BusinessWeek Mindanao (October 28-29, 2022)

Social pendion

MEMBERS of senior citizen organizations are pushing for equal opportunities for the elderly in getting social pensions. In an interview Thursday, Benjamin Medina Sr., 80, president of the Office for Senior Citizens’ Affairs (OSCA) in Laguindingan, Misamis Oriental, said present social pension programs need to become inclusive. "Whether you are poor or a retiree from (the) government or private sector, everyone should be getting social pensions," he said.

Support forcoffee infustry

DAVAO City – The Department of Agriculture's Philippine Rural Development Project (DA-PRDP) handed over P1.2 million in support funds to boost Davao Oriental province’s coffee industry. In a statement Thursday, DA-PRDP said the amount will fund the “Coffee Advancement for Productivity and Industry Development in the Province of Davao Oriental” convergence project under I-PLAN Subcomponent 1.2. “The I-PLAN subcomponent 1.2 provides support for training, research, and coordination for different priority commodities,” the DA-PRDP said.

Shift to corn

STO. TOMAS, Davao del Norte –The local chief executive here has called on the national government to help small-scale banana farmers address the onslaught of Fusarium wilt or Panama disease. In an interview Wednesday, Mayor Roland Dejesica said the Panama disease has reached alarming levels, forcing farmers to shift to corn and threatening the long term viability of the town's banana industry. According to Dejesica, Sto. Tomas town accounts for at least 70 percent of the total banana planted areas in Davao del Norte.

Bullish prospects for Mindanao agriculture

By Mike Banos Editor-at-Large

Mindanao

Diwali fest highlights at Indian cultural night

By Mike Banos Editor-at-Large

Samal-Davao bridge to develop region's economic potential: PBBM

DAVAO City – President Ferdinand R. Marcos is confident that the PHP23billion Samal Island-Davao City Connector (SIDC) bridge project will provide many economic opportunities to the Davao region by ensuring smoother mobility of people and goods once completed.

DAVAO City

Former

Rotary 3870 District Governor Angelo "Biong" Ladub receives from Rotary Club of West Cagayan de Oro President Dr. Dures Fe Tagayuna the Club Leadership Plan during the District Governor's Club

Photo

by Mona Lagbas

Oro Chamber Pres. Ray Talimio, DOST Usec Sancho Mabborang, Indian Ambassafor HE Shambhu S. Kumaran and PCCI Region X Governor Ruben A. Vegafria getting ready to cut the ribbon during the Oct 26 launching of the Oro BEST Expo 2022 (DOST-10 photo)

The

members of Rotary Club of Cagayan de Oro and its spouses lead by its president Bong Butaslac and Abing Butaslac

BARMM lauds JICA’s continued help to region

COTABATO City – The Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM has welcomed the new Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) representative for the region as it thanked the agency’s continuing support in managing the finances of the regional bureaucracy. In a statement Wednesday, Minister Ubaida Pacasem of the BARMM’s Ministry of Finance, Budget and Management (MFBM) said the agency is elated by the continuing commitment of JICA in advancing financial and budget management of the region. “To Mr. Yo Ebisawa, thank you for your efforts, especially in strengthening Public Financial Management (PFM) in BARMM," Pacasem told the outgoing JICA representative. JICA representatives paid a courtesy call to BARMM officials at the regional center here Tuesday. Ide Soichiro has replaced Ebisawa as

the new JICA representative for BARMM. “Mr. Ide Soichiro, we welcome you to the BARMM as we embark on another milestone in advancing financial and budget management in the region. The MFBM remains committed to working with you," Pacasem said. He also expressed his gratitude for the invaluable support of JICA to BARMM since the ratification of the Republic Act 11054, also known as the Bangsamoro Organic Law. "We see all of these as a gesture of goodwill that has proven helpful as we continue to work in achieving a transparent, inclusive, and responsible government anchored to the principles of moral governance,” he said. Through JICA, Japan has been a leading figure among international partners of the Philippine government that are engaged in peace and development initiatives in the southern Philippines. (PNA)

2 Caraga LGUs get high ratings as child-friendly towns

BUTUAN City – The towns of Sison in Surigao del Norte and Jabonga in Agusan del Norte both garnered 96 percent ratings in the 2021 child-friendly local governance audit, a copy of the result obtained by the Philippine News Agency on Wednesday showed. Twenty-two other towns and two cities in the region also made it to the list of the 2021 Seal of Child-Friendly Local Governance (SCFLG) audit. The two cities include Bayugan City in Agusan del Sur which garnered 91 percent, and Cabadbaran City in Agusan del Norte, with 88 percent. In Agusan

del Sur, nine towns will receive the seal: Trento, Sibagat, Bunawan, Rosario, San Luis, Talacogon, Prosperidad, Loreto, and Veruela. The other towns in Surigao del Norte declared childfriendly include Gigaquit, Mainit, Claver, and Tubod. Two more towns in Agusan del Norte, Buenavista and Tubay, made it to the list. Three towns in Surigao del Sur will also receive the seal: Cagwait, Hinatuan, and Lianga, as well as three in the Province of Dinagat Islands: San Jose, Cagdianao, and Basilisa. In a statement Wednesday, the local government unit (LGU) of Sison said it was the second time for the town to receive the SCFLG. “The municipality of Sison was also recognized as among the child-friendly towns in the Caraga Region in 2019,” it said. The two

EXTRA-JUDICIAL SETTLEMENT OF ESTATE

KNOW ALL MEN BY THESE PRESENTS:

That the late GERONIMO B. BASALO, JR. who died on MARCH 12, 2011, that said deceased died intestate, without a Will or Testament and without any outstanding debts in favor of any person or entity, that the deceased left a real properties, A RESIDENTIAL LAND, with Tax Declaration No. G-187019, situated in the Bulua, City of Cagayan de Oro, Province of Misamis Oriental, Island of Mindanao, containing an area of TWO HUNDRED FIFTY (250) SQUARE METERS, more or less, and has been the subject of EXTRA-JUDICIAL SETTLEMENT OF ESTATE, filed by the heirs of GERONIMO B. BASALO, JR., per DOC#145;PAGE#30;BOOK#2;Series of 2019 under the Notarial Registry of ATTY. KATRINA G. MORDENO.

recognitions, it added, are manifestations of the continuation of the LGU of the child welfare and protection programs. The CFLGA is an annual mandatory audit aimed to evaluate the effectiveness of LGUs in the implementation of programs and policies of the government to improve the welfare condition of children. The audit is anchored on the core rights of children under the categories of survival, development, protection, participation, and governance. (PNA)

EXTRAJUDICIAL SETTLEMENT BETWEEN HEIRS WITH SALE

KNOW ALL MEN BY THESE PRESENTS:

