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. 226
Website: www.mindanaodailynews.com
Tuesday
February 28, 2017
P15.00
CLAVER COAST. An aerial view of dump trucks and backhoe equipment in a reclaimed shoreline side by side with stockpiles of iron ore mined from the mountains of Claver in Surigao del Norte. Photo credit: Mindanao Interfaith Institute on Lumad Studies
‘STILL POOR’ IBON: Regions with biggest mining activities among the poorest
CONTRARY to claims that closing down mining operations will worsen poverty, research group IBON said that large-scale mining activities impact heavily on marginalized sectors and intensify poverty. The group also said that the mining sector’s exportoriented character further deprived communities by taking away potential resources for local development. The Employers’ Confederation of the Philippines (ECOP) said that the crackdown on mining would lead to ‘expansive poverty’ and hurt economic growth. This was in response to the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) head Regina Lopez’s recent orders to close and suspend some mining operations and cancel 75 mining contracts. According to a study by IBON, however, mineral extraction and production often incur significant social and environmental costs which in fact fall disproportionately on the poor. In 2009, it said mining had the highest poverty incidence among industry groups at 48.71%. This was the highest poverty incidence since 1988, even surpassing
Quick facts
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Poverty incidence among individuals in Caraga (Region XIII) is the second highest in the country at 39.1 percent. The Eastern Visayas (Region VIII) posted the third highest poverty incidence at 38.7% followed by Soccsksargen (Region XII) at 37.3%, Bicol (Region V) at 36.0% and Zamboanga Peninsula (Region IX) at 33.9 percent...
See poor, page 7
CBCP civic arm backs Lopez’s confirmation as DENR chief 4 3
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Island in peril. Beautiful white island of Alingkakajaw in Hayanggabon, Claver,
Surigao del Norte is in danger because of the siltation problem wrought by mining companies in the area. This photo was taken on February 20, 2017. MindaNews photo by Roel N. Catoto
Transport strike vs jeepney phaseout paralyzes Cagayan de Oro, Iligan City 4 3
MINDANAO DAILY SECOND FRONTPAGE mark francisco, Section Editor EDITOR: RUEL V. PELONE
Tuesday
AFP verifying ASG beheading THE Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) on Sunday announced it is still verifying reports that the Abu Sayyaf Group (ASG) had carried out its threat to behead German hostage Juergen Kantner. “There was an unconfirmed report that the German kidnap victim Mr. Kantner was beheaded by the ASG. But we are still validating this report,” AFP public affairs office chief Col. Edgard Arevalo said. The ASG earlier threatened to behead Kantner if the P30 million ransom they are demanding are not paid before 3 p.m. of Feb. 26.
“Our operating units on the ground are still on the ‘search and rescue’ mode,” he said. “Let us continue to pray that your AFP will be able to rescue the kidnap victims.” Presidential Peace Adviser Sec. Jesus Dureza also received the same reports about the alleged beheading by the Abu Sayyaf captors “but I need official AFP validation.” “Despite efforts exerted by groups and the security forces, I have received reports about the alleged beheading of a German kidnap victim in Sulu Sunday afternoon,” Dureza said in a statement. Dureza said Col. Cirilito Sobejana, Joint Sulu Task
Force commander, has informed by phone that as of 8:30 p.m. Sunday, “validation efforts of such report are still ongoing.” “In the meantime, the Armed Forces of the Philippines and other security forces are maintaining their “search and rescue posture” until all kidnap victims are freed,” Dureza said. Capt. Jo-ann Petinglay, Western Mindanao Command (Westmincom) information officer, added they cannot confirm the information. “There are information that is circulating, but we cannot confirm that and we cannot make any official statement regarding to that (information),” Petinglay
said. Information disclosed that Kantner was allegedly beheaded by the group of ASG sub-leader Muammar Askali alais Abu Rami around 3:30 p.m. Sunday in Sitio Talibang, Barangay Buanza, Indanan, Sulu. The group of Abu Rami has set the deadline until 3 p.m. Sunday to pay P30 million for the safe release of Kantner. The ASG seized Kantner off Tawi-Tawi in November last year as he and his wife Sabine Merz, were sailing aboard a yacht. The ASG killed Sabine when she reportedly put up a fight and her bullet-riddled body was found later on the yacht. (PNA)
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February 28, 2017
De Lima 100% safe in Crame, says Duterte By Cielito M. Reganit of PNA
President Rodrigo Duterte on Monday assured the safety of Sen. Leila de Lima in Camp Crame. “I assure that she is safe. I think people are interested not to see her dead but to see her in prison for what she did,” the President said during an ambush interview in Malacañang. De Lima is detained at the Philippine National Police (PNP) Custodial Center after a Muntinlupa Regional Trial Court issued an arrest warrant over one of the three drug-related cases filed against her. Duterte said the embattled senator is “100 percent safe” at the detention center amidst concern coming from De Lima’s camp over her safety. On De Lima’s case itself, the President declined to comment, saying that it is already up to the courts to
decide on the matter. “I would not want to comment on that because I think a case has been filed, a warrant has been issued. I would not want to violate the standard operating procedures in court. You are not supposed to be giving your opinion while the case is pending,” he said. “The court has taken jurisdiction. It is already the property of the court by virtue of a warrant,” Duterte said. Meanwhile, the President assured his critics See safe, page 7
Online hiring in PH grows by 6% Online hiring in the Philippines has gotten off to a positive start in 2017, as the country witnessed a 6% year-on-year growth in January. This is according to the latest Monster Employment Index (MEI), a monthly gauge of online job posting activity in the Philippines, recording the industries and occupations that show the highest and lowest growth in recruitment activity. The BPO/ITES sector reported the steepest growth in online hiring, witnessing 22% growth in activity between January 2016 and 2017. This was a 5% jump from 17% year-on-year recorded earlier in December, also the sector’s steepest growth recorded since May 2016. The Engineering, Construction and Real Estate sector reported the sharpest decline in online hiring activity at -6% year-on-year. When looking at occupational groups, Software, Hardware, Telecom roles took the lead in online demand, reporting 25% year-on-year growth in January. This was closely followed by Customer Service professionals, which saw 17% year-on-year growth in online hiring demand. Health Care professionals saw the greatest slump in online hiring, reporting a 4% year-on-year overall drop. “The positive annual growth in January’s online recruitment paints a rosy picture for the days ahead of Philippines’ hiring scene. Driven mostly by domestic demand, business outputs have remained stable or experienced some growth. As a result, businesses are keen to hire in the country. Many MNCs and local businesses have also chosen to set up in Philippines, and the demand for talent in the workforce is expected to see a spike across all levels,” said Sanjay Modi, Managing Director, Monster.com – APAC and Middle East. “Philippines’ quality BPO labour force and low labour costs have driven growth within the sector, leading to a strong domestic and international demand for employees in the space. The BFSI sector is expected to hire actively this quarter, partly due to the growth in compliance-related roles and investment banking, while the IT sector will continue to offer job opportunities in the social cloud and mobile space.”
