BusinessWeek Mindanao (September 2, 2020)

BusinessWeek M I N DA N A O

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Volume XI, No. 38

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Market Indicators AS OF 6:00 PM SEPT. 1, 2020 (TUESDAY)

FOREX US$1 = P 48.480

PHISIX

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5,799.24

X Briefly

0.50

84.94

cents

points

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Durian export DAVAO City— Durian growers in the Davao Region, including small-scale farmers, are ready for Good Agricultural Practice (GAP) certification that will be required by China for exports.

Emmanuel S. Belviz, president of the Davao City Durian Industry Council (DCDIC), said they were ready as early as April when representatives from the China Inspection and Quarantine were scheduled to visit.

“Before the COVID-19 (coronavirus disease 2019) pandemic, nagkaroon kami ng (we held) training with some durian farmers and members of the durian council on the importance of making their farms GAP-certified,” Mr. Belviz said in an interview last week.

Fish centers SITE VISITS are under way for the proposed 22 fish centers across Mindanao, which will be connected to a common a digital platform that will serve as a direct link to the market.

In a statement on Friday, the Mindanao Development Authority (MinDA) reported that three areas have so far been visited for the Mindanao Fish and Aquaculture Development (MINFAD) Program.

One is Panabo City in Davao del Norte, which has a mariculture park that is mainly used for bangus farming. The others are Pitogo, Zamboanga del Sur, and Mati City, Davao Oriental.

IN-DEPTH

Wednesday|September 2, 2020

P15.00

Gensan closes fishport as Covid-19 cases rise

G

By MINDANEWS

ENERAL Santos City – Portions of the fishport complex here will be closed down for four days starting today, September 2, amid the rising cases of confirmed coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) infection with reported exposure at the facility.

C i t y May o r R o n n e l Rivera said Monday the partial lockdown was aimed to facilitate the conduct of massive contact-tracing and disinfection of various facilities within the city’s fishport situated in Barangay Tambler.

Set until 5 September, he said it will cover the fishport’s Markets 1 to 3, the area frequented by thousands of fish suppliers, workers, buyers and other traders on a daily basis.

The lockdown of the 32-hectare fishport, which

is run by the Philippine Fishe r ie s D e vel opme nt Authority (PFDA), is the first in 23 years or since it opened in 1997.

“We will do everything to complete the contact-tracing and other related activities within the four-day lockdown but we have an option to extend it if needed,” Rivera told reporters.

The mayor s aid t he move was finalized in an emergenc y me et ing on Sunday attended by officials and representatives from CLOSES/PAGE 7

FISHPORT LOCKDOWN. A laborer unloads a tuna from a fishing vessel at the Market Shed 1 of the General Santos City Fish Port Complex. Authorities ordered the partial lockdown of the usually busy fishport due to the rising cases of coronavirus infection at the facility. mindanews file photo

To survive, musicians in CdO resort to busking, baking …

By FROILAN GALLARDO, MindaNews

CAGAYAN de Oro City— E v e r y d a y, a g r o u p o f young R&B musicians and folksingers perform at the

small park beside the City Hall here.

A sign displayed on one side reads, “ I am a musician

affected by the pandemic.

I have no other means of income but gigs and events.

Please help me put food on my table.”

SURVIVE/PAGE 7

Alsons okays 2nd tranche CP issuance to fund projects

By MYRNA M. VELASCO, Contributor

MUSIC FOR SURVIVAL. Young musicians stage a performance at the park beside City Hall in Cagayan de Oro. Musicians are resorting to busking, baking, selling food and plants and offering online tutorial to survive the economic fallout brought by the COVID-19 pandemic. mindanews photo by froilan gallardo

ALCANTARA-led Alsons Consolidated Resources Inc. has greenlighted the second tranche of its commercial

papers (CP) sale that could fetch P1.0 billion proceeds to partly bankroll ongoing projects.

The issuance is part of the P2.5 billion commercial papers program that the publicly listed firm has registered with the Securities FUND/PAGE 7

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WEDNESDAY|SEPTEMBER 2, 2020

DPWH-10 allocates P2.2-B for health facilities program

C

AGAYAN DE ORO CITY--A total of P2,210,618,730 is allocated for the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH)-10's augmentation on health facilities program in response to coronavirus diseases (COVID)-19 pandemic.

During the Cabinet Officers for Regional Development and

Security (CORDS)-X Podcast with Presidential Communications Sec. Martin Andanar, August 29, DPWH-10 Regional Director Zenaida Tan said P1,263,344,930 is allocated for the 2,230 bed-capacity isolation facilities while P717,500,000 is allocated for the 2,302 bed-capacity for the quarantine facilities in the region.

DPWH-10 also set a budget for 312 off-

site dormitories and a P12,550,000 budget for the region's testing centers.

"We have a total budget of P2.2 billion for the 3,169 bed capacity facilities in the region," Tan added.

In Iligan City, P10 million is allocated for the 120-bed capacity isolation and quarantine facilities in Poblacion, Tomas Cabili and Acmac.

PROGRAM/PAGE 7

DAVAO City– Sorghum demonstration farms will soon be established in two more Mindanao provinces next month.

As the agency’s Sorghum Development Program goes full swing, Mindanao Development Authority (MinDA) chairman Secretary Emmanuel Piñol said Agusan del Sur Governor Santiago Cane Jr. and Agusan Del Norte Governor Dale Corvera whose provinces are among the most fertile areas for agriculture, both expressed willingness to explore the potentials of sorghum as a new crop for their farmers.