That the late Spouses RONITO A. ABELLA, who died intestate on August 22, 2016 at Manticao, Misamis Oriental, and RAQUEL F. ABELLA, who died intestate on January 23, 2011 at Manticao, Misamis Oriental, without leaving any Last Will or Testament, and Without any Outstanding debt, during their lifetime they left a parcel of land, with TAX DECLARATION No. 22-0008-00073 located at Patag, Naawan, Misamis Oriental, with an area of SEVEN THOUSAND SIX HUNDRED FORTY-TWO (7,642) SQUARE METERS, more or less, and has been the subject of EXTRAJUDICIAL SETTLEMENT BETWEEN HEIRS WITH SALE, That the parties hereto with full civil capacity to contract, hereby these presents as HEIRS/VENDORS agree to sell and alienate the SEVEN THOUSAND ONE HUNDRED FIFTYONE (7,151) SQUARE METERS, more or less and they hereby undertake to convey, cede, sell and transfer the ownership thereof to FE R. AGUILAR, of legal age, single, Filipino Citizen and resident of Naawan, Misamis Oriental, hereinafter referred to as VENDEE in the amount of THREE HUNDRED THOUSAND PESOS (300,000) Philippine Currency, filed by the heirs of Spouses RONITO A. ABELLA and RAQUEL F. ABELLA, per DOC#298;PAGE#60;BOOK#18;Series of 2020 under the Notarial Registry of ATTY. ALMIRA B.VALDEZ.

BWM: Oct. 21,28,

EXTRA JUDICIAL SETTLEMENT OF ESTATE

KNOW ALL MEN BY THESE PRESENTS:

That the late ROMUALDO I. BUGASH, who died on April 09, 2020 in Manolo, Fortich Bukidnon, that said diseased died intestate, without will or testament, and without any outstanding debts in favor of any person or entity; that during his lifetime he is the absolute owner of a parcel of land with Transfer Certificate of Title No. T-14194 Lot 455, Gss-549, situated in the Municipality of Manolo fortich, Province of Bukidnon, containing an area of EIGHTEEN THOUSAND FIVE HUNDRED AND NINETY FIVE (18,595) SQUARE METERS, and has been the subject of EXTRA JUDICIAL SETTLEMENT OF ESTATE, filed by the heirs of ROMUALDO I. BUGASH, per DOC#77;PAGE#16;BOOK#93; Series of 2022 under Notarial Registry of ATTY. QUINTILIANITO S. BABARIN JR. BWM: Oct. 21,28, & Nov. 4, 2022

EXTRAJUDICIAL SETTLEMENT BETWEEN HEIRS WITH SALE

KNOW ALL MEN BY THESE PRESENTS:

That the late DOMINGA JAUDIAN SATURNO who died intestate on November 28, 1981 at Naawan, Misamis Oriental, without leaving any Last Will or Testament, and without any outstanding debt, at the time of her death left A parcel of land, with ORIGINAL CERTIFICATE OF TITLE P-11402 Lot No. 48, Pls-616-D, situated in the Barrio of Jagnaya, Municipality of Naawan, Misamis Oriental, Province of Misamis Oriental, Island of Mindanao, containing an area of EIGHT THOUSAND TWELVE (8,012) SQUARE METERS, and has been the subject of EXTRAJUDICIAL SETTLEMENT BETWEEN HEIRS WITH SALE, that the parties hereto with full civil capacity to contract, hereby these presents as HEIRS/ VENDORS agree to sell and alienate the EIGHT THOUSAND TWELVE (8,012) SQUARE METERS, more or less and they hereby undertake to convey, cede, sell and transfer the ownership thereof to RONNIE F. ABELLA and JEFFREY F. ABELLA, both legal age, both married, Filipino Citizens and residents of Manticao, Misamis Oriental, hereinafter referred to as VENDEE in the amount of THREE HUNDRED THOUSAND PESOS (300,000.00) Philippine Currency, filed by the heirs of DOMINGA JAUDIAN SATURNO, per DOC#301; PAGE#61; BOOK#18; Series of 2020 under the Notarial Registry of ATTY. ALMIRA B. VALDEZ.

DEED OF EXTRAJUDICIAL SETTLEMENT

KNOW ALL MEN BY THESE PRESENTS: That the late MARCELINO G. ESTALANE , who passed away on FEB. 09, 2022, the deceased left no other heirs, whether legitimate or illegitimate, the deceased died intestate, without any Last Will or Testament, and without any outstanding debts or obligations, whatsoever. No proceeding in court, testate or intestate, has been filed concerning the property(ies) and/ or account(s), which was/were left by the deceased, during his lifetime left the following property(ies) and/ or account(s) with Metropolitan Bank & Trust Company (METROBANK)Velez Branch, with Account Name: MARCELINO ESTALANE, under Account No. :037-3-03713316-8, Nature of Account: Savings, with Balance as of OCTOBER 6, 2022 P 557,555, and has been the subject of DEED OF EXTRAJUDICIAL SETTLEMENT, filed by the heirs of MARCELINO G. ESTALANE, per DOC#245;PAGE#49;BOOK#LIX; Series of 2022 under Notarial Registry of ATTY. ERNEL C. CONDEZA.

BWM: Oct. 21,28, & Nov. 4, 2022

NOTICE OF PARTIAL EXTRAJUDICIAL SETTLEMENT

NOTICE is hereby given that the estate of the late spouses MARCELO O. GALIMPIN and ULDARICA MICAYABAS-GALIMPIN, has been the subject of Partial Judicial Settlement among their heirs led by Dr. Vizminda Galimpin-Olano and Alfen Galimpin Cuay, in an instrument prepared Notary Public Arturo C. Ubaub, of Cagayan de Oro City, per Doc. No. 494; Page No. 99; Book No. 27; Series of 2022.

BWM: Oct. 14,21, & 28, 2022

Night...

from page 1

Diwali, India's biggest and most important holiday of the year, celebrates the triumph of light over darkness, good over evil and the human ability to overcome. It is a postharvest festival celebrating the bounty following the arrival of the monsoon in the subcontinent which has become celebrated as a national Indian festival.

courtesy of LavLavFeroline blog

The Diwali illuminations with lighted diyas bring the supernatural brightness and

joy with the hope of finding light in darkness, achieving knowledge where there is

ignorance, and spreading love amidst hatred. Diwali is also known as the Festival of Lights. Light is significant in Hinduism because it signifies goodness. So, during the Festival of Lights, 'deeps', (oil lamps), are burned throughout the day and into the night to ward off darkness and evil.

Diyas symbolize goodness and purity, and lighting them denotes dispelling darkness and

Indian Business men show copy of BusinessWeek Mindanao newspapers as a gesture of support and patronage with publisher Dante M Sudaria and Editor at Large Mike Banos during the Indian Cultural Night at Limketkai Center.. Experience the food and culture of India

Dancers from the Indian Community in Manila do the Bhangra, originally performed during the Baisakhi harvest festival, of Punjab province. (N. Singh)

Banking & finance

Gov’t posts P179.8-B budget gap in Sept.

