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Agri imports drop THE VALUE of agricultural imports in 2020 fell 11% to P623.98 billion due to the lower imports of commodities such as rice, according to the Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA). The PSA said that notwithstanding the decline, the value of agriculture imports as a share of all imports rose 14%. According to the PSA, the volume of rice imports in 2020 fell 28.7% to 2.23 million metric tons (MT). They fell 22.1% by value to P43.56 billion. Rice accounted for 7% of the overall value of farm imports. The volume of tobacco imports declined 12.5% to 46,503.7 MT. By value, imports of the commodity dropped 1.7% to P10.06 billion, and accounted for 1.6% of all agricultural import expenditures.
Railway target date THE Transportation department said it restored its original target of achieving partial operations at the China-funded Mindanao Railway Project to March 2022 from the recently-revised target of October 2022. “Sa March 2022 meron tayong partial operability (We will have partial operability by March 2022),” Transportation Secretary Arthur P. Tugade said during the ceremonial signing of the project management consultancy contract Wednesday. Transportation Assistant Secretary for Project Implementation-Mindanao Cluster Eymard D. Eje, who committed to keep the project free of corruption, said: “This project will push through and will deliver what we have promised, what President Rodrigo R. Duterte promised, and what Secretary Arthur Tugade promised.”
Insurance for hogs THE Department of Agriculture (DA) 10 (Northern Mindanao) on Wednesday encouraged raisers and farmers to get their hogs insured with the Philippine Crop Insurance Corporation (PCIC). In an interview, DA-10 Director Carlene Collado pointed out that should hog raisers get affected again by African swine fever (ASF), the indemnification pay would be higher. "In case (their hogs) getting hit (again) by ASF, each hog (culled) will be paid PHP10,000. For now, only PHP5,000 (per hog) of assistance is given by the DA," he said.
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Airport upgrade a boost to Camiguin eco: Tugade Thank you for trusting us!
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HE op ening of the upg r ad e d P132.2-million airport in Camiguin province could signal better postpandemic economic impact, Department of Transportation (DOTr) Secretary Arthur Tugade said during a live-streamed event Friday in the island province.
During the inauguration of the new airport, Tugade said even when it was still undergoing construction, hiring laborers in the process already started the "economic impact" for the province. "Before it (the airport) can only accommodate 60 passengers, with the new one, it's now 220, there will be an impact in tourism with that," he said. Tugade and Civil Aviation Authority of the Philippines (CAAP) Director General, Captain Jim Sydiongco,
led the inauguration of the completed development projects for the Camiguin Airport. The completed projects include the expansion of the passenger terminal building amounting to P29.2 million; construction of the administration building (P4.6-M); one bay f ire station building (P3.2-M); c onst r u c t i on of C A A P Security and Intelligence Ser vice (CSIS) Office P2.04-M); as well as the UPGRADE/PAGE 7
BUMP FIST. Camiguin Gov. Jurdin Jesus Romualdo (left) bumps fist with Transportation Sec. Arthur Tugade during his visit to the island-province for the inauguration of the newly renovated Camiguin Airport on Friday, Oct. 22. photo by gerry lee gorit
Lanzones Fest kicks off revival of Camiguin's tourism industry By ERCEL MAANDIG, Reporter
TOURIST BAN LIFTED. A tourist boat is silhoeutted by the setting sun off the shore of Mambajao, Camiguin Province. The island's stalled tourism industry comes alive again starting today, Oct. 25, following the lifting of the executive order barring the entry of tourists due to the erstwhile rise in Covid cases. photo by gerry gorit
Fuel prices in Zamboanga City remain higher than in other areas of Mindanao By FRENCIE CARREON, MindaNews
ZAMBOANGA City — Prices of fuel here have remained higher than in other areas of Mindanao even after some Cabinet officials assured Mayor Maria Isabelle Climaco that they would attend to the matter. At least three Cabinet secretaries have responded to Climaco’s request for them to intervene. Energy Secretary Alfonso Cusi promised his department “will look into it.”
Social Welfare Secretary Rolando Joselito Bautista said he will bring the request to the attention of the National Inter-Agency Task Force and other secretaries. Cabinet Secretary Karlo Nograles also responded to the mayor’s request. Climaco cited that gasoline prices in Zamboanga City currently range from P61 to P67 per liter. “We currently have the highest surge [of COVID-19
and sadly highest gas price. We need your SOS to lower it to help our people,” her message said. Delivery services and local public transport operators said they could not increase the cost of fare on their own, as it needs the approval of the Land Transportation and Franchising Regulatory Board. “This has become an emotional subject for everyone in the city, but the increase in fuel prices also FUEL/PAGE 7
MAMBAJAO, Camiguin – Despite the threat of the pandemic and lanzones scarcity, the island province will still celebrate the annual Lanzones Festival although virtually, Governor Jurdin Jesus Romualdo said Friday. Romualdo said they would still hold festival-related events despite a smaller volume of lanzones. Due to erratic weather patterns, they expect an abundant har vest in December or January next year, way beyond the festival season. C amiguin’s lanzones
are considered the sweetest b ecause of the island’s volcanic soil. “We will still celebrate it to show the people of Camiguin that there is still hope amid the pandemic and low harvest. Even if we have a scant lanzones yield, the spirit of the Lanzones Festival will still be there to keep the morale of the Camiguinons,” he told reporters on the sidelines of the inauguration of the newly rehabilitated Camiguin Airport. In its 42nd year, the L anzones Festival 2021 LANZONES/PAGE 7
Fuel prices in Zamboanga City as of 12 October 2021. mindanews photo by frencie carreion
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BARMM extends aid to 750 IPs in NoCot COTABATO City – At least 750 indigenous peoples (IPs) in a village in North Cotabato on Friday received food and medical assistance from the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM). The initiative forms part of the BARMM’s Ministry of Indigenous Peoples’ Affairs (MIPA) outreach program for communities in North Cotabato that are now integral segments of the autonomous region. A total of 63 villages in six towns of North Cotabato now form the BARMM Special Geographic Area in the province after voting “yes” during the two-part plebiscite held in January and February 2019. On Friday, both IP and Moro residents of Barangay Patot, Pigcawayan, North Cotabato received food packs and medical services courtesy of MIPA and the office of BARMM Chief
Minister Ahod Ebrahim through Project Tulong Alay Sa Bangsamorong Nangangailangan (TABANG). The families also received rice, soap, masks, and alcohol from MIPA, hygiene kits, buckets, and dippers from Project TABANG, while frontliners from the BARMM Ministry of Health conducted free medical consultations. The program targeted IP communities in the geographically isolated and disadvantaged areas (GIDA) of the BARMM
territory in North Cotabato. "This is a continuous activity of MIPA, other IP communities in the province that opted to join the BARMM are on the list to be served in the coming days,” said MIPA Program Coordinator Guiamalodin Palacasi. Palacasi said many IPs were happy seeing the government services reaching them for the first time. “It’s only now that I see a health worker checking on my health, we are glad you are here,” IP member