BLIND MAN’S KEYBOARD. A blind man sings while playing the keyboard as by-standers spend time watching at the Mangagoy Public Market in Bislig Surigao del Sur on February 22, 2017. Photo by Jun Ayensa
EDSA @ 31
Was People Power for the people? It was touted around the world as one of the greatest events of the 20th century — a “bloodless revolt” by ordinary citizens, members of the clergy and a breakaway group of military men—which toppled the so-called, “dictatorship” of the late strongman Ferdinand E. Marcos. History books would record this as the “People Power Revolution of 1986” or “EDSA Revolution” owing
to the fact that a crowd did converge on that stretch of road between Camp Crame and Camp Aguinaldo. It is yet unclear how many actually attended or protested. Certainly, it was not reflective of the sentiment of the population in its entirety. What really drew people to go? What was the magic behind “EDSA?” For Emmanuel Garcia who was 36 at the time and working for an
insurance company, “The mood was different back then. I could not explain it. I took my wife with me simply because we were curious about what was going on.” Arturo Villarosa, a mechanic took the day off just to go to EDSA. He received a call on the landline that friends were going so he just went. “Sa amin ng barkada, parang See people, page 7
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Tuesday, February 28, 2017
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CBCP civic arm backs Lopez’s confirmation as DENR chief THE social advocacy, development and humanitarian arm of the Catholic Bishop s C on fe re n c e of the Philippines (CBCP) is pushing for the confirmation of Regina Paz Lopez as Secretary of the Department of Environment a n d Nat u r a l Resources (DENR). A c c ord i n g t o F r. Edwin Gariguez, Executive
Secretary, National Secretariat for Social Action (NASSA)/Caritas Philippines, the DENR head, since her appointment to the position, “has consistently displayed unshakable faithfulness to the mandate of the department and has shown profound understanding of integral and holistic approach to resource conservation and environmental management.” “She has introduced stronger biodiversity protection programs, increased emphasis and support for more sustainable projects like community-based ecotourism, and strengthened interagency collaboration
towards clean air, clean water and transformative climate change policies – all within the framework of genuine partnership with environmental NGOs, church, academe, youth, farmers and fisherfolks,” the Catholic priest said in a statement. Gariguez added, “She has courageously enforced the country’s environmental laws, often at great personal risk, not for ambition but for unwavering principle and commitment to the Filipino people. She revoked a number of deeply flawed extractive operations that already caused great suffering to poor communities.
As a result, the pressure to block her appointment and remove her from office has been mounting.” With this, he urged President Rodrigo Duterte to let Lopez stay as the head of the department since she support the people and environment. “It is in this light that we implore President Rodrigo Duterte to stand by his decision to appoint an environmental champion who has genuine care for the people and the environment,” said the (NASSA)/Caritas Philippines official. “Secretary Lopez’ presence at DENR portends the end of destructive practices
and heralds the beginning of more sustainable ways of utilizing our natural resources,” he added. Likewise, Gariguez asked the Commission on Appointments (CA) hear the voices of the people including various civil society groups and grassroots communities. “Further, we call on the members of the Commission on Appointment to demonstrate resolute leadership by striving to hear the earnest cries of the grassroots over the loud clamor of big mining companies,” he said. Gariguez added, “We urge them to protect See backs, page 7
Transport strike vs jeepney phaseout paralyzes Oro, Iligan
CAGAYAN de Oro City--Commuters desperate to reach their destination grabbed whatever ride was available on Monday as a transport strike mounted by jeepney operators and drivers nationwide crippled 70 percent of public transport here. Insp. Sebastian Chua Jr., chief of the Cagayan de Oro police traffic division said 70 percent of the jeepney drivers joined the strike against a government plan to modernize jeepneys by phasing out units older than 15 years. “The strike started early at 4 a.m. and by 730 a.m., 70 percent of the jeepneys did not go out on the streets,” Chua said. Striking drivers and operators set up several rally points at two road junctions in barangays Kauswagan and Lapasan to appeal to fellow drivers to join them. Maricel Rivera Casino, city information officer, said the city government fielded all vehicles from their City Disaster Risk Reduction Management Office to ferry stranded commuters. Seven Super 5 buses were also deployed to ferry commuters for free between barangays Bulua and Lapasan. Capt. Joe Patrick Martinez, spokesperson of the 4th Infantry Division said they fielded seven military trucks in Cagayan de Oro. In a meeting with Land Transportation Franchising Regulatory Board, Rey Sampico, vice president of the TIGIL PASADA. The Coalition of Lanao Utility Transport for Change (CLUTCH) join the nationwide transport operators and drivers group , STAREX-PISTON explained strike Monday (February 27, 2017) as public utility drivers gather at the highway in Tambo, Iligan City and a few that the drivers are not opposing the government plan other areas in the city. Transport groups are opposing the move to phase out old jeepney units and requiring a as long “as it is reasonable.” minimum of P7-million capital for an operator to go into the business with at least 10 units. Sampico said the plan which calls for the use MindaNews photo by Bobby Timonera
House scans Mindanao budget
THE House Committee on Mindanao Affairs has started scrutinizing the 2018 budget for Mindanao, as prepared by the different government departments, to ensure the region’s fiscal programs and requirements are complete prior to submission to the Department of Budget and Management (DBM). Rep. Maximo B. Rodriguez Jr. (2nd District, Cagayan de Oro City), committee chairman, said that each government agency should earmark at least 30 percent of its total budget for Mindanao. Rep. Alberto T. Ungab (3rd District, Davao City)
