BusinessWeek Mindanao (September 4, 2020)

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Volume XI, No. 39

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Briefly Youth vs Covid PRESIDENTIAL Communications Operations Office (PCOO) Secretary Martin Andanar has sought the help of youth leaders in Northern Mindanao in helping the communities disseminate correct information and awareness on the coronavirus disease 2019 (Covid-19) pandemic.

Andanar, who also heads the Cabinet Officer for Regional Development and Security for Region 10 (Cords-10), underscored Wednesday the role of the Sangguniang Kabataan (SK) or youth council in every barangay in helping educate their communities on the pandemic to ensure compliance with health protocols and prevent the spread of Covid-19.

“I want Region 10 to be the best region in fighting Covid-19.

I want Region 10 to become number one in the fight against Covid-19. I will do my best to meet you because the majority of the population belongs to the youth and we need to protect our youth from Covid-19,” Andanar said during Wednesday's online meeting with the SK leaders in the city.

IN-DEPTH

Friday|September 4, 2020

By DIGNA BANZON, PNA

T

HE Mindanao Development Authority (MinDA) said the island region is now in better shape compared three or four months back, even amid the coronavirus disease 2019 (Covid-19) pandemic.

In a virtual conference Wednesday, MinDA assistant secretary Romeo Mo n t e n e g r o s a i d 7 5 p e r c e n t of c om m e rc i a l an d i n du s t r i a l establishments are now open although in adjusted capacity in the light of the health protocols.

Montenegro noted that power demand is back from as low as 1,300 plus megawatts in May 2020 to 1,700 to 1,800 megawatts currently.

"We are noting a slight reduction of BETTER/PAGE 7

HYDRO POWER. The dam of the Pulangui hydroelectric power plant in Bukidnon. mindanews file photo by bobby timonera

Auction house THE Bureau of Customs in Region 10 has inaugurated its "Security Warehouse and Auction House" here on Monday.

BOC-10 Collector John Simon said the warehouse is first of its kind in the country, which will house and secure seized items in all port of entries in Northern Mindanao located in Ozamiz City, Iligan City, Macabalan Port here, and Mindanao Container Terminal in Tagoloan, Misamis Oriental.

Simon said the warehouse aims to centralize the inventory of seized goods such as minerals, cigarettes, clothing products, cars, and other goods that will be either condemned or auctioned off to the public.

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Power demand in Mindanao picking up amid health crisis

By ANTONIO L. COLINA IV, MindaNews

DAVAO City – The demand for power in Mindanao has returned to its preCOVID level, a sign that the island’s economy was

slowly recovering under a “new normal” with many companies resuming op e r at i ons at a s c a l e d down capacity, Mindanao

Development Authority Assistant Secretary Romeo Montenegro said.

During a virtual press conference, Montenegro said daily power consumption in DEMAND/PAGE 7

DOE plans 5,501 MW power capacity addition

By MYRNA M. VELASCO, Contributor

DYING. Tricycle drivers wait for passengers under a huge acacia tree along a dirt road in Espina Heights, Labangal, General Santos City. The tree, believed to have been struck by lightning, has been without leaves for about a year now and residents living nearby fear it may topple down and endanger people. mindanews photo by rommel g. rebollido

THE Department of Energy (DOE) is eyeing 5,501 megawatts of power capacity that will be added into the country’s electricity

supply in the next five years, according to data culled from the agency.

Bulk of the targeted new capacity are eyed for

installations in the next two years, to underpin the anticipated rebound of the economy from the affliction of the coronavirus pandemic.

In the ongoing review POWER/PAGE 7

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FRIDAY|SEPTEMBER 4, 2020

Andanar: BP2 program promotes sustainability in NorMin “THE Balik Probinsya, Bagong Pag-asa (BP2) Program responds to the consequences brought about by the COVID-19 pandemic particularly on

ensuring the health of every Filipino, and the attainment of our goal to have hightrust, socially cohesive, vibrant, resilient, and sustainable

2020 Census allows assisted telephone interview DAVAO City -- As a mitigating action expecting a number of families who might decline a face to face interview, the Philippine Statistics Authority XI announced that the 2020 Census on Population and Housing would allow for assisted telephone interview this time.

Interviewed in the One Davao Virtual Presser, PSA XI Officer in charge Pepito Amoyen assured the respondents that they are given another option of interview method should they feel unsafe and uncomfortable receiving inside their house

enumerators for the 2020 Census.

Amoyen stressed that they may inform the enumerator their interview method preference and they will be asked for their telephone or mobile number so the census personnel can facilitate a telephone interview instead.

The assisted telephone interview will then be scheduled by the enumerator.

“The enumerators will just have to observe and write down the housing characteristics such as the kind of roof, CENSUSPAGE 7

communities.”

Presidential Communications Sec. Martin Andanar said during the BP2 Committee Meeting, September 3, citing that the ceremonial groundbreaking in Barangay Tacub, Kauswagan, Lanao del Norte, June 24 is a manifestation of a quick start of the program.

“While the BP2 Program may still be in its pilot stage, national government agencies

led by the Mindanao Development Authority (MinDA), in partnership with the various local government units, already conducted initial activities to implement the said program,” the secretary added.

Further, Andanar stressed the need to discuss institutional and working arrangements between the council and program partners to ensure that the initiatives at the level of the council and NGAs are

aligned and harmonized for the successful implementation of the BP2 Program in Region 10.

