Issuu

Mindanao Daily NEWS northmin . westmin . caraga . davao Your Mindanao-wide Community Newspaper

P10.00

Seven soldiers wounded in Comval landmine blast Volume II, No. 078

web portal: www.businessweekmindanao.com

Local execs nixed plan to scrap SK By Allen V. Estabillo of MindaNews

GENERAL Santos City–– Calling it a vital component of the country’s development, local officials and leaders of various sectors in Region 12 have shot down moves to abolish the Sangguniang Kabataan (SK) but acknowledged that the system needs an immediate “overhaul.” Reynaldo Bungubung, Department of Interior and

Local Government (DILG)– Region 12 acting director, said Tuesday majority of local officials, leaders and representative of different sectors in the region that joined the recent consultations conducted by the agency have expressed support to the continuation of the SK mechanism. Region 12 comprises the

Wednesday

September 4, 2013

Misortel eyes upgrades, improvement By GERRY LEE GORIT Correspondent

MISAMIS Oriental––The new overseer of the provincial capitol-run Misamis Oriental Telephone System (Misortel) is optimistic that the firm will soon have better services and expanded coverage as soon as the provincial government would approve its budget. Fernando Vincent Dy said they finished last week their budget for the rest of the year and for 2014 as requested by Governor Yevgeny Vincente Emano. Dy said they have a lot of work to do to streamline their operations and

bring back the telephone company to a competitive level with other service providers after Misortel suffered setbacks in previous years. “We are overstaffed,” Dy said. He added that of their 88 personnel 49 were approved by the previous board. “I was tasked to reassign employees,” Dy said, adding that the 49 personnel will undergo review especially their civil service eligibility. Misortel’s salaries and wages total some P1.2-million to P1.3-million a year. “We have few bill servers and we have to strengthen our collections and marketing,” Dy said.

“We are looking into mapping new lines and rehabilitation of old lines,” he said. The company’s subscribers total 6,800 in Cagayan de Oro and Misamis Oriental. “Through proper marketing, we can increase the number of subscribers,” Dy said. A problem that the company needs to solve is cable theft. “We already have suspects,” Dy said as he warned perpetrators not to steal again the new cables. The new budget submitted to Governor Emano includes allocation for rehabilitation of Misortel’s

See MISORTEL, page 15

See NIXED, page 15

Aquino signs into law ‘Food Safety Act of 2013’ President Benigno S. Aquino III has signed into law a bill aimed at protecting consumers from trade malpractices and substandard or hazardous products. The Chief Executive signed on August 23 Republic Act No. 10611 otherwise known as the “Food Safety Act of 2013.” The Act, which is a consolidation of Senate Bill No. 3311 and House Bill No. 6474, was finally passed by the See signs, page 15

MEDIA CONNECT for ENVIRONMENT PROTECTION -Memorandum of Agreement was signed August 31 by BWM Group of Publications led by CEO Dante Sudaria (seated leftmost; Oro Chamber prexy EFREN UY (middle seated); ECOGLOBAL rep Harvey Mediante (rightmost seated; STEAG officer Jerome Soldevilla (rightmost Standing) ABrown Community Rel. Mgr, RUFFY mAGBANUA; ALDRITZ Corp rep. Zhonnie Cabuenos; witnessed by Ms Ladelle Sagrado of COWD; Consultant Mike Banos; and BWM Media Center project director Allan Mediante (left).

Media Connect project for Environment Protection launched in Cagayan de Oro THE members of Cagayan de Oro’s minority bloc huddle together as they confer with Vice Mayor Ian Acenas (seated), the city council’s presiding officer, to settle a correction of the voting which erroneously confirmed Engr. Rolando Pacuribot as head of the City Economic and Enterprise Development (CEED) during the regular session on Monday. Standing from left to right: City Councilors Candy Darimbang, Eric Salcedo, Minority Floor Leader Teodulfo Lao, Roger Abaday (partly hidden), and Majority Floor Leader Ramon Tabor. Photo by Cris Diaz, Executive Editor, Mindanao Daily News

ENVIRONMENT PROTECTION is the greatest challenge to governments and communities today. But little has been said and done on the grassroots level. Our people has to be educated, constantly

reminded and challenged to do their part. This was the message of MDN editor in Chief Allan Mediante, who with BWM Group of Publications president & CEO Dantge Sudaria, is

spearheading the MEDIA CONNECT for ENVIRONMENT PROTECTION Project. The contin uing program would pursue not only information dissemination but environment

protection awareness among the populace of Mindanao, down to the grassroots level, through year-round seminars and trainings for media, students, community writers, See media, page 3

Editorial: e-mail: mindanaodailynews@gmail.com • 72-33-44, 856-3344 • Advertising: e-mail: mindanaodaily.ads@gmail.com Contact cell nos.: 0917-7121424, 0947-8935776

2 Mindanao Daily NEWS northmin . westmin . caraga . davao Your Mindanao-wide Community Newspaper

NorthMin News

wednesday| september 4, 2013 Asst editor: ROLANDO N. SUDARIA • Email: rolando_sudaria2000@yahoo.com

Misor welcomes new PB member By Gerry L. Gorit Staff Member

MISAMIS Oriental - Ms. Susan Lagbas, wife of the late Misamis Oriental provincial board member Roldan Lagbas, has been chosen as the replacement of his husband as member of the provincial board. G o v e r n o r Ye v g e n y Vincente “Bambi” Emano welcomed Ms. Lagbas at the provincial capitol on Monday morning where she took her oath of office and was introduced to the provincial board to observe its proceedings. Emano said the process of choosing a replacement for the late Roldan Lagbas who was killed in the July bombing at Limketkai in Cagayan de Oro included consultations with the Lagbas family, the provincial board members and mu-

guv welcome new sp member - Misamis Oriental Gov. Yevgeny Vincente “Bambi” Emano welcomes new provincial board member Susan Lagbas to the provincial capitol on Monday. Emano said majority of officials they consulted have given their approval to Susan Lagbas as replacement of her late husband Roldan who was killed in the July bombing at Limketkai. Photo By Gerry L. Gorit

nicipal mayors in the 1st congressional district of the province. “We believe strongly that she will be able to fill in the position left by

Roldan,” Emano said. He said Ms. Lagbas will meet with Nacionalista Party head former Senator Manny Villar to take her oath under the party.

The new PB member thanked the governor and vowed to continue the programs of her late husband. With another new member in the person of PCL president Alexis Quina, the provincial board will review the committee assignments. Roldan Lagbas was chair of the committee on games and amusements, vice chairman of the sports committee and member of other committees. Ms. Susan Lagbas was chosen as the replacement of Roldan inasmuch as she is the closest family member and that their children are not yet of legal age to qualify. Talisayan Mayor Rommel Maslog said the provincial board is set to undergo a training session on local governance which includes parliamentary procedures.

Congressman Rufus B. Rodriguez requests for additional police cars, police motorcycles, prisoners vans and fire trucks for the 2nd District of Cagayan de Oro City during the budget briefing of the Department of Interior and Local Government, Philippine National Police, Bureau of Fire Protection and the Bureau of Jail Management and Penology recently in the House of Representatives. Rep. Rodriguez sees the lack of vehicles of the law enforcers in the City and is working to ensure that CDO be allocated additional vehicles to increase police visibility and improve the response times in cases of emergencies. KENDICHAVEZ

City hall consults Piso-Piso donee The City Government of Cagayan de Oro conducted a public consultation with the beneficiaries of the Piso-Piso Program of the previous administration. The objective is to thresh out problems and find appropriate solutions. The meeting was attended by the representatives from the piso-piso areas and facilitated by former Councilors Atty. Edgar Cabanlas, Atty. Noel Beja, Monette Fernandez of the Taskforce on Housing and Resettlement, Cynthia Rosales of the Presidential Commission on Urban Poor and Nene Sabugaa, OIC of the Estate Management Division. The Piso-Piso Program is a housing and resettlement project initiated by the Emano administration which awarded lots to beneficiaries including informal settlers at the rate of P1. The beneficiaries were

only given Certificates of Occupancy written in a piece of paper bearing the logos of the city government and the political party of the previous Mayor, the Padayon Pilipino. The beneficiaries have long wanted to own the lots but this never happened. There are 40 piso-piso areas and the problems vary from one area to another. Mayor Oscar Moreno had vowed to attend to these problems hounding in the piso-piso areas and directed the Taskforce on Housing and Resettlement to start the processing of the Certificate of Titles. The corrective measure that the present administration intends to do is going to be daunting and difficult but Mayor Moreno is determined to solve these problems in order to emancipate the people living in these areas.(CIO)

read us online www.businessweek mindanao.com

Bukidnon PB members willing to give up ‘pork’ MALAYBALAY City - Some members of the provincial board of Bukidnon in separate interviews Monday agreed to abolish their special projects fund (SPF), the local version of the congressional pork barrel, to avoid complications. Each provincial board member receives P3 million each year, half of it for“hard projects” and the other half for “soft projects” in their districts. Board member Jay Albarece said he supports the idea of abolishing the SPF and instead give it to the appropriate line agencies. “They are in the better position to know what to prioritize,” he added. Observers have pointed out to media that there is no difference between the Priority Development Assistance Fund (PDAF) of congressmen and senators and the SPF. Albarece said this will also enable them to focus on making ordinances and to police the way the governor’s office spends public funds. Albarece, a lawyer, chairs the committee on rules and privileges and ethics and the

committee on laws. But he said the budget for their maintenance and other operating expenses, which is embedded in the SPF, should be retained. He added the SPF is prone to corruption because its disbursement is discretionary on the part of the board members. Board member Ranulfo Pepito, former head of the committee on appropriations, said he supports the idea of abolishing the SPF, but there must be a clear mechanism to ensure that individuals and groups who seek their assistance will be attended to by the provincial government. He said that if it would be retained safety nets should be strengthened to monitor and control the funds. He noted that the previous provincial board passed an ordinance limiting assistance through the SPF for individuals and families in crisis situations to P1,500. Under the ordinance, crisis assistance refers to expenses for burial, medicines, and hospitalization. Pepito said the same ordi-

nance limits educational assistance to P1,500 per student per semester, and transportation and food assistance to P150 per person. He proposed putting up a pharmacy so that the provincial government will no longer have to disburse money to people asking for medicines. The ordinance further provides that “hard projects” may include requests by local government units for assistance during their foundation day activities. Majority floor leader Clive Quiño told MindaNews Monday afternoon he will also call for the abolition of the SPF if needed. He clarified; however, that there are no adverse reports yet that the board members have abused the SPF so it would be unfair to do it without a review. He said there must be a review to check if indeed it went to the right recipients and projects. Board member Gordon Torres, vice chair of the committee on appropriations, said the SPF should be removed if

it is the only way to keep the board members free from accusations they were abusing public funds. Another board member, who requested anonymity, said the SPF has made it difficult to turn down requests for financial assistance from hundreds of constituents. Albarece said they have also been stricter on financial assistance to nongovernment organizations after reports came out that huge amounts from the PDAF went to bogus NGOs and nonexistent projects. He added that along with Commission on Audit requirements, the provincial board is studying regulations for NGOs that may want to avail of the SPF. He cited that among the measures is to require accomplishment reports and liquidation of the funds they obtained from the provincial government. Quiño said some of the NGOs who approached him find the proposed measures too taxing. (Walter I. Balane/ MindaNews)

wednesday | september 4, 2013

Asst editor: ROLANDO N. SUDARIA • Email: rolando_sudaria2000@yahoo.com

Media... from page 1

and information officers from govt offices and private companies. “This entails a continuing and sustainable educational awareness program through the information tools like MEDIA, according to BWM publisher Dante Sudaria. Thru the project, the BWM Media Center takes the cudgels of training more journalists, mediabased and school-based, in SCIENCE & ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION seminars and conferences funded by the battery retrieval program of Ecoglobal company and Ecoglobal

