being carried out by the State. June this year will be a critical transition for the country’s electricity spot market with the expected entry of the Independent Electricity Market Operator of the Philippines (IEMO) to manage the market operations function of the WESM.
from page 4
Korea... from page 4
way. For over a month now, Kim has been playing an ultra-smart kid -- from his belligerent push for nuclear weapons toward dialogue and unilateral concessions. S u r p r i s i n g l y, S o u t h Korea’s Moon Jae-in serves as the willing partner of Ki m w it h b ot h l e a d e rs setting the table with extra caution. With the start of a great journey to denuclearize t h e Ko r e a n p e n i n s u l a , the unification of the two Koreas is not far-fetched. On one hand, China cont inues to ac t as a diplomatic concierge by starting the ball rolling. A c c o r d i n g l y, C h i n a’s invitation of Kim and his wife to Beijing helped tone down the mentality that it is not keen on the North’s diplomatic stance. E a r l i e r, P r e s i d e n t Xi Jinping had announced that China had embraced the goal of denuclearization of the peninsula with no concession whatsoever. That historic visit of Kim to China took him to make the first step -- by offering t o h a l t w e ap o n s t e s t s , discussed denuclearization and drop objec tions to U.S.-South Korean military exercises. Seoul brokered Kim’s offer of direct talks that astounded the world – a Korean drama for now, yet it could easily pass as a real telenovela if the two countries at odds would embrace peace with finality. F o r n o w, t h e t w o Korean leaders are acting like mountain climbers, trying to reach the peak and establish a base camp there in which they could agree on a great bargain – that of attaining world peace. What needs to be done is a bold stroke notwithstanding the big risks the two leaders may encounter on that unified base camp. But this base camp has to be high enough up the mountain, anchored with enough specific provisions to last a lifetime of bilateral talks. Strangely enough, perhaps this could lead to a very decisive achievement t h e w or l d w o u l d s o o n rejoice. Perhaps, what needs to be done for now is a complete che m ist r y b e t we e n t he two leaders who, after all, are the descendants of one great Korean empire. (ruffy44_ph2000@yahoo. com)
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Upgrade... from page 5
doubled the number of LTE base stations and rolled out more cell sites in Quezon City last year to increase their capacity to handle more calls, text and data traffic. “These network upgrades in Quezon City and in other parts of the metro and the countr y are part of our broader effort to deliver world-class internet service to our customers,” Mario G. Tamayo, PLDT and Smart Senior Vice President for Ne t wor k P l an n i ng an d Engineering, said. Q u e z on C it y May or Herbert Bautista reportedly express ed his gratitude to the company as it has recently installed a high-speed public WiFi
hotspot at the City Hall and upgraded their mobile Internet services in the city. “PLDT-Smart are not only commendable corporate citizens of the City but more importantly, they are our strategic partners,” Bautista was quoted as saying. Parent company PLDT has allocated PHP 58 billion as capital expenditures for 2018 that will be utilized for the rollout of its fiber broadband ser vices and mobile network deployment by providing high-capacity l i n k s f or c e l lu l a r b a s e stations, the telco said in the same statement. (PR)
Planting... from page 8
energ y used for heating i n w i nt e r a n d f o r a i r conditioning in summer, both very necessary in New York,” said the SecretaryGeneral. The UN General Assembly adopted a re s olut ion on D e c . 21, 2012, which declared that Ma rch 21 of e ach ye a r is to be obser ved as the International Day of Forests. The resolution encourages all member states to organize activ ities relating to a l l types of forests. (Xinhua)
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Aspiring soldier, teacher make the finalists’ cut for Juan for Fun 2018 Netizens can choose the last finalist through online voting
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rom over 13,000 entries nationwide, the final four finalists of the Philippines’ most exciting backpacking trip—Juan for Fun have been selected. Now on its seventh year, Juan For Fun is a one-of-akind epic trip that gives young, hopeful Filipinos the chance to see and experience the country on their own. This year’s edition will be in partnership with SMART, Fujifilm and Jake Bros. The top four finalists were chosen for their desire to discover more about themselves, share their advocacies and wanderlusts aiming to complete their travel bucket lists. The finalists can take along two companions for a weeklong, all-expense paid trip across the country, challenging them to step out of their comfort zones and immerse with different communities to deepen their understanding of local cultures, take part in doing something good for the environment, and at the same time, have fun. Meet the four JFF 2018 travelers “I want to change the world, but the change has to start with me first,” shares Elmo Ador Jr.