“I met with the two

governors during a three-day, four-province swing which started Wednesday in Davao Del Norte, Thursday in Davao Oriental and Thursday

evening up to Friday in the two Agusan provinces. The two governors offered the areas for demonstration farm which will be planted FARMS/PAGE 7

Sorghum demo farms eyed for 2 Agusan provinces

During the Cabinet Officers for Regional Development and Security (CORDS)-X Podcast with Presidential Communications Sec. Martin Andanar, August 29, DPWH-10 Regional Director Zenaida Tan says P1,263,344,930 is allocated for the 2,230 bed-capacity isolation facilities while P717,500,000 is allocated for the 2,302 bed-capacity for the quarantine facilities in the region. (CORDS X)

Simple Big Mistake RAUL M. NAMILIT Teacher III Mitugas Elementary School Tudela District Division of Misamis Occidental

One tragic night has ended the lives of the passengers of two commercial airlines that collided at the end of the runway. Air crash investigators have not detected any signs of engine malfunction nor glitches in the computer system of both aircrafts. However, the flight data recorder or the “black box” in one of the aircraft revealed a blatant error committed by the two pilots. Investigations have discovered that the two pilots misunderstood the “standby for takeoff ” instruction made by the control tower and instead of putting the brakes on, they shifted the engine in full throttle pushing the aircraft in full speed getting ready for the takeoff climb.

The last words recorded from the two pilots were words of shock and awe as they see another aircraft that is about touch down in front of them.

Suddenly, there was a big bang and a fireball engulfed both aircraft erecting a thick black smoke of burned fuel up in the air. Minutes later, the silence was broken by

the cries of fire trucks and ambulance responded in the area. Sadly, there were no survivors on this mishap.

Investigators narrowed down their investigation and attributed the cause of the accident to the miscommunication between the pilots and the control tower. It is clear that the air traffic controller have made the correct call by giving priority to the incoming aircraft and putting the outgoing aircraft on standby.

The Black box revealed a blatant mistake as the pilots were not paying full attention and mistakenly understood the “Standby for takeoff ” instruction to “ready for takeoff.” Poor visibility has also made matter even worst.

Looking at the credentials, both pilots are seasoned with more than one thousand hours of flying time on their arsenal. Such mistake is indeed unacceptable and very frustrating on the part of the passenger’s family and more especially in the aviation industry.

This incident happed

almost twenty years ago yet the lesson it imprinted in the aviation industry is indeed remarkable leading to a lot of improvements and innovations in the airline industry. Nowadays, airline companies are making sure that pilots are well rested and have undergone a mandatory psychological test.

Whether we are working in the aviation industry, shipping, or whatever profession we are digging in. One of the best policy to live with is to carefully listen to instructions that we receive. Do not ignore even the details that may sound routinary. The things that we use to hear every day might sound annoying yet adhering to it might spell the difference between success and failure, life and death even more.

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

3 Del Monte swings Aboitiz group continues to $81-M loss operation amid lockdown T Advertising and Editorial E-mail : businessweekmindanao@gmail.com Contact nos. : 0917-7121424 • 0947-8935776

WEDNESDAY|SEPTEMBER 2, 2020

CorporateWorld

Del Monte Pacific Ltd. swung to an $81.39-million attributable net loss in its fiscal year ending April 2020 due to oneoff expenses from plant closures and retirement of loans.

But excluding the one-off items, Del Monte posted a recurring net profit of $32.2 million in the 12 months, more than double its $15.8 million recurring net profit in the same period last year.

In a regulatory filing on Friday, the listed canned fruits manufacturer said revenues grew 9% to $2.13 billion from operations in the United States, the Philippines, S&W Asia and Europe.

Sales from US subsidiary Del Monte Foods, Inc. went up 8%

to $1.5 billion, from the Philippines up 10% to $338.9 million, and from S&W in Asia and the Middle East up 9% to $109.8 million.

“Del Monte’s results had been favorably impacted by the pandemic. As consumers stayed home, prepared more meals and consumed more snacks, they purchased trusted brand names and consumed healthier, shelf-stable culinary products,” it said.

The bottomline loss is a result of the company’s efforts to reduce costs by divesting in four facilities in the US. Del Monte Managing Director and CEO Joselito D Campos, Jr. had said previously that the restructuring was a “necessary step” to remain competitive.

HE ABOITIZ GROUP on Thursday said it continues to operate its various business segments amid a coronavirus lockdown that started in mid-March.

In a statement, listed Aboitiz Equity Ventures, Inc. (AEV) said its business facilities, power and cement manufacturing plants and development sites have been operating while following health and safety protocols.

“Aboitiz is committed to providing unhampered delivery of products and services across critical sectors that will help keep our economy moving,” AEV President and Chief Executive Officer Sabin M. Aboitiz said in the statement.

Aside from its main

business which is power, the Aboitiz group also has banking and financial services, food, land and infrastructure interests. It also has units in cement manufacturing and

construction.

AEV posted a 55% income drop to P4 billion in the first half, as contributions from its power business dropped by 57% to P2.9 billion.

When it disclosed its earnings in late July, the company said it was expecting improved performance in the second half as the country adjusts to the pandemic.