Mamod Tadi, 59, of Barangay Patot, said in the vernacular. Palacasi also said that the program also formed part of the Indigenous Peoples Month celebration in the region this October. “The IPs were glad they received medical assistance. They value medication more than food aid because they can have it through their crops but just the same, they were thankful,” said community leader Sakudin Abdulraham. “We hope to see more like this in the coming days,” he added. (PNA)
IP SERVICE. An elderly woman in Barangay Patot, Pigcawayan, North Cotabato receives medical services from the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM) during an outreach program on Friday (Oct. 22, 2021). The Ministry of Indigenous Peoples’ Affairs said that other BARMM communities in North Cotabato will receive the same services soon. (Photo courtesy of Bangsamoro Information Office-BARMM)
PhilRice intensifies rice seeds distribution in Caraga provinces
BUTUAN City – The Philippine Rice Research Institute (PhilRice) based in Agusan del Norte (PhilRice-Agusan) has intensified its distribution of certified inbred rice seeds to farmers in the Caraga region in time for
the October-November planting season. In a phone interview on Friday, PhilRice-Agusan rice competitiveness enhancement fund (RCEF) coordinator Jasmin Reyes said a total of 2,000 certified inbred rice seeds,
BALINGASAG, MISAMIS ORIENTAL National Highway Balingasag, Barangay 4, Balingasag, Misamis Oriental Mobile Number/s: 0933-823-3161, 0933-823-3304 Tel. Number: 333-5161 CAGAYAN DE ORO P&J Lim Building, Tiano Kalambagohan St., Barangay 14, Cagayan de Oro City, Misamis Oriental Tel No. (08822) 727-829 / 231-6629 Telefax No. (088) 856-1947 Mobile No. 0933-823-3303 / 0943-708-7065 CAGAYAN DE ORO WAREHOUSE Warehouse 7, Bonbon Road, Kauswagan, Cagayan de Oro City, Misamis Oriental Mobile No. 0917-825-4149 / 0943-708-7065 CARMEN, CAGAYAN DE ORO Vamenta Blvd., fronting CEPALCO, Carmen, Cagayan de Oro City, Misamis Oriental Tel. No. (088) 233-2011 Mobile No. 0933-823-3159 CORRALES, CDO Corrales Ave., Barangay 29, Cagayan de Oro City, Misamis Oriental Telefax No. (088) 231-2055
composed of RC 216 and RC 440, have been allotted to Carmen, Surigao del Sur, where the yearend planting season is about to start. On Thursday, the PhilRice-Agusan office sent an initial 1,400 bags of
DIVISORIA, CDO A. Velez St., Barangay 9, Cagayan de Oro City, Misamis Oriental Telefax No. (088) 856-1947 Mobile No. 0917-841-4000 / 0933-823-3164 GINGOOG CITY G/F Wyne Militante Bldg., Lugod St., Barangay 22, Gingoog City, Misamis Oriental Telefax No. (088) 861-0104 Mobile No. 0933-823-3168 LAPASAN, CDO National Highway (FICCO Bldg.), Lapasan, Cagayan de Oro City, Misamis Oriental Tel. No. (088) 231-6739 Mobile No. 0933-823-3160 PUERTO, CDO Purok 6, Puerto, Cagayan de Oro City, Misamis Oriental Tel. No. (088) 859-0574 Mobile No. 0943-708-7537 CAMIGUIN B. Aranas St., Poblacion, Mambajao, Camiguin Telefax No. (088) 387-0491 Mobile No. 0943-708-7539
certified inbred rice seeds to Carmen that will benefit about 809 rice farmers in the town. She added that the remaining 600 bags of rice seeds for the town is set to be delivered when the actual distribution by the local government unit officially begins. “The initial 1,400 bags are already stationed in Carmen. The LGU will take charge of the distribution of the free rice seeds to qualified rice farmers” Reyes said. The distribution is
in line with the RCEF being implemented by the Department of Agriculture. Reyes pointed out that the certified inbred rice seeds are proven high-yielding seeds and resistant to rice pests and diseases. Qualified rice farmers who can avail of the free rice seeds are those registered under the Registry System for Basic Sectors in Agriculture (RSBSA). “Each of the farmerSEEDS/PAGE 7
What is the normal in education after pandemic ARLENE N. LOPEZ Teacher 1 Aquino Elementary School Aquino, Tangub City Misamis Occidental
WHAT I see is that the new normal would be a combination of the schoolbased and home-based. While the Philippines will be reopening up to 120 schools for limited face-to-face classes in a pilot run approved by President Rodrigo Duterte, millions of Filipino students would likely not experience the same learning setup even after the pandemic. The "new normal" in education would not be a purely classroom setup. For two pandemic school openings, students had to stay at home as they continue their education via the distance learning system, which has been widely criticized due to its poor implementation. There has been an ongoing debate about opening schools during a pandemic. While most students and parents have been urging the government for a gradual reopening of schools, a number of them are also anxious about this move, considering the health risks involved. Until the pilot run starts on November 15, the Philippines will remain one of the last two countries that have yet to reopen schools for inperson classes since the World Health Organization declared a pandemic in March 2020, with the other country being Venezuela.
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AirAsia PH to rehire laid-off employees WITH the increasing resumption of travel and utilization of aircraft, rehiring of laid-off employees is among the priorities of AirAsia Philippines, chief executive officer Ricardo Isla announced on Friday. "Rehiring employees is our top priority. (Rehiring them would likely be) by the second quarter next year, as we will serve more destinations and more aircraft (will be utilized)," he said in a virtual presser. AirAsia Philippines had to let go of 624 employees because of the coronavirus disease 2019 (Covid-19) pandemic. Isla, however, said he cannot tell at this point how many of them could be rehired. "We need the workforce to match the aircraft and destinations, but this will still be dependent on the (travel) restrictions," he said. AirAsia spokesperson Steve Dailisan said those
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who were laid off will be the priority since they have been with the airline for a long time. Cabin crew will be needed, but the number will depend on the utilization of aircraft. The airline projects a 74 percent load factor during the 4th quarter of 2021 due to the easing of travel restrictions. By December, AirAsia Philippines will also resume flying to international destinations. "Almost all airlines in the Philippines are expecting recovery, prepandemic level, by the second quarter of next year," Isla said. As for its domestic operations, AirAsia Philippines load factor is up to 73 percent during the first half of October, with Boracay, Cebu, Bohol and Bacolod as top destinations. The carrier sees this "healthy load factor" as a sign towards a strong recovery. (PNA)
SoKor firm investing P5-B for e-vehicle plant in PH
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OUTH Korean firm ENPlus Co. Ltd. is investing P5 billion in the Philippines to put up its electric vehicle manufacturing facility, the Philippine Economic Zone Authority (PEZA) reported Friday. PEZA director general Charito Plaza said ENPlus will be the first e-vehicle manufacturer in the PEZA ecozone. ENPlus’ e-vehicle factory here will be located in Negros Occidental, Plaza added. Its operation will involve the manufacturing of electric cars and electric jeepneys. Plaza and ENPlus chief executive
officer and chair Young Yong Ahn signed a memorandum of understanding on Wednesday for the joint venture between PEZA and the Korean firm. “ENPlus, a Korean company, is (now) our partner in investing in the countryside and believing in the Philippines as an investment haven in Asia. We appreciate ENPlus in their commitment and alliance with us towards making the Philippines a clean, sustainable, and environmentfriendly country,” she said. While the Korean firm is investing PHP5 billion for the factory, PEZA will be providing a 30-hectare land “to link prospect
industries to ENPlus for joint investment ventures and other related agreements for eligible projects of PEZA”. ENPlus is a manufacturer of fire trucks and fire fighting equipment and is now expanding to e-vehicles. “We’d like to make a better world and provide more fire trucks and electric vehicles to the Philippines. With this, we would like to expand our business in your country to manufacture environment and energy-friendly vehicles starting with your jeepneys since they are the most popular mode of transportation in your country,” Young said. (PNA)