Fearless, unstoppable, and hopeful, Ador is currently applying to be part of the Philippine Military Academy with the dream of becoming a soldier. He is driven by the desire to protect peace and he joins Juan for Fun to see the beauty and majesty of the land that he will be fighting for in the future. Another young dreamer, Frances Kemble Banico, wants to experience the feeling of flying and watching the clouds in the sky. Currently studying in Sultan Kudarat, Banico has never been out of her hometown and hopes to see spectacular sights such as Japan’s cherry blossoms, Singapore’s exciting attractions, and Hong Kong’s Disneyland. “No matter what happens, I will always try hard to finish my education and reach my dream destination. I will because I believe,” she enthusiastically shares. An exemplary student and committed community servant, finalist Ronil Ferolino Jr. never gets tired of extending a helping hand to those in need. Ferolino also works as a tour guide in their province in Zamboangaaq assisting tourists as they explore the caves. But finalists/PAGE 11
ISO 37001:2016 protects your company from bribery and corruption Now you can implement measures to safeguard your company from bribery and corruption. This is what 55 participants from 31 companies in the Philippines learned after attending the SGS Academy Kapihan 2018 on ISO 37001: 2016 AntiBribery Management Systems at the SGS Academy in Makati last month. Private and public organisations in the country are facing a rising volume of ethical issues and corrupt acts within and outside their respective firms. To help organizations install and strengthen integrity, assurance of ethical practices need to
be implemented in the workplace. “Bribery is a relevant issue affecting the society. Though there are existing local and international laws, both government and private sectors have to do their part in proactively fighting bribery through the implementation of AntiBribery Management Systems (ABMS), in accordance to ISO 37001:2016,”said SGS Management Systems Auditor Deny Carrera. This international standard can help organizations implement reasonable and proportionate measures designed to prevent, detect and respond to bribery.” she added.
SGS Philippines is the first certifying body in the country that offers ISO 37001:2016 or the Anti-Bribery Management Systems Certification and Training. According to Roger Villanueva, SGS Philippines Business Director for Certification and Business Enhancement “ISO 37001 or AntiBribery Management System augments various management systems on quality, environmental, health and safety standards. This helps eliminate poor quality brought by unethical transactions in the organization. It is also designed to support the government’s Good
Governance and AntiRed Tape Campaigns in the private sector.” This international standard specifies a series of measures that can be implemented to help prevent, detect
and address bribery, enabling organisations to successfully implement an anti-bribery management system. ISO 37001:2016 is designed to help an organization identify
corruption and create a culture that is based on integrity, transparency and conformity, thereby decreasing the risk of corruption in the organization. protects/PAGE 11
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Mismatch... from page 1
mismatch is worsened by the unavailability of specific jobs that some unemployed individuals look for. “That’s why, the chamber is promoting for more investments to come into the city so that our graduates don’t have to go to Manila, don’t have to go to Cebu to look for decent jobs. We are trying to get them here,” he said. He also urged the job applicants to upgrade their skills to increase their employability. Milan said the city lacks workers in the construction industry with the massive infrastructure program of the current administration. “That’s why, our TESDA ( Te c h n i c a l E d u c a t i o n and Skills Development Authority) is tr ying to upgrade our schools so t hat t hat t he y b e come competitive,” he added. DOLE reported a total of 12,532 jobs during the two-day job fair. The top 10 jobs for local employment were masons, 1,205; call center workers, 605; carpenters, 598; tile setters, 402; rebarmen/ steelmen, 144; sales clerks/associates, 128; service crews, 113; marketing professionals, 100; foremen, 70; and management trainees, 54. While the top 10 jobs for overseas employment were nurses, 2,671; cleaners, 702; sales associates, 200; service crews, 200; caregivers, 200; waiters/waitresses, 190; assistant herd managers for New Zealand, 174; delivery drivers, 150; mechanical, electrical, and civil engineers, 139; and welders, 125. Data from the Philippine Statistics Authority showed t h a t D a v a o R e g i o n’s employment rate as of January 2018 was 95.3 percent, higher compared to the 94.1 percent recorded in the same period last year. During the event, the agency awarded projects worth P10.6 million to 26 groups, comprising 74 individuals, as beneficiaries of its Integrated Livelihood Program.
