Mindanao Daily Set B (February 22, 2017)

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BUSINESS | ARTS & CULTURE | HEALTH | TRAVEL & TOURISM | PEOPLE | REALTY | EVENTS EDITOR: CHENG ORDOñEZ

Wednesday

February 22, 2017

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School gets easy access to water for 1st time in 30 yrs CITY OF MATI, DAVAO ORIENTAL – For the first time in more than thirty years, the Pedro Malintad Elementary School has now

DavOr seen to contribute to Mindanao’s overall dev’t MATI CITY. DAVAO ORIENTAL -- Pushing for further development and global competitiveness for the entire island of Mindanao, a composite team from Mindanao Development Authority (MinDA) and USAID Compete Project have met with the heads of the Provincial Government’s key offices to discuss the province’s laid-out plans on infrastructure development.

During the meeting on February 16 at the Provincial Capitol, Lydia Martinez, Team Leader of the Compete Project, said that they are looking at the infrastructure plans and investment potentials of the different provinces, touted to boost development in Mindanao.

The team has been in a series of visits in different provinces in Mindanao to study the viability of their infrastructure development plans for inclusion in the See contribute, page A7

easy access to safe drinking water, giving respite to the faculty staff and students who are now relieved from the exhausting work

of fetching water from the old water pump outside the school.

Parents and teachers, during the turn-over cer-

DAVAO CITY -- The respective Labor Ministers of the 10-member states of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) graced the Labor Ministers Retreat held at the Marco Polo Davao on Monday (Feb. 20).

It was also the 10th Meeting of the ASEAN Committee on Migrant Workers (ACMW).

Department of Labor and Employment Secretary Silvestre Bello III welcomed his fellow ASEAN Labor Ministers during the opening program.

“We believe that we are blessed for having Davao as our venue for this retreat.

Davao as you know is geographically closest to many of you our neighbors in the

ASEAN region. “ Secretary Bello said in his speech.

The Secretary also cited the efforts of the Senior Labor officials in pushing for the implementation of the ASEAN Declaration on the Protection and Promotion of the Rights of Migrant Workers which was signed 10 years ago in Cebu City, the last time the country hosted the ASEAN Summit.

The Senior Labor Officials had their retreat yesterday (Feb. 19) at the same hotel.

“I have received word that yesterday, through a show of goodwill and a very open yet frank discussion, we have achieved a breakthrough on the principle issues if the instrument.

emony on Saturday, February 18, 2017, said they are pleased and overjoyed over the newly completed Potable Water System provided by

the Provincial Government.

Situated at the scenic coastal village of Lawigan in the City of Mati, the project provides solution to

the school’s age-old water problem as it ensures them all-day access to water.

“I am truly overwhelmed

ASEAN Labor Ministers meeting in Davao City

See access, page A7

See meeting, page A7

With the suspension of classes last February 16, 2017 due to continuous heavy rains in Davao City, these children spend their time watching the rehearsal for the simulation drill of Task Force Haribon in Davao City on February 17. mindanews photo

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Wednesday, February 22, 2017

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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Cargo handler backs Sasa Port modernization DAVAO CITY -- A homegrown cargo handling firm is throwing its all-out support to the Sasa Port modernization in order to address the growing demand of increasing cargo ships docking at Davao’s main port.

Harry Lopez-Chua of Filipinas Port Services (Filport) said modernizing Sasa Port would improve services and result in faster turnaround while an additional space would accommodate some new equipment.

He said currently, the port handling remains traditional using only short cranes. If there is improvement in cargo handlin, it is private-initiated to improve their service and cope with competition.

Lopez-Chua said the

EDITORIAL

DAVAO CITY –- The labor ministers in the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) achieved a break ruel pelone CRIS DIAZ through when it committed

Managing Editor Executive Editor to a morally-binding instru CHENG ORDOÑEZ MARK FRANCISCO ment for the protection and

Associate Editor Lifestyle Editor promotion of the migrant GILBERT Y. CHAO gerry lee gorit workers.

Motoring Editor Photo Journalist This was announced Monday by Department

PAT SAMONTE CHRIS PANGANIBAN of Labor and Employment Regional Editor Caraga Regional Editor-Davao

(DOLE) Secretary Silvestre Rene Michael BaÑos uRIEL C. QUILINGUING Bello III during the second Regional Editor Northmin Contributing Editor day of the ASEAN Labor

AL JACINTO JOE FELICILDA Ministers’ Retreat and the Regional Editor-WestMin Editorial Consultant 10th Meeting of the ASEAN Committee on Migrant

RODRIGO B. SEVILLA JOE PALABAO Workers (ACMW) held at Regional Editor-Davao Feature Editor Marco Polo Hotel, this city.

Bello said the breakATTY. MARIO T. JUNI through on the principle NOTARY PUBLIC- JUNI LAW OFFICE issues of instrument was CELL NO: 09352379999/ (088) 8573595 achieved as a show of goodCRUZ TAAL ST., CAG. DE ORO CITY ALLAN M. MEDIANTE Editor-in-Chief

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bureau and mktg staff candy macabale - 09161326483 RIZA O. ARES - 0915-9753-277/0926-2242-653 MISOR - LOLONG NABONG - 0906-875-8650 GINGOOG CITY-MANNY ANSIHAGAN-0936-287-7788 North Buk. - DAHLIA S. BENEMERITO-0936-303-0410 VALENCIA CITY - PHILIP PHIL CALUMBA-0905-652-5407 MARAMAG - roFINA CUALES - 0926-336-1585 quezon, buk. - ROSE GENON Iligan City - JEFFREY OPONDA-0936-1174378 tangub city - bobby mag usara OROQUIETA CITY - PJ TREMEDAL-0919-3452375 ARMM - Sony Sudaria-0947-4810371 cotabato - ANALISA ESPAÑOLA-0916-9351714 davao - tom a. caballero-09756023684 davao - tomas canoy avancena jr.-09177017010 davao del norte - sarah castor - 09263988293 digos city, dvo sur & kidapawan - romeo d. sanchez davao city - rene s. arias (Photo Journalist,) butuan - PAT SAMONTE-0912-8091093 san frans - CRIS PANGANIBAN-09277974193 San Francisco - deding PANGANBAN-0927-7974193 Pagadian City - GRACE FRANCISCO -0912-8484037 ZAMBOANGA - AL JACINTO -09177103642 Member: ORO CHAMBER Philippine Press Institute

modernization of Sasa port is needed given the increasing volume of cargoes unloaded here.

He told reporters during Monday’s Kapehan sa Dabaw at SM Davao that the city is also booming. In fact, he noted the growing volume of construction materials particularly cement and billets (raw material for steel) being unloaded at the port. Compared to previous years, Lopez-Chua said frequency of ships unloading construction materials is sometimes averaging three from two with total volume of cargoes at 18,000 metric tons.

