Mindanao Daily Davao (March 28, 2014)

Flower Vendor wins SMART Blow-Out’s Toyota Vios Grand Price

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See story on Page 12 ROTARY INTERNATIONAL

THE FOUR-WAY TEST of the things we think, say or do

1. Is it the TRUTH? 2. Is it FAIR to all concerned?

3. Will it build GOODWILL and BETTER FRIENDSHIP? 4. Will it be BENEFICIAL to all concerned?

Vista Land planning P40-B Davao projects Volume II, No. 223

web portal: www.businessweekmindanao.com

Friday

March 28, 2014

By CARMELITO Q. FRANCISCO Correspondent

Regional Top Stories

D

AVA O City -Vi s t a L a n d & Lifescapes, Inc. plans to spend up to P40 billion on new projects here over the next six years, the company ’s founder said in a visit last weekend.

Northmin Security, advocates set power forum in Oro today u2

CARAGA San Franz Radio marks 17th anniversary u4

WESTMIN Kidnap suspects captured by police and military elements u8

See FULL STORY, page 9

Joy reigns among Muslims on the signing of peace pact CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY -- The local Muslim community joyfully watched “live” the historic signing of the Bangsamoro Agreement at the Malacanang ground Thursday morning inside the Oro Jamah Islamic Center in Cogon District here.

Amir Macarambon, a local Muslim leader and

P15.00

Miss Teen Philippines. Seventeen lovely teenagers, aged 13 – 18, were presented to the media at the City Tourism Office in Cagayan de Oro City, to vie for five spots to the Miss Teen Philippines Finals. They are: ERICKA MARIE JABAGAT, JASMIN AIRA ICHIHRA, SUZIEAN LOU VALENZONA, JASMINE KATE SABANDAL, JODI ANDEA DIANA, CZARINA MARIE CABAGNOT, NICOLE KAYE INOVERO, KRISTINE CLAIRE DE GUZMAN, HEQINTZE CRILE MALACK. LOVELY RAMOS, ALEXA AMICO PATRIANA, JAMIE LYNN COLON, REYNA ROSE ABRIOL, SHEKINAH ESTANILLA, NELLZA BAUTISTA, ESEL MAE PABILLARAN, and ERICKA JOYCE ZAYAS. photo by shaun alejandrae uy

MILF warned of failure in early Bangsamoro plebiscite

By Cheng Ordonez Executive Editor

See reigns, page 11

Misamis Oriental Governor Yevgeny Vincente Emano chats with Senator Teofisto Guingona III during the recent induction ceremonies of officers and board of directors of the Cagayan de Oro Press Club held at a local hotel. The senator was the keynote speaker and inducting officer of the event. photo by gerry lee gorit

A FORMER chairperson of the government peace panel negotiating with the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) has called for the moving of the plebiscite and elections to later dates, else the MILF’s dream of a Bangsamoro entity plunges into the abyss, He warned, as well, that Bangsamoro leaders will not stand to win positions.

Lawyer Jesus Dureza, chair of the government peace panel from 2001 to 2003, and Presidential Assistant for Mindanao during the Arroyo administration, said in a statement that it could be premature to hold an early plebiscite and elections for the Bangsamoro.

Atty. Dureza said the MILF is not ready yet to plunge into some political exercise.

Dureza warned: “Kagi (Ebrahim Al Haj) Murad and the MILF are not yet prepared politically. They need more time to ripen.

They will stand no chance at all if pitted against the savvy and long entrenched politicians.”

Dureza said the MILF leaders should not ever think that they will get the political positions in the new Bangsamoro entity in a silver platter in an open elections.

He said it is also a mistake for the MILF to rely See warned, page 11

Moro struggle for peace continues

THE Moro people’s struggle for peace, genuine development and self-determination does not end with See peace, page 11

72 former NPA rebels give up arm struggle CAMP EVANGELISTA, Cagayan de Oro City -Seventy-two fully armed former members of the outlawed New People’s Army (NPA) had formally surrendered to avail of the government’s “Gun for Peace and Social Integration Program,” a military official said on Thursday.

Capt. Christian Uy, spokesperson of the army’s Public Affairs Division, said that the military has scheduled the turn over ceremony at the army’s 4th Infantry Division gymnasium here on Friday morning.

He said that the surrenderers, most of them former regular NPA members and members of the Militia ng Bayan, operates in the mountain areas of

Northern Mindanao and Caraga Regions.

Uy said that 48 individuals came from the province of Bukidnon, 18 from Agusan del Sur, 3 from Surigao del Sur, 2 from Misamis Oriental, and 1 from Agusan del Norte.

According to Uy, the s u r re n d e re r s t u r n e d over 41 assorted high powered firearms that included eight M16 A1 rifles, three AR18-M653 assault rifle, three M14 rifles, one Browning Automatic Rifle (BAR), one AK-47, three M4 Carbine, four SMG-9mm-MK9, one KG9 submachine gun, and one M79 40mm GL, eight Carbine, 7 garand, one cal.

30 bolt-action rifle, and See rebels, page 11

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NorthMin News

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Bukidnon • Camiguin • Lanao del Norte • Misamis Occidental • Misamis Oriental

Engineers, advocates set power forum in Oro today CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY - The Institute of Integrated Electrical Engineers of the Philippines-Northern Mindanao (IIEE-NM) and the Mindanao Coalition of Power Consumers have joined forces to present the Interim Mindanao Electricity Market (IMEM) experience in the Mindanao Power Forum Update II , today at the Emerald 2 Ballroom, Limketkai Luxe Hotel, this City.

“We are inviting the general public, especially consumer groups, distribution utilities (DUs) and generation companies (GENCOs) to join us in this forum where the MCPC will share their findings about the first month of IMEM operations in Mindanao,” said Engr.

Ramil L. Ombina, regional

governor for IIEE- Northern Mindanao. “We are also taking this occasion to invite participants to the 2014 IIEE Northern Mindanao Regional Conference to join us to expand their knowledge about this key initiative to address the power shortage in Mindanao.”

Besides the MCPC, the forum will also feature Ms. Melinda L. Ocampo, President, Philippine Electricity Market Corporation(Overview : Wholesale Electricity Spot Market & the Interim Mindanao Electricity Market); Dr. Ricardo E. Rotoras, D’Engg., President, MUST (Prevailing Electricity Market in Mindanao); Atty.

Dionel O. Albina, PENG, Research Head, Institute of Power Economics (IPSEC), MUST(Research Results of

1st Month of IMEM Operations with AMRECO Member Cooperatives); Engr.

David A. Tauli, President, MCPC, (Recommendations on WESM/IMEM in Mindanao).

The presentations will be followed by brief reactions from a panel of experts including Ms. Ruth Perez & Patricia Grace P. Libo-on, Corporate Staff Officers, Power Sector Assets and Liabilities Management Corp.

(PSALM); Atty. Debora Anastacia T. Layugan, Director, Market Operations Service, Energy Regulatory Commission (ERC); Mr. Crisanto R. Laset, Jr. Assistant Vice President for Trading, Aboitiz Power Corporation for the Philippine Independent Power Producers Association, Inc. (PIPPA); Engr. Eugene H. Bicar, Head-Mindanao Systems Operations, National Grid Corporation of the See forum, page 11

Rep. Rufus B. Rodriguez, 2nd District, Cagayan de Oro Ctiy, addresses the 51 graduating students from the local public high schools of Cagayan de Oro City who recently passed the UP College Admission Test. Rodriguez and ABAMIN Party List Rep. Maxie Rodriguez, Jr. sponsored their review before the exams last August. He and Party List Rep. Maxie Rodriguez will also sponsor either full or partial scholarships for the students for their 4 or 5 year studies in UP including plane fares, tuition, and other fess and board and lodging. KENDISCHAVES

NorMin endorses projects P65 B projects CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY – The Regional Development

Council (RDC) in Northern Mindanao has endorsed priority projects for 2015 amounting to P 65.926 billion, an official of the regional National Economic Development Authority (NEDA) said on Wednesday.

Leon M. Dacanay, NEDA Regional Director and concurrent acting RDC-10 Chairman, said that 22 regional line agencies and seven state universities and colleges in Northern Mindanao submitted the proposed priority projects during the recent Special RDC-

X Meeting here participated in

by Budget Secretary Florencio Abad as guest speaker.

He said that the Social Sector got the largest pie amounting to P 34 billion or 52 percent of the total proposed amount.

The infrastructure sector took P 27 billion, or 41 percent followed by the economic sector, 7 percent and macro sector with 0.72 percent.

Dacanay said that the proposals underwent and passed technical review by the sector committees to make it consistent to the region’s priority programs in line with the President’s Social Contract and Regional Development Plan and Investment Program for the years 2013-2016.

He said that Secretary Abad emphasized that the proposed programs should defined the needs of “our people, values and what we want to aspire, what we want to achieve, and our goals for the society.”

The budget secretary also emphasized the need to tailorfit programs and projects with the needs of the poorest of the poor in a bid to alleviate poverty, Dacanay said.

“With Northern Mindanao having the largest prospect of economic growth, the members of the RDC has the profound role of ensuring that the regional budgets could sustain economic expansion, provide employment and livelihood opportunities,” Dacanay added.