Thus, he urged LGUs, NGAs and other stakeholders of the program to understand their roles and functions as well as to pitch in their concerns and recommendations.

“Let us all be reminded that partnerships and strong linkage with our development partners

is key in turning our distant dream and aspirations into a reality,” Andanar said.

Currently, the National Economic and Development Authority (NEDA)-10 coordinates with the National Housing Authority (NHA) for the exact list of beneficiaries in the region segregated by province. They are also crafting the plan for the beneficiaries who will be deployed starting this month. (RTP/PIA10)

NO FEAR. “Basta may maigalaw, may pag-asa (As long as you can move, there is always hope),” says wheelchair-bound Richell Istoleho, 53, as he braves traffic, with face shield and facemask on, selling oranges along the busy streets of General Santos City on 31 August 2020 (Monday). GenSan, with about a hundred residents with confirmed coronavirus disease, has recorded its first COVID-19 fatality on that day, a patient who was transferred to a hospital in the city from an isolation facility in Maasim town, Sarangani Province. mindanews photo by rommel g . rebollido

Skills of an administrative assistant

By JENNIFER N. CHAN ADAS III Procurement Unit - BAC DepEd Division Office

FILIPINOS are lo oking to bolster their soft skills in droves while remote working jobs are increasing in unprecedented numbers, according to new LinkedIn research.

The third annual publication of the most popular courses on LinkedIn Learning revealed people are looking to improve their soft skills to set them apart in the hugely competitive jobs market in the wake of COVID-19.

O ut of t h e 1 0 m o s t p opular courses on the

platform, six were centred on soft skills, including strategic thinking, developing your emotional intelligence and learning personal branding.

Since entering the era of COVID-19, the way we learn, work and do business has transformed. This is i n d i c at i v e of w h at t h e jobs landscape will look like in the future where remote work is the new normal; the digital space takes precedence; and professionals with a diverse skills set are valued by

organisations.

In order to prepare for this, professionals need to strive for skills diversity.

The y must pick up t he necessary digital and soft skills that will enable them to work, collaborate and manage teams in a digital space.

It n o w s e e m s t h a t Filipinos have become more comfortable working from home and are now looking to improve and diversify their skill sets to better compete in an increasingly competitive jobs market.

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

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FRIDAY|SEPTEMBER 4, 2020

Banking&Finance

Small banks boost MSME lending during pandemic T HRIFT banks (TBs) and rural and cooperative banks (RCBs) have responded to the call for increased lending to micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs) to help the latter cope with the impact of the pandemic.

“We’ve seen improvement in the amount of lending to the MSME sectors, especially coming from thrift banks and rural and cooperative banks,” Bangko Sentral ng

Pilipinas (BSP) Deputy Governor Francisco Dakila said during the virtual briefing of the inter-agency Development Budget Coordination Committee (DBCC) Thursday.

He said MSME lending of RCBs accounted for 35 percent of the industry’s total loan portfolio (TLP) of P151.9 billion as of end-April 2020.

“Top RCBs continue to generate new MSME loans amounting to P783 million during the

enhanced community quarantine period,” he added.

Dakila said MSME lending of RCBs increased by 23.3 percent while that of TBs rose by 6.8 percent after the BSP allowed TBs and RCBs’ MSME lending as compliance to the reserve requirement ratio (RRR).

The BSP’s decision was made to ensure that MSMEs will continue to have access to liquidity despite the hardships brought about by the

pandemic.

Earlier, BSP Governor Benjamin Diokno said about 88 rural banks availed of the relief measure and extended about P44.2 billion worth of MSME loans, higher compared to the P9.9 billion extended by 55 banks after the central bank issued Circular 1087 last May 27, 2020.

This alternative RR compliance policy can be availed off by TBs and RCBs until December 30, 2021. (PNA)

GSIS suspends reporting requirement until yearend THE Government Service Insurance System (GSIS) has suspended until end-2020 the annual pensioner’s information revalidation (APIR) to lessen pensioners’ chances of catching the coronavirus disease (Covid-19).

In an interview during the Laging Handa public briefing Tuesday, GSIS president and general manager Rolando Macasaet said the agency’s Board of Trustees has decided to suspend APIR since the

pensioners are considered high-risk individuals.

“So, even ho hindi sila pupunta sa GSIS, iyong kanilang pension po ay itutuloy namin po kahit hindi sila magpakita sa GSIS from now until December 2020 (So even if they do not go to GSIS until December 2020, we will continue to give them their pensions),” he said.

Under APIR, pensioners need to report to GSIS during their birth month to show proof of life. This

prevents past experiences wherein pension benefits are released even if the pensioners have already died because this was not reported to the agency.

Macasaet said GSIS will start by January 2021 an initiative wherein GSIS staff will be the ones to check the pensioners’ proof of life.

He said they are now upgrading their system to accommodate the digitalization of APIR starting January next year

to prevent their system from collapsing just like what happened in 2007.

“And very conscious na po kami dyan at sinisiguro ko po na hindi magkocollapse. So ina-update po namin iyong computer system namin po para maging online na talaga ito. (We are very conscious about this to prevent our system from collapsing.

So we’re updating our computer system to implement this (program) online),” he added. (PNA)

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Promoting digital literacy boosts e-payments in PH ADDRESSING people’s doubts on digital financing transactions is among the key factors to further increase the share of electronic payments in the overall landscape in the Philippines.

