Mindanao Daily Set A (February 16, 2017)

MINDANAO DAILY T H E P U RV E YO R O F T R U T H , J U S T I C E , A N D D E V E LO P M E N T

Volume VI, No. 216

Website: www.mindanaodailynews.com

Thursday

February 16, 2017

P15.00

Farmers rejoice over Duterte policy

Irrigation is free

By ALLAN M. MEDIANTE Editor in chief

CAGAYAN de Oro City-“The collection of irrigation fees from farmers throughout the country is now a thing of the past,” announced Pete Tiu Laviña, administrator of the National Irrigation Administration (NIA), on Tuesday afternoon.

“There will be no more imposition of irrigation fees for farmers,” Laviña said as he also outlined his top priorities during a press conference held at the NIA compound moderated by NIA Political Consultant Michael Salvador.

Also present at the event, which included the ceremonial cutting of ribbon for the newly-refurbished NIA building, are officials of NIA Region Office 10

PRESSCON. National Irrigation Administration (NIA) National Administrator Peter Tiu Laviña (left) answers questions during a press conference in Cagayan de Oro City last Tuesday organized by NIA political consultant Michael Salvador (left). Flanking Pete Laviña is NIA Regional Manager Jimmy Apostol. Photo by Mark Francisco for Mindanao Daily led by Regional Director Jimmy Apostol.

Laviña said the four priorities that NIA will focus during his term include the implementation of free irri-

gation services; construction of more irrigation systems and projects, attaining food self-sufficiency through the best use of the irrigation systems; and to increase

NIA’s sources of by utilizing water resources for hydro-power.

Also, speaking to farmers in meetings with farmer groups and associations

in Misamis Oriental and Bukidnon, Laviña assured that the new leadership of NIA will prioritize the implementation of “no more irrigation fee” policy.

Local farmers in the country has long clamored for free irrigation system.

“This adds up to our expenses, and we are already See free, page 7

PLDT set to spend P1 billion in fiber infra for M’nao

By Aerol B. Patena of PNA

CAGAYAN de Oro City––Gabriela, the country’s leading progressive women’s organization, led the One Billion Rising dance here, in sync with other countries around the world in observance of Valentine’s Day Tuesday.

Gabriela’s coordinator in Northern Mindanao, Rhodora Bulosan, said the women would rise through dance to express joy and celebrate the fact that “we have not been defeated by violence”.

“We rise to show that we are determined to create a new kind of consciousness, one where violence would No Stopping Love. Despite fears caused by be resisted until it is unthinkable,” Bulosan said.

She said the women were dancing to demand genuaftershocks of the quake on February 10, 2017, one hundred forty couples exchanged vows in a “kasalang ine change, stop violence against women and children,

ONE Billion Rising is the biggest mass action to end violence against women in human history.

The campaign, launched on Valentine’s Day 2012, began as a call to action based on the staggering statistic

THE Philippine Long Distance Telephone Company (PLDT) will invest around P1 billion in fiber optic cable link connecting the provinces of Agusan del Norte and Sur to Davao del Norte and Sur to strengthen mobile connectivity to more homes and businesses in Mindanao.

The fiber infrastructure which will span nearly 300 kilometers.

“In line with the government’s thrust of accelerating economic growth in Mindanao, the fortified FOC, which is part of PLDT’s Domestic Fiber Optic Network (DFON), will provide unrivalled communications services to our fixed and wireless customers, including homes and businesses in these provinces,” said PLDT Chairman and CEO Manuel V. Pangilinan.

Pangilinan pointed out that the fiber network can provide reliable service even during typhoons and earthquakes.

“The underground fiber optic cables that we are installing here are less susceptible to cuts caused by strong winds, falling

See leads, page 7

See rising, page 7

See SPEND, page 7

TOKEN.

52nd Engineering Brigade outgoing commander Brig. Gen. Arnold Fernandez (second from right) is congratulated by Philippine Army chief Lt. Gen. Glorioso Miranda (left) while receiving a recognition for successfully leading the 52nd Engineering Brigade for two years.

Looking on is Fernandez’s wife Grace Lee. Right, 52nd Engineering Brigade incoming commander Col. Dionisio Baudin (left) hands out a token representing the brigade to Miranda immediately after the former’s assumption on Tuesday. Photos by Mark Francisco for Mindanao Daily News

4ID now controls 52nd Engineering Brigade

By MARK FRANCISCO Staff writer

PHILIPPINE Army Chief Lieutenant General Glorioso Miranda on Monday ordered the transfer of tactical control of the 52nd En-

gineering Brigade under the 4th Infantry “Diamond” Division.

Miranda issued the order in the aftermath of the Surigao City earthquake, saying the 4th Infantry Division has the best judgement on which areas to send the 52nd

brigade.

The move also came after the jurisdiction of 52nd Engineer Brigade tremendously got smaller after the government decided to reactivate the 54th Engineering Brigade to take care of military infrastructure

support in the western part of the island.

After the new brigade was activated, the Manolo Fortich, Bukidnon-based 52nd Engineering Brigade now retains See brigade, page 7

Gabriela leads ‘One Billion Rising’ dance in N. Mindanao

bayan” at the Surigao City Auditorium on Valentine’s Day. MindaNews photo by Roel N. Catoto

What is One Billion Rising?

MINDANAO DAILY

SECOND FRONT PAGE mark francisco, Section Editor EDITOR: RUEL V. PELONE

Thursday

February 16, 2017

Surigao quake might have helped trigger new temblor

By Catherine J. Teves of PNA

Another temblor may be in the offing along the Philippine Fault Zone (PFZ) which generated last week’s magnitude 6.7 earthquake off Surigao del Norte province.

Movement of PFZ’s Surigao segment triggered such earthquake and may have also “disturbed” any of the adjacent Leyte and Mindanao segments, possibly increasing chance for a new temblor there, noted scienceresearch specialist Rhommel Grutas from State-run Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (Phivolcs).

“We can’t predict when that temblor will occur so communities atop such segments must prepare accordingly,” he said, cautioning about possible onslaught of another earthquake along PFZ. Ensuring structural stability of houses

and other structures as well as regularly conducting earthquake drills are part of such preparation, he noted.

Grutas said PFZ’s Leyte segment extends northwards up to Leyte island in the Visayas.

PFZ’s Mindanao segment extends to Southern Mindanao, he continued.

