Contribute to nation building, PNoy asks Filipino-Chinese traders
Mindanao Daily NEWS northmin . westmin . caraga . davao Your Regional Mindanao-wide Community Newspaper
Volume II, No. 226
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Wednesday
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?
April 2, 2014
P15.00
SLATED ON APRIL 25, DAVAO CITY TO LAUNCH SUMMER SPORTS
DAVAO City––The game plan of Mayor Rodrigo Duterte continues this hot summer with the launching of the Davao City Summer Sports for Peace Festival on April 25 at 4 p.m. at the People’s Park here.
Regional Top Stories NORTHMIN
Bureau of Customs to probe gun trafficking in Oro port u 2
CARAGA
DAR-Agusan del Norte assists farmers to avail of production credit u 4
See FULL STORY, page 9
westmin
Navy intercepts boat loaded with smuggled Malaysian rice u8
US$1,000 donation for typhoon Yolanda Victims handed to DGE Manny Along. The donation came from Rotary Club of North Dallas, Texas through the efforts of IPP Bob Bare and coursed through Wordspring Foundation, Inc. In photo handing the check to DGE Manny Along is RCCDO Treasurer Julius Dulfo with RCCDO President Ferdie Bernasor at Seda Hotel, March 26, 2014. Photo supplied
Energy dept encourages judicious use of electricity
THE Department of Energy (DOE) encourages the public to use fuels and electricity judiciously especially in the summer months when demand will be higher. Some simple household energy-saving tips are posted at the DOE website and www.wattmatters.org.ph. See electricity, page 11
Policewoman honored By IRENE ANIBONG and DODO CANOY Contributors
CAGAYAN de Oro City–– Rep. Juliette Uy of the second district of Misamis Oriental on Monday greeted Police Officer 3 Cherry Lynn W. Anoos for bringing pride and honor to Region 10. Rep. Uy congratulated Anoos before she delivered her speech on the occasion of the culmination program
of the 18th Women’s Month celebration hosted by the Police Regional Office 10 in Camp Alagar in Cagayan de Oro City on Monday. “Being a recipient of PNP and Zonta Club Makati’s award as one of the Ten Outstanding Policewomen of the Philippines 2013 is indeed commendable,” said GUEST SPEAKER. Second district Rep. Juliette T. Uy executes the hand salute the neophyte lawmaker. during the 19th National Women’s Month culmination program of Police Regional OfShe also congratulated fice 10 in Camp Alagar in Cagayan de Oro City where she was also the guest of honor See honored, page 11
and speaker. Photo by Gerry Lee Gorit of Mindanao Daily News
Davao City highest in dengue, measles cases in Region 11 DAVAO City––The city from January to March this has the most number of year, a health official said reported cases of dengue Monday. and measles in Region 11 Dr. C l e ofe Tab ad a,
chief of the Department of Health’s (DOH) Regional Epidemiology Surveillance Unit (RESU) said the city ac-
counted for 688 of the 1,052 quarter. Talomo North registered cases of dengue and 476 of the 683 cases of measles the highest incidence of See measles, page 11 in the region for the first
Infra key to Oro’s upland agri devt By Mike Baños Editor-at-large
THE city government of Cagayan de Oro has started a series of investment promotion projects aimed at maximizing the agriculture and agribusiness potentials of the city’s hinterland barangays. “Cagayan de Oro is the most prominent market center and trading hub of Northern Mindanao. Products from within the city and surrounding provinces are assembled and consolidated for distribution to other parts of Mindanao, Cebu and the Visayas, and Manila and other parts of Luzon,” said Dr. Hector R. San Juan, city agriculturist and overseer of the city veterinary office. “Vegetables, for example, produced in Cagayan de Oro, Bukidnon and Misamis Oriental are consolidated here and reach market centers in the Zamboanga Peninsula such as Pagadian City, Ipil, Dipolog and Zamboanga cities,” he added. To get the ball rolling, the city hosted an Agri Business Forum held See upland, page 11
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Bukidnon • Camiguin • Lanao del Norte • Misamis Occidental • Misamis Oriental
BOC-10 to probe gun trafficking in Oro port By Cheng Ordoñez Executive Editor and GERRY LEE GORIT Correspondent
CAGAYAN de Oro City–– The Bureau of Customs (BOC) has organized a jointinquiry cum fact-finding to look into the alleged trafficking of firearms, involving the Cagayan de Oro port, where a United States senator, Leland Yee, has been indicted Wednesday in the US. BOC Acting Administrative Officer Atty. Roswald Joseph Pague for Northern Mindanao said the BoC will conduct a parallel inquiry composed of Customs personnel from Manila and Cagayan de Oro to serve as a fact-finding body to probe the veracity of the allegation of US Senator Yee that he
procured firearms via the Cagayan de Oro port. Pague said they are expecting the team from Manila to arrive anytime this week and to immediately conduct a parallel investigation on Macabalan-Cagayan de Oro port and, possibly, the Tagoloan Container port in the neighboring Misamis Oriental. He said district collector Atty. Ruby Claudia Alameda has ordered the fact-finding mission to determine the veracity of the report from the US of the alleged arms shipment from the port of Cagayan de Oro. Pague said the procedure by which the container port subjects exporters’ declaration for export makes it difficult for gun smuggling, as alleged.
“We are a lways on heightened alert, smuggling can’t occur,” Pague said. He said all declarations for export have to pass through the process by which there is (1) “Staffing” or a Customs personnel will personally verify the declared items for export, followed by (2) “Scanning” where the items declared will pass through an X-ray machine and that the content of the container has to match the items indicated in the declaration, otherwise they will be put on hold. Pague also said that security measures in the container ports are very strict. In fact, he says, they have already exceeded their target collection for the first three months, which manifests that their stringent measures yielded results. Figures show that BOC10 has exceeded its January collection target by some P70 million and its February target by some P60 million. The exact figures for March is not yet available, but has already met its target, as well. US Federal prosecutors unsealed an indictment against state Sen. Leland Yee in court Wednesday, accusing him of conspiring to commit wire fraud and traffic firearms, among others. The FBI alleges Yee was involved in a scheme to traffic firearms in exchange for thousands in campaign donations to the senator. Sen. Yee’s gun-running transaction was allegedly traced to Cagayan de Oro port and alleged the involvement of a military captain into it. Pague said it is difficult for a mere captain to access the army’s armory and smuggle high-powered firearms.
MISAMIS ORIENTAL – Vice Governor JOEY G. PELAEZ attended the 3rd Commencement Exercises of Molugan National High School, El Salvador City. In his message, Vice Governor Pelaez emphasized that each and every student should continue to dream and pursue it.Vice Governor Joey Pelaez is the former Executive Director of the Center for Students and Co-Curricular Affairs of the Department of Education (DepEd). Currently, he is the Chairman of the Committee on Education of the Sangguniang Panlalawigan.
wednesday, april 2, 2014
News in Focus
Mindanao Daily 3 NEWS northmin . westmin . caraga . davao Your Mindanao-wide Community Newspaper
Intensified labor market info yields positive result in Misor CAGAYAN de Oro City–– The Department of Labor Regional Office 10 (DOLE RO-10) has intensified its information dissemination on labor trends to high school graduating students to minimize job mismatch after it was found effective in decreasing job mismatch in a four-year comparative analysis by DOLE-10. Efforts in addressing job mismatch in the region have shown positive results, yielding increased job placement rate in Northern Mindanao. Western Misamis Oriental observed to have improved constantly since 2010, attaining an outstanding rate of 81.34 percent in 2013. Keeping the momentum, the Provincial Field Office of Misamis Oriental intensifies its information drive on Labor Market Information (LMI) to high school and college graduating students. The information drive hopes to facilitate incoming students choose appropriate Bachelor’s Degree Program, and suitable work for new entrants to the labor force.