enjoined all government agencies to hold consultations at the grassroots level before coming up with their annual budgetary proposals. This will ensure proper identification and matching of the needs of the people on the ground. The committee has so far heard and assessed the presentations made by the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR), Department of Budget and Management (DBM), Department of Science and Technology (DOST), Department of Trade and Industry (DTI), and Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE)
on their proposed allocation for Mindanao next year. Representatives of the Department of Interior and Local Government (DILG) and Department of Tourism (DOT) said their respective departments are still in the process of finalizing the budget proposals for 2018 DOST Undersecretary for Regional Operations Brenda Nazareth Manzano informed the panel their 2018 proposed budget for Mindanao contains an 11-point agenda with a proposed budget of P2.198 billion. Of this amount, Manzano said P643.48 See BUDGET, page 7
See strike, page 7
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Tuesday, February 28, 2017
Opinion
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Daily Inspiration 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
Wear a big smile
“People seldom notice old clothes if you wear a big smile.” -Lee Milton What does a smile do? It welcomes, puts one at ease, speaks thoughts quietly, whispers gently, melts hard hearts, shows forgiveness, conveys encouraging messages, and connects strangers among other
AL JACINTO Regional Editor-WestMin
31st EDSA: Filipinos reject ‘people power’
RODRIGO B. SEVILLA Regional Editor-Davao
felix santillan ZELOUNE SUDARIA Layout Artist
JOE FELICILDA Editorial Consultant JOE PALABAO Feature Editor
ATTY. MARIO T. JUNI
NOTARY PUBLIC- JUNI LAW OFFICE CELL NO: 09352379999/ (088) 8573595 CRUZ TAAL ST., CAG. DE ORO CITY Legal Counsel ---------------------------------------------------------------
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Juvy Sarraga
Kakampi Mo Ang Batas
LIFE’S INSPIRATIONS: “… Your rulers are rebels, partners with thieves; they all love bribes and chase after gifts…” (Isaiah 1:23, WEMALYN GARCIA Rolando sudaria the Holy Bible). Marketing Production -ooomanila marketing office 31ST EDSA: FILIPI9th Flr, Unit 918, CityLand Herrera VA Rufino cor. Valero St. NOS REJECT “PEOPLE Salcedo Village, Makati City POWER”: The 31st comTEL. #: 5555392, Cell No.: 0977-152-8860 memoration of the first EDSA power grab Saturday, lani vallido MIJIE JUAT February 25, 2017, will Marketing and Sales MAY IGLECIAS forever haunt the Filipino Manager Account Executives nation. The activities that DAVAO booking OFFICE marked that 1986 event Door 223, Doña Segunda Bldg., CM Recto Ave., Davao City 31 years after it happened Office in Charge : SARA CASTOR, 0926-398-8293 clearly showed that those Circulation : JOHN PAUL AQUINO, 0907-331-5640 who supported---and who ILIGAN OFFICE continue to support---the G/F IBJT North Terminal, Tambo, Hinaplanon, Iligan City forces that toppled PresiOffice in Charge: SONNY SURDIA, 0916-349-7422 dent Marcos from power truly constituted only a minority of Filipinos, or EDITORIAL are continuing to dwindle ALLAN M. MEDIANTE in numbers. Editor-in-Chief Too, the 31st year commemoration of EDSA 1 ruel pelone CRIS DIAZ Managing Editor Executive Editor marked the first year that Filipinos dared to come CHENG ORDOÑEZ MARK FRANCISCO out and collectively express Associate Editor Lifestyle Editor their rejection of the people GILBERT Y. CHAO gerry lee gorit and the machinations be Motoring Editor Photo Journalist hind the so-called EDSA “people power revolution”, PAT SAMONTE CHRIS PANGANIBAN and to demonstrate instead Regional Editor Caraga Regional Editor-Davao their unwavering support Rene Michael BaÑos uRIEL C. QUILINGUING for a leader---President Regional Editor Northmin Contributing Editor melanie rivera SAIRA E. GUMISING Advertising
things. Given a genuinely friendly smile most people remember and appreciate such a smile far longer than they would a new outfit. Forget the new clothes. Be memorable. Every morning dress yourself with a friendly smile and watch your attitude match up beautifully.
Duterte---who has nothing but contempt for EDSA. Consider this: media reports say that early in the afternoon of Saturday, February 25, 2017, while there were already around 15,000 people massing up at the pro-Duterte rally at the Luneta Park in Manila, there were just around 2,000 or so people that had gathered at the EDSA People Power monument in Quezon City. And while around a million pro-Duterte supporters were recorded as having gathered in Manila as night descended over Manila Bay, the pro-EDSA rallyists managed to muster only about 5,000 (or even lesser) attendees in Quezon City. -oooSENATE CHIEF KOKO CALLED “ENEMY OF THE STATE”: I am sharing here some parts of an Internet post over the public statements of Senate President Aquilino “Koko” Pimentel III barring policemen or any other law enforcement authorities from entering the Senate halls to effect the arrest of Sen. Leila De Lima, citing an “unwritten
rule” that senators must not be arrested while they are inside the Senate building. The post, appearing to have been written by one Mark Lopez, was entitled “Enemy of the State”. Its full version can be accessed at (http://www.filipinewsph. com/…/ust-alumnus-tokoko-you-are-e…#) at it says in part: “There is collective outrage, and it is seething to the core, when we are directly and blatantly assaulted by the arrogance, conceit, self importance and egotism of legislators. “Yes Mr Pimentel, we are indignant, we are appalled, and we are repulsed when you recklessly and wantonly invoke your non existent privilege. We are sickened by your waving of your institution’s false sense of power, and we are dismayed that you think that it is a birth right or the advantage that goes with the office. -oooSENATE IS PART OF MESSING UP OF RP: “Your disabused notion of your standing in the hierarchy of society is what makes this country terribly sick. Your contrived images of
Atty. Batas Mauricio
`honorable’ and `distinguished’ have long been diminished by the shameful and most often, criminal acts and machinations of your cohorts. “Ever since your institution was revived 30 years ago, we can proverbially count with our fingers its significant contribution to nation building. In fact, if we look at how messed up our country is right now, how damaged, how fractured, how inequitable and how unfair the common citizen has been governed, the Senate has a large imprint on this wreck…” I hope Koko responds to this! -oooPLEASE LISTEN: “Ang Tanging Daan” (The Sole Way): a Bible Exposition and prayer session online, could now be heard 24/7 (24 hours a day), in the Philippines and the world at www.facebook.com/angtangingdaan. Phone: 0917 984 24 68, 0918 574 0193, 0977 805 9058. Email: batasmauricio@yahoo.com.