In its latest situation report this week, National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (NDRRMC) said the magnitude 6.7 earthquake last Friday (Feb. 10) affected almost 5,200 people in Surigao del Norte.

Eight persons were reported dead due to that earthquake while 202 people sustained injuries, noted NDRRMC. NDRRMC also said the earthquake damaged school facilities, a hospital,

2

Water Line. Residents of Purok 3, Barangay Sabang, Surigao City queue for drinking water being rationed by the Department of Health on Monday afternoon, February 13, 2017, after the Surigao Metropolitan Water District failed to restore supply in the area. A 6.7-magnitude on February 10 disrupted the water utility’s services.

MindaNews photo by Roel Catoto

Palace lauds House panel for FOI approval

Malacañang on Wednesday lauded the House Committee on Public Information for approving the Freedom of Information (FOI) bill, taking it a step closer towards its enactment into law.

“We laud the House Committee on Public Information, chaired

by Representative Antonio Tinio, for approving the FOI Bill, an act that affirms the government’s social contract with the people,” Presidential Spokesperson Ernesto Abella said in a statement.

“The FOI, long overdue, is an essential component of the President’s anti-corruption drive as it promotes greater transparency, openness and accountability in governance,” Abella said.

See TEMBLOR, page 7

The passage of an FOI Bill is one of the priorities of President Rodrigo Duterte.

On July 23, 2016, or two days before he delivered his state of the nation address, Duterte signed an executive order mandating full public disclosure of all offices under the executive branch.

The historic EO covers “all government offices under the executive branch including, but not limited to, the national government and all its offices, departments, bureaus, offices and instrumentalities including government-owned and -controlled corporations, state universities and colleges.”

Local government units are

also encouraged to “observe and be guided by this order.”

But while the signed EO is a landmark action in the long fight for FOI, advocates are pushing for its legislation in Congress since the measure only covers offices under the executive branch.

With the passage of the House version of the FOI bill Wednesday morning, lawmakers are hoping that the bill would be taken up in plenary the soonest time possible.

Tinio, of ACT Teachers PartyList, said that they are “working for the swift enactment into law of the FOI Bill, considering that this is one of the priorities of the Duterte administration.”

“We hope that, with the sup-

port of the House leadership, we will soon be able to take up the FOI bill in plenary,” Tinio added.

The FOI bill, which is a consolidation of 35 proposed measures, embodies the two aspects of the right to information as mandated by the 1987 Constitution -- full public disclosure and citizens’ access to information.

The approved measure reiterates the Constitution’s mandate to disclose the Statements of Assets, Liabilities, and Net Worth (SALNs) of certain officials.

Public interest documents or records, such as contracts with the private sector and those which are budget-related, are required to be published by government

agencies in their websites.

“The policy of full public disclosure is not fully fleshed out in our current laws. The FOI bill seeks to address that gap,” Tinio said.

The bill also mandates every citizen’s right to ask for and receive information from government, subject only to a limited number of exceptions.

The bill also sets the procedure of requesting for access to information and documents up to appeal in case of denial.Administrative and criminal liabilities for violation of the right to information will also be put in place through this measure. A report from Philippine News Agency

PhilHealth awards Ombud dismisses Pagatpat village chair NBB compliant govt hospitals in NorMin

By GERRY LEE GORIT Correspondent

By Jasper Marie Oblina-Rucat of PNA

CAGAYAN de Oro City--In celebration of its 22nd anniversary, Philippine Health Insurance Corporation (Philhealth) region 10 awards on 15 February 2017, four government health care institutions in Northern Mindanao for compliance of its No Balance Billing (NBB) policy.

According to Dr. Jonathan T. Ortigoza, the goal of PhilHealth is to attain 100% NBB compliance in all hospitals in the country and the region. Although he emphasized that this has not been achieved 100%, he commends the awardee health care institutions of their efforts to comply and lead the way to achieve this goal.

Achievement awards was first given to Bukidnon Provincial Hospital – Talakag. This health care facility serves 29 barangays of the municipality of Talakag Bukidnon with an estimated population of 70,000.

See awards, page 7

CAGAYAN de Oro City-The Ombudsman in Davao has removed from government position the village chairman here who is facing charges for allegedly raping a minor.

“That’s good news. We are glad he is removed from office,” said Rex Loyola, the father of a 15-year-old girl who accused Pagatpat chairman Achilles Jude of raping her on two occasions sometime in 2015, in a phone interview Tuesday.

But last year, the minor was found dead inside the bathroom of a motel room after she and a male

companion checked in.

After her burial, her family decided to press charges against Babaran.

After finding substantial evidence, the Office of the Ombudsman has ordered the dismissal of Babaran.

In the teenager’s complaint, she accused Babaran of raping her twice, on June 19, 2015 when the village chairman invited her to come with him after attending a youth meeting.

On September 22 of that same year, Babaran allegedly raped her again inside a hotel.

She said the suspect threatened to have her family ejected from their

residence, a relocation site in Pagatpat, if she tells her parents.

In a press conference, Babaran denied raping the girl.

In its ruling approved

by Deputy Ombudsman Rodolfo Elman, the Ombudsman said it found substantial evidence to hold Babaran liable for grave misconduct.

“As a rule, a victim of rape will not come out in the open and make public the offense committed on her, undergo the agony and humiliation of a public trial and endure the ordeal of testifying on all the sordid details of the crime, if she had not in fact been raped,

and if her motive was not to obtain justice and her testimony as to who abused her is not the truth,” the decision said.

“Thus, when a woman, more so if she be a minor, says that she has been raped, she says in effect all that is necessary to show that rape was committed, and if her testimony meets the test of credibility, the accused may be convicted solely on the basis thereof,” it added.

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3 NPA condemned for strafing of convoy bringing relief goods in Surigao Norte FOR ADS PLACEMENT CALL OR TEXT: 0917-712-1424 • 0947-893-5776 E-mail: mindanaodaily.ads@gmail.com e-mail: mindanaodailynews@gmail.com

By GERRY LEE GORIT Correspondent

CAGAYAN de Oro City-The military on Wednesday has condemned the strafing allegedly by the New People’s Army of its convoy bringing relief goods to residents affected by the recent earthquake in Surigao City Tuesday night.

Major General Benjamin Madrigal, commander of the Phi. Army’s 4th Infantry Division, said the Maoist guerrillas have resorted to deception when it fired on a convoy of vehicles of the military, the Municipal Social Welfare and Development of Malimono, and a television network in Barangay Linunggaman, San Francisco, Surigao del Norte.