Developments Mindanao Daily 3

Foundation of Makati. During the lauching of the project on August 31, at the BWM Media Center in Cagayan de Oro, the initial partners of the project who signed the MOA were: ECOGLOBAL Safety Mgr and Anti-pollution manager HARVEY C. MEDIANTE who also explained the manner of handling and transporting hazardous waste materials; ORO CHAMBER represented by incumbent president EFREN UY who committed to help the project through battery donations of the member companies; STEAG STATE POWER INC. represented by JEROME SOLDEVILLA, Communications Officer. who was all praise

northmin . westmin . caraga . davao Your Mindanao-wide Community Newspaper

of the project; ABROWN Co., represented by RUFFY MAGBANUA, Community Relations Manager who said his company is now ready to dispose their old batteries; and ALDRITZ Corp, thru Natl managewr, Zhonne Cabuenos who vowed the participation of their nationwide branches. Others in attendance were Ms. Ladelle Sagrado, Community Relations Manager of Cag de Oro Water District; and media personalities of the city. The launching program was supported by Cong. Maxie Rodriguez; CEPALCO; Pepsi Cola, Del M onte, and NGCP ( Natl Grid Corp of the Phils.)

NEWS

ORO CHAMBER incumbent president EFREN UY giving his m essage to help the project through battery donations of the member companies, while Sudaria and Ecoglobal rep smiles.

MOA SIGNING. STEAG’s Jerome Soldevilla, Publisher Dante Sudaria. ORO CHAMBER president EFREN UY and Ecoglobal rep Harvey Mediante sign the Memorandum of Agreement.

SteAG’S jEROME SOLDEVILLA delivers a message, and Project Director Allan Mediante explains the rationale of the project.

COWD;s Ms. Ladelle Sagrado giving her nod to the idea of the project saying she will present the matter to the COWD management, whikle A BROWN Community Relations Manager RUFFY MAGBANUA reiterated his company’s commitment to the project.

4 Mindanao Daily NEWS northmin . westmin . caraga . davao Your Mindanao-wide Community Newspaper

Caraga news

wednesday | september 4, 2013 Editor: JOE DEL PUERTO FELICILDA Asst editor: ARJAY S. FELICILDA • Email: mindanaodailycaraga@gmail.com jayfels30@yahoo.com.ph

AGUSAN DEL NORTE l AGUSAN DEL SUR l SURIGAO DEL SUR l SURIGAO DEL NORTE

DAR-13: P8.1M Adlay bridge to spur economic development B By PAT SAMONTE Regional Editor

UTUAN CITY – The Department of Agrarian Reform in Caraga sees more economic activities and speed up the development of Barangay Adlay and its neighboring villages in Carrascal, Surigao del Sur as it turned over to farmers and local officials a newly-constructed P8.1-million bridge project on August 23, 2013.

DAR-Caraga Regional Director Faisar Mambuay said the farmers will now have better access to the market for their products as well as farm-inputs for a continuing production and marketing cycle. Mambuay led the turnover ceremony of the bridge project under the Agrar-

BRIDGE OPENING TO STIR UP ECONOMIC ACTIVITIES. DAR-Caraga Director Faisar Mambuay (2nd from left, left photo) leads the inauguration of Adlay Bridge (right photo) in Carrascal, Surigao del Sur together with (from left) PARO Benjamin Mataksil, Adlay Barangay Chairperson Charlita Cabadonga and Vice-Mayor Alfred Arreza, The project is under the Agrarian Reform Infrastructure Support Project-Phase III (ARISP-III). (Photos by Joie Ceballos)

ian Reform Infrastructure Support Project-Phase III (ARISP-III) with Carrascal Vice-Mayor Alfred Arreza, Provincial Agrarian Reform Officer Benjamin

Mataksil and Adlay Barangay Chairperson Charlita Cabadonga. Arreza thanked DAR for the project and its “readiness to address the

farmers’ ne eds and concerns.” For her part, Cabadonga encouraged her constituents to take care of the project.(w/ report Joe Ceballos)

PCL-Dinagat Islands elects new sets of officers SURIGAO CITY -- The Philippine C ouncilors League (PCL) Dinagat Islands Chapter elected recently its new sets of officers and directors at the Philippine Gateway Hotel, this city. Elected for 2013-2016 were Councilor Rochelyn S. Libor of San Jose, president; Councilor Meindrado P. Salarda of Dinagat; vice president; Councilor Menchu G. Bacol of Dinagat, secretary general; C ouncilor Jessie D. Ecleo of San Jose, Treasurer;: Councilor Liberato B. Ruyeras of Dinagat, Auditor; Councilor Epifanio G. Sepe Jr. of San Jose, PRO; Palermo E Lisondra Jr. of Dinagat, business manager. Board members were San Jose Councilor Ricardo E. Olacio Jr., Cagdianao Councilor Leonides B. Laluna, San Jose Councilor Rodrigo O. Reponte, Dinagat Councilor Lilibeth D.

Edradan, Libjo Councilor Aldrin B. Garay, Dinagat Councilor Ferdinand O. Dalar, Basilisa Councilor Rodrigo M. Roma and Libjo Councilor Carlos P Bua. Chapter President Libor thanked her fellow councilors for electing her to the position, assuring to do her best to serve the Dinagatnons regardlesss of political affiliations. P C L - Nat i on a l Vi c e Chair for Mindanao Jaime Cembrano Jr. and PCL National Public Relations Officer Ariel Arceo officiated the oath-taking of the newly-elected officers. The PCL obtained its official status as a local government association when accredited by the then Department of Local Government on September 3, 1990, and subsequently registered with the Securities and Exchange Commission on September 17, 1990. (SDR/PIA-Surigao del Norte/asf )

PIA News Bits Director Abner M. Caga PIA, R10 & 13 Cluster

PIA sponsors newscon on crime prevention BUTUAN CITY - The Philippine Information Agency (PIA-Caraga) is sponsoring a news conference on crime prevention tomorrow, with government officials and Peace and Order Council members, as guests. It will be at the provincial capitol covered court.

DA assures sufficient rice stock in Caraga BUTUAN CITY - DA-Caraga Regional Technical Director Edgardo Dahino bared that the region has sufficient supply of rice of 86.89% in 2012, with actual production of 469,205 metric tons. During the Rise for Rice Legislators’ Congress, recently, he said that Caraga has a target of 100.24% rice sufficiency level in 2013.

Crime Prevention Week theme introduced CRIME PREVENTION WEEK - In line with this year's 19th National Crime Prevention Week celebration in Butuan City, government agencies are drumming up activities along the theme "Malasakit Mo ay Kailangan Upang Krimen ay Maiwasan. Preparatory meetings take place at the PNP-Caraga Conference Room, Camp Rodriguez. (photo provided/asf)

2 alleged illegal druggists killed By PO2 Meldy G. Villegas

CAMP RODRIGUEZ, Butuan City – Two persons, identified as Kheddy Joy I. Algabre of Barangay Sta. Irene; and Dawndi D. Tubo of Brgy Poblacion, Bayugan

City were shot by a certain Titin (Maranao) of Buri St., Brgy Taglatawan. City Police Chief Gerry O. Ratunil learned, the victims aboard a motorcycle driven by a certain Junevic V. Asis, were allegedly hav-

ing an illegal drugs transaction with the assailant when a heated argument ensued. The shooting followed hitting the victims on different parts of their bodies. The driver escaped unharmed, leaving the

motorcycle behind. Both victims were rushed to the Bayugan Community Hospital, but later declared dead by the attending physician. The suspect fled towards unknown direction. SOCO personnel, led by Police Sr. Inspector Bryan Campos, found at the crime scene two fired cartridges believed to be from a caliber .45 pistol. Said items were forwarded to Regional Crime Laboratory 13 for ballistics examination, while Bayugan City police conducts hot pursuit operation against the suspect. (MGV/MMG/ asf )

BUTUAN CITY - All activities relating to this year’s 19th Nationall Crime Prevention Week will be anchored on the theme, “Malasakit Mo ay Kailangan Upang Krimen ay Maiwasan,” the organizers said.

DA-Caraga lines up NYR activities BUTUAN CITY - OIC Rebecca Atega of the Regional Agriculture and Fisheries Information Division (RAFID) said the Department of Agriculture (DACaraga) and other concerned agencies are intensifying the promotion and advocacy on National Year of Rice (NYR) “Sapat na bigas, kaya ng Pinas.” She also bared the upcoming activities, like NYR 2013 Info-Caravan on Sept 10-11, NYR short film and photography contest on Sept 25, World Food Day on October and NYR Rice Awareness culmination celebration in November.

CPOC, PPOC join peace celebration SURIGAO CITY - The City Peace and Order Council and the Surigao Norte Provincial Peace and Order Council are joining the 19th annual celebration of National Peace Consciousness Month from Sept. 1-30, this year. This year’s theme is “Malasakit Mo ay Kailangan upang Krimen ay Maiwasan.”