In the first quarter, 3,881 secondary graduating students from public and private schools availed of the information on priority degree programs and vocational courses that will satisfy, fit, and match skills in demand for the next six years. The Department of Education, Division of Misamis Oriental (DepEd-MisOr), issued Division Advisory No. 38, series of 2014, supporting this program and recommending the LMI as pre-graduation seminar to all public secondary and tertiary education in Misamis Oriental. Likewise, private schools made it a mandatory requirement to their students. With the help of the Public Employment Service Office (PESO), career coaching were carried out to the following schools: Lourdes College, Golden Heritage Polytechnic College, Bulua National High School, Iligan Computer Institute, Carmen National High School, CDO National High School, East Gusa National High School, Alubijid National
TURN-OVER OF Lady Amherst Pheasant (Chrysolophus amherstiae). (Left photo) A Lady Amherst Pheasant (Chrysolophus amherstiae) was turned over to a personnel of the Department of Environment and Natural Resources, Region 10. (Right photo) Ms. Layla Sanchez (left, standing), a resident of Kamuning, Carmen, Cagayan de Oro City called DENR 10 to turn over the pheasant. According to Ms. Sanchez, she happened to see a group of kids playing with the pheasant along the Cagayan de Oro river of the same barangay when she noticed that the bird was not the usual bird seen around the area. This is when she decided to get the bird not knowing it at the time that it was a Lady Amherst Pheasant (Chrysolophus amherstiae), an exotic bird in the Philippines. The pheasant is currently under the care of the DENR 10 Wildlife Rescue Center until the Protected Areas and Wildlife Division (PAWD) can determine if the bird can still be released to the wild. (photo by: edanson cañete/gathiam-denr.rpao10#03-105-2014)
High school, El Salvador New Colleges, Lapasan National High School, Lapasan National High School, Agusan National High School,Cabalantian National High School, Manticao National High School, Mambuaya National High School, St. Anthony Parish
School, Manticao Mission Academy, PN Roa Sr. High School, Iponan National High School, Macabalan National High School, Puntod National High School, Opol NSTS, Opol Community College, Gusa Regional Science High School, Bugo National High School, Puer-
to National High School, Bukidnon State University (Manticao Central School). Suggested courses by the Commission on Higher Education (CHED) include Computer and Information Technology, Accounting, Hotel and Restaurant, Engineering, and Agriculture
related fields. These programs will likely meet the in demand skills in the construction, metals and engineering, agri-fishery, ICT, tourism, manufacturing, and banking and finance Industries. (Aloha Balhon-Jaudian/ DOLE-10)
4 Mindanao Daily NEWS northmin . westmin . caraga . davao Your Mindanao-wide Community Newspaper
wednesday, april 2, 2014
Caraga
Agusan del Norte • Agusan del Sur • Surigao del Norte • Surigao del Sur • Dinagat Islands
DAR-Agnor assists farmers to avail of production credit By PAT SAMONTE Regional Editor-Caraga and GIL MIRANDA Correspondent
BUTUAN City––In a move to assist farmers to avail themselves of the government’s production credit program, the Agusan del Norte Agrarian Reform Provincial Office recently held a Program Review and Planning Workshop at a local hotel and convention center here. Attended by representatives of 25 organizations of agrarian reform beneficiaries from different agrarian NOTICE NOTICE is hereby given that the intestae estate of the late AMBROCIO P. CELOMINE consisting a piece of land known as Lot No. 2987-C, Csd-100308007894 (AR) containing an area of 18,700 square meters covered and embraced by TCT No. T-8292 located at Lapinigan, San Francisco, Agusan del Sur is the subject of Deed of Extra Judicial Settlement with Deed of Absolute Sale under the notarial registry of Atty. Geraldine Chee Samson per Doc. No. 16, Page no. 04, Book No. XIX, Series of 2014. MDN: Apr. 2, 9 & 16, 2014
reform communities (ARCs) in Agusan del Norte, the activity focused on taking a second look into submitted proposals under the Agrarian Production Credit Program (APCP). The APCP is President Aquino’s convergence initiative involving the Department of Agrarian Reform’s partnership with the Department of Agriculture and Land Bank of the Philippines to streamline P1 billion credit assistance to agrarian reform beneficiaries nationwide. Provincial Agrarian Reform Project Officer Andre Atega spoke on the APCP guidelines and the steps the farmers would take to avail themselves of the credit program. Ester Cabalan, OIC chief of the Program Beneficiaries Development Division, said the workshop was aimed at assisting the farmers to fully comply with the requireFARMERS’ ORIENTATION ON PRODUCTION CREDIT PROGRAM. Agusan del Norte Provincial Agrarian Reform Of- ments and to review their ficer Andre Atega (standing) orients farmers on the government’s Agrarian Production Credit Program and on how proposals for the program. to avail themselves of its assistance. Photo by Gil Miranda.
National awardee leads honorees on women’s month rites BUTUAN City––A recipient of the “Ten Outstanding Policewomen of the Philippines “ (TOPWP) from Caraga region led the honorees of the Monday’s 2014 “Women’s Month” Culmination rites held at the
grandstand of Camp Rafael C. Rodriguez, this city. Senior Police Officer 1 Cheryl Q. Saldo, a police non-commissioned officer of the Surigao del Norte Police Provincial Office Women and Children Protection
Desk led the recipients of the honors and recognition during the women’s month culmination rites. She was given a “Plaque of Recognition” by the Regional Police Office for landing in the list of the
MIDWAY
“Ten Outstanding Policewomen of the Philippines” (TPWP) this year. SPO1 Saldo said in an interview that she got the prestigious award along with nine others coming from the other parts of the country, after a search sponsored by the Zonta Club of Makati, Paseo de Roxas and the ARMSCOR Philippines last January during an awarding ceremony held at the
Multipurpose Hall in Camp Crame, Quezon City. She was still an investigator at the Surigao City Police Station when the TOPWP search was nationally conducted. She said that she submitted the lists of her performance and accomplishments as entry during the national search. A report from Noel B. Najarro of the Philippine News Agency
wednesday, april 2, 2014
NorthMin Iligan complies with synchronized barangay assembly day By Lorry V. Gabule
ILIGAN CITY - A total of 44 barangays here followed the synchronized Barangay Assembly day on March 29 which they held in their barangay halls or covered courts. City Director Emilio T. Rana of the Department of Interior Local Government (DILG) Iligan City Office said that this is pursuant to Proclamation No. 260, dated 30 September 2011, the Barangay Assembly Day for the first Semester of Calendar Year (CY) 2014 is set on March 29, this year. In his monitoring to the different barangays during the Barangay Assembly Day, Rana commended Barangay Captain Rodel Ocaña of Bagong Silang, as he witnessed the way the assembly was properly conducted, and cited the presence of the seven barangay kagawads and the barangay’s 14 Zones/ Puroks having been well represented, especially the presence of Zone officials. Rana lauded the leadership of Ocaña as he saw the posting of Barangay Budget, Statement of Income and Expenditures and other Ba-
rangay Financial Transactions, so with the Annual Procurement Plan, which is in Compliance to the DILG Memorandum Circular, relative and in accordance with Section 397(b) of the Local Government Code for every barangay to undertake. Ocaña being the Committee Chair on Peace and Order has also lauded the efforts made by the barangay tanods, as force multiplier of the police, in securing and maintaining the barangay premise, particularly on activities against illegal drugs in the barangay, as well as monitoring and strict enforcement of the laws against human trafficking at the barangay level. “Issues or concerns affecting the barangay tariff/ existing fees and securing barangay clearance which needs an increase already to be approved by the body would be an income for the barangay,” Ocaña explained. Also, he said as part of barangay’s income strategy is the 50-50 percent sharing of the barangay and the City Treasurer’s Office (CTO) on the issuance of residence certificate or cedula. “Our barangay have been known
of this issuance of cedula, thus, we religiously remit to CTO the collection we incur out of the stubs issued to us to be able to get our share,” he said. As part of the Barangay Disaster Preparedness, Ocaña announced the training workshop the barangay will be conducting on March 31. The committee chair on Solid Waste Management also announced their schedule of garbage collection, reiterated the request from the community not to hang their garbage on their fences, until the garbage truck arrives for collection. Meanwhile, to create public awareness on, and generate participation in, the barangay assembly, some conduct medical or dental mission, tiangge, cultural presentations, among others. Barangay Bagong Silang has tapped Everest Pharma to conduct medical mission on March 30, the day after the Assembly. Services rendered were medical consultations and giving out of medicines for diabetes and hypertension. All City and Municipal Mayors are enjoined to ensure compliance and
Members of MSU's Sineng Pananadem perform the kapamalong-malong dance, a Maranao dance showing themany ways of wearing a malong. (MapiyaaLanaodelSur)
NFA Bukidnon welcomes new manager
M A L AY BA L AY C I T Y, Bukidnon — The National Food Authority (NFA) in Bukidnon welcomed its new provincial manager, Juliet A. Obeso, who officially assumed office on March 18, 2014. During the turnover ceremony held at NFA office in Malaybalay City, Obeso accepted a symbolic key from outgoing provincial manager Victoria Real-Duray who is now assigned in NFA Region 9 at a higher rank. Prior to her assignment here, Obeso was the assistant provincial manager of NFA Misamis Oriental. She expressed her plea-