“We condemn in the strongest terms possible the recent harassment of

Thursday, February 16, 2017

the NPA. There is no way we can really trust these terrorists. They have deceived the entire National when they fired upon the team that is composed of Army and civilian volunteers who have just delivered relief goods to the earthquakestricken communities.

“Their (NPA) recent declaration of ceasefire in that area is nothing but lie and deception,” Madrigal said.

Troops from the 30th Infantry Battalion were conducting relief operations with the ABS-CBN Sagip Kapamilya when the incident happened.

“While we are in the area helping our people to rise up again after they were badly hit by the recent earthquake, the NPA terrorists are also busy in making our people’s lives

miserable,” Madrigal said.

He added the attack will not deter the military in continuing their efforts in helping the local government units to bring back the normal situation in the entire province which was hit by 6.7-magnitude earthquake.

Colonel Franco Nemesio Gacal, commanding officer of the 402nd Infantry Brigade, said, “We were right in admonishing our troops to be vigilant and always be on guard as they perform their relief and rehabilitation mission.”

Gacal said “the recent attack on our troops coming from relief distribution mission together with a benevolent NGO reflects the duplicity of the NPA unworthy of their own declaration to stop any attacks on soldiers on mercy and

PH faces bright growth prospects amid uncertainty

THE world faces great uncertainties ahead, with global trends in leadership shifting away from cooperation to protectionism.

Despite the dubious times, global analyst and CEO of Difference Group, Dr. Dan Steinbock, believes the Philippines is on the right path to continue and capitalize on its positive growth.

At a seminar organized by state think tank Philippine Institute for Development Studies (PIDS), Steinbock detailed a foreboding outlook of the future. The radical polarization in the European Union over issues of immigration and unity, Beijing getting ready for the next Politburo, the impact of demonetization in India, and US President Donald Trump recalling policies and plans rolled out during the Obama administration, including the Trans-Pacific Partnership (TPP), have made it difficult to predict economic outcomes.

Under Trump, the US’s withdrawal from the TPP and forcible renegotiation of the North American Free Trade Act (NAFTA) has put regional and global trade

partnerships at an unease. Steinbock says the Philippines has to be mindful of the risks of new protectionist policies that can hit remittances and its offshore industries.

According to Steinbock, policymakers and leaders should strive to develop the country’s manufacturing sector. A strong manufacturing sector will be able to not only sustain the country’s consistently positive growth on average, it will also take the economy to the next level, and help the country reduce its exposure to external risks.

“Catch-up growth is slowing down,” said Steinbock, “It is slowing down in the Tiger economies--it is slowing down in China. When that happens and the countries outside the region have less money to give, will the Philippines be able to grow?”

Politically, Steinbock opined that President Rodrigo Duterte’s foreign policy has been pragmatic.

He added that changes

KIMBERLITE PAWNSHOP MALAYBALAY BRANCH

compassion mission.”

He said the military will not allow the recent “act of treachery” of the Communist rebels to deprive the delivery of services to the people.

“We will continue to

bring help to alleviate the suffering of our people who are victims of the earthquake,” he added.

Captain Joe Patrick Martinez, spokesperson of the 4ID, said they received report that the NPA’s Militia

ng Bayan was responsible for carrying out the attack on the convoy, based on the admission of a certain Ka Lukas of Sangay sa Partido Pampropaganda when he talked with the people in Barangay Mat-i, Surigao City.

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Thursday, February 16, 2017

Opinion

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For Art’s Sake

The Mindanao Daily is pubished by MINDANAO DAILY NEWS PUBLISHING CORPORATION. It is Registered with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) with Reg. No. CS201531735. With Business Plate No. BP-28984, Under Business License Certificate No. 2015-15224, BIR-TIN No. 464682-324-000. Main Business address at Tanleh Building, Abellanosa St., Brgy. Consolacion, Cagayan de Oro City. Tel. Nos: (088) 856-3344, 857-8447, 0917-7121424, 0947-8935776 E-mails: Advertising:mindanaodaily.ads@gmail.com, Editorial: mindanaodailynews@gmail.com DANTE M. SUDARIA Publisher and President TERESA ZAFRA PELONE Comptroller melanie rivera SAIRA E. GUMISING Advertising

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EDITORIAL

Of arts and writers workshop FEBRUARY is declared as the National Arts Month per Proclamation 683 issued in 1991. But I am sure that not as many of us are aware of it. Perhaps the only ones who cherish this declaration are the artists themselves. I count myself as one of them, though a mediocre one.

This year’s celebration is centered on the theme “Malikhain, Mapagbago, Filpino.”

According to the National Commission for Culture and the Arts’ subcommission on the arts, the theme underscores the creative power of the arts and its role as catalyst for change. It also highlights arts as a reflection of the nation’s soul, and from it our pride of being Filipino.

Nice articulation.

But based on the premise I advanced earlier, it seems that majority of the Filipinos have not given arts much importance. It is because in many places that I have been to, I observed that only a little percentage

poetry readings in the city is concerned.

Aside from the CDO Poetry Night, Nagmac has also partnered with Xavier University in holding the Cagayan de Oro Writers Workshop. The First CDO Writers Workshop was held last April 1-3, 2016 and I was lucky enough to be one of the panelists during its premiere edition.

The Second CDO Writers Workshop will be held this coming April 3-7, 2017 and its organizers are still accepting application for writing fellowships until February 28. For more information, you may visit the Facebook page of Nagmac.

Workshops provide the budding writers with the much needed opportunity to have their works undergone the scrutiny of the panel of critics. The critiquing is done purposely to help the young writing fellows further hone their craft, and not to insult their attempt at the solitary world of creative writing.

I can say that the young

Raul G. Moldez

writers today are very much fortunate as they are getting the much needed encouragement and guidance from the senior writers.

When I started my attempt at creative writing many decades back, it was a trial and error method as I have had no one to consult to, not even my teachers. It was because they were literature teachers, not writers.

At the time, I had to paddle my own canoe, to say the least. I only had the baptism of fire when I attended the Fourth Iligan National Writers Workshop in 1997, or some four years after my graduation in college.

So young writers, beat the deadline of the application for Second CDO Writers Workshop now!

Email me at rgmoldez@ gmail.com

Biblical Perspective

Death Penalty: Is it Biblical? (Part 2)

MY greatest intention in my article is that intellectuals who does not have an inter ruel pelone CRIS DIAZ est in studying the bible may

Managing Editor Executive Editor somehow find a chance to

CHENG ORDOÑEZ MARK FRANCISCO read it and eventually might

Associate Editor Lifestyle Editor encourage others to do so.