Editor: JOE DEL PUERTO FELICILDA Asst editor: ARJAY S. FELICILDA • Email: mindanaodailnews@gmail.com jayfels30@yahoo.com.ph

WestMin News

Mindanao Daily 5 NEWS northmin . westmin . caraga . davao Your Mindanao-wide Community Newspaper

wednesday | september 4, 2013

NGCP power line toppled by IED in Maguindanao

OTABATO CITY – A transmission line of the National Grid Corporation of the Philippines in Sultan Kudarat town in Maguindanao was toppled Sunday night by an improvised explosive device (IED) made of four 60mm mortars connected to each other, according to an Army explosive expert.

M aj . Jap o c Pa l m a , chief of the Army EOD Battalion said that based on evidence gathered the IED was placed at the four-corner post of the transmission beam and was detonated using a cellphone as triggering device. The blast felled tower 168 in Km 14, Barangay Madia around 9 p.m. causing a total blackout in Cotabato City and nearby areas, said Col. Dickson Hermoso, spokesperson of the 6th Infantry Division. Members of the Civilian Armed Force Geographical

Unit assigned in Madia which is almost a kilometer away from the blast site immediately went on patrol upon hearing the explosion. But it was only on Monday morning that they found out a transmission line was bombed. “We heard the loud explosion, but we can’t determine where it exactly happened. Besides, the surroundings became dark so we just kept ourselves alert,” a militiaman who refused to identify himself told MindaNews. Michael Mayo, a resident of San Pablo in Co-

tabato City complained it took long before power was restored. NGCP line engineer Fermin Manos said it will take three days for them to totally restructure the damaged post. “What we do at the mean time is use a temporary bypass structure while restoring this transmission line. We are also using alternate supply of power from another source,” he said. No group has so far claimed responsibility for NGCP Tower 168 in Km 14, Barangay Madia, Sultan Kudarat town in Maguindanao was the attack. (Ferdinandh bombed around 9 p.m. on September 1, 2013 causing a total blackout in Cotabato City B. Cabrera/MindaNews) and nearby areas. This photo was taken on September 2, 2013. (MindaNews photo by Ferdinandh Cabrera)

Kidapawan owes P8M in electricity bills

Media workers in Iligan City stage a rally Monday afternoon (2 September 2013) condemning the killing of radio commentator Fernando ÒNandingÓ Solijon. The broadcaster was slain by motorcycle-riding assailants last Aug. 29. (MindaNews photo by Bobby Timonera)

Pigumpungan Festival highlights unity of Lumads, Christians By ALMA L. TINGCANG

SAN MIGUEL, Zamboanga del Sur - “Pigumpungan Festival,” celebrated for the first time in this peaceful town of Zamboanga del Sur in keeping with the 53rd Araw ng San Miguel. “It is the first time that we celebrated this festival. Pigumpungan is a Subanen word which means unity as we have seen through the cooperation and support of the people during the previous and the present administration,” says San Miguel Mayor Angelito L. Martinez II. Mayor Martinez said plans have long been prepared to come up with the celebration of the Pigumpungan Festival. “It is only during my administration that those plans were materialized and I am deeply grateful to the people of San Miguel,” he pointed out. “We will make this a yearly

activity since the launching was very successful. One of the highlights of this four-day festival which runs from Aug. 29-Sept. 1 is the school-based dance extravaganza participated in by 18 elementary schools and four national high schools,” he

explained. The folk dance competition, ethnic and team ballroom competition wowed the audience showcasing the myriad talents of the students in the elementary and high school. festival | page 14

KIDAPAWAN CIT Y – The c it y gove r n me nt’s u np ai d electricity bills since 2010 have reached P8 million and its offices may face disconnection from the Cotabato Electric C ooperative (C otelco) if it could not settle its obligations by Sept. 15. City councilor Lauro Taynan said during the Kapihan sa AJ Hi-Time today that the city council will investigate, in aid of legislation, why the city government] failed to pay its electric bills. Taynan, chair of the comm itte e on e ne rg y s ai d he was surprised at the amount b e c aus e t he y have p ass e d some resolutions from 2010 to 2013 allocating supplemental budget for the payment of electricity bills. “Where did our mone y go?” he asked. All the departments of the city government were allowed to realign part of their budget for payment of all their obligations, including electric bills, the councilor added. “So how come we accumulated such huge debt? This is going to be subject of our inquiry during our regular session on Thursday,” said Taynan. He s aid he has a lre ady aske d t he account ing and budget offices for documents on the payments for the electric bills since 2010. Former city mayor Rodolfo Gantuangco, during whose administration the arrears were incurred, is now the vice mayor. Councilor Ruby Padilla-

Sison, a member of Taynan’s committee said she will also ask Cotelco officials to explain to the council why they gave the city government “some sort of privilege” in relation to unpaid bills. “Why is an ordinary vendor, who, because of shortage in his income, could not pay his electricity bill on time, is immediately given a notice of disconnection? Why is it t hat t he c it y government, which has clear source of resources, is given a privilege when it can’t pay on time? Sison said during the Kapihan “What is true to an ordinary Juan dela Cruz should be a lot true to the city government or to anybody,” she added. City Mayor Joseph Evangelista said he received two weeks ago a notice of disconnection from Cotelco. The city government, he said, has until September 15 to pay its obligations. Evangelista said he already asked the council to approve the release of the P5.7-million supplemental budget part of which would go to the unpaid electricity bills. Cotelco general manager Godofredo Homez said the debts cover at least P5 million for street lights and the rest for offices. Homez said Cotelco has already cut off the power connection at the Commission on Elections and the Association of Barangay Councils Hall since last week. (Malu Cadelina Manar/MindaNews)

6 Mindanao Daily NEWS northmin . westmin . caraga . davao Your Mindanao-wide Community Newspaper

wednesDAY | september 4, 2013

Opinion

Editor: RUEL V. PELONE Email: ruel_pelone2002@yahoo.com

Mindanao Daily NEWS northmin . westmin . caraga . davao Your Mindanao-wide Community Newspaper

The Mindanao Daily nORTHMIN, Mindanao Daily CARAGA and , Mindanao Daily DAVAO newspapers are published daily by MINDANAO DAILY NEWS at Door 2, Tanleh Building, Abellanosa St., Brgy. Consolacion, Cagayan de Oro City. It is registered with the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI), Region 10 with Certififcate No. 01791042, and with Business Permit No. 2013-13231, TIN No. 209-980-927, Tel. Nos: (088) 856-3344, (08822)72-33-44, Cell nos.: 0917-7121424, 0947-8935776 E-mail: mindanaodaily.ads@gmail.com, mindanaodailynews@gmail.com Website: www.businessweekmindanao.com MINDANAO DAILY NEWS Publisher MER M. SUDARIA Manager ROSE MARY D. SUDARIA, Ph.D. Finance Manager ALLAN M. MEDIANTE Editor-in-Chief ruel pelone Managing Editor Cheng Ordonez Associate Editor Nelson v. constantino Business Editor melanie rivera Advertising

Mindanao Daily NEWS northmin Email : -mindanaodailynews@gmail.com -crisguardian@yahoo.com CRIS DIAZ Executive Editor ROLANDO SUDARIA Assistant Editor

gerry lee gorit Photo Journalist

MARKETING

Rene Michael BaÑos-0917-7148484 candy macabale- 09161326483 LIEZL A. DELOSO-0905-2123718 JOE PALABAO - 0905-1569709 RIZA O. ARES-0915-9753277/0920-9600223 North Buk.- DAHLIA S. BENEMERITO 0926-858-2013 south Buk.-MILDRED BORBON TORREJAS Iligan City - JEFFREY OPONDA 0936-1174378 tubod- louie bukod- 0948-1323348 OROQUIETA CITY- PJ TREMEDAL 0919-3452375 ARMM - Sony Sudaria- 0947-4810371 cotabato-ANALISA ESPAÑOLA-0916-9351714

Mindanao Daily NEWS caraga Email : -mindanaodailycaraga@gmail.com -msbmdn_2012@yahoo.com.ph Joe del Puerto Felicilda Executive Editor Arjay Felicilda Assistant Editor PAT SAMONTE- 0912-8091093 CRIS PANGANIBAN-09277974193 Regional Editors Bureau Chiefs deding PANGANBAN-San Francisco Cell No. : 0927-7974193 GEN CANTOR- Tandag City Cell No.: 0929-5817116

Mindanao Daily NEWS davao Email : - mindanaodailydavao@gmail.com - ruel_pelone2002@yahoo.com RUEL PELONE Executive Editor felix santillan Assistant Editor Bureau Chiefs MARLON GAYOG - 09276314995 tom a. caballero - 09105783126 JOY MONTEZA -09479662790 LINDO G. TAGABUNLANG JOMBRE P. VERGARA MICHAEL P. LAMODOC Member: ORO CHAMBER Philippine Press Institute

Legal Counsel : ATTY. MARIO T. JUNI NOTARY PUBLIC- JUNI LAW OFFICE CELL NO: 09352379999/ (088) 8573595 CRUZ TAAL ST., CAG. DE ORO CITY

Low-income population grow more with every fuel price increase THE new round of fuel price increases is too steep according to critics. The lowest was noted at P1.25 by Phoenix Fuels. Other oil companies posted increases to as high as P1.40. With these unstopped. fuel price hikes would result into an impoverished economy. The number of poor households in the provinces and urban cities would likely increase following the fuel price hikes. The government should find comprehensive solutions to prevent the number of poor fami-

lies from increasing as a direct impact of the fuel policy, social analysts said. The fuel hike had significantly affected people’s income and expenses, from the poor motorcab drivers to parents of students even in the hinterland barangays. The income of workers in rural areas could keep on decreasing while their subsistence expenses would also increase significantly. If fuel prices hikes would continue, it will not only increase the low-income population, but will also increase unemployment.

From the mail

No amount of poverty alleviation program could reverse the situation unless abusive fuel price increase is stopped. Several industries could close shop and unemployment will soar high. Although it would be beneficial, even optimizing all the poverty-alleviation programs of the government to reduce the impact of the fuel hike, is no guarantee to stop the ever growing low-income population. Always, the fuel hike would have a negative impact on poor families.

