BusinessWeek Mindanao (October 14-15, 2020)

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Briefly Job cuts A SURVEY done by the World Bank, the National Economic and Development Authority, and the Department of Finance shows 48 percent of companies in the Philippines have reduced the number of their employees amid the Covid-19 pandemic.

The survey was among 74,031 firms from July 7 to 14 to assess the impact of the health crisis to businesses.

“Job loss is most significant in the education, food services, construction sectors, with greater than 60 percent of firms in these sectors having laid off their employees,” the survey said.

$213-M US aid THE United States has extended a $213-million grant to the Philippines to finance a program that aims to reduce poverty, promote private-sector-led growth, and strengthen good governance in the country.

On behalf of the Philippine government, Finance Secretary Carlos Dominguez III signed the grant for the Economic Growth and Democratic Governance with Equity (EGDGE) program, which will be implemented over a five-year period until September 2025.

Mission Director Lawrence Hardy II signed the accord on behalf of the US Agency for International Development (USAID).

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Pandemic derails VisMin interconnection project P

Thank you for trusting us!

By MYRNA M. VELASCO, Contributor

RIVATE transmission firm National Grid Corporation of the Philippines (NGCP) is re-evaluating the impact of the coronavirus pandemic, primarily on its major projects like the P52 billion Mindanao-Visayas Interconnection Project.

In a statement to the media, the company said it is “eager to finish its critical projects as close to the original timelines as possible,” hence, it is also appealing to the government if it can be helped on hurdles it has been DERAILS/PAGE 10

INTERCONNECTION DERAILED. The continued spread of the corona virus also delays the P52 billion transmission project that would interconnect the Visayas and Mindanao power grids.

Advocacy group revived vs Tampakan mining project

By BONG S. SARMIENTO, MindaNews

KORONADAL City – After almost a decade of inactivity, the local Catholic church and allied groups have revived the Tampakan Forum to ignite a “systematic and sustained” opposition against the controversial Tampakan Project, Southeast Asia’s largest undeveloped copper and gold minefield in South Cotabato.

Marbel Bishop Cerilo Casicas said they decided

to restore the organized opposition given the “momentum going in favor” of Sagittarius Mines, Inc. (SMI), operator of the Tampakan Project, so named because the bulk of the minerals is located in South Cotabato’s Tampakan town.

“The Tampakan Forum has lain low after 2011 with the success of the campaign against SMI, REVIVED/PAGE 10

COMMUNAL FARM. An elderly member of the Consuelo Agri Farm Association in Brgy.

Consuelo, General Luna, Siargao Island picks shoots of alugbati at their communal farm. The farm is one of the 35 communal gardens in Siargao Island under Hardin Ng Pagbabago, a community driven initiative. mindanews photo by roel n. catoto

Our cases are rising, our water supply failing CAGAYAN de Oro’s COVID-19 cases have breached the 1,000-mark after the City Health Office released data Saturday showing Cagayan de Oro is undergoing a surge of COVID-19 infections fueled mostly local infections — beginning August with 154 cases.

The infections quadrupled to 606 cases in September, with 26 new cases reported since October 1.

Already, 81% of the city’s Temporary Treatment Monitoring Facilities

(TTMF) and city isolation units are occupied (970 patients vs. 1,200 beds capacity).

The city is closely monitoring the infection cluster at the Del Monte cannery in Barangay Bugo after 20 of its 4,000 workers were found infected.

Factory workers are reportedly among the city’s COVID-19 “super spreaders”, making up 60 percent of confirmed infections, because many of them go home without taking a bath

and washing their hands, city health officials said.

A MindaNews report said the Center for Health Development in Northern Mindanao reported a total of 3,396 cases in Northern Mindanao as of 3 p.m. on October 9, of which 1,005 are in Cagayan de Oro City, 671 of which are local cases, and 334 locally stranded individuals and returning overseas Filipinos.

WATER/PAGE 10

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Local Army mulls filing cases against NPA for burning vehicles in Mis. Oriental

T

HE military is planning to file charges against the New People’s Army (NPA) over the recent burning of civilian-owned vehicles in Claveria and Balingasag towns in Misamis Oriental.

Lt. Col. Ricky Canatoy, commanding officer of the Army’s 58th Infantry Battalion (58IB), said Saturday that the NPA violated human rights and international humanitarian laws.

By attacking and destroying civilian properties, which are not party to the conflict, he said the communist rebels are liable for these acts.

With the NPA being pushed back by the police and armed forces, he said it has resorted to attacking civilians and noncombatant targets.

Canatoy said they have been consistent in their efforts to stop the NPA from inflicting more harm on civilian population and their extortion activities.

“It is but normal for them to find ways to inflict damage to show they still have a force. But our relentless pursuit of them resulting in arrests of key officers and confiscation of firearms has an effect on the NPA,” Canatoy said.

It can be recalled that the 403rd Infantry Brigade has already filed cases against NPA fighters

WED-THU|OCTOBER 14-15, 2020

for violations of human rights and international humanitarian law before a local court twice.

Protest vs. NPA Meanwhile, following the burning of vehicles allegedly carried out by the NPA rebels in Barangay Bulahan, Claveria town, Misamis Oriental, residents staged a protest against the armed insurgents on Friday.

“We must not cower and we must not allow them to terrorize us,” Meraluna Abrogar, Claveria mayor, told a crowd of more than 300 from Bulahan and neighboring villages during an indignation rally.

On Tuesday, Oct. 6, three vehicles used by Del Monte Phils. Inc. (DMPI), a multinational corporation engaged

in agri-business, for its pineapple plantations in Claveria, were allegedly burned by members of the NPA in Sitio Talambao, Bulahan.

Set on fire were two hauler trucks and a bus used to transport the company’s workers to the plantation.

The following day, soldiers from the 58IB captured a 19-year-old alias “James,” suspected of being a member of the NPA unit that burned the vehicles.

A follow-up operation also led to the arrest of Edgar Virtudazo and Lope Virtudazo, suspected to be James’ cohorts and also NPA members.

Those arrested are said to be from the NPA’s Subregional Committee 1 of North Central Mindanao Regional

Committee.

In 2017, the NPA also torched three dump trucks owned by Del Monte Employees Agrarian Reform Beneficiaries Cooperative in Barangay Gregorio Pelaez in Claveria.

During the protest action, residents burned the flags of the NPA and Communist Party of the Philippines as they took a stand against the acts allegedly perpetrated by the Maoist rebels.

Abrogar has assured that despite these actions by the NPA, Claveria will continue to move forward as it is now promoting tourism as the town’s new income generator.

Overlooking the Gingoog Bay, the GingoogClaveria diversion road has become an attraction for local tourists who flock to the area known for its cold weather and scenic views where restaurants have set up shop and view CASES/PAGE 11

Cacao farmers get P1-M livelihood assistance

DAVAO City -- The Department of Labor and Employment Davao Region recently released P1,000,000.00 assistance for tableya and chocolate production.

Artes de San Vicente Chairperson Ma. Leah Bernales received the check from Chief Erlinda G. Mamitag, DOLE Davao City Field Office.Chief Mamitag said, “Artes is a DOLE accredited co-partner that has levelled up its status from an association to a cooperative.

The cooperative started with Vicente Heights Subdivision residents as members. They began with garments production being a recipient of various sewing, embroidery, and printing equipment as livelihood assistance.”

Artes Chairperson Bernales said, “With increasing demands, we

welcomed members from neighboring communities as workers. As the cooperative grew, we desired to increase our productivity, generate more employment opportunities, and widen our market reach so we ventured into cacao production.”

As a multi-sectoral cooperative, they coordinated with cacao farmers in Paquibato District, Davao City and made them part of the tableya and chocolate making project.

DOLE XI Regional Director Ofelia B. Domingo said, “just recently, Agriculture Secretary William Dar officially declared Davao City as the Cacao Capital of the Philippines which makes Artes’ livelihood request more relevant. It’s a privilege for the Department to be of help to them most especially to our cacao farmers.” (PRDOLE XI)

Quality education during the health crisis ROSEMARIE JANEO-TAMSI TEACHER-II WEST CITY CENTRAL SCHOOL CARMEN CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY

STUDENTS and teachers are entering an unprecedented time of distance learning as traditional face-to-face classroom environment is replaced with a home-based learning experience due to the threat brought by the pandemic.

Classrooms were built and designed as an environment where learning is facilitated with the instructions that were given by teachers.

However, in the "new normal," students and their parents or guardians must work together with the teachers and the educational system to recreate the learning experience in their home environment.

In an evaluation on Alternative Learning System or ALS interventions done in the Mindanao region during the quarantine period, platforms such as FB Chat, Google Classroom, the Aral Muna app, ICT4ALS, and

DepEd Commons are the most common technological interventions used.

Another popular medium for remote learning is the radio, with the partner local radio stations announcing questions or lessons that can be replied to by phone. There are also take-home learning activity sheets and door-todoor delivery of worksheets.