The Striker
From my crystal ball
IT IS very clear from my crystal ball that Leila De Lima’s arrest was the result of her uphill fight against President Digong Duterte. She is still lucky to have been arrested alive and can still open up her mouth to fight. She must know that her battle against the president is about killings in a drug war and she failed to realize that there are more than 7,00 lives already lost within a short span of just eight months. De Lima’s dilemma was her failure to assess the situation of the country in relation to the attitude of Duterte. If De Lima knew what a wild bear is all about, she could have learned a good lesson. A bear does not want anything on earth to appear taller than him. So when you face a bear, sit down and he will never touch you Many people in Davao City described Duterte as a killer with testimonies
as clear as water from a morning spring. So getting lost in Duterte’s domain is definitely risky. The president is the most powerful man in our country. He can command and many government workers would even volunteer to do what they think would please Digong right or wrong. Many brave people in the media are quiet too. De Lima got it wrong and failed to notice it. Remember the sword of Damocles? Anyway, I admire De Lima for her stand to oppose Duterte’s killing machine on drugs. At least there are VP Leni Robro and some senators on the other side of the fence we can truly call the real opposition I have been saying without opposition in the country, the system would be communism or dictatorship. I am hoping more people would come up now to check the regime of Duterte. The Liberal party should make sounds and
prove that De Lima’s arrest was foul and that fabricated cases were installed to justify her detention. But I tell you, Duterte has many good points as a leader. One of them is his war against drugs and the improvement in government service. A lot of public servants give emphasis to kindness and service now than ever before. He declared total war against the nuisance bandits in Jolo and Basilan as well the rebels. If he only stops the killings without due process, he would come out in history as the man and the legend. The rumored nationwide transport strike is a serious matter that would really cripple many people, especially those who are employed in far places. It may not be very effective in Mindanao because the cities are not so big, but in Metro Manila, many will suffer the effects of such mass action. Many
Ben Emata Jr.
of these protesters should be busy making “suyaks” to be thrown in the streets and highways to punish vehicles who operate during the action, I was covering the transport strike many years ago and my Ford Fiera I was driving ran into the “suyakized” road and I got a flat tire. “Suyaks” are actually nails that when thrown to the road, they stand up and naturally puncture the car tires, I cannot understand what is happening in our country under the regime of President Digong. People voted for him because he pledged of peace and order, dismantling of corruption, etc. but it seems See CRYSTAL, page 7
Forum
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Tuesday, February 28, 2017
Patriotism is not being ignorant BEING patriotism is good but chauvinism is not. Patriotic people are good. They are good citizens because they can do the best for the country. They obey the rules stipulated by their leader or president. What their government says should be done and executed according to the target. They love others: so inclusive. Chauvinism is the exaggerated or aggressive patriotism. These people tend to be blind and never care about others who are either strikingly or even slightly different. They tend to drive out all who have different opinions and other colors. They wish to build the wall seperating their own from others: too exclusive. I recently got a reminder by a friend of mine through a social media. When I commented on a certain posting
related to the policy in a certain country, he reminded me of being courteous and respectful. Whatever policy is stipulated by the leader must be obeyed. I replied that it is correct but in terms of check and recheck or check and balance, any country with the policies stipulated should be balanced or criticized when some have deviated from the norm. Otherwise, there will be an absolute power. In any country, when we talk about political parties, we always find both government party (ies) and the opposition party (ies). These two stereotypes can never perish in a democracy. This condition is required for reducing the absolute power. We even still remember that absolute power is dangerous. It tends to corrupt in a long period of time and absolute
power corrupts absolutely (Lord Acton (1834-1902). We all have learned about this philosophy. Never have the absolute power that is free-criticism leadership! Now that the absolute power is dangerous, we have to be patriotism. As the obedient citizen, we must obey our leader or president. Whatever he or she does for the country, we have to follow him or her. This is because the president is our legitimate leader voted through the process of the democracy: the people votes. But, to be an ignorant citizen about the surrounding environment, we will be no longer patriotism. Patriotism refers to the citizen or the people in a country having with a sense of loyalty, commitment, nationalism and pride: being pride of the nation
with the vision and mission (as referred to Google translate description). So, being patriotism means we have a commitment. The commitment is related to the direction of the nation and the idealism. The national vision and mission should be obeyed by not only by the citizens or people but also by the leader and the government officials, no excuse. The people are the same before the law and the national guidelines: the national constitution. If there is an unlawful action done by the citizens or the government officials there must be a lawful judgment. It should not be ignored. We we just keep silent, we are not patriotism but an ignorant citizens. Being patriotism is a good citizen because we still love our country and
lead the country together. We lead the country to be directed to the national idealism. When any policy is diverting from the norm or the national guidelines, we have to remind the leader. We have to say that there is something wrong with the country. Otherwise, we will become an ignorant. The most dangerous thing is the chauvinism. This citizen’s character tends to drive away anyone who has different ideas or viewpoint. In a democracy, we have to be free. They are freedom of speech, freedom of fear, and freedom of want (Abraham Lincoln: 1809-1865). These three human rights should be kept alive in all the countries anywhere. We should also keep the two complementary entities: Check and Balance. Be patriotism but don’t be ignorant.
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Dr. Djuwari
•••• Dr. Djuwari Sarkawi is the Head of Research Journal and Publishing Department, STIE Perbanas Surabaya. He is also the guest lecturer at Ottimmo International Master-gourmet Academy, Surabaya; The advisor of Indonesia Association of Press Practitioners/ Journalists in East Java province (HIPSI), Indonesia. He is also the president of the International Association of Scholarly Publishers, Editors, and Reviewers (IASPER).