Battles to win the war

IN winning any war, battles must first be won for no war on record had been won without first winning the smaller battles. The discovery of the congressional pork barrel fund misuse points to one thing and that corruption is well-entrenched in Philippine governance. But staging a war against corruption the people should win first the battle against the congressional pork barrel fund. Corruption is the forest while the congressional pork barrel misuse is just one of the trees in the forest. But we can’t cleanse the forest with undesirable trees by not eliminating them one at a time. Burning the forest is not wise also because it is like burning the house to get rid with one rat. I am saying this here because in the course of the discussion that the P10 billion pork barrel fund scam had caused, the agitated populace I have noted are demanding a lot of things at the same time such as the abolition of the presidential discretionary fund. Let us first focus on demanding the outright abolition of the congressional pork fund in the next national budget. Let us not

A deeper view Jesse E.L. Bacon II agree that measures just be put in place to ensure that this fund is not misused. Knowing the Filipino psyche, easily new ways by which this funds, if included in the national budget, will be abused and misused. When it comes to running circles with the law, we Filipinos are very great at it thus the risk is higher that it be abused and misused than its being used for the benefit of the people. Let us not take that risk. Let us fight it out now that the national legislature is in the process of deliberating on the national budget for next year. We should make it our collective stand as a people that the congressional pork barrel fund be abolished with no ifs and buts. But if we lump the congressional pork barrel with the presidential discretionary fund and thus demand their outright abolition in

the national budget starting next year, I am afraid we might just be falling into the trap of people who are out to emaciate or render ineffective the presidency in carrying out its constitutional tasks. We should all be wary with this call against the presidential discretionary fund that detractors would like us to believe as another form of pork fund. This is far from the truth. And to call for its abolition for being a pork fund is dangerous. It is but right for the citizenry to demand that the congressional pork barrel fund should be abolished because it is not the job of legislators to identify programs and projects in their respective congressional districts to be funded with public funds as if it is their own. The discovery that congressmen had been swap-

ping their congressional pork barrel fund only proves beyond doubt that they are exercising so much discretion over this fund as if it is their own. Why in heaven would a congressman in Pangasinan, for example, be allowed to allocate her pork barrel fund for a congressional district in Manila if she is not exercising control over her pork barrel as if it is her own? The main task of legislators why they were elected by the people to become such is to craft laws. Determining governmental programs and projects to be implemented where is the sole task of the Executive branch based on existing laws and the fundamental law of the land. But because of the undeniable fact that most legislators elected do not possess the qualifications, the ability to craft laws, the congressional pork barrel had become a necessity so they can maintain their relevance to their constituents. Imagine for yourself if your congressman is miserably failing in his task of crafting laws because he does not even know the basic parliamentary procedures and he could not also See battles, page 15

Editor: RUEL V. PELONE Email: ruel_pelone2002@yahoo.com

Opinion

More OFW groups call for ‘zero remittances’ LIFE’S INSPIRATIONS: “… In a lawsuit the first to speak seems right, until someone comes forward and cross-examines…” (Proverbs 18:17, the Holy Bible). -oooMORE OFW GROUPS CALL FOR ZERO REMITTANCES: More overseas Filipino workers (OFWs) are now joining the call for a `September 19 Zero Remittances Day for Zero Pork’, an initiative of OFW groups in Kuwait to withhold any remittance of their earnings on September 19, 2013. A new group, “Filipino Migrant Workers on PDAF”, is asking all OFWs in the Middle East to support the call for zero remittances on September 19. Here is the statement of the “Filipino Migrant Workers on PDAF”: “We, the Filipino community in Middle East, hereby declare our grave frustration over the government’s failure to protect and properly disburse billions of pesos of taxpayers’ money. This refers to the recent findings of the Commission on Audit (COA) on the misuse of precious funds

Kakampi mo ang batas Atty. Batas Mauricio known as the Priority Development Assistance Fund (PDAF), allocated to our honorable senators and congressmen. -oooPNOY ADMINISTRATION IS AT FAULT IN PORK SCAM: “We are putting this administration to task for not safeguarding the taxpayer’s money from unscrupulous scammers and thieves who siphoned billions of pesos of public funds to line their pockets and maintain a lavish lifestyle. “We strongly believe that it is responsibility of the executive branch, particularly the budget department, concerned implementing agencies and governmentcontrolled corporations, to ensure that public funds go to their intended legal purpose and finance identified

Weather Update

programs and projects, and not channeled to bogus nongovernment organizations. “This same view was echoed in the portion of the rejoinder of the COA Special Audit on the PDAF, where it was asserted: `It is also incumbent upon the implementing agencies to assess their mandate and technical and administrative capability to implement, manage and monitor projects for implementation under PDAF before accepting any fund transfers. -oooDBM, DA, FAILED IN THEIR DUTIES: “It is apparent with the recent revelations and facts regarding the massive PDAF scam that the Department of Budget and Management (DBM), Department of Agriculture (DA), among other government agencies have failed

to perform their duties, to conduct any ‘background check’ and to ‘exercise due diligence’ before releasing funds in their supervision to questionable NGOs. “We propose to create an integrity initiative – a third party audit made up by members from the respected academe, religious groups, and other personalities with unquestionable integrity – which will look into the capacities and legitimacy of non-government organizations before becoming recipients of public funds… “We are one with the nation’s collective outcry for responsible, transparent and efficient use of taxpayers’ money for the benefit of the Filipino people. We believe that those behind this racket, especially those government agencies who allowed this illegal operation to thrive and flourish, must be punished to the full extent of the law…” -oooREACTIONS? Please call me at 0917 984 24 68, 0918 574 0193, 0922 833 43 96. Email: batasmauricio@yahoo.com, mmauriciojr111@ gmail.com

Ridge of high pressure area extending across Luzon. The whole country will experience partly cloudy to cloudy skies with isolated rainshowers or thunderstorms. Light to moderate winds blowing from the northwest to west will prevail over Luzon and coming from the south to southwest over the rest of the country. The coastal waters throughout the archipelago will be slight to moderate.

source : pagasa

7 Mindanao Daily NEWS northmin . westmin . caraga . davao Your Mindanao-wide Community Newspaper

wednesday | september 4, 2013

Biblical reflection Bro. Edcel L. Closas

Jesus is our companion

Fresh Gospel of the day: Luke4:38-44(September4, 2013-Wednesday) Luke 4:38-44-And he arose out of the synagogue, and entered into Simon’s house. And Simon’s wife’s mother was taken with a great fever; and they besought him for her. And he stood over her, and rebuked the fever; and it left her: and immediately she arose and ministered unto them. Now when the sun was setting, all they that had any sick with divers diseases brought them unto him; and he laid his hands on every one of them, and healed them. And devils also came out of many, crying out, and saying, Thou art Christ the Son of God. And he rebuking [them] suffered them not to speak: for they knew that he was Christ. And when it was day, he departed and went into a desert place: Jesus came from the synagogue the place for study and worship and went to the house of Peter mother in law who has fever. In this scenery, we can see that Peter was close to his mother in law, in fact, he brought Jesus to her for healing. How about you, are you close to your mother in law? We can also describe that Peter asked the help of Jesus since he could not do anything for his sickly mother in law. Supposedly, we will imitate Peter for doing such thing because Jesus our God will not refuse but instead accompany us in times of our problems and sufferings. The truth is, “Jesus is our companion.” In 1 Thessalonians 5:17-Pray without ceasing. Are you prayerful? Finally, after the healing of the woman, she rose and served Jesus as her gratitude to the miracles she experienced from Jesus. This is reminding us that we will serve God as our response to his immeasurable love and generosity to our lives. Take note, if you are not coming to God, you are un grateful creatures of God: SPONSORED:Neneth - Bobong Balino- Dr. Edith, PhD- Tony Jordan - CDO. St. Peter Calungsod, pray for us! Listen: Radio Ultra AM-1188-3:00 PM - Sunday: #09284149490-09266607505: Question – Prayer request

8 Mindanao Daily NEWS northmin . westmin . caraga . davao Your Mindanao-wide Community Newspaper

wednesday | september 4, 2013

Business

Editor: Nelson Constantino Email: nelconstant@gmail.com

Power shortage still traders’ major woes By MYRNA VELASCO Contributor

DESPITE government inter ventions in place, Mindanao bu si ne s smen have reiterated their call for President Aquino to double his effort bringing about quick solution to the island’s power problem.

Wit h t he anticipated integration of the ASEAN markets in 2015, the group said this issue has become more relevant and that what they need is reliable supply and overall energy security for the region. By 2015, Mindanao’s long-snarled power supply will finally ease with the scheduled entry of additional 500 megawatts capacity from

greenfield coal plants. The concerns of various business chambers and groups in Mindanao were presented to the President as “ninepoint policy agenda designed to enhance the island-region’s competitiveness and prepare for the anticipated ASEAN integration in 2015.” At a recently-concluded Mindanao Business Conference, John Gaisano

who was the designated conference director noted that their policy issues delve with agriculture, energy, information and technology, tourism, small and medium enterprises, logistics and infrastructure, sk ills development and natural resource management. The business groups so far commended “President power | page 14

Lanao power coop cuts off power of 29 municipalities LANAO del Sur Electric Cooperat ive (L asu reco) has cut off the supply of 29 municipalities affecting 20,620 customers due to their arrears of roughly P350 million. In a letter to Energ y Secretary Carlos Jericho Petilla, Lasureco general manager Ashary P. Maongco noted that the cooperative emba rke d on “ma s sive disconnection of delinquent member-consumers because of non-payment of outstanding obligations.” In the August 23, 2013 coop | page 14

‘BER’ MONTH. As the first “ber” month is on, colorful lanterns and other decors for sale begin to dot roadside stores in Buhangin district in Davao City, signifying that the Christmas season, though still four months away in December, is already up in the air. mindanews photo by gigi bueno

BEARING THE BRUNT. A worker of a barbershop starts up a generator in Kidapawan City in this file photo. The lack of power supply continues to cripple businesses in Mindanao. mindanews file photo by froilan gallardo

P40-B construction industry to propel Mindanao’s economy By LOVELY A. CARILLO Contributor

DAVAO City -- The main pl ayer s i n M i nd a n ao’s construction industry have identified P40-billion worth of opportunities for the industry that can provide a big boost to Mindanao’s economy. “The construction industry provides money for t he lo c a l e c onomy with 15 times minimum multiplier effect in terms of suppliers, workers, lodging establishments and other support facilities,” said Engr. Ramon F. Allado, president of A l lado Const r uct ion Company. Allado has identif ied ongoing, still to be completed and soon-tostart construction projects in the areas of tourism, public

construction and power plant construction that can spell “at least P40-billion for Mindanao alone.” “There is a boom in Minda nao const r uct ion industry today, especially in Davao,” he said. T here a re t wo 3 0 0 MW coal-powered plants in full construction in the region today, he said, with Therma Sout h ’s project 40 percent completed and SMC Global Power Holdings Corporation’s project in Malita just starting out. Two more coal-powered plants in Misamis and South Cotabato will start construction soon, he added. “That’s only the power sector aside from the mining sector,” he said. Allado said the industry | page 14

MDN: Sept 4 & 9, 2013

Mindanao Daily 9 NEWS northmin . westmin . caraga . davao Your Mindanao-wide Community Newspaper

wednesday | september 4, 2013

10 Mindanao Daily NEWS northmin . westmin . caraga . davao Your Mindanao-wide Community Newspaper

wednesDAY | september 4, 2013

Davao News

Editor: ALLAN M. MEDIANTE Email: amediante@yahoo.com

Seven soldiers wounded in Comval landmine blast By JOEY SEM G. DALUMPINES

KIMBERLITE PAWNSHOP MALAYBALAY BRANCH

Kimberlite Pawnshop will be having an AUCTION SALE on all items that expired on July 2013 AUCTION DATE: September 19, 2013 Estrada Bldg., Fortich-Don Carlos Sts., Malaybalay City, Bukidnon

www.johndprovoice.com

CAMP Panacan, Davao City--Members of the 28th Infantry Battalion are in pursuit against the communist rebels allegedly responsible for the explosion of an improvised explosive device planted along the road at Sitio Lantaan, Barangay Napnapan, Pantukan, Compostela Valley 4:13 am Tuesday (Sept. 3). Major Jacob Thaddeus Obligado, commanding officer of the 10th CivilMilitary Operations Battalion said the soldiers were on foot patrol when the improvised landmine exploded. He said the names of the seven victims are withheld pending the relay of information about their condition to their respective families.