Access to technology, while convenient and useful, also brought challenges to students, as well as the home environment. It divides t he l e ar ne rs ' atte nt i on and provides additional distractions from lessons.

Despite the challenges brought by remote or online learning, quality education can still be achieved through the participation and support from the students, parents, and teachers. The use of technolog y to incre as e efficiency and empowering

learners and communities to create positive learning environments in which the student can grow.

Quality education should not be sacrificed, but rather, the technology should be something that provides equal opportunities to students.

The learners, teachers, and parents are not the only people involved in the struggle to achieve quality education in this health crisis, the role of local government units are also crucial. The local government units should be there to support the education sector by providing resources and assisting in the adjustment to the new normal.

Through the cooperation between these key people, stability in the education s e c tor can b e att aine d and students will receive the quality education they deserve.

CAGAYAN DE ORO MAIN BRANCH P & J Lim Bldg., Tiano Brothers Kalambagohan Sts., Tel. # (08822) 727-829 * Telefax # (088) 856-1947 CAMIGUIN BRANCH B. Aranas St., Poblacion, Mambajao, Camiguin Tel. # (088) 387-0491 CORRALES BRANCH Corrales Ave., Cagayan de Oro City DIVISORIA BRANCH Atty. Erasmo B. Damasing Bldg., #61 Don A. Velez St., Cagayan de Oro City Tel. # (088) 857-3631 LAPASAN BRANCH Lapasan Hi-way, Cagayan de Oro City Tel. # (088) 231-6739 CARMEN BRANCH Vamenta Blvd., Cagayan de Oro City Tel. # (088) 231-2011

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Chooks-to-Go goes full-on digital with Globe Business, AdSpark Chatbot B OUNTY Agro Ventures, Inc. (BAVI)—home of the famous brand Chooks-to-Go—tapped Globe Business to optimize its digital operations and provide customers with contactless access to food products.

The leading chicken rotisserie company and one of the largest poultry integrators in the Philippines teamed up with Globe and its digital marketing subsidiary, AdSpark, to build a chatbot ordering platform hosted on Facebook Messenger.

Ronald Mascariñas, President of BAVI, shared what pushed the company to strengthen and streamline its efforts online: “When the lockdown took place, we were faced with stumbling blocks in our supply chain, distribution, and onground operations.

BAVI had to temporarily close down about 40% of its business’ primary channel—our stores.

To give our customers convenient access to their

favorite roasted chicken products, we explored several mediums of communication for our rolling stores and amped up our social media pages with brand updates. With the help of Globe and AdSpark, we were able to add a fast and easy ordering system through chatbot messaging. This intuitive way of engaging with our customers complements their substantial shift to online."

The new chatbotenabled platform, which was built from the ground up, makes it possible for fans of Chooks-toGo to view the list of products available in their locations, input their order quantity, and submit orders for processing and delivery.

Once products are delivered, customers can make payments via cash or the GCash QR codes provided by delivery

riders.

“The majority of internet users in the Philippines are spending more time on messaging apps. In fact, usage of Facebook Messenger calls and chats went through the roof at the onset of the outbreak,” mentioned Peter Maquera, Senior Vice President for Globe Business. “We’re glad to support businesses and help them find solutions, especially during this time when technology

is needed the most. We look forward to seeing BAVI innovate the way they reach customers, maximize online channels, and transform their operations.”

Globe Business and AdSpark continue to aid BAVI in their journey towards digital transformation, providing customers with a quick and seamless ordering process that doesn’t require physical store visits. Aside from promoting product accessibility and safety for both customers and employees, the collaboration with Globe and AdSpark opens opportunities for BAVI to boost sales, increase online engagements, and expand its reach so that more Filipinos can enjoy goods from Chooks-toGo. With more than 1,200 Chooks-to-Go outlets, BAVI continues to come up with more ways to improve not only its quality roasted and frozen chicken products, but also its services through strong business partnerships, skillful

employee training, and the right technologies.

As the business landscape relentlessly changes, Globe Business vows to empower companies, like BAVI, to move forward towards success with its roster of solutions and credible partners. Globe believes that now is a crucial moment for businesses to work together and transform digitally so that all Filipinos can access choices, overcome challenges, and discover new ways to enjoy life.

Expand your enterprise horizons and make your operations digital! Learn more about your online customers and how you can bring them delight with AdSpark’s capabilities in digital advertising. Contact your Globe Business Account Manager today or get in touch with us through our website.

AdSpark is a portfolio company of 917Ventures, the largest corporate incubator in the Philippines and a whollyowned subsidiary of Globe.

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Opinion

The BusinessWeek Mindanao is published by BusinessWeek Mindanao Corporation every Monday to Friday with office address at Tanleh Building, Abellanosa, Cagayan de Oro City. It is registered with the Securities and Exchange Commission under Company Registration No. CS201531633 with BIR Certificate of Registration No. 2RC0000831068, TIN No. 463-826-272-000 – VAT. Reg., and with Business Permit No. 2020-04015. Tel. Nos.: (088)856-3344, (088) 810-100, 0923-432-0687, 0917-7121424 Website: www.businessweekmindanao.com E-mail : businessweekmindanao@gmail.com

BUSINESSWEEK MINDANAO CORPORATION Publisher DANTE M. SUDARIA President/CEO ALLAN MARIO MEDIANTE Vice President for Corporate Affairs RUFINO T. MAGBANUA Vice President for Business Development VICENTE C. DELA VICTORIA Vice President for Operations JOE FELICILDA Vice President for Administration JOHN AARON M. DEL BANDO Vice President for Events and Promotions JOE PALABAO Vice President for Marketing ROSE MARY D. SUDARIA, PhD Vice President for Finance MIKE BAÑOS Vice President for Digital

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The long and winding road Think a minute… After my teenage son learned to drive, he still did not learn the quickest, shortest route to where he wanted to go.

He often ended up turning a 10-minute drive into a 20-minute journey. Taking the long way home cost him a lot of wasted time and money for fuel. Yet often in life we take the long and winding road to get where we want to be. Life is short, yet we take so long to learn how to live it well. “Experience may be a good teacher, but it charges us a high price for the lessons we learn.”

Each day we face possibilities to make wrong turns, or to simply go around in circles with our daily routine, never actually making progress. “We live and learn, but some of us just live.”

So we die sometimes having never learned to really live the right, satisfying way. We take many twists and turns trying to find our way through this life of good and bad, right and wrong. We face a lot of choices, including false starts, detours, and dead ends.

Remember, “No one ever got lost on a straight road.”

THINK A MINUTE

JHAN TIAFAU HURST It’s actually quite easy to find the right road in life.

For one thing, “If the truth is standing in your way, you know you’re headed in the wrong direction.” It’s like going the wrong way on a one-way street: the person who turns around the soonest is the smartest and safest.

There is nothing smart about being too stubborn and proud to admit we have made a mistake.

It makes no sense to ask 2 plus 2 to equal 5. Just like it makes no sense to ask God to change the facts of right and wrong so I can live my own way. And what if God said it was OK for me to do the wrong thing I want to ROAD/PAGE 11

pandemic and facing dire circumstances. Not being able to visit a loved one hospitalized from COVID-19 who is fighting for life or to be at the bedside to see or touch a loved one during those final hours are difficult.

As t h e c o r o n av i r u s pandemic continues to rise at a historic rate, many health care professionals, essential workers and others in the territory and across the nation are experiencing the impact on their mental health and well-being. Mental health affects how stress is managed and people interact with each other.

There are healthy ways

to cope with this level of incre as e d st ress. First, recognize when the stress level exists for oneself or in others and seek help. There are some signs to recognize when experiencing mental distress. These common signs may include a change in sleep pattern, loss of appetite or overeating, mood swings or not finding joy in the things that you once liked, limiting interaction with family or friends, low energy and inability to focus.

Other common signs include worsening chronic health conditions and increased use of alcohol or other substances.

People with pre-existing

NUTS & BOLTS

JEROME DE LA FUENTE

mental health conditions or substance use disorder are at increased risk during a pandemic and should continue treatment. It is also important that when STRESS/PAGE 11

Cooperativism looms to stop war Quest for Peace KIM'S DREAM

Cell No: 09352379999

CHAINCERLIE SUMALPONG Advertising

The coronavirus pandemic may cause many people to experience increased stress levels that are higher than normal. The stress may be the result of trauma from prolonged isolation, loneliness and fear that comes with the pandemic. The daily task of caring for others who are sick, the loss of a loved one, the loss of a job and financial security or just the loss of what was known to be normal everyday life causes mental distress.

The idea of no return to “old normal” is difficult for some to imagine. There are many people who are feeling traumatic stress due to the

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Layout Artist

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Coping with stress during the Covid-19 pandemic

2f, ICS Building Tel.No.: 881-0176 Tiano cor. Montalvan sts.

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ORLAN R. RAVANERA While the Mindanao War, the second longest in the world, continues now and then without let-up which is being highlighted by Filipino suicidal bombers, unknown to many is another kind of “war” that is intensely raging that is proving to be the only road to peace because it is the ultimate offensive that uproots the causes of conflicts.