CD with ERCEL MAANDIG

Mindanao Daily 3 News in Focus Wao group backs Bangsamoro Opol slates festival, entity, but seeks town’s exclusion tourism activities friday, march 28, 2014

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

By Walter I. Balane MindaNews

MALAYBALAY CITY– A civil society organization in Wao, Lanao del Sur has confirmed that it has gathered thousands to express support for the Comprehensive Agreement on the Bangsamoro (CAB) but is appealing that their town be excluded from it.

Perla Iniego, spokesperson of Lihok Wao (Act Wao), told MindaNews via telephone they want to make it clear through the public assembly at the town's Magsaysay Park that they support the creation of the Bangsamoro entity as provided for in the peace agreement.

“But we want the world to know that we support the Bangsamoro entity for our Muslim brothers (and sisters). We only appeal for the exclusion of Wao from it,” she stressed.

Iniego noted that 83 percent of the town's population are Christians.

She cited that they are the first town to submit in February a manifesto to President Benigno Aquino III, to the Senate and the House of Representatives, to the Department of Interior and Local Government, and to the peace panels of both the government and the Moro Islamic Libera-

tion Front expressing their sentiment for exclusion.

Lihok Wao describes itself as a civil society organization working towards environmental protection and social transformation.

Iniego refused today’s gathering as a “rally” for its subversive connotations and preferred to call it an “assembly.” She also appealed to media not to misquote them as their intentions are for peace. This is the same group, which in the 1990s barricaded streets to stop illegal logging.

In early 1999, Lihok Wao joined dialogues, negotiation-meetings, circulated position papers, and gathered signatures, among others. In April 1999, then Environment Secretar y Antonio Cerilles issued a memorandum order declaring a transport ban of all timber and timber products from the Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao ARMM), par-

ticularly in Wao, Lanao del Sur. Despite the memorandum order, however, the Timber Industries of the Philippines (TIPI) continued to transport timber, mostly undersized, to log ponds in Tagoloan and El Salvador in the province of Misamis Oriental.

This prompted members of the affected community to stage a human barricade at Brgy. Panang. Wao, Lanao del Sur on 14 June 1999. The barricade lasted for about four months.

Edna Espinosa, one of its staunchest leaders, still chairs the group, Iniego added.

Iniego denied that a social media account is its official account adding the owner of the account and those who react to it only express sentiments against the Bangsamoro entity.

“Disregard it. It's not ours. We still have to open our account,” she added.

By GERRY LEE GORIT

CAGAYAN DEN ORO CITY - All roads lead to Opol, Misamis Oriental, next month when the local government unit holds the Kabaybayonan Festival in April 25-26.

Mayor Maximino B. Seno said the activities for the sports and music festival have been lined up, includ-

ing Sand Blast (a battle of the bands), Grooving by the Shore (a modern Hawaiian mix dance competition), Beach Volleyball Open, and a fun run.

Seno said the town’s tourism thrust has been given a boost by new investors coming in.

Prizes for the Sand Blast are P10,000 for 1st place, P7,000 for 2nd, and P5,000

NEWS

for 3rd. The Best in Composition will receive a plaque.

Prizes for the Grooving by the Shore are P8,000 for 1st place, P5,000 for 2nd and P3,000 for 3rd.

Registration for both events will run from April 1 to 22 at the Municipal Tourism Office with a fee of P700.

For the Beach Volleyball See opol, page 11

MISAMIS ORIENTAL – The Board Members of the Province attended the 24th National Convention and National Election of the Provincial Board Members League of the Philippines (PBMLP) last March 13-15, 2014 at Waterfront Hotel, Cebu City. Board Member Vincent K. Pelaez was elected as a member of the Board of Directors in Region 10 and the Legal Counsel for Mindanao. VICE GOVERNOR JOEY G. PELAEZ (5th from right) also attended the League of Vice Governors of the Philippines (LVGP) National Assembly which was also held at Waterfront Hotel. From left to right are Hon. Nancy Madjos, Hon. Boris Actub, Hon. Bing Dumadag, Hon. Jabi Bernaldez, Hon. Heckert Emano, Hon. Donato Chan, Hon. Emmanuel Mugot, Hon. Mercy Grace Acain and Hon. Benedict Lagbas.

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

friday, march 28, 2014

Caraga

Agusan del Norte • Agusan del Sur • Surigao del Norte • Surigao del Sur • Dinagat Islands

San Franz Radio marks 17th year today

SAN FRANCISCO, Agusan del Sur -- The province’s premiere and pioneering radio station “San Franz Radio 96.1 FM” marks today its 17th year anniversary with a more positive outlook of facing the challenge of the changing times.

“We are more than ever positioning ourselves to be more vibrant and responsive to the call of times to be at pace with the inevitable trends of digital age which is more telling in the global broadcast industry nowadays,” said Max Tutor, station manager of San Franz radio.

Already, the station which is the first FM station established in Agusan del Sur, has coped up with digital technology trends in their day-to-day practice to bring the latest news and information to thousands of its loyal fans and high quality music and entertainment presentation in the airwaves.

At the same time, San Franz Radio has adopted the modern trends of reaching out to its listeners through its interactive social media

network on Facebook, Twitter and global live streaming broadcasts.

Since its inception of its social media network a few years back, the station carries three Facebook pages, “ San Franz Radioo”, “96.1 San Franz Radio,” and “ San Franz Radio 96.1”, and internet live streaming over “San Franz Radio 96.1 on U Stream”.

The station takes pride of earning a niche as “green station” with Tutor, over his “Ronda 96.1” public affairs program, taking the cudgels of fearlessly campaigning and advocating against the ills of environmental abuse, a crucial issue in the province where few people dare to thread for fear of being caught in the crossfire.

A few rare breed in the local media industry which have gained national and

Republic of the Philippines Local Civil Registry Office Province: Agusan del Norte City/Municipality: Butuan City NOTICE FOR PUBLICATION

international prominence in different fields are the men behind Agusan Communications Foundations, Inc (ACFI) which runs the station.

Tutor himself is already a respected public affairs program host in Caraga region and nationwide aside from being an active civic leader who currently heads the Kapisanan ng mg Brodkasters sa Pilipinas Agusan del Sur and Bislig City Chapter and National President of Communications Link for Emergency Assistance Network, Inc. His peer, Chris Pan-

ganiban, board secretary of ACFI, is correspondent of Philippine Daily Inquirer, Regional Editor of Mindanao Daily News, News Editor of Super Banat tabloid and had a fruitful stint working in Doha, Qatar as senior journalist of the Peninsula newspaper.

ACFI board president Alfredo Lobog , a long-time station manager of “DXDA 927 KHz AM” and San Franz Radio, has become a foremost trainer and educator of “junior journalism” to high school and college students and built his DXAK FM station inside the campus

of Agusan del Sur State College of Agriculture and Technology to champion the cause of environmental awareness and agriculture technology to improve the lot of lowly farmers.

Nonetheless, the station has also become the breeding ground for the followers of ACFI pioneers which also became reputable in other broadcast outlets in the likes of Richard Grande, station manager of LIPS 106.1 FM, Cherry Tampus Niog, program host of DXDA, Lyn Aranda, DJ and program host of Smile 92.7 FM, Lemuel Pagalaran

Ocay , program host of the station and many others.

But taking all these achievements into consideration, ACFI’s “San Franz Radio” could not be a well-respected broadcast outlet today without former Congressman Ceferino Paredes, Jr. who was behind the birth of the station when he authored Republic Act No. 8068 “An act Granting a franchise to Agusan Communications Foundation, INC., to construct, operate and maintain station for Radio and Television in the province of Agusan del Sur and for other purposes.”

BUTUAN CITY -- Following the successful launching of the You-for-You (U4U) Youth Hub Initiative in Butuan City on Wednesday, the Commission On Population-13 (POPCOM-13) here and the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) is set to launch the project at a mining community in Surigao del Sur in May.

This was announced by Nilo A. Yacat, Center for Health Solutions and Innovations Philippines, Inc. (CHSI) Communications Advisor during a press forum on Tuesday held at the computer laboratory room of the Agusan National High School (ANHS) this city.

Yacat said that Wednesday’s launching at ANHS

Amphitheater was the first U4U Caravan in Mindanao. The launching was attended by 150 ANHS students.

The U4U, according to him, had began its pre-test or pilot stage in November 2013, but was officially launched on January 15, 2014 in Ligao City, Albay province. About 1,146 youths (10-25 years old) participated in the U4U Teen Trail events.

Yacat also said that succeeding programs is to bring the initiative to

the different schools and communities in the region, with the hope to engage more young Filipinos to avail of the adolescentfriendly services.

There are plans to set up U4U Teen Trail five more UNFPA project sites and in 30 other local government units and to reach an estimate of 7,000 teens this year.

The U4U aims to prepare the youth for life skills on sexuality such as critical thinking, sound decision

POPCOM 13 to launch ‘U4U’ Youth Hub in Surigao Sur

March 26, 2014 In compliance with Section 5 of R.A. No. 9048, a notice is hereby served to the public that ROSARIO SALADORES CAMPO has filed with this Office a petition for Change of First Name from “MELINDA” to “EVANGELINE” in the birth certificate of MELINDA NOLON MANLANGIT who was born on January 20, 1960 at Mandamo, Butuan City, Agusan del Norte and whose parents are FELIMON BANAY MANLANGIT and FELICIANA PANDE NOLON. Any person adversely affected by said petition may file his written opposition with this Office not later than 11 April 2014.