In her presentation during the virtual forum on Tuesday, Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP) Assistant Governor Illuminada Sicat said a big portion of the adult population continues to have trust issues and lack awareness about the use of digital payment solutions.

“The BSP believes that promoting digital literacy plays a crucial role in deepening the public’s trust in digital finance services,” she said.

Sicat said that wider internet connection access as well as having a digital identification system “will facilitate the scale and reach of digital financial services.”

Citing the results of the 2019 Financial Inclusion Survey, Sicat said 69 percent of adult respondents said they have mobile phones but only 12 percent of them use

their mobile phones for financial transactions.

The same survey showed that 53 percent of the surveyed adults use their phones to access the internet, but only 9 percent of them use it for financial transactions.

Results of the same survey showed that seven out of 10 unbanked adults have mobile phones, which, Sicat said is an opportunity to further increase digital financial transactions in the country.

She said experiences during the pandemic show the importance of digital financial transactions in an economy.

Sicat said the pandemic accelerated the use of digital payment platforms and boosted the central bank’s bid to increase the share of digital payments to 50 percent of the total by 2023.

She said automated teller machines (ATMs) withdrawals during the enhanced community quarantine (ECQ) fell by 24 percent in terms of volume, and 13 percent in DIGITAL/PAGE 7

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Opinion

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Marks of maturity (Pt. 2) Think a minute… It’s been said:”The human race has improved everything except the human race.” Sadly, some of us remain immature all of our lives, so we are almost like boys and girls living in adult bodies.

A major mark of maturity is self-control. And one of the hardest things for us humans to control is our tongue and words. We have tamed huge wild animals like elephants, whales, and lions, but we still have not tamed that little muscle in our mouth that can be a deadly weapon which hurts or even destroys relationships and reputations. “Words don’t break bones, just hearts.”

So the first step is to think first. Stop and think about what you’re going to say.

Is it true? Is it kind? Is it necessary?

The second step is to talk less. You have a far less chance of hurting others, and yourself, if your mouth is open less. Sometimes the best statement we can make is our silence. Remember the rule, “Less is more.” We can actually say more by talking less. Those who have the

THINK A MINUTE

JHAN TIAFAU HURST most to say usually say it with the fewest words.

Another mark of maturity is living controlled by your life’s purpose and priorities, so you do not waste much of your time and life on merely temporary fun and leisure. Rather, you want to use your abilities, time and resources to make the lives of your family, friends and people around you better.

Mature people live for something greater than just themselves. They are givers, not takers. “At the end of our life, we will find that the only things we lost were what we tried to keep to ourselves.” Strong, mature people do not need to have MARKS/PAGE 7

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FRIDAY|SEPTEMBER 4, 2020

Oneness Thru Cooperativism Through Unity, We Will Prevail Bahaullah, the founder of Bahai Faith, has underscored to the highest degree the essence of Oneness – of mankind, of religion, of all of God’s creation.

Indeed, the myth of “other-than-me” has been responsible for wars, the rape of the planet and all expressions of human injustice. “Who in their right mind would harm another if they experienced that person as part of themselves?”

Stan Grof, in his research of non-ordinary states of consciousness, summarizes by saying “the psyche and consciousness of each of us is, in the last analysis, commensurate with “AllThat-Is” because there are no absolute boundaries between the body/ego and the totality of existence.”

Amidst the continuing onslaught of a pandemic,

let us focus on the spirit of oneness being exemplified by some twelve million Filipinos who are advancing t h e t i m e - h on ore d a n d universally accepted cooperative principles and values of onenesss called cooperativism.

They come f rom all walks of life – farmers, fisherfolk, women, workers, lumads, small vendors, the handic app e d, te achers, government employees, the military and even former commanders of the Moro National Liberation Front – all of them believe that cooperativism is the answer against the onslaught of hunger and poverty, that is why they have organized themselves into cooperatives.

They have to pool together whatever meager resources t he y have and har ness their collective potentials

and experiences, ardently believing that the “people united can never be defeated,” even by poverty.

There are now more than 18,481cooperatives nationwide and increasing without let-up as the 15 million Indigenous Peoples, MILF and other combatants are now putting down their arms to fight poverty and social injustices through cooperativism.

The spirit of cooperativism shines through amidst the darkness of poverty and social inequities. Where people are poor because they are powerless to craft their destiny, where hunger looms because of social injustice as the mode of production and b as i c ut i l it i e s are controlled by a few, where people are in dire economic difficulties because of lack of opportunities, skills and

KIM'S DREAM

ORLAN R. RAVANERA capabilities, it is during these times when cooperatives thrive best.

What then is the relevance of co op eratives during these most challenging times? What is their most appropriate role in the long and arduous journey that advances a pro-people development paradigm and in the process, countervails against formidable structures that consign the people to UNITY/PAGE 7

Love hurts Love hurts/love scars/love wounds/ And marks any heart/ Not tough or strong enough/ To take a lot of pain/ take a lot of pain/ Love is like a cloud/ Holds a lot of rain/ Love hurts...ooh, ooh love hurts --- Excerpts from the song Love Hurts by Songwriter Felice Bryant WORRY not, Igan, you are not alone in your bid to keep your dirty linen for life.

After all, sex life of public figures like you is always an intriguing topic in this country -- it spread like wildfire and sells like hot cakes.

So hold on and enjoy the ride.

You cannot just simply escape from it – for now – while you are still in the public eye.

Now, it behooves upon your so-called legion of fans to understand you well enough.

