Metro CDOTIMES (September 27 - October 3, 2021)

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CAGAYANLifestyle TIMES Weekly DE ORO

Volume 9 | No. 8 | Cagayan de Oro City | Sep. 27 - Oct. 3, 2021

Ghaye Alegrio with the 2012 Oro Chamber Board of Trustees and US Ambassador Harry Thomas during her tenure as president.

Ma. Teresa “Ghaye” R. Alegrio

Peers extol former PCCI and Oro Chamber Exec

By MIKE BAÑOS

C

OLLEAGUES in the business, academic and civil society have lauded a former chief executive of the largest business organization in Region X, and Mindanao head of the country’s largest business organization after she succumbed to a lingering illness late Friday afternoon, October 1, 2021.

Philippine Chamber of Commerce and Industry (PCCI) Area Vice President for Mindanao Ma. Teresa “Ghaye” Rillo Alegrio was one of the shining lights of the business chamber movement in Mindanao, and was also a former Secretary-General and President of the Cagayan de Oro Chamber of Commerce and Industry

Ma. Teresa R. Alegrio

Foundation, Inc. (Oro Chamber).

“It’s so sad that Ghaye passed away 5:50 pm yesterday the same time we ended the Mindanao Chamber Management Forum, the last event of

PCCI Mindanao. To the very end Ghaye was with us. She fought a good fight.

She finished the race. Now, may she rest in peace! Let’s continue to pray for the eternal repose of her soul,” said Art Milan, acting

PCCI Mindanao Area Vice President, who took over for Alegrio when she was unable to continue due to her condition.

Ms. Alegrio actively served as part of the 20-member board of directors under former ambassador and PCCI president Benedicto Yujuico. There are about 45 local Chambers of Commerce (LCCIs ) in Mindanao affiliated with PCCI, of which some 90% belong to MSMEs whose capitalization range from P3M-100 million, with large companies comprising about 10% of the chamber members.

The Oro Chamber and PCCI-X under her stewardship advocated for the soonest implementation of the proposal to Upgrade, Expand, Operate and Maintain the

Laguindingan Airport of Aboitiz Infrastructure Inc. (AIC).

PCCI and the companies representing the energy sector, recommended to the Regional Development Council-X the need to review the provisions of Energy Regulation No. 1-94 to consider aligning its policy with EO 70 on making funds available for priority focus areas, besides the host communities stipulated in I-94.

ER 1-94 program is a policy under the Department of Energy Act of 1992 and the Electric Power Industry Reform Act of 2001, which stipulates that host communities are entitled to a share of one centavo for every kilowatt-hour (Php 0.01 / kWh) sold by power generation plants

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operating in their area.

The group agreed to make this undertaking a continuing engagement, to be institutionalized in the RDC-X through quarterly RDC-X private sector representative meetings and with the appropriate Lines of Efforts /Task Groups.

“Ms. Ghaye was fearless with a strong "can do" spirit, which was infectious,” remarked Mylah Faye B. Cariño, RDC-X Vice Chair and NEDA-X Regional Director. “She was generous in sharing her ideas, which were often pragmatic and workable.

I will miss her dynamism and optimism for life. She believed that amidst these dark clouds, a bright future awaits everyone.”

Ms. Alegrio holds the distinction of being the EXTOL/PAGE 7

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CAGAYANTIMES Lifestyle Weekly DE ORO

Sep. 27 - Oct. 3, 2021

Nominate The Most Impactful Vismin Entrepreneurs To The Vismin Accelerator Awards Winners to receive mentorship to scale past $1Million in Revenues

THE 2nd Philippine chapter of the Entrepreneurs’ Organization (EO) recently launched the VisMin Accelerator Awards aiming to identify and support the most impactful first stage VisMin entrepreneurs in scaling their businesses, EO Philippines South.

Chapter President Julie Vergara of EO Philippines South said the chapter was formed 3 years ago to bring together likeminded entrepreneurial leaders in the Visayas and Mindanao and share with them the gift of EO. “As a community,

we are investing in the growth and success of entrepreneurs in our part of the country, exploring another approach to provide the infrastructure and support for entrepreneurs in the Visayas and Mindanao to grow together,” Vergara noted.

From the organization’s perspective, the VisMin Accelerator Awards is one more step towards creating a huge positive impact on this part of the world.

During the virtual launch attended by business leaders and members of the media

Contacts

Chapter Information

LEANNE ROA - MarComm Chair marcomm@eonetwork.org.ph | +639173200123

Accelerator Awards Information

HARAYA DEL ROSARIO GUST Accelerator Chair accelerator@eonetwork.org.ph | +639175607896

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CAGAYANTIMES Lifestyle Weekly DE ORO

DANTE SUDARIA Publisher MIKE BAÑOS Editor-in-Chief SUSAN P. DENNIS GEAN T. CESAR RANDY FAMACION MAI MAI SISON KLAUS DORING ANNIE GORRA RAGO WENDY RAMOS-GARCIA Contributing Editors CLIFFORD SANTILLAN Layout Artist PINKY DOMINGO Marketing KHRISTHA RIVA FELICILDA Advertising ATTY. MARIO T. JUNI Legal Counsel The Metro CAGAYAN de ORO TIMES newspaper is published weekly at Tanleh Bldg., Abellanosa Street, Consolacion, Cagayan de Oro City.