See popcom, page 11

NOTICE OF TRANSFER Please be informed to the public that Golden Icon Pawnshop will transfer effective April 7, 2014 at Osmena (12th St., Nazareth) Hayes St., Cagayan de Oro City.

(SGD.) JUDITH ALVIZO-CALO, LLB, MPA

City Civil Registrar

MDN: Mar. 28 & April 4, 2014

The Management

MDN: MARCH 28, 29, & 31, 2014

MIDWAY

NOTICE OF TRANSFER Please be informed to the public that Penta C Pawnshop will transfer effective April 5, 2014 at Lt., Guillermo Street, Cogon, Cagayan de Oro City.

MDN: MARCH 28, 29, & 31, 2014

The Management

Republic of the Philippines Province of Agusan del Sur Municipality of Trento OFFICE OF THE MUNICIPAL CIVIL REGISTRAR NOTICE TO THE PUBLIC

In compliance with the publication requirement and pursuant to OCRG Memorandum Circular No. 2013-1. Guidelines in the implementation of the Administrative No. 1 Series of 2012 (IRR on R.A. 10172). Notice is hereby served to the public that Ejie Rendon Galizuga has file with this Office a petition for change Gender from Female to Male.

In the Birth Certificate, the gender was wrongly written. Instead of male it was registered as female, Ejie Rendon Galizuga who was born on May 23, 2010 at Manat, Trento, Agusan del Sur and whose parents are Joselio Aguhob Galinzuga and Emely Gatoc Rendon, is male in Gender.

Any person adversely affected by this petition may file written opposition with the Office of the Municipal Civil Registrar of Trento, Agusan del Sur. (Sgd.) ELISEO G. MIGUEL

Municipal Civil Registrar MDN: Mar. 28 & April 4, 2014

friday, march 28, 2014

NorthMin

In support to the signing of the Comprehensive Agreement on the Bangsamoro, a thanksgiving prayer rally is being held today in Plaza Cabili Marawi City participated

by MILF Ranao Region members, people's organization and other Bangsamoro stakeholders.

(PIA-10/LANAO DEL SUR)

Muslims in Mindanao welcome the signing of Bangsamoro Agreement CAGAYAN de Oro City - The local Muslim community here will converge in an area to watch the live signing of the Bangsamoro Agreement at the Malacanang ground Thursday morning.

Amir Macarambon, a local Muslim leader and trader, said the peace deal with the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) and the Philippine government could be the first step in attaining lasting peace in Mindanao.

“We, the Muslim community, have been hoping for a long time that lasting peace could be attained in Mindanao,” Macarambon told the Philippines News Agency (PNA) on Thursday.

Macarambon echoed the sentiments of Laisa Alamia, Executive Secretary of the

Autonomous Region of Muslim Mindanao (ARMM), during a stopover in Cagayan de Oro City last Monday.

In a talk with the local media, Alamia said the Muslim communities in the ARMM were cheering with the historic signing of the peace pact as preparation of various colorful and meaningful events across the region went high gear.

“The signing of the Comprehensive Agreement on the Bangsamoro (CAB) with the national governmentIs celebration of peace in the Bangsamoro Area in Mindanao,” Alamia said.

She said large screens would be set up inside the ARMM compound in Cotabato City so that people can witness the signing via live broadcast.(PNA)

DA awards Lanao del Norte as one of 2013’s Rice Achievers

Governor Khalid Dimaporo (2nd from left) accepts the Rice Achievers award from Agriculture Secretary Proceso Alcala (leftmost) during the awarding ceremony at Resorts World Hotel in Pasay City. Together with Gov. Dimaporo are Provincial Agriculturist Letecia Ditucalan (3rd from left) and her staff.

(VNL/PIO-LDN)

Tubod, Lanao del Norte – Governor Khalid Dimaporo of this province recently accepted the 2013 Agri-Pinoy Rice Achievers award from the Department of Agriculture (DA) for being one of the top 12 performing provinces in the country in terms of its outstanding contributions to the rice industry.

The Rice Achievers award is the Department of Agriculture’s way of recognizing the top performing provinces, cities, municipalities, Irrigator’s Associations (IAs), Small Water Impounding System Associations (SWISAs), and Agricultural Extension Workers (AEWs) in their continued support to

national government’s rice sufficiency goal.

“We are truly happy for this recognition. We share this award with the people of Lanao del Norte especially our rice-producing towns and with Governor Khalid Dimaporo who has been very supportive to our agriculture sector”, Provincial Agriculturist Letecia Ditucalan expressed.

The awarding ceremony was held at Resorts World Hotel in Pasay City on March 15, 2014.

Other top performing provinces include Nueva Ecija, North Cotabato, Nueva Viscaya, Isabela, Pangasinan, Ilocos Norte, Bukidnon, Bu-

lacan, Kalinga, Mindoro Occidental, and Laguna.

A total of P117 million has been earmarked as cash prizes and project grants for the proclaimed winners of the award.

The top provinces will receive project grants as prizes amounting to P4million each, while the top cities and towns will receive 1-million each.

Agriculture Secretary Proceso Alcala said that the Rice Achievers award is a way of showing gratitude to the farmers, LGUs, and other stakeholders who remain committed to achieving rice sufficiency in the country.

(VNL/PIO-LDN)

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

Opinion

EDITOR: RUEL V. PELONE • ruel_pelone2002@yahoo.com

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RTC judges deserve to receive “hazard pay” Granting “hazard pay” to Regional Trial Court Judges nationwide is just a fair deal for them since the nature of their work exposes them to risks considering that they handle heinous crimes, syndicated crimes and drug cases.

Congress has defined “Hazard Pay” as a “premium given only to government personnel exposed to hazardous situations such as, but not limited to, assignment in strife-torn or embattled areas, distressed or isolated stated stations, prison camps, mental hospitals, leprosaria, radiation-exposed clinics, laboratories, and workshops, disease-infested areas and areas declared under state of calamity or emergency which pose occupational risks or perils to life.

Editorial

It is worth noting that the Amnesty International has placed Philippine judges among those who are at most risk of violence by criminals.

The proponent of the measure, Rep. Edcel “Grex” B. Lagman has cited data which shows that from 1991 to 2012, 22 judges have been murdered or assassinated, or an average of two judges killed each year.

These judges also run the risk of violence since they are at the receiving end of disgruntled litigants’ ire, who, instead of exhausting legal remedies, resort to putting the law in their hands.

The RTC judges, through their organization, the Philippine Judges Association,

have initially negotiated for accident and life insurance from insurance providers but the latter imposed prohibitive premiums because their actuaries have classified judges as “high risk” due to the nature of their work.

Thus, even the insurance providers accept that judges face perils to life and limb because of their profession. The judges, being the front-liners of the judiciary conduct hearings of cases on a daily basis, therefore, they are easily accessible and exposed to litigants who may have violent tendencies and criminal intents.

For a more effective and efficient administration of justice, it is imperative for Congress to provide hazard pay to RTC judges through the passage of the Bill introduced by Lagman.

Lost Special Gospel of the day: Luke11:14(March28, 2014-Friday) Luke 11:1-4-And it came to pass, that, as he was praying in a certain place, when he ceased, one of his disciples said unto him, Lord, teach us to pray, as John also taught his disciples. And he said unto them, when you pray, say, Our Father which art in heaven, Hallowed be thy name, Thy kingdom come, Thy will be done, as in heaven, so in earth. Give us day by day our daily bread.

And forgive us our sins; for we also forgive every one that is indebted

to us. And lead us not into temptation; but deliver us from evil: This gospel reminds us that before asking something from God, let us praise and recognize Him first.

Logic, it is very easy to ask from someone who is happy. In the same manner, let us make God happy by praising Him and in that way, He will give all things we want.

In Matthew 7:7-Ask, and it shall be given you; seek, and ye shall find; knock, and it shall be opened unto you. The words, “Our Father” are emphasized since this indicates a deep mean-

Biblical reflection ing. Jesus never used “My father” but “our” since Jesus wanted to tell us that He is our brother and we have the same God in heaven. How is your prayer life? There are many of us who are very Lazy to pray. Take note, prayer is our communication to our Almighty Father. This means that if we will not pray, we have a lost connection to our God. In 1 Thessalonians 5:17-Pray without ceasing: Printing paid by: Neneth - Bobong Balino- Dr. Edith, PhDTony Jordan - CDO. St. Peter Calungsod, pray for us! Listen: Radio Ul-

Bro. Edcel L. Closas tra AM-1188-3:30 PM Sunday: #0928414949009266607505: Question – Prayer request: Please follow me “WORD ON FIRE” on CCTN channel 12-CDO @ 10 PMMondays and Tuesday @ 3:30 PM. God loves you!!!