Like it or not, you are now in the eye of a public storm, a controversial at that, and therefore you have become an instant hit -- a good copy, so to speak.

Dread not, you were able to hug headlines from all platforms of social media.

But kindly don’t ask the members of social media not to share online your colorful sex life.

Or even beg your enemies to stop their personal vendetta against you.

All of them have their rights too which you have been fighting for all along.

You have been attacking the President, never to think that one day a personal outbreak will come like a thief in the dead of the night.

Don’t be alarmed, Igan, your wish of “walang aminan” will soon be granted.

And if ever you refuse to accept that you have had love affairs, then you are doomed.

Do you still remember the this unsolicited advice?

Public life is an open book, and no one among us in public service would cry foul about it.

But fear not though. You will have all the open spaces you need for now.

Your former colleague had his heyday over social media by sending you a face-book message: how’s the karma going?

Shudder not, Igan, life is indeed full of pretenses and surprises.

Now, it’s time for your nemesis to get back at you, at least, through face-book.

As what you have been saying: “If there is nothing to hide, the investigation should be welcomed with open arms,

UNRUFFLED

RUFFY MAGBANUA and not questioned at every turn for irrelevant reasons”.

Don’t you think the people deserve the same line of justification as what you have demanded all along? This makes sense, right?

We are not immortals.

We are all ordinary sinners.

And no one is spared when it comes to involvement on love affairs, and that includes this HURTS/PAGE 7

Philippines Airlines ranks in the Top 10 on Covid-19 health and safety protocols More than 150 airlines have been ranked on their Covid-19 safety credentials under a new Safe Travel Barometer.

German carrier Lufthansa topped the list, which gives each of the airlines a Safe Travel Score based on 20 health and safety measures for travellers.

Lufthansa scored 4.5 out of 5, with India’s Vistara and US carrier Delta Air Lines tied for second on 4.4.

All those in the top ten scored 4 or more out of 5.

Also included besides Philippines Airlines are two more Asian carriers China Airlines and Air Asia According to Safe Travel Barometer, the travel scores are based on an independent audit of over 20 factors related to air travel, including preboarding, boarding, and onboard experiences.

In addition to an overall safe travel score, the database

provides information on whether airlines provide other protective measures like hand sanitizer, thermal screening, and face masks, or require a health declaration form.

“The fundamental premise of Safe Travel Score is to benchmark travel brands’ initiatives to reduce traveller anxiety,” explained Virenda Jain, co-founder and chief executive officer of Safe Travel. “Our independent rating centered on traveler health and safety measures establishes a baseline for travel brands, while equally offering travelers a glimpse into what they can expect in their journeys.”

The top ten airlines on the Safe Travel Score criteria, worldwide, are: • Lufthansa (Germany): 4.5 • Vistara (India): 4.4 • Delta Airlines (US): 4.4 • Allegiant Air (US): 4.4

• Philippines Airlines (Philippines): 4.2 • China Airlines (China): 4.2 • AirAsia (Malaysia): 4.2 • Hawaiian Airlines (US): 4.2 • Emirates (UAE): 4.2 • Alaska Airlines (US): 4.1 Meanwhile travel to and from the Philippines has remained closed to most foreign travelers due to the COVID-19 pandemic, PAL has continued to provide regular flights between the Philippines and the U.S. subject to changes.

Since August 15, domestic and international passengers of PAL are required to bring their own face shields, in addition to face masks, to be worn throughout their flights and inside airports.

According to the airline company, face shields must be of “good quality — clear and sturdy with a snug fit

NUTS & BOLTS

JEROME DE LA FUENTE that covers the entire face.”

Travelers flying to and from Hawaii, for example, are required to wear surgical masks while those flying to and from Auckland, New Zealand, are required to wear medical-grade masks like surgical masks or N95 respirators.

Failure to bring a mask or face shield will mean being turned away from their flights.

Infants up to 2 years old PROTOCOLS/PAGE 7

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FRIDAY|SEPTEMBER 4, 2020

Phinma closes P400-M outlay in cement unit P HINMA CORP. on Tuesday closed its P400million investment in Philcement Corp. after paying the last tranche of its deal value.

The company paid Philcement P60 million on Tuesday, completing its investment in the latter’s preferred shares.

Phinma in August last year said it would buy P400 million worth of preferred shares in Philcement, where it has a 60% stake.

The investment is meant to help the unit expand.

Philcement has

a cement facility in Bataan that produces two million tons of cement yearly. It is also in the process of taking over the port that it leases for the cement processing terminal through an P800million deal.

The company gets its cement products from Vietnam that it then distributes in bulk and 40kilo bags across the Philippines.

Philcement’s operations helped Phinma temper its income decline in the first half, contributing P224.2 million, nearly three times more

than a year earlier.

Philcement sales rose to a record 4.22 million bags in June when quarantine restrictions were eased and construction work was allowed to resume. This pushed its revenue up 63% to P2.37 billion.

Aside from cement, Phinma also has investments in education, property, steel products and the hospitality sector.

It swung to a net loss of P38.28 million in the six months to June after a coronavirus pandemic forced it to shut operations.