LOWER year-on-year growth of spending against revenues resulted in the drop in the government’s budget gap in September 2022

to P179.8 billion from year-ago’s P180.9 billion. Data released by the Bureau of the Treasury (BTr) on Wednesday showed that total

Republic of the Philippine DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

MARITIME INDUSTRY AUTHORITY REGIONAL OFFICE X

NOTICE OF SALE OF VESSEL

Notice is hereby given that MERRIAM Z. LABIS , with principal place of business at Purok-4, Molugan, El Salvador, Misamis Oriental sold One (1) unit of Fishing Vessel, FBca “IMMACULATE CONCEPCION” with Official Number 10-0003487 to MERCEDITA J. MERCEDES, with principal place of business at Jasaan, Misamis Oriental by virtue of Deed of Absolute Sale dated 19 October 2022 covered by the following certificates.

expenditures in the ninth month this year reached P468.6 billion, up 13.63 percent compared to the P412.4 billion posted in the same period in 2021.

However, revenue collections posted a higher expansion of 24.79 percent to P288.8 billion over year-ago’s P231.4 billion.

For the first nine months this year, the budget deficit went down by 11.09 percent year-onyear to P1.012 trillion over P1.139 trillion in the same period last year.

billion and the BOC by 37.72 percent to P79.3 billion.

As of end-September this year, BIR collections inched up by 12.29 percent to P1.73 trillion and BOC’s by 35.89 percent to P638.5 billion.

BIR’s collection goal for January to September this year is P1.767 trillion, making its total collections in the ninemonth period this year lower by 1.99 percent.

Bank official targets 2.8M downloads on lifestyle, payment app

AN official of the Bank of the Philippine Island (BPI) forecasts 2.8 million downloads on its latest lifestyle and payment app, Vybe, until the end of the year.

Any parties who may have claims/information in the above-mentioned vessel are advised to write:

The Regional Director

Maritime Industry Authority-Regional Office X 2/F SEJOLIM Bldg., Gemilina St., Carmen, Cagayan de Oro City 9000

Tel. No. (088) 856-9105 / Telefax No. (088) 856-8410

E-mail address: mro10@marina.gov.ph within seven (7) working days from the date of publication of this notice published in compliance with MARINA Memorandum Circular No. 2013-02.

The latest budget deficit level of the country is 20.47 percent lower than the P1.273 trillion programmed for the first three quarters of this year.

On the other hand, the BOC exceeded by 17.76 percent its collection goal for the period amounting to P542.2 billion. (PNA)

In a virtual briefing on Wednesday, BPI Digital Partnerships and Ecosystems head Frederick Faustino said downloading of the app is currently available exclusively for BPI online users.

“We expect at least half of our 5.6 million app users to download the app because there are several value propositions that we see in the app. Apart from having the payment wallet for our BPI clients, it also houses our reward program,” Faustino said.

EXTRA-JUDICIAL SETTLEMENT OF ESTATE WITH ABSOLUTE SALE

BY AUTHORITY OF THE

(SGD) ANNABELL P. LAGAS Regional Director

from page 1 of calamities.

Bridge...

Marcos made this remark after leading the lowering of a time capsule to signal the start of the bridge’s construction at the Damosa Land Properties in Barangay Hizon, Buhangin District, Davao City.

“Once completed, this bridge will help us develop the economic potential of Davao City and the Island Garden of the City of Samal, as well as enhance its residents’ access to employment, education, and other social services,” he said in his speech.

“In 2027, this bridge will surely ease the convenience of travel and transport, bringing forth gainful opportunities for many of our people by providing a link between relatively farflung areas and economic centers, thereby ensuring smoother mobility of people and of goods,” he added.

Marcos said the bridge is expected to provide easier access to tourism spots and ensure the region’s speedy recovery from setbacks brought on by the pandemic.

He said the bridge also aims to further improve the peace and order situation in the area, as well as ensure faster and more efficient aid distribution during times

Marcos also thanked the government of China for being a “dependable” partner in the bridge’s funding.

“This is a testament to the strong and ever-growing foundation of the bilateral relations and economic cooperation between our two countries. It is always a pleasure as a nation to join hands with you for the eventual success of this endeavor,” he said.

Meanwhile, Marcos directed the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) to continue pursuing efforts to make the country more interconnected.

“It is therefore my constant instruction to your agency to remain steadfast in building a more interconnected and resilient Philippines,” he said.

“Through the continued construction of short and long-span bridges across the country, we can boost regional transport and spur economic development and competitiveness in the countryside,” he added.

'The lucky one' Marcos also credited the administration of former President Rodrigo Duterte for signing the bridge project under a loan agreement with China.

“At this juncture, I would

CAGAYAN DE ORO MAIN BRANCH P & 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

The improvement was traced to the jumps in the revenue collections of both the Bureau of Internal Revenue (BIR), which collects around 70 percent of total collections for the government, and the Bureau of Customs (BOC).

CDO MAIN BRANCH

P & 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

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

He said that for one, BPI clients who have credit cards issued by the bank can check for their rewards through the Vybe app.

For next year, Faustino is optimistic that even non-BPI depositors will download the app, which gives users rewards every time he uses the app for payments.

He said an individual can download the app as long as he has a mobile phone number and will use his name for proper verification.

Revenues of the BIR last September grew by 12.58 percent to P173.6

CARMEN BRANCH Vamenta Blvd., Cagayan de Oro City Tel. # (088) 231-2011

also like to explain, I am only fortunate to have been sitting as President when we broke ground for this very important project. This project actually was formally begun by then [Public Works] Secretary Mark Villar under the Duterte administration and it began formally to put together the project in 2018,” Marcos said.

He also expressed hope that he would be fortunate to open the bridge once it is completed.

“So the previous administration had already been working on this project for four years before we arrived to this day. However, I’m looking forward to also once again being the lucky one to open the bridge when it is finished,” he added.

Marcos thanked everyone involved in the bridge project, making a renewed pitch for unity as key to the nation’s success.

“Let us continue the great work of coming together and let the changing power that will result from our energy give rise to the realization of our dreams of a strong, prosperous, and truly united Filipino nation to that day, we can all look forward to,” he said.

Meanwhile, DPWH Secretary Manuel Bonoan is glad that after a long

CORRALES BRANCH Corrales Ave., Cagayan de Oro City

CARMEN BRANCH Vamenta Blvd.,Cagayan de Oro City Tel. # (088) 231-2011

wait, the project will now be realized.

“After many years in the DPWH pipeline of proposed projects, the long wait is finally over. I am deeply honored to be in the presence of no less than the President himself as we mark another important breakthrough in the country’s infrastructure landscape,” he said in an interview at the sidelines of the event.

Bonoan assured that the multi-billion project would have no adverse effect on the environment as they have addressed these issues with the Department of Environment and Natural Resources.

The scenic bridge project crossing Pakiputan Strait will have landing points at the Samal Circumferential Road in Barangay Limao, Island Garden City of Samal (IGACOS), and Davao City in between R. CastilloDaang Maharlika junction.

SIDC has a length of 3.98 kilometers, including ramps in Davao City and a 24-meter wide grade road and roundabout in Samal Circumferential Road.

When completed, the bridge will be a four-lane, cable-stayed iconic bridge with a vertical navigational clearance of up to 47 meters.

The bridge will provide

Faustino said the latest app is intended for micropayments, with amounts ranging from P200 to P500 per transaction.

easier access to tourism spots in IGACOS, ensuring speedy recovery from the setbacks brought about by the pandemic.