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Views/Analysis Mindanao Daily 7 northmin . westmin . caraga . davao

EDITOR: RUEL V. PELONE • ruel_pelone2002@yahoo.com

Your Mindanao-wide Community Newspaper

NEWS

friday, march 28, 2014

Will the Sail of the Mindanao Economy DIRECTORIES Catches the Wind of the BIMP? RESORTS, HOTEL & RESTAURANTS

YEAR 1994 when former President Fidel V. Ramos signed the economic alliance with his counterpart in the countries comprising the BIMP East Asean Growth Areas, people in the south have high expectations bordering on the barter trade of Zamboanga and Labuan, Malaysia. It has generated interest in the peoples mobility to open employment in the construction and service sector of Brunei and the textile and rattan trading in Indonesia. It took several clusters committee meetings of the different sector’s alliance to establish the frame work in the exchange and promotions of trade and tourism. That was twenty years ago of periodic clusters meetings which has not brought significant figure of BIMP trading in the BOI registry and tourist arrivals in the BIMP member countries to the Philippines Department of Tourism arrival statistics?

What the governmment can show through DOT is the

Traversing the Tourism Hi-way Ped T. Quiamjot consistent production of Koreans, Japanese and US Filipino Balikbayans which has a 4 percent growth data in its yearly summary report.

Many of these arrivals are foreign repeat visits in connection to their established business in the Philippines.

The Asean countries which is just our neighbor have not contributed significantly.

Why were there no growth of the Asean segment when the Philippine government is spending so much in the development of foreign relations and travel to the BIMP? What could be the missing formula of the slow BIMP tourist integration to our marketing and promotions?

The orientation of the participants who crafted the tourism framework may not have represented the aspirations and interests of the young BIMP travellers.

Senior officials from the government service of the BIMP member nations were albeit slow in their discussions to tackle potential problems on eliminating visa requirment and security between borders. Did the cultural devide of Muslim participants from Brunei, Indonesia and Malaysia with their Christians counterpart on the Philippine’s side prevented the development of a good tourism product? Is the Filipino tourism product acceptable to the

Muslim state members?

Casino gambling and fun shopping is not incouraged among Muslim countries.

Muslims are taught to be frugal spenders and loyal to their families. In Bali, Indonesia, hotels and resorts have constructed separate swimming pool for Muslim tourist. Muslim women are not comfortable to the preing eye of the public while swimming in the pools. A Malaysian traveller upon disembarking from his plane at the NAIA-1, would ask the Concierge driver of the Limousene which is the best Halal Restaurant in town?

Do we have many of these to choose from?

Tourism exchange between the members countries failed to generate the international tourist traffic from the foreign nationalities who visited the BIMP member states into the the Philippines. Malaysia have 26 Million tourist in 2013.

Perhaps, there are some issues on security or threat to See quiamjot, page 11

The chasm Never ever believe this world’s rationalization that the wide chasm dividing the peoples of the world as rich and poor is the result of hard work and laziness on the part of the rich and the poor, respectively, since the truth is that poverty is always the result of deprivation achieved through oppression and exploitation.

The world says that wealth is the reward of hard work while poverty is the result of laziness. If this is so, why is there unrest as the causal result of hopelessness brought about by poverty?

The lazy will never demand equity in the distribution of wealth because that person knows there is no reason for him to whine legally and morally. Simply said, the lazy deserves the kind of life they have for being lazy and they accept this.

The truth is that it is the hardworking lot, they who labor and toil for others, who are disturbed by their poverty despite all the effort they put in just to survive.

And they have all the rights to be aggrieved because they are the ones who produce the wealth of the nation yet they are so oppressed and exploited leaving them with not even an iota of chance or option to improve their situation in life.

Are the factories that are churning out manufactured goods ran and operated by the few elite? Who do we find inside the mining pits in the bosom of the earth extracting valuable minerals risking their life if not the ordinary miners?

Are the giant and medium-sized malls in the

A deeper view Jesse E.L. Bacon II country not run by ordinary sales clerks, lowly utility aide personnel?

Who does the menial job of cleaning our houses, washing our clothes, cooking our food in our homes if not the lowly Inday from the province loyally serving us as house helps?

Who drives us to school, church, place of work or anywhere else we want to go if not the lowly drivers?

Who till the country’s farmlands so that all of us will be assured of food every mealtime? Are they not the ordinary farmers who either till their own land or that of others? Did any of the Cojuangco-Aquino clan members ever hold a farm implement to till their vast Hacienda Luisita?

The naked truth is that the world economy moves and prospers because of the labor of the ordinary folks.

Sadly, however, despite the labor that they put in so that the economy will not collapse, they have not been given a fair share of the fruits of their labor.

This is where oppression and exploitation comes in. Despite shedding their sweat and blood so that the economy keeps on humming, the working class remains poor because they are not allowed to partake

of the fruits of their own work.

Just think of this. Workers in shoe factories could not even afford to buy for themselves a pair of the shoes they are producing.

Farmers could hardly afford to buy and thus eat the produce of the farms where they toil with their sweat and blood just like the carpenters who could not build their own houses.

This is what we mean when we say that poverty is always the result of deprivation. And since it is the result of deprivation, poverty causes social unrest because of oppression and exploitation that, more often than not, lead to uprisings, armed or not.

Given these premises, the peace agreement signed yesterday by the Philippine Government with the Moro Islamic Liberation Front will not mean anything except as a mere piece of paper unless such agreement vigorously pushes for the restructuring of the deprivation suffered by the hard working poor.

Everything will remain just a dream that peace will finally reign in the lands of the Bangsamoro because of the peace pact signed yesterday if poverty which is the root cause of

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the rebellion there is not seriously addressed. And we should not forget that poverty is not just present in Bangsamoro areas in Mindanao but all over the country.

History tells us that there was a time when the Filipino Muslims in Mindanao were taken advantage of by their Christian brothers. They cried for help only to end up oppressed and exploited not only by their Filipino Christian brothers but by their fellow Muslim brothers as well.

In fact, in large measure the poverty in Muslim-dominated areas in Mindanao is attributable to their Muslim brothers’ failure to uplift their condition despite the massive support extended them by the national government and other predominantly Muslim countries? What happened in Maguindanao under the rule of its former rulers is classic example.

If deprivation continues to be the rule rather than the exception in Muslim Mindanao, expect that the peace accord signed yesterday will remain a meaningless piece of paper. Any peace agreement can only have an impact in the life of the populace if it works for the termination of deprivation resulting in poverty of the mass of the populace.

This is primarily the responsibility of the wielders of power in whose hands the success of the peace agreement lies.

(Reactions at jelbacon@ yahoo.com or at jelbacon@ gmail.com. Read me also at www.raconteurme.blogspot. com)

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Zamboanga del Norte | Zamboanga del Sur | Zamboanga Sibugay | Dipolog City | Dapitan City | Pagadian City | Isabela City | Zamboanga City

Shipping firm resumes service to Zamboanga City

By R.G. Antonet A. Go

Z AMB OANGA CIT Y - The Philippine Ports Authority (PPA) has announced that this city is again link with the key cities of the country by sea travel as the shipping firm, 2GO, has resumed its service here, an official said Tuesday.

Port Manager Eng’r.

Liberto Dela Rosa said t he M / V St . Fr anc is Xavier of 2GO shipping firm has dropped anchor Monday at the local port ferrying a total of 700 passengers coming from Manila via the cities of Cebu and Dumaguete.

Dela Rosa said that from this city, M/V St. Francis Xavier, sailed back Tuesday to Manila via Cebu and Dumaguete Cities.

The trip’s resumption

of 2GO on Monday was the first after six months of absence. The shipping company stopped sailing to this city last year after its vessel sunk.

Dela Rosa said the M/V St. Francis Xavier is a big vessel which could accommodate 1,900 passengers and is very convenient for travel.

He said the resumption of the trip of 2GO is a big help to the Zamboangueños and the residents of nearby provinces as far as traveling to Manila and other parts of the country like Cebu is concerned.

He said it is also a big help to the PPA in terms of revenues liked cargo and docking charges.

The 2GO is a Manilabased shipping firm formerly known as the Negros Navigation. (PNA)

Security forces foil kidnapping in Sulu

S

ULU – Police and military forces have captured a suspected kidnapper following a brief chase Tuesday in Jolo town in the southern Philippine province of Sulu, officials said.

Officials said Jaavier Julma Kabir was arrested at the village of San Raymundo after his victim, a 17-year old student, screamed for help upon seeing the security forces. Kabir was driving a tricycle with her victim when pursued by soldiers and policemen, said Senior Superintendent Abraham Orbita, the provincial police chief.

Orbita said a fragmentation grenade was also

recovered from Kabir. “We are currently interrogating the suspect to determine if he is a member of the Abu Sayyaf or other group behind the series of kidnappings here,” he told the regional newspaper Mindanao Examiner.

Locals and provincial government officials have condemned the series of kidnappings perpetrated by the Abu Sayyaf and drug addicts and criminal gangs

Barangay women’s forum held in Dipolog

By MARY MAE ABELLON

DIPOLOG CITY – The city government of Dipolog through the City Social Welfare and Development Office (CSWDO) conducted a Barangay Women’s Forum in support of the 2014 Women’s Month celebration which carries the theme, “Juana ang tatag mo ay tatag natin sa pagbangon at pagsulong.”