Deals... from page 1
Competition Commission (PCC) on its acquisition of the Digos plant shareholdings from Enfinity Philippines Renewable Resources Fourth, Inc. Prior to the merger and acquisition deal, Enfinity was already a Filipinoowned company headed by businessman Alberto Espiritu, acquired from original European owners led by Gino van Neer. For the Digos plant, the transaction had already been sealed between the Filipinized Enfintiy Group and Alterpower Specialist, an affiliate firm of Clean Renewable Energy Solutions Philippines, Inc. (CRESPHIL) of Jose Silvestre M. Natividad, the company’s president and chief executive officer. Natividad said he is now
“in discussion with five power utilities” in Mindanao grid for the capacity off-take (bilateral contracts) of the Digos plant. He is also seeing further opportunity of expansion for the facility once the Renewable Portfolio Standards (RPS) policy institutionalized by the Department of Energy (DOE) will formally commence around 2020. T h e D i g o s p l a nt i s strategically sited in Davao del Sur in Mindanao, wherein not too many renewable energy (RE) plants have been constructed yet – that in turn could have become part of the RPS program. The solar project officially k i cke d of f c ommerc i a l operations in 2016, following construction completion by its engineering, procurement and construction (EPC) contractor Sterling and Wi ls on, c ompl emente d by a sub-contrac t deal with Meralco Industrial Engineering Services Corporation (MIESCOR), its local contractor.
Innovations... from page 1
“quality of life”. This approach is attracting hundreds of Lumad coffeefamilies to seek assistance from Hineleban. The current 40 farmer families are expected to double this year, and triple by mid-2019. The coffee production areas and harvest are also expected to double by next year. Furthermore, Hineleban has planted over 4.4 million trees of various species which capture an estimated 250,000 tons of carbon each year -- addressing the threat of climate change and increasing the availability of water. Agribusiness companies operating in Bukidnon such as Del Monte, Dole and Sumifru are now also seeing the light in following the Hineleban/Unifrutti way of doing inclusive business by bringing social investments in the communities. Recently, with financing made possible from the Office of the Provincial Governor, these companies are exploring ways of providing project management support for livelihood projects. Other private sector companies are also now partnering with the Lumads through Hineleban including Globe Telecommunications which is interested in reducing t he i r c ar b on fo otpr i nt t h rou g h t re e pl ant i ng , Metrobank Foundation is supporting capacity building initiatives for coffee farmers, and BPI Foundation who are supporting the production of Abaca as a crop to promote inclusive business in Lanao del Sur. Strong interest is also gaining momentum from farmers in Muslim Mindanao. Hineleban is now replicating its inclusive business models and approaches in the Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (ARMM or The Bangsamoro). Replication of this model in Muslim Mindanao is being undertaken through
Hineleban’s partnership with the Philippine Business for Social Progress (PBSP) with its large membership base of premier private sector companies. This initiative has als o facilitated forging partnerships with the ARMM Regional Board of Investment together with its Economic Cluster members comprising various sectors notably, agriculture, environment, trade and industry, and the planning and development board. On account of the aforementioned actions there been a growing sense of peace and unity among the Seven Tribes of Bukidnon, thus resulting in positive outcomes for the “Sacred Customary Compact”. With the promising initial results, Hineleban recognizes the need to sustain these initiatives long term. Lasting peace will only be achieved w h e n a l l c om mu n it i e s (especially the Lumads and Moros) have enough food on the table to feed their families, and livelihood opportunities through cash crops that bring a sustainable disposable income. Hence, Hineleban is n ow p u s h i n g s t ro n g e r in establishing more communities and private sector partnerships for successful inclusive business practices. Mindanao is one of the final frontiers of agriculture and industrial production. There is a real, and perhaps last, opportunity for draw on the island’s rich potential for food supply and responsible utilization of its natural resources, while also tapping on its diverse human resource base. Without peace and unity however, this potential will never be realized. Inclusive business approaches that help create “societal value”, reduce income disparities and provide dignity of life for All, is key to bringing peace to the island and further raise the bar for the Philippines’ on ways to achieve inclusive growth and development. (Dr. Uro oj Ma li k is Chairman and CEO of Hineleban Foundation - an environmental and social development organization working for e colog ica l restoration and conservation through sustainable rural development and livelihood improvement efforts on the island of Mindanao. He also holds senior advisory positions at the Unifrutti Group Philippines, Bangsamoro Development Agency, and the Provincial Government of Bukidnon.)