GILBERT Y. CHAO gerry lee gorit Please open the Holy Bible

Motoring Editor Photo Journalist in your cellphone, I suggest to download a free offline

PAT SAMONTE CHRIS PANGANIBAN Bible in your phone so that Regional Editor Caraga Regional Editor-Davao

the words of the Almighty Rene Michael BaÑos uRIEL C. QUILINGUING One are being just a click Regional Editor Northmin Contributing Editor of your finger.

AL JACINTO JOE FELICILDA Last week, I presented Regional Editor-WestMin Editorial Consultant that death penalty was established by God in pun RODRIGO B. SEVILLA JOE PALABAO ishment for disobeying Regional Editor-Davao Feature Editor His laws. Thousands died during the flood of Noah ATTY. MARIO T. JUNI and during the adminisNOTARY PUBLIC- JUNI LAW OFFICE tration of Moses, death CELL NO: 09352379999/ (088) 8573595 penalty was implemented CRUZ TAAL ST., CAG. DE ORO CITY to murderers, adulterers, Legal Counsel rebellious children, Sabbath --------------------------------------------------------------violators and many more crimes, please read again bureau and mktg staff in your bible: Deuteronomy candy macabale - 09161326483 21: 18-23, Exodus 21:12, 15, RIZA O. ARES - 0915-9753-277/0926-2242-653 Exodus 31:14-15(Sabbath), MISOR - LOLONG NABONG - 0906-875-8650 Leviticus 20:2,10,27.

GINGOOG CITY-MANNY ANSIHAGAN-0936-287-7788 Jesus Christ was senNorth Buk. - DAHLIA S. BENEMERITO-0936-303-0410 tenced to capital punishVALENCIA CITY - PHILIP PHIL CALUMBA-0905-652-5407 MARAMAG - roFINA CUALES - 0926-336-1585 ment under the civil law quezon, buk. - ROSE GENON of Israel. Almighty God Iligan City - JEFFREY OPONDA-0936-1174378 used death penalty to fultangub city - bobby mag usara fill the plan of salvation of OROQUIETA CITY - PJ TREMEDAL-0919-3452375 humanity.

ARMM - Sony Sudaria-0947-4810371 Does it mean death pencotabato - ANALISA ESPAÑOLA-0916-9351714 alty should be supported by davao - tom a. caballero-09756023684 all people and be imposed davao - tomas canoy avancena jr.-09177017010 by all nations?

The answer davao del norte - sarah castor - 09263988293 digos city, dvo sur & kidapawan - romeo d. sanchez is opposite, today, even Israel is not imposing capital davao city - rene s. arias (Photo Journalist,) butuan - PAT SAMONTE-0912-8091093 punishment since 1988 san frans - CRIS PANGANIBAN-09277974193 though in principle they San Francisco - deding PANGANBAN-0927-7974193 approved it. In 1954 Israel Pagadian City - GRACE FRANCISCO -0912-8484037 abolished death penalty for ZAMBOANGA - AL JACINTO -09177103642 murder.

The different denomiMember: nations of the Christian ORO CHAMBER Philippine Press Institute faith are also divided on ALLAN M. MEDIANTE Editor-in-Chief

of the population is into arts or writing.

In Cagayan de Oro, however, I can say that some of our young writers and artists are slowly making their presence felt in the community, despite the fact that they can be counted by our fingers.

Like for example the initiatives undertaken by Nagkahiusang Magsusulat sa Cagayan de Oro (Nagmac), a brainchild of Mai Santillan and some of her friends.

This group can certainly be described as infant thus its organizers somehow are still feeling some birth pangs. Yet what it accomplished since it was organized a few years ago is enormous.

For one thing, Nagmac revitalized the local arts scene as it sponsored regular poetry readings. This cultural activity dubbed as CDO Poetry Night featured the city’s new literary voices. Suffice it to say that Nagmac is the new pioneer insofar as the holding of

this issue. Some evangelicals approve death penalty while others strongly opposed. Roman Catholics as I read an article was once in favor of it, but later found out it is an offense against the dignity of the human person which contradicts God’s plan for man and society. Hence, Pope Francis strongly opposes death penalty. Do not be surprised why the Catholic Bishops in the Philippines are so vocal against the restoration of death penalty in the Philippines. It is the result of thousands of years of study of the history of nations.

As I see it, Jesus Christ died of capital punishment, but he himself avoided to impose death penalty to a woman who was caught in adultery, which was punishable by death, read John 8:1-11. Simply it means to Jesus that it is better for the woman to live and sin no more than to die.

I also found out that when Jesus built the Church until His instructions given to St. Paul how to manage the churches there was no department of justice to take care of the crimes among the believers thus the church gave the government of Israel the sole authority to handle civil laws. (Romans 13:1-6).

The Church should submit to the existing laws of a nation.

I therefore conclude that the Roman Catholic bishops are correct to express their stand against death penalty, I personally commend them

of their courage to speak the truth even if it will cause division among their parishioners. Our beloved president Duterte has the right to reinstate death penalty as he can see it is the only way to deter heinous crime in the nation.

When this will be done in a due process of law and death penalty will win, then that is the time all opposing parties will stop and submit to the state.

As of now, everyone has the right to choose what he will support. President Duterte and all his allies has all the good reason to revive death penalty and the Roman Catholic Bishop and all their supporters has legal rights to express their stand.

Recent studies, experts in America, Europe and some parts of the world agree that death penalty is not a deterrent to violent crimes. “Among the experts, there is overwhelming consensus that the death penalty never has been, is not and never could be a deterrent to homicide over and above long imprisonment,” said Michael Radelet, chairman of University of Florida (USA) sociology department and a longtime researcher of death penalty issues. “The rates of consensus were much higher on this question than I ever thought possible.

We never see 90 percent of criminologists agree on anything.”

Personally, I am also in favor of life imprisonment rather than death penalty.

Bishop Bing Gadian

But if the president and the majority of Filipinos will unite and death penalty will be revived, then the minority should be willing to support it. We will then pray for a strong and godly justice system. God bless the Philippines.

Please buy or borrow a bible and personally read the passages I gave above.

Our Almighty will give you peace and guidance as you continue studying His holy words. My prayer is that you will be healthy and your family is happy serving our Creator. To us Christians, we call the Creator, God and to the Muslims Allah.