CSWDO personnel discussed the rights and duties of women in the society in a forum held recently at Barangay Biasong this city with 50 members of the Local Council of Women (LCW) in attendance.

When asked how committed are the LCW members to the activities pursued by the organization, Biasong LCW President Ma. Antoinette A. Tin found

Republic of the Philippines Province of Agusan del Sur Municipality of Trento

it difficult to gather the mothers especially in the depressed areas, as most of them are hooked to playing mahjong and other types of gambling.

Moreover, Ms. Cecilia J. Tabangcura, CSWDO staff, advised the parents to “nurture their children with love so that they will love and respect them in return.”

The CSWDO is also seeking the help of the communities in locating the relatives of children abandoned by their parents in order to protect these children from destitu-

tion and from committing crimes as a means to live.

Zenaida M. Cenas, another CSWDO staff, informed the participants that the city government is providing for burial assistance woth P2,000 to indigent families as part of the local government’s commitment to helping the underprivileged.

The city is also committed to provide financial assistance for education, health, housing, livelihood and other social services to its poor constituents. (FPG/MAA/ PIA-Zamboanga del Norte)

OFFICE OF THE MUNICIPAL CIVIL REGISTRAR NOTICE TO THE PUBLIC In compliance with Section 5 R.A. No. 9048, a NOTICE is hereby served to the public that Ma. Lovella Leyes Mata has filed with this Office a petition for change of first name from LEILANI to MA. LOVELLA in the Certificate of Live Birth of Leila Hibaya Reyes who was born on September 9, 1972 at Trento, Agusan del Sur and whose parents are Adane Leyes and Lydia Fernandez Hibaya.

Any person adversely affected by said petition may file his written oppostion with the Office of the Municipal Civil Registrar of Trento, Agusan del Sur. (Sgd.) ELISEO G. MIGUEL

Municipal Civil Registrar MDN: Mar. 28 & April 4, 2014

in Sulu and called on the citizens to stay vigilant and report to authorities suspicious persons and provide information about criminals.

Just recently, suspected Abu Sayyaf kidnappers freed Claire Salinas after more than a month in captivity, but the rebel group is still holding her husband, Bonifacio Salinas, in Sulu. The couple was seized outside their house in Kasalamatan village in Patikul town on February 16. Both husband and wife work at the Jolo Mainland Water District.

The Abu Sayyaf is still holding several hostages, among them two Euro-

pean wildlife photographers Ewold Horn, 52, from Holland; and Lorenzo Vinciguerre, 47, from Switzerland who were kidnapped in Tawi-Tawi province on February 2012.

The two foreigners, along with their Filipino guide Ivan Sarenas, 35, were seized at gunpoint by five men in the coastal village of Parangan in Panglima Sugala town while taking photographs of wild birds, and handed them over to the Abu Sayyaf. Sarenas managed to escape, but the fate of the two foreigners and other hostages are still unknown. (Mindanao Examiner)

3rd Info Caravan visits Tulungatung TS ZAMBOANGA City - The Information Caravan series visited the Tulungatung transitory site to present the latest rehabilitation and recovery updates to approximately 200 internally displaced persons (IDPs).

Comprised of the City Government as well as the representatives of local and national government agencies, the Information Caravan discussed among other things, the plan for rehabilitation and recovery as encompassed in the Zamboanga Roadmap to Recovery and Reconstruction (Z3R), livelihood concerns, as well as shelter considerations.

With regards to housing, Housing and Land Management Division Officer Rodrigo Pagotaisidro emphasized that IDPs should have their houses tagged in order to be included in the masterlist for shelter and housing.

Families who have not

sUBasTa

sa ika-4 ng abril 2014, ang lahat ng hindi natubos na sangla sa buwan ng nobyembre 2013 sa mga sumusunod na CeBUana lHUillieR PawnsHoP branches ay ipagbibili sa isang Public auction sa Poblacion 1, Pigcawayan, north Cotabato (8:00 am) o Pioneer St., Midsayap, North Cotabato o Sinsuat Avenue,Rosary Heights 7, Cotabato City o Sinsuat Avenue, Cotabato City o Don Rufino Alonzo Ave., Pob. 5, Cotabato City o Poblacion 1, Pigcawayan, North Cotabato o Mangga St., Poblacion 1, Parang, Maguindanao sa Poblacion, Makilala, Cotabato City (8:00 am) o Aglipay St., cor Mapanaw, Pob., Kabacan, North Cotabato o J. Abad Santos St., Kidapawan City o Perez St., Kidapawan city o Infront of Mega Market Pob.,Carmen Cotabato o M.H. del pilar St., Mlang, North Cotabato o National Hi-way,Sibsib Tulunan, North Cot. o Poblacion, Makilala, Cotabato City sa Poblacion 2, Banisilan, Cotabato (8:00 am)

o Poblacion 2, Banisilan, Cotabato

MDN: Mar. 28, 2014

yet tagged their houses and lots were enjoined to coordinate with the HLMD to properly document and tag their properties.

Meanwhile, Engr. Reynaldo Bolay-og of the National Housing Authority (NHA) presented the different housing models and plans, as well as the housing materials assistance (HOMA) program being prepared and finalized by the NHA. The HOMA will be providing selected beneficiaries, specifically lot owners whose properties were affected during the September crisis, with housing materials worth Php 30,000.00. It should be noted that the HOMA will not include costs and expenses for labor.

Present during the Caravan were Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) Assistant Director for Operations Elizabeth Dy, City Planning and Development Coordinator Engr. Rodrigo Sicat, Asst.

City Social Welfare Officer Leonida Bayan, Lulung Franscisco of the City’s Public Employment Service Office (PESO), DPWH Representative Engr. Pablo Escuadro, City Assessor Erwin Bernardo and numerous others.

Themed Comunicacion es Ayuda (Communication is Aid), the Information Caravan is the City Government’s response to the pressing need of IDPs for accurate and timely information, and it is set to visit the different evacuation centers and transitory sites in operation.

The first two Caravans were held at the evacuation centers of the Joaquin Enriquez Memorial Sports Complex and the TalonTalon elementary school.

(Jasmine Mohammadsali)

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Davao News

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DAVAO DEL NORTE l DAVAO DEL SUR lDAVAO DEL ORIENTALl COMPOSTELA VALLEY

Vista Land planning P40-B Davao projects

By CARMELITO Q. FRANCISCO Correspondent

D

AVAO City -- Vista Land & L ifes c ap es, Inc . plans to spend up to P40 billion on new projects here over the next six years, the company’s founder said in a visit last weekend.

“Bigger areas in this city will be opened this year (for development),” former senator Manuel B. Villar, Jr., chairman of the company, told local journalists.

Mr. Villar said the company is launching nationwide through Camella Communities a “low-cost housing system” dubbed “Lumina.”

Unlike the Camellla brand whose price starts at about P1.2 million, the price of a Lumina package ranges from P400,000 to less than P1.2 million.

Vista Land, he said, is setting up 12 Lumina projects this year as part of the 24,000 housing units that the company targets to build all over the country. Part of the P28 billion earmarked for projects this year will be set aside for Lumina projects.

The company will also build a Star Mall shopping complex in its 50-hectare Cerritos project in Mintal district, about 15 kilometers southwest of the city proper.

The company will also put

up a commercial complex within its Northpoint condominium project just outside Davao’s central business district.

Aside from these initiatives, Vista Land has also started building houses in its 27-hectare property in the northern part of the city which, according to company manager Marlon Nino B. Escalicas, will be done in three phases.

City officials have welcomed the entry of major property investors, although a local official earlier said the government would look for solutions to problems development also brings. The city’s chief planner, Mario Luis J. Jacinto, has said the city government believes businessmen from other regions and from abroad will continue recognizing the city’s potentials as investment area, but their entry could entail significant pressure on the city’s

infrastructure like drainage, roads, as well as water and power services.

Vista Land President and Chief Executive Officer Manuel Paolo A. Villar had said earlier this month that the company expects total value of its projects this year to hit “roughly” P28 billion -- about 7.3% more than last year -- with roughly two-thirds to be cornered by its low-cost housing subsidiary Camella Homes, Inc. that is focused on the Mega Manila area.

The company had disclosed that its board of directors approved in a meeting, also

earlier this month, plans to raise up to P5 billion -- consisting of P3 billion in primary amount and an overallotment option of up to P2 billion -- from retail bonds to partially fund projects of subsidiaries.

Vista Land reported last March 10 that its net income jumped 15.44% to P5.063 billion last year -- hitting its profit target -- from P4.386 billion in 2012, on the back of higher real estate sales.

Shares of the property developer gained one centavo or 0.19% to close P5.31 apiece on Friday last week from P5.30 each on Thursday.

Tagumeño Muslims hail signing of Bangsamoro comprehensive agreement TAGUM CITY - Muslims in Davao del Norte and Compostela Valley gathered in the city’s Rotary Park grounds to show support to the signing of the Comprehensive Agreement on the Bangsamoro in Malacañang between the national government and the Moro Islamic Liberation Front, citing that such document will pave the way for “total peace” in Mindanao.