That “war” has many moves but carries only one name, “co op erat iv ism.”

Aptly described as the best “recruiter” of terrorists, poverty, gross inequity and social injustices breed

violence, thus, these must be stopped. And the best way of containing these extraordinary phenomena which are becoming ordinary is to ma ke t he p e ople productive by developing fully their potentials and enhancing their skills through education.

Such was the spirit that drove former rebels headed

by Mr. Diolito Sonido to lay down their arms in then war-torn Zamboanga to dedicate their lives to liberate the poor from the clutches of ignorance and poverty through cooperative education.

In 2001, they established t he Wester n Mindanao C ooperative C ollege in Zamboanga City with only 49 students to begin with enrolled in technical courses.

After 19 years of sheer hard work and with single-minded adherence to cooperative quality education, the college has now more than 5,000 enrollees in both professional and technical f ields of

education. The Cooperative College has served its mission very well in providing quality education to thousands of poor but deserving students and whose graduates are now front-lining the cause of uplifting the plight of the marginalized sectors in combating poverty in the war-torn region of Mindanao.

While cooperative education has found its mark to make life better for our poor but struggling people, the quest for peace is pursued in more ways than one as violence comes in many forms. Being politically and ideologically neutral, cooperatives have shown that all warring forces can come together in the spirit of unity.

In fact in Mindanao, we have cooperatives of the military, of the MNLF, of MILF and cooperatives in the red areas.

It is through cooperatives that they put their trust in the government as shown by the Binidayan Moro Liberation Front (MNLF) producers Cooperatives based in the

far-flung mountainous area of Basak, Binidayan, Lanao del Sur. The cooperative is now scaling heights as it is engaged into abaca and mushroom production and catering to nearby communities of its finished products In Kora-kora, Munai, Lanao del Norte, some 15,000 MILF combatants of the North Western Mindanao Front w it h 5 d i v i s i on commanders and hundreds of front commanders under Kumander Bravo are now laying down their arms (but have not yet surrendered) to be organized into some 151 cooperatives. They are now shouting, “MGA PAGARI AKON, SAMA-SAMA NA TANU KOOPERATIBA. ISA LANG ANG AMING ARMAS NGAYON –KOOPERATIBA! This amazing degelopment was followed by the MILF combatants of the North Eastern Mindanao Front from the Special Unit Task Group in Camp Argam, Lanao del Sur with some 1,500 combatants PEACE/PAGE 11

Leave me alone!

Leave me alone! Give me a break! I can be a reluctant socialiser. Or should I better say I could. Nowadays, with Covid-19, everything becomes different. In the past, sometimes I was secretly pleased when social plans were called off. I got restless a few hours into a hangout.

Maybe, I would not be invited any more. Or not such often... . I even once went on a free 10day silent meditation retreat – not for the meditation, but for the silence. No matter if staying in the Philippines, in Germany or somewhere else.

So I can relate to author Anneli Rufus, who recounted in Party of One: The Loners’ Manifesto: “When parents on TV shows punished their kids by ordering them to go to their rooms, I was confused.

I loved my room. Being there behind a locked door was a treat. To me a punishment was being ordered to play Yahtzee with my cousin Louis.” Being a little boy, "my room" was really my castle.

Several years ago in one of my write-ups, I wrote about loneliness or in other words: splendid isolation.

My last week's write-up at this corner was entitled "The Only Lonely".

Wanting to be alone: social tendencies like these are often far from ideal. Abundant research shows the harms of social isolation, considered a serious public health problem in countries that have rapidly ageing populations (though talk of a ‘loneliness epidemic’ may be overblown). In the UK, the Royal College of General Practitioners says that loneliness has the same risk level for premature death as diabetes. Strong social connections are important for cognitive functioning, motor function and a smoothly running immune system.

This is especially clear f rom c as es of ext reme social isolation. Examples of people kept in captivity, children kept isolated in abusive orphanages, and

prisoners kept in solitary confinement all show how prolonged solitude can lead to hallucinations and other forms of mental instability.

But these are severe and involuntary cases of aloneness. For those of us who just prefer plenty of alone time, emerging research suggests some good news: there are upsides to being reclusive – for both our work lives and our emotional wellbeing.

Social anxiety (please check out my previous columns here!) is the single most common psychological problem according to innumerable survey results worldwide. The magnificent, gorgeous and excellent isolation, resulting from being nervous when meeting people is really the opposite.

The state of being isolated reminds me of being in a hospital with an infectious disease. Easy to say nowadays ... .

A recent vindication

HAVE MY SAY

KLAUS DORING of these ideas came from Un i v e r s i t y a t B u f f a l o psychologist Julie Bowker, w h o re s e a rc h e s s o c i a l withdrawal. Social withdrawal usually is categorised into three types: shyness caused by fear or anxiety; avoidance, from a dislike of socialising; and unsociability, from a preference for solitude.

There is gender and cultural variation, of course.

For instance, some research suggests that unsociable children in China have more interpersonal and academic LEAVE/PAGE 11

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6 DSWD-10 targets 856,959 families for Listahanan 3

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CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY-To update the existing data of the poorest households in the country, the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD)10 targets to complete the assessment, validation and encoding of 856,959 families in the region for Listahanan 3 by the end of this year.

"Ang target nga mahuman ang assessement, validation ug encoding is by the end of this year. Mga 16.1 milion target sa tibuok Pilipinas, 856,959 families sa Region 10. Muabot na sa 892,815 ang naassess sa

DSWD-10," Information Officer Charmaine Tadlas said during the NorMin COVID-19 Response Task Force Press Conference, October 13.

(The completion of assessment, validation and encoding is targeted by the end of this year. There are about 16.1 million target families in the Philippines of which 856,959 are targeted in Region 10. DSWD-10 has already assessed 892,815 families) The information officer added that the enumerators will interview the head of the

New trends in education KHATERYN GAMO BALILI Teacher -II Maanas Elementary School Maanas, Medina, Mis. Or.

Digital transformation is not restricted to industries anymore. It is real, and it is impacting sectors like healthcare, education, fashion, and others. While we are aware of how modern technologies are impacting every niche, there is not much literature available about education. At present, education institutions worldwide are faced with multifaceted challenges, including the growing impact of digitalization and changing expectations from students, staff, and faculty.

Thanks to the brutality of the coronavirus pandemic, digital transformation in education have shifted from important to essential within a few months. It has highlighted the gap that is prevalent in this community between the

necessities and ‘not’ in this period. Further, as this sector becomes competitive, digital transformation is now becoming a must for survival as this new digital world requires educators to adapt and adopt digital technologies, methodologies, and mindsets.

Due to COVID-19, nearly 1.5 billion students that include 90% of all primar y, tertiar y, and secondary level learners in the world, are unable to go to school physically. If the COVID-19 has taught us something, it is about the importance of maintaining a sanitary and contactless lifestyle. This is why one can expect thermal screenings and contactless attendance system to dominate the educational institutes.

Financial accounting for schools

By DENNIS P. WAMINAL

THE successful management of any large organization requires effective use of information. Information about education ranges from staff and student information to financial information at the school facility and program levels.

A comprehensive education information system can provide benefits.

Good information helps drive good decisions. An information system can make good decision making possible for school-based administrators as well as for external users of education information.

Timely and accurate data can help decision makers at all levels focus on improvement strategies.

Disaggregating data for analysis helps identify programmatic and fiscal inequities and determine baselines for improvement.

To be effective, program evaluation must be timely

as well as complete. When program and other data are compiled and linked in a well-designed information s y s t e m , t h e g o a l s of schooling can be met more effectively and efficiently.

Greater budgetary control is possible when all of the costs of school operations are available.

The benefits of a comprehensive information system become especially apparent when examining the relationship between programs and costs. To make appropriate, costeffective and timely decisions about students, schools and programs, accurate and complete information must be widely available to the many users of education data such as the research community, school administrators, school boards, polic ymakers, school improvement teams, creditors and potential creditors and the general public.

family to obtain their profile including their educational attainment and family situation.

The enumerator will also obtain information as to the members of the family who belong to the vulnerable sector such as the senior citizens, persons with disability, and solo parents.

For those who are not available during the assessment, Tadlas said the families could use the On Demand application and they will just wait for the date and time that will be scheduled by DSWD-10 for assessment.

Tadlas stressed that the On Demand app will only be available for use after the completion of the assessment, validation and encoding.

Even if the families are already included in the Listahanan 3, Tadlas said they are not automatically considered as beneficiaries of DSWD's social protection programs.

"Ang pag-generate sa data tumong makita kung kinsa ang pinakakabos, kung aha sila. I-share dayon ni sa local government units, national government agencies, ug

DSWD-10 provides relief supplies to 68 entrepreneurs in White Island, Camiguin to help them in the midst of COVID-19 pandemic. (DSWD Camiguin)

civil society organizations kung duna sila'y mga social protection programs.

Aron maka-identify sila sa potential beneficiaries," Tadlas added.