It is registered with the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) Region 10 with Certificate No. 01801884, and with Business Registration Plane No. 17211 with Business License Certificate 2014-00691. TIN No. 311-982-549-000 Tele/Fax #: (088) 856-3344 Find us on Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/CagayandeOroTIMES email us at thecagayandeorotimes@gmail.com Member: Cagayan de Oro Chamber of Commerce and Industry Foundation, Inc. (Oro Chamber)

facebook.com/CagayandeOroTIMES

across the region, proponents of the program shared their objective of connecting with the most promising and most impactful entrepreneurs in the VisMin so they can help them accelerate their businesses.

To qualify for the awards, a candidate must be an Owner or Founder of a business registered and operated in the Visayas & Mindanao. The business must have been operating for at least 2 full years and generating revenues of between P12M to P50M for the period ending December 31, 2020. The business must also be employing at least 10 staff, excluding the Owner.

Nominations are open

until October 31, 2021.

Nomination forms are available upon request by emailing accelerator@ eonetwork.org.ph.

Initial screening will be completed within the month of November and the final screening will be completed before the year ends.

Depending on the COVID-19 situation next year, the organization will hold a live, virtual or hybrid Awards Ceremony in mid-January.

The winners of the VisMin Accelerator Awards will all receive media recognition, access to exclusive EO events and the extremely valuable EO Mentorship Program. Under the EO Mentorship Program, winners will

get the opportunity to be mentored by EO members over a period of 10 months.

The winner of the top prize - the VisMin Accelerator of the Year award - will receive 1 Full Year of membership to the EO Accelerator Program, a global program that enables first-stage entrepreneurs to catapult their business to the next level, giving them access to the tools, community and accountability for scaling their businesses past the $1M mark.

The program was founded in 2005 and now has over 1,200 participants worldwide.

The program runs across 22 countries and has graduated over 750

participants to date.

About EO Philippines South EO Philippines South is the local chapter of the Entrepreneurs’ Organization (EO) focused on supporting Entrepreneurs in the Visayas and Mindanao.

EO is a high-quality support network of 15,000+ like-minded leaders across 61 countries, helping entrepreneurs achieve their full potential through the power of lifeenhancing connections, shared experiences and collaborative learning.

To learn more about EO and EO Philippines South, visit eonetwork.org & https://www.eonetwork. org/philippinessouth/.

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Sep. 27 - Oct. 3, 2021

3

High school students at the 75th Anniversary Exhibit of MacArthur’s Breakout at Centrio Mall on 14 March 2017.

Pros and Cons chime in on HB No. 9850

An Act Integrating a Comprehensive Study of Philippine History during World War II into the Higher Education Curriculum

By MIKE BAÑOS THE House of Representatives unanimously approved with a 195-0 vote on third and final reading on September 7, 2021 House Bill No. 9850, a measure integrating a comprehensive study of Philippine history during World War II (WW2) into the Higher Education curriculum.

The World War II in the Philippines Education Act mandates the study of World War II in the Philippines, to cover 50% of the mandatory Philippine History subject being offered under the general education curriculum in higher education courses.

It also directs the Commission on Higher Education (CHED) to develop, in close collaboration with the Philippine Veterans Affairs Office-Department of National Defense (PVAO-DND) the program to execute and implement the measure.

The 35th Japanese Imperial Army surrenders to the Allies on Sept. 8, 1945 at Camp Impalambong, Malaybalay (courtesy of Mrs. Marion Hess, (widow of Fredrick W. Hess, Jr.) as President of the 124th Infantry Regiment Association & posted by The History Crier, a publication of IndianaMilitary.org

Lee Candelaria, a PhD candidate from Japan’s Hiroshima University in an opinion piece “The dangers of a World War II-centered Philippine History subject” posted Sept. 20 in Rappler.com.

“Covering the entirety of the nation’s history in sixteen

Dr Ricardo T Jose is hosted by WW2 History Buffs in Cagayan de Oro.

HB 9850 also encourages all higher education institutions to keep in their libraries adequate books, resources and reference materials on WW2 in the Philippines.

However, the measure has drawn criticism from a number of netizens, mostly regarding the apparent haste of its approval, and how it constitutes an inordinately big proportion of the Philippine History subject at the tertiary level.

“The bill mandates the integration of World War II in the Philippine History subject, requiring that it cover not less than 50% of the subject.

Anybody who has taught Philippine history knows how ludicrous and out of touch with reality this sounds,” said John

weeks for a semester is a feat that requires cutting topics here and there…There was not much time to focus on the contemporary period, let alone World War II. The war itself lasted only a little over three years — 1941 to 1945.

The war may be short, but it is an important historical event that had lasting implications for the country later on. Still, to dedicate half of the subject to the war discounts the equally critical historical events and periods consequential to our identity today.”

“Such focus on World War II also privileges this historical event over other wars the Philippines has been involved in, such as the Philippine Revolution against Spain, vbgh and the Philippine-American War. It also

demotes other historical conflicts that also deserve attention, such as the conflict in Mindanao,” he observed.

Feedback “I read Mr. Candelaria’s piece in Rappler and fully agree with it,” said Ricardo T. Jose, History Professor at UP-Diliman and acknowledged as the country’s foremost scholar on the Second World War in the Philippines and the Asia-Pacific.