SEC clears A Brown, Cityland fund raisings THE Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) approved the preferred share offering of listed property developer A Brown Co., Inc. under shelf registration. In a statement on Friday, the SEC said it cleared A Brown’s shelf registration covering up to 50 million cumulative, non-voting, nonparticipating, non-convertible, and redeemable perpetual preferred shares. It added that the preferred shares, worth P5 billion, may be issued in one or more tranches within three years. “For the first tranche, ABCI will offer 10 million preferred shares priced at P100 each, with an overallotment option of up
to 5 million preferred shares,” the SEC said referring to A Brown’s stock symbol. The shares will be listed on the main board of the Philippine Stock Exchange. A Brown, which has also ventured into power generation through, expects to net up to P1.47 billion from the offering if the oversubscription option is fully subscribed, the SEC said. “Proceeds will be used to finance the development of real estate projects, land banking, funding requirements of subsidiary Irradiation Solutions Inc. (ISI), and other general corporate purposes,” SEC said. PNB Capital and Investment Corp. is the lone issue manager, lead
underwriter, and sole bookrunner for A Brown’s preferred share offer. Recently, A Brown’s subsidiary ISI secured the approval of the Board of Investments (BoI) for its P548.7 million irradiation facility. ISI qualified for incentives as a new operator of essential services under Republic Act No. 11534 or the Corporate Recovery and Tax Incentives for Enterprises (CREATE) Act and the 2020 Investment Priorities Plan as a qualified operator of an activity that will help ease the impact of the pandemic. CITYLAND’S P1.5-B COMMERCIAL PAPERS Separately, Cityland Development Corp. said in
a stock exchange disclosure on Friday that it received the approval of the SEC for the registration of its commercial papers worth P1.5 billion. The SEC approved the company’s registration during a meeting on Oct. 19, according to Cityland. In previous disclosures, the company said the proceeds from the commercial papers will be used to finance its funding requirements. Cityland is a listed firm that has business interests in real estate development. It has projects in areas such as Makati, Mandaluyong, Manila, Pasig, Quezon City, Bulacan, and Cavite.
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Thank You Sec. Dominguez for Stopping Burning Coal KIM'S DREAM
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ORLAN R. RAVANERA The One Mindanao Energy Cooperative is so happy to know the stoppage of the operation of coal-fired powered plants in Mindanao as bannered by Business Week Mindanao recently stating that, “the Department of Finance (DOF) wants to stop burning of coal in Mindanao. As stated, “Finance Secretary Carlos Dominguez III said that the government will retire all coal fired power plants in Mindanao.” Wow, so amazing! Such has been the primary advocacy of the One Mindanao Energy Cooperative since 2010 when that Mindanao-wide cooperative was organized initiated by no less than Mr. Pete Ilagan of NASECORE and former Congressman Glicerio “Tatay Boy” Tan together with passionate cooperatives and supported by no less than former DOE Secretary Jericho Petilla and the late Congressman Ray Umali. I remember those days when we were going around Mindanao, conducting Power Summits and cooperatives came by the thousands to support the cooperative advocacy to debunk coalfired power plants and to own and manage the Agus Pulangi Hydro Power Complex. And rightfully so. They asked, why
must Mindanawons suffer power shortages when the island oozes with watersheds that can generate enough hydro-electric power for the people? They contented that the reason for these shortages is that the existing hydro generation plans have not been well maintained, thus, not optimized. Because of this, six coal fired powered plants were then being established in different regions of Mindanao which were already banned in other countries as coal burning powered plants are making people sick and shortening their lives – thousands of them. But no one was listening then, thus, we contemplated on having mass actions. “Burning coal is leading cause of smog, acid rain and global warming,” the Union of Concerned Scientists said. That “in an average year, a typical coal plant generates 3,700,000 tons of carbon dioxide, the primary human cause of climate change – as much carbon dioxides as cutting down 161 million of trees; 10,000 tons of sulfur dioxide which causes acid rain that damages forest, lakes and building, and forms small airborne particles that can penetrate deep into lungs; and 500 tons of small airborne particles which can cause chronic bronchitis, aggravated asthma and premature death; and so many toxic chemicals such as 225 pound arsenic which will cause cancer.” Well, that is what a typical coal plant can do, typical meaning just around 100 megawatts. The six coal-fired power plants that were being established then all over Mindanao have a
total megawatts of 2,167. These were not acceptable to the people of Mindanao especially to the 5 million cooperative members from MASS-SPECC, Oro Integrated, DMPI Coops, Bupharco, ANTRECCO, AIM Coop, ACDI and compassionate cooperatives all over Mindanao who constituted the core group of One Mindanao Energy Cooperative. Those big capitalists and their political cohorts who put up those coal plants were saying then “that coal-fired power plants are clean.” If I may recall, our answer was, “That’s oxymoron, no such thing as clean coal, stupid!” That anger is now justified as they are now listening, But why only now? It is a glaring fact that many Mindanawons have already died of cancer, according to my doctor-sister. If I may recall, the more than 5,000 cooperatives in Mindanao then had expressed their utmost opposition to the establishment of coal firedpowered plants and to instead strengthen and optimize hydro powered plants and allow the One Mindanao Cooperative to manage the Agus Pulangi Hydro Power Plant but some capitalists cannot moderate their greed. It was our contention then that Electricity should not be owned and controlled by a few elites as such is a means to life and must be owned and managed by the people themselves. Yes, the cooperatives in Mindanao had collectively served notice then strongly opposing the putting-up of coal fired power plants. As a countervailing measure, hydro-power plants must be
maintained and optimized to cater to the increasing needs of power. Yes, they had collectively harnessed their collective power through the One Mindanao Energy Cooperative as they are financially capable as their combined assets total more than one hundred billion pesos. But more than that, they are capable of protecting the watersheds from which the power comes from. In those power summits, I introduced the participants to then Hon. Secretary of Department of Energy, Sec. Petilla, underscoring that many participants came from the cooperatives of the Indigenous Peoples who are living in the forest ecosystem which is considered the “invisible water dam.” The cooperatives had given the assurance that they will do de-silting of the dams that are already silted. That’s the advantage of cooperativizing these hydro power plants. Perhaps, the government should now listen to the essence of sustainability, social justice and equity offered by the cooperatives in owning and managing electricity, both the generation and distribution aspects. That is the very essence of cooperativism which has now come of age against the backdrop of climate change and so much disarray, poverty and hunger caused by the pandemic. Again, thank you Sec. Dominguez for retiring coal plants; to that, our firm salute! We will even be more thankful if the One Mindanao Energy Cooperative be the one to own and manage the Agus Pulangi Hydro Power Complex as the watersheds will be protected by the cooperatives of the Indigenous Peoples!