(The data generated will only determine the poorest households and where they

are located. The data will be shared to local government units, national government agencies, and civil society organizations if ever they have social protection programs. So they can also identify their potential beneficiaries)

Listahan is an information management system that identifies who and where the poor are, making available a database of poor families as a reference in identifying potential beneficiaries of social protection programs.

(RTP/PIA10)

DILG Iligan starts training 612 contact tracers ILIGAN CITY - The Department of Interior and Local Government (DILG) here said the newly-hired contact tracers for the city are now undergoing training.

In a virtual meeting of the City Disaster Risk Reduction and TRAINING/PAGE 11

THE NEW WAY OF LEARNING BY: BARBARA FRANCIS GALAGNARA- ZULUETA TEACHER I EL SALVADOR CITY CENTRAL SCHOOL

The rise of the new normal remains a complex phase to shift over. It affected various aspects of life, especially education. Contrasting other countries which are now gradually going back to typical classes, the Philippines still cannot go back to the usual faceto-face learning due to increasing cases of COVID-19. Thus, as this new setting gets amended, students, parents, and educators are as well required to adapt to the new way of learning. The overall journey towards the new normal has become a great reset. With all of these happening, the Department of Education (DepEd) and Commission on Higher Education (CHED) have introduced several ways of learning for the new school year.

However, despite such efforts, the number of enrollees has dropped as 4.6M students failed to enroll (CNN Philippines, 2020). It shows how lucky other students are for being able to continue education.

As the new academic year begins, home-based learning is the main resort. Hence, both private and public institutions now offer various ways of home-based learning, particularly through modular and online learning.

These ways are challenging to all students, may it be from primary, s e cond ar y, and ter t i ar y. Wit h this, students and teachers get to experience a hard time in coping with the new setting due to numerous reasons such as unavailability and instability of internet connection, lack of gadgets to use, and even the absence of motivation to pursue education due to crisis. As classes kick in, according to the Department of Education (2020), most parents prefer a modular learning system.

With this new platform, students will learn through modules and printed materials that can be accompanied by other learning platforms that are accessible for free through televisions and radios. Indeed, it is learning given right at your doorstep. This kind of learning presents advantages and disadvantages. As for its benefits, students now have the luxury to have their own schedule in performing their tasks and be flexible as much as they can. It also helps students develop a sense of responsibility as they will learn on their own and be able to maximize different resources in finishing their modules. Despite, this

new setting also has its disadvantages or drawbacks. One of which is that the students from all year level might not be able to learn to its great extent as they have before the pandemic.

Also, since the virtual meeting is less likely to happen, especially in public schools, students will unavoidably have difficulties in learning the lessons on their own. It goes frankly to the students at the primary level as they need immediate teaching from an educator for them to acquire learning.

Luckily, students with guardians that are capable enough to impart knowledge are at their advantage.

With all the benefits and drawbacks mentioned above, it shows how a lot of factors impact the way how students cope with the new way of learning. Nevertheless, it is evident how the Department of Education managed to go through this phase as they continue to work hard in offering the best education they possibly can amidst the ongoing pandemic.

Additionally, it is imperative to develop collaboration within the household and the community to have effective attainment of knowledge and values in this new way of learning.

7

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WED-THU|OCTOBER 14-15, 2020

Cebu Pacific to raise USD500 million fresh capital

T

HE Philippines’ leading carrier, Cebu Air, Inc. (PSE: CEB), seeks to raise up to USD500 million additional capital to strengthen its balance

sheet and ensure that it is well-positioned to recover from the impact of COVID-19.

CEB gave notice to the PSE that it will be seeking approval for the

Ang pagpupursige ni Edo Kuwento ni: NELY M. DELA CRUZ

Sa isang bayan may napakamagandang dalaga na nagngangalang Rosa.

Maraming mga binatang Subanen ang nagnanais na ligawan siya. Bukod sa kagandahang panlabas niya ay sobrang matulungin ring dalaga at ikinagagalak rin niyang manilbihan sa kapwa niyang Subanen. Siya lang naman ang nag-iisang anak ng pinuno ng bayan.

Sa lahat ng ito, napagdesisyunan na ng magu lang ni Ros a na ikakasal siya sa isa sa mga anak ng kasama niya sa konseho at hindi nagustuhan ni Rosa ang ideyang ito, s ap ag k at may ro on na siyang iniibig na binate at ito sa Edo. Pagkatapos niya malaman ang plano ng kanyang magulang dalingdali na pumunta si Rosa sa may sapa kung saan sila nagkakakita at pinaalam ni Rosa kay Edo na ikakasal na siya.

Sa kalaunan, nakita ng kanyang ang ama na lihim silang nagkikita ni Edo ay tinuluyan ng ipinagkait niya ang pagkikita ng

magkasintahan. Nagalit si Rosa sa nangyari at binantaan si Edo sa ama ni Rosa na huwag na siyang lumapit kay Rosa kailanman.

Nasaktan ng sobra si Edo sa desisyon ng pamilya ni Rosa, pero pinatunayan niya sa pamilya ni Rosa ang pagmamahal ng dalaga. Nagbibiak siya ng kahoy para panggatong, nagdidilig ng mga halaman, nagpapakain ng kanilang mga alagang hayop at nagiigib rin siya ng tubig para sa pamilya ni Rosa.

Nakita ng mga magulang ni Rosa ang kasipagan at determinasyon na makamit ang pagmamahal ng kanilang dalaga at kalaunan ay tuluyan ng tinanggap si Edo ng pamilya ni Rosa. At iyon ikinasal si Edo at si Rosa at masayang namumuno sa kapwa nilang Subanen at nakilala sila sa sobra nilang pagkamatulungin sa kanilang mamamayan at kalauna’y masayang namumuhay at matiwasay ang mga Subanen at mga Kristiyano sa isang nayon.

GRATEFUL SCHOOL AND COMMUNITY OLA C. TALAVERA,T-III

Classes for public schools are all in the new normal.

From the usual month of June as the opening of classes now it shifts to the month of October on its first Monday of the month.

The threatening pandemic crisis that worsens day by day brings anxieties to all.

Families were all affected specially those who were in the low income category. As usual most of the parents problems upon opening of classes are the expenditures for school materials. In this new normal their anxieties might be getting worse due to many reasons brought by this pandemic covid 19.

However ,Binubongan E lement ar y S cho ol ,a small sitio school part of Barangay Malanang in the district of Opol Misamis Oriental was very blessed for having been adopted by one of the generous stakeholders in the group of CITIHOMES EAGLES C LU B. It s b e e n f ou r successive years already that this active Organizations had continually pouring out their support to the school by giving away school materials for learners from

kindergarten to grade six prior to opening of classes in each school year. This time, since the type of learning delivery modality adoptive by the school is through Distance Learning using Printed modules the Organization handed to each learner 3 transparent expanded plastic envelopes for module distribution as their kit ,1 envelope for modules upon distribution, another 1 envelop for the next kit of modules for the following weeks and the other served as their portfolio in school.

Together with the kits are writing materials ,coloring sets and pad papers.

With this the teaching force ,the PS District Supervisor in the person of Dr. ROIE M. UBAYUBAY ,the PTA Board Officials, the community people, much more the parents felt so grateful to CITIHOMES E AG L E S C LU B f r o m CITIHOMES Malanang Opol Misamis Oriental.

Strong and continuos partnership to this organization is fervently prayed and hope to continue in the coming years to come.

issuance of up to USD250 million in new convertible preferred shares, as well as another USD250 million in privately placed convertible bonds. It is envisioned that the approvals for the issuance of the preferred shares, as well as the convertible bond, will be taken up in a special shareholders meeting to take place on November 20, 2020.

The new convertible preferred shares will be made available to all stockholders, including JG Summit, giving opportunity for all investors to participate; while the privately placed convertible bonds, will be made available to a limited number of reputable international investors.

“We need to create a longer runway for CEB so that we can continue providing affordable and accessible air transport services for everyjuan,” said Lance Gokongwei, President and CEO of Cebu Pacific and JG Summit Holdings, Inc. CEB is raising this capital as part of its multi-pronged approach to working with capital providers, creditors, suppliers and all other stakeholders, especially its employees, to further strengthen its financial position in the midst of this COVID-19 crisis.

Since the start of this pandemic, CEB has been working on accelerating its transformation towards becoming an even more digitalized

airline, resulting in a significantly reduced unit cost, allowing the carrier to continue offering affordable air travel. This capital raising exercise will provide the airline with the needed runway to withstand the financial challenges it faces as it slowly goes back to preCOVID business levels and settles into the “new normal.”

Gokongwei declares CEB as an important part of the conglomerate’s investment portfolio. “We strongly believe in the airline’s vital mission of providing fundamental and value-for-money air travel in and out our country, and its crucial role as a driver for economic growth.”