Hails... from page 1
Times Managing Editor Joseph Joh in his e-mail message sent to Magbanua. The two top leaders signed in April the Panmunjom Declaration that will pave the way for a peace treaty by the end of the year. A month before the historic signing, Magbanua wrote his opinion forecasting the events that would shape the peninsula a few weeks later.
“With the start of a great journey to denuclearize the Korean peninsula, the unification of the two Koreas is not far-fetched,” wrote Magbanua in his March 31. “For now, the two Korean leaders a re ac t i ng l i ke mountain climbers, trying to reach the peak and establish a base camp there in which they could agree on a great bargain – that of attaining world peace,” he added. Aside from writing his column, Magbanua is also t he Vic e P re sident for Business Development of Mindanao Daily News, a print and digital newspaper in Mindanao, Philippines. He is also the President of Cagayan de Oro Press Club and the only “Anvil awardee” in community journalism in Mindanao. In a statement, Mindanao Daily Publisher and CEO Dante Sudaria commended M a g b a nu a for put t i n g Mindanao Daily News on the world map, calling him “the only journalist who predicted peace for the two Korean nations. MDN Editor in Chief Allan M. Mediante, who is also the Vice President of the Philippine Press Institute, said Magbanua’s column predicting the reunification of the two Koreas is timely and worth appreciating by the world. Meanwhile, MDN Managing Editor Ruel Pelone commented that the Seoul Ti me specia l t reat ment of Magbanua’s article is a big boost to the credibility of loca l journa lists like Magbanua
Finalists... from page 10
despite the nature of his job, he has not been to any other tourist destination. “Through Juan for Fun, I believe Ferolino will learn and grow a lot and would be able to share his experiences to wherever his feet bring him,” says his friend. Completing the final four, student-teacher Jonathan Cuanso wants to grab the amazing once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to travel for free to unwind and embrace the wonders of the country. Cuanso joins JFF with a heart that is set on gaining new experiences and first-hand knowledge which he can share to his students. “If I would be the lucky one to be selected, it would be a great chance to tell my students how beautiful our country is,” he shares. The last finalist: netizens’ choice Four finalists are ready to take flight for Juan for Fun 2018. But, one spot is still open. The fifth and last finalist will be chosen by netizens from five shortlisted candidates. The five young hopefuls w ho have a chance to travel around the country are: f irst-t ime t raveler Dave Mark Sumagaysay, fisherman’s diligent son Arthur Yana, student and theatre actress Marie Alexies A mb aye c , r are d i s e as e survivor Adriel Delgado,
and environmentalist and tourism advocate Michael Jayson Saturos. Netizens will get to vote for their final finalist of choice until May 8, 2018. Simply go to Cebu Pacific’s Facebook page, search for the album with their photos, and comment #GoJFFName (ie. #GoJFFJason) on the social card of your preferred story. The nominee with the most comments will be guaranteed a place among the finalists.
Protects... from page 10
It i s d e s i g ne d to b e i nt e g r at e d i nt o a n or g an i s at i on’s e x i s t i n g management systems, processes and controls and follows the common ISO structure for management system standards for easy i nte g r at i on w it h ot he r standards, such as ISO 9001:2015. Already, there is a growing consensus of the need for management systems to protect organizations from bribery and other corrupt acts. Eight companies worldwide that have so far been ISO 37001:2016 certified, 67 percent of which are based in Asia. Of the 13 countries worldwide that adopted the ISO 37001 Certification, seven are from Asia —Singapore, Malaysia, Dubai, China, India, Azerbaijan and UAE. To prepare organizations f o r c e r t i f i c at i o n , S G S Philippines offers a one day ISO 37001:2016 Foundation Course. Participants learn the historical background of ISO 37001, the relevance of ISO 37001 in the Philippine context, fundamental principles of the AMS, general structure of ABMS and the benefits of ABMS through use of best practices. Protect your organization and your people from bribery and corrupt practices. Learn more about ISO 37001:2016 by calling SGS Philippines at 02 7849400 loc 230 or 09178343794. About SGS SGS is the world’s leading inspection, verification, testing and certification company. SGS is recognized as the global benchmark for quality and integrity. With more than 9 5 , 0 0 0 e mployees , S G S operates a network of over 2,400 offices and laboratories around the world.
Postpaid... from page 12
much as 42GB of data (with 10 GB GoWATCH for videos) for more time online. With access to premium entertainment like Netflix and Spotify Premium, their favorite movies, shows, and music are within easy reach. Plus, they can customize and build their plan based on their needs from a variety of plans ranging from P599 to P2999, all with a lock-up period of only 6 months. To learn more about ThePLAN PLUS, visit globe. com.ph/postpaid/theplan or call (02) 730-1300. Follow us on Facebook or visit the Globe website at globe.com.ph.