“When I first learned about the bill, it was to develop a separate course, like the Rizal course, dedicated to WWII in the Philippines. But what happened was that it now mandates 50% of the Philippine History course in college to be devoted to WWII. Given the K-12 curriculum, which reduced the amount of time for Philippine history, it seems unfair to take 50% of the college course for WWII. While our WWII heroes have to be given credit and more awareness should be developed, I don’t think it should be at the expense of other aspects of Philippine history,” he explained.

“My own personal feeling is it was not that well discussed and stakeholders were not involved in the formulation of the bill. A lot of positive input might have been provided to ensure a winwin situation.”

Jose specializes in military and diplomatic history, focusing on the Japanese occupation of the Philippines.

“Every Filipino should know of Filipino heroism in WWII,” said former Misamis Oriental Provincial Board Member Cromwell G. Generalao. “But to develop a strong nation, we should give more emphasis on

pre-history and pre-colonial native Filipino achievements and the richness of the Filipino native culture in DepEd. I prefer the study and allow our youth to appreciate our own roots, our own capabilities, rather than reflecting on our identity to foreign influences and our responses to foreign interventions. It is more fundamental to learn of our own native culture that should be the basis of our socio-economic systems, instead of merely adopting American, Spanish, Chinese, Japanese, Indian, or Arab models.”

university heads was done. To incorporate it into the general Phil. History course, and make it at least 50% of the syllabus is impossible. As it is, this course is already sorely lacking in class hours to include pre-colonial to contemporary history.”

“Instead of increasing and nurturing the interest of students in WW2 history, it will be a burden considering the required volume of readings. I am privy to and actually part of the group who lobbied for this around 3 years ago, but had left it due to my busy-ness. At the time, we were lobbying for a separate

(Left photo) Desiree Cua Ann Benipayo (Right photo) Honor A Film by Bani Logrono

Desiree Ann Cua Benipayo, author of HONOR, a biography of World War II hero Jose Abad Santos, winner of the Nonfiction Prose prize at the 2019 National Book Awards, and executive producer of the similarly titled film documentary, expressed her apprehensions.

“You very well know my advocacy for WW2 education, but this HB was done blitzkrieg style. No discussion with

elective class on WW2 history only. Something interested students can get as their elective, with a very WW2-adept professor. This I truly supported.”

“To my surprise (and horror), the lobbying got radical and imposed this as a big chunk of the already jam-packed Phil History course! Of course the universities and professors will react.”

“When the HB was

The Philippine Veterans Bank’s War of our Fathers Exhibit at SM City Cagayan de Oro in October 2016. (RMB)

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approved, I was anything but jubilant for the reasons I cited.

Instead of creating interest in WW2, it will be a burden pa for both teachers and students. This bill wasn’t thought of thoroughly, sad to say.”

Benipayo is also the moving spirit behind the Philippine World War II Memorial Foundation (PhilWar) which aims to initiate, develop, and carry-out projects and activities that will educate and enlighten the Filipino people, especially the youth about our World War II history.

Jose shared a similar experience when he was asked a couple of times to comment on the draft bill.

“I did not know anything about the bill until someone brought it to my attention in February 2019, when I was emceeing an important international conference on the Battle of Manila. A note was slipped in saying there was a bill to that effect. I did not hear anything more about it until early this year, when I was asked if I could comment on a draft.

I would have done so but I was so busy with my regular classes that I was unable to go over it.

Besides, there was no timetable given and no follow up,” he said.

“Then a couple of months ago I was contacted by PVAO to ask if I could be a consultant on the bill. I was provided a hard copy of some materials. Again, there was no timetable and I thought they would contact me to schedule a meeting to discuss it. There was no follow up whatsoever, and the next thing I heard - via the mainstream media - was that the lower house had passed the bill.”

“While hearings were held, I was not aware of them. I asked the chair of the UP History Department if he knew about the bill, and he said he did not.

So were any of the affected educational institutions history departments of various universities and colleges consulted? It would have been good if they were, at least so there was more transparency and open discussion. Things like this are better discussed among those most affected, i.e. the teachers and history departments,” he added.

CONTINUATION/PAGE 6

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CAGAYANTIMES Feature DE ORO

Sep. 27 - Oct. 3, 2021 Page 4

A German Expat in the Philippines

The Music of My Life

By Klaus Döring

M

USIC is an important part of our life as it is a way of expressing our feelings as well as emotions. No matter where you are living on this globe.

Some people consider music as a way to escape from the pain of life. It gives you relief and allows you to reduce stress. Music plays a more important role in our life than just being a source of entertainment.

Music affects our emotions. When we listen to sad songs, we tend to feel a decline in mood. When we listen to happy songs, we feel happier. Upbeat songs with energetic riffs and fast-paced rhythms (such as those we hear at sporting events) tend to make us excited and pumped up.

Music means the world to me. It makes me think about how it relates to life and I love the beats. Music is a way to express yourself, keep you company while you're

alone, and always give you something to do. Music is a way of expressing me and being able to relate to other people.

It won't be a surprise to most that music can affect the human brain emotionally.

Happy, upbeat music causes our brains to produce chemicals like dopamine and serotonin, which evokes feelings of joy, whereas calming music relaxes the mind and the body.