Konsyensa Dabaw
No real change in forgetting
Photo by Ann Marxze D. Umil/Bulatlat
Progressives remind Duterte:
‘Fascism failed then, will fail now’ By DEE AYROSO Bulatlat
Protesters filled Edsa on February 25, to commemorate “Edsa 1” – the ouster of the Marcos Dictatorship through a historic, peaceful “People Power” gathering 31 years ago. The same calls for genuine change and to fight fascism resonated, only this time, directed at the seven-month-old Duterte administration which they say is dangerously taking the same path as the ousted despot. The lesson of Edsa People Power should serve as a warning to President Duterte, the progressives said, as he risks increasing protests if he continues to renege on his promises for change. Edsa 1 in 1986 was followed by Edsa 2 in 2001, when people gathered to oust yet another corrupt leader, President Joseph Estrada. “Fascism failed then and will definitely fail now,” said
Renato Reyes Jr., secretary general of the Bagong Alyansang Makabayan (Bayan). “Thirty-one years after Edsa, in spite of the people’s victory, the country’s deepseated problems remain. Poverty, corruption, human rights violations and trampling of our sovereignty continues up to now. The change in presidency was not enough to change the rotting system,” said a Bayan statement. Protesters said Duterte is now just as accountable as the past regimes, as his promises for change and tough stance for Philippine sovereignty crumbled under the weight of the killings of some 7,000 drug suspects, continued militarization in the countryside, and killings and illegal arrests of activists. Late last year, Duterte also granted the Marcos family’s long-awaited hero’s burial for the ousted dictator, a move widely See failed, page 6
Photo by Ann Marxze D. Umil/Bulatlat
Thirty-one (31) years after the dictator Ferdinand Marcos was ousted, and he and his family and fled the Philippines, Filipinos are continuing the fight against tyranny and forgetting. Konsyensya Dabaw addresses the perception that the historic contributions of Dabawenyos to the struggles that culminated in the February 25, 1986 flight of the Marcoses have been set aside. The peoples of Davao took their place in the fight against authoritarianism and militarism, highlighted by the first pastoral letter against Martial Law issued by then Davao Archbishop Antonio Mabutas in 1978, the courageous campaigns of the different sectors, and the first Welgang Bayan (Peoples’ Strike) in 1984. A number of Dabawenyos have been honored by the Bantayog ng mga Bayani Foundation, their names inscribed on the Wall of Remembrance that commemorates those who defied the repressive regime from 1972 to 1986: among them Eduardo “Taking” E. Lanzona (+1975), Nicolas “Nick” M. Solana Jr. (+1975), Ricardo P. Filio (+1976), Raymundo “Rhyme” Ortega Petalcorin (+1976), Fernando “Nanding” Torralba Esperon (+1985), Ma. Socorro Par (+1985), Joel Ozarraga Jose (+1987) and Atty. Laurente “Larry” C. Ilagan (+2001). While there are no memorials in Davao dedicated to Dabawenyos who resisted the Marcos dictatorship, we remember them in our hearts and by our struggles. At least 103 Dabawenyos and others in the Davao region were killed during Martial Law or suffered human rights violations. Konsyensya Dabaw’s campaign against the hero’s burial for Marcos was in part spurred by the memory of our local heroes. On February 25, 2017 fellow Dabawenyos saw it fit to gather for a Freedom Rally in support of President Rodrigo Duterte’s campaign against drugs, crime and corruption. The action was also said to be a mobilization against purported destabilization attempts directed at the Duterte administration, and a dismissal of the elitism of the EDSA Revolution. We respect the Freedom Rally as an exercise of democratic rights. But we argue that the mobilization would not have been possible had the events of February 1986 not taken place. For starters, the change in administration that enabled Nanay Soling Duterte to recommend in her stead the appointment of her son Rodrigo Duterte to the post of Davao City Vice-Mayor and which launched his 30 years of being a political leader would not have happened. The uprising that booted out Marcos did not only occur at EDSA on February 22-25, 1986. It happened in different places all over the country, over a long period of time, involving different forms of struggle. Given all that were invested, we can not concede that the uprising and its gains belong to only one political bloc. On February 25, 1986, Filipinos unseated a brutal dictator. That the regimes that came after did not follow through on the vision of genuine societal change does not invalidate that milestone achievement. It only means the struggle is unfinished. But the flirtation with the Marcoses in the guise of protecting Pres. Duterte not only has corrosive effects on Filipino political growth, it also endorses Marcosian efforts to foster large-scale forgetting and revisionism to pave the way for their full return to power, which is a repudiation of the change we desire. Long after 1986, we encourage Dabawenyos to continue to find wisdom in the words with which the Bantayog ng mga Bayani Foundation honored our very own Atty. Ilagan: for “taking a public stand against the dictatorship, providing a model of resistance for his community, a stand that required courage, humanity and great love of country.” May we do no less under the circumstances in which we find ourselves. KONSYENSYA DABAW Contact Person: Mags Z. Maglana magszmaglana@gmail.com
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Tuesday, February 28, 2017
Communist rebels attack anew in Bukidnon CAMP Evangelista, Cagayan de Oro City--The anti-development terrorist New People’s Army stormed two private companies in Bukidnon on February 25, 2017, the military said yesterday in a press statement. At around 5:40 in the afternoon, more or less 15 fully-armed NPAs entered the Compound of the proposed site for the 10.6 megawatt Pulanai Hydroelectric Power Plant at Zone 11, Hangaron, Barangay Lumbayao,
an outskirt community of Valencia City. The NPAs confiscated the cellphones of the workers and ordered them to go out of the said compound. According to the witnesses, the NPAs fired several shots after laying some Improvised Explosive Devices (IEDs) inside the compound. Col. Antonio Bautista Jr., 8IB commanding officer, immediately sent troops including a team from the Explosive Ordnance Dis-
posal (EOD) to go after the said armed group and to carefully recover the said planted IEDs. It can be recalled that on December 10, 2016, President Rodrigo Roa Duterte graced its groundbreaking ceremony. He even mentioned in his speech that he is asking the NPAs to spare the project from their attacks as the Pulanai plant, owned and operated by Repower Energy Development Corp., is one of the
power-generation facilities that is envisioned to boost the economic activity in that area for it will cater the electric requirements for the people of Mindanao and will generate employment for the people in that area. Meanwhile, at around 10 p.m. the same day, another NPA group burned down two spray trucks owned by Davco Agri Venture Corporation (DAVCO) in Barangay Merangiran, Quezon, Bukidnon.