The Yellow Ribbon Committee
War Think a minute . . . .In the year 1899, four American newspaper reporters were searching for a story. They each worked for a different newspaper in the city of Denver, Colorado. By chance they ended up together one Saturday evening when all four of them were desperately needing a story to publish the next morning in the Sunday edition. For them, “no news was bad news” when facing a deadline only hours away! Finally, they decided just to make up a story about something that happened far away in another part of the world, since it would be harder to check for truth and accuracy. Remember, this was over a hundred years ago before television, satellites, and the worldwide web. After much discussion they came up with the unbelievable story that the Chinese government was tearing down their Great Wall of China to show international goodwill and welcome foreign business trade from other nations. The story said that some American engineers were coming to China to bid on
MON-TUE|OCTOBER 25-26, 2021
Burning Coal: Leading Cause of Climate Change
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THINK A MINUTE
JHAN TIAFAU HURST the job of helping demolish the Great Wall. Remember, none of this was true! Well, by 11 o’clock Saturday night these four reporters had worked out all the details for this far-out, false story to be published the next morning in each of their four different newspapers. They never expected anybody to believe their obviously phony story that was truly “fake news”. But to the reporters’ shock, people did believe it! When the news reached the Chinese that the Americans were sending engineers to tear down their Chinese national monument, naturally they were extremely offended and WAR/PAGE 6
THE Blue Ribbon Committee has become a virtual Yellow Ribbon Committee. It took us for a ride around the globe. It purports to do invest igat ion in aid of legislation but the truth, as it is turning out, is that it has become a veritable investigation for re-election. This is a worn-out phrase but still relevant especially with the current conduct of the probe. Just look at the grand inquisitors and you know the reason why. To the man…and woman… they are all re-electionists. I have opted to shun the sound and fury from the Senate hall but the latest jig of BRC Chairman Dick G ord on re a l ly brou g ht the inquisition to childish irrelevance. Imagine, it all started with an allegation of over pr ice d p ers ona l protective equipment. The Commission on Audit says there was none. They then questioned the officials of the supplier why they drive
expensive cars and why they made donations. Lately, they took note of the expiry dates of face shields. They sent Pharmally executive to jail and put pressure on another lady executive, Ms. Kryzle Grace Mago, who, confronted with a hooded witness brought into the hearing by Riza Honteveros, “confessed” they hoodwinked the government. Mago went missing after that but later mustered enough courage to appear in the Lower House hearing into the same allegations. She totally retracted her statement before the Senate after being given assurance of protection. Am cer tain that her statements in both houses were under oath but I cannot be certain which one is true. At least in the Lower House, she was given uninterrupted time to explain in detail why some items which were damaged were replaced and how dates got mixed
up. She was not given that opportunity in the grand inquisition in the Yellow Ribbon Committee. And then comes the latest of Gordon’s razzmatazz. He made a lot of fuss on Pres. Rodrigo Duterte’s recent side trip to a Makati City mall. Digong was accompanied by Bong Go right after the Senator filed his certificate of c a n d i d a c y f or Vi c e President. Obviously, Dick tailed Duterte who wanted to buy those homemade cookies and later passed by several stores, and among them watch shops. Dick was so deliriously excited he ejaculated a m o u t h f u l o f d i at r i b e s accusing Duterte of shopping expensive watches at the height of the crisis. My gosh, this pandemic could really have a serious effect on everybody including those supposed to be doyens in the Senate. Why cannot the Executive and Legislative Departments
LETTERS FROM DAVAO
JUN LEDESMA put their acts together? While Health Sec. Francisco Duque is decidedly among the weakest link in the Duterte Cabinet, why don’t you just leave him and the rest of the health officials alone so they can attend to their duty in this time of national emergency? Or, as the President had said, why don’t they just file a case against Pharmally? President Duter te, I t h i n k , forgot t hat t h is investigation of the Yellow Ribbon Committee is, for all intent and purposes, in aid of election.
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Lacson: 2022 Election Not About Personalities But Solutions The May 2022 general elections should not be about personalities but about finding solutions to the enormous problems facing the country, Sen. Panfilo M. Lacson said Saturday. Lacson, addressing residents of Antipolo City's second district, said this would require competence, experience and integrity in public service. "Ang eleksyon sa May 2022 is not about personalities or those running for different elective positions either sa national or local. It is more about
knowing the enormous problems and offering solutions. It is more about competence, experience, and loyalty in public service," he said at his and Senate President Vicente C. Sotto III's "Online Kumustahan." " We should fix the ills of government to improve the lives of Filipinos. This cannot be done just by one, two or 10 Filipinos," he added. He reiterated the people should not look at personalities or "gimmicks," but instead at the seriousness of the problems especially
LNHS strengthens LAC sessions this school year BRENDA P. GALARPE
Full of vigor and enthusiasm, Lumbia National High School Learning Action Cell (LAC) coordinator this school year, Ms Jane Flores called for a meeting last October 21, 2021 to all year level coordinators so with subject coordinators regarding the implementation of DepEd’s strategy to enhance teacher’s teaching methodologies and pedagogies. With the permission from the principal’s office, the said subject and year level coordinators had the nerve to listen to the LAC coordinator regarding some updates about the Learning Action Cell through virtual conference. It was opened thru a prayer, followed by a prelude of LAC. Of course anchored to DepEd Order 35, s. 2016 also known as the Learning Action Cell (LAC) as a K to 12 Basic Education Program School-Based Continuing Professional Development Strategy for the Improvement of Teaching and Learning. The importance, of this is to improve the teaching-learning process that will lead to improved learning among the students; to nurture successful teachers; to enable teachers to support each other to continuously improve their content and pedagogical knowledge, practice, skills, and attitudes;. Tips to engage some challenges of LAC Sessions as usually encountered by teachers like the following: (1) Scheduling,
(2) Disruption of Classes, (3) Teachers' Availability (4) LAC Activities, (5) LAC Framework, (6) Funding were tackled. One thing sure the objective of LAC is to improve the teaching-learning process that will lead to improved learning among the students. In this year’s LAC sessions which will be scheduled according to priority, year level and subject coordinators must overcome any barrier or challenge in order to achieve the department’s goals and objectives. Support from the administration and from each other must also be continuously observed for the good of everyone most of all for the learners. If ever resistance is evidently noticed, so with lack of commitment it should be easily addressed by the school head through round table discussion. The best part of the virtual conference was the willingness of the teachers to cooperate in the scheduled sessions for the sharing of brilliant ideas, concerns on conflict of time and other assigned tasks and the learning modalities of the school. In conclusion, Ms. Flores reiterated the optimism and dedication to serve by the teachers for everybody’s welfare. More readings also on DepEd Order No. 35, s. 2016 was emphasized.