The SIDC is expected to accommodate up to 25,000 vehicles daily and reduce travel time between Samal and Davao City from around 30 minutes via ferry to merely five minutes.

Last June 13, Chinese Ambassador to the Philippines Huang Xilian exchanged with then Finance Secretary Carlos Dominguez III the signed

KNOW ALL MEN BY THESE PRESENTS: That the late spouses RICARDO ECHAVEZ ANOR and HELEN WADE ANOR, who died intestate respectively on DECEMBER 17, 2011 in Purok1-A Upper Hanaplanon, Iligan City, leaving A parcel of land, with Transfer Certificate of Title No. T-33625 under Tax Declaration No.22-0001-01082, situated at Poblacion, Naawan, Misamis Oriental, containing an area of TWO HUNDRED (200) SQUARE METERS, more or less, and has been the subject of EXTRA-JUDICIAL SETTLEMENT OF ESTATE WITH ABSOLUTE SALE, That for and in consideration of the sum of TWO HUNDRED THOUSAND PESOS (200,000.00), Philippine Currency, the receipt whereof from the VENDEE is hereby acknowledge by the HEIRS/ VENDORS to their full satisfaction, the said HEIRS/VENDORS do by these presents hereby cede, sell, transfer and convey, in a manner absolute and irrevocable, unto the VENDEE, his heirs and assigns, the abovedescribed parcel of land, including all improvements thereon, free from lien and encumbrance whatsoever, filed by the heirs of RICARDO ECHAVEZ ANOR and HELEN WADE ANOR, in favor of ROMEO M. MAGBAGO, per DOC#167; PAGE# 35; BOOK# 56; Series of 2019 under the Notarial Registry of ATTY. CASTOR Q. ROXAS, JR.

BWM: Oct. 21,28, & Nov. 4, 2022

Framework Agreement and Loan Agreement between the Philippines and China for a loan grant worth $350 million or P18.67 billion for the bridge project.

The Chinese loan will cover 90 percent of the project’s P23.039-billion cost.

In a separate interview, Huang said the project is proof of the strong ties between China and the Philippines, adding that they are committed to doing more for the country's progress. (PNA)

Globe says still country’s largest publicly listed telco

AYALA-LED Globe Telecom, Inc. said it remains the largest telecommunications company in the Philippines, with a market capitalization of P321.25 billion as of Oct. 11.

In an e-mailed statement on Wednesday, Globe said it has managed to “lead competition in terms of market capitalization at the Philippine Stock Exchange (PSE)” despite global headwinds.

“Globe is starting to reap gains as it pivots to becoming a digital solutions platform to address the day-to-day pain points of Filipinos. The way investors are valuing us is very encouraging and that we have taken the right strategy for growth,” Globe President and Chief Executive Officer Ernest L. Cu said.

Financial technology, healthcare, edutech, entertainment, adtech, e-commerce, manpower, information technology services, and investments have all been added to the group’s portfolio.

“This is in line with its enduring commitment to the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals, specifically UN SDG No. 9, which emphasizes the importance of infrastructure and innovation as significant drivers of economic growth

and development,” Globe said.

Globe noted that it continues to seek new ideas and businesses ready to scale through its corporate venture company 917Ventures.

Companies under 917Ventures include Mynt, operator of e-wallet giant GCash, as well as telehealth companies KonsultaMD and HealthNow.

It also includes digital marketing solutions firm AdSpark, online grocery platform Rappit, loyalty and e-commerce solutions provider RUSH, coding bootcamp KodeGo, programmatic advertising firm DeepSea, online tutorial platform EdVenture, multichannel messaging platform m360, and data-driven solutions provider.

The company has booked a 4% year-on-year rise in revenues to P78.9 billion in the first half of 2022, “fueled by the solid contribution of data-related products and services across mobile and corporate data, and supplemented by the performance of non-telco services,” Globe said.

“Globe has already spent P50.5 billion in the first half of this year for network upgrades to meet data requirements of its customers,” it added.

corpWorLd

PH gets 4 investment leads in SoKor investment mission

AT least four big companies from South Korea are interested to invest in the country in the coming months following the recent investment mission of the Philippine Economic Zone Authority (PEZA) and Aboitiz InfraCapital in Seoul.

PEZA officer-in-charge Deputy Director General for Finance and Administration Aleem Siddiqui Guiapal told the Philippine News Agency in a Viber message Wednesday that these companies are in the sectors of electric vehicles and manufacturing.

“We are optimistic that

PEZA has at least four big companies of (investment) lead(s) of new locators and one potential joint collaboration on waste management with South Korea,” he said.

Guiapal, who is also the manager for PEZA’s Promotions and Public Relations Group, added that the South Korean firms have yet to finalize the amount of their possible investments here.

Last Oct. 19, PEZA, Aboitiz InfraCapital, the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI), Board of Investments (BOI),

and the Philippine Trade and Investment Center (PTIC)–Seoul conducted the Philippine-Korean Investment Forum as part of the government’s five-day outbound investment mission in the East Asian country.

“This is a response to the call of President (Ferdinand) Bongbong Marcos to increase our FDI (foreign direct investments). An increase in investment means more jobs for Filipinos. And more jobs mean better and quality of life for our kababayans (fellow Filipinos). This is what

(the) investment forum is all about,” Guiapal said.

As of June 2022, PEZA has registered 251 South Korean companies with total investments of P89.86 billion in economic zones across the country.

Some 44,359 workers are employed by these South Korean firms and generated $1.1 billion in export revenues as of August 2022.

Guiapal added that the government aims to conduct outbound investment missions in Japan and the United States before the year ends. (PNA)

AirAsia’s super app inks deals with hotel groups

LOW-COST carrier AirAsia Philippines on Wednesday said the “airasia Super App” recently signed partnership deals with over 50 hotel groups from the Philippines, Malaysia, Thailand, and Indonesia.

“The massive boost of room inventories to ‘airasia hotels’ gives app users an extensive array of hotel options to choose from according to their budget via the airasia Super App, adding further convenience and value,” AirAsia said in an e-mailed statement.

The airline said the application has a daily active user database of 1.25 million who are scouring for travel deals.

“This enables airasia Super App to avail more marketing opportunities and visibility for each hotel partner while offering them extremely competitive rates,” it noted.

“As a hotel booking platform, airasia Super App offers consumers a choice of over 700,000 hotels worldwide, as well as the ability to earn and

redeem airasia points,” it added.

On the app, the AirAsia group offers various products and services, including food, retail and e-commerce, sameday delivery, and ride-hailing, among others.

Tony Fernandes, chief executive officer of Capital A (AirAsia group), said: “When the travel industry was in full force, we were flying 100 million guests just on the AirAsia network alone, which translates into a valuable customer base.”

“This customer base is

something that no other online travel agent (OTA) can offer aside from the airasia Super App because we are the only travel super app that also owns an airline group. With the revival of travel now and the capability of the airasia Super App’s strength as an OTA – reinforcing our hotel booking platform is crucial to capture and fulfill market demand,” he also said.