ZAMBOANGA City – Some 83 menteeentrepreneurs are set to graduate next month from the Department of Trade and Industry's (DTI) Kapatid Mentor Me - Money and Market Encounter (KMME-MME)

training-seminar.

DTI 9 (Zamboanga Peninsula) Director Ceferino Rubio said Saturday the would-be graduates composed two batches of mentees from this city, Zamboanga del Norte, Zamboanga del Sur,

and Zamboanga Sibugay.

Rubio said they would be the first to graduate for this year's KMME-MME, which started the online training course with two modules each week from July 21 until August 28.

He said the online

training was made possible through the convergence of the DTI and the Philippine Center for Entrepreneurship (PCE) Go Negosyo.

“This KMME-MME online is one of the many interventions that DTI,

through PCE Go Negosyo, is giving to Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) in this time of Covid-19 pandemic,” Rubio said.

He said the training covered 10 modules that aim to scale up the various

aspects of the business operations of the chosen MSMEs. The modules touched on Entrepreneurial Mindsetting and Values Formation; Marketing; Product Development; SEMINAR/PAGE 7

83 Zamboanga entrepreneurs to complete DTI mentoring seminar

4

Opinion

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

BUSINESSWEEK MINDANAO CORPORATION Publisher DANTE M. SUDARIA President/CEO ALLAN MARIO MEDIANTE Vice President for Corporate Affairs RUFINO T. MAGBANUA Vice President for Business Development VICENTE C. DELA VICTORIA Vice President for Operations JOE FELICILDA Vice President for Administration JOHN AARON M. DEL BANDO Vice President for Events and Promotions

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AMID this Covid-19 pandemic, doomsayers are on the run — spreading their lies and deceptions via social media platforms.

Their hard-boiled fake news well-crafted to fire up their level of stupidity and callousness are never-ending in search for their personal egomania and political greed.

Most recent of whom are these classic paid hacks s a l i v at i n g l i k e hu n g r y vultures searching on their preys, acting like frustrated warriors in a sci-fi movie.

T h e y are m a k i ng it

appear that the country is in complete chaos, in total disarray and needs a surgical solution by calling a “fight, if necessar y” mantra on National Heroes Day. Such was another motherhood statement —a sweeping declaration from a trying hard group of spin doctors in their desire to improve their client’s public image.

To foment a division and further sidestepping responsibility for the coronavirus pandemic will drain us no end and to

nowhere.

That said, the penchant of finding fault in the way we confront the pandemic is basically useless and unproductive semantics at this stage of fear and uncertainty.

Fur ther, a knee-jerk comment will not in anyway add something beneficial, nor any good, and to overlay the negativity further makes us sick down the drain.

And to counterpunch at this point the issues on Covid-19 responses is nothing but a mere media

UNRUFFLED

RUFFY MAGBANUA hype.

It’s nothing but a pure rant. No more, no less. (ruffy44_ph2000@yahoo. com)

Being on the right track?

Many times we compare our life with a way. We talk about a "human life way".

We describe a determined human such as, "He's on the right track (way)". We must make our tracks, but we will prepoved not to take a path across a ricefield. We learn that there are many ways to solve problems. We also don't want to stand in other people's way. Sometimes we prefer to keep out of someone's way. Sometimes, we plan already to get someone out of our way. It just happened in my surroundings. Most of all, we do try to find the golden middle course. "Hay nako" - that's the hardest task in life!

Many different ways have been offered to us during our whole life. Whole life?

Mmmmh, let's wait and see

and have a cup of tea! How can we be able to choose the right way? The correct one?

Which signs on our way can be trusted blindly? These are urgent and vital questions for all of us, and, during this time, important like never before. In the pasty traditions and custom demands have been produced our ways unquestionable. Nowadays permanently, constantly and continually we must think about decisions and look for the correct plan - but, more and more alone!

Today's man is like a ship's captain.This ship contains solid iron. The compass needle is no more able to show the Northern direction as expected, because of the ship's iron inflexible body.

You only have one choice: look up to the stars and study their guiding support. A very

wise idea by German atomphysicist Werner Heisenberg (1901-1976).

We are all happy and proud while having the perfect means at our disp osal. On the other hand, our blindness allows us to intricate and confused destinations in life, aims, goals and objectives. We all know the headlines of our daily life, which always turn us away and distract our views to the stars - means to say: to God. - Coup d'Etat (ignoring) of human values; - To t a l ( m o d e r n ? ) emancipation; - Longing mostly -or only- for earthly luck on the way of all .

Many of these headlines are reality already. But this reality stays behind real dreams and illusions. Let's

HAVE MY SAY

KLAUS DORING keep our eyes open for the most important signs at our way, such as - Re ady to help t he unprotected and defenseless weak; - Struggle for freedom and justice; - Commitment of peace; - Most of all: Love, which doesn't calculate and count love without measurements, boundaries and limits.

Thailand's COVID-19 response an example of resilience and solidarity: a UN Resident Coordinator

Philippine Press Institute Oro Chamber

Marks of maturity (Pt. 1) Think a minute… A little boy lost a footrace at school, so he came home angry and jealous of the other kids who won ahead of him. His father saw his son’s bad attitude and said: “Son, anybody can be kind when they win! That’s easy!

But when you lose, and you are still kind to the winners, then you are on your way to becoming a mature human being.” Today and tomorrow we will look at some marks of true maturity.