The ISO-certified Filport that has been operating as cargo handling group for 40 years now in Davao City, is seeing how demands are

growing.

The Sasa Port Modernization project has been put hold after stakeholders and the city government questioned its project amount from PHP4.5 billion to PHP19 billion. There were already four pre-qualified bidders. The project was enrolled as the PublicPrivate Partnership (PPP) scheme.

Last year, the Department of Transportation and Communications (DOTC) conducted a review of the project on the cost financing sheme and the period of implementation.

A modernized Sasa port would improve trade access to Mindanao and the Philippines by providing a dedicated containerized port; support the growing

ASEAN labor ministers achieve breakthrough on migrant workers’ promotion

By Lilian C. Mellejor, PNA

Legal Counsel

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will and open yet frank discussion. “We have gained a significant stride on how to move the process forward to be able to meet the April 2017 deadline.

In an interview after the program, Bello explained that among the issues cited in the instrument are on working hours of the migrant workers, exemption in the payment of terminal fees, recruitment fee (if this be waived) which are all geared towards the promotion of the migrant workers.

He said hopefully, the discussions and agreements can become a legally-binding instrument.

Bello said there was a proposal from Indonesia to make it legally-binding but other member-countries are not yet ready. “So I pro-

posed for a morally-binding instrument,” he said.

Recognizing the migrant workers’ role as active agents of a growing economic, socio-cultural and political community, Bello said the workers give ASEAN integration a human face.

“They bring meaning to what we seek for as a people-oriented and peoplecentered region. They give value to all the efforts that we exert in our official mandates as minister of labor,” he said in his speech.

Bello urged his counterparts in the ASEAN to unite and work together for the implementation of the declaration on the protection and promotion of migrant workers.

Bello asked the labor See migrant, page A7

FEATURE

Australian firms favor PH as BPO destination—PIDS study MOST Australian firms prefer the Philippines to explore offshoring opportunities, as opposed to other rival potential business process outsourcing (BPO) destinations in the region, such as India, according to a study by government think tank Philippine Institute for Development Studies.

Favorable geographical time zone, highly literate workforce, and competitive labor rates are among the reasons Australian firms are attracted to the Philippines for their offshoring needs, according to former PIDS visiting

research fellow Peter K. Ross and businessman Mike O’Hagan.

“The time zone in the Philippines favors Australian firms. It is the same as Perth, Western Australia, while there is only a two-hour difference to the Australian Eastern Standard time. This allows Australiabased managers to work with their Philippine-based staff in real time,” they explained.

Likewise, they noted that Australian shifts are also popular with Metro Manilabased BPO workers, as the time difference allows them to arrive and leave work

two hours before Metro Manila’s main peak traffic times. In terms of geography, the two countries’ proximity makes it easier for Australian managers to commute to and from the Philippines with less resources.

“P h i l i p p i n e s a l s o has a highly literate and well-educated workforce currently increasing by around 600,000 tertiary graduates, including more than 3,000 public accountants annually. The variety of Filipino tertiary graduates also provides the varied skills that

See favor, page A7

agro-industrial sector; assist in creating an enabling environment and model for private sector participation in port infrastructure through the development of a financially Sound PPP scheme; and boost economic activities in the region and Mindanao.

Lopez-Chua was hopeful the modernization of Sasa pushes through. The port is accessible for majority of shipping lines and exporters/importers.

He said that despite the development of the DICT (Davao International Container Terminal) in Panabo that offers a modernized cargo handling services and bigger space, Sasa Port remains the major port of call for most cargo ships.

(PNA)

Cargo-handling firm turns 40 DAVAO CITY -- A homegrown port services provider at the Sasa Port in Davao City has served foreign and domestic cargo vessels for the past 40 years, overcoming stiff competition with rival firm.

Filipinas Port Services, Inc. (Filport) president Harry Lopez-Chua said this port services business that his father opened in the 70s has levelled up its operation and was awarded an international recognition — ISO 9001:2008.

He admitted that port service operation is not easy but “we continue to be challenged in improving our services through innovation and acquiring state of the art facilities to better serve our clients where they serve at least three to five vessels daily.

“We have developed a niche at the Sasa port,” he said.

He said it is through their services that the tram agricultural products are transported to different markets in the country.

Other products like fertilizers, cement and other construction materials are handled by Filport.

He said these are being shipped by their clients from either Manila or Cebu for distribution to the different markets in the south.

During Filport’s anniversary, a Recognition Ceremony will be held on February 27 at the Marco Polo Hotel to honor their clients and their workers.

A medical mission is also held for the benefit of their workers and the community near the Sasa Port.

President Rodrigo Duterte is expected to grace the event.

Meanwhile, Lopez-Chua said the operation of the Sasa Port is an important

See turns, page A7

MINDANAO DAILY BUSINESS | ARTS & CULTURE | HEALTH TRAVEL & TOURISM | PEOPLE | REALTY | EVENTS

aggie news

Wednesday

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February 22, 2017

Validation of PAMANA 2013-2014 projects conducted More than Php36 million worth of Payapa at Masaganang Pamayanan (PAMANA) projects of the Department of Agriculture-Regional Field Office 10 (DA-RFO 10) in Kauswagan, Lanao del Norte was jointly validated by the Office of the Presidential Adviser on the Peace Process (OPAPP), DA-RFO 10, Local Government Unit of Kauswagan, Lanao del Norte, Armed Forces of the Philippines 5th Mechanized Brigade, and the Municipal Philippine National Police on February 15, 2017.

PAMANA is a national government program and framework for peace and development.

The PAMANA program is implemented in conflict affected areas covered by existing peace agreement.

One of its goal is to reduce poverty and vulnerability in conflict-affected areas through sustainable rural development, community infrastructure and focused delivery of social services.

The joint validation of PAMANA projects were

conducted in response to the queries made by Pacasirang Batidor who claimed to be a former Moro National Liberation Front (MNLF) Chairman in Poona Piagapo, Lanao del Norte. Batidor requested the DA to locate the Php63.5 million worth of PAMANA projects implemented in the year 2013-2014 and further questioned the delayed completion of these projects.

In a comprehensive cost and status report that was presented by DA-RFO 10 to Ranolfo Daligdig spokesperson of Batidor it reflects that only Php36.5 million is allocated and not Php63.5 million.

In addition, Madriaga emphasized that the process of releasing the fund of the project is through tranching wherein downloading of fund is not on a one-time basis. At least 70% physical accomplishment is required for the release of the second tranche.