This capital raising

exercise represents strong support and commitment on the part of JG Summit Holdings, Inc. (JGSHI) to provide financial support to CEB. JGSHI, parent and 67% owner of CEB, will invest its proportionate share of the USD250 million convertible preferred share, which will be offered to existing shareholders for subscription. JGSHI further commits to take on any balance of unsubscribed shares in this general offering.

CEB ended 2019 with a strong balance sheet. Its net debt to equity ratio end of 1H 2020 is only 1.9x, still very low in the industry, thus allowing the carrier to raise more capital.

DOE H1 2020 market share data lands Phoenix in 3rd spot According to the latest data from the Department of Energy (DOE) on fuels market share as of the first half of 2020, leading independent oil player Phoenix has garnered 6.86% of the market, landing it on third place among petroleum companies in the country. Phoenix has climbed one notch higher from its fourth place position in the same period in 2019.

In the first quarter of 2020, Phoenix registered a gross profit of P1.7 billion on the back of revenues of P21.9 billion in the period, leading to earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation,

and amortization (EBITDA) of P503 million. Operating income and net loss stood at P179 million and P215 million, respectively.

In the segment of liquefied petroleum gas (LPG), Phoenix reported a 39% increase in volume in the first quarter of 2020 thanks to its key stronghold in Visayas and Mindanao, as well as some headway in the highly competitive Luzon market. Based on DOE data as of the first half of the year, Phoenix enjoys 6.57% of the total LPG market share, up from 5.61% for the whole year 2019.

“Despite the continuing challenges of COVID-19,

we are grateful for the continued patronage of our loyal as well as new customers who appreciate the value that we provide through our highperformance and highquality yet competitively priced products and services,” said Phoenix President Henry Albert Fadullon.

“This latest development in terms of market share affirms the results of the brand market study we implemented that illustrate Phoenix as an emerging and credible brand alternative to the ones Filipinos have been used to in the market. It encourages and

inspires us even more to carry out our vision to be an indispensable partner of Filipinos in their daily journey,” added Fadullon.

In an independent brand health study on fuels in 2019, Phoenix was found to be third in terms of brand awareness as well as brand used most often (BUMO). Phoenix was also recognized as Marketing Company of the Year at the 40th Agora Awards organized by the Philippine Marketing Association in January 2020, and most recently earned three citations at the 17th International Business Awards.

Super Women…each one of us has an innate super power!

BY: ROSEMARIE FE M. LAVADOR TEACHER I EL SALVADOR CITY CENTRAL SCHOOL

We must try to do the impossible and accept the challenge. Never doubt that you are valuable and powerful. Yes, there are times that we feel down but be sure to get up and pray to God, He will give us strength.

Positive mind setting is important to have an edge that we can do everything.

As a PNP wife, mother of 3 kids, teacher as my profession. I

have a challenging role. As a wife of uniformed man, I need to be stronger than him, support him, and loves him with all my heart. Even it means sacrifice. As a mother of three wonderful kids, I need to be more energetic than them. Multi-tasking it may look easy but it was a tough job as a mom. Words are not enough to express the unconditional love that exist between a mother and her kids.

I am always praying that I can be a good mom so that my kids will grow to be a better person. As a teacher I should be an inspiration. I have a big responsibility, to guide, to enlighten, to motivate, to touch lives and makes the world a better place.

Let us be a woman that supports other woman. Compliment, encourage and empower each other, there is magic and power on it.

Education, Everyone’s Right BY: MARYDEL U. MAGSALAY TEACHER I EL SALVADOR CITY CENTRAL SCHOOL

Education is a fundamental human right. Having education will access you to all other human rights. It promotes individual freedom and empowerment and yields important development benefits such as acquiring essential knowledge and skills that will foster sustainable, gender-equal, peaceful, democratic and resilient societies.

We are born into the world of nature and necessity, we must be reborn into the world of spirit and freedom. This significance gave rise to our rights in education. Without

quality education for all, the future looks bleak. People will lack skills to interrogate and actively participate as assertive holders of basic human rights. Without quality and inclusive education, children with disabilities remain on the outskirts of society, attending special needs schools and taught in separate classes.

The government must step up to the challenge and play an active role in promoting education and lifelong learning opportunities for all. I believe that if we help hand in hand we can

make a difference. With the help of civil society, I would say that there is a strong and valuable partnership . We cannot do without education.

Education is key to form tomorrow’s citizens.

It is not only a right but an enabler of all other rights. Education is indeed a powerful tool by which economically and socially marginalized adults and children can lift themselves out of poverty and participate fully as citizens.

Education is a must thing and so let’s practice our rights.

8

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WED-THU|OCTOBER 14-15, 2020

National Food Policy to Address Hunger in the Philippines: Karlo Nograles, IATF Chief 7.6 Million Families experienced hunger in the past three months according to the latest SWS Survey.

Amidst the pandemic, hunger is becoming one of the most pressing problems in the Philippines when businesses and companies are shutting down, unemployment rates soar high. It is an altogether spiraling tragedy crippling the lives of the Filipinos, but let me say that there is hope.

In a press statement, the government has recognized

the urgency to conduct Food and Agricultural programs to augment the need for more feeding program activities for imp areas. When poorer families cannot afford to eat three times a day, the government under the leadership of Karlo Nograles, IATF member for Hunger, launches the “National Food Policy” which seeks to end hunger through massive food production, food security, food availability and accessibility, nutrition, and food resiliency.

Cabinet Secretary Karlo Nograles- Chair of the government's Zero Hunger Task Force declared the launching of the NFP that requires and incentivizes micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs), LGUs, private companies, civil society organizations, and State Universities and Colleges (SUCs) to become partners and participate in fighting hunger congruent with the Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) Goal No. 2.

Along with this, the government has also set aside budget to fund house-tohouse feeding programs in impoverished areas targeting kids who are enrolled in public schools. The budget will be allocated through the schools to which they are enrolled as well as social welfare nets under the DSWD. Food distributed will include nutribuns, iron fortified rice, instant laing, pochero and growth mixes to also solve malnutrition and stunted

children.

As per IATF Chairperson on Hunger, Karlo Nograles, cites his commitment to meet zero hunger by 2030 and passed the Executive Order No. 101. “It may be more difficult (to achieve this) but we cannot stop trying,” he added.

"We should never be deprived of food or any basic needs! With every meal that we miss everyday the light of hope also dims. We should step-up our game to alleviate hunger!"

Globe appeals to NTC to amend rules on illegal repeaters

BWM: October 14, 21 & 28, 2020

Globe recently submitted its proposal to the National Telecommunication Commission (NTC) to amend the NTC Memo, (NTC MO 01-02-2013) to curb the use of illegal repeaters proliferating in online stores. Globe is appealing to NTC to allow only type-approved repeaters or signal boosters that are industry certified to prevent interference with network signals contributing to poor network experience.

The company says the prevalent use of illegal repeaters, while prohibited since 2013 by the National Telecommunications Commission (NTC), can bring the entire signal of a community, a barangay or even the whole town or city down.

These illegal repeaters interfere with network signals hence the neighborhood or the community will experience weak signals, slow connections, dropped calls and poor voice call quality.

Globe has already made recommendations to the NTC on how to address the threats and concerns raised by the use and availability of illegal repeaters in the market.

These include users and subscribers shall purchase and use RF repeaters that are type-approved by telecommunications companies or telcos; authorized users and subscribers shall cease operating the RF repeaters immediately if requested by the Commission or a mobile network operator (MNO); and the Commission shall conduct monthly routine inspection and scanning of all CMTS frequencies to mitigate the interference caused by unauthorized radio transmitting devices.

Illegal repeaters or signal boosters are devices used for boosting mobile phone reception.

They have three units: a reception antenna, a signal amplifier and an internal rebroadcast antenna.

These illegal repeaters are uncalibrated thus not suitable to local mobile conditions and require tuning or filtering to be effective.

These illegal repeaters negate the efforts of telcos to expand its capability and connectivity by building more cell towers or cell sites.

Moreover, these boosters interfere with mobile phone networks that may even put people’s safety into danger when they need to make emergency calls.

“We are exerting so much effort in making the mobile and internet experience more enjoyable and pleasant for our customers. These expansion and network rollouts, however, will be useless especially in these times where connectivity is an essential part of every Filipino household if illegal repeaters keep on negating our efforts to improve experience.

More importantly, illegal repeaters may boost the weak signal of a user but these unauthorized devices likewise put into risk the lives of other people in the community who need assistance in matters of life and death situations,” Atty. Froilan Castelo, Globe Chief Legal Counsel, said.

Aside from these, illegal repeaters likewise impact the operations of local businesses in a given area. Just like the ordinary customers, business establishments will also experience all the negative effects of illegal repeaters in their location.

The sale of illegal repeaters is very common in online shopping websites, online marketplace, online shopping apps and in GLOBE/PAGE 11

9 Sustained by environmental, social, and governance legacy, Aboitiz Group looks toward next 100 years Advertising and Editorial E-mail : businessweekmindanao@gmail.com Contact nos. : 0917-7121424 • 0947-8935776

WED-THU|OCTOBER 14-15, 2020

IN ITS 100th year, the Aboitiz Group’s best practices in environmental management, social responsibility, and good governance are strengthening its ongoing Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) response, similar to how the group’s corporate values strengthened the establishment of the company amid an earlier pandemic a century ago.