Self-control of our physical desires and drives is one mark of our maturity. “The man who can master himself can master everything else.” A mature person controls his body instead of allowing his body to control him. This is true of any physical appetite, whether it is for pleasure, comfort, food, or even rest.

Mature people do not live life ruled by their urges and impulses, since they do not need instant gratification to be happy.

A mature person also has self-control in the area of honesty. Some people have a good reputation, but not a good character. They give in public, but cheat and steal

WEDNESDAY|SEPTEMBER 2, 2020

Motherhood statements

JOE PALABAO Vice President for Marketing ROSE MARY D. SUDARIA, PhD Vice President for Finance

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THINK A MINUTE

JHAN TIAFAU HURST in private. A mature person, however, is controlled by his conscience and what he knows is right, not by what he can get away with. So even if no one will ever know he lied, stole or did something wrong, he still will not do it, because he himself will know, and he never wants to lose his own self-respect, good character and conscience.

“A mature man disciplines himself so others don’t have to.” His honest character and conscience steer him through every temptation, pressure, and problem, so he does not lose his way or his honor and integrity.

A mature person also has self-control of his emotions.

MARKS/PAGE 7

In January, Thailand became the second country to confirm a COVID-19 case but, since then, the country has shown remarkable resilience and, as of late July, there had not been any recorded cases of domestic transmission for nearly two months.

Speaking to Gita Sabharwal, the UN Resident Coordinator in Thailand, via skype last night she was explaining that this success is thanks to a combination of government action, social responsibility and community solidarity.

T h a i l a n d ’s o v e r a l l response, and ability to curb infections, has led the World Health Organization (WHO) to identify Thailand, alongside New Zealand, as a success story in dealing with the pandemic. Of course, that success entirely depends on continued vigilance, a wholeof-society approach, and ramped up testing to prevent a second wave as borders open and full economic activities are resumed.

The economic impact of the pandemic has been serious, with predictions of an 8.1 per cent contraction of the economy in 2020. According to a recent survey, 65 per cent of people in Thailand report that their incomes are totally or very inadequate under

pandemic conditions, with almost the same percentage saying that their finances had been adversely affected.

Vulnerable communities bear the brunt UNDP Thailand and a local NGO arranged for the delivery face masks to the ethnic community in Phuket province, Thailand.

Having started in my position just one week before the lockdown, my view of Thailand has been very COVID-centric. We have all personally felt the effects of the pandemic in many different ways and a large number of UN staff in Thailand have been apart from their families for months due to travel restrictions – my own family reunification was postponed for the first half of the year, and I hope to see my husband next month for the first time since the outbreak. At the same time, we are profoundly aware that vulnerable communities are bearing the brunt of this crisis, making our advocacy and work with partners all the more important.

As the Resident Coordinator, my focus has been on working closely w it h t h e U N C ou nt r y Team to develop the UN’s comprehensive response strategy to the pandemic and

positioning it to be cutting edge, forward leaning, and offering thought leadership to sustain development gains and build back better.

Our understanding of the impact of the crisis and its implications on the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) continues to unfold as we speak. It is only now that we are more fully understanding the implications of COVID-19 on agriculture and farm households, and the more long-term social impact.

UN Secretary-General António Guterres set the tone for UN’s approach with his Shared Responsibility, Global Solidarity plan to counter the severe socio-economic impacts of COVID-19, while emphasising the imperative for a comprehensive wholeof-society and whole-ofgovernment response.

Cash handouts and loans The Royal Thai Government’s contribution to the UN’s COVID-19 Fund speaks to this shared responsibility. Similarly, the role played by the 1 million health volunteers, two-thirds of whom are women, in contact tracing across the country speaks to the whole of society approach.

T h e g o v e r n m e n t ’s stimulus packages have been

NUTS & BOLTS

JEROME DE LA FUENTE comprehensive, rapid and well-sequenced, constituting 15 per cent of GDP. Almost half of respondents to a recent survey reported having received government support.

Modelling estimates suggest t hat w hi le gover nment expenditure is emerging as the most effective means to suppor t growth and employment, cash handouts followed by soft loans are the next best measures.

In partnership with the National Economic and Social Development Council, the national economic planning agency of Thailand, UN T h ai l and w i l l mon itor the impact of these fiscal stimulus packages targeted at local economies to inform government programming.

The government will also need to closely watch the impact at the household EXAMPLE/PAGE 7

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Home to Go at Summit Hotels Cebu

E

VEN at the onset of community quarantine back in mid-March, half of Robinsons Hotels and Resorts’ (RHR) hospitality brands have remained in operation to serve long-term guests.

These guests included employees from business process outsourcing firms who needed a safe space where they can travel to and fro from work with ease.

Now that the community quarantine has eased up in some major cities nationwide, RHR continues to provide housing needs and offer a secure environment for employed individuals with Home to Go. For a safer alternative to get oneself to work, one can call Home to Go his temporary home where one can enjoy privacy, convenience, comfort and security all within

a furnished hotel room.

A typical Home to Go room measures 18 square meters with twin beds and a private bathroom.

It’s priced for as low as P22,000 net per room per month in Summit Hotel Magnolia, Summit Hotel Greenhills and Summit Galleria Cebu and at P20,000 net per room per month in Summit Circle Cebu and Summit Hotel Tacloban. Home to Go is likewise offered at P18,000 net per room per month in Go Hotels Ortigas, Mandaluyong and Otis-Manila. These rates are inclusive of free Wi-Fi and utilities.