The Beauty In Life WENNIE RUTHSEN C. PILAPIL
It’s a common question but begs an answer you most likely always have to think hard about. Or not. Sometimes, we use adjectives to describe it—to try and put the meaning of life in a nutshell but is a nutshell enough to compress all that is makes life…life? Perhaps not. When we hear or read the question, most people immediately think of what life has made them feel. Is it success? Failure that led to depression? Sadness? Is it joy? Or is life unpredictable to some? As a matter of fact, there is no exact meaning to what life is—unless we take the literal sense. Then life is us breathing. Existing. Just that. But we all know there is more to life than breathing in and out oxygen from the healthy trees Mother Nature produces. The meaning of life differs from one person to another. To others, it’s easy to describe it with an adjective. To some, it’s anything that’s painful. And nobody is wrong about that. Life is what we make it out to be. The beauty of our lives are what we make it out to be. Granted, there are millions of things out of our control but one thing we can
be sure of and one thing we can be certain about is the emotion we feel on certain things—on certain occasions. How do we deal with our problems? Do we point the blame on someone else to make it easier for us? How do we overcome challenges? Do we strive hard to accomplish our goals despite the hurdles lying in wait? How do we face the consequences of our actions? Do we run from it? How do we live our lives every day? Do we include God in everything we do? Do we respect other people’s beliefs? How we react to situations depends on us, alone. Although, there are factors that could affect our decisions but it all boils down to you making that final decision. Now whether you blame your faults on someone else or run away from your problems is but a choice you, yourself make. Opinions from others will always be there but as mentioned earlier, it is you who makes the choice and nobody else. You. In the end, it’s what matters to a person that could give meaning to what life is to them. Life could mean nothing. Life could mean everything. Life could mean beauty.
amid the pandemic. Lacson, who is running for President under Partido Reporma, also reiterated that while the problems facing the country - including a huge debt, corruption, the effects of the Covid pandemic, and sovereignty in the West Philippine Sea - are due to bad government, the solution also lies in good government. He said it is
important to restore trust in the government - something he intends to do through policies, including disciplining the bureaucracy through leadership by example. Also, he said the solutions to the problems must be based on data, science and research, even as the government must work more closely with the private sector and local government units
instead of engaging in overregulation. " We should restore trust in our leadership. That is what the Lacson-Sotto tandem intends to do," he said. "The biggest problem of this country is government - bad government. Ang solution hindi lalayo sa problema. It lies in the face of the problem itself. Government ang solution, good government," he added.
Republic of the Philippines REGIONAL TRIAL COURT OF MISAMIS ORIENTAL 10TH Judicial Region Branch 18 Cagayan de Oro City ARWIN L. NERI, EJF FILE NO. 2021-962 Assignee, -versus- FOR: EXTRA-JUDICIAL FORECLOSURE OF REAL ESTATE MORTGAGE UNDER ACT NO. 3135 AS AMENDED MAHID B. SABDULLAH, Mortgagor, x-------------------------------/ Upon extra-judicial petition for sale under Act 3135 as amended, filed by RWIN L. NERI, Assignee, with postal address at Block 5, Lot 4, Phase 2, Villa Flora Subd., Cugman, Cagayan de Oro City against MAHID B. SABDULLAH, Mortgagor, with known address at Cagayan de Oro City, to satisfy the mortgage indebtedness amounted to TWO HUNDRED THIRTY SIX THOUSAND TWO HUNDRED FIFTY PESOS (Php236,250.00), the undersigned sheriff will sell at public auction on November 11, 2021 at 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. at the Regional Trial Court, Branch 18, Hall of Justice, Goldridge Bldg., Masterson Ave., cor. P.N. Roa Sr., Ave., Upper Carmen, Cagayan de Oro City, to the highest bidder for CASH and in Philippine Currency, the Following property described below including all existing improvements found thereon. Transfer Certificate of Title No.T-92674 A PARCEL OF LAND (Lot 6 Block 5, Psd-104305-017447, being a portion of Lot 2657, Cad-237, Cagayan Cadastre) situated in the Barrio of Gusa, City of Cagayan de Oro, Island of Mindanao. Xxxxx….., containing an area of One Hundred Forty (140) sq.m., more or less.
All sealed bids must be submitted to the undersigned on the above stated time and date.
In the event auction sale cannot take place for whatever legal reason, the same will proceed on the Following working day, without further notice, posting and publication. Prospective buyers may investigate for themselves, the title herein above described and encumbrance thereon, if any there be.
Cagayan de Oro City, September 30, 2021. FOR THE EX-OFFICIO PROVINCIAL SHERIFF (SGD) NIZA P. TACANDONG Sheriff IV
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MON-TUE|OCTOBER 25-26, 2021
AJ Raval sizzles in Taya Erotic desires and valuable lives are at stake in Vivamax’s latest psychedelic erotic thriller original movie, TAYA starring the “Bagong Pantasya ng Bayan”, AJ Raval and “Anak ng Macho Dancer” star, Sean De Guzman. Journalism student Sixto (Sean De Guzman) discovered that the woman, who has been in his countless wet dreams, is one of the prizes of an online “ending” game, and he did not hesitate to bet for her. He won the bet, but because of his own gambling error, he did not realize that he played for another woman named Nanette (AJ Raval). After series of sexual encounters, EXTRA-JUDICIAL SETTLEMENT AMONG HEIRS WITH WAIVER OF RIGHTS KNOW ALL MEN BY THESE PRESENTS: That the late ALMA G. ZERRUDO, who died in Liloan, Cebu on May 15, 2020, without any will; that said deceased, at the time of her death, left certain real properties with TCT No. 133-2018000136 situated at San Miguel, Manolo Fortich, Bukidnon, paraphernal property containing an area of 200 sq.m, co-owned by HELENITA N. GRANADA and ALMA G. ZERRUDO and TCT No. 133-2018000133 situated in San Miguel, Manolo Fortich, Bukidnon, paraphernal property, containing an area of 200 sq.m; in the name of siblings; MARGARITA MAYOLINA N. GRANADA, JOVENAL N. GRANADA, LOIDA N. GRANADA, HELENITA N. GRANADA, RHIZA MAE N. GRANADA, MA. LUISA G. CABAJES and ALMA G. ZERRUDO, that for and in consideration of my love and affection, I do hereby forever waive, renounce, relinquish and discharge my rights over said properties in favor of my children, namely: ZOIE DANIELLE ZERRUDO, ZAKHAR DANIEL ZERRUDO and ZIAD DANEAL ZERRUDO, all minors, Filipino, and residents of Liloan, Cebu, and has been the subject of an EXTRA-JUDICIAL SETTLEMENT AMONG HEIRS WITH WAIVER OF RIGHTS, filed by the heirs of ALMA G. ZERRUDO, per DOC #389; PAGE #78; BOOK #92; Series of 2020 under the Notarial Registry of ATTY. EDDIE C. CUARESMA. BWM: October 11, 18 & 25, 2021
Sixto becomes addicted to Nanette and promised to take her away from the syndicate that condemned her as an online ending prize. Coming from two VIVAMAX hit movies, “Paglaki Ko Gusto Kong Maging Pornstar” and “Death of a Girlfriend”, AJ Raval takes on another daring role in TAYA. Every film, AJ gets bolder, and she is getting known now as “Bagong Pantasya ng Bayan”. From “Anak ng Macho Dancer”, Sean De Guzman gets another lead role in a movie where he can showcase again his great body and great acting prowess. With AJ and Sean in one movie, TAYA will open the way for a new generation of talented and sexy actors. Joining in this Psychedelic-EroticThriller film are the sultry actresses Jela Cuenca and Angeli Khang. Together with Soliman Cruz, Mon Confiado, Pio Balbuena and Raul Morit.