MNLF Commander of Barangay Delabayan, Kauswagan, Nazir Manalao, the

Ranolfo Daligdig the spokesperson of Pacasirang Batidor (right) requests the program of work of the rainshelter from FOD Chief Carlota S. Madriaga (left) together with Allan Almoite (center) of OPAPP during its joint validation of the 2013-2014 PAMANA projects in Delabayan, Kauswagan, Lanao del Norte.

beneficiary of the projects that was put on question, confirmed that they had received the PAMANA projects and there were no reasons for them to validate

Adopt-a-School: Partnership Aiming To Win Education Sector’s Mission

By Irenea D. Lumbab – Teacher III San Nicolas Elementary School Don Carlos District I

Parents want the best for their children, especially for their future. They have ambition for their children, like they want them to be teachers, engineers or even pilots someday. In this, education is the key. However, due to the economic problems that affect Filipino families, ambitions have become a blur. Parents are forced to prioritize basic needs in order for them to survive. It is indeed tough for even the provision of food is already a struggle.

The government allots the

biggest share of the national budget to public basic education, but due to increasing student population, it could hardly be enough.

This is the main reason behind Adopt-a-School Program.

This program allows private entities to assist a public schools in terms of, but not limited to, staff and faculty development for training and further education, construction of facilities, upgrading of existing facilities, provision of books, publications and other instructional materials and modernization

of instructional technologies.

Adopt-a-School Program is created along the passage of Republic Act No. 8525, pursuant to Adopt-a-School Act of 1998. The program can assist public schools in any levels, whether it is an elementary, secondary or tertiary school.

These beneficiary schools are located in any of 20 poorest provinces identified by Presidential Council for Countryside Development or any other government agency tasked in identifying such kind of provinces.

In 2007, the program has generated about 4.5 billion pesos worth of intervention,

further since the project is and others are on their the remaining projects on visible in their barangay. final tranche. The LGU April, 2017.# (DEGabales, After the validation, it committed to complete DA-RFO 10) was sighted that most of the PAMANA projects of 2013-2014 were completed donations and pledges, more than a number of percent increase in donations from 2000 to 2006 which amounts to 2.1 billion pesos.

Through the years the partnership has produced interventions that reduced student dropouts and kept the youth off the streets.

The program also increased student achievement levels and improved teacher performance.

Education is not just something that a child should have. It is already entwined with meanings like hope, ambition and better life. Adopta-School program is very much helpful to millions of Filipino families and is a big contribution to a dynamic nation-building.

Homeroom PTA Meeting of Grade VB 2016-2017

By Lelybeth M. Paguta- Teacher I Zubiri Village Elementary School Quezon I District

As per advised by our School Principal Mrs. Victorina G. Baldoman To conduct a Homeroom Meeting as per approval on letter request.

The teacher scheduled to do so on June 22, 2016. Thus, together with parents majority Elected the classroom officers. The newly elected officer in are President Ar-

lene E. Quilongquilong vice president Teofila Dura , Secretary Aiza Paulines Auditor Anna Marie Bergante , PIO Remedios Guarin, Social Managers Junie Julie Cadion, Liezel Diopenes . The induction was done in the classroom.

However as per advised by the Principal the classroom president is automatic become

the representative of the board in school.

The officer Headed by Mrs Arlene Quilongquilong proposed to have a Classroom project of Reading Corner.

Amounted to Php850. The rest of the remaining expenses donated by the classroom teacher. It is then agreed that every grading period teacher-parents will meet for the updates of their pupil’s performance.

However, the implementation could be on July 31, 2016. Indeed it happened and materialized. The picture shows the cooperation of the parents who heartedly devote their efforts to fulfil their responsibility as parents.

As classroom adviser I am lucky enough to have a kind of parents like them who never says no but cooperation for the good of their children as well.

Education is essential to be attained

By Elena B. Galve-Teacher III Anahawon Elementary School District of Maramag

If I may ask you, how could a person be without education?

Might it be, he will think without further analysis or more likely hold less opportunity to be qualified for jobs, especially the ones that required higher learning.

Education is essential for a person. Learning is a phase where he begin to discover about the environment he lives in, study it and more importantly, gain knowledge on how to blend in for survival.

Education makes a person very analytical. He will not just say yes to every straight question because he would still comprehend the motives and intention behind every question. Same in real life, he would rather not just do things without thinking the consequences. That is the very basic but important thing that Education could teach us.

Higher learning is important for an individual to earn a high-paying job. Being educated connotes the fact that you can do things above an average mind can do. It means that a level or degree attracts job opportunities that would eventually provide a person a better life. Moreover, for a country that has quality human resources is meant to succeed in the future, and every

human resource is a product of education.

The value of education is being stressed as well on how education department promote it among people to be attained. Parallel to what everyone could see, education officers have reached even the farthest mountain and the most remote area and introduced how valuable education is and how beneficial it is for children and their future, and lastly, on how education could gradually shape the future of the nation. Relative to this, education materials have been elevated to a way that it could be easily understood by different cultures, just to make education more accessible and attainable.

That is how necessary it is that education should be achieved by everyone because it is of utmost importance.

Education is an investment where nothing could be compromised. Investing in education is like planting a good seed that someday would bear healthy food, which as the same, more people could benefit from. Producing graduates is making human resources that would be promoter of education until no one in this world will be left behind when it comes to attainment of learning.

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Wednesday, February 22, 2017

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Cebu Landmasters readies to go public via IPO Cebu Landmasters Inc. (CLI), the leading homegrown developer in Metro Cebu, intends to raise up to P3.8 billion from an initial public offering scheduled for May to fund land acquisition and development costs for its expansion plans to five key cities in Visayas and Mindanao.

Part of the proceeds will also be used for debt repay-

ment and working capital requirements.

In a prospectus submitted to the Securities and Exchange Commission today, Cebu Landmasters is listing and selling firm shares of 505 million common shares with an over allotment option of 75 million shares on the local bourse targeting mid-to late-May 2017. This represents up to 34% of

The Importance of Reward System

By IRENE JANOBAS

You sow what you reap.

What goes around comes around. These are the two sayings why most of the people work hard or perform its best in his studies, activities, contests joined, or on his work because we believed that aside from achieving our goals and ambitions, somehow it feels good to be appreciated and to be acknowledge on your efforts by other people.

In a working place, to be recognized and rewarded for excellent or good things you did will make someone feel good about what they did to earn it. Successful leaders use praise effectively. Rewards and recognitions motivate the employee to perform better on his job. Sincere and honest praise lets employees know that a leader appreciate their efforts. Even a “tap on the

back” with matching simple compliment word “good job” makes someone feel proud and productive. Thus they may improve their work.

Many practices were being used by the DepEd in order for their teachers to fully keep motivated. One of which is the RPMS or the Results based Performance Management wherein teachers are being assessed by their school heads through different aspects. BANTULA awarding system in the field of education in the Division of Bukidnon is another way of developing the skills and abilities of the teachers wherein I can see this as an excellent device in motivation because deserving school heads and teachers are being acknowledged publicly. Promotion is one way of encouraging the employee to do their best on their job.

the company’s outstanding common shares, post-IPO. Of the firm shares, 430 million are new shares forming the primary tranche, while 75 million are existing shares forming the secondary tranche. The 75 million shares from the greenshoe will be from existing shareholders. The IPO will be priced at up to P6.56 per share.