If you have another name of our Creator, we worship the same Creator, let us love each other and promote the spirit of peace. To us Christians, we believe that Jesus Christ is the way to heaven. Jesus is Yeshua to the Jews and Isa to the Muslims. To us, Jesus is the King of Peace and He is coming to establish real peace on earth.

•••• For your comments and request for bible study and free New Testament bible and books, drop me a message, admin@jesusforallnations.net. Listen to my radio program every Sunday evening @ DXRU (1188) 6:30-6:45 PM. Hesus Alang Sa Tanan.

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Forum

Thursday, February 16, 2017

5

Malacañang, allies outburst vs pastoral letter stuns CBCP chief

A Catholic Church official admitted the adverse reaction from Malacañang and its allies against the Catholic bishops’ recent pastoral letter on drug-related deaths was something they didn’t expect.

Archbishop Socrates Villegas, CBCP president, said the letter was issued to serve as their “contribution to a perceived social problem” and “was not intended to bring down” the Duterte administration.

“Unfortunately, it was taken in that context. It was taken negatively,” Villegas said on Feb. 13 at a forum Lingayen-Dagupan Archbishop Socrates Villegas, CBCP organized by broadsheet president. CBCPNews photo

Philippine Daily Inquirer.

No dialogue “I was hoping for a position that would say ‘let’s dialogue’ because in this day and age, there is nothing that we cannot do if we dialogue and work together.

So I was hoping for that,” he said.

Malacañang has criticized the bishops after Church leaders deplored the government’s war on drugs for supposedly creating a “reign of terror” among the poor.

The pastoral statement also aired the bishops’ concern over the rising number of drug-related killings.

Letters From Davao

Emergency power for infra

By Jun Ledesma of PNA

THE notoriety of the Aquino government in unilaterally abrogating and cancelling contracted projects had sent shivers to foreign investors and infrastructure contractors. This is true to the administration of Corazon “Cory” Aquino and her son Benigno S. Aquino III who is known for his various monikers ‘Noynoy’, ‘P-noy’ and the Nonoying kind. The latter meaning “idling”.

This could be the reason why Chinese Ambassador Zhao Jianhua openly expressed his hope that Pres. Rodrigo R. Duterte be given “emergency powers” to expedite the implementation and completion of mega-infrastructure projects which the China government will undertake within his term.

Ambassador Jianhua’s statement is not without basis. On allegation of corruption, the Pnoy government cancelled the $ 500-million North rail project contracted under Pres. Gloria Macapagal Arroyo administration and scuttled a $ 329-million national broadband network.

Add to that the dredging of Laguna Lake and Pasig River contract awarded to a Belgian firm Baggerwerken Decloedten Zoon on mere allegation that it was a “midnight deal” of the Arroyo government.

With the symptom of insecurity and fear she cannot do better than a tenth of Marcos performance, Cory Aquino cavalierly cancelled the nuclear power plant in Bataan which could have actually been the single engine of growth of industries and economies

in Luzon long hobbled by energy crunch. She was so consumed with hate and abhorred footprints of the dictator that she demolished the beautiful cobbled sidewalks along Roxas Blvd., and allowed many important infrastructures to deteriorate, among these the Maharlika Highway (which was later named Pan Philippine Highway).

By the time Cory exited from office, her successor, Fidel Ramos, inherited a crippling 8-hour power outage. Fearing eventual collapse of the economy and sending Metro Manila to total darkness and civil disorder, Ramos was forced to enter into onerous contracts with independent power producers which made Philippine energy supply as among the costliest in the planet earth. In the meantime, the Maharlika Highway deteriorated and thanks to Japanese assistance, the 3,500-kilometer highway underwent some rehab. It was to be christened later as Philippine-Japan highway.

The anxiety over the return of the vindictive and corrupt regimes cannot be dismissed by countries like China, Belgium, Czechoslovakia and Germany, to name a few.

C h i n a obv i ou s ly i s quite comfortable with the Duterte administration not so much because the President went on a conciliatory and bilateral talks with Pres. Xi Jinping but the latter believes that Duterte is a genuine and strong leader capable of curbing corruption and crime during his watch.

As a starter, China extended a whooping $ 6-billion soft grant for three infrastructure projects and

some $ 3-billion concessional loans. These aside from trade and investments which are lopsided in favor of the Philippines.

Take it from Ambassador Jianhua when he said that investments and loans from China in the coming years will even be greater. Which merely confirms what I heard during a three-day media forum in Beijing last year on “One Belt, One Road” initiative of the Xi Jinping government that China has three trillion dollars to spare for the fruition of his country’s most daring and most socially and economically significant inroads to world finance and other engagements.

Ambassador Jianhua’s statements in the business forum in Davao, which was spearheaded by Manila Times, reflects not only China’s uncertainties of the future when Duterte bows out of office or, but he actually articulates how China plans and implements projects in the shortest possible time without sacrificing quality of work and standards.

While indeed a few of its products may suffer in quality, its railways, roads and bridge infrastructures have unquestionably become the world standard.

China had prioritized technological and material advancements in its mega projects because these are the major backbones that move their products and these are the more visible signatures that confirm their advancement which many western countries hate to admit.

Philippine lawmakers should listen and weigh the impact of Ambassador Jinhua’s message. And so

I raise the question and challenge to our Senators and Representatives: Can they face up to the challenge of giving Duterte an emergency power for the implementation of foreignfunded infrastructure projects as posed by China?

Can they put an end to the eternal zarzuela over extrajudicial killings, De Lima’s dalliance or whatever, for after all I think they knew how to distinguish the myths from the truths.

Can the progressive minded Senators. Dick Gordon and Allan Peter Cayetano, along with the rational Sen. Ping Lacson push for that emergency power for the President?

Can Speaker Bebot Alvarez cut that entanglement with the irreverent men on the frock and stop bad-mouthing DOTr Sec. Art Tugade?

You belong to the same corral, remember? Go rally congressmen to a better challenge this time. You have a big chance to be part of history. This is not about how to solve the unsolvable traffic in Metro Manila but how to decongest Metro Manila traffic and bring progress and the much needed infrastructures to your province, Davao del Norte, Region 11 and Mindanao.

After all aren’t these the sceneries you described when you wished to go back to Congress? And now you are not just a congressman.