Directed by Roman Perez Jr. who also directed the erotic-thriller “Adan” and written by 2018 Cinemalaya Best Screenwriter John Carlo Pacala, expect that TAYA is not just your ordinary sexy film. Because aside from the daring sexy scenes, the thrilling twists and turns of the story will also get you on the edge of your seat. So prepare to bet it all and risk it all when you watch TAYA on August 27, streaming on ktx.ph, iWantTFC, TFC IPTV and on VIVAMAX. Watch TAYA and more blockbuster movies and shows when you subscribe to VIVAMAX. Subscribe using VIVAMAX app via Google Play Store and App Store. For only P29, you can unli-watch for three days, P149/month, and P399 for 3 months for bigger savings! You can pay through GCash, Globe, Smart, Visa/ Mastercard, PayMaya or PayPal account that’s linked on your Google or Apple account. You can also
EXTRAJUDICIAL SETTLEMENT WITH SPECIAL POWER OF ATTORNEY
EXTRA-JUDICIAL SETTLEMENT OF ESTATE WITH SALE
KNOW ALL MEN BY THESE PRESENTS: That the late AZUERO T. VEDAD who died intestate on December 30, 1991 at Cagayan de Oro City and TERESITA B. VEDAD who died intestate on January 15, 2001 at Cagayan de Oro City, that during the lifetime of the late SPOUSES AZUERO T. VEDAD AND TERESITA B. VEDAD, Left one (1) parcel of land with Transfer Certificate of Title No. T-6788 situated in the Barrio of Igpit, Municipality of Opol, Province of Misamis Oriental, Island of Mindanao, containing an area of TWENTY THREE THOUSAND NINE HUNDRED AND NINE (23,909) SQUARE METERS, MORE OR LESS, and has been the subject of an EXTRAJUDICIAL SETTLEMENT WITH SPECIAL POWER OF ATTORNEY, filed by the heirs of SPOUSES AZUERO T. VEDAD AND TERESITA B. VEDAD, per DOC #408; PAGE #82; BOOK #01; Series of 2021 under the Notarial Registry of ATTY. IRA JANE Y. PALLE-AMOGUIS. BWM: October 11, 18 & 25, 2021
KNOW ALL MEN BY THESE PRESENTS: That the late couple ASISCLO R. LAGNADA and PAMFILA T. DECENA who died on December 13, 1991 and November 23, 1988 respectively, without any will nor any unsettled obligation to any person nor to the government and that the deceased couple is survived by their eight (8) legitimate children, that sometime in July 29, 1981, the late ASISCLO R. LAGNADA bought a parcel of residential land from SALVADOR I. PACANA, married to FELICISIMA N. PACANA (both are now deceased) identified as Lot No. 1325-I-11, Psd10-025056 and covered by TCT No. T-150967, with an area of FIVE HUNDRED FOUR (504) SQUARE, more or less, located at Kauswagan, Cagayan de Oro City, that the money used in buying the subject property was from the savings of NAPOLEON D. LAGNADA who is one of the heirs and that the above-named heirs have recently agreed to sell a portion of the above-described parcel of land with an area of THREE HUNDRED FIFTY (350) SQUARE METERS, MORE OR LESS to NICETAS L. CASICAS, the herein VENDEE, likewise of legal age, Filipino, married to ELMA E. CASICAS and a resident of 1289 ostrich St., San Isidro Village, Kauswagan, Cagayan de Oro City, that the remaining portion of ONE HUNDRED FIFTY-FOUR (154) SQUARE METERS as agreed shall be retained as the respective shares of the two (2) siblings of NAPOLEON LAGNADA namely, FLORIFINA D. LAGNADA and the heirs of WARLITA aka’ LITA LAGNADA TAGUD, as represented by Engr. JERSAM LAGNADA TAGUD, and has been the subject of an EXTRAJUDICIAL SETTLEMENT OF ESTATE WITH SALE, filed by the heirs of ASISCLO R. LAGNADA and PAMFILA T. DECENA, per DOC #1502; PAGE #287; BOOK #XXIX; Series of 2021 under the Notarial Registry of ATTY. ISIDRO L. CARACOL. BWM: Oct. 25, Nov. 1 & 8, 2021
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subscribe at web.vivamax. net, select a plan and you can pay through EC Pay outlets: 7 Eleven, and All Day, or through PayMongo, GrabPay, and GCash or through PayMaya. For payment thru E-commerce, you may choose from Lazada, Shopee, GCash, ComWorks Clickstore, PayMaya, or Globe One. For payment thru authorized outlets, you may choose from Load Manna, ComWorks, and Load Central partner outlets: Cebuana Lhuillier, Palawan Express. You can also call your local Cable Operators to subscribe to VIVAMAX: Sky Cable, Cable Link, KCAT Fiber, Air Cable, Aklan Cable Television Co., Inc. Cebu Cable HD, Cotabato Cable Television Network Corp., Concepcion Pay TV Network Inc., BCTVI, Paradise
Cable Television Nework, Inc., Wesfardell Connect, Z-energy Cable TV Network Inc. Vivamax is also available in the Middle East! To our dear fellow Pinoys in UAE, Saudi Arabia, Kuwait, Oman, Bahrain, and Qatar, watch all you can for only AED35/ month. In Europe, Vivamax can be streamed for only 8 GBP/month. Vivamax, atin ‘to! More affordable, more ways to subscribe, more time to watch-all-you-can so #SubscribeToTheMax now to the country’s Pambansang Streaming App, VIVAMAX! Starting August 1, 2021 Vivamax will be available in Hong Kong, Singapore, Malaysia and Japan! Plus the screen cast to TV feature will be available to mirror your favorite movies/shows in the comfort of your TV screens* Vivamax, atin ‘to!
angry! One group of Chinese patriots even rioted and attacked embassies, killing hundreds of foreigners. In fact, this imaginary story and hoax, made up by four news reporters, contributed to the international conflict and bloodshed in China known as the Boxer Rebellion. The power of our words can be used for great good or great evil. Even what we think are just small jokes, gossip, or white lies can deeply wound, even destroy, people. Won’t you ask Jesus to forgive you, and to help you control what you say—before you start a war of words that hurts your family, friends, or others? Just think a minute.
Internet reliability By EMILY D. COMCOM Teacher I Bulua Central School
THE Internet, being of prime importance in our lives, surely has placed itself to a position wherein its importance and need can’t be measured. The Internet is important indeed no matter what and without it, the urban populace precisely is going to land in a big trouble. Internet is constant, meticulously fixed in its EXTRAJUDICIAL SETTLEMENT WITH DEED OF ABSOLUTE SALE KNOW ALL MEN BY THESE PRESENTS: That the late EMMYLOU V. DOÑA, that deceased died intestate without will or testament, and without any outstanding debts in favor of any person or entity; that during the lifetime of the deceased he is lawful owner of parcel of land with Transfer Certificate of Title No. T-150845 situated at Bugo, Cagayan de Oro City, Misamis Oriental, containing an area of TWO HUNDRED FIFTY (250) SQUARE METERS, more or less, and has been the subject of an EXTRAJUDICIAL SETTLEMENT WITH DEED OF ABSOLUTE SALE, filed by the heirs of EMMYLOU V. DOÑA, in favor of BERNADITA J. VINING, as per DOC #165; PAGE #34; BOOK #92;Series of 2021 under the Notarial Registry of ATTY. QUINTILIANITO S. BABARIN, JR. BWM: Oct. 25, Nov. 1 & 8, 2021
place but the effects caused from Internet isn’t. Effects of Internet keep on changing according to situations primarily. The Internet is an abode for good, bad, best, evil, disastrous and heavenly stuffs as well. We can preassume anything about the Internet thinking that it may have only the good stuff. No, straightaway! It is a pathetic place because Internet is highly prone to cybercrime which is quite
prevalent globally. On the contrary, the Internet serves the best when we hit the right track and choose the right path and do not deviate deliberately. It solely depends on the user how s/he uses the Internet. The Internet can be a place of hell where the evil resides whereas, it can also be a homeland to the best of the things that we like to discover and enhance our knowledge and skills beyond boundaries.