With a minimum stay of one month and maximum of two persons in a room, guests have free access to a common pantry area where they can use the microwave, toaster, iron/ironing board, water dispenser

and refrigerator; guests are given a complimentary cleaning kit upon check-in; guests are provided with daily garbage collection; guests are offered an assistance to Robinsons Supermarket for grocery shopping and room cleaning

services with a minimal fee. Packed meals are also available for only P150 per meal and P100 per meal in Summit Hotels and Go Hotels, respectively.

Home to Go is valid from today until December 31, 2020. A full payment with one month deposit and

one month advance are required upon check-in.

For booking inquiries in Luzon hotels, contact Angelo Ascue at 0999-9942066 or email him at Angelo.Ascue@ robinsonsland.com or contact Shemae Pua at 0998-840-3566 or email her at Shemae.

Pua@robinsonsland. com. For booking inquiries in VisMin hotels, contact Dyna Abello at 0998-8403523 or email her at Dyna.Abello@ robinsonsland.com.

For more information on Go Hotels Home to Go, visit summithotels.ph and gohotels.ph.

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Fund... from page 1

and Exchange Commission (SEC) in 2018.

ACR said the cash yield from the CP float will “provide funding for the company’s ongoing projects,” primarily the hydro and thermal power facilities that are now at varying stages of implementation.

The company has been previously granted with PRS A plus (corp) or “stable outlook” credit rating, with the PhilR atings agenc y emphasizing its “above average capacity to meet financial commitments relative to other Philippine corporates.”

A big-ticket power plant development that the Alcantara firm is advancing is its P16 billion San Ramon Power Inc. (SRPI), a coal-fired power plant

sited in Zamboanga City.

The blueprinted 1 0 5 - m e g aw att t h e r m a l generating plant is slated to have its engineering, procurement and construction (EPC) contract awarded by the third quarter of this year, so it can keep pace with the targeted commercial operations in 2023.

Beyond that power plant project, the investment focus of the company will pivot to renewable energy (RE) installations – primarily runof-river hydropower projects for targeted sites in Mindanao and Visayas.

As emphasized by ACR Chairman and President Tomas I. Alcantara, “in the next few years, in terms of the number of power facilities, renewable energy will constitute the largest segment in Alsons’

The Power of Gossip MARY ANNE M. CARALDE Teacher I Silongon Elementary School Tudela District Division of Misamis Occidental

Throughout human history, we had gone so far. Our leaders continuously seek for progress and strive to establish laws that hinders notorious people from creating chaos in our society. However, one thing survives through time- GOSSIP. It is alive and flourishing.

Neither law nor any other human method has thus far succeeded in extinguishing its scorching power. Gossip is everywhere. There is neig hb orho o d gossip, office gossip, shop gossip, friendship gossip and family gossip. It transcends all cultures, races, and civilizations, and it has progressed at every level of society. Gossip is so common, it is almost like breathing. It is deeply a part of human nature. People are normally interested in people. Who of us is not interested in hearing about other people? But knowing where to draw the line between harmful and harmless gossip is the key to avoiding victimizing others—and being a victim yourself.

Gossip caused harm to a lot of people, damaging f a m i l y r e l at i o n s h i p s , friendship and more. It has been blamed for sleepless nights, heartache, and indigestion. Gossiping is linked with unwarranted concern about other people’s private affairs. And it often takes the form of criticism, judgment that is premature because of not knowing all the facts of the case.

The tongue that gossips is often a tongue that lies. It usually exaggerates as tales are repeated and twists to make the stories more spicy and sensational. The more breathtaking the news can be dished up, the greater its market value in the circle of gossipers. Added to all of this, the people who listened to the stories are wasting time that should be used for profitable work.

power portfolio.”

Being pushed forward to completion is the company’s 14.5-megawatt Siguil hydropower project in Sarangani, which is targeted on commercial stream by year 2022; and the next ones are two hydropower projects in Zamboanga del Norte and Negros Occidental.

“We expect that renewable energy contribution to ACR earnings will be more than 35-percent in the mid-term once our first three hydro plants are operating,” Philip Edward B. Sagun, deputy chief financial officer of ACR said.

He added their long term trajectory on RE investments will warrant commercial developments of at least eight hydropower projects; and when that is concretized, “we project that renewable energy contribution to ACR earnings will be around 45-percent.”

At present, the company’s financial performance is broadly contingent on the revenue stream and bottom line yield from its two-phased Sarangani coal-fired power

plant that has an aggregate capacity of 210MW.

Program... from page 2

"Ang DPWH nanghinaut sa inyong makanunayong pagsabot ug kooperasyon samtang kami gapadayon sa pag-implentar sa atong mga proyekto. Dili malikayan ang ginagmay nga kahasol apan kung kining mga proyketo makumpleto, kitang tanan makabenepisyo," Tan said.

(DPWH seeks for understanding and c o o p e r at i o n w h i l e w e continue to implement our projects. We cannot do away with some hassle these may cause but once these projects are completed, all of us can benefit) Aside from health augmentation facilties, Tan said infrastructure projects for accessibility, tourism development, and agricultural productivity are implemented and continued amid the pandemic to generate jobs and boost economic activities.

(RTP/PIA10)

Beat Your Best!