Aboitiz & Co. traces its roots to the 1800s as an abaca trading and general merchandise business in Ormoc, Leyte. It was formally incorporated in 1920. Today, it serves as the private holding company of the Aboitiz family.

The Aboitiz Group was established as the world grappled with the challenges of the 1918 influenza pandemic, considered by the United States Centers for Disease Control and Prevention as “the most severe pandemic in recent history.”

“The timing of our 100th anniversary this year is a fitting reminder to all of us that Aboitiz was built and strengthened

If interested, contact:

This year, the Aboitiz Group celebrates its centennial anniversary and looks forward to the next 100 years with sustainability at the core of its operations across various businesses, namely power, banking and financial services, food, land, infrastructure, as well as construction. The Group rolls out its community development programs through its corporate social responsibility arm Aboitiz Foundation.

over the course of a century, weathering many adversities and overcoming hard times,” said Sabin M. Aboitiz, Aboitiz Group President and Chief Executive Officer.

The Aboitiz Group prevailed and this year, the Group celebrates its centennial anniversary and looks forward to the next 100 years with

DANICA SUDARIA

sustainability at the core of its operations across its various business units.

“A sustainable future is only certain when it is firmly anchored on what is consistent. For 100 years, Aboitiz has been consistent in living out our values and in adapting to change. We are committed to delivering one purpose and for the next 100 years, I am confident that

dannycarosesudaria0512@gmail.com 0936-046-2356

as OneAboitiz, we can build a future that will transcend for generations to come,” Aboitiz said.

Globally, companies’ environmental, social, and corporate governance (ESG) performance is fast being recognized as a reliable indicator of its potential long-term market position and ability to perform during challenging times.

Amid today’s health crisis, for instance, the Aboitiz Group’s response hinges on its ESG initiatives and how these address various social issues that hinder community development ~ and under a new normal at that.

Under Environment, there have been opportunities for fuel, energy, and water

consumption reduction in business operations as the company continues its environmental management efforts.

Under Social, the Aboitiz Group ensures a healthy and safe work environment by maximizing the use of digital tools to adjust to a work from home arrangement, ABOITIZ/PAGE 10

10

Water... from page 1

The worldwide commemoration of Global Handwashing D ay t his October 15th to increase awareness and understanding about the importance of handwashing, leads us to ponder if there is a tangible relation between the city’s continued inability to meet its residents’ need for a clean, safe and steady water supply and the rising cases of COVID-19, especially local infections among factory workers.

Should the super spreaders among workers failure to take a bath and wash their hands be directly related to the lack of clean and steady water supply in their homes and work places, it would be in the best interest of all to know the truth behind such a correlation and act accordingly.

Handwashing protects our own health, but also allows us to build our own futures, as well as those of our communities, and the world.

Why Does it Matter Now? The COVID-19 pandemic provides a reminder that one of the most effective ways to stop the spread of a virus is also one of the simplest: hand

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WED-THU|OCTOBER 14-15, 2020

hygiene, especially through handwashing with soap.

To beat the virus today and ensure better health outcomes beyond the pandemic, handwashing with soap must be a priority now and in the future.

How Can I get Involved?

It ’s e a s y ! J o i n t h e handwashing movement and help celebrate Global Handwashing Day and make handwashing a habit 365 days a year.

Make handwashing a priority in your school and at work.

Help build awareness about handwashing with your family, friends and community.

If you have a problem with the water supply in your home or work place, report this immediately to the Cagayan de Oro City Water District website of Facebook page.

You may also report related issues to our City Council Committee on Public Utilities chaired by Kag. Bong Lao, Committee on Health, Sanitation and Health Insurance chaired by Dra. Malou S. Gaane or Committee on Environment and Natural Resources headed by Kag. Eric D. Salcedo.

Happy Global Handwashing Day everyone!

Aboitiz... from page 9

te a m enga gement , a nd corporate social responsibility programs for COVID-19 response.

Un d e r G o v e r n a n c e , Aboitiz has demonstrated a strong balance sheet that is resi lient to f ina ncia l implications w it hout u nder m i n i ng econom ic contributions to society.

T h e A b o i t i z G r o u p ’s business continuity plans are proving to be effective.

COVID-19 has also tested and continues to test the company’s governance in terms of risk management and planning.

The Aboit iz Group put together a COVID-19 Technical Working Group which implements guidelines on the company’s response to the COVID-19 crisis.

The team also regularly updates t he group-w ide Business Continuity Plan, Business Impact Analysis, and Business Recovery Plan in collaboration with all business units based on different scenarios.

The business recovery plan also includes a review of profit and loss, cash flow impact, and risk mitigation measures to address any negative impact. Learnings du r i ng t he qu a r a nt i ne are a lso being rev iewed to provide input on how processes can be improved in work moving forward.

O vera l l, t he Group’s COVID-19 efforts aim to address immediate concerns on safety and these efforts were made possible through stakeholder partnerships, recognizing that greater and closer collaboration between the government and the private sector can help mitigate COVID-19’s impact.

To date, t he Aboit iz Group’s total contribution to the national COVID-19 response effort has reached over P2.2 billion (excluding various payments waived, re du c e d , e x t e nd e d , or restructured to help customers cope with the i mp ac t of C OV I D -19), underscoring the group’s sustained campaign to help address the urgent needs of frontliners and affected communities nationwide.

Derails... from page 1

encountering especially as it resumes construction works at various project sites.

At this stage, NGCP e mp h a s i z e d t h at i t i s “continuously assessing the impact of the global health crisis to transmission projects.”

Aside from the MVIP project, the others on its major roll are the Western Luzon Backbone Project; and the 230-kilovolt San Jose-Quezon Line-3 project.

The company said because of the quarantine restrictions being enforced by various local government units (LGUs), “we are constantly trying to balance public health interests by fully equipping our team with complete PPEs

and establishing stringent s afe t y proto cols in a l l workplaces.”

Still, NGCP assured government and relevant industry stakeholders that it will be “ramping up construction activities of all vital transmission projects which were affected by the quarant ine rest r ic t ions imposed in various parts of the country because of the COVID-19 pandemic.”

It narrated that at the heig ht of the enforced enhanced community quarantine (ECQ) in March to May, it was constrained “to temporarily suspend its construction projects to ensure compliance with health and safety regulations.”

And despite the strict lockdowns within those two-mont h p er io d and the subsequent modified enhanced community quarantine (MECQ) measures enforced, NGCP emphasized that “grid management and critical maintenance activities, as well as various operations which were critical to the provision of power had continued.”

It said that construction continuation at critical projects kicked off since May 26, even if the country was still at MECQ phase of its lockdown.

“Preparations for this resumption began weeks before that,” the company stressed, and it made sure that it fully complied with the specific guidelines being set out by the Inter-Agency Task Force (IATF) and the LGUs of their project sites.

“A m o n g t h e m o s t challenging compliances were the RT-PCR COVID-19 testing of our critical project personnel, and securing the COVID test results of our contractors, as well as facilitating the permits of our key personnel to enter and depart from hotbed areas,” NGCP expounded.

And while its function has been classified as essential services, NGCP indicated that it continued to “encounter issues including testing and quarantine variations among LGUs, contractor and supplier delivery problems, and the inability of foreign experts to conduct necessary inspections due to travel clearance requirements.”

It further cited slowdown of manufacturing of equipment and materials from other COVID-19 countries, among the other limitations that the company had to wade through while navigating project implementation tracks in the midst of the health crisis.

Revived... from page 1

such as the approval of the open-pit mining ban by t he S out h C ot ab ato provincial government (in 2010),” Casicas said during the online re-launch of the forum on Friday.

He also cited the strong opposition of the late former Environment Secretary Gina Lopez to the Tampakan Project.

But the advantage is now

in favor of SMI, Casicas said, citing the extension of t he f ir m’s Financi a l and Technical Assistance Agreement (FTAA) and the Environment Compliance Certificate (ECC).

MindaNews broke the stories on major developments in the Ta m p a k a n p r o j e c t t i n January and July this year.

In January, it reported that SMI’s FTAA was extended for 12 years and in July, that the Office of the President restored SMI’s ECC, which then Environment Secretary Lopez ordered cancelled in 2017.

Set to expire on March 21, 2020, the 25-year FTAA awarded to the Tampakan Project, was extended for 12 years – or until March 21, 2032 — in an order issued June 8, 2016 but known only last January, during an interview with Felizardo Gacad, Jr., Mines and Geosciences BureauRegion 12 director.

L e o Ja s a r e n o, t h e n national director of the MGB, an agency under the Department of Environment and Natur a l R e s ource s ( DE N R ) , approve d t h e extension on June 8, 2016 “by authority of the secretary.”

The DENR secretary at the time was Ramon Paje.