At least 300 Muslims showed their support by holding a rally in support to the historic peace deal that aims to bring stable peace in Mindanao.

“Ang Comprehensive Agreement na ito ay para sa lahat ng Bangsamoro, apil na ang kauban natong mga settlers na mga Kristyano,” said Manolo Ananaed, the provincial information director of the MILF. Rasad Sawat of the Bangsamoro Regional Institute Development Office said the signing is recognition of their “legitimate call to be a part of good governance and be a contributor to genuine peace in Mindanao.”

Both leaders said this will pave way for “total

peace in Mindanao,” bringing in a surge of development in an area that has long been suffering in insurgency and conflict.

The Bangsamoro region will replace the Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao once the Bangsamoro Basic Law is passed by Congress and ratified by the constituents in a plebiscite.

The agreement on the creation of a Bangsamoro, signed by the representatives of the government and the MILF and witnessed by the diplomatic corps led by Malaysian Prime Minister Najib Razak whose government brokered the said peace deal, has five component documents: the framework agreement signed in 2012, and separate annexes on power sharing, normalization, wealth sharing and revenue generation and transitional arrangements and modalities.

The gathering at the Rotary Park was initiated by the MILF Davao del Norte with the support of the City Government of Tagum and the National Commission on Muslim Filipinos. (Louie Lapat of CIO Tagum)

KIMBERLITE PAWNSHOP MALAYBALAY BRANCH

Kimberlite Pawnshop will be having an AUCTION SALE on all items that expired on February 2014: AUCTION DATE: April 22, 2014 Estrada Bldg., Fortich-Don Carlos Sts., Malaybalay City, Bukidnon

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Arts&Culture

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Filipino film on Palawan tribe inspires Lao cinema VIENTIANE, Laos (MindaNews/21 March) — An independent film that depicts the indigenous tradition and beliefs of the Palawan tribe in the Philippines opened a curtain with new light in Lao cinema. Young Lao filmmakers and audience, including Filipinos and foreign expatriates saw last week the movie Busong, which means “fate” in Palawan dialect.

The director, awardw i n n i ng Mr Au r a e us S olito, a.k.a Kanakan Balintagos (which means Hunter of Truth), visited Laos and showed his film, which is first part of a trilogy based on Palawan province. It won the Grand Prize at the National Geographic All Roads Film Festival in the US and was selected for Director’s Fortnight in Cannes Film Festival. The second part was “Baybayin” or Philippine indigenous writing. “ The Lao filmmakers saw the possibilities of indigenous cinema,” Kanakan said, having attended the screening during the annual film fest Vientianale and by the Philippine Embassy here.

He received compliments from the audience, especially from Lao filmmakers like Mr Lee Phongsavanh who won an award for his short film.

“Filmmakers are cinematic visual people who can see. Perhaps the feeling is similar when I saw Ok inawan f i l m ma ker Takamine Go’s film “Untamagiru” as a blooming filmmaker. His film opened my mind’s eye on the possibilities of a culturally strong indigenous cinema,” Kanakan said.

Exploring the four corners of Pha That Luang in Vientiane where he was enchanted by a solitary Ganesh ring that perfectly fits on his finger, Kanakan said he might be coming back to Laos for possible cooperation with Lao filmmakers.

“I would love to share what I know to this young breed. The Laos filmmakers should be inspired by the emerging new wave in neighboring countries like the Philippines, Thailand, Malaysia and Indonesia. There has been a great indie film movement in South East Asia the recent years. I’d also love to have a Laos-Philippine

co-production in the near future,” he noted.

During the Busong screening, Philippine Ambassador to Lao PDR, Ms Maria Lumen Isleta observed that young Lao filmmakers who were among the audience expressed hope that they could learn more from Kanakan. She added that others wished that workshops would be conducted so that they could learn more about many facts of filmmaking including screen writing.

“Others wondered how the director was able to film the butterfly scene which they found quite interesting but possibly difficult to execute,” the ambassador said. She was referring to a scene showing butterflies coming out of Punay’s (Alessandra de Rossi) wounds.

Ms Isleta cited that a foreign diplomat was very impressed by the film. “He fully understood why foreign directors had chosen it and made the grade for screening at the Cannes Film Festival,” she added.

Kanakan had met with Lao filmmakers in Vientiane and seen a “very inspired movement, especially that digital technology has revolutionized cinema and has leveled the playing field.”

Citing that Lao film industry is very young with one or two local feature length films a year, he said Lao cinema is in the “cusps of greatness” as the young filmmakers are talented and open to experiments. “It reminds me of our generation when digital technology began in 2004 and gave us true freedom in expressing ourselves, our stories, and our beliefs through cinema,” said the renowned director.

Kanakan said he loves all his works, composed of two short films in 16 mm, a music video, two documentaries and six feature fiction films. “But perhaps, Busong holds dear in my heart as it is based from my mother’s stories to put me to sleep,” he added.

“My indigenous relatives’ stories and my own personal story of rediscovery of my tribal roots were all interwoven into a form that is so different from western forms.

I have told our story to how my tribe tells story and that is a story is born

out of another story that is born out of another but in the end they all somehow interweave into one story!” he said.

Kanakan is working on the third part of his Palawan trilogy titled “Sumbang” (Deluge) which is about the time of the shaman-chieftains and how they lost their great magic.

He explained that Palawan shamanism is about respecting the environment and fellow human beings.

“When man is one with nature, magic happens.

Magic is simply respect for nature. Nature follows man when man respects nature. When man and nature is one, anything is possible.”

As an experimental director and wanting to explore possibilities of cinema, Kanakan is inspired to go back to his documentary roots. He is doing a documentary film on Sugar Pie Desanto, a forgotten pioneer of Blues

in the US who is half Filipino-half Afro-American.

She rose from the ranks with Etta James, her best friend. She was named after “ampalaya”, a bitter vegetable that Filipinos love. “That is why the title of the documentary is “BitterSweet”, from ampalaya to Sugar Pie,” he said.

Asked to describe a good movie for him, he said, “A good movie not only makes you laugh or cry, but makes you think and rediscover your humanity.”

Although he is yet to see more of Lao culture and indigenous communities in his future visit, this artist noticed the similarities in texture of the clothing and fabric in Laos and the Philippines.

Lorie Ann Cascaro of Mindanews is a fellow Filipino indie filmmaker Kanakan Balintagos strikes a of FK Norway exchange yoga position in front of Pha That Luang in Vientiane, program. She’s currently while a monk passes behind him. MindaNews photo by in Laos and hosted by Vientiane Times.(Lorie Lorie Ann Cascaro Ann Cascaro)

CIRCLE A WORD big talk

athletic robust burly strapping heavy tough manly

mighty powerful brawny stout hardy sturdy lusty virile

muscular big sinewy firm strong husky vigorous

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.

CROSSWORD puzzle

across 38. Jot 1. Deed 39. Counterweight 4. Roman Catholic period 40. Bets of prayer 41. Decay 9. Kitchen utensil DOWN 11. Soccer great 1. Piercing tool 13. Actress Fabregas 2. Conversation 14. Mournful 3. Rolling object 16. Narrate 5. Make a choice 18. Craggy hill 6. Word-for-word 20. Pasta 7. High priest 22. Actress Mina 8. Nida’s partner 25. Furry mammal 10. Hand part 26. Disencumber 12. Ridicule 27. Women’s intimate ap- 15. Singer Gonzaga parel 17. Tear roughly 29. Expert 19. Royal abode 30. Beer ingredient 21. Automobile 33. Active fighting 23. Puerto 36. Thailand of old 24. Blood disorder

28.

31.

32.

34.

35.

37.

Compass point Prevaricator Edible rootstock Swamp Sailor Encountered

Yesterday’s Answer

Mindanao Daily 11 NEWS

friday, march 28, 2014 Advertising and Editorial E-mail : businessweekmindanao@gmail.com Contact nos. : 0917-7121424 • 0947-8935776

Quiamjot... from page 7

threat to safety as European tourist were abducted in 2004 from a resort dive center in Malaysia and held captive in the Southern Phippines jungle by the extremist Abu Sayaf Group.

The stigma it has brought to our country can not be easily forgotten by the European tourist and their families. It has bismirked our identity and branded us as a country of kidnappers.

Twenty years have eclipsed and the Muslim extremist are still out there doing their trade in Jolo, Basilan and Zamboanga Peninsula.

Last March 27, 2014, the Peace Pack between the Bangsa Moro and the Government was signed. It has various probations that will spell out the peace initiatives and the sharing of wealth in the exploration of the natural resources that falls in the designated territories.

Peace is the key to wealth and economic prosperity in the Philippines. Will the sail of the MIndanao economy finally catches the wind of the BIMP countries?

Forum... from page 2

Philippines (NGCP);Mr. Romeo M. Montenegro, Director for Investment Promotion and Public Affairs. Mindanao Development Authority (MinDA).

An open forum moderated

by Mr. Clint Django G. Pacana, Executive Director, Association of Mindanao Rural Electric Cooperatives (AMRECO) will immediately follow to accommodate queries from the audience.