Inducted before Cagayan de Oro City Councilor Bebotte Rodriguez at Nazareth Gymnasium last August 29,2020 the Officers and Committee members of Northern Mindanao Federation of Dairy Cooperative formally sworn into office lead by its undefeated Chairman Robert "Bong" Enerio.The oath taking was guested by Cagayan de Oro City 2nd District Representative Rufus B. Rodriguez who announce some commitment for the Dairy Farmers of the Region that will facilitated by the National Dairy Authority (NDA). The event was also attended by representatives from Highland Fresh led by its General Manager Wilma Buray and NDA Region 10 Staff led by Ms.Debbie De San Miguel. (Photo by Ercel Maandig)

Congratulations!!

to the new set of officers of Northern Mindanao Federation of Dairy Cooperative inducted on August 29,2020 at Nazareth Gymnasium with Cagayan de Oro City Councilor Bebotte Rodriguez as inducting officer!

Mr.Robert M. Enerio Mr.Edwin I. Dael

Chairman: Vice Chairman: Board of Directors:

Ms.Lorena V. Duna Mr.Jose N. Pacamo,Sr. Mr.Rodrigo P. Dumaluan Mr.Rogelio M. Valle Mr.Manolo G. De Leon Ms.Claudine A. Malanog Ms.Gemma D. Emata

Compliments from:

HIGHLAND FRESH El Salvador City, Misamis Oriental

WILMA BURAY General Manager

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FRIDAY|SEPTEMBER 4, 2020

AboitizPower remits P508.2-M direct benefits to LGUs

H

EDCOR’s FLS Hydro in Benguet province is among AboitizPower’s generation subsidiaries that help communities grow through financial benefits under the Department of Energy’s ER 1-94 program.

Aboitiz Power Corporation’s fund remittances to its host communities have reached P508.2 million to date, highlighting the organization’s commitment to supporting its stakeholders and helping the country recover from the impact of COVID-19.

Through the Department of Energy’s (DOE) Energy Regulations 1-94 (ER 1-94) program, AboitizPower and its partners have directly downloaded P148.2 million to 174 host beneficiaries across the country, with around P34 million still awaiting turnover.

Meanwhile, another P359.97 million from various AboitizPower-led generation companies, accumulated as of 2019, has already been remitted by the DOE to the host beneficiaries.

“We are glad that these funds are now with our communities as these will ensure they have the resources to fund crucial projects in their areas. Recent developments have also allowed them to use these remittances specifically to bolster their campaign against COVID-19,” AboitizPower President and CEO Emmanuel V. Rubio said.

The ER 1-94 Program is a

policy under the DOE Act of 1992 and the Electric Power Industry Reform Act of 2001 (EPIRA), which stipulates that host communities will get a share of one centavo for every kilowatt-hour (P0.01/kWh) generated by power plants operating in its area.

The fund can be used by host beneficiaries for the electrification of areas or households that have no access to power, development and livelihood programs, as well as reforestation, watershed management, health, and environmental enhancement initiatives.

"Given the severity of the COVID-19 crisis, we at the DOE came up with the necessary circular that would enable host LGUs to use their available ER 1-94 funds to augment their COVID-19 response funding. We are pleased to learn that our vision is being fully realized.

Malayo ang nararating ng bawat tulong sa panahon nitong pandemya (Every help goes a long way during this pandemic)," DOE Secretary Alfonso G. Cusi said.

With the new circular covering ER 1-94 funds, host LGUs can now use these shares to help manage the effects of the new virus, in accordance with the Bayanihan to Heal as One Act. This includes the facilitation of mass testing by providing and constructing facilities, as well as acquiring proper medical testing kits.

“More than the fact that this is the obligation of power generation companies to

its host communities, this is a manifestation of our commitment to supporting our partners in any way we can, especially during these challenging times,” Rubio added.

AboitizPower subsidiaries Therma South, Inc. (TSI) and Hedcor were the latest to remit to their host communities, with about P26 million already downloaded to Davao City alone. Around P36 million has also been remitted by TSI and DOE to other various local governments in the Davao region.

These financial benefits have funded several projects across AboitizPower’s host communities, including COVID-19 initiatives in some cities and municipalities, which AboitizPower and its partner local government units work closely on to identify and implement.

The LGUs of Navotas in Metro Manila, Maco in Davao de Oro, and Nasipit in Agusan del Norte recently turned over relief goods to over 7,600 households in their respective communities through funds from the AboitizPower Oil Business Unit.

AboitizPower’s solar and geothermal units have also helped LGUs in Albay, Batangas, Laguna, and Negros Occidental build holding areas and distribution centers, provide medical and PPE supplies to frontline workers, decontaminate facilities, and distribute relief goods to feed low-income households during the quarantine period.

Partnership: Key to overcome the challenges of new normal in Education MARICEL MONDANO ZULIETA Administrative Assistant III Departmenr of Education - Misamis Oriental Jasaan District

2020 marked the great challenge in our normal way of life, including the way education is being delivered.

Education in the Philippines indeed is facing a big change. From the usual face to face form of teaching, it has adopted and now shifted to modular and online education. This shift has not just caused burden to education department, s cho ol administrators, teachers but as well as Filipino families.

Mo r e t h a n a l l t h e concerns evolving the shift is the resources Department

of Education has to look for to finance the materials such as printing of modules and other educational materials, production of video and audio materials and support to children. Definitely, there is a need to review the year's budget and realign funding in accordance to the current need.

Considering the number of schools and students in the entire country, it could be true to say that accommodating everything is as well another challenge.

This is the reason schools have strengthened their partnership with private

entities, other government offices and non-government organizations. B ecause in t his t ime of cr isis, partnership and engagement matter. Plus, even in the time of pandemic, Education has not stopped to be a right of each children. Even how hard the current reality is, DepEd would want to assure the children's future would not be sacrificed.