sure to work in Bukidnon. “I am most happy to be working in this province famed as Mindanao’s food basket. My assignment here is one of the challenges of being a public servant because public service is not just a way of life; it is a way to live fully,” she said. Obeso is a graduate of Bachelor’s Degree in Economics and completed her Master of Science in Public Administration degree. Fondly called “Joy” by her dearest friends, she has been with NFA since 1982, starting out as statistical aide then provincial economist, senior grains operations
officer, assistant provincial manager and later as provincial manager, a rank she currently holds. NFA Northern Mindanao regional director Javier P. Lozada Jr., who graced the occasion, welcomed the new manager and thanked the outgoing manager for her remarkable achievements in Bukidnon. In his message, Lozada also challenged the NFA employees to do well in their assigned tasks and work for a better service to the community. (Maria Socorro S. Mellomida-PIO NFA Bukidnon/RLRB, PIA Bukidnon)
maximum participation of all barangays in the said undertaking in their respective jurisdictions, pursuant to Proclamation No. 260, Rana emphasized. He said it’s 100% for Iligan City despite one barangay, which is Barangay Maria Cristina, under Barangay Captain Jessie Ray Balanay, who conducted an Assembly earlier this year, but was then advised by City Director Rana to conduct in the second semester and to follow the scheduled Synchronized Barangay Assembly. The success was in coordination with the president of the Association of Barangay Captains/Councils (ABC) and the memorandum issued by the city mayor to comply the conduct of the Assembly on March 29. Corresponding administrative complaint against barangay officials who failed to conduct a barangay assembly may be filed by any resident of the barangay, concerned citizen, governmental or non-governmental entity before the sangguniang panlungsod or sangguniang bayan concerned pursuant to Section 61 of the Local Government Code or to the Office of the Ombudsman pursuant to Administrative Order No. 07 or the "Rules of Procedures on the Office of the Ombudsman," dated April 10, 1990. (LVG/PIA10 LDN)
Mindanao Daily 5 NEWS northmin . westmin . caraga . davao Your Mindanao-wide Community Newspaper
NGCP, FIBECO energize elementary school in Kibawe town KIBAWE, Bukidnon — At least 235 pupils in Labuagon Elementary School benefited from the “Light a School Program” of National Grid Corporation of the Philippines (NGCP) and First Bukidnon Electric Cooperative (FIBECO). The school is a sixclassroom structure situated in Labuagon village in Kibawe, Bukidnon. During the symbolic switch-on rite held recently to mark the eventual onset of electricity in their school, district supervisor Carmelita A. Tina-an in her message said this will create healthy and safe educational environment for schoolchildren. “Infrastructures such as electricity boost pupils’ participation in their school activities as it makes teachers’ tasks lighter and easier,” she said. In an interview, NGCP chief engineer Jesus Madriaga said the program aims to spur
socio-economic development in the rural areas by enabling communities to have access to basic infrastructures such as electricity. The school principal and local government officials, in response, lauded NGCP and FIBECO’s efforts in installing electricity connections in their school. NGCP regional corporate communications and public affairs officer Elizabeth Ladaga, meanwhile, said this "Light A School Program" of NGCP and FIBECO installs electricity connections for free to qualified beneficiaries as part of their continuing corporate social responsibility. This school energization project is part of the government’s public-private partnership program in line with President Benigno S. Aquino III’s social contract with the Filipino people for inclusive growth. (RLRB, PIA Bukidnon)
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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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Laws discriminating women must be repealed All existing laws with provisions that are discriminate women should be amended or repealed/ This is mandated by the Magna Carta of Women. Proponents to the measure have urged Congress to review of all existing laws with provisions that are prejudiced to women. Section 12 of RA 9710 or the Magna Carta of Women, which explicitly provides that the State shall take steps to review and amend or repeal if necessary existing laws that are discriminatory to women within three years from the effectivity of the Act. The Magna Carta of Women defines discrimination against women as any gender-based distinction, exclusion, or restriction which has the effect or purpose of impairing or nullifying the recognition, enjoyment, or exercise by women, irrespective of their marital status, on a basis of equality of men and women, of human rights and fundamental freedoms in the political, economic, social, cultural, civil,
Editorial
or any other field. It is a welcome development that the House Committees on Women and Gender Equality and Population and Family Relations and other concerned House bodies have already conducted hearings and sponsored bills on the amendment or repeal of provisions contained in several pieces of legislation, which are discriminatory to women and women’s rights. Our congratulations! But there is still a need for a continuous review of discriminatory provisions against women in various existing laws to ensure that the full human rights of women, as guaranteed by the Constitution and by international conventions to which the Philippines is a party-signatory, are upheld to encourage and enable active participation of women and significantly contribute to the national development. The Philippines, as a partysignatory of the Convention on
the elimination of All Forms of Discrimination Against Women (CEDAW), is committed to pursue by all appropriate means and without delay a policy of eliminating discrimination against women. The Philippine society in the past had clearly discriminated women, and laws that prefer the male gender have ignored the importance of the woman sector. Even in the accommodation to jobs and government work, the past Filipino society and government had been biased to women. Today, every society in the world should recognize the value of the same respect and recognition to both genders, because there is no society, no family, to community to speak of if there are no women in this world. We congratulate proponents :Reps. Lino Cayetano (2nd District, Taguig City) and Carol Jayne B. Lopez (Party List, Youth Against Corruption and Poverty) for filing House Resolution 904 to stop women discrimination.
Power Special Gospel of the day: Luke10:1724(April2, 2014-Wednesday) Luke 10:17-24- I beheld Satan as lightning fall from heaven. Behold, I give unto you power to tread on serpents and scorpions, and over all the power of the enemy: and nothing shall by any means hurt you. Notwithstanding in this rejoice not, that the spirits are subject unto you; but rather rejoice, because your names are written in heaven. In that hour Jesus rejoiced in spirit, and said, I thank thee, O Father, Lord of heaven and earth, that thou hast
hid these things from the wise and prudent, and hast revealed them unto babes: even so, Father; for so it seemed good in thy sight. All things are delivered to me of my Father: and no man knows who the Son is, but the Father; and who the Father is, but the Son, and [he] to whom the Son will reveal [him]. And he turned him unto [his] disciples, and said privately, Blessed [are] the eyes which see the things that ye see: For I tell you, that many prophets and kings have desired to see those things which ye see, and have
Biblical reflection not seen [them]; and to hear those things which ye hear, and have not heard [them]: Mission was accomplished by the seventy preachers. This is an indication that if God is with us, “victory” will happen. In John15:5without me you can do nothing. Take note, devils were casted out due to the power vested upon them. This means that really God’s power prevails over evil here on earth. What kind of “power” do you have? Printing paid by: Neneth - Bobong Balino- Dr. Edith, PhDTony Jordan - CDO. St. Peter Calungsod, pray
Bro. Edcel L. Closas for us! Listen: Radio Ultra AM-1188-3:30 PM - Sunday: #0928414949009266607505: Question – Prayer request: Please follow me “WORD ON FIRE” on CCTN channel 12-CDO @ 10 PM- Mondays and Tuesday @ 3:30 PM. God loves you!!!
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EDITOR: RUEL V. PELONE • ruel_pelone2002@yahoo.com
Good Samaritan Jesus told the Parable of the Good Samaritan when He was asked by the Sadducees and the Pharisees who their neighbor is after announcing that from ten He had reduced the commandments into two and it is to love God with one’s heart, mind and soul and to love one’s neighbor as one loves himself. The story tells about a traveler to Jericho whose only route is that pass where robbers and brigands abound preying on passersby like him. As expected, he was stripped of his valuable belongings. Not content, the robbers stripped him of his clothes, mauled him and left him for dead at the roadside. A priest and a Levite passed by the other side of the road when they saw the victim crawling to spare themselves of the burden of having to attend to him. Then a Samaritan passed by. The Jews and the Samaritans at that time could do not see eye to eye for deep-seated differences. Unexpectedly, however, the Samaritan took pity on the robbery victim. He gave him first aid and had the wounded traveler rode on his horse on the way to an inn where the Samaritan
A deeper view Jesse E.L. Bacon II asked the innkeeper to take care of him. He left some amount of money with the promise that he will come back to pay any excess that may be incurred in attending to victim. Jesus then asked His listeners who was the neighbor. Obviously the Good Samaritan! But why did Jesus use the parable about the victim of a robbery to paint a vivid picture in the mind of His listeners who their neighbor is? Why did He not tell a parable about a farmer since Israel’s economy at that time was agriculture based? To answer the question who is our neighbor, Jesus used a robbery victim because robbery is a common occurrence then and now. Robbery best illustrates human relationship. It is a relationship of oppression and exploitation which is what robbery is all about.