The forum concludes with a synthesis from Engr. Cerael C. Donggay, Chairman, Oro Chamber Energy Committee and former Vice President for Mindanao of the National Power Corporation with the assistance of Mr. Rolando J. Linaac, Founding Member, MCPC. Interested participants are encouraged to register early with the IIEENorthern Mindanao Secretariat through emailiiee. nmrc@gmail.com or call Liezel V. Mateo, NMRC Area Coordinator through mobile: +63-905-815-2071 or telefax: (088) 857-7993 or Apple June Ubay-Ubay, IIEE CdO Chapter Coordinator through mobile: 0927-705-9174/ 0917-8106214 Telefax: (088) 857-7993 or Email: iiee.cdochapter@ yahoo.com.ph.

The organizers would like to acknowledge the invaluable help and assistance of the following who helped make this forum possible: Alsons Power Group, Aboitiz Power Corporation, EnfinityPhilippines Technology Services, Inc., FDC Utilities Inc., National Grid Corporation of the Philippines, Mindanao University of Science and Technology, Institute of Power Sector Economics, Energy Regulatory Commission, Power Sector Assets & Liabilities Corp., Philippine Indepen-

dent Power Producers Association, Inc.; Mindanao Development Authority; Association of Mindanao Rural Electric Cooperatives, Cagayan de Oro Chamber of Commerce and Industry Foundation, Inc. and Energy Committee.

The Mindanao Power Forum Update II is supported by the following media partners: BWM Group of Publications (Mindanao Daily News, BusinessWeek Mindanao, Mindanao Star, Cagayan de Oro Times), UC-1 Corporation (Parasat Cable TV Inc./Jade Cable TV) and the Misamis Oriental Rural Electric Cooperative Inc. 1 (MORESCO 1) Kahayag Radio Program.

POPCOM... from page 4

making, ability to manage stress and others. It has four platforms: teen trail which is an educational and entertaining teen caravan with an interactive exhibit, fun workshops, songs and dances that will be set up in schools and communities managed by teen themselves, on-line portal (www.U4U.ph), an interactive website that allows teen users to learn about self-identity, friendship, life skills and teen health advocacy, social media and an interactive voice response system.(PNA)

Reigns... from page 1

trader, said on Thursday that the peace deal with the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) and the Philippine government could be the first step in attaining lasting peace in Mindanao.

“We, the Muslim community, have been hoping for a long time that lasting peace could be attained in Mindanao,” Macarambon said.

Macarambon echoed the sentiments of Laisa Alamia, Executive Secretary of the Autonomous Region of Muslim Mindanao (ARMM), during a stopover in Cagayan de Oro City last Monday.

In a talk with the local media, Alamia said that the Muslim communities in the ARMM were cheering with the historic signing of the peace pact as preparation of various colorful and meaningful events across the region went high gear.

“The signing of the Comprehensive Agreement on the Bangsamoro (CAB) with the national government is celebration of peace in the Bangsamoro Area in Mindanao,” Alamia said.

She said large screens would be set up inside the ARMM compound in Cotabato City so that people can witness the signing as it happens live.CD with ERCEL MAANDIG

Peace... from page 1

ing today of the Comprehensive Agreement on the Bangsamoro (CAB) by the

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

Government of the Philippines (GPH) and the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF), Mindanao solon and Bayan Muna Rep. Carlos Isagani Zarate said.

“In fact, the signing of this new agreement will even embolden the Moro people to be more vigilant of their rights,” he added, echoing the sentiments of Moro residents in Mindanao whose human rights were violated despite the Aquino administration’s “self-serving claim of finally resolving the Bangsamoro conflict”. “ The CAB’s signing comes at a time when the sincerity of the Aquino administration to honour and implement past agreements with revolutionary organizations is in question. Cases in point are its disregard of previous signed agreements like the 1996 Final Peace Agreement with the Moro National Liberation Front (MNLF) and the ten (10) joint declarations with the National Democratic Front (NDF), including the 1995 Joint Agreement on Safety and Immunity Guarantee (JASIG). So it would be good if the MILF would be cautious and learn from the past, ” said Rep. Zarate.

On one hand, Rep. Zarate also pointed out that continuing violations of human rights in the Moro communities are apparently being “side-lined in the process, including the displacement of civilians due to the continuing military operations, the warrantless arrest s of Moro individuals falsely accused of being terrorists, and the over delayed judicial resolution of innocent Moro detainees, as well as the arrests and prosecution of government troops responsible for such violations.”

“The celebration in Malacanang cannot just gloss over the numerous human rights violations committed against the Moro people,” said Rep. Zarate.

On the other hand, since American troops are “undeniably already in the Bangsamoro communities” since 2001, with the so-called US-RP Enhanced Defense Cooperation, Rep. Zarate also warned that the new Moro political entity is clearly more vulnerable to American influence and interests, like serving as forward bases and launching pad for US covert and overt military operations in the Asia-Pacific region..

Zarate also warns that the rich natural resources of the Bangsamoro areas may now be opened to further exploitation of foreign interests since “at this early stage, the Aquino administration is already peddling these resources by signing into economic agreements that would tie the future Bangsamoro government to foreign interests, like Malaysia.”

“While a new organic law is yet to be passed by Congress, this early we

have to be on the look out over attempts to place the future of the Bangsamoro in the hands of people who will profit greedily from further liberalization of our economy and privatization of our basic services," said Rep. Zarate.

"For the Bangsamoro, for Mindanao, for the country to attain genuine peace and development, the root causes of poverty, under development and exploitation in all its facets must be addressed, " ended Rep. Zarate.

Warned... from page 1

totally on Pres. Aquino to win the public vote.

Dureza claims Aquino will be a “lameduck president” by then, just like all others.

Dureza said his unsolicited view is that the short preparation for the holding of the plebiscite in 2015 and the elections in 2016 may be fatal.

The former peace negotiator said that that the MILF may have succeeded in getting an agreement.

But it may not work on the ground as envisioned.

If there is still time, the transition period should be further extended.

Dureza said, “but all is not lost if no changes are made before the March 27 signing.”

Congress, he said, is still empowered to move the periods when it acts on the proposed organic law to implement the agreement.

Rebels... from page 1

powered firearms that included three 357 revolver, 3 cal. 38 revolver, two 9mm UZI, one 9mm pistol, and one cal. 22 pistol.

Uy said that the former rebels would receive an equivalent cash value of the serviceable surrendered firearms base on the recommendation of the military’s evaluation committee.

These FAs cal. 38 (local made) P12,000; 9mm Pistol (Glock, Sig-Sauer) P35,000; cal. 45 (colt/Swissvale/Ithaca/Remington) P39,000; shotgun 12ga (Winchester) P40,000; Rifle 5.56mm (Elisco M16) P45,000; Rifle 7.62 (M14) P60,000; SMG 9mm UZI P45,000; LMG 5.56mm (Ultimax) P93,000; HMG50 (M2HB) P388,500; GL40mm (M203) P40,000; Vintage Firearm 30 Springfield (M1903) 10,000; Homemade “Paltik” Firearm Shotguns (Any Gauge) P2,000.

The military will also grant, if the returnees would avail, a one hectare land to each of the rebel in Camp Kibaritan, Kalilangan, Bukidnon for possible coffee plantation where seedlings and technical assistance to be extended by government line agencies and private companies, Uy said.

He said that the Philippine Army had initially allocated a total of 200 hectares for the former rebels from

its military reservation.

Uy said that Gen. Emmanuel T Bautista, Chief of Staff, Armed Forces of the Philippines is expected to witness the ceremony along with other military top brass in Mindanao lead

by Lt. Gen. Ricardo Rainier G Cruz III, Commander of the Eastern Mindanao Command (EASTMINCOM).

CD/4thID, PAD

Opol... from page 3

Open, the prizes are P10,000 for 1st place, P7,000 for 2nd and P5,000 for 3rd, with a registration fee of P1,000 per team.

Seno said the festival has been promoted last Feb. 28-March 1 at the Limketkai Mall during a travel and tour fair exhibit, which also highlighted the Philippine Ostrich and Crocodile Farm as a tourism attraction.

The festival was a tie-up with the GMA Regional Network’s Fiesta Nation.

Mayor Seno said the festival will be graced by Senators Pia and Alan Cayetano, Misamis Oriental Governor Yevgeny Vincente Emano, Misamis Oriental 2nd District Rep. Juliette Uy, and artists from Manila.

The individuals to be contacted for the various events are tourism officerdesignate Noemi Marla Cinco, climate change focal person Alona Guigayoma, and sports chairman Jessica Paler.

In other developments, Seno said the municipal employment office will be holding a job fair on March 31 for local and international job opportunities.

He said companies will be looking for skilled workers who are jobless, and that one company alone needs some 200 workers.

Seno added that Plaza Fair has signified intent to rent the 2nd and 3rd floors of the public market and renovate the areas for a mall-like atmosphere.

He said Plaza Fair’s proposal will be forwarded to

the Sangguniang Bayan.

Other investors include Ayala which is looking for a property and Gaisano which has found a location.

Seno said the domino effect of these developments will lead to jobs and livelihood for the Opol residents as well as improvement of roads and services.

The town’s department heads were in Manila recently to study a land use plan that will be finalized in July or August for commercial, residential and agricultural areas.

Seno said a 10-hectare property will be developed into a housing subdivision.