According to the PNP investigation, the company’s refusal to give-in to NPA extortion demand is the reason behind the incident. Major Gen. Benjamin R. Madrigal Jr., 4ID commander, lambasted the NPA’s attack and promised that there will be no let-up on the pursuit operation against the perpetrators. He said: “ The NPA terrirists have once again proven to the whole nation that they really do not want
our country to develop. What they did in those areas are plain economic sabotage that aims to make our people suffer.” “We are one with the peace-loving people of Bukidnon in condemning this terror group. I have ordered my line units that there will be no let-up in our operation. We shall see to it that we will hit them harder until they cease in doing their atrocities in the area.” NR
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daming satsat, pero ang totoo, duwag…Puro satsat, puro ‘pagbabago’ – pero hanggang sa ngayon, bigo.” Crisostomo cited how Duterte criticized former US President Barack Obama and the US wars of aggression, but has not revoked any of the onerous PH-US defense agreements. Duterte has also allowed the continued entry of US troops for joint military exercises in the country. Ang Presidente natin, mamamatay-tao, duguan ang kamay (Our President is a murderer, his hands are bloodied),” Crisostomo also lambasted how police anti-drug operations massed up dead suspects by the thousands. Aside from the human rights violations, protesters also lamented that Duterte has failed on his promise of economic reforms, such as ending contractualization.
“Duterte, singilin! Allout war, biguin!” went their chant. Groups led by Bayan and the Campaign Against the Return of the Marcoses to Malacañang (Carmma) held a short program before noon at the foot of Edsa Shrine along Edsa and Ortigas avenue, the site of Edsa People Power 2. The protesters then marched to Gate 2 of Camp Aguinaldo, the headquarters of the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP). At the Edsa Shrine, the usual police blockade were placidly lined up. But in front of Camp Aguinaldo, however, the protesters had a brief skirmish with police who prevented them from coming up close to the gate. Eventually, some 100 anti-riot troops from the Philippine National Police, Philippine Army and Philippine Air Force were gathered at the blockade,
reinforced with fire trucks from inside the camp. People vs. Power Many of the protesters greeted and addressed the state forces, but with only so much sarcasm. With her usual humour, popular satirist Mae Paner, a.k.a. “Juana Change,” recalled being at Edsa in 1986: “Virgin pa ako noon, pinagtatanggol ko ang kapulisan, nagbibigay ng bulaklak, tinapay, pagmamahal – love pa more.” Comparing scenes then and now, she lamented that those in power continues to work against the people: “Tingnan mo itsura natin: andaming placard…sa kabila, nakahelmet, nakafull-battle gear, naka-shield. Kung Edsa 1 ito, magkakampi tayo. Ngayong Edsa 2017, ang klaro ng divide (Look at us: with so many placards…on one side, in helmet, full-battle gear and
shields. If this was Edsa 1, we’ll be on the same side. But in Edsa 2017, we are clearly divided).” The line has, indeed, been long drawn, with many of those protesting subjected to state repression by those based in the AFP camp. Change comes from the people Present at the commemoration were greying martial law survivors and other activists who were at Edsa in 1986. Many “second generation,” or the children of activists, were also there, many have also become progressives. Among them was Belle Castillo, whose father Ferdinand, a Bayan-NCR campaign officer, was arrested on Feb. 12 based on trumped-up multiple murder charges. “Masakit po sa dibdib ang pagkahuli kay Tatay. Bukod pa sa di-makatarungan,
me sakit po siya…kaya po nandito ako ngayon para manindigan (It pains us that my father was arrested. It is unjust, more so because he is ill…that is why I am here to make a stand),” she said. Ferdinand has malaria, gout, rheumatic heart disease, transient ischemic attack (TIA), colon bleeding and hypertension – all of which he has managed with a strict vegetarian diet. His family now worries that his detention will lead to his worsening health. Meanwhile, Miriam Lacaba read the poem “Open letters to Filipino artists,” written by her father, Emmanuel Lacaba – a rising artist-turned-New People’s Army guerrilla who was killed during martial law. She read the Filipino version translated by her uncle, renowned poet and writer Jose Lacaba. “Mulat, ang masa ay Manunubos (Awakened, the masses are Messiah),” goes the poem, written in 1975, but still rings true today. “Change can come only through the struggle of the people. That is the lesson of Edsa that is valid until today. The Duterte government is challenged to make true it promise of change, and address the issues of the people, including the roots of the 48-year-old armed conflict in the countryside,” Bayan’s Reyes said. (http:// bulatlat.com)
from page 5
seen as leading towards to the Marcoses’ return to the presidency. The commemoration echoed the clamour for the resumption of the peace talks between the government and the National Democratic Front of the Philippines (NDFP), as the protesters lashed out at the AFP’s declaration of an all-out war, which led to a spike in human rights violations. In the past seven months under Duterte, 32 activists were killed, mostly indigenous peoples and peasants, while 31 activists were arrested. Vencer Crisostomo, national chairperson of the youth group Anakbayan, gave the most scathing tirade against the President: “Kunwari matapang, an-