When people are taken advantage of by those who are considered more powerful in the social order such as when the laboring class who toil with their sweat and blood to eke out a living is just being given peanuts as wages for their labor by those who control the means of wealth production, there is robbery in such a situation. Why? Robbers dispossess through the use of superior force anybody who owns anything that has economic value. Labor is something of great economic value. Entrepreneurs, small or giants, would not be what they are now without labor. The survival of their business enterprises solely depends on labor. Sadly, however, even if labor is their indispensable partners, capital or the entrepreneurs never treat their indispensable
THE Department of Energy (DOE) has been claiming, most recently during a meeting with Mindanao electric power industry stakeholders in Cagayan de Oro on March 27, that the resolution of the House Committee on Energy to suspend the commercial operation of the Interim Mindanao Electricity Market (IMEM) is merely recommendatory to the executive branch of the government, so the DOE need not suspend the IMEM in response to the congressional resolution. Since the IMEM is dead as a competitive market for the supply of electricity, the suspension of its commercial operation by the DOE is a mere formality. A document from the DOE to suspend the IMEM is like the issuance of a death certificate by a medical examiner: whether or not a written document is issued, the patient or victim remains dead. (A parenthetical explanation on the death of the IMEM as an electricity market needs to be made in light of wishful thinking by the Philippine Electricity Market Corporation (PEMC) and the DOE that the IMEM can still be resurrected. A dead market means that there are no buyers and no sellers in that market.
All the prospective buyers in a miraculously resurrected IMEM were driven away by the PEMC when they demanded, after the single month of operation that ended December 25, 2013, that the IMEM Customers pay for power supply that had already been paid by the Customers to their normal suppliers. Prospective sellers in a resurrected IMEM were driven away by the PEMC when they did not pay the generating companies, in the amount of hundreds of millions of pesos, for the generation that was dispatched into the Grid by the IMEM in its single month of operation. And even if new generating plants could be coerced into trying to sell in the resurrected IMEM, they will not be able to sell anything because there are no buyers. The IMEM is a dead
market. Or a dead horse. No amount of beating of the IMEM by the DOE and the PEMC is going to make it come alive.) A written document from the DOE to suspend the IMEM is simply a follow up on the declarations by the DOE on at least two public occasions, one during a hearing on the IMEM by the House Committee of Energy in which those testifying are supposed to tell nothing but the truth, that the commercial operation of the IMEM has been suspended effective for six months starting on December 3, 2013, which was the first day of operation of the IMEM. Or is Secretary Jericho Petilla now going to disown the assertions of his duly-designated representative who attended those events and made the pronouncements? A resolution by the
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partners as such. Labor is taken advantage of and robbed of their labor by not giving them the chance to share in the profit of their produce. This refusal on the part of the entrepreneurs to let their indispensable partners partake of the fruit of their labor which is the net profit these companies earn that run up to billions of pesos, robbery as enunciated by the parable Jesus told His listeners when He was asked who their neighbor is occurs. This is the commonest robbery being perpetrated everyday in all societies of the world thus making the Parable of the Good Samaritan relevant, apt and timely even up to this day. People just don’t want to understand this parable the way it should be understood. Those who take advantage of the lowly laborers don’t want to understand this parable the way Jesus wanted to convey its message because it means moderating their insatiable greed for profit. The laborers on their part don’t have any other choice but pass through that route where robbers and brigands abound. The victims of robbery, See good, page 11
DOE asserts IMEM Suspension by Congress ‘only recommendatory’ By David A. Tauli
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House of Representatives may be considered by the DOE merely recommendatory and not to be obeyed by an executive agency. (This assertion is reflective of the opinion of the DOE about the legislative branch of government, perhaps taken from the fact that congressional representatives and senators are now being accused of corruption in the handling of the PDAF. But the corruption still needs to be proven in court before anyone can disregard or denigrate the Congress for any of its resolutions.) Moreover, the House Resolution is not needed for the issuance by the DOE of a department circular affirming prior commitments made by the DOE on the suspension of the IMEM. Issuance of such a circular is simply a case of standing up to one’s word. Assuming that there is any value in the pronouncements of the DOE, whether made orally or in writing, and whether attested to in a formal hearing in Congress or pronounced in a formal meeting among business people. •• (Engr. David A. Tauli is the president of the Mindanao Coalition of Power Consumers. He is the former senior vice president for engineering of the Cagayan Electric Power & Light Co./ CEPALCO)
DIRECTORIES Algen’s Dive Resort (088) 3872015 Apple Tree Resort & Hotel 735411 / 754525 Fax: 754497 Bahay Bakasyunan sa Camiguin (088) 3871057 / 3870131 Fax: 3870278 Basamanggas Resort 08822-760564 Fax: 760565 Cagayan Riverview Inn 8584245 / 729039 Fax: 8584245 Casa Crystalla 8561704 / 722465 Fax: 722480
Pryce Plaza Hotel 8583131 Fax: 726687 Prawn House (088) 3095992 Fax: 8519219 Ridge View Chalet 8588946 / 8587946 Fax: 8588946 Seda Centrio Hotel 32288888 Southwinds Hotel 724803 / 8562036 Fax: 8562036 Stargate Dream Vacation Resort 8515003 / 8509999
Casa Isabella (088) 8564065 Casa Azucena 8563402 / 09236593973 Chali Beach Resort 732840 / 8552108 Fax: 8555941
The VIP Hotel 726080 / 8562505 Fax: 726441
Chananthon Bed & Breakfast 8568189 / 3093095
Uptown Condotel 8511800
Country Village Hotel 8583004-06 Fax: 8583006 D’Budgetel 8564200/726643 Fax: 8564300 Dahilayan Forest Park 8568562 to 63 De Luxe Hotel 8572144 / 724548 Fax: 724563
Tune Hotel 8800888/8801306 Travelers Pod 8518988
Villa Paraiso Apartelle 3870419 Fax: 3870429
HONORARY MEMBERS: Dept. of Tourism 723696/726394 / 8564048 Fax: 723696
RESTAURANTS:
Discovery Hotel 727814 / 8563896 Fax: 8563897
Bigby’s Café 72-1071/857-5511/8575836 Fax: 711843
Duka Bay Resort (088) 3312290 Fax: 725265
Café Laguna 8582999 Fax: 8567001
Dynasty Court Hotel 8574802 Fax: 857900
DM Villaruy Restaurant 733790 Golden Ajirang I 856-5271 Fax: 727876
Grand City Hotel 8571900 / 728469 Fax: 723718 Hotel Conchita 8563856 / 727355 Fax: 8563857 Hotel Koresco 8589749-50 Fax: 8589748 Hotel Sogo 8520383 Kingston Lodge 8585696 Fax: 8585696
Grand Caprice Restaurant 72-6955/856-2302 Fax: 72-4986 Kagay-anon Restaurant 728958 / 8563688 Fax: 8563843 / 729003 La Ilongga Restaurant 72-6183 / 857-3652 Fax: 72-4605
Mapawa Natures Park 8584402 Fax: 725265
Max’s Restaurant 8586297 Fax: 8568264
Mallberry Suites 8541999 / 7249999 Fax: 8544999
Missy Bon Bon 8566852 / 09228606442 Fax: 8566852
Maxandrea Hotel 8572244/729943 Fax: 724090 Miami Inn 8581901 to 02 Fax: 725279/728486 N Hotel (088) 8801924 Paras Beach Resort 8568563 Fax: 8568563 Philtown Hotel 726295 / 8564402 Fax: 723104
SLERS Ham & Café 8551438 Thai Me Up 738424/3108424 Fax: 738424 Barkadahan Grill 8551234 La Tegola Cucina Italiana 8585959
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Philippine Navy intercepts boat loaded with smuggled Malaysian rice Z AMBOANGA CITY – A small boat suspected of carrying a cargo of smuggled rice was intercepted by a Philippine Navy patrol ship off the southern port city of Zamboanga, officials said.