Music is a form of art; an expression of emotions through harmonic frequencies.

Most music includes people singing with their voices or playing musical instruments, such as the piano, guitar, drums or violin.

The word music comes from the Greek word (mousike), which means (art) of the Muses.

Music is love. David Crosby sang this wonderful song already in 1971. "Everybody's sayin' music is love Everybody's sayin' it's, you know it is..."

Music tells stories.

Well, composers and musicians use music to tell stories. From all over the world. Music can be used to depict characters, places, actions and even emotions. Music is often used to heighten a mood, or to express a thought or feeling when mere words are not enough. “[Music] can propel narrative swiftly forward, or slow it down. It often lifts mere dialogue into the realm of poetry. It is the communicating link between the screen and the audience, reaching out and enveloping all into one single experience.” The best stories engage all of the senses.

One of the great things about music in general, and in particular concert music, is that playing it opens up a whole new world of experience that further enhances the mind, physical coordination, and expression.

Music lovers, who are also amateur performers, may choose to play in community ensembles (orchestra, band, choir), take lessons, perform with others, compose, and nearly anything else a professional musician may do, while maintaining their regular lives.

All of this involves intense physical coordination in performing an instrument alone or with others, while reading musical notation, and adding delicate or strong nuanced changes to the music that only a performer can bring.

In general, to an amateur musician, music can provide an escape from everyday life or an alternative means of expressing one's own capabilities.

It is an important part of their lives and fills

a need or an urge to create music.

I have been a music lover since my 4th birthday.

Meanwhile, living as a German expat in the Philippines, I found out that Filipinos and Germans are music lovers. Among indigenous Filipinos, one important function of music is to celebrate or commemorate important events in the human life cycle.

Fortunately, until today, these rich indigenous musical traditions live on. They serve as a reminder of the Filipinos' long history of musical talent and ingenuity.

Such is the case of Philippine music which today is regarded as a unique blending of two great musical traditions – the East

and the West. The majority of Philippine Music revolves around cultural influences from the West, due primarily to the Spanish and American rule for over three centuries.

Becoming a German expatriate in the Philippines already 1999, I have attended many music events.

I fell in love with Filipino classical music. So what does music really mean to Filipinos? It simply tells them where they've been and where they could go. It tells a story that everyone can appreciate and relate to, which is why it's a big part of every Filipino culture.

Music of the Philippines (Filipino: Himig ng Pilipinas) include musical

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performance arts in the Philippines or by Filipinos composed in various genres and styles. The compositions are often a mixture of different Asian, Spanish, Latin American, American, and indigenous influences.

Notable folk song composers include the National Artist for Music Lucio San Pedro, who composed the famous "Sa Ugoy ng Duyan" that recalls the loving touch of a mother to her child.

Another composer, the National Artist for Music Antonino Buenaventura, is notable for notating folk songs and dances. Buenaventura composed the music for "Pandanggo sa Ilaw".

(To be continued)

Feature LIFESTYLE

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OFDG, DA celebrate 10 Anniversary of Mindanao Fashion Week th

T

By T2 MIKE

OP designers of Cagayan de Oro City marked the 10th Anniversary of the Mindanao Fashion Summit with a hybrid event held at Ayala Centrio Mall.

“The MINDANAO FASHION SUMMIT was conceptualized and patterned after the Philippine Fashion Week since most members were already joining that event in Manila,” said Mark Yaranon, current president of the Oro Fashion Designers Guild (OFDG).

“So we thought why not bring Philippine Fashion to Mindanao?” Yaranon related.

“Thus was born the MINDANAO FASHION SUMMIT (MFS) out of our desire to bring Local Brands Globally.”

The MFS was the OFDG’s annual fashion extravaganza first held at the Rotunda of the Limketkai Mall in 2011, before it moved to its present venue at the Ayala Centrio Mall.

“This year is uur 10th Anniversary of the MFS which we have themed “Decade of Fashion in the Region. We all dressed down in black shirts in solidarity with all the victims of the pandemic,” Yaranon noted.

The OFDG was organized in 2006 by founding and honorary chair Gaga Brellita and Benjie S. Manuel was elected the first president.

He was followed by Gil Macaibay who served from 2010-11, and then by Mark Christopher Yaranon who still heads the OFDG until now.

OFDG members include Alma Mae Roa, Ann F. Semblante, Arnold Neri, Benjie S. Manuel, Gil Macaibay III, Joshua N. Guibone, Juniel Doring, Mark Yaranon, Mavy De leon Ladlad, Melvin Lachica, and Ruvil Neri.

Designers’ Assembly (DA) members who participated in the 10th MFS included Carmel Kho-Ricarte, Ricarte Dio Deus, Dandy Domingo, Jason Monding, and JieJie Aisa.

The 10th Mindanao Fashion Summit was presented by Ayala Malls Centrio and Seda Centrio with creations from Oro Fashion Designer’s Guild and Designers’ Assembly.

The Dekada Jubilee show of the MFS was also presented in coordination with the Cagayan de Oro City Government, Cagayan de Oro City Tourism Council, Department of Tourism Region X, and Higalaay Festival Event Partner Power House Studios.