Obligado chided the rebels for their continued use of IED in hurting the soldiers. “The rebels continue to defy the Comprehensive Agreement for the Respect for Human Rights and International Law which no longer allows the use land-

mines,” he said. The landmine explosion in Pantukan was the second atrocity perpetrated allegedly by the rebels in the area responsibility of the 10th Infantry Division in the past three day. Unidentified armed men also razed a rubber

processing plant 7:40 pm in Barangay Taluntalunan, Makilala, North Cotabato in September 1. One person was killed and another was wounded in the course of the explosion that preceded the burning. Authorities were investigating the incident. (PIA-XI)

ECOGLOBAL Safety Mgr and Anti-pollution manager HARVEY C. MEDIANTE explained the manner of handling and transporting hazardous waste materials durin g the launchi g of Media Connect project for Environment Protection in Cag. de Oro.

NGCP asks LGU help to protect the power lines DAVAO CITY, - The National Grid Corporation of the Philippines has appealed to the local government units to help them protect the path of the power lines from the National Power Corporation hydro-power plants in Iligan City to other distribution areas in Mindanao. Atty. Cynthia Alabanza, spokesperson of the NGCP said any human activity under the power lines affects the operation and distribution of electricity. She said people under the path of the power lines are also prone to electrocution especially if the poles they carry touch the live wire. Alabanza said that currently the NGCP has an existing memorandum of agreement with the police and military to protect the power lines from pilferages given its more than 20,000 kilometerstretch nationwide. “The authorities will monitor the security of power lines, while the local government units making sure that their respective constituents abide with the safe distance, while the media assists in education and information dissemination,” she said. Abalanza said that in Mindanao, the NGCP has classified Abaga, Lanao del Norte-Kirahon, San Martin, Villanueva, Misamis Oriental , Kirahon-Maramag, Bukidnon and Maramag-Bunawan, Davao City as the critical power lines, since it is in these power lines where the bulk of electricity passes through to distribution stations in the cities of Davao and General Santos. A transmission line of the NGCP in Barangay Madia, Sultan Kudarat, Maguindanao was toppled Sunday by unidentified armed men using an improvised explosive device. The military said the explosion felled Tower 168 9:00 pm Sunday causing a total blackout in Cotabato City and nearby areas. (RGA/JSD/PIA-XI)

Pryce Plaza Hotel Carmen Hill, CDO, Tel. No.722791 to93/858-4537 E-mail:reservations@pryceplaza.ph

---------------------------------

CHANANTHON BED & BREAKFAST CM Recto Avenue, Cagayan de Oro City Tel. #: 856-81-89 / 309-3095 / 231-2103 Email ad : chananthonbb@yahoo.com Room @ P800.00

Bodyflex Massage Therapy Services (Cagayan de Oro, Butuan, Davao, Cebu, Camiguin, Iligan & Gingoog City)

Services Offered: Shiatsu, Swedish, & Sensual Massage.

COMMERCIAL SPACE FOR RENT

CONTACT PERSON: RAYLYN LANTACA

---------------------------------

NEW DAWN PENSIONNE Velez-Macahambus Sts, CDO Tel Nos. 8571776, 721776 email : gchreservation@yahoo.com

By:

trained ,

& gorgeous male/ female massage therapist. HOME / HOTEL SERVICE ONLY (088)5886363/ 09061149906/ 09187958578 / 09061149906 - REY email ad: bodyflex@yahoo.com

SEPTEMBER 4, 2013 | wednesDAY

Environment

EDITOR: CHENG ORDOÑEZ, e-mail: cheng.ordonez@gmail.com

Philippine Serpent Eagle donated in Tagum City - Tagum City Mayor Allan Rellon formally receives the Philippine Serpent Eagle donated by the Municipality of the Braulio E. Dujali represented by Mr. Leonardo Taladhay, Jr., the Municipal Administrator. Joining the

Manobos barricade mining firm in Surigao CLAVER, Surigao del Norte - A group of Manobo tribesmen has barricaded since Monday, Sept. 2, the entrance to the stockpile area of a mining firm in this town to demand royalty. The Manobos, who came from Barangay Pakwan in Lanuza, Surigao del Sur, belong to the Kahugpungan sa Nagkahiusang Tribu nga Manununod sa Yutang Kabilin (Kantrimyuka). Their spokesperson, Barangay Chair Romel Dawog of Pakwan, said part of the land where Adnama Mining Resources Inc. (AMRI) operates is within their ancestral domain. Dawog told MindaNews on Monday he was speaking on behalf of Datu Mansa Samuel Dawog Sumanda, a leader of Kantrimyuka and a close relative. The group has put up a makeshift dwelling at the main entrance to AMRI’s stockpile area in Barangay Urbiztondo, Claver. Dawog said AMRI would be forced to stop its operations as its heavy equipment could not pass the access road where the nickel ores are being stockpiled for shipment. He said the company has violated their rights for failing to pay them royalty. But he did not answer how much he thought the company should pay. Over 100 Manobos have arrived in the area since Sunday, and at least 700 others would be coming, the barangay official said. He showed MindaNews some documents, mostly demand letters for

AMRI with endorsements from Surigao City Mayor Ernesto Matugas. MindaNews tried to verify with Matugas about the endorsements but he has not replied as of press time. Dawog said Kantrimyuka has areas in Carrascal in Surigao del Sur, Claver, Gigaquit, Bacuag, Placer, Tubod, Mainit, Taganaan in Surigao del Norte and parts of Surigao City including some coastal areas. He said their group is different from that of the Mamanwas who previously staged a barricade in June this year against AMRI to demand a royalty of P30 million. The Mamanwas lifted their barricade after receiving an initial payment of P10 million. In 2009, the Mamanwas also barricaded Taganito Mining Corp., forcing the company to pay its royalty obligations from 2006 to 2008 amounting to P72.5 million. It was touted as the “largest royalty payment” ever made to a tribe in the country’s mining history. Three other mining companies are operating in Claver— Shen Zhou Mining Group Corp., Platinum Group Mining Corp. and the Taganito High Pressure Acid Leach Nickel Corporation. Claver Mayor Eddie P. Gokiangkee meanwhile said that Katrimunyaka did not seek a rally permit, although he admired the group and the Mamanwas for taking an aggressive action against the mining firms. “The IPs (indigenous peoples) are smarter than

the people of Claver because if the mining companies would not pay they would stage a barricade,” Claver said. He said some mining firms in town have never paid business tax to the local government. The mayor said AMRI is now on the verge of closure, as its 300-ha mining area is already mined out. Section 7-b of the Indigenous Peoples Rights Act of 1997 entitles indigenous peoples to “negotiate the terms and conditions for the exploration of natural resources in the areas for the purpose of ensuring ecological, environmental protection and the conservation measures, pursuant to national and customary laws…” The Mamanwas’ 48,678-ha mining areas in barangays Taganito and Urbiztondo are covered by a Certificate of Ancestral Domain Title. MindaNews tried to contact AMRI officials through Dulmar Raagas, the president of Chamber of Mines Caraga Region to get their statement, but no to avail. Joel Delapa, a local resident, said it was awkward to see Manobos trying to claim royalty from a mining firm in his barangay. He said he never heard that there are Manobos in Surigao del Norte. James Dela Pena of Poblacion Claver said there are no Manobos here, only Mamanwas who are said to have existed since time immemorial. (Roel N. Catoto/ MindaNews)

Mindanao Daily 11 NEWS northmin . westmin . caraga . davao Your Mindanao-wide Community Newspaper

Fun Page

12 Mindanao Daily NEWS northmin . westmin . caraga . davao Your Mindanao-wide Community Newspaper

Mindanao Daily News’

clifford’s

If you like to greet your friends or just wanted to have some text mates through our publications, just text this number : 09269919077 or you can message it to our FB Fan Page ( Mindanao Daily Fan Page )

AQUARIUS (January 20 – February 18) -A contradiction doesn’t always mean a lie or a paradox -- in fact, it can be the beginning of a new truth! Watch out for supposedly illogical happenings and see what you can learn from them. PISCES (February 19 – March 20) - This is not a good time to get swept up in other people’s drama. That is not to say that you need to separate yourself from the world entirely, but you should try to rise above the petty stuff. ARIES (March 21 – April 19) - Your bold action makes life a lot better -- and not just for you! It’s one of those days when you show the world what you are made of, and it sits up to pay close attention! Take a risk.

-- ...hai mnd, gd non! im Evelyn Batistil, grt klngpo.anglahtngmgagandngtagamexitalian workers. sina, mariel,marecil,maris,,neresa. most specialy sa among vry lvly mngr.ate tats..and lstly.pee gd mood tday match Rojas...thank u and god blss u. -- hai goodnun hanap po ako txmet kanang willing makigmit kanang teacher knang grl no age limit im jerry frm cdo my 09062079265 -- Hi! kuya hanap po ako ng txmt pwde mahimong frend kanang 30 to 25 ang age kini ako # 09351818300 knang gerl,

TAURUS (April 20 – May 20) - A mediator needs to step in -- is it you? If it’s not your fight, offer your judgment, but if you’re wrapped up in a struggle, you need to be the first to call for an outside arbitrator. It’s the only way.