Officials said the boat was loaded with 8,000 bags of Malaysian rice when intercepted by the navy patrol. Rear Admiral Jesus Millan said the cargo, estimated to be worth over P7 million, was handed over to the Bureau of Customs in Zamboanga City for proper documentation and filing of appropriate charges. “This new apprehension is again part of the intensified conduct of law enforcement and maritime security
operations by the Naval Forces Western Mindanao as part of our assistance to the Bureau of Customs in curbing smuggling in Zamboanga City,” he said. The navy has seized many smuggled cargos, mostly rice and fuel, in southern Philippines the past years, despite the lack of patrol ships and modern equipment to monitor and secured the long coastal areas in the region. (Mindanao Examiner)
A Philippine Navy photo shows soldiers inspecting an intercepted boat loaded with smuggled Malaysian rice in the middle of the sea off Zamboanga City. (Mindanao Examiner)
“The World’s No. 1 Golfer in the 1980’s to the 1990’s recognized as adopted son by the Dapitanons” By MAUREEN JULIE TECSON, MDN Correpondent
DAPITAN CIT Y, Zamboangab Del Norte – The World’s No. 1 golfer in the 1980’s to the 1990’s and a member of the World Golf Hall of Fame Gregory John Norman an Australian ProEXTRAJUDICIAL SETTLEMENT OF REAL ESTATE AMONG HEIRS WITH WAIVER OF RIGHTS Notice is hereby given that the intestate estate of the Late SPS. FRANCISCO BACAYANA and ANASTACIA MAGLANGIT, who died intestate on May 7, 1988 and January 19, 1982, respectively at Igpit, Opol, Misamis Oriental, which was their residence at the time of their demise, leaving a certain parcel of land which is more particularly described herein below, to wit; Tax Declaration No. 0815000706176 “A PARCEL OF LAND, known as Cad. Lot No. 5397 C-6 located at Igpit, Opol, Misamis Oriental, containing an area of 0.4823 hectares, is the subject of EXTRAJUDICIAL SETTLEMENT OF REAL ESTATE AMONG HEIRS WITH WAIVER OF RIGHTS, made and entered namely; LOLITA B. NABO, widow; SILVINO M. BACAYANA SR. (deceased) rep. by: SILVINO C. BACAYAN III; MADRONIO M. BACAYANA (deceased) rep. by: PATRICIA R. BACAYANA, surviving spouse; DOROTHEO M. BACAYANA, HEDELISA M. BACAYANA, ROGELIO M. BACAYANA; all of legal age, Filipino citizens, married and residents of Igpit, Opol, Misamis Oriental, Philippines, the above-named parties are the only, sole, exclusive and compulsory surviving heirs. That for and in consideration of previous service/love and affection do hereby WAIVE, QUITCLAIM, AND CONVEY all our rights, interest, share and participation over the above-described parcel of land, in a manner, absolute and irrevocable unto and in favor of our sister, LOLITA B. NABO. As per Doc. No. 47; Page No. 10; Book No. LV; Series of 2009; under Notary public of ATTY. ROY PRULE M. EDIZA. MDN: MAR. 19, 26 & APR. 2, 2014
(From Left) District 1 Representative Bullet Jalosjos, Former District 3 Congressman Cesar Jalosjos,President Greg Norman of Greg Norman Golf Course Design, Cris Campbell Vice President of Greg Norman Golf Course Design prepared to answer the question of the National and Local Media after the project sight inspection. (Photo By: Ely Dumaboc)
fessional Golfer also known as the Great White Shark recognized as adopted son by the Dapitanon in Resolution No. 2014 – 063 during his second visit in the City yesterday March 31, 2014 in connection to the new venture of Greg Norman Golf Course Design (GNGCD) with the Dapitan City’s premier tourist destination, the Dakak Park and Beach Resort in Dakak, Taguilon, Dapitan City. Greg Norman is also highly successful entre-
preneur, building the great white shark enterprise, a business empire that includes self course design, apparel development and production of companies, merchandising and licensing and wineries among others. As Norman said in the press conference he is also planning in investing in Cebu more instances merchandising and licensing and wineries. He loves the Philippines because of its tropical weather and the people in
Republic of the Philippines Local Civil Registry Office Province of Agusan del Norte Municipality of Buenavista NOTICE OF PUBLICATION In compliance with section 5 of R.A. Act No. 9048, a notice is hereby served to the public that WILFREDO MORENO PUNTA has filed with this office a petition for change of first name from FELIX WILFREDO to WILFREDO who was born on May 1, 1964 at Buenavista, Agusan del Norte and whose parents are GERARDO PUNTA and HELEN MORENO. Any person adversely affected by said petition may file his written opposition with this office not later than 09 April 2014. (SGD.) TERESITA K. VALDEHUEZA Municipal Civil Registrar MDN: Mar. 26 & Apr. 2, 2014
spite with the situation in Mindanao as he added. His project would go a long way in ushering Dapitan into becoming globally competitive heritage center and eco-tourism paradise as well as empowering Dapitanons through the provision of jobs in a sustainable economic environment. His venture will crucially contribute to the improvement of the image of Mindanao, specifically Dapitan City and the Zamboanga Peninsula.
DSWD-9 joins 9th Women with Disabilities day fete ZAMBOANGA City The Department of Social Welfare and Development regional office joins the observance of the 9th Women with Disabilities Day today, March 31, in line with Proclamation 744. The proclamation declares the last Monday of March every year as Women with Disabilities Day. The theme of this year’s celebration is “Isulong: Pantay na Karapatan Para Kay Juana ang May Kapansanan!” Women with Disabilities Day espouses the importance of ensuring respect for women PWDs’ inherent dignity, full and effective participation and inclusion in society and equality between them and men. The DSWD in partnership with different government agencies and non-government organizations as well as the local government units all over the country are expected to conduct activities in line with the observance. Region 9 has in its
R.A. Form No. 10.1 (LCRO) Republic of the Philippines Local Civil Registry Office Province of Camiguin Municipality of Mambajao NOTICE FOR PUBLICATION In compliance with Section 5 of R.A. Act No. 9048, a notice is hereby served to the public that RICARDO MEDINA LAGO has filed with this Office PETITION FOR CHANGE OF FIRST NAME in his wife’s Birth Certificate, LETICIA ORCALES ABBU from “LETICIA” to “MARILOU”. She was bom on 11 February 1958 at PANDAN, MAMBAJAO, CAMIGUIN, SUBPROVINCE, PHILIPPINES from parents: SIMPLICIO MACAHILOS ABBU and LEONA PLACA ORCALES. Any person adversely affected by said petition may file his written opposition with this Office not later than 22 APRIL 2014. (Sgd.) EDITHA B. MOOSREINER Municipal Civil Registrar MDN: Apr. 2 & 9, 2014
midst an active woman with disability in the person Pilar Villasis Tahil, who was born deaft on October 13, 1947. In the 1980s, she realized that her disability is not be a hindrance to success and started advocacies for the empowerment of women persons with disabilities. Because of this, she was recognized for her exemplary service and dedication to her work by various national and local organizations to include the Peace Advocates of Zamboang (PAZ). Since 2002, Ms. Tahil is the National Anti-Poverty (NAPC) Regional PWD Sectoral Representative. Teddy M. Kahil, head of the Persons with Disabilities Affairs Unit (PDAU) at the City Social Welfare and Development office (CSWDO) said Ms. Tahil deserves recognition under the proposed amendatory ordinance of City Ordinance 354, series of 2009 which is still pending in the City Council. (Henry Salac)
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Davao to launch Summer Sports for Peace Festival on April 25
D
AVAO CITY - The Mayor Duterte Game Plan continues this hot summer with the launching of the Davao City Summer Sports for Peace Festival on April 25 at 4:00 p.m. at the People’s Park here.
City Mayor Rodrigo R. Duterte will lead the opening program together with City Administrator Melchor Quitain, City Tourism Officer Lisette Marquez and City Sports Development Division OIC William “Butch” Ramirez. “Various sports activities
are also lined up this summer as still part of the Mayor Duterte Game Plan,” said Ramirez during a meeting with representatives of the national sports associations held Tuesday at his office in Almendras gym. The inaugural event is a fun run on April 27 at 5:00
a.m. in an out and back course at the Rizal Park. It will be held in coordination with the Vantage Sports of race organizer Kenneth Sai. “We’re tying up with various event organizers also to help us make this a really successful program for the community,” Ramirez said. Also included in the summerfest are the 4th Daba-Daba Ultimate Frisbee on May 2-4 at the Tionko field; downhill mountain bike in Barangay Maa; and the first Davao Dragon Boat Festival on May 1-4 at the Baywalk, Queensland in
Barangay Matina Aplaya, this city. “We’re also holding different sports clinics particularly for the barangays,” said Ramirez. Among those included already in the free sports clinics are basketball, volleyball, futsal, arnis, chess and cycling. Most of these will be conducted at the Almendras gym. “We will also hold free seminars for sports marketing, sports medicine, events organizing and sportswriting,” said Ramirez, a former
See launch, page 11
Osmena Park in Davao City is not just a place for beggars and street vendors. It has also become a popular venue among chess enthusiasts in the city, as this photo taken on 31 March 2014 shows. (MindaNews photo by Keith Bacongco)
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Davao Norte governor hails resilience of Dabaonons TAGUM CITY, Davao del Norte – Governor Rodolfo del Rosario’s 7th State of the Province Address (SOPA) generously paid tribute to the courage and capacity of the Dabaonon people to readily bounce back from unfortunate events. In his annual report to the people, the governor attributed the unprecedented progress the province has achieved despite the financial and climatic challenges last year, to the resiliency of his people. He recalled that Dava o del Norte started the year 2013 “stuck in waist-deep” mud brought by tropical depression Pablo the previous year and the ensuing flooding caused by the series of low pressure areas. “Armed only with sheer Dabaonon determination, and the utmost trust in God Almighty, we found our way to where we are today,” the governor beamed. Del Rosario said the achievement of the province in pursuing the P.E.O.P.L.E. development strategy has inculcated among development stakeholders, the value of putting a human face to development.