HELEN P. COMALING MASTER TEACHER I Silongon Elementary School Tudela District Division of Misamis Occidental

True, gossip often reveals a very dark side of us, a side that delights in tarnishing reputations, distorting the truth, and destroying lives.

Gossip is here to stay.

However, we must realize its potentially destructive power. A fountain does not bubble out both the sweet and the bitter. Neither does salt water produce sweet water. And yet the human tongue sends out of the same mouth both blessing and cursing. This should not be. We should be able to show progress in our endeavors to tame the tongue, to curb its inflaming outbursts. The tongue is a tool of the mind and heart. Jesus said, “Out of the abundance of the heart the mouth speaks.”

So we must go to the root of the trouble when seeking to tame our tongue. We must work to erase from mind and heart the urges that drive the tongue to make foolish talk. If the mind and heart are filled with what is good, they will not empower the tongue to gossip. The properly filled mind and heart will have no room for such nonsense.

S o, at a time when gossip “has hit the big time,” we do well to give thought to our reaction to gossip. Are we careful that we do not get carried away with gossip that serves no good purpose? Keep your lips in check. It is said that great minds talk about ideas, average minds talk about things, and small minds talk about people!

We are living in a highly competitive world. Our society took a great leap of progress if we look back from where we are before 50 years ago to where we are now. From all aspects of life- technology, economy, education, businesses and more- all achieved a huge advancement. There is one variable which pushed everybody to make these ch ange s - c omp e t it i on .

They say that if there is no competition, there is no progress.

Competition has always been existing everywhere.

Many believe that it’s the key to success. However, it can be dangerous and helpful at the same time. For example, if we are to focus on a smaller scale, it’s evident that even in our families or at work, there’s still a rivalry. Is this competitive spirit good? Is it wise to stir up competition with one another? Are highly competitive people fun to be with? People who compete against others display a selfish, me-first attitude.

They are happy when others fare badly, imagining that it will in turn boost their own rating. For their own selfish gain, they may employ tactics hurtful to others.

When there are efforts to outshine others, to prove that one is better, bad effects usually happens. Friendships are strained. Frustrations and tensions can be created.

Family relations often are adversely affected. Persons who frequently push to their limits in their quest to get ahead usually suffer the consequences. At work, many competitive people have simply been worn out in the struggle. This caused so much stress to many which resulted to serious illnesses and broken relationships. A competitive spirit can even lead to an untimely death as this caused heart diseases and cancer.

C omp etition fosters feelings of envy, jealousy, and greed. People who excel may begin to think themselves superior, making them arrogant and overbearing.

Consistent losers, on the other hand, may suffer from a lack of self-esteem, causing despondency. Faced with competitive pressures with which they cannot cope, they may choose to give up, an attitude that helps explain the surge in suicides among young people in some countries.

How can competition be beneficial? Instead of comp ar ing yours elf to others, it’s good to focus on your own self and strive to be better than before.

This is the best way of c omp e t it i on . If you’re already in your comfort zone, aiming for s elfgrowth and improvement will help you feel happy and fulfilled. Experiencing a little discomfort at first when you try something “new”, or accept a new role can be challenging. But it is normal to feel this way.

What’s important is the motive of doing it. If you do it just to beat others, you will never be happy. But if you do it for yourself, for your

growth and improvement, then you will be rewarded with your efforts.

Your greatest opponent is no other people but yourself. Just like in a marathon, you will never win if you keep on looking at the other contestants.

If you are distracted, you will have a hard time to reach the finish line. Have a laser-like focus to your goals, and when you do better, make it a habit to beat your best. When you constantly compete with yourself, you’ll become happier and surely achieve your dreams!

RADIO, AS MEDIUM IN THE NEW NORMAL EDUCATIONAL SYSTEM MARIA TERESA L. APIAG Master Teacher 1 Bugo Central School

The Covid-19 pandemic brought several changes in our society.

In education, the traditional way of teaching was the face-to-face interaction with the teachers and students, but during this pandemic virtual learning or blended learned is much applicable.

The Department of Education presents several learning mediums of instruction to still facilitate learning even in the middle of pandemic. One of the mediums of instruction to deliver lessons

is through Radio programs that caters educational topics and the students can be learned by listening to a radio.

DepEd assigned teachers to create Radio platforms for educational purposes and aired to radio stations.

DepEd assures that they can still give a quality education even in the middle of this struggled time.

The assigned teachers for radio platform for educational purposes are much dedicated to create radio platforms for educational purposes

as learning materials.

In this medium, the students no need to have an internet connection to learned, they are just turn-on their radio and tune-in in the designated radio stations and listen to the discussions. The radio platforms for education in much acceptable as medium of instruction in the new normal educational system for quality education. In this matter, we can still provide students with an ability and capability to face the world as the hope of the future.

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Marks... from page 4

You can tell how strong a man is by how much it takes to make him upset and lose control of his anger. “The more you grow up, the less you blow up.” A mature person masters his moods and understands that “The results of anger are usually worse than the cause of it.”

Nothing is important enough to become so angry we deeply hurt, damage, or even destroy those we love and care about.

Remember, you only get one life, so why not make yours the best it can be by becoming your best? Ask Jesus to take full charge of your heart and character.