Needless to say, in time of challenge and sudden change, first and foremost of all concerns a nation thinks about is the resources. But as they say, if there is a will, there is a way.

7

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FRIDAY|SEPTEMBER 4, 2020

Marks... from page 4

their own way to be happy.

They understand that we receive more happiness from making others happy. “We humans grow tired of the happiness we take, but never of the happiness we give.”

It’s only when we give our life away by helping others that we find real life.

Remember, Jesus shows us the perfect model of maturity, and gives us the power we need to follow His example. He is the only One Who can enable you to reach your full potential as the mature human being He created you to be. Jesus said: “I did not come to be served, but to serve and give away my life for others.” So won’t you ask Him to forgive you for your wrong, selfcentered living? Then ask Him to take charge of your heart, character and way of living? It is the only way you can truly grow to become all that He designed you to be.

Just think a minute…

Protocols... from page 4

are exempt from the mask and face shield requirements.

Travelers are also asked to bring their own hand sanitizers and are allowed to bring up to 10 pieces of 100mL hand sanitizers with a maximum content of 70% alcohol as part of their carryon.

Hurts... from page 4

writer and everyone reading this piece.

Well, love after all is not all honey. It’s always laced with that twin emotional poisons called heartaches and pain.

Go ahead and make your day as you probably by now contemplating on your next episode in life.

Welcome to the club. As Singaporeans would say: love hurts, lah? (ruffy44_ph2000@ yahoo.com)

Unity... from page 4

live in slum areas and topple down the country’s resourcebase?

It is interesting to note that in this struggle to reduce aggravated poverty, the development experts are one in concluding that the root cause of poverty is the powerlessness and social exclusion of the people and that remedial measures must now be pursued to empower the poor by building their own coalition.

Empowering the people has become imperative because social change has become so elusive all these years. Political and economic structures which are causing poverty, after fourteen years of Martial Law and two “People Power” revolutions, have withstood the wind of change and have remained formidable as ever. True, there have been changes of guards but the instruments of greed continue to breed p over ty and ecological exploitation as well.

At long last, change has

come under the present dispensation as the President himself has said in his latest State of the Nation Address that enough is enough of oligarchical control.

Electricity and water are means to life and must not be the subject of so much rakings by a few oligarchs.

Give notice to the so-called electric cooperatives which are cooperatives only in name.

Respect must be given to the land and water rights of our Indigenous Peoples.

Now with the social and environmental crises t h re at e n i n g t h e l e t h a l combination of apathy and greed, the cooperatives must stand up to become a countervailing force. This time, nature joins the voices of the hungry and the helpless.

Cooperatives must now harness “people power” during these most difficult times to make life better for the people and to nurture our ecological wealth. This means consolidating their ranks and establishing strong cooperative networks and alliances to resolve pressing issues confronting them.

Histor y tells us that structural wrongs and social injustice can only be rectified by the people themselves when they take the responsibilities for their communities and take the future into their own hands. The two people powered revolutions can attest to that. That is the reason why cooperativism is said to be the only way to lead the people to that realm visualized by an Indian poet named Rabindranath Tagore 85 years ago when he said, “Where the mind is without fear and the head is held high, where knowledge is free, where the world is not broken down by narrow domestic walls, into that heaven of freedom my Father, Let my people awake!”

Survival... from page 8

to City and State Colleges, Universities and Technical schools related to health care efforts that may directly impact the area’s COVID-19 response; and, · For NEDA to create an Investment Promotions Committee in the Regional D e vel opme nt C ou nc i l s in order to monitor the implementation of localized incentives to be implemented.

The foregoing proposals were extensively discussed across all the 42 Local Chambers of Commerce in Mindanao during several Regional Consultations with PCCI President Ambassador Benedicto Yujuico, PCCI M i n d a n a o A r e a Vi c e President Maria Teresa R. Alegrio, and PCCI Regional Governors Arturo Milan (South Eastern Mindanao), Roderico R. Bioco (Northern Mindanao), Paul Gudmalin (Western Mindanao), Pete Marquez (Central Mindanao), Aldrin Ibbo (BARMM), Julie Senense (Eastern (CARAGA) Mindanao) and Loreta Sy (South Western Mindanao) w it h Prom ote Nor Mi n Foundation President Elpidio M. Paras. (PCCI Mindanao)

Digital... from page 3

terms of value compared to the 76-day period before the lockdown.

During the same period, check transactions dropped by 67 percent in volume and 62 percent in terms of value.

On t he ot her hand, electronic fund transfers rose by 74 percent in volume and 42 percent in value.

“Without the vaccines that will prevent the spread of the virus, we expect the increasing trend in digital transactions to continue even as lockdown measures are eased,” she added.

Meanwhile, the forum serves as the kick-off activity for the 18th Development Policy Research Month led by state think tank Philippine Institute for Development Studies. (PNA)

Demand... from page 1

the island is now averaging between 1,700 and 1,800 megawatts (MW), its preCOVID demand, which is higher compared to the average daily consumption of 1,300 MW in May this year.

T h e Na t i o n a l G r i d Corporation of the Philippines reported that Mindanao’s power demand peaked at 1,772 MW at 12 noon on Thursday, recording an excess of 1,207 MW out of the 2,979 MW in total system capacity.

“We are noting a slight reduction of this considering that most of the energyhu ng r y e s t abl i s h m e nt s such as malls, hotels, and industries are operating at a reduced capacity or have ceased operation, and that is a dent on our power demand situation in Mindanao,” Montenegro said.