“It’s all about having a complete travel ecosystem that would create better value for our customers.”

Monday to Friday with office address at Tanleh Building, Abellanosa, Cagayan de Oro City. It is registered with the

Commission under Company Registration No.

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, 0923-4320687, 0917-7121424

Website: www.businessweekmindanao.com

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ATTY. ANTONIO S. SORIANO 2f, ICS Building Tel.No.: 881-0176

Tiano cor. Montalvan sts. Legal Counsel

ATTY. MARIO T. JUNI Cell No: 09352379999

Juni Law Office Cruz Taal St., CDO Legal Counsel

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Finding a Lost Masterpiece

Think a minute… You are not one person but three: The person you think you are, the person others think you are, and the person you truly are.

One day a man was looking in a used art shop. He picked up a painting that appeared very cheap. Then as he looked closer he saw another painting hidden underneath the cheap one. He knew that many valuable, lost masterpieces were hidden this way, so he bought it and hurried home to begin taking off the top cheap painting. After many hours of careful work, he could finally see a beautiful masterpiece of art that had been lost for years. Now it was finally restored to its original beauty.

Each one of us is like that masterpiece painting. The original person you and I were created to be is hidden by what others think we are—and especially by the person we think we are. Our own wrong thinking about ourselves stops us from becoming the person we can truly and fully be. Almost everything we are and do in life comes from the way we see ourselves in our mind. So if we want to change, we must go much deeper than just changing our actions and behavior; we must change what we think about ourselves. “Success and satisfaction is an ‘inside’ job!”

Other people usually just

opinion

Feel the Pains of Gaia (Mother Earth)

these prohibited zones. They did not even do their obligation to do replanting. The DENR must be made accountable why that office did not enforce the environmental laws in the past years.

A MINUTE

As we read this article on the pains of Gaia, let us begin with a prayer that despite the ecological disasters we are facing, we must all be happy and thank God for “sending us His begotten Son that whosoever believeth in Him shall not perish but have everlasting life.” Yes, God loves us so much that He does not want us to suffer any calamity, unless of course, we ourselves have asked for it through our actions or inactions. What we have done to Mother Earth is very glaring. Let us now all reflect.

Her name is Gaia (Mother Earth) and today Gaia is in deep pain and hemorrhaging without let-up. We have allowed a few log gers and miners, all in violation of existing laws, to kill her.

Her “lungs” (the forests) are almost gone. In the Philippines, only 8% of that “lungs” remain as the 17 million hectares of diptero carp forests have been ravaged, causing the massacre of all life forms that dwelt in the forest ecosystem. In the uplands of Cagayan de Oro, the 200 thousand hectares of dipterocarp forest had been totally logged without let-up for five decades by six logging companies that had violated all the environmental laws prohibiting them to log in areas with altitude of more than one thousand meters above sea level or in slope with more than 50% gradient. All areas logged by the loggers were within

This environmental tragedy happened in just a century alone as our country had supplied the timber needs of the world through intensive and massive logging. The loggers’ gargantuan raking have formed a strong cabal of vested interest with imprimatur from powers-that-be who were in power then despite their horrible crimes committed against Gaia. From out of their raking, they bought votes and shamelessly portrayed themselves as pro-nature. Oh, when will we ever learn? Gumis ing na po tayo!

Her “veins” (the rivers) are either drained or heavily polluted as 15 of the 25 major rivers in our country are biologically dead. We have already lost 75% of our mangroves (the spawning grounds of fish) and only 5% is in excellent condition. Our coral reefs, that delicate gift from Providence have been heavily destroyed through dynamite fishing and “muro ami.” How stupid were we when during the time of the dictatorship, the Philippines entered into an agree ment with Japan (the RP-Japan Treaty of Amity, Commerce and Navigation) which allowed the Japanese computerized trawlers and fishing vessels to literally rake our seas. The Philippines was described then as the “center of the center of marine life on earth.” Now gone forever!

Her “fever” (global warming) lingers, causing Her so much discomfort, i.e. colds (storms), sneezing (typhoons), shakings (earthquakes), and deliriums (tsu namis). Her “stomach” (the oceans) is now so upset as the seas rise and the glaciers melt. Her “skin” (the 6-inch top layer of the earth – the soil that gives life) has been scalped through mindless mining operations and “blood” (the water

table) has been injected with toxic chemicals through conventional agriculture. In Mindanao alone, the 200,000 hectares of plantation are intensively applying chemical fertilizers and pesticides that as if some 2,000 dump trucks are unloading chemicals to our water table everyday. In fact, based on studies, of the 14 types of chemi cals, 8 are already banned abroad. That is why so many Filipinos are dying of cancer.

All told, Gaia has been sac rificed to the altar of greed and profit based on a flawed develop ment paradigm, giving credence to money must grow principle called neo-liberal capitalism. Unbridled materialism and consumerism has given way to the over-eating and obesity in the North while billions of people go hungry in the South.

We are now facing an alarming ecological crisis that unless soon averted will lead to an impend ing ecologically-based political, economic and social collapse.

As sons and daughters of Gaia, let us feel Her pain and grieve with Her and we must now have the compassion to suffer with Her even just on Her Day. Most importantly, we must now act as one collective countervailing force to serve notice to one and all that we have awakened and that, as responsible citizens of the earth, we will not allow anymore the rape of nature to continue which is only ours to protect for the coming generations. Yes, we did not inherit the earth from our parents but we owe this to our children. But at the rate that we have exploited the resources, we have robbed the future generations of their inheritance.

We are therefore guilty of violating the 8th Commandment, “Thou shall not steal.” Today the sins of a few loggers and min ers are visited upon our people. Thousands have already died and many have been rendered home less. Where are the loggers and

miners? They are safe in their mansions. I don’t understand why a priest in a pulpit would announce that Sendong is a will of God and that “like Martha, we must not question God.” Excuse me Father, Gaia like any mother will never harm Her children. Sendong is not an act of God, but of diabolical men. I hope you can see the 200,000 hectares of denuded lands in Kalatungan Range, totally stripped of trees by greedy loggers. I hope you can see the barges owned by the Koreans and Chinese heavily dredging the rivers, wreaking havoc and decimating the mountains through hydraulic and open pit mining operations.

Let us now stop the dark forces that are infecting more wounds to Gaia through extractive economic system. A paradigm shift should now be in the offing towards co operative economy whose DNA is one of values, service, coop eration and sustainability. We must now debunk the present financial system that serves only the interest of a few elites, many of whom cannot moderate their greed: some even vied for elective positions to protect their financial interest. Money must be used to enhance life and the well-being of the people and not to buy votes or fool the electorate.

Time is of the essence. We are now on the 22nd year of 21st century. The truth is, we are not certain anymore if we can reach the 22nd century which is only 78 years from now. The tipping point is now at hand and we must tip the balance in favor of life and not of death.

Let us now heal the wounds of Gaia. Let us forge our oneness, firmly committing to stop her bleeding and if we may, declare in one voice (please shout so you can be heard by Gaia) that, “WE LOVE YOU GAIA.” Indeed, we must love and heal Mother Earth or we will all perish!