The governor noted significant achievements on health, education, and income opportunities, among other essential government programs and services. These include 4.8 percent prevalence of underweight children under-5 years of age in 2013, as compared to the Millennium Development Target for the Philippines which is pegged at 13.6 percent, as well as, the Consistent Regional Outstanding Winner in Nutrition (CROWN) award of the province, among others. The governor also bared Davao del Norte became a billionaire province at the end of 2013, courtesy of efficient tax collection, which posted a 13 percent increase in real property tax, as well as, 6.5 percent increase in other local sources. The celebrated Davao del Norte Sports and Tourism Complex (DNSTC), which is the flagship program under the publicprivate partnership component, made the province the sports capital in the Davao region. Pro-active preparedness and mitigation meaSee hails, page 11
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Zamboanga City Mayor Maria Isabelle Climaco-Salazar: XU-Ateneo de Cagayan Fr. William F. Masterson SJ Awardee
I
n recognition of her exceptional work in local governance and public service, Xavier UniversityAteneo de Cagayan conferred the Father William F. Masterson S.J. Award on Mayor Maria Isabelle Climaco-Salazar during the 27 March 2014Convocation for the University’s 75th Commencement Exercises 2014 held at the XU gymnasium. It w a s Z a m b o a n g a City Mayor Maria Isabelle “Beng” Climaco-Salazar who stood firm and calm against the Moro National Liberation Front’s (MNLF) demand to hoist the MNLF flag at the Zamboanga City Hall in the recent MNLF siege of the city. It was she, the former Carmelite novice, guidance counselor, and teacher, who rallied the Zamboangueños to rebuild their city in the aftermath of the siege. True to her inner vocation as an Education and Family Counseling graduate of two Ateneos (de Zamboanga and Manila), her landmark legislative measures include the Child Internet Protec tion Ordinance, the Gender and Development Program, the Implementation of R.A. 7192, and the Multi-Sectoral Anti-AIDS Council which brought awards to Zamboanga City, including the Trailblazer Award of the prestigious Gawad Galing Pook. As a two-term Councilor of the City of Zamb o ang a , s h e f i l e d 8 5 8 council resolutions that sought to address her major advocacies on women,
By Ma. Elena L. Paulma, Ph.D.
family, youth, children, education, livelihood and social welfare. Recognized locally and globally for her exceptional feat in local governance, she was awarded the International Visitor Leadership Program, the Amer ican C ounci l for Young Political Leaders, the Hub er t Humphre y Scholarship Program, and a Rotar y International Presidential Citation from the Rotary Club of Metro Zamboanga during her incumbency as Club President. She became Head of the Delegation of the Philippine Council of Young Political Leaders to the International Exchange Program of the Australian Political Exchange Council in Melbourne, Canberra and Sydney, Australia, and also became the CoHead of the Philippine Delegation and a Resource Person in the 8th International Conference of AIDS in Asia and the Pacific (ICAAP) held in Colombo, Sri Lanka. In 2004, she won by a landslide and garnered the highest votes in the history of the city, making her the youngest and first elected lady Vice Mayor of Zamboanga City. During her watch, the City Council of Zamboanga was adjudged as the Second Most Outstanding Council in the entire Philippines. She was voted as Zamboanga City’s 1st District Representative to Lower House in the 14th Philippine Congress in May 2007, giving her the distinction of being the first Congresswoman to occupy the post.
Mayor Oscar Moreno with El Circulo Zamboangueno
XU Pres Fr Bobby Yap confers the Fr William Masterson SJ Circulo Zamboangueno turns over proceeds of benefit concert to Mayor Beng Climaco Award on Zambo City Mayor Beng Climaco
Despite being a neophyte member of the 14th C ong ress, she b e c ame vice chairman of the committees on Women, Local G overnment, the Sp ecial Committees on East Asian Growth Area, and the Special Committee on Education and Welfare of Special Persons. She filed the House Bill seeking the
Magna Carta of Women in this Congress which was passed as a law last August 2009. She spearheaded the Lady Legislators of the 14th Congress, launching the Pink October, the first-ever Breast Awareness and Prevent i on C amp ai g n i n t he House of Representatives. She was re-elected as 1st
CIRCLE A WORD light work
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District Congresswoman of Zamboanga City during the May 2010 first automated polls, serving her co-legislators at the same time as the Deputy Speaker for Mindanao and Women. From the moment she began her government work to the time she won in the May 2013 Zam-
b o ang a Mayor a l e l e c tion, she has brought the w is d om of a nu n, t he compassion of a counselor and the heart of a teacher to Philippine local governance. Because of leaders like “Beng” Climaco-Salazar, we look to the future with a measure of hope and faith in the strength of our people.
SUDOKU How to play the game? Fill in completely every rows, columns and diagonals of each puzzle without repitition
of the same digit.
CROSSWORD puzzle
across 42. Similar 1. Collect 44. Place 6. Swiftly 46. Odin’s raven 11. Price 47. Controls 12. Chill out 49. Wise men 13. Smallest US state: abbr. 51. Bye, in Oaxaca 14. Month 52. Exchange 16. Wheel part DOWN 17. Printing liquid 1. Canadian singer 19. Network 2. One-syllable US 21. Conjunction state 22. Vegetable 3. Mr. Capone 24. Math constant 4. Tote up 25. _Everest 5. Ridge 26. Pronoun 6. Argon’s symbol 28. Play on words 7. Mr. Sampras 31. Scale note 8. Mr. Peek 33. _Bamba 9. Rebound 35. Missile tower 10. Put forth 38. During 15. PBA’s James 39. Bullets 18. Solution 41. Shirt shield 20. _Code
Yesterday’s Answer
23. Boxing result 27. Einstein’s birthplace 29. You and me 30. Pen end 31. Headwear 32. Signed 34. Elec. unit 36. Existed 37. Very fat 39. A in AD 40. Expel 43. Roman 3 45. Black stuff 48. Hitler’s elite force 50. Gallium’s symbol Yesterday’s Answer
Mindanao Daily 11 NEWS
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Launch... from page 9
chairman of the Philippine Sports Commission. The summerfest is part of the Duterte Game Plan that has a barangay sports development program; individual and team sports competition management; facilities, equipment and physical plan; sports medicine; and school based sports development program. “We want to make Davao City a healthy, proactive and livable community through sports and recreation,” said Ramirez. For those interested to join the seminars and clinics, just contact tel. No. 220031 or visit CSDD-CMO office located at 2nd floor, DILG Building at the Almendras gym compound, he added. (PNA)
Hails... from page 9
sures have further resulted in the achievement of zero casualty in the province since Typhoon Pablo. Pressing global concerns have prompted the governor to integrate disaster risk reduction and management (DRRM) and climate-change adaptation (CCA), including the ASEAN integration into his six-point strategy. This is to protect important development gains and ensure that Davao del Norte will benefit from the regional liberalization. “Our over-arching goal is to make our communities adaptive to climate change and resilient to disaster risks, while increasing the competitiveness both in skills and products, and ensure linkages within and outside of our Davao del Norte,” he said. (PNA)
Good... from page 7
the laborers, don’t have much of a choice because employment in this world is a take it or leave it thing considering the number of the unemployed whose number is swelling every year. The number of the unemployed only ensures the exploitation and oppression of the laboring class. And the inability of the government to reduce, if not eliminate, the swelling number of the unemployed is the surefire formula for the continued robbery of the laboring class. In other words, the government is equally guilty for its complicity in allowing the laboring sector to be robbed black and blue by the owners of the means of production. As the great equalizer in the unjust social order that we currently have, the government can’t continue playing the role of priest and Levite in the Parable of the Good Samaritan, who, to evade from doing something concrete for the robbery victim, just passed the other way. But as it is now, the government is actually playing the role of priest and Levite and with
gusto at that. It is this unjust and lopsided relationship the laboring class and capital have that is spawning so much unrest in society because the victims of robbery can never be expected to forever allow themselves to be victimized by robbers whose main pre-occupation is to oppress and exploit them. •• (Reactions at jelbacon@ yahoo.com or at jelbacon@ gmail.com. Read me also at raconteurme.blogspot.com)
Measles... from page 1
the diseases in the city, with 93 cases of measles and 158 cases of dengue, Tabada said during the Kapehan sa SM Monday. The district reported no death due to measles, although the city accounted for four of the five deaths in the region. The other death was reported in Davao del Norte. Three of the victims were children 0-4 years old. Three of the five recorded dengue deaths were of children five to nine years old. One death was that of a teenager and another of a 40-year-old, the RESU said. Tabada advised parents to have their children vaccinated against measles at the nearest barangay health center. She said the DOH has provided P100 million for the massive anti-measles vaccination of children aged 0-4 years old, who are more vulnerable to the disease. She added parents should take their children to the hospital once the signs either measles or dengue appear. There is neither vaccine nor cure for dengue. Tabada, however, said the amount would not be enough for the whole region. She said that aside from the vaccines the amount will cover training and other operating expenses. DOH dengue program manager Antonietta Ebol meanwhile said the dengue program seeks to involve the barangays in information dissemination as well as social mobilization activities such as pulong-pulong (meetings) and weekly cleanup drives. She added barangay councils should also enact ordinances to prevent dengue, such as destroying places where Aedes aegypti mosquitoes, the disease carriers, likely breed. She said the DOH conducts a monthly monitoring of ovi-larvae traps and longlasting insecticide-treated curtains for 22 barangays in Davao City. Some schools like the Mintal Elementary School and Bago Oshiro Elementary School were also given the mosquito repellant curtains in 2013. The DOH aims to train more district health officers on epidemic contingency planning for 2014, Ebol said. According to the World Health Organization, dengue is a mosquito-borne viral infection that causes a flu-like illness and oc-