In regard to security, the mayor said a Coast Guard auxiliary has been formed and that a Coast Guard station will be established afterward. This will augment the police force especially in the coastal area.

NOTICE NOTICE is hereby given that the estate of couples GABRIEL ORIHUELA, who died on December 22, 1967 in Poblacion, Buenavista, Agusan del Norte, and FLORENCIA ABAO, who died on May 27, 1990 in Poblacion, Buenavista, Agusan del Norte; FELICIANO ORIHUELA, who died on October 15, 1993 at M. J. Santos Hospital, Butuan City, and CASIANA RASONABE, who died on July 31, 2004 in Poblacion, Sibagat, Agusan del Sur; and CANDIDO BONOTAN, who died on November 30, 1964 at M. J. Santos Hospital, Butuan City, and MARINA ONDOY, who died on August 16, 2009 in Poblacion, Sibagat, Agusan del Sur, consisting of a parcel of land (Lot No. 97, Pls-223) situated at Nuevo, Sibagat, Agusan del Sur covered by Original Certificate of Title (OCT) No. (P-1986) – 1121 issued by the Office of the Registry of Deeds for the Province of Agusan del Sur, containing an area of 71,443 square meters, more or less, is the subject of a DEED OF EXTRAJUDICIAL SETTLEMENT /PARTITION OF INTESTATE ESTATE OF THE DECEASED COUPLES GABRIEL ORIHUELA & FLORENCIA ABAO, FELICIANO ORIHUELA & CASIANA RASONABE, AND CANDIDO BONOTAN & MARINA ONDOY made and executed by and among the heirs of Gabriel Orihuela, Feliciano Orihuela, and Candido Bonotan, respectively, per Doc. No. 243; Page No. 22; Book No. LXXVI; Series of 2014 of the Notarial Registry of Rafael V. Ybañez, Notary Public until December 31, 2014 with PTR No. 0406341; 1/08/2014, Bayugan, Agusan del Sur. MDN: Mar. 28, Apr 4 & 11, 2014

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

Business

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Cogon flower vendor wins SMART Blow-Out’s Toyota Vios Grand Prize

By Cheng Ordonez

SMART Communications has earlier awarded the Grand Prize of its Christmas Blow-Out Raffle Draw, a Toyota Vios 1.5 G M/T, to its winner at an awarding ceremony held at Graphic Main store here in Cagayan de Oro City.

The winner, Teresita Umala, a native of Manolo Fortich, Bukidnon province, and residing here at Camaman-an, received the grand prize together with her son, Laurito, from Mr. Peter Ballados, SMART Communications Area Manager for Distributor Sales for CDO. The stub bearing the name of Ms. Umala, a flower vendor in Cogon, Cagayan de Oro City, was picked up during the Grand Raffle Draw held on January 15, 2014, following the

culmination of the promo period, which ran from Nov. 20, 2013 to January 14, 2014.

A SMART user from the beginning, Ms. Umala, registered seven times in “Load Sakto20” promo to qualify in the raffle, which stubs she took from the Graphic Main store.

She said she bought Sakto loads seven times worth P210, and, in return, won the Toyota Vios worth P850,000 courtesy of SMART. When asked what she will do with the grand prize, Ms. Umala said she will ask her son to drive the car for her every time she goes to church and thank God for having it through SMART. SMART also gave out during the Christmas Blow-Out Grand Draw five winners of Samsung Galaxy Tab 3 and three winners of P15,000 worth of cash.

M r .

P e t e r Ballados, SMART Communications area manager for Distributor Sales CDO, turning over the symbolic car key to Grand Prize winner, Ms. Teresita Umala, who won a Toyota Vios, while Mr. Alfonso Cuaki, Jr. and Mrs. Shirley Cuaki (extreme right) of GSM Graphical witness the event.

Also with them are Ms. Maritez Baldado and Mr. Leonil Brao of Oro Graphic. (Cheng Ordonez)

PHL needs ‘strong’ medium-term structural reforms, says foreign expert

SM Investments Vice Chair Tessie Sy-Coson receives the PRA President’s Award from DOT Sec. Ramon Jimenez Jr. (2nd from left), OFR Chairman and DTI Sec. Gregory Domingo (3rd from left) and PRA President Lorenzo Formoso (5th from left) during ceremonies held during the 17th Outstanding Filipino Retailers and Shopping Centers of the Year Awards Night held at the Crowne Plaza Hotel in Ortigas City. Also shown in the photo are PRA Vice Chairmen Alegria Limjoco and Mars Chua and PRA Chairman Emeritus Samie Lim (right). Ms. Coson was recognized as Philippine Retailing’s Woman Visionary leader.

SM shines in PHL Retail Association’s Awards night

It was a shining moment for SM’s Retail and Shopping C enter group when it received several major awards during the Philippine Retail Association’s 17th Outstanding Filipino Retailers and Shopping Centers of the Year Awards night held recently at the Crowne Plaza Hotel in Ortigas Center.

Leading the way was the SM Group’s Tessie SyCoson, who received the prestigious PRA President’s Award. She was recognized as Philippine Retailing’s Woman Visionary Leader for her “insightful vision and commendable leadership at the help of SM that made it the largest and most consistently successful retail conglomerate in the Philippines.”

“As one of the proponents of this award, I always advocate to give credit to whom it is due,” says former PRA President Mars Chua. “Like her father, she has received so many recognitions and awards – both international and local – but none from her own peers and from the industry where she started and truly belongs.”

During the same evening, the SM Group received several wards: the Hall of Fame for the SM Store in the Full Line Department Store Category; the Foreign Fashion Apparel Award for Forever 21 in the large store category; the Foreign Brand Category Killer for ACE Hardware; and the Shopping Center of the Year (Small Category)

for SM Center Muntinlupa.

This is the ninth year t hat PR A , t he l argest organization of the country’s top retailers and prime movers in the retail industry, is handing out the President’s Award to salute the industry’s leaders and visionaries who paved the way for this generation of retailers.

Ms. Coson’s father, SM Founder and Chairman Henry Sy, Sr. was the first PRA Presidential Awardee, honored as the Father of Philippine Retail. She and her siblings were growing up when their father started his business, and they were involved when they were very young.

In retail, Ms. Coson today oversees the growth of the business, which includes

the SM Department Stores, and affiliates totaling 300 stores nationwide. SM’s retail group was recently inducted into the Hall of Fame of Retail Asia’s Asia Pacific Top 500 Awards, a distinction given to retailers who have been award the Best of the Best Award for three consecutive years.

She li ke wis e works closely with SM’s mall operations through SM Prime Holdings, where she sits as Adviser to its Board of Directors; and is Chair of BDO Unibank, Inc. Ms. Coson has received numerous awards, including being named one of Fortune Magazine’s Most Powerful Women in Business for ten years, and Forbes Asia’s Power Business Women list for the past three years.

The Philippines should implement strong mediumterm structural reforms to ensure growth, according to an expert in international business and investments during a seminar-forum at the Philippine Institute for Development Studies (PIDS).

The country outperformed other emerging markets in Asia in the first half of 2013, noted Dr. Dan Steinbock, research director for international business at the India, China, and America Institute in the United States, during the Pulong Saliksikan on “Navigating in uncharted waters: Advanced and emerging economies after the US Fed’s tapering” at the Romulo Hall of Neda sa Makati Building last Feb. 18.

H o w e v e r, n a t u r a l calamities such as last year’s typhoon “Haiyan” (local name: “Yolanda”) could derail the Philippines’ economic growth, highlighting the need for the government to adopt medium-term structural reforms.

“The impact of typhoon ‘Haiyan’ pre vente d t he economy from ending the year on a high note,” Dr. Steinbock said. “The typhoon d i d af fe c t a g r i c u ltu r a l production, which will increase price pressures in near term, and upside risks to core inflation, which could be exacerbated by strong aidrelated capital inflows.”

The current account surplus is enough to support the p eso, but does not necessarily ensure an upside in growth. “There is a need for structural reforms to address issues on exports,

regional maritime disputes, and natural disasters,” Dr. Steinbock said.

Moreover, the country should sustain its momentum, he said. It is important to know where the country is headed to even after President Aquino ends his term in 2016, Dr. Steinbock said.

He lauded the country’s fiscal situation as shown by the decline in the debt-toGDP ratio, but said it was important to know if the result of fiscal reforms was truly structural.

With an overwhelmingly young demographic profile, “economic growth must be accompanied by job creation to address the country’s unemployment rate,” he said.

The manufacturing sector should be a top priority for rapid industrialization, he added, noting China’s refocusing on global manufacturing, which has vastly improved the Chinese economy’s growth potential.

Dr. Steinbock also lauded the Philippines’ initiative for public-private partnerships in infrastructure and public s e r v i c e s d e v e l o p m e nt .

However, more reforms are needed to boost foreign direct investments (FDIs) to the country, he said.

He pointed out that the Philippines’ share of FDI flows to gross fixed capital formation (GFCF) shrank to 5.6 percent in 2012 from 10.3 percent prior the 2008 crisis period. “The country should have reforms favorable for FDIs, given the abundance of alternatives for foreign investors to invest in other Southeast Asian countries and elsewhere,” he said.