“Whereas, thru a letter dated May 11, 2016, SMI requested for a 12-year e x t e n s i on of t h e t e r m of F TA A No 0 2 - 9 5 - X I (Amended) to restore the equivalent period of time lost due to force majeure in view of the various problems it is encountering in the contract area, which have prevented it from fully pursuing its operations therein, such as the legal conflicts, the ban on openpit mining, the issuance of the CLOAs (Certificate of Land Ownership Awards), peace and order problem and delays in government approval,” Jasareno’s order stated.

On June 30, 2016 or 22 days after the FTAA was extended, Davao City mayor Rodrigo Duterte took his oath as President.

In July this year, Omar S a i k o l , E nv i r o n m e nt a l Man a ge m e nt Bu re au – Region 12 director, said SMI’s ECC “was reinstated by the Office of the President on May 6, 2019.”

Saikol said SMI was originally granted its ECC by the EMB main office on February 19, 2013, which Lopez cancelled in 2017.

Efforts to revive the Tampakan Forum gained ground last February, and it was supposed to be relaunched the following month but did not push through due to the lockdowns imposed because of COVID-19.

Casicas said the united opp o s it i on ag ai nst t he Tampakan Project, then and now, is not just composed of local but also national and international groups.

He said the Diocese of Marbel joined the fight opposing SMI’s venture due to concerns on the plight of

the Indigenous Peoples and the environment.

The revived Tampakan Forum will serve as venue for unity and systematic opposition to the Tampakan project, he said.

Touted as Southeast Asia’s largest known undeveloped copper and gold minefield, the Tampakan Project has the potential of yielding per annum, an average of 375,000 tons of copper and 360,000 ounces of gold in concent rate w it hin t he 17-year-life of the mine.

If developed, the Tampakan Project “has the potential to make a significant contribution to the economic prosperity of the Philippines and enable a better future for the people of southern Mindanao,” SMI said on its website.

SMI plans to extract the huge deposits using the open-pit mining method, which the firm insisted is not contrary to Republic Act 7942 or the Philippine Mining Act of 1995.

O p e n pit m i n i ng i s banned in the province of South Cotabato.

SMI had earlier stated “that it is deeply committed to upholding and promoting the rights of local communities hosting its Tampakan Project.”

MindaNews has repeatedly sought SMI for comments and interviews but it has not been responding.

The reactivation of the Tampakan Forum has the backing of the Catholic Bishop’s C onference of the Philippines’ (CBCP) National Secretariat for Social Action – Justice and Peace, Philippine Misereor Partnership, Inc. and Alyansa Tigil Mina, among others.

Cotabato Archbishop Angelito Lampon, OMI, lauded the revival of the Tampakan Forum as a vehicle to protect the environment.

“Regardless of different cultures and beliefs, we are making a loud statement, especially support that the Tampakan Project will not be allowed to proceed,” Lampon said in his closing remarks during the relaunch.

The revival of the Tampakan Forum came with the launching of the Mindanao chapter of the Eco-Convergence (ChurchCSO Empowerment for Environmental Sustainability), which is geared to strengthen the collaboration among church institutions and different socio-civic and people’s organizations in bringing out concrete ecological actions to combat the climate emergency.

This is one of the action points identified in the CBCP’s pastoral letter entitled “An Urgent Call for Ecological Conversion, Hope in the Face of Climate Emergency,” according to a project briefer.

The revival and launching event coincided with the closing of the Season of Cre at ion and was held in solidarity with the celebration of the National Indigenous Peoples’ Month.

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Road... from page 4

do? Then how would I feel if God let someone else do that wrong thing to me or to someone in my family? He shows us His right ways for our happiness and safety!

Jesus declared that He is the only way to true life. Follow Him and He will lead you where you want to go. He knows this land called life.

He made it. Trust Him. So won’t you ask Jesus to forgive you for living your way? Then ask Him to take full charge of your heart and daily way of living, so you can stop taking wrong turns and dead-end streets. He is the only One Who can lead you off the long and winding road to the straight and only way home, where your satisfying, everlasting life is waiting for you. Just think a minute…

Stress... from page 4

a person is aware of new or severe symptoms to contact a healthcare provider.

Stress affects children and teens mainly by the way they see adults responding to events. Parents and caregivers who are better prepared to handle a pandemic can provide support to their children and others.

There are some common signs to watch for in children and teens. Some of the common signs include a change in eating or sleeping habits, excessive crying or irritation in younger children and regression noted with speech or toileting. Other signs may include “acting out” behaviors in teens, difficulty concentrating, unexplained body pains or headaches and the use of drugs, alcohol or tobacco.

In order to supp or t children and others in the family, it is important to talk about the coronavirus p an d e m i c . To s upp or t children, share the facts and answer questions in a way that they can understand.

Other ways to show support include limiting the time spent with news coverage, continue regular routines and create learning or fun activities. Be a role model while practicing self-care, and share with children how they too can cope with stress.

Practicing self-care is important and a healthy way to cope with stress. Some helpful tips to remember include eating regular nutritious meals, rejuvenate through exercise, stay hydrated, practice good sleeping habits, practice simple relaxation techniques as well as find time to connect with others.

Finding Apps that support wellness programs will allow an individual to set goals and reminders to make it convenient to track progress.

It is also important to cont i nu e s ome nor ma l routines or activities and create new ones. Avoid listening to the news before going to bed. Stay updated with facts but limit the amount of news related to COVID-19. It is important to know what to do if you

get sick and where to get treatment.

For those feelings of loneliness, connect with friends or family using visual devices or technology. Pray often alone, in group chats or group text, meditate and practice mindfulness exercises. Only focus on the things you can control. When leaving home, wear a mask, maintain social distancing and remember to wash or sanitize hands often.

Ultimately, it is important to seek assistance from a healthcare provider or a skilled trained counselor when experiencing mental distress or extraordinary stress level during a pandemic. There are many wellness initiatives and support services available to support mental health and well-being during this historic coronavirus pandemic.

Here are some online consultations/psychotherapy and workshops available in the Philippines: 1. National C enter for Mental Health Crisis Hotline (NCMH-USAP) Service: It provides mental health support for all affected

by COVID-19 C o nt a c t : 0 9 1 7 - 8 9 9 USAP(8727) or 7-989-USAP (8727) 2. Philippine Mental Health Association, Inc. (PMHA) Online Support Service: Provides mental health support for all affected

by COVID-19 Contact: 0917-565-2036 or pmhaacds@gmail.com / pmha.eard@gmail.com 3. UP Diliman Psychological Services (UPD PsychServ) Service: Provides telepsychotherapy services for healthcare frontliners Contact: 0906-374-3466 4. Ateneo Bulatao Center for Psychological Services Service: Provides online counseling and Psychological First Aid with priority given to frontliners Contact: bulataocenter.

Is@ateneo.edu 5. PsychConsult, Inc. Service: Provides online counseling for all affected

by COVID-19 Contact: 0917-709-6961 or 0997-561-8778 6. Circle of Hope Community Services, Inc. Service: Provides TeleMental Health Services to promote effective coping and resiliences for healthcare workers Contact: 0917-822-2325 or 0925-557-0888

Peace... from page 4

under the command of Sultan Abdul Amoran who is half Maranaw and half Higaonon.

They are now organized into IGPANAYADUG SA ABAGA TA BAYUG AGRICULTURE COOPERATIVE. I n S i b a g at , A g u s a n Su r, n o l e s s t h a n t h e amazing Chieftain of the 10,000-Manobo Tribe by the name of Datu Arnold Acebedo who was known before as Kumander Datu Subang of the NPA surrendered and are now organizing themselves into cooperatives.

This is also true in Lingig, Surigao del Sur where the

Manobo Cemuliwanon Agri Cooperative was organized with some 1,300 members, 300 of whom where former NPA combatants.

Indeed, the spir t of cooperativism shines through amidst the darkness of poverty and social injustices.

Where the poor become the poorest especially the Indigenous Peoples because they are powerless to craft their own destiny; where m a s s ive hu nge r l o oms because of social injustice as the mode of production, ownership of basic utilities are controlled by the most influential capitalists in cohort with power-that-be as the economic dictatorship of the Oligarchs is grafted into the democratic representative assembly. Indeed, Who controls? Who profits? Who benefits.

It was so amazing that no less t han President Rodrigo Roa Duterte in his last SONA has underscored that the oligarchs should not be controlling water and electricity as these are means to life and must not be the subject of so much rakings by a few oligarchs Under the Present Dispensation, social change which has become so elusive all these years despite two-people power revolutions and 14 years of martial has now begun through COOPERATIVISM! As exemplified by the co op eratives of former combatants, the quest for peace in Mindanao cannot be done through bullets and bombs but by harnessing the collective power of the poor and oppressed thru cooperativism.

M A B U H AY A N G KOOPERATIBA TUNGO SA TUNAY NA KAPAYAPAAN!

Leave... from page 4

problems than unsociable kids in the West. Bowker says that these differences are narrowing as the world becomes more globalized.