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casionally develops into a potentially lethal complication called severe dengue. The global incidence of dengue has grown dramatically in recent decades, the WHO added. Dengue is found in tropical and sub-tropical climates worldwide, mostly in urban and semi-urban areas. WHO also cites measles as one of the leading causes of death among young children even with the availability of vaccines. “In 2012, there were 122 000 measles deaths globally – about 330 deaths every day or 14 deaths every hour,” it said. “Since 2000, more than 1 billion children in high risk countries were vaccinated against the disease through mass vaccination campaigns––about 145 million of them in 2012,” it added. MindaNews
Electricity... from page 1
Equally important, the DOE encourages consumer to buy products that carry an energy label. Yellow energy labels are mandatory on household air conditioners (except inverter type), household refrigerators (size range: 5-8 cubic feet), compact fluorescent lamps (selfballasted), linear fluorescent lamps, circular fluorescent lamps and ballasts. To reduce electricity bills associated with cooling your homes, look for a high Energy Efficiency Ratio (EER) when buying a new air conditioning unit. EER refers to the cooling efficiency of the unit. For refrigerators and freezers, the yellow energy guide bears the Energy Efficiency Factor (EEF) of the unit. The higher the energy efficiency rating, the lower the energy consumption. For fluorescent lamps, the energy label indicates the light output in lumens, power consumption, lamp efficacy and average life. More lumens mean more light output. The higher the efficacy rating, the lower is the energy consumption. The safety tests, on the other hand, are being administered by the Bureau of Product Standards of the Department of Trade and Industry. In addition, the DOE has recently established state-of-the-art laboratory facilities for performance testing of television sets, washing machines, refrigerators, and freezers through the assistance of the Asian Development Bank. The DOE envisions that with the stakeholders’ cooperation, integrating energy efficiency will significantly help in achieving energy security, optimal energy pricing, and a sustainable energy plan for the country. Further, the DOE warns the public on false claims of some companies that their products, when attached to electrical appliances or lighting products, can bring about a reduction in energy
consumption. The DOE is not endorsing uncertified “energy saving” devices for use by consumers. The agency maintains that these devices should undergo testing using the acceptable technology verification protocol to prove claims regarding the functional performance of such devices. “We do acknowledge the inventors’ ingenuity in coming up with such energy-saving devices but we hope their products are really energy-savers so we can help the people reduce their energy consumption and thus save money, particularly at this time when the supply and cost of electricity have stirred public concern,” DOE Undersecretary Loreta G. Ayson said. She further stated that “the government continues to monitor the energy performance of appliances and lighting products covered by the energy standards and labelling program through laboratory tests,” and added that consumers should be extra cautious in purchasing energy saving devices and consult with the DOEConsumer Welfare and Promotions Office through the following: text: 0917-5812925/call: 840-2267/tweet: @doe_ph before making any purchase. source: doe.gov.ph
Honored... from page 1
the Iligan City Police Office and the Misamis Occidental Police Office for having the most number of accomplishments on “Gender Awareness and Development Activities” for January and February 2014 in the city and provincial categories, respectively. The theme “Juana, Ang Tatag Natin sa Pagbangon at Pagsulong” is indeed fitting on the occasion of the 18th celebration of Women’s Month in the country, said Rep. Uy adding, “what makes this moment more memorable is having it as a culminating activity on the last day of our women’s month celebration and in the company of our men and women of the Philippine National Police, Police Regional Office 10, here in Camp Alagar.” In her speech, she emphasized that the role of women in the family and the society have “really evolved over time.” “Gone are the days when women are mere housewives,” said the lawmaker. Today, she said they (women) are no longer “push-over as we see women dominating just about any sector of society––government, business, medicine, and politics.” In fact, Rep. Uy said women hold the distinction of having the first woman president in Asia and to date, “we have had two women presidents already.” “Filipino women, given their achievements and how they have become presi-
dents, senators, congresswomen, governors, mayors, CEOs, businesswomen, doctors, can now stand their ground alongside their male counterparts,” said Rep. Uy. Likewise, Rep. Uy has also recognized the bravest and most popular women in the public sector sector like Department of Justice Secretary Leila de Lima, Ombudsman C onchita Carpio-Morales, DSWD Secretary Dinky Soliman, BIR Commissioner Kim Jacinto-Henares and COA Chair Grace Pulido-Tan. “Strong she may be but she is also a mother, a wife, a sister, an aunt, a grandmother, a friend. A mother who is the light of our homes, the nurturing hand that wipes tears, the core and heart of a family and the source of our strength to bounce back despite all the adversities that come our way,” she said. “A woman is such a complex and mysterious being.” She said that the Magna Carta of Women, RA 9710, which seeks to eliminate discrimination against women was passed in 2010 but as early as 1998, RA 8551, the PNP Reform and Reorganization Act, already institutionalized under Title VII, the creation of women’s desk in all police stations and the formulation of a gender sensitivity program. “Today, we have just given our recognition to a policewoman and police offices in line with Republic Act 8551––and to promote Gender Awareness and Development,” said Rep. Uy. Rep. Uy said the award of PO3 Anoos only prove that at this time and age, no one can ever mess up with a woman. “Why, because not only can she wash and iron clothes, she can also cook, work in an office and shoot with a gun,” she said.
According to the National Economic and Development Authority (NEDA) Region X Office, due mostly to the dynamism of Cagayan de Oro’s economy, Region X remains the fastest growing economy in Mindanao, averaging an annual growth rate of 5.8 percent for the last 10 years. (see slide 16) It is the runaway domestic trade leader in Mindanao, its PhP 57.9-billion (2010) accounting for 11.3 percent contribution to the Philippines (Commodity Flow, NSO) and the leading agriculture producer in Mindanao for the period 2010-2012 (National Accounts, NSCB). (see slide 17) “It is the largest producer of pineapple in the country, the second largest producer of bananas and corn, the third largest producer of coconut and chicken, its fourth largest producer of cattle, its fifth largest producer of swine and the ninth largest producer of palay,” noted NEDA-X Regional Director Leon Dacanay, Jr. in a presentation during the 2nd Cagayan de Oro Business and Investment Conference late last year. (see slide 18) Of the city’s 57,851 hectares (has.) total land area, some 20,826 has. or 36 percent is agricultural, devoted to commercial and food crops like rice, corn, vegetables, abaca, banana, cacao, coffee, root crops, fruits and nuts. “Unfortunately, given our considerable agricultural area and strategic market advantages, our agribusiness potential has been largely untapped,” said Dr. San Juan. “The majority of farmers are still farming on subsistence levels. Many are forced to engage in practices that are destructive to our environment, for their livelihood and survival.” “To stimulate agricultural development, the City Government of Cagayan de Oro is committed to establish and upgrade farm-to-market roads (FMRs) to all agricultural communities in the city,” Dr. San Juan added. “This is a basic infrastructure program we cannot do without.” In partnership with the Department of Agriculture, the city government will be constructing P165 million worth of FMRs in 16 of the city’s rural from page 1 barangays of which 10 percent March 20, 2014 at the VIP or P15,242,000.00 million will Hotel where farmers and busi- be the LGU’s counterpart fund nessmen were presented with to the DA’s P150 million. possible agribusiness ventures City Mayor Oscar S. Moreno such as plantations for Oil Palm, said although the latter amount Arabica and Robusta coffee was already included in the and Cassava. budget submitted to his the “This local forum is an City Council earlier this year, offshoot of the CDO Business but has not yet been acted and Investment Forum held upon by the SP to date. last February 12, 2014 at the “We are optimistic that havIntercontinental Hotel in Manila ing presented several opportuniwhere we presented the city’s ties for agri investments, this competitive advantages and would help open and develop business potentials,” said Eileen the city’s hinterland barangays E. San Juan, Local Economic which have long been neglected and Investment Promotions of its potentials,” Ms. San Juan Officer (LEIPO). “Considering said. “Instead, these areas have the strategic advantage of turned into irresponsible logging Cagayan de Oro, the city is the and mining operations.” main driver for economic and “We are hopeful that having inclusive growth in Northern presented alternatives, we can Mindanao.” make these areas and comR e c e n t s t u d i e s m a d e munities more productive and through INVEST Project iden- sustainable. When we talk of tified agriculture and agribusi- agriculture, we talk of accesness among the key opportuni- sibility, thus, the role of local ties which would enhance the government to put in place competitive position of Cagayan FMRs,” she added. de Oro in the future. Others “Under Mayor Moreno’s include Information and Com- administration, you can be munication Technology (ICT), assured that the promise of Tourism and Logistics. farm to market roads will be The National Competitive- achieved, and we’re hopeful ness Council officially acknowl- that our City Council will have edged Cagayan de Oro as the the good judgment of supporting Philippines Most Competitive these initiatives for Cagayan City in 2013, in a report pub- de Oro’s future economic and lished earlier this year. inclusive growth.”