-- Maayong adlaw min.daily need q ug txtm8 kanang buotan na weling mkgmate no age limit kani na no (09177004223). .thanks -- gud a.m mndnao frontpage gr8 lng untah cu s acung txtm8 nga c jhon,,hi jhon luv u;from 667; -- Gandang hapon po naghahanap po ako ng txtm8 na lalaki yung mabait at hndi bstos. Tanggap po ako kc bakla po ako boy lang po 20pataasangage.E2#qo09305234747

CIRCLE A WORD

GEMINI (May 21 – June 21) - You are surrounded by the right people today -- so make the most of their talents and create something wonderful! Your energy is terrific, and you should be able to get people to like teamwork.

nicknames

baggies bantams bees black cats blades blues canaries cherries clarets cobblers eagles gills grecians

CANCER (June 22 – July 22) - It’s a good time to double-check your bank account or credit limit -- otherwise, you may stumble into a purchase that is far more than you can afford. Things should settle down really soon, though. LEO (July 23 – August 22) - You feel bathed in radiance today -- your face is shining with hope and glory, and those around you can’t help but feel inspired. It’s a good time to lead folks into the next big chapter of your lives. VIRGO (August 23 – September 22) - Flexibility is in high demand today, so limber up and demonstrate that you can stretch as far as anyone. You may find yourself feeling a little worried about a later development, but keep calm.

gunners hammers hatters hornets imps irons latics lions magpies mariners millers owls peacocks

pilgrims pirates pompey posh potters quakers railwaymen rams reds robins royals saddlers saints

Editor : Clifford Santillan

-MovieWatch-

Social Section

Daily HOROSCOPE

wednesday | september 4, 2013

seagulls shakers shaymen shrews stags tangerines terriers Tigers toffeemen troitters waliants wolves

Watch the Paranoia, starring Harrison Ford and Liam Hemsworth. An entry-level employee (Liam Hemsworth) at a powerful corporation finds himself occupying a corner office, but at a dangerous price: he must spy on his boss’s old mentor to secure for him a multi-billion dollar advantage. From the novel of the same name by Boston author Joseph Finder. PARANOIA

SUDOKU How to play the game? Fill in completely every rows, columns and diagonals of each puzzle without repitition

Yesterday’s Answer

of the same digit.

LIBRA (September 23 – October 22) - Expand your scope to encompass even more of what’s going on today. You should be able to get others to pitch in when they see that your big picture includes theirs as well. Teamwork is key! SCORPIO (October 23 – November 21) - You’re feeling stressed out more than usual, but that could be almost anything. Try not to worry much about anything that hasn’t already happened -- and that stuff you can take care of quickly! SAGITTARIUS (November 22 – December 21) It’s your lucky day! That could mean you get a great parking space or it could be much bigger -- but don’t gamble anything you can’t afford to lose! That’s good advice any day, but don’t let cockiness defeat you.

CROSSWORD puzzle across 1. Farm tool 5. Milk food 10. Tempts 12. Night bird 13. UAAP school 14. Type of tree 16. UAAP school 17. Between W and F 18. Resembling 19. South China_ 20. Rodents 21. Dirt 22. Curved structure 23. N e w T e s t a m e n t writer 24. Irritate 25. Think about 27. Single 28. Charter 29. Perform 30. UAAP school

CAPRICORN (December 22 – January 19) - Work and business issues are difficult today -- can you sneak out early or take the whole day off? If so, terrific -- but if not, you may find it easier to get some help early on.

Amazing Facts! Did you KNOW?? .. The smallest dog recorded was a Yorkie and was only 4 inches tall. The biggest dog weighed 344 poundsmore than two full grown men!

31. Ice cream unit 32. Container 33. Prohibit 34. Turn aside 36. Force 37. Eye part DOWN 1. Dwarf planet 2. Abundant 3. Food scrap 4. You and I 6. Sharpen 7. Female sheep 8. _Salvador 9. Identical 11. Nutmeg or cinnamon 15. Pres. Eisenhower 16. Mr. Armstrong 18. Fruit 19. Spirit 20. Birthmark 21. Sodium chloride

22. Eat out 23. Kicks 24. Wake up 25. People 26. Arial and Tahoma 28. Circular object 29. RHCP’s_ California 31. Golf score 32. Mongrel 33. Live 35. Greeting

Yesterday’s Answer

SUPERTRES II UNLEASHED: THE WINNING GUIDE LET’S PLAY LOTTO. SUPPORT PHILIPPINE CHARITY SWEEPSTAKES OFFICE!

N U M B E R A N A LY S I S Mga Higala, CONGRATULATIONS sa mga nakadaug sa 5-1-4. Pwerte gyud ka plastar. •• Karong adlawa ug ugma maayo kaayo nga bantayan ang 2 ug 7. Ang 2 mahimo nga ipares sa atong Control Number nga 4, 5, 7, ug 8 kon 42, 52, 72, ug 28 apil ang 7 kon 47, 57, 77, ug 87. •• Ang mga resulta karong adlawa duha ang kuhaon sa 6923 o ba kaha sa 8170. Supertres team

ANGLE GUIDE

6 7 0 3 6

5 8 1 9 7

9 4 2 5 8

5 7 3 6 9

6 8 4 7 0

PREVIOUS ANGLE

2 8 9 6 5

4 5 0 7 8

7 3 1 4 2

8 6 2 8 6

9 0 3 5 7

T O D AY ’ S H O T

324-294 352-592 218-237 792-238 829-782 T O D AY ’ S P A I R

67-78-17 26-28-12

ta k e - 1 • ta k e - 2

7-2

syn guide ( T o d a y )

1-0

3-8 2-5

ANGLE GUIDE

4 -7

SYN WATCH

6-9

Today’s probables

25+38 25+47

Mindanao Daily 13 NEWS

Feature

wednesday | september 4, 2013

Editor : Shaun Alejandrae Yap Uy

northmin . westmin . caraga . davao Your Mindanao-wide Community Newspaper

Over a Cup of Coffee Agri story:

by Louise Dumas

The early morning serenity of Pigtauranan is punctuated by lazy carabao-drawn carts of farmers going to their fields; this scenario had not been possible when the village was considered a hot spot for rebels and bandits

carabao-pulled cart lumbers slowly down the muddy lane at the break of dawn. A horse stops in the middle of its tracks, distracted by a patch of grass below a dilapidated fence. The idle start of the day in this remote village of Pigtauranan in Pangantucan, Bukidnon is far from the terror the community was subjected to in the 1980s. “There was a time when we could not go to our farms any time we wanted to,” said Jaime Y. Dagohoy, one of the directors of the Bayanihan Millennium Multi-Purpose Cooperative in Pigtauranan. “The military had gathered all of us to the center of the barangay to isolate the NPA [New People’s Army] and stop the people from providing them with resources. It was difficult for us to be caught between the two groups. We could not avoid the rebels because we lived and farmed in the area.” In addition to the danger of being caught in the cross-fire between the government forces and the NPA, there was also the presence of bandits in the area who attacked farmers working alone. Today, they can now look back at these horror stories without worry.

“Instead of succumbing to the fear of these armed groups, we formed a group to do bayanihan. This is where our cooperative took its name,” said Mr. Dagohoy. Their group bought a piece of land which they communally tilled. Their bayanihan was not the usual community farming, however. “Some of us would guard the area while some are working on the land. The military had also issued arms to those of us who have reached college level so we could serve as the frontline during the attacks.” From a communal lot where they cultivated corn, their bayanihan efforts have now expanded to include cash crops, the most successful of them their coffee plantations. Previously only promoted as a diversification crop, it is slowly replacing the community’s sugarcane plantations which the farmers have scaled down due to its high labor input and fluctuating price. With an income ranging from P60,000-P80,000 for a hectare of coffee trees, Mr. Dagohoy had been able to send all his children to good universities all over Mindanao. His eldest child has recently graduated from Management Accounting, another

child already working as automotive mechanic in Cebu, one reviewing to take the board as an electrical engineer later this year. “I only have one child left in school who is taking up computer engineering,” he proudly said. The produce of the community primarily goes to Nestle Philippines, Inc. which has a buying station in Valencia and a coffee and milk factory in Cagayan de Oro City. The community, through the BMMPC, usually consolidates their harvest and sells in bulk to be able to get more incentives from the buyer and at the same time cut on the expenses of transporting individually. Grade 1 beans can range from P92.50 to P94.50, P10 higher if they sell it to middle men. In the first quarter of the year, they were able to sell 26 tons to Nestle. The company is now aiding the community to set up a nursery and provide them with technical expertise. Another coffee-growing community in Bukidnon which primarily sells to Nestle is Barangay Bagong Silang in the municipality of Maramag. “The income from coffee and sugarcane is more or less the same,” said Ceriaco C. Luminarias, a coffee-

grower from Barangay Bagong Silang. “You need to replace sugarcane every after harvest. The coffee tree, on the other hand, is forever. As long as you maintain it so that it bears fruit and doesn’t die, you will earn from it periodically.” Luminarias has been a coffee grower since 1974. One hectare of his trees could yield up to 2,500 kilos. Once, the coffee peaked at the price of P115 per kilo. “I immediately bought a multicab that would be able to help me with the transportation of the coffee,” he said, adding that a big chunk of the family income relies on coffee trading. As a support to the growing coffee industry in Maramag, a local collaboration among the municipal cooperatives, the Catholic Relief Services, and the Kaanib Foundation, Inc. and the local government unit was initiated to provide a more accessible market for the coffee farmers. Called Kape Maramag, a kiosk which doubles as a café and a roasting station was strategically set up at the bus terminal of the municipality. The kiosk is managed by members of the Rural Improvement Club of the municipality. A kilo of mixed blend goes for P300 while 50g P25.

“Sometimes we could reach an income of P3,000 in a day,” said Nancy B. Ngujo, assistant manager of the café. “The lowest income we have is around P500. We earn a lot when we are contracted to serve during meetings of the LGU and other government units.” Although accepting from independent coffee sellers, Kape Maramag gets their regular supply from the barangays of La Roja, Bagong Silang, Panadtalan and Buya in Maramag. “The main reason for setting up this collaboration was to offer the coffee growers high buying prices comparable to the big companies such as Nestle,” Ms. Ngujo said. “The usual problem of the farmers is that come harvest season, they have a lot of debts and their income could not make up for it since the buying price of the middle men is so low. It is also not economically viable for some of them to still go to Valencia or Cagayan de Oro to sell coffee because of the transportation expenses.” Kape Maramag has already sent coffee to Denmark, Canada, Australia and Singapore through personal connections and links established by the local government unit of Maramag.