BDO Capital will serve as the sole issue manager for CLI’s stock market debut.

Joint lead underwriters and joint bookrunners are BDO Capital and BPI Capital.

CLI is the first Cebubased real estate developer to apply for an IPO and the leading local real estate developer in the Metro Cebu residential condominium arena. It accounts for 11 per cent market share of the total supply of residential condominium units in Metro Cebu, second only to Ayala Land, according to a market study by CBRE

My Teacher, My Hero

By Susan M. Ermac, T-I

The most respected profession in the world is Teacher.

He is a model and is consciously imitated. According to Panda and Mohanty, (2003) the teacher is the pivot of any education system. In fact, teachers are the strength of a nation. Teachers develop performance style characteristics to their ways of relating to the world, perceptually as well as cognitively. A person is, therefore, likely to act in a way that maximizes the use of his aptitudes.

Similarly, teacher’s positive attitude towards teaching and higher aspiration level determines his positive perception of the environments.

It is universally recognized that teachers’ instructional performance plays a key role in students’ learning and academic achievement

(Panda and Mohanty, 2003).

They work beyond the call of duties and even bring papers to check and record at home. They most of the time forget to be with their family during outings and important gatherings just to perform first their jobs.

But sometimes it is so unfair to teachers who are not respected by their pupils and even the community people. Many of them do not give value to teachers anymore. They forget the polite expressions and even a simple smile upon meeting their kids’ teacher.

These things bothered me for sometimes .I often ask myself if what is now the role of the new generation’s teacher to this pupils? Can we able to make a difference and touch their lives? Or we will never care for them anymore.

Parental Role for Child’s Misbehavior

By Linda A. Herbieto,Teacher III Salawagan National High School

“I value self-discipline, but creating systems that make it next to impossible to misbehave is more reliable than self-control”, says Tim Ferris.

Misbehavior of a child is the most common problem of the parents nowadays, some might say that they that disciplined is the best way to correct the behavior of a child but discipline means a lot of things. Let’s have the dictionary defines discipline as punishment inflicted by way of correction and training. But nowadays punishing

a child is prohibited by the law you can be imprison for punishing a child.

What’s the parent supposed to do if the kid is going crazy and won’t listen? A small smack or a spanking seems only appropriate. If you slap them across the face, or punch them it’s a different story.

Hitting your children can cause them to misbehave and eventually start hitting other kids, thinking it’s just okay.

As a child i was hit for my misbehavior and it caused my mother abusing me. Hitting your children can easily get

carried away.

Abuse is different from discipline. There are abusive parents out there that strongly believe they’re doing the right thing by beating up their child, but other parents are very good at disciplining their children without having flared up.

Some kids nowadays don’t respect their elders and misbehave. A slap on the hand or small spanking can always straighten any children who misbehave. “Action speaks louder than words”, as long you do not go too far as to beat the kids because punishment should be a small

spanking or slap on the hand. It is the reason why people are against physical punishment, because they tend to get carried away.

A slap on the hand or small spanking is not considered (in my opinion) a beating, but more of a lesson that the child learns doing what right than wrong.

Parents out there like as I am, let’s not be weary in well doing for in due season we’ll reap all those good seed we’ve sown if we never faint we could reap the fruit of our labor as promised by the heavenly father- the parent of us all!

Cultivating the Habit on Reading

By Edna Cepeda Tanugan Salawagan National High School

“Reading aloud with children is a component to language development and is one of the most important activities for preparing them to succeed”-anonymous That’s true just by reading we can travel around the world. But let’s define first the word reading. The dictionary defines reading as an instance or occasion in which a text or other matter is read or performed, usually without elaborate preparation and often as a means of testing

its merits.

As a teacher I can say that reading is important it expands the knowledge we possessed.

But nowadays, it’s hard to find time due to social Medias and computer games enticement which most of us tempted not knowing that life is too short to waste. Let me share some simple yet tried tactics for students to have an interest in reading: 1. Encourage them to and show them you’re reading too.

2. Share your reading experiences. As a teacher, I regularly

told my students what I’m reading.

3. Read daily and always carry a book.

5. Keep a list of all the great books you want to read.

6. Find a quiet place.

7. Reduce television/Internet.

8. Make it a pleasurable.

Make your reading time your favorite time of the day.

9. Have a reading hour or reading day.

10. And remember the more you read the more things you will know.

I’ve tried the foregoing and

it brings inexpressible joy to me. You may just check this out whenever you’re in doubt.

“If you only read the book that everyone else is reading, you can only think what everyone else is thinking”.

Says the Japanese novelist Haruki Murakami

Philippines (now Santos Knight Frank).

In just 13 years, Cebu Landmasters has diversified from the residential segment into commercial, hospitality, industrial and mixed-use product offerings further distinguishing it from other VisMin real estate players. CLI president and CEO Jose Soberano III observed: “We will use our flexibility to create new developments in the cities of Davao, Cagayan de Oro, Dumaguete, Bacolod, Iloilo and new Cebu locations.

These projects will maximize the demand and supply indicators in each location with the best uses for each site.”

In highly urbanized areas exhibiting strong sustained growth like the booming Cebu I.T. Park, for instance, it will offer a high-end New York inspired residential development masterplanned by global designers to be part of a mixed-use hub with a retail plaza, park and a future office component.

In rapidly urbanizing cities like Davao and Cagayan de Oro, it will offer mid-market residential condominiums that meet the needs, aspirations and price points of BPO and other employees as well as those of OFWs. In fact, the first phase of its Cagayan de Oro project sold out in less than a year.

Meanwhile, in the socalled Next Wave Cities

like Dumaguete, Iloilo and Bacolod where BPO firms are locating and fueling the economy together with OFW remittances, it will offer its economic housing brand known for its generous amenities and ideal location.

In 2016, Cebu Landmasters generated revenues of P2.17 billion and net profits of P702 million. Its recent projects include residential condominiums Mives a Garden Residences and Midori Residences identified

by CBRE as the top-selling projects in Metro Cebu. It also sold office projects and partnered with The Ascott Limited to develop Citadines Cebu City to open by 2019 with 180 serviced apartments.

CLI has also built its track record on projects that offer exceptional values to clients. Soberano explained that its being a homegrown company allows it to tap the best suppliers and best deals in VisMin locations and to pass on the savings to customers. “Being value-focused Visayans ourselves, we have a good idea of the kind of spaces clients appreciate and how much they will willingly pay for them.” CLI is set to continue its hands-on approach and maximize its knowledge of the local market to achieve high client satisfaction scores across VisMin, he emphasized.