Upland...
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PNoy asks Filipino-Chinese businessmen to contribute more to nation building
President Aquino
P
resident Benigno S. Aquino III encouraged the members of the Federation of Filipino Chinese Chambers of Commerce and Industry (FFCCCII) to contribute
more to nation building and aggressively invest in people. During the federation’s 60th anniversary at Solaire Resort and Casino in Parañanque City Saturday, the President praised the organization for its contribution in education, healthcare, and the government’s rebuilding efforts in the aftermath of Typhoon “Yolanda.” “ To d a y, o n y o u r 6 0 t h anniversary, allow me to pose an even greater challenge to all of you: to take an even bigger part in nation-building by truly investing in our people,” the President told the members of the FFCCCII in his message. Historically, the FilipinoChinese have always been widely acknowledged for their keen business sense and the President said they can partner with the government to share their business acumen to the people. Filipino-Chinese businessmen can create apprenticeship programs
for aspiring Filipino entrepreneurs so they can learn from some of the country’s most experienced business people. “I encourage you to do this because such a program will expand the menu of options available for our people. It enables Filipinos to learn from their fellow Filipinos, and rely on their innate creativity, skill, and work ethic to build businesses, directly create jobs, and contribute to their local economies,” the President said. Since most of FFC C CII members are large players in their respective industries, the President invited them to become more involved in micro, small, and medium enterprises connecting in with the larger supply chain. He cited Jollibee that made a difference in local communities by buying onions from smalls c a le far me rs t hroug h t he Farmer Entrepreneurship Program. Jollibee even expanded its program to cover rice, bell
peppers, and tomatoes in Quezon, Bukidnon, and Misamis Oriental, the President said adding he was confident that if the ChineseFilipino businessmen are willing to strengthen their commitment they can do the same in their respective industries. “The potential for growth is staggering: In 2011, MSMEs and large enterprises generated a total of 6.3 million jobs. Together, we can bring this figure up by seizing opportunities for growth that are just on the horizon,” the President noted. Giving Filipinos jobs and better income will be good for businesses because it will enhanced their buying power, according to the President. “I ask you to consider this because above and beyond the economic benefits, such an initiative would cement your legacy as a group that truly uplifts our countrymen—and at the same time takes a starring role in
affirming the Philippines’ stature as a formidable contender in the global marketplace,” he added. The President also hoped that a few years from now more and more organizations will consider what the FFCCCII has been doing for the benefit of the entire country. Also during the event, the President thanked FFCCCII for its ongoing construction of 500 housing units in Palo, Leyte, which is part of the P150 million it raised for relief and rehabilitation efforts after Typhoon Yolanda. The President also expressed his gratitude to FFCCCII for the 1,360 classrooms it donated that helped boost the government efforts to end the classroom backlog in the country. He also thanked FFCCCII for its medical and dental missions in and around Metro Manila, treating around 800 patients for each mission. (A report from Philippine News Agency)
‘Selling mission’ nets P3M for R-12 By Mindanews
Trade and tourism players in Region 12 have generated around P3.1 million worth of product and accommodation sales and bookings during the recent weeklong “selling mission” in the cities of Iloilo and Bacolod. Nelly Nita Dillera, Department of Tourism Region 12 director, said Friday a major coffee distributor based in Iloilo City has linked up with a group of coffee producers based in Sultan Kudarat province for the shipment of around P3 million worth of Arabica coffee. She said the sales negotiations, which will initially involve a 20-footer container van shipment of coffee, are being facilitated by the Department of Trade and Industry personnel in Sultan Kudarat province. The potential deal came up during the tourism exposition or expo organized by DOT-12 at the SM City Mall in Iloilo City and the series of related gathering held during the “selling mission,” which ended last Tuesday (March 25). Dubbed “luring Iloilo to Region 12,” the tourism expo featured exhibits of Region 12’s top products, tourist destinations, fashion shows and cultural presentations. DOT-12 also hosted a business m at c h i n g s e s s i o n f o r t o u r operators between the two areas and embarked on familiarization tours in parts of Iloilo City and Bacolod. Region 12, which is also known as the S occsksargen Region, comprises the provinces of South Cotabato, Sultan Kudarat, Sarangani, North Cotabato and the cities of General Santos, Koronadal, Tacurong, Kidapawan and Cotabato. In terms of actual sales, Dillera the cultural and souvenir booths posted a total income of P93,000 and around P20,00 in sales
bookings during the expo. Among the top-selling items were those made of the famed T’nalak fabric, which is produced by weavers from the T’boli in Lake Sebu, South Cotabato. “We’ve negotiated for the opening of an outlet at SM City Iloilo to market souvenir items and other products from Lake Sebu,” she said. During the expo, the free sashimi tasting featuring three 90kilo high grade tuna offered by the city government of Genera Santos became a big hit, leading to some inquiries from Iloilo City traders. The official said the hotels and resorts booth only signed up five bookings but it generated significant inquiries and new contacts from potential clients. She said they expect the booking to create some multiplier effect, noting that the travelers will also have to eat, tour and shop in the area during their stay. The DOT-12 decided to stage the “selling mission” to connect the “common ethnic bond between the people of Iloilo and the region’s settlers.” “It envisions to lure the Ilonggos to Region 12’s tourism assets, making it a venue for filial and business gathering such as conferences, conventions, reunions and other similar events,” Dillera said. Region 12 has a significant Ilonggo or Hiligaynon-speaking population that traces their roots to the settlers who were brought to the area by the government during the 1930s. Presently, leading domestic airline Cebu Pacific, which was a major of the activity, maintains four direct flights weekly from this city to Iloilo City but plans are already underway for their expansion to seven flights or one each day. (MindaNews)
MARIWASA, THE CHOICE OF ARCHITECTS - Mariwasa receives the prestigious BCI Asia Architects’ Choice Award for Floor Covering – Tiles Category. Present in the awarding ceremony are Mariwasa executive Jakkrit Suwansilp, VP-Sales and Marketing (3rd from left) and his colleagues namely Marvin Sion, Asst. Project Sales Manager (2nd from left), Mac Bedaño, Marketing Officer (left) and Jomar Peñafiel, Sr. Brand Officer (right).
Mariwasa wins 1st BCI Asia Architects’ Choice Awards Mariwasa, the countr y’s leading ceramic tile brand and an affiliate of SCG (Siam Cement Group) has recently been awarded by BCI Asia as the Best Choice for Floor Covering Tiles Category in the recently concluded 2014 BCI Asia Architects’ Choice Awards held in Marriott Hotel, Resorts World Manila, Pasay City. Architects’ Choice Awards is given by BCI Asia, the premier information provider for the construction industry in the ASEAN region. This started in November 2013 where a survey was conducted by BCI Economics, the center of market intelligence within the BCI Media Group to determine which brands were preferred by leading architects and design specifiers working on active building projects around the Philippines. The sur vey
provided a representative sample including a broad spectrum of architectural offices, ranging from the Philippines’ top ten architect firms to regionally operated design professionals. The survey questionnaire includes twenty product categories, and for each of these categories, the respondents were able to determine whether they are (1) aware of a specific brand, which brand they prefer in terms of (2) design and innovation, (3) sustainability, (4) performance and (5) customer service. Over 400 architects were able to complete their submission of questionnaires, in which the winners of the 2014 Architects’ Choice Awards were determined. “We are very happy with the recognition given to us by BCI Asia, our long-time industry partner. This is a manifestation
that we are committed to product quality, design and innovation that is why our clients and customers continue to trust and prefer MARIWASA among other brands in the market” says Jakkrit Suwansilp, VP-Sales & Marketing of Mariwasa Siam Ceramics, Inc. (MSC). Moreover, other SCG-owned brands are also nominated in the said award-giving body namely Cotto for Bathroom Products and Sanitary Ware Category and for Faucets, Taps and Showerheads Category and SCG Smarboard for Fiber Cement Category. “Our clients can expect a lot of innovative products and top-ofthe-line design inspiration as we approach the momentous 50-year anniversary of Mariwasa brand 2 years from now “Suwansilp continues.