Summer... from page 3
also because you will be given a chance to travel to your dream destinations or bring home new TCL appliances in its Summer Lovin Specials promotion. Every single or accumulated P1,000 purchase at any SM Appliance Center store nationwide until April 30, 2018 entitles one to a raffle coupon and a chance to win Summer Lovin Specials prizes. BDO Cardholders can double their chances of winning when they use their Credit or Debit Cards when they shop (single or accumulated). Four lucky Grand Prize winners can travel to the dream destinations of their choice. They can choose from economy roundtrip tickets with 3D/2N Hotel accommodations for two to either Hong Kong, Thailand, Vietnam, Taiwan, or Malaysia; or e c on omy rou n dt r ip tickets with 3D/2N hotel accommodations for four to Coron, Boracay, or Bohol. They can also win prizes for their home: fifty (50) TCL Tech Bundles which consists of a TCL 43 inch Full HD LED TV and a TCL Window Type Aircon. Shop, cool your home this summer, and win exciting prizes at SM Appliance Center stores nationwide. Visit our website and shop online at www.smappliance.com or like us at facebook.com/ smappliance or follow us at twitter.com/smappliance.
Tulfo... from page 4
contract between DOT and PTV 4 was intended by the DOT to help PTV 4 increase its financial capabilities, so that it can have the necessary funds to continue its operation as a government station. PTV 4 after all is not enjoying advertising support in the way private TV stations are raking it in. Perhaps, the contract stipulated that PTV 4 should devote the funds coming from DOT to its shows and programs that have been ranking high in ratings, to attract more viewers. Indeed, PTV 4 knows that, today, the programs of Ben and Erwin Tulfo are enjoying popular viewer support, compared to its other shows and programs. That being the case, it is but wise and natural that DOTs funds should be channeled to Ben and Erwin’s programs. The end result of all these is that, DOT and PTV 4 would enjoy, as they in fact enjoyed, greater advantage for their own purposes. -ooo FOR QUESTIONS, REACTIONS: If anyone would like to ask me any question about what the burning issues of the day mean, or what we have discussed here, or to consult on any problem, whatever it maybe, please call 0917 984 24 68, or email me at batasmauricio@yahoo. com, or post your concerns at www.facebook.com/attybatas. Promise, I will answer right away. Thank God in the Name of Jesus, Amen!
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Friday|May 4, 2018
Mindanao LGUs get Seal of Good Education Governance
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our towns and a city in Mindanao recently received the Seal of Good Education Governance from Synergeia Foundation for their outstanding efforts in delivering basic education to their constituents. These are Simunul and Bongao in Tawi-Tawi, North Upi and Datu Paglas in Maguindanao, and Cagayan de Oro City. They are among the 24 cities and
municipalities from Luzon, Visayas, and Mindanao that received the recognition. The LGUs will also get incentive packages from PLDT and Smart Communications, worth up to P1.5 million each. In the photo are (from left to right) Synergeia Foundation President and CEO Milwida Guevara, USAID Education Specialist Monica Tan, Smart
Distributor Sales Manager Bernie Deatras, PLDT Enterprise Group Mindanao Head Ben Melasa, Smart Community Partnerships Head Darwin Flores, Datu Paglas Mayor Abubakar Paglas, USAID Deputy Chief of Executive Office Timothy Marlowe, Cagayan de Oro Mayor Oscar Moreno, Simunul Mayor Nazif Abdurahman, North Upi Mayor Ramon Piang, and
Bongao Mayor Jimuel Que. Established in 2002, Synergeia is a coalition of individuals and organizations working closely with about 400 LGUs to improve the delivery of basic education to Filipino children. To boost the capability of seal recipients to improve education in their localities, PLDT and Smart will provide technology packages suited to the LGUs’ respective
circumstances and needs. Among the incentives are the Smart School-ina-Bag, which contains a solar panel to serve schools without electricity, mobile devices, curriculum-based educational content, teacher training, monitoring, and evaluation. The winners will also receive instructional materials from USAID Philippines.
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Newly-crowned Miss Indahag 2018 Mariel Labiano is flanked by her runners-up moments after her crowning May 2 in Cagayan de Oro City. Labiano appeared courtesy of Charms and Queens. photo courtesy of indahag barangay council
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