A JULY -

e W s s e n N i A s u D B N I M

A coffee grower delivering his harvest at Kape Maramag located at the Maramag bus station 50

ness

+Lif

esty

NOW AVAILABLE...

ADVERTISE NOW!!!

In ne’s Arle Eyes to new Mom CdeO

says hi

Uy Kenlas Scrhoelarxship slots, Op ges SMI linka

ng ALA Baro

MIMI PIM

ENTEL

Busi

r ky Emaegte rown ThePinuPtoic s, truly ho res, rf Ventu Johndo Citihomesnt IG ase 4 developme B -I G A Ph P es Introduc

IN ABD

te and Intrica etails te d a m ti in Your Home, Your Choice ST! : a MU a tour Designlua takes us onde sign

ng KEV SIA Styli

LANG, S IM PLHEO IC E , M Y CH O N E . MYP

D. Ga Architectual Dr. Rey of his

201 3

S E M I T

E ISTIE JAN

eAekO sW s e n N i A s uI N D B M

AU GU ST JUL Y -

CHR DO HMU

201 3

LEONAR

AU GU ST JUL Y -

Hand-picking ripe coffee beans; even if it is not yet the season for harvest, coffee growers need to remove the beans that have already ripened and check these for pests

Tanleh Bldg., Abellanosa St., Consolacion, Cagayan de Oro City, Philippines Contact nos.: (088)856-3344, (08822)72-33-44 email: businessweekmindanao@gmail.com website: www.businessweekmindanao.com

14 Mindanao Daily northmin . westmin . caraga . davao Your Mindanao-wide Community Newspaper

wednesday | september 4, 2013

NEWS

In celebration of its Patron Saint, San Nicolas de Tolentino this week… Known as expert in troubleshooting especially in Korean cars.

Corrales Extension, Cagayan de Oro City Contact Nos. (088) 852-1948 . 09173236080 . 09089294251

Spacious Rooms Approx. 4m x 5.5m • Fully Airconditioned • Cable Ready • 21” LCD/24” LED TV • Personal Refrigerator • Hot & Cold Shower • Kitchenette • Intercom • Cabinets/Closets • Free wifi internet • Business Center with Terlephone, Computer & Fax Machine Open for Short Term & Long Term Lease For Reservations Contact Us: 09351842333

facebook.com/jerggyp • jerggy_p@yahoo.com

“Mano-mano sa Bag-ong Plaridel”; Thunderbolt Villanueva takes 2

Misamis Occidental which the town belongs. Meanwhile, with the weeks fiesta celebration activities, Mayor Ty also said that with the newly revigorated Tourism Council headed by Mrs.

Alice Rama Ty, the mayor’s wife and “Park and Go Bakeshop” magnate brings the Search of Ms. PlaridelToursim 2013 as a part and parcel of the celebrations. With the twelve lovely young candidates, the Search will enhance and boost the towns’ in the promotion of its Tourism Industry while “Mano-Mano sa bag-ong Plaridel” is the hope of young Plaridelnons to become champions in their own way thru Boxing Sports. Other activites such a social and economic promotion with its Trade Fair, Employees Night, and EcoTourism-Cultural Presentations, of which will help prepare Plaridel’s participation to the Cebu’s known Sinulog Festival in 2014. Recently, for the first time, the Municipality of Plaridel has been invited by the Cebu’s Sinulog Foundation to participate in the next year Sinulog Competition in the streets of the Queen City of the Philippines.

town never forgot that they were the first settlers of San Miguel. “Later, Christians have come to settle in this peaceful town but let us never forget that it was the Subanens who first tilled our soils and made them productive.” “I would say that the people’s support was so amazing, even during the opening, I never expected that the response would be so overwhelming. I was thinking only the highway barangays would

participate but to my surprise, even the far-flung barangays joined. In fact, many of them cried, and I was one of them. I practically had goose bumps,” the mayor said in the vernacular. Mayor Martinez expressed his gratitude to his lovely and eversupportive first lady, Ms. Vida Belle Althea T. Martinez, Tourism Officer and chairperson of Ms. Teen San Miguel 2013 and the cultural extravaganza, to Vice Mayor Celso T.

Otero, Sangguniang Bayan members and barangay officials. Mayor Martinez reiterated his wholehearted thanks to all the people of San Miguel, the working committees and everyone else who contributed to the success of the 53rd Araw ng San Miguel. He then encouraged everyone to sustain the momentum to achieve the municipality’s long cherished dream of progress and development. (PIA9)

the other half of Mindanao, requires 10,000 classrooms to be built in one and a half years. He said the tourism sector is another big user of the construction industry with various tourism construction projects going on and many that

are yet to be developed. Revitalizing the country’s construction industry is one of the strategies of the Aquino administration to promote countryside growth as confirmed by Davao Constructors Association Center, Inc. president,

Dino Mae Suelto. “The distribution of wealth is not trickling down, he (President Aquino) said, so it is pooling its resources to the construction industry since it has a bigger multiplier effect,” Suelto said. (PNA)

For the individual customers which were disconnected, these included big loads in Marawi City; as well as end-users in the municipalities of Marantao, Balindong, Tugaya, Saguiran, R a m a i n , B a l o -i , P a nt a r, Malabang and Balabagan. If those consumers without electricity supply would want to secure a temporary service, the option offered by Lasureco is “pakyaw system” or “power supply rationing” which may be availed of on a 5-hour duration or longer at specified rates. Maongco noted that the individual consumers owed the utility firm P308.431 million;

with the biggest arrears of P163.920 million traced to a specified big-ticket customer in Marawi City. “We have taken the risk because we believe this is the only way to compel delinquent member-consumers to pay their power bills – both current and arrears,” the Lasureco official stressed. Maongco qualified though that this was not the “worst c ase of d iscon nec t ion” it carried out, emphasizing that it previously cut-off the supply of 37 municipalities,” but local government officials reportedly demanded service reconnection.

“We agreed on condition that they would pay their bills based on the ‘pakyaw system’ on or before July 4, 2013, but sad to say, they did not honor their promise,” he added. Given that, Maongco stressed that “we have no choice now but to disconnect them again”; albeit saying that such decision “has an inherent risk, given recent and past experiences when unscrupulous persons with malicious intents toppled down power lines or sabotaged v ita l infrastructure eit her owned by the cooperative or the National Grid Corporation of the Philippines.”(Myrna Velasco)

The policy of letting coalfired facilities set the solution path for Mindanao was started by the previous administration, while the sweat and blood equity of convincing consumers in the area to accept the presented viable technology options leaned much on the persistence and forbearance of the private sector developers. In fact, when the Chief Executive attended a Power Summit in Davao City last year,

he left people in the room with much disappointment because he has not lent an ear so he could have appreciated their issues deeper. According to Gaisano, power supply is not the only major concern of the region, it is similarly on a catch-up mode when it comes to financing improvements for its micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs) as well as its agricultural small

holders. Another impeding factor for the region would be infrastructure development – which admittedly is not on par with the region’s more developed tourism facilities, roads or even airports. “We identified vital sectors which can propel Mindanao’s economy and help the islandregion reap the benefits of a greater economic integration come 2015,” Gaisano stressed.

By PJTremedal, Misamis Occidental Bureau

Plaridel, Misamis Occidental – Former World Boxing Organization (WBO) Oriental Featherweight Champion Lorenzo “Thunderbolt” Villanueva of Bual Norte, Midsayap makes his second comeback after a long lay-off because of an injury when he takes on Junior Lightweight Alvin Makiling in a 10-Round fight in Plaridel, Misamis Occidental. On September 11, Mayor joyous mode. Diego Nonoy Ty the newly In an interview with Minelected Municipal Mayor, danao Daily News, Honora boxing buff who wants able Mayor Diego Nonoy to use the boxing show as Ty,promise to change Plaridel a way to encourage young into a Sports and Tourism boys in Plaridel, Misamis Oriented municipality. Occidental to take up the “We need to encourage sport which has produced our young boys to take up great boxing champions boxing is for them to see an from the Philippines and actual boxing event featurlifted many poor kids from ing top professional boxers poverty. right in their very noses” Four other professional Mayor Ty said. bouts and about 10 amateur Mayor Ty also made bout will complete the card. emphasis on Agriculture In the celebration of the and Fishery Programs of his town’s Feast of San Nicolas administration to augment de Tolentino, Plaridelnons the economic activity of Patron Saint on September Plaridelnons to overcome 1- 15 daily activities, “Mano- poverty for so long a time. mano sa bag-ong Plaridel” In his first 100 Days, will take the center stage to the newly seated Municipromote not only bringing pal Mayor wants Plaridel sports but also to celebrate to become the economic the town fiesta in good and hub of the 1st District of

Festival... from page 5

The 18 barangay Indigenous Peoples (IPS) representatives also elected their officers with Timuay Priscilla Buay Marquiala as president, to comprise the San Miguel Tribal Council of Elders. Although the Subanen people comprise only 5-10 percent of local folks, and a minority, the good mayor who was born and bred in this

Industry... from page 8

Department of Education (DepEd) has completed the public-private partnership (PPP) bidding for 20,000 classrooms in Mindanao. Sector 1, which comprises almost

Coop... from page 8

correspondence to the energy ch ief, Maongco i nd ic ated t he supply c ut- of f to 27 municipalities, but as of August 28, t his has a lready been increased to 29. The municipalities with disconnected electricity services covered eight in Basak Area; six in Unayan Area; five in Coastal Area; three in BSP 3; and five in Guilopa area. The latest two additions have been Balo-i, which is a host community to one of the Agus plants; and Pantar.

Power... from page 8

Aquino’s resolve in finding realistic solutions to Mindanao’s recurring power problem.” However, without stealing someone’s thunder, the Aquino administration was actually not of much help when the difficult power supply solutions for Mindanao were being peddled to the stakeholders in Mindanao.