The organizers would also like to recognize the following who contributed to the 10th MFS’ success: Fashion Show Director Robbie Pamisa, Set Design by Events in Style by Ian Nuer, Production Staff James Clifford Turno and John, Lee Iligan, photographers Henry de Guzman, Gabb Tapique, and Roger Nazar Lactao , and Hair and Make Up Artists Kim Lauchengco Llido and Klent Ysalina Jaraula.

Most of all, the organizers would like to thank their Major Sponsors PARASAT HD, Gov. Bambi Emano, Marlon Tacandong & Michael Jurolan of Los Angeles, USA, SMAC Solid Models Association of Cagayan de Oro, Power House Studios, Gem Tero, Sharon Buijt, William Abucay, and Khynerd Dela Cerna.

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CAGAYANTIMES Lifestyle Weekly DE ORO

Pros and Cons chime in on HB No. 9850 Sep. 27 - Oct. 3, 2021

An Act Integrating a Comprehensive Study of Philippine History during World War II into the Higher Education Curriculum CONTINUATION FROM PAGE 3 “I think Cong Roman’s intent is okay. Maybe the wording and implementation needs some adjustment,” said Miguel Angelo C. Villa-Real, First Vice President of the Philippine Veterans Bank Marketing Communications Division.

“But for the majority of Gen Z, the majority of them don’t have an active interest in history in general. I also agree with BGen Resty that more time must be given than the 1-2 pages in our current curriculum. Des is right that an elective course or a GE course may be more suited just to get that information base in their heads to spur interest but not to solve everything. It’s a start.”

“To connect to a broader audience, it has to connect in a personal way, as taught by Dr Rico (Jose) and what I’ve learned from 15 years of promoting WWII history around the country. I agree video is the way to go and that may awaken their interest since Gen Z are more visual. However, to reach them, they have to be short videos (5-7 minutes is long for them).

Films are too long for their very short attention span, for most of them anyway. Basing it from research in the advertising and communications industry.”

“While legislating the study of WW2 is one way, care must be taken to ensure that the courses developed are truly interesting.

We already have enough required textbooks that are of such lousy quality as to turn off the student from what would otherwise be interesting course material. I think the emphasis should be on interesting content, not requiring it,” noted Dennis Posadas, an amateur history buff who has written a few screenplays about the War. “You don’t need Congress to legislate interest. You just need to make it interesting.”

Genesis of the bill However, one of the bill’s major proponents assures the measure was neither a spur-ofthe-moment initiative, nor was it railroaded through Congress.

“It was the Philippine Veterans Affairs Office (PVAO) and the Department of National Defense (DND) in collaboration with groups of descendants of WW2 in the academe who started this,” said BGen Resituto L. Aguilar (ret), former chief of the PVAO Veterans Memorial and Historical Division, and now executive director of the National Historical Commission of the Philippines (NHCP).

“Contrary to the impression that it was rushed, the bill was first drafted in 2019 and there were hearings conducted. I

attended once at the Congress in 2019. I represented PVAO when I was still the Chief of Veterans Memorial and Historical Division. We also took into consideration the US Curriculum which was provided to me by Des,” Aguilar commented.

“The version of the War in the Pacific was what was adopted by the schools for California and perhaps Hawaii where the greater number of Filipino-Americans are residents. We crafted the version that would suit the Philippine situation. The set of documents were all submitted

October 2015 with the support of PVAO. Phase I of the digitized files collectively known as the BGen. Francisco H. Licuanan, Jr. World War II Memorial Collection were uploaded at the PVAO website and now made available to the general public, educational institutions and libraries.

“The records were proof of the guerrillas’ resistance to drive out the invaders. Numerous names are in the records both guerrillas and civilians they fought with, or provided them

BGen Restituto Aguilar (ret) featured in the Metro Cagayan de Oro Times.

to the office of Congressman Romulo which was thoroughly studied by his staff.”

“The US curriculum was used to create the Philippine version,” says Marie L. SilvaVallejo, a historical researcher and author of The Battle of Ising.

“I have not read the US version but I believe for the Philippine version, it should be at deeper levels in each island, and citing specific guerrilla and civilian heroes. We should gather all the local WWII information that we have to craft a good version. There are a handful of local WWII books and articles written by veterans of the war and many are unpublished. A class on WWII might just bring out these unpublished works that are a part of our WWII history for preservation.”

Ms. Vallejo and her team digitized surviving records of Filipino regular soldiers and guerrillas during World War II known as the Guerrilla Unit Recognition Files (GURF) from the Philippine Archives Collection of the U.S. National Archives and Records Administration (NARA) in Washington D.C. in June-

the needed support to continue the fight,” Vallejo notes.

“From the information in the records, I was informed of an NHCP marker that was established to commemorate the town’s guerrilla fighters, meetings on an island’s war history held, school exhibits held, and professors using the stories in their classes. It is fortunate that the records were kept in the US Archives because it was offered to the Philippine government to keep.”

Aguilar further clarifies that the bill is still a work-in-progress and not yet set in stone.

“Unfortunately, the bill was so broadly stated but the details will be the next aspect to be tackled. The documents submitted may not satisfy the standards of those who are more knowledgeable than us but we tried our best. It was never our intention to take a big chunk of the History curriculum. The language in the bill was not ours,” he further noted.