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seen or felt by the average not feasible because these Juan for whom the “People vehicles can not operate on from page 2 Power Revolution” was said a 24-hour basis. He added they would trip-trip lang. Hindi na- to have been fought. (PNA) call for more strikes in the man kami anti-Marcos o future if the government pro-Cory. Ang sa amin e parang gimik nga lang na from page 1 insist on implementing the buo ang tropa tapos saan plan without consulting the ka nakakita na puwede ka the agriculture sec- operators and drivers. pa lang sumayaw sa gitna tor, which has historically In Iligan City, jeepney ng EDSA?” (As far as my topped poverty incidence operations were also parfriends were concerned, across industries. alyzed but motorcycles we just went on a whim. It Among the biggest min- swarmed the streets to take was just another adventure. ing operations in the coun- commuters to various desWe were not particularly try are the Taganito Mining tinations. anti-Marcos or pro-Cory. Corp in Surigao; Nickel Asia The strikers led by the We just thought it would in Eastern Samar; Sagit- Coalition of Lanao Utilbe nice to actually dance tarius Mines Incorporated ity Transport for Change in the middle of EDSA at in South Cotabato, Film- gathered in five areas — the the time.) inera Resources Corp. in junction near Landbank in Former Police Chief Masbate and TVI Pacific Palao, junction Tubod Highnow Senator Panfilo Lacson Inc in Zamboanga del Sur. way and Baraas, Highway pointed out that “EDSA” Yet, IBON noted that official in Canaway near MSU-IIT, wou l d n ot h ave b e e n 2015 poverty statistics show overpass in Tambo, and in achieved without the support that regions hosting these Nunucan Bridge near the of the Armed Forces of the mining activities are the former National Steel Corp. Philippines (AFP) and the poorest, next only to the Au“Junk the phaseout” Philippine Constabulary- tonomous Region of Muslim Bayan Muna Rep.Carlos Integrated National Police Mindanao (ARMM). Isagani Zarate meanwhile (PC-INP). “Yes, it was a Poverty incidence among called on the transporta‘people power’ but one im- individuals in Caraga (Re- tion department to junk its portant component was the gion XIII) is the second proposed jeepney phaseout participation of the AFP and highest in the country at policy. the PC-INP at the time,” the 39.1 percent. The Eastern “At the current state of senator emphasized. Visayas (Region VIII) post- the country’s transport sysWhile it was true that the ed the third highest poverty tem where narrow streets Catholic Church under the incidence at 38.7% followed and alleys where buses can guidance of the late Jaime by Soccsksargen (Region hardly fit, public utility Cardinal Sin, members of XII) at 37.3%, Bicol (Region jeepneys (PUJs) are the most the clergy and their allied V) at 36.0% and Zamboanga suited to transport people media components were Peninsula (Region IX) at from the side streets to the hard at work, urging, if 33.9 percent, said the IBON. main thoroughfares,” he not compelling people to Mining industry sta- said in a statement Monday. go to EDSA, the military tistics also indicate that He noted that the jeepney on both sides of the fence most of Philippine mineral is a source of livelihood for were indeed a major factor production goes to exports, many Filipinos. in its success. “It would be a big blow IBON observed. Total proImagine how “EDSA” duction value in mining in to our economy if the govmight have turned out had 2015, for instance, was at ernment phases out these the Philippine Marines, then P179.7 billion. PUJs in the absence of an loyal to Marcos had simply Meanwhile, the amount efficient mass transport opened fire on the unarmed of total exports of miner- system,” he added. crowd. What if the strongMassive displacement als and mineral products man, Marcos himself orIn a statement Monday, was at P131 billion in the dered the artillery to “fire same year, or 73% of total the Advocates of Science for effect?” and Technology for the production value. For Beck Acapulco, a People said that while the The exodus of minerals 39 year old employee at an e-jeepneys or Euro-4 comfrom the country leaves outsourcing company narpliant units, which will be very little or nothing for rates, “I was eight years old imported from abroad, have local industry to benefit when EDSA happened. I was lower carbon emissions from. This means a lack of too young to understand compared to traditional raw materials for potential the issues. What I do know models, these are much industries such as steel, ceis that my parents did not more expensive. ment, rubber, paper, chemiwant the Marcoses to go but “While we agree that cal and pharmaceutical. my sister and her friends there is a need to upgrade IBON said that for alwere in EDSA at the time and modernize our translowing the extraction and and they had an argument portation sector, it should export of most of the counwhen my sister came home. not be done at the expense try’s mineral wealth while My older sister told me of small drivers and operapoverty remains stark in rethat since the dictator was tors. The planned jeepney gions with mining activities, ousted, life will be better. I still don’t see the changes. the Philippine Mining Act phaseout would undoubtIt doesn’t mean much to me of 1995 should be repealed. edly result to the economic The group said that gov- displacement of 600,000 personally.” ernment should not heed the drivers and 250,000 operaOver the last three demounting pro-big-business tors who have no way of cades, attendance to the mining hype and instead financing the hefty cost of commemorative rites at focus on saving and utilizing the new jeepney models,” EDSA have dwindled. Even what is left of the country’s the group said. the major players like forThe new models reportresources to genuinely benmer Defense Minister and edly cost P900,000 to P1.2 efit the nation, especially now Senator Juan Ponce million each. the poorest regions. Enrile, former AFP Chief The group warned that and President Fidel V. Raplacing the management of mos and former Colonel from page 3 jeepney fleets in the hands and now Senator Gregorio of “wifis, electric ve- of private companies reportHonasan have at some point hicles, GPS (Global Posi- edly behind the planned been visibly absent from the tioning System), and new phaseout will result in “lofty celebrations. engines” is, however, “not increases in the name of This year’s EDSA rites profit”. reasonable.” show a smaller crowd from “Instead of corporatiza“Our jeepneys are old previous years. What was tion, the government should but it can carry heavy aggained or what was lost in help the drivers/operators to ricultural loads from the EDSA 31 years ago is open handle the management of mountains. We do not need to a much larger debate. the fleet under a cooperative wifis and GPS because our Some might say things have system where control and passengers do not even changed. Others would say ownership of the fleet still know how to use them,” only the characters have rests with them. It should he argued. changed and the hopes and also aid the drivers and He said the government aspirations of a post-EDSA operators in shouldering plan to use electric cars is Philippines have yet to be
Poor...
Strike...