GREAT VALUE SHOP V. Castro St., Carmen, Cagayan de Oro City NOTICE OF AUCTION Starting November 5, 2021 (Friday) at 8:30 A.M. to 5 P.M., this establishment will set an Auction Sale on all pledges since June 5, 2021. Patrons are enjoined to verify their receipts. MANAGEMENT PAHIBALO Sa Nobyembre 5, 2021 ang (Biyernes) sa may 8:30 A.M., sa buntag paingon sa alas 5:00 sa hapon, ang tanan nga penirenda nga wala ma lukat sa bulan sa Hunyo 5, 2021 maapil sa subasta. Giawhag ang tanan suki sa pagsusi sa ilang resibo. ANG TAGDUMALA BWM: Oct. 25, 2021 NEW LIGHT PAWNSHOP Main: Gen. Capistrano Neri St., Cagayan de Oro City Branch: Don S. Osmeña St., Fronting Public Market, Cagayan de Oro City NOTICE OF AUCTION Starting November 5, 2021 (Friday) at 8:30 A.M. to 5 P.M., this establishment will set an Auction Sale on all pledges since June 5, 2021. Patrons are enjoined to verify their receipts. MANAGEMENT PAHIBALO Sa Nobyembre 5, 2021 ang (Biyernes) sa may 8:30 A.M. sa buntag paingon sa alas 5:00 sa hapon, ang tanan nga penirenda nga wala ma lukat sa bulan sa Hunyo 5, 2021 maapil sa subasta. Giawhag ang tanan suki sa pagsusi sa ilang resibo. ANG TAGDUMALA BWM: Oct. 25, 2021
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MON-TUE|OCTOBER 25-26, 2021
Lanzones... from page 1
activities from October 24 to 31, can be viewed through online streaming on social media. Among this year’s activities are the special votive Mass for all parishes in Camiguin on October 24; TikTok dance challenge, October 24-30; online agri-tourism trade fair, October 25; “paksoy” or costume design competition, October 26; the festival king and queen contest, October 28; and inter-municipality cooking contest, October 29. The festival will also coincide with the reopening of Camiguin’s tourism industry, which is expected to boost the local economy. R o mu a l d o s a i d t h e provincial government had to order the temporar y closure of resorts and tourist destinations and prohibition of entry of tourists since last year as the cases of coronavirus disease 2019 (Covid-19) in the country started to shoot up. Before the declaration of the national health crisis, Camiguin recorded more than 800,000 tourist arrivals per year. The number of visitors usually peak during the Lenten season and Lanzones Festival. Tourism recovery Transportation Secretary Arthur Tugade, with officials of the Civil Aviation Authority of the Philippines (CAAP), inaugurated the improved and upgraded Camiguin Airport in Northern Mindanao on Friday, before its reopening on October 25. The completed projects included the fire station building, passenger terminal building, administration building, CAAP Security and Intelligence Service building, and runway asphalt overlay. Tugade said as Camiguin reopens its economy and EXTRA-JUDICIAL SETTLEMENTOF ESTATE KNOW ALL MEN BY THESE PRESENTS: ZURHAYDA ABBAS DOMANDAY is the surviving wife of the late MORAKIE P. DOMANDAY who died intestate on June 7, 2021 at Panggao Saduc, Marawi City, and during their marriage, they were blessed with eight (8) children; during his lifetime was connected with the Department of Environment and Natural Resources as Asst. Regional Director of Region XII from where he retired sometime in 2019; before his death , he opened a savings account with the Metrobank, Iligan Branch with account no. 543-354358451-8 where he deposited the proceeds of his retirement benefits in the amount of Five Million Two Hundred Thirty Four Thousand Five Hundred and Fifty Eight Centavos (Php5,534,505.58); this Five Million Two Hundred Thirty Four Thousand Five Hundred and Fifty Eight Centavos (Php5,534,505.58) is the subject of this extra-judicial settlements for us to equally divide among surviving heirs of the late MORAKIE P. DOMANDAY after the same has been withdrawn by our mother, ZURHAYDA ABBAS DOMANDAY from the Metrobank, iligan City Branch as we have authorized her to withdraw it on our behalf, and has been the subject of an EXTRAJUDICIAL SETTLEMENTOF ESTATE, filed by the heirs of MORAKIE P. DOMANDAY, as per DOC #189; PAGE #38; BOOK #1; Series of 2021 under the Notarial Registry of ATTY. ELIAS R. YUSOPH. BWM: Oct. 18, 25 & Nov. 1, 2021
welcomes tourists next week, the completed transport facilities and infrastructure projects would augment the recovery not only of the province but the region, as well. "If Camiguin is indeed a beauty, which it is, it needs to be given mobility and connectivity for the people of Camiguin, so that the energy and sweetness of Camiguin will be seen, felt, and experienced again," he said. It has been almost two years since Camiguin closed its borders to tourists due to the coronavirus disease 2019 (Covid-19) pandemic. Meanwhile, to further d e ve l op t h e C am i g u i n Airport, future projects such as the expansion and improvement of check-in and pre-departure areas, the provision of a control tower, and the improvement of the vehicular parking area are also slated to be done. A feasibility study on the development of the airport to accommodate larger aircraft and jet aircraft operations has also been proposed for next year. “By next year, we will make a feasibility study where we can locate and improve the existing (airport) runway. T he ai r p or t ( c ap a c it y ) depends on the size and width, as it also depends on the kind of airplane (it can accommodate). Now if there will be international flights from smaller airplanes, it can become an international airport," CAAP Director General Jim Sydionco said. Sustaining the economy Except for the suspension of the operations of tourism sites, the island’s economic activities have been sustained, with stores and food establishments still open to residents, Romualdo said. “Our economy was not at all crippled by the pandemic. Our local governmentinitiated inf rastr ucture projects have continued, and (the) inflow of basic c om mo d it i e s f rom t he mainland has not been hampered,” he said. He added that it was a good thing that small- and medium-sized resorts have no outstanding bank loans so they were spared from having to suffer from debts and financial burdens. Candice Naomi Dael, the provincial tourism officer, estimated that the island’s tourism sector has lost PHP2 billion since March 2020 due to the pandemic.