You are Speaker of the House and the man you campaigned for is now President. (Mr. Jun Ledesma is a community journalist who writes from Davao City and comments from the perspective of a Mindanaoan)

Presidential Spokesperson Sec. Ernesto Abella, however, said the bishops are “out of touch” with the reality and the sentiments of the people.

House Speaker Pantaleon Alvarez even described the bishops as “a bunch of shameless hypocrites” who have “no moral ascendancy to judge what is right and wrong”.

‘To the people of God’ Philippine National Police chief Director General Ronald dela Rosa also scored the CBCP statement and went further by saying he can “talk to God” without the bishops.

The prelate noted that the CBCP statement did not make any reference to Malacañang because they wanted to take the killings as a moral issue.

“The letter is addressed ‘to the people of God’. So even if the government does not act on it, we are hoping that other members of the people of God would act on it positively,” he added.

“And then maybe the government, being a listening government, would listen to the direction the people has taken and join the other sectors of society,” he also said. (Roy Lagarde / CBCPNews)

Think A Minute

Agree with your critics

THINK a minute.

Do you usually agree with people when they criticize you? Probably not. But just for fun, try it sometime.

Agree with the criticism that people might give you.

At first, it won’t feel natural or fun because when people criticize us, our natural reaction is just the opposite.

We feel hurt like we’re being attacked. So as our blood pressure shoots up, we fire back our own criticism of that person like a counter-attack. But think of all the time and energy we waste reacting with anger to criticism.

A famous, successful person says: “I’ve learned to take criticism seriously, but not personally.” You see, friend, it just might be true—at least part of it.

I don’t know about you, but I’ve got lots of room for improvement. So let’s take all the help we can get, even if it hurts a little, because the truth hurts sometimes.

And if part of that criticism of us is simply not true or fair, then just take the part that is true and do something about it. Let it change you and make you a better person. Make it work for you to your advantage.

As they say, “Spit out the bones and keep the meat.”

It will make you stronger in your character. So we need just to chew on that criticism of us and think about it for awhile.

God created us to have the character of Jesus Christ.

One of the main reasons

Jhan Tiafau Hurst

The truth may hurt, but it also can set us free from our wrong attitudes, motives, and behavior. That’s the only way we can start becoming all we were made to be.

n

He became a human being was to show us the kind of nature and person He designed us to be. And all it takes is one look at Jesus to know we’ve got a long way to go to become that kind of person! So let’s learn all we can and take all the help we can get—even from our critics.

The truth may hurt, but it also can set us free from our wrong attitudes, motives, and behavior. That’s the only way we can start becoming all we were made to be.

Why not ask Jesus Christ to forgive for your wrong way of living? Then ask Him to help you start making the changes you need to make in your character and life.

Just Think a Minute

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Thursday, February 16, 2017

In focus

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Resume peace talks now #OneBillionRising 2017 | Women tell GRP-NDFP

By ANNE MARXZE D. UMIL of Bulatlat

“Resume peace talks now!”

This is the call of women, as well as men, who joined this year’s One Billion Rising (OBR) Revolution, a global event held every Feb. 14th.

Here in the Philippines, the theme was “Women rising for jobs, land, justice and peace.”

Women groups urged President Rodrigo Duterte to continue the peace negotiations with the National Democratic Front of the Philippines (NDFP), which had already gained ground in discussing the draft Comprehensive Agreement on Social and Economic Reforms (Caser).

Led by Gabriela and OBR Global Director, Monique Wilson, hundreds of women from different communities and sectors gathered at the Liwasang Bonifacio here on Feb. 14, and danced to the beat of remixed OBR theme songs. They were also joined by different artists and personalities such as actress Maria Isabel Lopez, director Bibeth Orteza, satirist Mae Paner and Sr. Mary John Mananzan. Students from different schools also joined the OBR. “The women organizations in the Philippines and overseas migrant communities in many countries led

by Gabriela are focusing the 2017 OBR Revolution on pushing forward social and economic changes that will effectively empower women and help eradicate the root causes of violence and armed conflicts worldwide,” Wilson said.

In this year’s OBR, the women are adding their voice to the clamor to continue the peace talks.

Secretary Judy Taguiwalo and her co-workers in the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) were also at the event, cheering: “DSWD, narito na! DSWD nakikiisa!

DSWD hataw na! DSWD One Billion Rising!”

National Anti-Poverty Commission (Napci) Undersecretary Marion Tan read a solidarity message from Napci chairperson Liza

Maza, who joined the call to eliminate violence against women, which she said can also be addressed through the peace negotiations.

The highlight of the day was the formation of a large peace sign, depicting their message to the Armed Forces of the Philippines to “desist from the all-out war on civilian communities.”

Duterte cancelled the talks at the wake of three soldiers who were killed in a clash with the New People’s Army (NPA). The latter was first to terminate its unilateral ceasefire, citing violations by the military.

Joms Salvador, Gabriela secretary general said that an all-out war only victimizes people in the rural communities. “The army is carrying out assassinations and arrests of development workers and community leaders, while unleashing aerial bombardments and hamlettings of thousands of rural residents.”

“We join One Billion Rising to bring to the attention of world public opinion that the government’s counterinsurgency program,

designed and abetted by the US government, is sabotaging the peace talks and renders millions of women and children vulnerable to exploitation, trafficking, and mass casualty deaths,”

said Salvador.

Gabriela Women’s Party Rep. Emmi De Jesus said it is important to resume the peace talks, especially now that after many years, the agenda of women and

the people and the roots of armed conflict are being discussed in the negotiating table.

“It is our hope that the Duterte administration puts the interests of marginalized

communities and help attain social justice by continuing with the peace talks instead of all-out military offensive,” said GWP Rep. Arlene Brosas. (http://bulatlat.com)

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Free... from page 1

burdened by the high costs of fertilizers and seeds,” a spokesman of a farmers group told Mindanao Daily News.

Likewise, the farmers lauded President Rodrigo Duterte for realizing their dream of having a free irrigation for their lands.

Lavina said the poor farmers stand to benefit hugely from this policy of the Duterte administration.

He said that the field visits has helped him assess the needs of the irrigation sector.

10-year master plan On one hand, Laviña said the country will be needing P370 billion to establish irrigation projects under its 10-year master plan.

The NIA with the Department of Agriculture (DA) has requested about

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P4 billion during the budget deliberations last year, but only P2 billion was approved to partly cover the losses of NIA’s collection of irrigation service fees (ISF).