Intramural Sports

By Cynthia T. Niala Cabuluhan-Paradise National High School-Annex

Every year, our school Cabulohan- Paradise National High School- Annex celebrates its annual Intramurals in which all the students from Grade 7 to Grade 11 are grouped. This yearly activity is exciting for the students because they will have break on studying and focus even just for two days.

The purpose of Intramural sports is to provide all students an opportunity for participation in recreational sports. Intramural sports are one of the most popular activities on campus and are recognized by students, faculty, and alumni as an integral part of campus life.

It provides friendly competition, exercise, recreation, and is an enjoyable outlet for all the participants.

This sports activity will be the application of knowledge and skills learned during

the lower years in Physical Education. This occasion is not only to show how an individual perform as a player but also how they work as a team.

The emphasis is on fun, not competition. Winning is not the primary goal but rather, the opportunity to exercise, develop leadership skills, experience camaraderie, meet new people, and learn a life-long activity, are the greatest rewards of intramural sports.

The primary purpose of this activity is to scout potential players/students to represent in the higher meet. This will pose a big challenge for these students to nurture their talents particularly in sports. The said program also aims to develop their social well-being to be productive in their own ways in school and community.

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Wednesday, February 22, 2017

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A6

Education

Wednesday, February 22, 2017

Baungon District holds Metrobank Math Challenge eliminations

By Ma. Arlyn G. Vergara Teacher I, Baungon National High School

BAUNGON, BUKIDNON – The Department of Education of Baungon District held the elimination round for Secondary Level of the 2017 Metrobank MTAP DepEd Math Challenge on February 17, this year.

The two-hour (9:3011:30) writing contest took place at the Testing Center of Baungon National High School. Mr. Charles T. Mahistrado, District Supervisor

of Baungon District and Mr. Teodoro P. Casiano, School Principal of Baungon National High School, conducted the elimination round.

Participants to the Mat c h C h a l l e n g e c am e f rom B aungon National High School Main Campus, and Baungon National High School Danatag Annex of Danatag, Baungon, Bukidnon.

The results showed the

qualifiers coming from Grade 7 of Baungon NHS Main; Grade 8 of Baungon NHS Main; Grade 9 of Baungon NHS Main; and Grade 10 of Baungon NHS Danatag Annex.

This annual project is conducted by the Metrobank Foundation, Inc., in partnership with the Mathematics Teachers Association of the Philippines (MTAP) and the Department of Education (DepEd). to provide students the opportunity

to hone their mathematical skills in an atmosphere of friendly competition.

The project’s aim is noble since it seeks to contribute in improving the quality of mathematics education in our country. It aims to awaken greater interest in Mathematics among elementary and high school students in both private and public schools; encourage students to strive for excellence in Mathematics; encourage mastery of basic mathematical skills;

INNOVATIVE TEACHING STRATEGIES ENHANCING THE READING READINESS SKILLS

By Lelybeth M. Paguta- Teacher I Zubiri Village Elementary School Quezon I District

Literacy is the manipulation of thoughts and language to express ideas. It helps to build an understanding of various texts, people and situations, and promotes selfempowerment. Unfortunately, at a time when the ability to read and write is becoming imperative in order to contribute actively to society, many children do not have ac-

cess to education. Skills in reading enable learners to benefit from educational activities, and to participate fully in the social and economic activities in which they take part. In addition, reading is fundamental to progress and success in all other school subjects.

Reading development involves the participation of children, parents, educators and the community as

a whole. It is manual was developed to assist teachers in teaching reading in Grade II pupils. It is intended to help teachers create an educational vision for ensuring reading abilities and develop an educational philosophy based on this vision. It is a philosophy should ultimately assist in the development of the scope and sequence of reading strategies used in the classroom.

Being a teacher of primary grade for almost 13

years, I strongly believed that despite of factors affecting reading readiness, there is still a hope to cope those pupils who are late bloomers in their times. Innovative teaching strategies and different techniques could still be a pilot towards learning development of a child.

However, dedication, love, patience and understanding are part and parcel to achieve the aim in moulding a child from nothing to a wholesome.

Teacher’s Reflection: Conducts Integrity Management Program

By Marissa T. Mondigo, Teacher I Old Damulog National High School Damulog, Bukidnon

A simple reflection on the Conduct of Integrity Management Program Seminar for teachers at Damulog District from Elementary and Secondary Level recently, where teachers have interests to connect the topic focuses the impact on individuals’ perspective towards life of being a public servant. It shows moral aspects leading the chances of evaluating how

is the real situation of teachers upon looking the advantages in the use of technology as innovation in reaching the goal of its implementation. Moral Recovery Program specifies the current events that have enunciated the need for moral and spiritual values.

The emphasis of moral standards as we set for ourselves and try to make the right choices and live a more

moral life becomes alluring to everyone. Treating people as special in accordance to his capacity in making life easy to manage where what is essential in the reality on individuals’ satisfaction. Hence, the reaction is unrestricted to adhere but sometimes it would be misconstrued to anyone whose struggle is enough for the understanding of different level.

Teaching is really a mess that emancipates the stage where experiences applauded

to a craze state depending on its belief of the so-called moral standards. The individuals’ apprehension perhaps is the proof on spreading over unenthusiastic pretentions on its approach pleading to consciousness regarding on actions because of moral standards.

Well, the importance of integrity is: Establish accountability: Set personal standards that states “If you don’t stand for something, you will fail anything.”

Reading- A tool to improve 0ne’s knowledge

By Linda A. Herbieto,Teacher III Salawagan National High School

Reading not only has tremendous power when it comes to fueling the development of all aspects of language ability, its importance to the entirety of a human life in this day and age really can’t be overstated. To help underscore this point, we initiate something to showcase on the power and importance of literacy. Cut yourself a big piece of cake and read along with me…

Reading is so important to motivate child interest in

learning and to make studies more meaningful to him.

Reading means a lot of things and it has purposes. Maybe it’s for learning or it just for fun, but there’s a hindrance for the child to learn the socalled those who belonged to illiteracy sector.

In Pag-asa Elementary School where I’m assigned these days, the illiteracy of the pupils is identified as the main problem when I came here, because school facilities were not yet really provided. No

enough reading materials, like books, internet or something that could improve reading ability, so in order to help us as well as our stakeholders tugging an idea to have 10 minutes a day and it is called “KAPWA KO TURUAN KO”. The Pag-asa Teachers established a group consisting of good readers and higher grade pupils or in other words little teachers.

The aim of this program is to improve the reading ability of our school learners and to help reducing the number of illiterate pupils. This also promotes good relationship

among pupils by instilling the values of friendship and using spare time wisely. So that they’ll know that time is very important and not ought to waste in this age. Pupils listens well every advice you’re giving to them. In other words this is the molding point of an individual.

And to correct their behavior the reason why the pupils cannot cope up easily with the topics being discussed by teacher it’s not because they are stupid it’s because of their behavior that makes them dull.