Avoid the so-called “good life”

THIS indication can eas ily be attributed to Christ himself who once said: “Strive to enter through the narrow gate, for many, I tell you, will attempt to enter but will not be strong enough.”

(Lk 13,24)

JHAN TIAFAU HURST

see the surface—how we appear and act on the outside, or what we have achieved in school or in our job and career. But that is just a part of you. Only your Maker knows the total, real you hidden underneath what others and you yourself see. Only your Creator knows all the facts about you, inside and out, since He is the One Who custom-made you to be a one-of-a-kind masterpiece who fills a special place in the world.

Jesus is the only One Who can show you the person He designed you to be and help you actually become that person. Won’t you ask Him to forgive you for your wrong thinking and living? He can start changing your mind and heart today, so you can start becoming everything He created you to be. Just think a minute…

These words came as a response to his disciples’ question whether only a few would be saved. The disciples must have felt overwhelmed when Christ described how the Kingdom of God is like and what would be needed to enter it. (cfr.

Lk 13,18-21)

Christ was trying to be realistic about our human condition here on earth, marked as it is by our penchant for the so-called “good life,” where we like to drown ourselves in all sorts of material comfort and luxuries. Such life is definitely a matter of self-indulgence, the an tithesis of love which we are supposed to live since we are the image and likeness of God whose very essence is love as shown, lived and shared with us by Christ.

This Christ-given indi

cation is not about culti vating a dark, gloomy life here on earth, since true Christian life is always a happy and joyful life, marked by faith, hope and charity in all the situa tions of our life, whether good or bad humanly speaking. It is about be ing realistic about our human condition and about how to orient it to its proper end.

Yes, there is a great need for us to declare an unrelenting war against our self-indulgence which has become a very for midable problem we all have. This has always been a problem to us, but these days it is much more so.

With the many new wonderful things that can instantly give us convenience, comfort, pleasure and satisfaction, many of us are trapped into the very sticky web of obsessions, addictions and the many other forms of self-indulgence that feed on our weaknesses, like lust, pride, conceit, gluttony, unhinged cu riosities, envy, etc., etc.

We just have to give a

cursory look around to see how bad this prob lem is. Many people are just looking at their cell phones most of the time. There are reports saying that many young people often forget their meals and lose sleep because of what they do in the Internet. It’s clear they are terribly hooked there and it seems it’s now next to the impossible to get them out of there.

As a result, many du ties and responsibili ties are left unattended. Disorder and chaos are fast gaining ground as priorities are skewed. Superficiality has now become a mainstream lifestyle, reinforcing the trend toward consumer ism, materialism and what Pope Francis refers to as the “throw-away cul ture” where ethical and moral considerations are ignored or even flouted, i.e., regarded with con tempt. In short, God is thrown out of their lives.

Yes, many people are now living in their own world, detached from the realities of life. Their spiritual and social life,

their relation with God and with others are now all but non-existent. At best, they give only ap pearances of these un avoidable aspects of life, enough to meet at least certain external expecta tions.

We have to react to this unfolding and disturb ing reality with drastic measures. We have to do this with coordinated ef forts, involving as many of us as possible. Let us recover our true bearing that in the end is rooted on the spiritual and su pernatural, on our inti mate relation with God that should translate into our increasingly intimate relation with everybody else.

R. RAVANERA

The

and

CHRIS PANGANIBAN

EIRAH LEA TORRES ALCAMPADO IRENE DOMINGO-BANTOL

richard

JOEL ESCOL Feature Editor

Night...

from page 3

going into light. And since Deepavali is celebrated on the new moon day, a time of darkness everywhere; light these lamps are a means to get rid of darkness.

Lighting the lamps also denotes dispelling anger, greed and other vices, and also stands for good luck. The traditional diyas were lit using ghee (clarified butter) but today people also use oil. The lore goes that as per Indian tradition, the little diyas are bought on Ashwin Purnima, which is a full moon day, which is about two weeks prior

to Diwali. Then diyas are soaked in water so as to make them ready for the Diwali pooja.

After a warm welcome from H.E. Shambhu S. Kumaran, Indian Ambassador to the Philippines, the evening’s festivities led by Mr. Dileep Tiwari, president of the Indian Business Forum, started with the lighting of tea candles by all present which they shared with one another in the spirit of Diwali.

This was followed by multiple dance numbers by volunteers from the Indian Community of Manila doing the Bhangra, the

most popular folk dance of Punjab.

Bhangra represents the liveliness and dynamism of its people. The dance mainly involves men, who perform to the fast beats of drum and music.

“The Bhangra was originally performed on the Baisakhi festival, the harvest festival of Punjab, hence we chose to feature it because of its agricultural origins in deference the theme of the Mindanao Food Festival,” said Mr. Nishikhant Singh, First Secretary for Economic and Commerce of the Indian Embassy.

“However, bhangra is now performed at festive

occasions today, such as our Mindanao Food Festival,” he added Bhangra originated as a dance form during the Indo-Scythian period of Punjab, from 2000 BC. Traditionally, the dance was a fusion of music, song, beats of the dhol (drum), and music from a singlestringed instrument called the iktar (ektara), the tumbi and the chimta.

The dances showcased traditional bhangra costumes consisting of a kurta that is similar to a silk-buttoned shirt, has embroidered patterns and is loose to wear. It is combined with lungi - a cloth tied

around the dancers’ waist that is usually decorated and jugi - a waistcoat with no buttons.

Traditionally, Bhangra is performed with a number of male dancers, who move around a drummer in a circle. They start with a slow movement of their feet. As the tempo increases, first the hands and feet, and then the whole body comes into action. They whirl round and round, bending and straightening their bodies alternatively, hopping on one leg, raising their hands, clapping with their hands and exclaiming Bale! Oh Bale!

The highlight of the

evening came with the serving of the traditional meal of chicken biryani, murgh makhana (butter chicken) and laddu, a dessert that’s often served during festive or religious occasions.

H.E. Kumaran said the first two dishes were a prepared by Messrs. Happy Singh and Tumkesh Khera of Flavours by Vana's Authentic Indian Cuisine in Makati City, while the laddu was prepared by the staff of Mr. Rameash TK’s Annappoorna Restaurant in Mandaluyong City. He lauded the owners and staff of the two restaurants for being up to the challenge of

preparing the dishes at short notice in a far-off location.

Chicken biryani is a popular Indian dish served on special occasions which is made with long-grained rice (like basmati) flavored with fragrant spices such as saffron and vegetables and a thick gravy. As remarked by a local chef, there are several main types of biryani specific to certain communities which are named after the place where it was created like Sindhi biryani, Hyderabadi biryani, Malabar biryani (from H.E. Kumaran’s home province of Kerala), Calcutta/Kolata biryani, Ambur biryani, Lucknowi biryani, Mughlai biryani, and Kalyani biryani, to name a few.

Murgh Makhani (better known as butter chicken) is a type of curry made from chicken with a spiced tomato and butter (makhan) sauce known for its rich texture.