“The P2-billion fund from the national government is just enough to cover the potential loss of revenues with the implementation of the no irrigation fee program, which officially started on January 1. The ISF is being used to shoulder the operation and maintenance costs of the country’s irrigation facilities,” he said.

Lavina added that there are two major types of irrigation systems in the country. The (NIS) national irrigation system, which covers more than 3,000 hectares of farmlands, and (CIS) communal irrigation system, which covers below 3,000 hectares of farms,” he said.

“What was approved that would allow use of the internet and all its contents with better and more reliable experience,” Alberto said.

PLDT has invested P300 billion or USD 6 billion over the last 10 years to roll-out the country’s most expansive network infrastructure.

In 2016, it set aside P48 billion or about USD 1 billion for capital expenditures, a significant portion of which was allocated for the domestic fiber infrastructure.

stop human trafficking, and seek the resumption of peace talks.

The women, who came from all walks of life, gathered at the ‘Freedom Park’ here at 3 p.m. Tuesday to join the One Billion Rising dance.

Bulosan said the participants included victims of violence against women and children, Church women, public officials, and members of the Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Transsexual from page 1 (LGBT) community. (PNA) control of only five battalions--the Engineer Support Battalion, the 512th from page 1 Engineer Construction Battrees, and utility poles. talion (General Santos), With a more resilient and 524th Engineer Construcreliable connectivity in tion Battalion (MaguindanMindanao, our customers ao), 534th Engineer Conin the area will be able to struction Battalion (Davao experience high quality del Norte) and the 544th voice, data, and multimedia Engineer Construction Batservices as they connect talion (Agusan del Sur). with their family, friends, On the same day, Brig. and business associates in Gen. Arnold Fernandez reother parts of the country linquished his post as 52nd and the world,” according Engineering Brigade after to him. two years to take charge of PLDT has also recently the newly activated 54th completed three major ICT Engineering Brigade. projects in Davao, namely, Stepping in to fill his PLDT’s fourth cable landing place is Col Dionisio Baustation, a state-of-the-art din, Fernandez’s classmate Innovations Laboratory (In- at the Philippine Military nolab) – the Company’s sev- Academy (PMA) ’86. enth, and the PLDT Group’s In his speech, Baudin eighth data center – the first vowed to continue conin Mindanao. structing mass housing According to PLDT for soldiers and irrigation Chief Revenue Officer canals as well as aiding and ePLDT President and communities that are most CEO Ernesto R. Alberto, the prone to calamities by giving projects will greatly expand training to engineer-soldiers PLDT’s network capacity as first responders. and quality of services which will benefit industries and consumers located in the Visayas and in Mindanao. from page 1 that 1 in 3 women on “We have accelerated the necessary investments the planet will be beaten or that will help build and raped during her lifetime.

With the world populastrengthen the regions’ enterprises, and enable them tion at 7 billion, this adds up to become not just locally to more than ONE BILLION but globally competitive, WOMEN AND GIRLS. On 14th February 2013, armed with new digital tools and innovative solutions. people across the world Additionally, consumer came together to express home subscribers in these their outrage, strike, dance, regions will growingly enjoy and RISE in defiance of the broadband connectivity injustices women suffer,

Brigade...

Spend...

Rising...

Thursday, February 16, 2017

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Dialogue with an outstanding irrigation association, the LASSCIA, Inc. covering 780 hectares with 427 members in three barangays east of Malaybalay, Bukidnon. The average yield here is 6-7 tons per hectare planting hydrid, inbred and organic. Their palay is bought at P20-21 per kilo. I challenge them to have their own rice will to liberate them from traders.

in the 2017 budget is the national irrigation systems.

Next year’s project we will propose the inclusion of the communal irrigation

system,” he added. He also bared that the uncollected ISF in the previous years has reached P13 billion.

“Irrigating all available

lands will take time because of the loss of irrigation service fees,” he said, thus we need to consolidate immediately the irrigator as-

sociations, which are the partners of NIA in collecting as well as in operations and maintenance of our irrigation systems.”

demanding an end at last to violence against women.

On 14th February 2014, One Billion Rising for Justice focused on the issue of justice for all survivors of gender violence, and highlighted the impunity that lives at the intersection of poverty, racism, war, the plunder of the environment, capitalism, imperialism, and patriarchy.

For the third year of the campaign, One Billion Rising’s global coordinators chose the theme of “Revolution” as an escalation of the demand for justice, and to build upon the massive efforts of communities worldwide that also looked at the roots and causes of violence as part of their call for justice.

On (or around) 14th February 2015, millions of activists in over 200 countries gathered to Rise for REVOLUTION, to change the paradigm, demand accountability, justice and systematic CHANGE. We are rising to show we are determined to create a new kind of consciousness – one where violence will be resisted until it is unthinkable.

In 2016, the theme of Revolution continues with a call to focus on marginalised women and to bring national and international focus to their issues; to bring in new artistic energy; to amplify Revolution as a call for system change to end violence against women and girls*; to call on people to rise for others, and not just for ourselves. *Women and girls is an inclusive term reflecting all those who were assigned and/or identify as female.

attention not only to insulating the Philippines from the effects of geopolitical shifts but also to upgrading the country’s capacity to deal with such economic and political shocks.

ment of infirmary with own x-ray machine, nebulizers, diagnostic sets, binocular microscopes, ECG machine, clinical chemical analyzers, centrifuge, OR lights and defilbrillator among others. Further, the staff contributes from their Philhealth sharing to augment lack of medicines and supplies.

Meanwhile, Misamis Oriental Provincial Hospital – Claveria also received this recognition. This hospital utilizes its own Department of Health (DOH) – Accredited laboratory for diagnostics. Drugs and medicines area also available 24 hours a day in the Hospital-owned pharmacy.

They also borrow stocks from other hospitals as well as use of petty cash from the provincial government of Misamis Oriental as short terms solution to ensure that patients are provided for. The hospital also adheres to the minimum requirements for NBB Beds/Wards.

T h i rd aw ard e e w a s Doña Maria Tan Memorial Hospital in Tangub Misamis Occidental. The hospital has a blood station, clinical laboratory, x - r ay an d u lt r a s ou n d services, operating room and deliver y room and pharmacy. It serves the people of Inter local health Zone of Tangub, Bonifacio, Don Victoriano and parts of Lanao del Norte and Zamboanga del Sur. It also has a PhilHealth service desk to cater to the needs of PhilHealth members admitted in the hospital.