Malaise of Absenteeism

By Edna Cepeda Tanugan Salawagan National High School

“Bear in mind that the wonderful things you learn in your schools are the work of many generations, produced by enthusiastic effort and infinite labor in every country of the world. All this is put into your hands as your inheritance in order that you may receive it, honor it, add to it, and one day faithfully hand it to your children. Thus do we mortals achieve immortality in the permanent things which we

create in common” - Albert Einstein We all know that the most common problem in school nowadays and even in the offices is the increasing case of absenteeism or habitual pattern of absence from a duty or obligation. Absenteeism can lead to a Poor Academic Progress as to study conducted. Students’ absenteeism may result in poor academic achievement because were not able to receive instruction on a consecutive basis.

Causes low standardized test scores because absent students are not present to learn key concepts and skills that are assessed on standardized exams and this can lead to disinterest in school and eventually dropping out of school, which can lead to lower average incomes, higher incidences of unemployment, and a higher likelihood of incarceration in poverty.

Those drop outs of school face a higher risk of poverty because of their inability to secure quality paying employ-

ment due to their lack of education and more likely to commit criminal activity. This merits an in-depth investigation by both parents and school authorities to eradicate the problem of absenteeism.

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discover mathematical talents among elementary and high school students; and; provide students opportunities in leadership and cooperative undertaking. Cash prizes, trophies and recognition await both the contestants and the coaches in this event.

The competition strict-

ly covers the current and approved DepEd K to 12 Education Curriculum for Elementary and Secondary, per grade level. For schools with enhanced or modified curriculum, an approved equivalent DepEd certification will be required for submission.

The Preschool Teachers

By Susan M. Ermac, T-I

The preschool teachers are known to be the best mentors in the Department of Education because they are the one who molded future leaders and good citizens of the nation. Preschool teachers play a very important role for a successful learning experience. It is the child’s first experience ought to foster lifelong love of learning, and generally a sense of achievement. They have the role of nurturing and communicating the learners, facilitating, planning and evaluating the entire lessons.

Since teaching the kids in this early age should be fun and active the teachers must use varied strategies that are in the form of play. This ability should include the roles that teacher are practicing not only for benefit of the children but also for teach-

ers to be assessed in their roles. This will develop all the domains of the learners like the socio-emotional, fine and gross motor domain, receptive language skills and cognitive domains. Teaching the preschoolers is a very challenging task. It involves the value of nurturing young yet innocent learners and the value of perseverance and endurance of the teachers.

(Sarmiento, 2012) They must be a graduate of Early Childhood Education or have 18 units in ECE or Preschool Education. A thorough screening of kindergarten teacher’s applications and documents are necessary before hiring them into a permanent positions.

Preschool teachers need to be aware of the current trends in the preschool education to be updated and cope with the changing curriculum.

Favoritism...such an awful practice

By IRENE JANOBAS

Leaders who practice favoritism in the workplace have no chance to build a culture of trust. (Anonymous) Having favorites is normal but to display this practice in a certain organizations or in a working place however leads to unhealthy working environment. Sometimes by having this apple of our eyes is unavoidable. People tend to like someone if that person portrays traits that are likeable, that favorite person we used to admire are usually good looking, intelligent, or has a good character . Same as managers like his employee who possessed good characters, or those who perform well on his job. But to display it publicly make some em-

ployers feel that the level of loyalty, morale, trust and commitment of friends or relatives they hire is higher compared to others in the workplace.

Unfortunately, nepotism or favoritism allows rules to be broken and can lead to a chaotic situation for leaders.

As a good leader you must not play favoritism. Playing favorites is one of the most damaging problems in any group of people. In schools, we teach that the antidote for playing favorites is to treat everyone the same way. But this is a trap that can cause problems because it ignores the simple fact that all people are Instead of playing favoritism, fair performance recognition must be given to employees who deserve it.

Fitness and Health

By Cynthia T. Niala Cabuluhan-Paradise National High School-Annex

A wealth without health is nothing. Being healthy and fit in simple terms means taking good care of the body.

We should remember that a healthy mind resides only in a healthy body. Good health of both mind and body helps one maintain the required energy level to achieve success in life.

Protecting your body from the intake of harmful substances, doing regular exercise, having proper food and sleep are some of the important instances that define a healthy lifestyle. Being fit allows us to perform our school, home, church, and community activities without being lethargic, restless or tired.

Generally, a healthy diet consist of taking a proper and healthy food which includes eating green and fresh vegetables, fruits, milk,

eggs, minerals, proteins, and vitamins essential for a human’s lifestyle. Being healthy is not only related to the physical well-being of a person, it also involves the mental stability or the internal peace of a person.

Healthy habits improve your physical appearance, mental stability, ability to perform activities in better way, which help you lead a stress free lifestyle, maintaining happy moods, high energy levels, etc. Each individual should take one’s health on priority. So, no single day should be skipped for making efforts on maintaining physical and mental fitness. Being happy is directly related to boosting your mental strength and health, so happiness can be considered as the result as well as the part of a healthy and fit lifestyle.

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Access...

don’t see any reason why we should not provide it,” he from page A1 added. (Karen Lou Delosoof the government’s sup- PIO DavOr) port for this project as it has made a lot of difference in the lives of the staff from page A1 especially the children,” blueprint of the Mindanao said School Principal Mary Development Plan, whereAnn Juezan, noting that the in enhanced connectivchildren now will not have ity is identified as a major to run outside the school enabling factor to boost premises to get water as economic and investment there is already water run- potentials. ning through the school’s The team said the study is part of the program’s faucets.

Teacher Anifel Lingatong thrust to provide technisaid access to water is one cal assistance to enhance of the many pressing chal- viability of infrastructure lenges in their area which programs. They said that the government has been they are eyeing strategic areas potential for the deaddressing.

“For more than thirty velopment of airports and years of existence of this seaports that are touted to school, it has never ex- advance Mindanao’s trade perienced an easy way of and economic growth. The getting water. It was never team said that conducting easy for our pupils to fetch this study would help the and carry pails and gallons government strategize and of water, climbing up and prioritize projects in order down to where the water to make sure that its investpump is located,” she said, ments would not go down saying that children have the drain. experienced a hard time Presenting the policy getting water as they have directions of the Provincial to fetch water in a pump Government, Provincial located in a sloped area, Planning and Development which exposes children to Coordinator Freddie C. accidents. “There’s an un- Bendulo showed the procontainable joy in our hearts posed plans of the provbecause of this blessing that ince to build ports as well we received now,” she said. as roads that will greatly The project, which was support the development completed only less than a of the province’s economic year from the time when the and tourism industries. teachers requested it from “Davao Oriental, as the governor, will serve not part of the Southeastern only the school but also the Mindanao Corridor, has nearby community as a new an immense potential to hand-operated water pump contribute in the overall has also been installed for development of Mindanao,” the residents’ use, “Even a he said. five-year old can pump out Ednar G. Dayanghirang, water from it as it quickly Chief of Staff at the Propumps out enough water vincial Governor’s Office, without exerting much ef- emphasized the need for infrastructure developfort,” she said.