Only He can give you the power you need each day to become the mature man or woman of self-control He created you to be. Then, you can start reaching your potential and living your life to the fullest. Just think a minute…

Example... from page 4

level in the third and fourth quarters, and further refine the mix of stimulus measures with sharper targeting. In terms of vulnerabilities, the impact assessment indicates that youth could potentially lose out the most given rising unemployment and with nearly half a million young people joining the labour force at a time when jobs are difficult to secure. Similarly, women and men are impacted equally, yet differently, which will serve as a drag to the recovery process.

Increased health and social protection UN Thailand’s strategy focuses on investing in partnerships with a cleareyed view to build back better, while keeping the SDGs on track. The plan combines the direct health response based on the principle of leaving no one behind while investing in forward-looking policies to protect jobs and economies as well as to strengthen social capital.

Our immediate health response focuses on supporting the Government to strengthen surveillance and laboratory capacity, as well as to facilitate private and public sector engagement on vaccine research and pilot a “new normal” health service through tele-medicine. It also ensures that vulnerable groups such as migrants and refugees have access to PPEs and health services.

In order to leave no one behind, UN Thailand has prioritised social protection, including successfully advocating for augmenting old age, child, and disability grants. In dialogue with the Royal Thai Government, we are supporting real-time monitoring of gender-based violence and violence against children while strengthening prevention and response. The UN is also mapping digital infrastructure to understand geographies and communities that are underserved to bridge the digital divide and support e-learning platforms for

schools.

Rebuild a more equitable society In p ar t nership w it h local communities, the UN is scaling up sustainable tou r is m mo d els w h i ch p r o t e c t b i o d i v e r s i t y, linking supply chains with markets to strengthen the network of community food management, as well as working with small and me dium enter pr is es to support green technology to jumpstart the local economy, and supporting dialogue with youth across the country to showcase innovations which have created jobs for the marginalised in response to the crisis.

All evidence suggests that the pandemic will impact the SDGs, but it doesn’t have to, as long as there is effective reprioritisation, and public and private investments are strategically maximised.

A resilient recovery will demand sustained economic support, long-term thinking, and policies which include a focus on building back better to jumpstart local economies and enable a green recovery.

Polling suggests that more than one-third of people in Thailand have donated cash, food or supplies during the pandemic, with most donations under 5,000 baht (about 160 US dollars). To me, this speaks of the social capital of the country and in many ways the glue that holds society together. There is also anecdotal evidence that in more marginalised regions, such as the northeast and deep south, the scale of donations has been higher.

We have seen in Thailand and around the world that times of crisis bring out the best of people. COVID-19 presents unprecedented challenges, but also opportunities to build back better. UN Thailand remains c om m itte d to work i ng collaboratively to recover from the pandemic and to rebuild for a more equitable, just and resilient society.

Seminar... from page 3

Business Model Canvas; Operations Management; S u p p l y a n d Va l u e Chain; Human Resource Management; Financial Accounting and Financial Management; and Taxation and Business Law. Rubi o s ai d t r ai n i ng participants could complete the course after they finish all the modules and present their Business Improvement Plan to an expanded panel of evaluators composed of representatives of banks, online market platforms, and other business support organizations.

Meanwhile, he said the DTI has assisted 568 MSMEs in the region through the KMME since 2016.

KMME graduates are also being assisted through other DTI programs and projects, among them the Livelihood Seeding Program - Negosyo Serbisyo sa Barangay, OTOP Next Gen, Pangkabuhayan sa Pagbangon at Ginhawa, and Shared Service Facility. (PNA)

Survive... from page 1

On their feet is another sign that reads,” Your donation is highly appreciated. Thank you!!!.”

The musicians are busking or doing street performances in exchange for money and food donations.

They also set up a small booth at the small park where they sell food baked or cooked by the musicians themselves.

Singer Gina Morales said musicians earn from P500 to P1,000 a day singing and selling food to customers who are mostly employees of the Cagayan de Oro city government Morales said Mayor Oscar Moreno allowed their group to use the small park beside City Hall “so we can earn some decent money during the pandemic.”

She said they decided to go busking after one of the city’s folksingers, George Bagsic, 54, suffered a fatal heart attack last June.

Guitarist and folksinger Ian C or ni lius C ol lant a narrated Bagsic was depressed that bars and pubs were not allowed to operate when lockdowns were imposed starting March due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

Left with no other skill, Callanta said Bagsic was among those badly affected by the loss of their gigs when the bars and pubs closed down.

“Bagsic came to me the day before he had the fatal heart attack asking for rice and some money I can spare,” the 45-year-old Callanta, father of two, said.

The National Economic Development Authority in Northern Mindanao said more than 224 establishments, mostly in the tourism sectors like restaurants and hotels, in Region 10 had close shop as of August 17, 2020.

At least 2,807 workers have lost their jobs across Northern Mindanao, it said.

Morales said musicians have to find new skills and new media platforms to EXTRAJUDICIAL PARTITION WITH DEED OF ABSOLUTE SALE

survive the pandemic.

“I now sell garden plants in order to survive,” she said.

Callanta said he is offering online guitar lessons to interested youngsters who want to learn how to play the instrument.

“The pay is much lower but it brings food to our table,” he said.

While younger musicians like Morales and Callanta are coping with the economic fallout, jazz musicians who are mostly senior citizens are facing the worst.

Hip olito “Jun Greg” Gregorio, a jazz pianist said they used to earn 1,000 to 1,500 pesos a night performing at the city’s hotels and upscale restaurants.

He said when they need the extra money, it was easy for them to go abroad and play at the hotels around Asia where the pay is higher.