Fourth awardee and P h i l He a l t h re g i o n 1 0 Choice Award was given to Kauswagan Provincial Hospital in Lanao del Norte.

Medicines and supplies not available in the facility pharmacy are purchased by the facility using the revolving fund in behalf of the patients, all of which are reimbursed by the local government unit.

Dr. Marilyn A. Basco of Kauswagan Provincial Hos-

pital said that she identifies teamwork as one of the strongest factors why they won this award. She said it starts from the support of the provincial government down to the doctors and nurses and all the staff and PhIlHealth people who made the hospital understand the importance of NBB. NBB policy states that no other fee or expense shall be charged to indigent patient subject to the guidelines issued by the Corporation. All necessary and complete quality care to attain the best possible health outcomes shall be provided to them.

Ortigoza said that as long as the patient does not choose his or her own doctor or upgrades to a private room in a government hospital, then he or she can avail of the NBB policy. He also reiterated the prompt payment of PhilHealth contributions by members to continue to avail these services of the government. (JMOR/ PIA10)

source: onebillionrising.org

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roads, bridges, and around 1,034 houses in Surigao del Norte.

According to Phivolcs, the 10:03 p.m. earthquake last Friday struck 14 kms north 78° west of Surigao City at a depth of 11 kms.

That earthquake was of significant magnitude so there’s possibility this affected either the Leyte or Mindanao segment, Grutas noted.

He, however, stressed it’s still too early to confirm if the earthquake actually affected any of those segments.

He said data over time will indicate if such happened.

Phivolcs reported already monitoring, as of 9 a.m. Monday (Feb. 13), 151 aftershocks from the Surigao earthquake.

Six of those aftershocks were reported felt, said Phivolcs science research analyst Wilmer Legaspi.

He noted some of the aftershocks occurred at depths deeper than what Phivolcs reported for Friday’s earthquake.

Some of the aftershocks were also moderately strong as these ranged from magnitude 4.0 to 4.9, Phivolcs data show.

Grutas assured such aftershocks are normal as these can be expected from strong earthquakes like the one off Surigao last Friday.

“We can even expect stronger aftershocks from that earthquake,” he said.

He clarified the aftershocks from Friday’s earthquake won’t be stronger than this main shock. (PNA)

concerning defense policies in the South China Sea and currency valuations in China will contribute to the drastic deterioration of US-China relations, placing the Philippines in a difficult from page 3 It has also surpassed the situation in the middle.

Policymakers must pay required minimum equip-

Awards...

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

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Thursday, February 16, 2017

Please be advised of the following Scheduled Power Interruptions for the week: 1. February 17, 2017, Friday – Villa Trinitas, Bugo http://www.cepalco.com.ph/scheduled-section-interruption-on-friday-february-17-2017-affectingvilla-trinitas-in-bugo/ DURATION: 7AM – 5PM (10 HOURS) AFFECTED AREA: Villa Trinitas Phase 1, Phase 2 and Phase 3 REASON: Pole replacement and maintenance works.

2. February 18, 2017, Saturday – Aluba Feeder 1 (Macasandig to City Proper) and Aluba Feeder 2 (Diamond Hardware, Buena Oro to Taguanao, Indahag Relocation Site) http://www.cepalco.com.ph/scheduled-switching-interruption-on-saturday-february-18-2017-andtuesday-february-21-2017/ DURATION: 6AM – 7:30AM (1 HOUR 30 MINUTES) SWITCHING AFFECTED AREA: Aluba Feeder 1 (Greater Macasandig from Aluba Subd. down towards Tibasak and Tambo, Tomas Saco, St. Augustine Cathedral, City Hall, greater portion of Divisoria towards Mabini St.) Aluba Feeder 2 (Diamond Hardware to Kambingan, Buena Oro, Woodland, Melecia Homes, Oroville up to Taguanao and Lawndale Spring; Tropo towards Cepalco PV Plant and Indahag Relocation Site) REASON: Temporary load transfer to facilitate configuration works at Aluba Substation relative to new 69kV Buena Oro Circuit 3. February 19, 2017, Sunday – Licoan to Puntod-Macabalan http://www.cepalco.com.ph/scheduled-power-interruption-on-sunday-february-19-2017/ DURATION: 7AM – 5PM (10 HOURS) AFFECTED AREA: Julio Pacana St. to all of Brgy. Puntod and Brgy. Macabalan; along Corrales Ext. from Gaabucayan St. towards most of PPA area REASON: 13.kV Puntod-Recto line tapping at Abellanosa Street; Guy wire installation at Julio Pacana; 34.5kV line upgrading along Calle del Mar, Puntod 4. February 19, 2017, Sunday – Portion of City Proper (Abellanosa to Mabini) http://www.cepalco.com.ph/scheduled-power-interruption-on-sunday-february-19-2017/ DURATION: 1PM – 5PM (4 HOURS) AFFECTED AREA: Portion of City Proper bounded by Abellanosa Street (north) and Mabini Street (south); CDO Medical Center, Central Bank, SHJMS, Sabal Hospital, Polymedic, MOGCHS, Pilgrim, City Central REASON: 13.kV Puntod-Recto line tapping at Abellanosa Street; Guy wire installation at Julio Pacana; 34.5kV line upgrading along Calle del Mar, Puntod 5. February 21, 2017, Tuesday – Aluba Feeder 1 (Macasandig to City Proper) and Aluba Feeder 2 (Diamond Hardware, Buena Oro to Taguanao, Indahag Relocation Site) http://www.cepalco.com.ph/scheduled-switching-interruption-on-saturday-february-18-2017-andtuesday-february-21-2017/ DURATION: 4:30AM – 6:00AM (1 HOUR 30 MINUTES) SWITCHING AFFECTED AREA: Aluba Feeder 1 (Greater Macasandig from Aluba Subd. down towards Tibasak and Tambo, Tomas Saco, St. Augustine Cathedral, City Hall, greater portion of Divisoria towards Mabini St.) Aluba Feeder 2 (Diamond Hardware to Kambingan, Buena Oro, Woodland, Melecia Homes, Oroville up to Taguanao and Lawndale Spring; Tropo towards Cepalco PV Plant and Indahag Relocation Site) REASON: Temporary load transfer to facilitate configuration works at Aluba Substation relative to new 69kV Buena Oro Circuit Please be guided accordingly. Thank you.

MDN: Feb 16, 2017

pre-registration ongoing Classes start June 2017

(088) 8584093 to 95 local 121