Governor Nelson L. ment not only in the town Dayanghirang, who turned centers but as well as the over the project said it is a hinterlands. He suggested testament of the Provincial putting up more farm-toGovernment’s genuine ser- market roads to help the vice for the people. “This marginalized communities project hopes to address in the upland villagesin the school’s urgent need transporting their goods. which is water,” he said. He considered these For the Governor, it is the roads as crucial to these government’s responsibility far-flung villages as it would to identify the gaps of the help cut the expensive transcommunities that needs portation cost. “We are an agricultural province and urgent interventions.

He also encouraged the most of our constituents Local Government Unit of are farmers living in upland the Barangay to come up villages. I think we should with a sound Barangay De- also focus of putting up velopment Plan to identify investments in these marthe gaps and interventions ginalized areas,” he said, in the different sectors in saying the strategy would the community. “If the pro- not only help curb poverty posed project is feasible and but would also decrease the will benefit the majority, I incidence of insurgency.

Contribute...

Wednesday, February 22, 2017 He also suggested the inclusion of ancestral domains in the infrastructure development plan as these areas are usually located farthest from the town centers and often requires more support in terms of development.

Governor Nelson L. Dayanghirang stressed the province’s need to further develop the province’s tourism value-chain to support the already established worldclass tourism destinations.

He said that tapping funding support from agencies to put up key infrastructure facilities will help the province prop up its emerging tourism industry, thus, providing livelihoods and incomes to the province’s poor constituents. (Karen Deloso/PIO DavOr)

Meeting... from page A1

have gained a significant stride on how to move the process forward to be able to meet the April 2017 deadline.” Bello bared the positive results of the meeting yesterday.

“Our workers in their individual roles as active agents in an ever-growing economic, socio-cultural and political community, give ASEAN integration a human face.” Sec. Bello said in his speech.

The Labor Ministers Retreat is one of the activities being hosted by the Philippines, being the Chairman of ASEAN 2017 summit.

(PIA/RG Alama)

Migrant... from page A2

ministers to be on the mindset to complete the task to implement the declaration, which will be signed on April 2 during the Senior Officials’ meeting.

“Out of mutual respect, we always agree by consensus. And once a consensus is reached, we ethically bind

ourselves to implement an agreed set of commitments,” he said.

The labor ministers will be submitting the instrument to the ASEAN Committee on the Implementation of the ASEAN Declaration on the Protection and Promotion of the Rights of Migrant Workers (ACMW) as an output and hopefully implement in full during the Leaders Summit in April.

Bello pointed out that the instrument would serve as guide, an instrument of change that is a product of consensus and years of consultation.

“This will be a living document which will be continuously improved in future meetings,” he said.

Bello offered the Philippines’ assurance to bring the instrument closer to its realization. (PNA)

Favor... from page A2

Australian SMEs need, such as the ability to speak in English fluently,” Ross and O’Hagan added.

Meanwhile, offshoring to the Philippines also gives Australian firms huge savings, which the authors approximated to be around 70 percent in terms of labor costs.

Based on their estimates, median labor rates in the Philippines for call center type of work is about eight times lower than in Australia.

“While BPO rates are confidential and vary depending on client requirements and the employee’s role and experience, evidence from this research suggests that the full cost of an administrative or customer service worker would be around AUD 15,000 to AUD 20,000 per year, less than half of the Australian salary for an equivalent job,” they explained.

However, despite these advantages, the authors cited a number of challenges that

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the Philippine BPO sector needs to address. Government red tape, conflicting government requirements, poor infrastructure, traffic congestion, expensive and unreliable utilities, and biased adjudication of labor cases are among the red flags identified by the authors.

“Many respondents said incorporating a subsidiary in the Philippines takes a lot longer than the target period of government agencies. They further spend a long time queuing in government offices to get recurring requirements approved. Many respondents also expressed disapproval about the overlapping and sometimes conflicting requirements from different levels of government,” the PIDS study stated.

The lack of transport infrastructure and the high traffic congestion can also discourage potential investors in the Philippines. The study noted that commuting around Metro Manila is time consuming, with many workers spending three to four hours per day traveling to and from their workplace.

On top of these, utilities in the Philippines are expensive and not always reliable, according to Ross and O’Hagan. They noted that most BPOs in Metro Manila have to operate with back-up electricity generators to cover breaks in the electricity supply. They added that firms also pay higher Internet and electricity fees relative to what they would pay for similar services in Australia.

Another stumbling block identified by the study is the extensive labor law provisions in the Philippines that are strictly enforced in the BPO sector. They noted that adjudication of some labor

A7

cases tends to be biased in favor of employees.

In conclusion, Ross and O’Hagan said Australian firms represent an important and growing BPO market for the Philippines. Specifically, they noted that the Australian small and medium enterprise (SME) sector provides a relatively large market for the kind of micro-offshoring services being offered by Philippine BPOs. “Australia has a dynamic and highly competitive SME sector, which comprises 99 percent of their businesses.

This sector likewise employs the highest percentage of Australian workforce at 70 percent. Specifically, the small business sector, or firms that have less than 20 workers, employs almost half of the workforce,” the PIDS study stated.

Turns... from page A2

facility with its proximity to the market.

Modernizing the Port of Sasa is equally important as this will encourage players to be more competitive, he said.

Services at the port are increasing and this can be gauged by the increasing volume of cargoes that they are handling.

According to him, there is a continuing demand of cargo handling services where many of their clients based in Manila also look for hauling trucks and warehouse.

The growth of the economy here, he said, is showing an uptrend due to the interest of businesses to locate in the south.

President Rodrigo Duterte’s programs on peace and order and maintaining stability in the area attracted investors. (PNA)

MINDANAO DAILY BUSINESS | ARTS & CULTURE | HEALTH TRAVEL & TOURISM | PEOPLE | REALTY | EVENTS

EDITOR : MARK FRANCISCO

Wednesday

lifestyle February 22, 2017

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Travel Updates:

WHEN IS THE BEST TIME TO PURCHASE FLIGHT TICKETS?

By Gean T. Cesar

Summer is just a month away….and taking a summer vacation is almost always a must for anyone. Who would not want to bask in the sun in your Instagramready swimwear or show off another OOTD (outfit of the day)? And flying out to our international favorite destination has become so much easier and affordable now- thanks to regular flight promos. But many travelers still wonder- when is the best time to book international flights and domestic flights?

Not everyone will have the luxury to have access to Pisofares, low fares and credit cards. As practice, many book their flights months ahead.

Others a year before- others a month before the scheduled flight. Both end up paying the same amount. So is there an

unknown trick to this? Let’s check what various travel websites tell us!