Still, it turns out that solitude is important for more than creativity. Since ancient times, meanwhile, people have been aware of a link between isolation and mental focus. After all, cultures with traditions of religious hermits believe that solitude is important for enlightenment.

Recent research has given us a better understanding of why. One benefit of unsociability is the brain’s state of active mental rest, which goes hand-in-hand with the stillness of being alone. When another person is present, your brain can’t help but pay some attention. This can be a positive distraction.

But it’s still a distraction.

Daydreaming in the absence of such distractions activates the brain’s defaultmode network. Among other functions, this network helps to consolidate memor y and understand others’ emotions. Giving free rein to a wandering mind not only helps with focus in the long term but strengthens your sense of both yourself and others. Paradoxically,

therefore, periods of solitude actually help when it comes time to socialise once more.

And the occasional absence of focus ultimately helps concentration in the long run.

I learned, if your personality tends toward un-sociability, you shouldn’t feel the need to change. Of course, that comes with caveats. But as long as you have regular social contact, you are choosing solitude rather than being forced into it, you have at least a few good friends and your solitude is good for your well-being or productivity, there’s no point agonizing over how to fit a square personality into a round hole.

So feel free to de-clutter your social calendar. Even in times of Covid-19. It’s psychologist-approved. +++ Email: doringklaus@gmail. com or follow me on Facebook, Twitter or LinkedIn or visit www.germanexpatinthephilippines.blogspot.com or wwww. klausdoringsclassicalmusic. blogspot.com.

Globe... from page 8

physical electronics and communications stores all over the countr y which is a direct violation of an existing memorandum of the National Telecommunications Commission (NTC) issued in 2013.

The telco industry has been working closely with the NTC in the campaign against illegal repeaters. Globe, for its part, has been supportive of calls for NTC to come up with an updated memorandum against those who bring, sell and use illegal repeaters in the country.

Globe is also working with several tech companies to bring in authorized repeaters.

Globe will see to it that these network approved repeaters are tested and proven not to put any Globe customer or community at any danger at all times. Also, these devices must not interfere with Globe's network signals.

Training... from page 6

Management Council (CDRRMC) on Monday, DILG City Director Edward Bhagwani reported that 612 contact tracers have been hired by them to augment the Emergency Operations Center (EOC) of the city.

"We have three batches for today that will last up to Thursday, three batches in a day of about 50 to 60 participants," he said.

According to him, they will be immediately deployed after the completion of their training.

Bhagwani emphasized that they will be turned over to the EOC - Health Cluster and their deployment will be decided by the city government.

"We will give full control of these people to the LGU so dili mi manghilabot on how they are going to be deployed. Ang City of Iligan ang magdeploy nila para kung asa sila mas effective

gamiton didto sila ibutang," he further said.

(We will give full control of these people to the LGU so we will not interfere with how they are going to be deployed. The City of Iligan will deploy them so that they will be assigned in a place where they are more effective.)

The city director also said the contact tracers will be performing functions other than just mere contact tracing.

"They will also be deployed to conduct active surveillance and other important activities relating to health to curb the spread of the COVID-19," he added. (APB/PIA ICIC)

Cases... from page 2

decks have been erected.

The site is also location of the Cebu Pacific Flight 387 memorial shrine.

“We are concerned, but the tourists are now aware.

If they see on the map that the conflict is far from those tourist destinations, I think they will not fear coming here,” Abrogar said.

The mayor added that she will also ask the DMPI management not to pull out from Claveria because of what happened.

T h e c o r p o r a t i o n’s plantations are mainly located in a cluster of barangays in Claveria known as “Tabok.”

DMPI started its Claveria operations in 2016.

Jay Vincent Zulita, DMPI area supervisor for Tabok, said there were talks among the company’s top managers to leave the town due to its peace and order situation.

Like Abrogar, Zulita said he wants DMPI to continue its operations in Claveria as close to a hundred workers depend on the plantation for EXTRAJUDICIAL SETTLEMENT OF ESTATE KNOW ALL MEN BY THESE PRESENTS: That the late ESPERLITO MANGUBAT AGUITON, died intestate in Carmen, Cagayan de Oro City, Philippines, leaving a certain residential building with Tax Declaration No. G-368118, situated at #283 Everlasting Street, Zone 5, Ilaya, Carmen, Cagayan de Oro City, and has been the subject of an EXTRAJUDICIAL SETTLEMENT OF ESTATE, filed by the heirs of ESPERLITO MANGUBAT AGUITON, per DOC #325; PAGE #65; BOOK #216; Series of 2020 under the Notarial Registry of ATTY. MARIO T. JUNI.

their livelihood.

“We want to deliver more for Tabok. We defended it to the management so it could continue,” Zulita said. “If they (NPA) continue to disrupt our production, it will have an impact on the people’s livelihood.” (PNA)

EXTRA-JUDICIAL SETTLEMENT WITH A DEED OF ABSOLUTE SALE OF A PARCEL OF LAND KNOW ALL MEN BY THESE PRESENTS:

That the late LULLIO T. YAÑEZ, who died on March 18, 2013 died at J.R. Borja General Hospital, J.V. Seriña st., Carmen, Cagayan de Oro City, that the said deceased left a parcel of land with TECHNICAL DESCRIPTION ORIGINAL CERTIFICATE OF TITLE NO. P-3034 COVERED BY TAX DECLARATION NO. G-170924, situated in the Barrio of San Simon, City of Cagayan de Oro, Island of Mindanao, containing an area of EIGHT THOUSAND TWO HUNDRED EIGHTY (8,280) square meters, and has been the subject of an EXTRA-JUDICIAL SETTLEMENT WITH A DEED OF ABSOLUTE SALE OF A PARCEL OF LAND, filed by the heirs of LULLIO T. YAÑEZ, in favor of NYLL MAINIT PAOURIS AND STEPHEN JAMES PAOURIS, per DOC #15; PAGE #03; BOOK #XIX; Series of 2020 under the Notarial Registry of EMELITO J. MARQUIÑO. BWM: Oct. 7, 14 & 21, 2020

EXTRAJUDICIAL SETTLEMENT OF ESTATE KNOW ALL MEN BY THESE PRESENTS: That the late CACO ALI and EDDY MINGOL, who died intestate without a will on September 09, 2011 and December 06, 2007, respectively at Dagumbaan, Talakag, Bukidnon, That the deceased at the time of his death left a certain parcel of land situated in the Municipality of Talakag, bukidnon, more particularly described as follows with transfer Certificate of title No. T-18345, containing an area of ONE HUNDRED THIRTY-FOUR THOUSAND SIX HUNDRED SIXTYTWO (134,662) Square Meters more or less, and has been the subject of an EXTRAJUDICIAL SETTLEMENT OF ESTATE, filed by the heirs of CACO ALI and EDDY MINGOL, per DOC #269; PAGE #54; BOOK #11; Series of 2020, under the Notarial Registry of ATTY. ISIDRO Q. LICO. BWM: Sept. 30, Oct. 7 & 14, 2020

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

That the late LOURDES GOMEZ FIGURA, who died on February 4, 2019 in Cagayan de Oro City, that the deceased died intestate, without will or testament, and without any outstanding debts in favor of any person or entity; that the deceased left among others a parcel of land with TCT No. T-190538 situated in the Barrio of Macasandig, City of Cagayan de Oro, Island of Mindanao, containing an area of FIFTY (50) Square Meters more or less, and has been the subject of an EXTRA JUDICIAL SETTLEMENT, filed by the heirs of LOURDES GOMEZ FIGURA, per DOC #342; PAGE #80; BOOK #91; Series of 2020 under the Notarial Registry of ATTY. QUINTILIANITO S. BABARIN, JR.

That the late MERCY DOMINICE NAMOCATCAT, died intestate without will and testament leaving a certain parcel of land located in Brgy. Danatag, Baungon, Bukidnon on September 4, 2007 at Cagayan de Oro City, at the time of her death left a parcel of land with ORIGINAL CERTIFICATE OF TITLE NO. AO-11282, situated in the Barangay of Danatag, Municipality of Baungon, Province of Bukidnon, Island of Mindanao, containing an area of EIGHTEEN THOUSAND SIX HUNDRED NINETY FIVE (18,695) square meters, more or less and that the deceased died intestate without leaving no debts to any person or entity the following property to wit, and has been the subject of an EXTRA-JUDICIAL SETTLEMENT WITH DEED OF ABSOLUTE SALE, filed by the heirs of MERCY DOMINICE NAMOCATCAT, in favor of MERIAM NAMOCATCAT OLAMIT, per DOC #369; PAGE #75; BOOK #XXXIV; Series of 2019, under the Notarial Registry of ATTY. CARLO ANTONIO BLALMIRANTE.

BWM: Sept. 30, Oct. 7 & 14, 2020

BWM: Sept. 30, Oct. 7 & 14, 2020

BWM: Sept. 30, Oct. 7 & 14, 2020

EXTRA JUDICIAL SETTLEMENT KNOW ALL MEN BY THESE PRESENTS:

12

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