Dael said the figure was computed based on the daily expenditures of a tourist while staying in Camiguin before tourism activities were suspended. These expenses include souvenir items, food, rentals, transportation fares, entrance fees, hotel, and other accommodations. Romualdo said the reopening of the island to tourists could be seen as a return of the people’s livelihood and income. For instance, he said, a seller of “kiping” (a circular wafer made of cassava and topped with caramelized muscovado sugar) used to earn as much as PHP3,000 to PHP5,000 a day. “ T hat’s just for t he ordinary vendors. Restaurants and resorts (were) earning more before the pandemic,” Romualdo said, noting that a particular resort operator’s monthly income pre-pandemic could reach as much as PHP10 million a month. With the resumption of tourism operations, he said, the earnings and livelihood of Camiguin’s entrepreneurs and business owners would return to normal. Vaccination for tourism workers Romualdo said the province is expected to reach population protection as soon as all of its residents are vaccinated. “It can be done (herd immunity). Our target is 70,000. We are almost at 40,000. We plan on vaccinating at least 1,000 residents every Wednesday, Thursday, Friday, and Saturday. We hope to reach that target by January. Once that’s done, we will then start vaccinating those 12-year-old and older,” he said. Romualdo said the countr y’s vaccine czar, Secretary Carlito Galvez Jr., has pledged to provide Camiguin with doses of Pfizer, Moderna, and Sinovac vaccines. (PNA)
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asphalt overlay of the runway (P93.04-M). C am i g u i n G ove r n or Jurdin Jesus Romualdo, meanwhile, said the airport plans to hire only locals. "This would be a great help especially for their families, this alone could create a triple impact in our economy," he said. He also assured travelers that they will be protected
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against the coronavirus disease 2019 once the island province reopens for tourism on Oct. 25. "We have 1,200 p er day vaccination for our tourism workers, so they can accommodate the visitors better," he said. In the afternoon of the same day, Tugade, along with officials of the Land Transportation Franchising a n d R e g u l at or y B o a rd (LTFRB) and Camiguin, led the launching of the Service Contracting Program (SCP) Phase 2. A contract signing between the LTFRB and the Camiguin Transport Cooperative was made during the event. Through the program, a total of 35 public utility jeepneys (PUJs) will be utilized to provide free rides for the healthcare workers, essential workers, and Authorized Persons Outside Residence (APORs) in Camiguin. The PUJs will be plying the Mambajao to Mambajao circumferential loop service in the island province. The SCP aims to provide PUJ drivers with financial incentives on a per kilometer basis, which would greatly help them sustain their daily needs, especially amid the prevailing pandemic. (PNA)
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means higher cost of capital for us,” said gasoline station proprietor Oliver Ong. He emphasized that gas station owners are not at liberty to set oil prices. “Singapore is the regional powerhouse of fuel refinery,” he said. The Department of Energy (DOE) has been using for years Mean of Platts Singapore (MOPS) as benchmark in the pricing of local fuel products. MOPS, being the daily average of all transactions involving diesel and gasoline, is being monitorted by gas station owners and managers for fuel prices. It is summed up by Standard and Poor’s Platts, a Singapore-based market wire service. The DOE website posts weekly comparative fuel pump prices, which showed that in Zamboanga City, average price on October 19-23 was P65.31 for RON 91 and P57.52 for diesel across companies.
For the same period, RON 91 price was P60.64 and diesel price was P52.90 in Pagadian City. In Zamboanga del Norte and Dipolog City the prices of the respective products were P56.95 and P51.95; in Cagayan de Oro City, P60.93 and P52.16; in Davao City, P59.79 and P59.17; and in General Santos City, P60.58 and P51.65. Pedro Rufo S oliven, Zamboanga City Chamber of Commerce and Industry Foundation Inc. president, expressed hopes that the matter would be addressed and resolved soon. He said businessmen have been holding meetings on the issue for months now, and all have asked the national government to intervene. He said the Philippine Competition Commission had responded in September but that no solution is in sight yet. In two different fuel pump stations, gas boys admitted the increase by one to two pesos weekly has become part of “the new normal.”
Buenavista farmers Meanwhile, a separate 320 bags of certified inbred rice seeds composed of RC 216, RC 442, and RC 160 have also been distributed to 136 rice farmers in Buenavista, Agusan del Norte. In a separate interview on Friday afternoon, Cyril Udtojan, the RCEFAgusan del Norte provincial coordinator, said the 320 bags of rice seeds were delivered to Buenavista town on Monday and were distributed to the RSBSA registered rice farmers on Thursday. “Most of the beneficiaries in Buenavista are rice farmers with half a hectare to onehectare rice farms. They received one to two bags of certified rice seeds on Thursday,” Udtojan said. He added that about 1,000 bags of certified rice seeds are scheduled to be delivered to Buenavista in the second week of November.
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beneficiaries can avail of two bags of free certified inbred rice seeds for every one hectare of rice farm,” Reyes said.
Challenges of teachers in time of pandemic ROEL R. LAMBERTE Agusan National High School
EXTRA challenging but still rewarding. This is probably how most Filipino teachers would describe what it’s like to teach under a new learning setup amid a raging pandemic. For the second straight year, the Department of Education (DepEd) is implementing the Basic Education-Learning Continuity Plan (BE-LCP), which was crafted as a response to the disruptions brought by the COVID-19 pandemic to the education sector. Under the BE-LCP, education is delivered to students in the comfort of their homes through multiple learning delivery modalities. Whether it’s printed or
offline modular, online, television, or radio-based instruction, or “blended learning,” a combination of these modalities, teachers play a very important role in ensuring that education continues regardless of its form and shape. In the education sector, teachers are considered frontliners in this pandemic. Just like how health workers take care of their p at ients, te achers are expected to look after their students to ensure that their education continues despite all the challenges. I hope that we will all be challenged to continually do what we can to bring and create innovative and daring methods of teaching so that we can bring education to all our learners.
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Cebu Pacific offers priority boarding with Go Ahead Available with premium seat for as low as PHP 350 Cebu Pacific, the Philippines’ leading airline, will launch on October 28 another customer-first initiative through its newest offering, Go Ahead, which will allow passengers to experience priority boarding. For as low as PHP 350, passengers flying to and from anywhere in the Philippines can now purchase a premium seat on any of CEB’s flights, and experience priority boarding, along with extra legroom. This offers maximum comfort for everyJuan for a very affordable
amount. “We are happy to now make this available for our domestic flyers so they too may experience the convenience of flying easy with Cebu Pacific. With Go Ahead, passengers will also be able to secure space at the overhead bins for their handcarried bags ahead of everyone else,” said Candice Iyog, Vice President for Marketing & Customer Experience. Purchasing seats ahead of time will also provide assurance
that everyJuan may sit together with their companions, wherever they prefer. “Trust that we will keep doing what we can to ensure our service keeps improving for our passengers for #MoreSmilesAhead,” added Iyog. CEB’s premium seat product may be availed during initial booking online for only PHP 350. It will also be available for those who decide to add it on after receiving their itineraries via CEB’s manage booking portal on the
website, for a slightly higher fee. This perk is also available for international flights for as low as PHP 650. Passengers are also advised to put their own contact
information and update their details as necessary via https:// bit.ly/CEBUpdateInfo to receive email notifications on flight reminders and updates.
Fly easy, going online is key! Visit www.cebupacificair. com to learn more about their latest offerings, safety protocols, and travel reminders.