CHEAPOAIR: For domestic flights, indicates that 54 days in advance is, on average, the best time to buy. But for international flights, the data is different. Central and South America show the best time to buy at 70 days out from travel dates, which is closest to the domestic 54 day average.

Canada and Mexico are also similar to the U.S. market, with 75 days out being the optimal time to purchase airfare to either of our closest neighbors, on average. The best fares to Europe can be found at 4 months out (120 days), and Asian destinations come in at 160 days from travel dates.

From here, there’s a jump to 215 days for the Middle East and Africa and then a bump to nearly one year to secure the best fares for the Caribbean

(320 days) and Australasia/ South Pacific (320 days).

FARECOMPARE: Check out what farecompare has to say: • Cheapest days: The cheapest days to fly are Tuesdays, Wednesday, Saturdays.

• Expensive days: The most expensive days to fly are Fridays and Sundays.

• Cheapest times: Fly when most people don’t want to including flights at dawn, red-eyes (overnight flights) and flights around the lunch and dinner hour.

When to begin shopping and when to wrap up your purchase.

• B e s t d ay t o s h o p : FareCompare’s data shows that best time to book a flight in the U.S. is Tuesday at 3 p.m. eastern time. Many airlines release weekly sales late Monday or early Tuesday and by mid-afternoon, the competing airlines have matched the lower prices (so they don’t end up on page 30 of a shopper’s search query). In other words, this is usually the time when you’ll have the most deals to choose from.

• When to start and finish shopping: Shop too late and you may be hit with the steep last-minute fares business travelers get but shopping too early can also cost more. These

are the shopping windows for the best-priced fares. o International fares: Shop between 5 ½ months and 1 ½ months before departure. o Peak travel: During peak seasons such as June, July and August or the December holidays, purchase tickets two months in advance.

SKYSCANNER: One last tip for getting the best deals on flights is to set up a price alert so that you’ll get alerted as soon as the price changes.

We rounded up known travel bloggers and here’s what they can suggest: • Monica Stott of Thetravelhack.com fame recommends: “Be flexible! When booking search the ‘whole month’ rather than a specific date and you will find the cost of the flights for every day that month. You might be surprised how much you can save by flying out a

day earlier.”

• Flash Anthology’s Alice Tate advises: “My top savvy nuggets are to search by ‘Cheapest Month’ to get an idea of prices through the year. And as I tend to go at weekends and like to fly late on Friday night, I always use the sliders to make sure I’m only looking at Friday night flights rather than all day - it really does a great job of refining the search.”

• Vicky Philpott, from VickyFlipFlopTravels.com explains: “The cheapest flight isn’t always the best value.

Explore a few options to see whether baggage is built in, if food on board is included, whether they have free Wi-Fi and if the timings match with your local transport links.

They can end up being a false economy if you don’t do your research.”

While I do a lot of browsing months before my scheduled date of travel, I seem to notice that websites can track your browsing movements or history- which will direct me to fare price that are notably higher. I learned to switch to “incognito mode” in my browsing and yes I could see a much different search result!

Anyhow, 3-6 months from your travel date is the best time for me (for international flights). For domestic flight, it can vary. While it’s true that it can be cheaper months ahead, but I was able to book several domestic flights a week before my scheduled flight, and I still get low price. What’s important is you browse regularly months ahead. Have your cash or credit card ready. So by the time you see the best price within your budget, don’t wait for another day to purchase it!

Destined to Be Yours charms viewers

Love is truly in the air this February as GMA Network brings forth its newest and highly anticipated primetime soap, Destined To Be Yours, headlined by the phenomenal love team of Alden Richards and Maine Mendoza. The series will have its worldwide premiere on February 27.

Destined To Be Yours will captivate viewers with the enthralling romance of Benjie Rosales (Alden) and Sinag Obispo (Maine) set in a charming and picturesque town where anything, especially destiny, is a possibility.

It is a beautiful tale that encapsulates the value of standing by what you believe in, the joy of belonging in a family, and the splendour of finding someone who loves you for you.

A talented and happygo-lucky architecture graduate, Benjie is determined to prove and make a name for himself by successfully heading a big construction project in the mountains of Pelangi. Fate would eventually work its magic when he

crosses paths and falls in love with the province radio jock, Sinag, a beautiful and sensible woman who deeply cares for her family, the environment and the community she belongs to. But what happens when their contradicting values and duties to their families get in their way? Will love still find a way to prevail?

Joining them are respected TV and movie actors and actresses: Boots Anson Roa is Helen Rosales, Vicente’s understanding wife and Benjie’s adoring grandmother. Lotlot De Leon is Amanda Rosales, the loving and affectionate mother of Benjie. Gardo Versoza is Teddy Obispo, the husband of Sally and a devoted father to Sinag.

Tommy Abuel is Vicente Rosales, Benjie’s grandfather who owns one of the biggest real estate companies in the country. Ronnie Henares is Dante Escobar, the corrupt mayor of Pelangi and the father of Marjorie. Ina Feleo is Catalina Rosales, the daughter of Vicente and

Helen who will try to bring down Benjie. Sheena Halili is Ninay, the town gossip and Sinag’s closest childhood friend. Dominic Roco is Jason, Benjie’s college best friend who volunteers to help and come with him to the province of Pelangi.Juancho Trivino is Badong, another childhood best friend of Sinag who is also secretly in love with her. RJ Padilla is Arman, Badong’s outgoing friend who secretly has feelings for Ninay. Koreen Medina is Marjorie Escobar, the daughter of the richest family in Pelangi who later on falls for Benjie.

This romantic series also features the return of Ms. Janice de Belen to GMA. She breathes life to the character of Sally Obispo, the cheerful, modern, and quirky mother of Sinag who loves painting and psychic reading.

Helmed by director Irene Villamor with the creative team composed of creative director Roy Iglesias, creative block heads Richard ‘Dode’ Cruz and Suzette Doctolero, head writer Des

Garbes-Severino, writers Renato Custodio Jr., Kutz Enriquez and Evie Macapugay and brainstormers Paul Sta. Ana, Tina Velasco and Erwin Bravo; Destined To Be Yours is a spectacle that delivers heart-skipping romance that will make its viewers believe in the power of love, each and every time.

This original drama series is created by the GMA Drama group under the supervision of Senior Vice President for Entertainment TV Lilybeth G. Rasonable, Vice President for Drama Redgie A. Magno, Assistant Vice President for Drama Cheryl Ching-Sy, Program Manager Camille HermosoHafezan and Executive Producer Rebya Upalda.

Don’t miss the muchawaited premiere of Destined To Be Yours beginning February 27, Mondays to Fridays after Encantadia on GMA Telebabad.

Get the latest updates about Destined To Be Yours from the official Facebook page of GMA Drama www. twitter account @GMADra- website www.GMANetwork. facebook.com/GMADrama, ma and the GMA Network com, PR