Chicken is marinated for

several hours in a mixture of lemon juice, dahi (yogurt), Kashmiri red chili, salt, garam masala, ginger paste, and garlic paste then cooked in a tandoor (traditional clay oven), but may also be grilled, over-roasted, or pan-fried.

The sauce is a tomato, garlic, and ginger-based sauce that is simmered until smooth and much of the water has evaporated. There are many variations on the composition and spicing of the sauce, which is strained to make it velvety smooth.

Not the least, Laddu (or laddoo) is a spherical sweet primarily made from flour, fat (ghee/butter/oil) and sugar or jaggery. They are often made of gram flour but can also be made with semolina. Sometimes ingredients such as chopped nuts and/or dried raisins are added, but vary with each recipe.

courtesy of lavlav ferolino

courtesy of lavlav ferolino

courtesy of lavlav ferolino

Mambatangan Milling Corporation

inducted Rotary Club of West Cagayan de Oro president Dr. Dures Fe Tagayuna pose with her members

inducting officer Rotary International District 3870 Gov. Angelo Ladub (seated, center).

stored in the mobile wallet is P30,000.

“The thinking is that if you’ll just want to use or keep it as a wallet, you will not put as much money. Most likely you will put your money in your BPI deposit account,” he added. (PNA)

Prospects...

from page 1

Conference Chair, said agriculture posted a mere percentage point contribution of 0.02% as against Industry which contributed 1.9% and Services at 5.5% contribution to 7.4% growth in the national GDP for the second quarter of 2022 at 2018 constant prices.

“For an agriculture base country wherein more than 70 % of the country’s population is dependent

on agriculture, this economic data is definitely alarming – an ominous sign of food security in the country,” Vegafria said during the opening plenary session of the Mindanao Food Congress held 26 October 2022 at a local hotel.

He stressed that agriculture remains to be one of the pillars of the Philippine economy which produces food for a growing population and supplies essential raw materials and products for the manufacturing sector and agro-related industries.

“Strictly speaking, a sustained expansion of the national economy requires a sustained growth in the agriculture sector,” he added.

However, the PCCI executive is optimistic the administration of President Ferdinand Romualdez Marcos, Jr., has taken cognizance of this as evidenced by placing agriculture on his priority list and taking charge of the Department of Agriculture portfolio in a concurrent

Perennial as Ever

By: Ly B. Tello Head Teacher I-Gimangpang Integrated School Initao South District, Division of Misamis Oriental

Article XIV Section 1 of the 1987 Philippine Constitution provides that, “The state shall protect and promote the right of all citizens to quality education at all levels and shall take appropriate steps to make such education accessible to all.” This provision is a stern signal that the government is serious in its drive to provide quality education to the Filipinos. As a matter of fact, the Department of Education receives the biggest share of our country’s annual budget for that purpose.

Sadly, the biggest budget of the department seems meager after the allocation for personnel services is taken from it. The remaining portion of the budget is like a star that becomes a tiny dot in the sky. With the biggest workforce in the bureaucracy, DepEd needs ample budget to address its needs like school buildings and hiring of new teachers to name a few. With the soaring population in our country there is a dire demand to address these two needs to fulfill the constitutional mandate.

As part of the mandate to educate all Filipinos, some elementary schools in the country

became integrated schools where junior high school is offered along with the elementary. This program was very commendable in the sense that many Filipino learners especially those living in the remotest areas can enroll in the nearest integrated school in their area. But this does not solve the problem of insufficient number of teachers and school buildings, it just adds to persistent unsolvable issue. Never had there been an instance that these problems were fully solved.

Currently I am assigned to lead an integrated school where such problems occur, and it perturbs me to see learners having classes in dilapidated buildings. This school was converted into an integrated school four years ago and until now no school building has been built for the high school students to occupy. With this troubling situation, I feel that the weight of the world rests in my shoulders and seeing the problem persistent, makes me a helpless school leader who always dreams and hopes for the best of the learners who are the greatest assets in nation building.

capacity.

“It was also in this context that the Oro Chamber decided to revive and organize the Mindanao Food Congress which it last hosted in 2014. The island of Mindanao is carrying the brunt of being the Philippine’s food basket. It is important that we shall take a concerted effort to link, function and help transform Mindanao agriculture towards a sustainable and food-secure future,” Vegafria noted.

Partner of Choice Meantime, His Excellency Shambhu S. Kumaran, Indian Ambassador to the Philippines, cited the two countries historical relationship spanning several centuries which are now building a people-centered bilateral partnership focused on key developmental sectors such as agriculture, health, finance and the digital economy.

“On agriculture, our bilateral cooperation has to move beyond sharing best practices and discussions on policies for this sector,” Ambassador Kumaran noted.

“Indian companies are already present in a significant way in the Philippines across the spectrum of agricultural value chains, ranging from agri-inputs (seeds, irrigation pumps); agro-chemicals (pesticides, fungicides); agri-mechanization (solar powered cold storage); and agro-processing.”

“The time is now ripe to elevate our partnership in this vital sector to higher trajectory with focus on digitalization in agriculture; climateresilient and sustainable agricultural practices. As the Philippines seeks to enhance its food security, India can be your partner of choice,” he emphasized.

Under Prime Minister Mr. Narendra Modi's Digital India Initiative, agritech companies have been redefining the entire spectrum of agricultural value chain in India from seeds to supermarkets, and spanning aspects such as inputs, harvest/postharvest, efficient logistics, as well as forward and backward market linkages.

The new era of digital and ITenabled agri-tech in particular, offers

promising prospects for cooperation between India and Philippines some of which are showcased in the India Pavilion of the ongoing Oro BEST Expo 2022 at the Atrium of the Limketkai Center in Cagayan de Oro.

“India's participation as the 'partner country' for the Mindanao Food Congress and the active presence of Indian companies at the event, will enhance engagement with the agricultural community in the Philippines and help in build new linkages between agri-businesses of India and Philippines for mutual benefit,” the envoy noted.

The ambassador’s perspective is shared by the host Oro Chamber President Raymundo Talimio, Jr.

“Our convergence today is both timely and relevant: Timely because our objectives are aligned with the priority agenda of President Marcos Jr, i.e. enhancing agricultural productivity and ensuring food security of our country: Relevant because in achieving the above, we need collaboration and synergy, and our partnership with the Republic of India is a manifestation of our commitment to push acceleration of our economic recovery using

Agritech and Digitalization,” Talimio noted.

Private Sector Support Not the least, the Philippine Chamber of Commerce and Industry (PCCI), its Regional Governors and the Local Chambers of Commerce and Industry of Mindanao, expressed their full support for the Mindanao Food Congress as the country faces a looming food crisis.

“We, the private sector should work hand in hand with government in exploring and identifying the problems ailing the agriculture sector especially in Mindanao, and finding sustainable solutions taking into consideration the impact of climate change and the use of appropriate technologies,” said Arturo M. Milan, PCCI Vice President for Mindanao.