“It was not a knee jerk reaction. It was a product of about 5 years of intense study by our shop at PVAO. You are aware of our commemorations

Memoirs of foreign nationals like American Jesuit Fr Edward Haggerty (left) and Philippineborn Japanese Hiroyuki Mizuguchi are primary sources of the main WW2 adversaries in Mindanao.

of WW2 all over the country with PVAO on the lead. We hold ceremonies to honor our veterans and in all those awarding ceremonies, we give each veteran proper researchbased on his military service record on what he or she did during the war.”

“In all those travels over the country, we always end up being requested by DepEd teachers for a copy of the citations we read for each veteran. Each year, we honor 20-40 veterans, and the teachers were amazed that there were local heroes in their midst and why study Rizal and other heroes while they have their own home grown ones.”

“I was part of those who were invited to say about the proposal submitted not based on the whims but based on feedback from students and professors on 2-day seminars conducted in 2 universities in Pangasinan, 1 in Baguio and 2 Academies (PMA and MAAP).”

“A proposal was initially made by SND to Chairman, CHED and that eventually was studied by Cong. Romulo who authored the bill. He sponsored one seminar in Pasig for selected students and teachers of various schools in Pasig, and the feedback was similar with the 5 seminars earlier conducted.

The documents needed by the Congressman were part of the references in the possession of the committee.”

Further studies urged Benipayo urged Cong.

Romulo to further elucidate on the text of the bill since she had received many negative reactions to it.

“We all want WW2 history highlighted but as my historian friends put it, paano pa isisingit, eh kulang pa nga ang oras. This is a victory, but will be a hollow one when the teachers/professors are not comfortable implementing it,” she stressed.

“World War II in the Philippines is such a broad subject. I agree with Desiree that it would be better if this was an elective, rather than a standard syllabus in history class. Besides, the standard WW2 topics are covered already in history subjects,” said Tony Feredo, a member of the Pacific Air War History Associates (PAWHA), and recognized as one of the country’s leading authorities in military aviation and coastal artillery.

Feredo is an avid fan of history and specializes in military aviation and coastal artillery, which he posts in his blog Shellwings. His main interests are the air war, seacoast

Marie Vallejo lectures veterans and their families on how they can use the Philippine Collection from the US National Archives to support their claims. (RMB)

fortifications and military campaigns in the Philippines during the Second World War. “Anything specific or details on subjects of interest in WW2 would be best tackled in an elective. Even professional historians and we WW2 enthusiasts are still learning to this day in spite of our vast collection of resources and decades of research,” he adds.

Benipayo concurs.

“Imagine if the elective class was enrolled in by young WW2 enthusiasts, ang saya siguro. They would not feel that they’re forced to read, but they would devour these readings and enjoy them too! That would be a victory if the house bill called for this. We’ll help in any way we can to make this house bill a more realistic and easily implementable one.”

Rationale and Process Aguilar further explained the rationale for the bill and the process it has so far undergone at this point.

“The heroism of ordinary Filipinos remains to be told.

The study of WW2 is beneficial at the regional and the local level because each family will be proud of their forebears,” he noted.

“There were still a lot to learn from WW2 as the records have just been retrieved from the US National Archives that were taken from the guerrillas in the course of making their benefit claims and were kept by the Americans for 70 years.”

In WW2, there were 18 million Filipinos. 1 million died and about 500,000 veterans were recognized by the US and Philippine governments.

There were about 100,000 more unrecognized because of lack of documentation. Japanese occupation was all over the country and guerrilla operations were present in practically all

provinces of the country from Batanes to Tawi- Tawi.

“I believe the study of World War II is a gateway to naming a lot of anonymous heroes that the country has not appropriately honored when they were still alive.”

“That was the background of all of these. It was a long process.

It was not because Cong. Romulo is a descendant of a hero, but we have undergone the process of going through the study of its need through seminars aside from the comments during awarding ceremonies for the period from 2014 to 2019 when we can still freely roam around.”

Ways forward Although they have their differences on how this initiative would be finally implemented, all agree that further spadework and research is needed before it could be brought to the classrooms.

“The intent was first to have a law because it is the most difficult part to do. The law is always said in broad terms. The details can be done in the Implementing Rules and Regulations (IRR) where those who are knowledgeable can share their inputs to improve whatever flaws that might be addressed,” Benipayo suggested.

“Remember, in the textbooks, WW2 is only discussed in a very short part.

The Japanese bombed Pearl Harbor, invaded the Philippines, Bataan and Corregidor fell, the Japanese occupied the country and then MacArthur returned and liberated the Philippines.

That was what the teachers were commenting on in our awarding ceremonies before. They have local heroes that they did not know contributed to their freedom.”

“Definitely our WW2 heroes have to be better known and appreciated. It might be noted

ACT/PAGE 7

Personal memoirs like those authored by former guerrilla Jesus Ilogon (left) and civlian Solomon B. Pimentel are invaluable resources in the local history of the global conflict in Northern Mindanao.

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CAGAYANTIMES Lifestyle Weekly DE ORO

Sep. 27 - Oct. 3, 2021

Mindanao Regional Governors of the Philippine Chamber of Commerce & Industry with PCCI President Ambassador Benedicto Yujuico (4th from left) and Mindanao AVP Ghaye Alegrio (4th from right). (photo supplied)

Extol...