He cited that the busy cargo movements in major thoroughfares, which had caused traffic congestion, indicated that the flow of goods had already gone back to normal.

“We are seeing busy cargo movements. That’s’ why, if you drive along main thoroughfares we’re bound to traffic, essentially because we are seeing heavy traffic of cargo loads or 10-wheeler, 40-footer container trucks, refrigerated vans and many other indicators of gettingback-to-normal flow of our goods,” he said.

He added that other sectors, construction, for example, are manifesting signs of returning to normal. “ We a r e s e e i n g construction, restarting both construction of several establishments and some public construction, but although at an adjusted scale. But definitely these are indications that, indeed, we are transitioning back, a lt hou g h u nd e r a ne w normal,” he said.

The official said the island would remain resilient despite the crisis because it managed to perform reasonably despite several challenges, from armed conflicts particularly in the Bangsamoro Autonomous

Region in Muslim Mindanao to the power crisis that resulted in four to 12 hours of rotating brownouts across many areas a few years ago.

Better... from page 1

power demand considering that most energy-hungry establishments such as malls, hotel industries are operating at a reduced capacity or have ceased operations," Montenegro said.

Likewise, he noted that road traffic is again being experienced as trucks loaded with cargoes of agricultural products bound for exports or for other markets.

“There are farmers in rural areas already generating revenues because the demand of these commodities is back,” Montenegro said.

In the construction sector, he said both private and public firms are starting though on an adjusted scale but it indicated that Mindanao is transitioning back under a new normal.

"This time we have to look at different mindsets in terms of our way forward direction in Mindanao and that we have to be back to where we have been strong which is on agriculture," he said, citing that agriculture continues to stay afloat at a positive level and even growing despite the pandemic.

"Let us give attention to this very important figure on agriculture versus the negative 6.9 percent on the industry and negative 9.7 percent on the services sector," he said.

Montenegro also sees the need to "harness the strength in agriculture as it is the only sector that delivered resilience during the pandemic period."

"The strength in agriculture could be complemented with infrastructure development with reference to national recovery program which has been suppor ted by many studies and opinion of many economists that both agriculture and infrastructure go hand in hand," the MinDA official added. (PNA)

Power... from page 1

of the Philippine Energy Plan, it has been cast that the greenfield capacity expected to take off this 2020 was for 2,991MW, but since most project implementations are being stalled by the health crisis, it is seen that the concretization of these ventures will be moved to a later date.

ORO MAIN BRANCH CAGAYAN In the DE succeeding years, P & J Lim Bldg., Tiano Brothers the additional capacities Kalambagohan Sts., Tel. #on (08822) 727-829 * being set blueprints are: Telefax # (088) 856-1947 891MW in 2021; 287MW in 2022;CAMIGUIN 290MW in 2023; BRANCH B. Aranas St., Poblacion, Mambajao, 600MW in 2024; and 442MW Camiguin Tel. # (088) 387-0491 in 2025.

As aCORRALES matterBRANCH of fact, the Corrales Ave., Cagayan de Oro City DOE noted that the aggregate DIVISORIA BRANCH power capacity of indicative Atty. Erasmo B. Damasing Bldg., #61 Don A. projects atde22,824MW; Velezhovers St., Cagayan Oro City Tel.of # (088) 857-3631 but most these proposed facilitiesLAPASAN do notBRANCH have specific Lapasanyet Hi-way, Oro City details onCagayan howdethey will Tel. # (088) 231-6739 advance to implementation phases. CARMEN BRANCH Vamenta Blvd., Cagayan de Oro City “These generation Tel. #power (088) 231-2011 projects are still on the process

of acquiring various permits, approvals and licenses and may not have a definite timeline for commercial operation,” the DOE stressed.

Of the next batch of power projects, it was emphasized that these will likely be dominated by coal technology; followed by natural gas; then hydropower developments as well as other renewable energy installations.

For this year, the most immediate power projects anticipated by the DOE to take off from the drawing board are the 1,800MW that shall be the subject of competitive selection process (CSP) by the Manila Electric Company.

Energy Secretary Alfonso G. Cusi previously told the utility firm that he is not inclined at delaying the CSP activity for that targeted capacity addition, thus, he urged Meralco to explore options on how it can undertake the power supply agreements (PSAs) bidding even if the pandemic still lingers.

The CSP terms approved for Meralco is to carry out the tender on a technology agnostic approach, hence, the capacity that could be cornered for that power supply shoring up could either be from fossil fuels like coal or gas; or it could also be from RE technologies.

The 1,800MW capacity to be auctioned by Meralco will cater to its need for additional capacity by year 2024 – the new timeframe on when Luzon grid’s power supply may already experience another round of tightening.

Nevertheless, energy planners are re-assessing how the impact of the health plague would further weigh down on the economy, because if the recovery will take longer, the requirement for new power capacity may also be stretched by additional 1-2 years.

Census... from page 2

wall materials. These information will prove that the enumerator has reached that specific household,” Amoyen said.

The PSA reported that they received a number of trained enumerators who decided to quit because of reasons which are related to the COVID 19 pandemic.

However, he assured that mitigating actions were in place such as assigning other enumerators to cover the affected areas.

Census enumerators and supervisors were provided with face shield and alcohol (yet to be distributed by the 2nd week of September) for protection from getting infected of the coronavirus.