Gregorio explained that since travel is no longer an option, older musicians like him are left with no choice but to stay home and try to survive.

“We are now in our senior years and we are scared to go out because we are vulnerable to the virus,” the 67-year-old Gregorio said.

Gregorio narrated that he is trying to earn money by launching his song “Uwan, Uwan, Uwan Silingan ” with his singing partner, Joseph Lansang on the Youtube Channel.

“I p i t y o t h e r e l d e r musicians because they are stuck to the old platform of performing in bars and pubs,” Gregorio said.

Closes... from page 1

the City Inter-Agency Task Force for the Management of Emerging and Re-emerging Infectious Diseases and PFDA officials.

He said they also consulted members of the Socsksargen

Farms... from page 2

to sorghum seeds next week,” he said in a MinDA statement on Sunday.

Piñol added that the sorghum seeds are part of the donation of the Scott Seeds Company of Hereford, Texas for the province of Davao del Norte and MinDA. “The introduction of sorghum as a complementary grains crop to corn is being initiated by MinDA as part of its poultry, livestock, and aquaculture development program for Mindanao,” he said.

Sorghum is a resilient plant that needs less water than corn. Its grains have a high protein content ideal for livestock, poultry and aqua feeds while its stalks are excellent silage materials.

Recently, a sorghum demonstration farm in New Esperanza, M'lang town in North Cotabato supervised

by Vice Mayor Joselito Piñol yielded a harvest of 8.4 metric tons and a silage production of 40 metric tons.

Piñol added that MinDA is now negotiating with the US Agency for International D e ve l opm e nt ( U S A I D ) while the Texas Sorghum Seed Producers led by Coby Kriegshauzer of Scott Seed are coordinating with the United States Department of Agriculture to support the Mindanao Sorghum D e velopment Prog ram.

(PNA)

EXTRA JUDICIAL PARTITION WITH WAIVER OF RIGHTS KNOW ALL MEN BY THESE PRESENTS:

That the late ALICIA B. ZATE, who died ____________________ at __________________, that the deceased left no debts, and no will of testament, but left a certain parcel of land, more particularly described as follows; Tax Declaration No. 22-0003-00608, situated in Linangkayan, Naawan, Misamis Oriental containing an area of TWO HUNDRED FORTY-FOUR (244) Square meters, more or less, that only fifty percent of the aforementioned property was owned by the deceased, and the remaining fifty percent is owned by her widower Legario Zate as his conjugal share, and has been the subject of an EXTRAJUDICIAL PARTITION WITH DEED OF ABSOLUTE SALE, filed by heirs of ALICIA B. ZATE, in favor of JOY P. DAGANIO, per DOC #90; PAGE #18; BOOK #08; Series of 2020, under the Notarial Registry of ATTY. IKE L. ROA.

That the late PEDRO PAGALAN, who died on April 29, 1992 at manticao, Misamis Oriental; that the deceased left no debts and no will of testament, but left a parcel of land, more particularly described as follows: with Tax Declaration No. 22-000800055 situated in Patag, Naawan, Misamis Oriental, containing an area of Thirty-nine Thousand Nine Hundred Seventy-one (39,971) square meters, more or less, that this portion does not include personal property; that however a portion the said property is actually owned by RAYCITO M. RACINES, SARAH R. CEBRIAN, SLYVIA R. PIERCE, and HEIRS RENE M. RACINES, represented by his widow GEMMA B. RACINES, all of legal age, Filipino citizens and residents of Naawan, Misamis Oriental which portion has an area of 17,686 square meters, more or less and has been the subject of an EXTRA JUDICIAL PARTITION WITH WAIVER OF RIGHTS, filed by the heirs of PEDRO PAGALAN, per DOC #455; PAGE #91; BOOK #03; Series of 2020 under the Notarial Registry of ATTY. IKE L. ROA.

BWM: Aug. 19, 26 & Sept. 2, 2020

BWM: Aug. 19, 26 & Sept. 2, 2020

KNOW ALL MEN BY THESE PRESENTS:

Federation of Fishing and Allied Industries, Inc., which earlier pushed for the fishport’s temporary closure to address the emergence of COVID-19 cases.

Rivera confirmed that a number of confirmed COVID-19 cases in the city in the last two weeks were traced to the fishport complex.

A source said these cases involved laborers and local fish buyers and suppliers who were considered as regulars at the facility.

Last week, two fish traders from Surallah town, South Cotabato province who were traced to have visited the fishport tested positive of the disease.

P a r i s Ay o n , a c t i n g administrative s er vices division head of the PFDA here, clarified in a radio interview that the other sections and operations of the fishport will remain open during the four-day lockdown.

He said they will assign a skeleton workforce for their operating units as the two wharves and the industrial sector will remain open.

The unloading of frozen fish, especially tuna, supplied to local manufacturing plants and the operations of the cold storage as well as other facilities will continue, he said.

Ay on s a i d t h e y a re currently finalizing the creation of the Fishport COVID-19 Control Force (FCCF), which will be tasked to spearhead the contacttracing for identified cases.

He s a i d t h e F C C F, which is patterned after t h e e x i s t i n g B a r a n g ay CCFs, will be composed of personnel from the City Health Office, city police, officials and volunteers from Barangay Tambler and one representative each from companies operating at the fishport.

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BWM: September 2, 9 & 16, 2020

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