German Chamber Cooperation Program; from page 1 as secretary-general first Secretary-General when the Oro Chamber of the Cagayan de Oro became PCCI’s 1st Hall of Chamber of Commerce and Fame Most Outstanding Industry Foundation, Inc. Chamber of the Philippines; (Oro Chamber) to become as Vice President for its President, and prior to Business Development, her election as PCCI AVP before being elected its 1st for Mindanao, also served lady president in 2012. as the PCCI Regional During her tenure, Governor for Region X Cagayan de Oro City (Northern Mindanao from was ranked as the Most 2018-2019.

Competitive City in the “If she had something Philippines by the National in mind that she believe Competitiveness Council. is noteworthy, she will do Besides her activism in all ways possible to make the chamber movement, it happen,” said Ruben A. Ms. Alegrio also Vegafria, the 3-time and concurrently served as current Oro Chamber the Head of the Corporate President.

Social Responsibility “On the campaign of and Public Relations PCCI to encourage local Department of STEAG chambers members/ State Power Inc. (SPI) big private companies to at Villanueva, Misamis purchase own vaccines Oriental. in collaboration with She actively sought Go Negosyo of Joey to multiply SPI’s CSR Concepcion, the local initiatives with the chambers were somehow National Economic and reluctant but she was Development Authorityrelentless. She kept on Region X and Department calling and following up of the Interior and Local with the local chamber Government-Region by presidents despite their seeking ways to further hesitance and was able strengthen collaboration to convince most of us to and partnership in participate. Purpose-driven leveraging resources from - that’s what she was,” he the business sector through added. their Corporate Social “Ghaye’s first Responsibility (CSR) funds. engagement with the Oro The initiative focused Chamber in the 90s was on how government, the the USAID funded Agribusiness sector, and civil Business System Assistance society organizations could Program (ASAP) as best synergize and sustain the Project Manager efforts and resources to and I was the Project operationalize Executive Director,” recalls former Order No. 70 (WholeOro Chamber President of-Nation Approach) in Eduardo Pelaez. “ASAP attaining lasting peace and supported the Northern inclusive development in Mindanao Federation of the region.

Dairy Cooperatives and NEDA-X generated the Dairy Confederation of information from the the Philippines. Eventually, business sector on their Ghaye handled the Oro CSR-funded activities in Chamber’s Regional the region for CY 2020, Chamber project with the which were then deployed Handwerkskammer Kassel in targeted communities of Germany . The chamber under the convergence participants were the areas for peace and Iligan, Ozamiz, and Butuan development (CAPDev) Chambers.” program.

Ms. Alegrio spent “Ghaye is a woman of no less than 29 years in deep faith and compassion the Chamber movement for the least,” said Jerome serving in various R. Soldevilla, SPI capacities: from program Communications Officer manager of the Philippine- and a long-time fellow

worker. “She steered SPI’s corporate social responsibility (CSR) agenda in helping those who are in need, helping create positive social impact and improved the quality of life of the beneficiaries of SPI's various social development programs.”

On top of her professional engagements with SPI and PCCI, Ms. Alegrio also served as the Vice Chair in the Board of Trustees of Xavier University-Ateneo de Cagayan (Xavier Ateneo).

“In the first few days after Tropical Storm Sendong devastated Cagayan de Oro , Ghaye was the one who suggested to XU President Fr. Bobby Yap S.J. and the Board of Trustees, that Xavier donate at least two hectares of

7

Ghaye and Jun Alegrio with Archbishop Emeritus Antonio Ledesma and XU’s Trel Borja during the launching of Xavier Ecoville.

the university’s Lumbia property for the hundreds of families dislocated by the deadly flash flood,” recalls former Oro Chamber President and current Promote Normin Chairman Elpie Paras, who also served as Alegrio’s colleague in the XU Board of Trustees.

“Today, over five hundred families live in the five hectare Xavier Ecoville relocation site, that has now become a prime example of a safe and sustainable community, spurring the development of Brgy.

Lumbia into a prime location for several housing subdivisions . Such concern for others was Ghaye’s mantra and her legacy lives on.”

Current Xavier Ateneo President Fr. Mars Tan, SJ

concurs.

“Ms. Ghaye Alegrio served on the Xavier University Board of Trustees for 11 years. In her last few years, she took on an active role as the Board Vice-Chair, and then as the acting Chair for a year. Last year, she started to complain about her back pain. However, at long virtual BOT meetings she did not show it as she remained composed and focused. This year, Ghaye was supposed to end her 4th term as XU trustee, but BOT Chair Frank Guerra and I believed the Board needed her during the pandemic times.”

“As a trustee, Ghaye liked to share important insights on how business and economy would affect schools and education in

general. Her inputs were always comprehensive and updated, and I found them quite helpful to both the operational and the strategic plans of the University. Ghaye was always engaging and generous in sharing her knowledge and expertise to benefit the university.

Similarly, outside meetings, she showed much personal concern for people as for example she tried hard to secure Covid-19 vaccines early on and to include the priests in the priority list.”

“Lastly, I remember Ghaye as a kind friend who didn’t miss sending greetings and gifts during Christmas.”

Ms. Alegrio is survived by her husband Mauricio D. Alegrio, Jr., and son Ralph.