Enumerators underwent a five-day training while supervisors underwent a 6-day training. Part of the said training is emphasizing to the census personnel the importance of practicing health protocols such as physical distancing and proper hygiene.

For the 2020 Census, a total of 5,792 enumerators, 1,144 team supervisors, and 185 census supervisors were hired and trained.

The Census enumeration will run for 20 days on an average.

“We ask the cooperation of our census respondents to open their door and give the correct information to our enumerators. This 2020 Census would become an important basis for future government policies and programs,”, Amoyen said. ( P IA X I / F r a n c e s M a e Macapagat) EXTRAJUDICIAL SETTLEMENT WITH DEED OF ABSOLUTE SALE KNOW ALL MEN BY THESE PRESENTS: That the late MARCELO Y. PIQUERO who died on April 7, 1981 at Cagayan de Oro City and PELAGIA T. PIQUERO who died on January 8, 1987 at Tagoloan, Misamis Oriental, that both deceased died intestate, without will or testament, and without any outstanding debts in favor of any person or entity, that both deceased left among others a parcel of land with Transfer Certificate of Title No. T-19042 situated in Bulua, Cagayan de Oro City, containing an area of ONE HUNDRED TWENTY FIVE (125) square meters, more or less, and has been the subject of an EXTRAJUDICIAL SETTLEMENT WITH DEED OF ABSOLUTE SALE, filed by the heirs of MARCELO Y. PIQUERO and PELAGIA T. PIQUERO, in favor of GILBERT ELRICH MIRANDA, per DOC #494; PAGE #99; BOOK #90; Series of 2020, under the Notarial Registry of QUINTILIANITO S. BABARIN, JR. BWM: Aug. 28, Sept. 4 & 11, 2020

CDO MAIN BRANCH P & J Lim Bldg., Tiano Brothers Kalambagohan Sts., Tel. # (08822) 727-829 * Telefax # (088) 856-1947

DIVISORIA BRANCH Atty. Erasmo B. Damasing Bldg., #61 Don A. Velez St., Cagayan de Oro City Tel. # (088) 857-3631

CAMIGUIN BRANCH B. Aranas St., Poblacion, Mambajao, Camiguin Tel. # (088) 387-0491

LAPASAN BRANCH Lapasan Hi-way, Cagayan de Oro City Tel. # (088) 231-6739

CORRALES BRANCH Corrales Ave., Cagayan de Oro City

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

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29th Mindanao Business Conference 2020

Capacity Building Measures for business survival & continuity pushed

T

HE affiliate chambers of the Philippine Chamber of Commerce and Industry in Mindanao will present the national government during the 29th Mindanao Business Conference on September 10-11, 2020 a package of capacity building measures aimed at ensuring business survival and continuity in the region.

The first ever virtual conduct of Mindanao’s biggest business conference of the PCCI will be hosted by the Davao Chamber of Commerce and Industry, Inc. (DCCCII) through online live streaming via ZOOM with a record audience expected to participate in the online event despite restrictions on travel and gatherings brought by the ongoing coronavirus pandemic.

“With theme, Mindanao: Journeying to the New Normal, we recognize the urgent need to boost

confidence to overcome emerging challenges and opportunities,” said Ma. Teresa A. Alegrio, PCCI Area Vice President for Mindanao. “This stems from a deep understanding of what the new normal presents so that responses to meet them are carefully crafted.”

MinBizCon is an annual event organized by the PCCI that aims to create a venue for businessmen, key industry players, government executives, and other private sector leaders to discuss economic concerns and opportunities in Mindanao resulting to policy actions for the development of the region.

Through PCCI Mindanao Resolution no.

2020-004 (A Resolution Endorsing To The IATF-EID Proposed Intervention Measures For Business Survival And Continuity of Mindanao MSMEs and Other Industries) the 42 local Chambers of Mindanao will be requesting the National Government’s immediate and urgent intervention to prioritize a package of proposed recommendations aimed at ensuring the business survival and continuity of Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs), in the manufacturing and industry, and agricultural sector.

MSME’s constitute over 90 percent of the number of business establishments nationwide and in Mindanao.

The resolution covers Health Care Capacity, Infrastructure, Economic Stimulus, Structural Reforms, Capacity Building, and Domestic Tourism.

Capacity Building Among the Capacity Building measures being championed by PCCI Mindanao for urgent government action in prioritizing the following proposed recommendations for the business survival and continuity of MSMEs in the manufacturing,

PCCI Mindanao is urging DOH to make avallable cheap COVID-19 test kits such as these developed by UP-NIH for large scale industries.

industry, and agricultural sector: · For DTI to extend technical assistance and financial support to Local Chambers of Commerce & Industry (LCCI) and other trade or sectoral associations in the preparation of Business Continuity Plans to enable their dissemination to Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) who may wish to apply for commercial loans under facilities of the Small Business Corporation in the LCCIs respective

localities; · For DTI, DOST and DOLE to immediately implement Retooling and Re-Training Programs for MSME companies and workers of sectors belonging to non-essential goods and services; · For DOH to include as an urgent priority in its policy measures to make available RT-PCR testing kits at an affordable price through pooled purchasing for large scale agro-industrial and industries employing more than 200 workers and ancillary service providers, to enable them to continue unhampered operations, minimize layoffs and most importantly, disruptions in key supply chains such as food, food processing and health related products and services; · For DOST to extend funding and technical support for Research and Development SURVIVAL/PAGE 7