NorthMin

wednesday | september 4, 2013

Mindanao Daily 15 NEWS northmin . westmin . caraga . davao Your Mindanao-wide Community Newspaper

Council rescinds Pacuribot ‘appt’ The city council also denied the confirmation of Elot and Salazar By IRENE B. DAYO, Staff Reporter of Mindanao Daily News

THE City Council here rescinded a resolution confirming the appointment of a department head due to an “honest mistake” during the counting of votes when the council divided the house during its regular session on Monday. Vice Mayor Ian Acenas,presiding officer of the city council in session, earlier banged the gavel confirming the appointment of Engr. Rolando M. Pacuribot, on first reading, as head of the City Economic Enterprises in a Resolution No. 2013-49 during the 9th regular session on Monday. The city council divided the council whether to confirm the

Nixed... from page 1

the provinces of South Cotabato, Sultan Kudarat, Sarangani, North Cotabato and the cities of General Santos, Koronadal, Tacurong, Kidapawan and Cotabato. He said the consultations involved 36 participants composed of elected local officials, representatives from national government agencies, non-government organizations, league officers and other local government officials. The initiative was in compliance with a memorandum issued last Aug. 14 by DILG Undersecretary for Local Government Austere Panadero for the conduct of regional public consultations on the SK, he said. In a position paper released by DILG-12 as a result of the consultations, Bungubung said the participants were initially divided on the idea whether to reform or abolish the SK. But majority or 64 percent of them eventually recommended its stay, along with the setting of various reforms, he said. The official said 33 percent recommended pushing through with the SK elections, which is set on Oct. 25 as part of the scheduled barangay polls, while the reforms are being implemented but “majority or 67 percent unanimously agreed on a postponement.” Citing the discussions during the consultations, Bungubung said the participants unanimously believed that SK as youth representatives “has not been effective and efficient as a mechanism for promoting youth leadership and engagement.” From the start of the filing of their candidacies and up to the elections, he said most SK leaders are not aware of the system, their roles as well as the scope and essence of the youth in governance. He said they noted that SK leaders had failed to perform their mandated roles and functions as rep-

appointment of Pacuribot after the appointee underwent a series of questioning from the members of the city council on his qualifications and experience relative to the position as an economic manager. During the division of the council, a 9-8 votes were cast in favor of the appointment of Pacuribot prompting the presiding chair to bang the gavel and announcing the confirmation of Pacuribot’s appointment on first reading. However, City Councilor President Elipe stood up and asked the chair to make a review of the quorum and attendance of the city councillors in session when he notice that only 16 city councillors were present in the

session. After a review and a recount of those who were present along with the recorded minutes of the assistant city council Secretary, the city council ruled that the actual votes cast were only 8-8 votes. Presiding office Acenas then declared that the resolution confirming the appointment of Pacuribot was a mistake and subsequently entered a correction in the minutes of the council in session relative to the resolution earlier approved. Acenas then declared a tie in the votes cast and being the presiding chair and as part of the house rule, the presiding officer should break the votes in case of a tie. Acenas voted for negative

The Food Safety Act of 2013 lays down a comprehensive f rame work that sets the benchmark for food safety in various stages from the harvest to the manufacture, processing, handling, packaging, distribution, marketing, food preparation until its consumption. To strengthen the food safety regulatory system in the country, the state is adopting measures to protect the public from foodborne and water-borne illnesses and unsanitary, unwholesome, misbranded or adulterated foods. The state is also enhancing industry and consumer confidence in the food regulator y system. The state is working towards achieving economic growth and development by promoting fair trade practices and sound regulatory foundation for domestic and international trade. The law defines the roles and responsibilities of food business operators and government agencies involved in the food business, with emphasis placed on food business operators on their knowledge of the specific requirements and procedures relevant to their activities. Food business operators, under the measure, will also be held accountable on instances of food recall. The Department of Agriculture (DA) shall be responsible for food safety in the primary production and post harvest stages of food supply chain and foods locally produced or imported in this category. The D ep ar t ment of Health (DOH) shall be responsible for the safety of processed and prepackaged foods, locally produced or imported foods under this category and the conduct of monitoring and epidemiological studies on food-borne illnesses. from page 1 The local government units (LGUs) will monitor Senate and the House the compliance to food of Representatives on June safety standards of food 5, 2013.

resentatives of the youth in their communities; youth leaders looked at SK as merely and plainly a position and don’t internalize their responsibilities; the discharge of SK functions is limited especially on the access of funds as they are under the control of the barangay chairs; and, that the SK is being used as breeding ground by some politicians for their political dynasties. “They believe that the SK is exposed early to dirty politics and becomes a training ground for corruption,” the official said. Bungubung said among t h e re c om m e n d at i ons agreed during the consultations were the conduct of social preparation for the participating youth prior to the conduct of the elections to inculcate in them the essence of public service and youth leadership. “The social preparation for the youth will include capacity building on leadership, skills development, values formation and moral recovery to prepare them as leaders of the community. Through this, they will learn to appreciate and internalize what leadership is all about,” he noted in the six-page position paper. He added that the participants pushed for the changing of the age requirement to 18 to 24 years-old; the conduct of thorough review and perusal of the existing laws and policies governing the SK and make the necessary overhaul on its political system, structure and operations; conduct of regular monitoring and evaluation on the performance of SK leaders; and, include as a requirement the formulation of an SK annual development plan and regular conduct of audit on the utilization of their funds.

Signs...

which negate the confirmation of the appointment of Pacuribot as a department head of the city’s Economic and Enterprise Department. According to Acenas, the mistake was the first to occur in the city council. He then reminded the Secretary and the city councillors to be extra careful since the division of the council on matters of exigency is very crucial. “Every vote counts in this council and we cannot afford to incur mistake,” Acenas told the city councilors. The city council also did not confirm the appointments of lawyers Percy Salazar as Budget Officer since she was not around and Veda Elot as City Accountant.

businesses such as slaughterhouses, dressing plants, fish ports, wet markets, supermarkets, school canteens, restaurants, catering establishments and water refilling stations. The LGU shall also be responsible for street food sale, including ambulant vending. The Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG), in collaboration with the DA, the DOH and other government agencies, shall supervise the enforcement of food safety and sanitary rules and regulations as well as the inspection and compliance of business establishments and facilities within its territorial jurisdiction. The law also provides stiff penalties to those who are found guilty of violating its provisions, ranging from fines of P50,000 to P500,000 and the suspension of appropriate licenses to conduct business or to prepare food. The law paves the way for the creation of the Food Safety Regulation Coordinating Board, whose powers and functions include monitoring and coordinating the performance of the mandates of the DA, DOH, DILG and LGUs in food safety regulation, and crisis management and planning during food safety emergencies. The Board is also tasked with the establishment of policies and procedures for coordination among agencies involved in food safety, as well as the continuous evaluation of food safety regulations and research and training programs aimed at addressing food safety hazards. The law mandates the DA and the DOH to jointly issue the implementing rules and regulations within ninety (90) days after the effectivity of this Act. This Act shall take effect fifteen (15) days after its publication in two (2) newspapers of general circulation. PND

The city council would return the recommendation of Pacuribot, Elot, and Salazar to the Office of the City Mayor with an explanation why the city council denied the confirmation of their appointments. Pacuribot served as a provincial engineer while Eliot as provincial account in Misamis Oriental when Mayor Oscar Moreno was provincial governor until June 30, 2013. Moreno brought with him almost 30 personnel from the provincial capitol to fill up sensitive positions at the City Hall where their appointment would be unlikely since they could not get employment clearance from the provincial government due to alleged unsettled cash advances.

Misortel... from page 1

dilapidated building which needs cleaning and new air-conditioning units. Dy said the honorarium for board members have been suspended by the governor. “How to increase collection, that’s our task,” Dy said. He said that with upgrades in their network including a meta switch, more bill collectors, better office and management, and maintaining the lowest rate, Misortel should be able to stand on its feet again as a viable enterprise.

Battles... from page 6

respond positively to requests from his constituents for financial assistance, will your congressman still be relevant to you and the rest? But it is outright different in the case of the presidential discretionary fund. Truth is, this fund is no different from the discretionary fund allocated for local chief executives and also those chief executives in private or even public corporations. The fund is necessary so they become effective in the performance of their assigned tasks. To deprive them of such fund is to actually castrate them from being able to do what they are tasked to do. The call made by some sectors to deprive the President of his discretionary fund by erroneously picturing it as similar to the congressional pork barrel fund is, I would say, an attempt to render President Aquino inutile. Apparently, they don’t want him still relevant in ensuring who succeeds him in 2016. We should be wary with this call for its underlying partisan political objective. •• (Reactions at jelbacon@ yahoo.com or at jelbaconii@gmail.com. Read me also at www.raconteurme. blogspot.com)

EXTRAJUDICIAL SETTLEMENT OF ESTATE WITH ABSOLUTE SALE Notice is hereby given that the intestate estate of the late spouses Eriberto M. Gualberto and Marianita P. Gualberto, who died on July 9, 1987 at Cagayan de Oro City, Philippines, and November 14, 2006 at New York City, United States of America. That the said descendants died without leaving a will or testament, more particularly described as follows: “A parcel of land (Lot No. 408, Pls-854) situated in the Municipality of Manolo Fortich, Province of Bukidnon. Containing an area of SIXTY THREE THOUSAND ONE HUNDRED AND FIFTY ONE (63,151) square meters, more or less, is the subject of EXTRAJUDICIAL SETTLEMENT OF ESTATE WITH ABSOLUTE SALE, made and entered into by and among: RAMON P. GUALBERTO, of legal age, Filipino, married and a resident of Tagoloan, Misamis Oriental; RAMID P. GUALBERTO, of legal age, Filipino, married and a resident of 124 Pacana Compound, Zone II Bulua, Cagayan de Oro City; CLARISSA MAE G. SUAN, of legal age, Filipino, married, and a resident of Apitong Street, Carmen, Cagayan de Oro City; ANNALIZA MAE G. DIAZ, of legal age, Filipino, married, and a resident of Libra-Aquarius Street, Villa Ernesto, Gusa, Cagayan de Oro City; and ERIBERTO P. GUALBERTO, JR., of legal age, Filipino, married, and a resident of River Grand, Camella Subdivision, Upper Carmen, Cagayan de Oro City;are the sole lawful heirs. For and in consideration of the sum of TEN THOUSAND PESOS (P10,000.00) Philippine Currency, is hereby acknowledged in full from Spouses Ramid P. Gualberto and Fara P. Gualberto, both of legal age, Filipinos, and with residence address at 124 Pacana Compound, Zone II, Bulua, Cagayan de Oro City, we do hereby SELL, TRANSFER, CONVEY and DELIVER, by way of ABSOLUTE SALE unto said spouses Ramid P. Gualberto and Fara P. Gualberto, their heirs, assigns and successors in interest the property above-described. As per Doc. No. 160; Page No. 32; Book No. 82; Series of 2013; under Notary Public of ATTY. AUGUSTO P. GERE, JR. MDN: AUG. 28, SEPT. 4 & 11, 2013

READ!

www.businessweekmindanao.com

Mindanao Daily NEWS northmin . westmin . caraga . davao Your Mindanao-wide Community Newspaper

wednesday | sept 4, 2013