“This way, Mindanao with its vast natural resources can contribute in ensuring food sufficiency for every Filipino and better income for our farmers and fisherfolks as envisioned by Pres. Ferdinand R. Marcos, Jr. I therefore wish Oro Chamber of Commerce and Industry a productive and a successful Food Congress! One Mindanao. Bigger. Better. Bolder!”

By JILLY-ANN J. ALCARIA Teacher III Claveria Central School

PARENT preferences for how their children attended school throughout the pandemic have been disparate. Many polls and media reports have tracked the differences in parent preference for in-person versus remote learning.

For most children, in-person education is higher quality than remote, with academic progress and mental health stymied through remote education. School systems were not prepared to offer highquality remote instruction, even less to offer high-quality in-person and remote instruction simultaneously.

And while educators have worked harder than ever during the pandemic, including to meet the emotional and other needs of their students, children need to come back to school.

Furthermore, the sheer level of school hesitancy among some subgroups is worthy of immediate attention.

These results have two primary implications. First, schools need to be clearly communicating and consistently reaching out to families about local school safety

Reflection: Qualities of High Performing School Heads of Southeast Asia

By: Charlyn S. Baylon Principal II Gusa Regional Science High School

What are the qualities of high performing school heads of southeast asia?

Surely, there are school heads who embody some or all those qualities such as stakeholder engagement, personal excellence, instructional leadership, meaningful leadership and strategic thinking and innovation. These are commendable characteristics that need to be imbibed by the school heads as they would oversee the welfare of not only the learners but the school community as a whole.

I should say that engaging the stakeholders pre-covid and new normal is one of the best practices that is very much of help. For me, the most important stakeholders in my school are my internal stakeholders. When we say internal stakeholders, they are our school heads, teachers, students and parents of students and their associations who directly work for the improvement of school performance (Catano & Stronge, 2007).

When there was lockdown, these are the people that are with us through thick and thin. Without them, the school will not be able to continue or even function. I have realized that our internal stakeholders are our most valuable assets to deliver quality education no matter the modality that we have decided to offer. Without them, our dreams and aspirations for the learners will just become a memory.

For the school heads, the outputs expected of them as clearly stated in RA 9155 or the basic governance act of 2001 and the emphasis of authority, responsibility, and accountability (AuRA) as an outcome. Moreover, it is expected as an output of the School Heads is to ensure that there is thorough implementation of Curriculum Instructions and supervisions. While Leadership and Governance, Continuous Improvement and Management of resources as stipulated in the SchoolBased Management as outcomes.

For the teachers some of the outputs expected of them are creating of Learning Activity Sheets, updating of Weekly Home Learning Plans, Monitoring of Learners’ Performance Tasks, and written works, and communicating with parents for update and progress report.

Being happy, fulfilled, competent, committed, and optimistic are some of the outcomes that can be derived from the teaching profession.

On the other hand, learners or students expected outputs are submission of performance task and written works, attending online classes and participating in the discussion. While enjoying, learning, and anticipating for more interactions with their teachers and classmates and getting higher performance level are some of the most evident learning outcomes. For the parents the support they give to their learners in terms of material and emotional well-being

can be attributed to output. While extending that support to the school to bring change and improvement for their children can be derived as outcome.

Output is the product of learning or, in other words, the demonstration that learning has occurred. Output is extremely important in learning because it helps to show that students can take the knowledge that they have learned and apply it. While outcome is the implication or result of a particular action translated into a more meaningful and enduring learning or support-system. Outcome should be measurable in terms of performance level among the learners as an example, or number of years in service for the teachers, amount or skill given to the school for parents and associates.

As a summary, the best expression of outcome in DepEd is its Mission statement: To protect and promote the right of every Filipino to quality, equitable, culture-base, and complete basic education where: Students learn in a child-friendly, safe, and motivating environment. Teachers facilitate learning and constantly nurture every learner. Administrators and staff, as stewards of the institutions, ensure an enabling and supportive environment for effective learning to happen. Family, community, and other stakeholders are actively engaged and share responsibility for developing life-long learners.

precautions, virus caseloads, and vaccination rates among teachers and students. Parents’ understanding of local school success with COVID-19 mitigation strategies, low case incidences, and lack of disease spread in schools over time could help them gain confidence in the safety of inperson learning. This means school leaders themselves must feel their schools are safe, and districts must carefully track and regularly share with parents data describing each school’s virus caseload and vaccination rates.

Homework to enhance children’s wit

By: HEIDE MAE A PIMENTEL TII EL SALVADOR CITY CENTRAL SCHOOL

As well as helping to consolidate what a child has learnt in class, homework is part and parcel developing independent learning. Homework is a basic pillar of the education system. As unpopular as it might be with some kids, most parents and teachers defend homework, saying it reinforces classroom learning, helps create good work habits and discipline, and benefits concentration and memory. Homework is a child’s task and responsibility; however, parents also play a role: that of monitoring, supporting, answering questions, and ensuring that their children complete their homework, but never, never should parents

do homework for their children. Not doing homework for the student doesn’t mean you can’t get involved. “The parent must think of themselves as the coach. A coach does not run with the player nor eat the same calories and, of course, does not suffer the same injuries. A coach has two main functions: organize and advise, with the objective of improving performance’ argues psychiatrist Orlanda Varela. Many parents in all social classes dedicate several hours a day to helping their kids with homework or making sure they do it. This reality contrast with the widespread false notion that scholastic failure is due to

Teaching Children the Proper Etiquette

By: ELMA T. DELOPERE T-III Bangonbangon ES Claveria West District

Since we were young children, we have been instilled with politeness. Our parents drilled politeness into us from a young age. Furthermore, they always made an effort to teach us what we needed to know in order to become decent people. A person needs good manners to function in society. Additionally, a person must know how to act if they want to be loved by everyone. Knowledge is not what distinguishes an educated person from an illiterate person. However, his speech and behavior. Therefore, having decent manners can make

someone a gentleman. However, even the most educated person will not make a nice man if they lack it. Young children can develop good manners and grow more socially aware as adults by being helped to learn proper, courteous, and considerate behavior. If you strive as a family to establish the standards for polite behavior in many contexts, it will be simpler to foster first-class child behavior.

A person's life is greatly impacted by their use of good manners. It's important to always be mindful of how one interacts if one wants to

parent’s lack of concern about the education of their children. Many parents get into a cycle that they feel it is difficult to escape. Each afternoon they review the agenda, organize where their children should start, and resolve each of their children’s questions etc. This becomes an excessive burden when combined with the various other task that parents must do every day. When parents try to stop doing this, they realize that their children feel lost without them and fear that the child will stop or not do their homework well, so they continue to take charge each night.

succeed in life. Numerous businesspeople and prosperous people are rising to new heights. This is a result of their professionalism and aptitude. If a boss does not communicate effectively with his staff, they will quit. As a result, manners are crucial in all aspects of life. Our parents have instilled in us a respect for the elderly. Because if we don't respect our elders, the younger generation won't either. Good manners are a component of respect. One of a person's most fundamental requirements is respect. And many people put in a lot of effort to gain respect.

Hesitation and expectation on parents, teachers and pupils for the upcoming full face to face learning