Act...

from page 6 that not all of them might be categorized as veterans, as there were many who gave up their lives who were never in uniform or never a part of the military,” Jose noted.

“One only has to look at the one-thousand-peso bill. Only one of the three was a soldier; the others gave up their lives outside the military service.”

“From that initial exposure, a separate subject on WWII is offered with emphasis on local

Cagayan de Oro students and their teachers gained valuable insights from the late Virginia Hansen Holmes who related her war-time experience in Northern Mindanao in two lectures during the week-long General Douglas MacArthur Week celebrating the 75th anniversary of the general’s Breakout from Corregidor in March 13-17, 2017. (RMB)

heroes, guerrillas and civilians.

Integrate and emphasize each islands’ heroes to the eventual liberation plans so they are not isolated cases,” Vallejo added.

Aguilar agrees this would be the best way to move forward in advocating for the bill’s original intent.

“No matter how imperfect it may be now, let us just support it and make the necessary adjustments in the IRR,” he replied when queried on how the perceived shortcomings in the bill should be addressed.

“The IRR would include lots of explanatory notes which would answer most of the contentious aspects of the bill. Let us help each other because there are lawmakers who were co-authors of the bill that would push the so-called nationalistic version,” he noted.

“In our initial discussions, they indicated the need to explain the role of the Hukbalahap all over the country. We have nothing against this, but we are pushing more for the regionalized or localized

history of the war as indicated by the people where we went to.”

“Agree, I think we should help in the crafting of the IRR. The most difficult part is the first step which is legislation.

Imagine since the end of the war nothing came even close to teaching this part greater than the 1 or 1 1/2 pages in the textbook about WW2 was done. Let us take advantage of it instead,” Villa-Real opined.

“WW2 history has always to be a part of a broader discourse or context of Philippine history. It can’t be studied in a vacuum. My take is that a portion of WW2 history lesson or course should be the LOCAL WW2 history,”.

“That’s the only way to get students interested - if it’s closer to home, literally. In other words, the local WW2 stories should be part of the curriculum. That’s the only way it will connect and have an impact on young minds.

Otherwise, memorization of dates, names and places na naman yan.”

Marie SIlva Vallejo is the author of The Battle of Ising

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Page 8

Another milestone achieved for thriving 'Mindanaoan' green developer W

HAT had started as an operation with a naked desk in the offices of Pueblo de Oro Development Corporation in Uptown Cagayan de Oro has now finally reached its milestone of inaugurating its own offices in the newly built Primavera City tower in Phase 1, just beside SM City in Pueblo de Oro Business Park, Uptown CDO. When I was first invited to visit Cagayan de Oro in 2011 I was welcomed in a small container office just next to the long completed Primavera Residences. There was just a desk, a cabinet, and a decorative plant next to a model unit manned by Ms. Gladys Echano, the most loyal and long-lasting of all employees and currently the Sales and Marketing Director of the company. Nobody would have imagined Italpinas to grow so fast and

list at the PSE after only 6 years into their existence.

Architect Romolo Nati was convinced about Uptown CdO from the very beginning and had a vision that has been materializing step by step, project after project. The new offices feature a modern and spacious design. The most successful and regarded developer of Cagayan de Oro, many would say, because when there was still no condominium building in town, IDC launched their first project, amidst a mixture of enthusiasm and unmissable critics. As a fierce sustainability and green building advocate, Architect Nati brought his experience of Italian green architecture and design and applied it here in the Philippines.

The office blessing was somehow adapted to the current circumstances

where larger gatherings are still not allowed but it was nevertheless a festive occasion with an enthusiastic atmosphere.

Employees, key stakeholders, and some loyal investors gathered accompanied by the priest, who conveniently spoke Italian due to the 3 years he spent in Italy. The majestic building, which is apparently soon for turnover to the many buyers, had a greatly decorated and elegant lobby, including the unmissable Christmas tree, a Filipino classic for September.

Compared to Primavera Residences, the developer's a finished project that lays just around the corner, this structure and its interior details seem a level above, lush and luxurious. Now I understand what Architect Nati means when he asserts at times that "we learned from the experience of our

first project and always try to do better".

So, talking about the offices on the second floor, they seem to be a sort of call center with its many decks and large spaces. It reveals maybe the developer's plan and intention to expand their operations and probably add more projects.

Just a guess, but probably not too far-fetched. Aside from the large space for the regular employees, I could see also various enclosed office spaces, most likely for the management. Maybe 6 or 7 with furnished office interiors, a pantry, a conference or board room, and 2 smaller meeting rooms.

All in all a top-of-thenotch office that could impress many in Northern Mindanao as well as in Makati. This is also evidence that the provinces are growing and more

companies are settling out of Metro Manila and Metro Cebu. Now it’s time for Metro Cagayan de Oro to thrive and conquer the headlines. Italpinas has certainly chosen their location very well as Uptown Cdo is widely considered the BGC of Cagayan de Oro where in fact the price of the land has more than quintupled over the past 10 years. The sales office for Primavera City Phase 2 is located on the ground floor of the building, clearly visible from P. N. Roa Boulevard, amidst other retail spaces that will soon be populated by shops and restaurants.

A great location to attract more curious buyers to avail of the opportunity to enjoy the true condo lifestyle in this green, Edge certified building with an incredible infinity pool and a view from the top.

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