Tuesday, February 28, 2017 the cost of new technology, within a justifiable and viable terms,” it added. (Froilan Gallardo and Bobby Timonera/MindaNews)
Safe... from page 2
that unless they are involved in drugs, they have nothing to fear. “Unless you are involved in drugs, you should be. You’re a critic of what? Of the drug campaign and you are -- yourself into drugs? You should be afraid,” Duterte said. (PNA)
Backs... from page 3
the poor from further exploitation by putting the right person in DENR who can force the industry to do things differently and responsibly.” At the same time, he said that they will pray for Duterte and the members of the CA to be guided in choosing pro-people officials to serve in the government. “We uphold in them in prayer – our President and the members of the Commission on Appointment as they make a decision that is critical to the wellbeing of our country. May the wisdom of the God Almighty light their way,” Gariguez added. Earlier, Lipa Archbishop Ramon Arguelles wrote a letter to President Duterte to let Lopez stay as DENR chief. (PNA)
Budget... from page 3
million shall fund the undergraduate and graduate scholarship programs of the DOST’s Science Education Institute (SEI) while P629.40 million shall fund the repair/ rehabilitation and construction of Philippine Science High School System (PSHS) buildings and facilities in the different regions in Mindanao. The DOST’s remaining budget for Mindanao will fund the agency’s research and development (RND) programs, rehabilitation of DOST regional offices and upgrading of facilities, capacity building, and other programs of the agency, according to Manzano. Rep. Manuel F. Zubiri (3rd District, Bukidnon) asked the DOST why it has a small projected budget of P1 million for its malnutrition reduction program. He asked the DOST to prioritize poverty alleviation programs in the use of its resources. Reps. Frederick Siao (Lone District, Iligan City), Ruwel Peter Gonzaga (2nd District, Compostela Valley), and Ungab asked the DOST to make its scholarship programs more open to poor but deserving students. Gonzaga said the DOST is mandated under Section 10 of Republic Act 7687 or the Science and Technology Scholarship Act of 1994 to organize a program geared towards enlisting at least
two scholars from each municipality and at least 10 scholars from those congressional districts without a municipality. Meanwhile, DOLE Assistant Secretary Maria Gloria Tango presented their agency’s FY 2018 budget proposal for Mindanao amounting to P1.20 billion, which is 37 percent higher than its current year’s budget of P875 million. She said the biggest chunk of their proposed budget will go to capital outlay (CO) amounting P200.13 million while P116.74 million will go to maintenance and other operating expenses (MOOE), and P11.24 million to personnel services (PS). Rep. Wilter “Sharky” Wee Palma II (1st District, Zamboanga Sibugay) said some important capital outlay projects were not included in the 2017 General Appropriations Act (GAA). In reply, Tango urged the committee to help in calling on the DBM to include such projects in next year’s budgetary allocation for Mindanao. Rep. Zubiri proposed that the committee for its next hearing invite appropriations committee chairman Rep. Karlo Alexei Nograles (1st District, Davao City) to expedite action on Tango’s concern. DTI Assistant Secretary Ameenah Fajardo informed the panel that the agency’s FY 2018 proposed budget for Mindanao is 29 percent higher than its current year’s budget of P690.95 million. Rodriguez asked the DOLE to submit its comparative budget for Mindanao for FY 2017 and 2018, and its list of programs for 2018. Fajardo said some of the major projects of DTI to be applied in Mindanao are the following: Negosyo Center which facilitates access to business services such as business registration; Shared Service Facility which assists micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs) acquire tools and equipment specific to their trade; and Project Kapatid which involves lectures by large corporations aimed at teaching MSMEs the different aspects of business operations, and linking qualified micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs) to large companies’ value chains. Rep. Divina Grace Yu (1st District, Zamboanga del Sur) asked the DTI to submit its detailed budget proposal for each region and district. Representatives of the DILG and DOT said their respective departments are still in the process of finalizing the budget proposals for 2018. / ICY JR
Crystal... from page 4
the opposite of what he said is on the surface. Murder here and there, crying of widows and orphans are part of daily news head-
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lines, corruption and war with rebels are raging. The worst thing is I don’t see President Digong is worried about the situation. Oh yeah, I remember the old song “Whatever Lola wants, Lola gets.” What I don’t like with Duterte is he is onion skinned an could not accept criticisms against his actuations and style of running the country. He has some similarities with the Aquinos who would file libel cases to some media people who criticized their kind of leadership. Duterte should know that he is vulnerable to criticism as a public property. He should swallow criticism every minute of day and treat them as part of his job. One of the latest victims of his attitude is Sen. Leila De Lima who was a critic to murder in drug war. Talking about De Lima, I urge her relatives to keep watch because our jails now are not safe like may years ago. Sometime jails are the venue of assassination under the theory of “nanlaban, bumonot nang baril, may druga” and other shenanigans in the crime scenes. There was no bad news from Tagbilaran, Bohol according to Bennex News Ser vice speed reporter there. This only means the people are enjoying life and everybody is happy. Not much in Marawi City where an ambush was conducted by the Maute group today but no casualties were reported right now. Malaybalay City is witness to political rallies relative to the dismissal of the vice governor. Butuan and Surigao cities are quiet which means no problems. Same thing with Zamboanga an Jolo. I urge the churches, the bishops and religious leaders to continue opposing the drug war that involves murder in the streets and in the homes. Always this is a violation of human rights, of the law and above all the ten commandments of God. “Thou shalt not kill” stays and must prevail. The oarfish that were washed ashore, I think is the result of climate change. It must be warm in deep oceans the reason why these sea monsters had gone up where they die. Some superstitious folks predicted big earthquakes coming or whatever. This has no basis scientifically. But this is new spectacle that were unknown many years ago. Let us just pray nothing serious is coming but just new things in our lives. ••• “The pen is mightier than nuclear bombs.” (Website: ben-emata.com)
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Tuesday, February 28, 2017
VALENTINE SALE
MSU-iiT naTional MUlTi-PURPoSE CooPERaTiVE
To: notice to all Members in Good Standing (MiGS) 39th annual General assembly by Cluster Schedule:
UP TO 50% DISCOUNT ON SELECTED ITEMS
ORDER OF BUSINESS
1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. 7.
Call to Order Proof of Due Notice Determination and Declaration of Quorum Consideration and Approval of the Minutes of the March 19, 2016 Annual General Assembly by Cluster Matters arising from the Minutes of the March 19, 2016 Annual General Assembly by Cluster Confirmation of BOD Resolutions: January to December 2016 Presentation of Officers and Management’s Reports a. Chairperson b. Joint BOD and Management c. Audit d. Election e. Credit f. Other BOD Committees 8. Presentation of Audited Financial Statement of 2016 Financial Condition of Operations 9. New Business: a. Approval of Strategic Plan for 2017-2019 b. Approval and Confirmation of Budget for 2017 c. Appointment of External Auditors for 2017 d. Proposed New Sunshine Guidelines e. Proposed Amendments of the Bylaws f. Presentation and Confirmation of the Newly-elected Coop Officers 10. Other Matters 11. Adjournment BRANCH General Santos City (Cluster 6)
DATE February 25, 2017
TIME 7 AM – 12 NOON
Davao City (Cluster 6)
February 26, 2017
7 AM – 12 NOON
Cagayan de Oro City (Cluster 3) Bulua, Cogon, Carmen, Puerto and Laguindingan Butuan City (Cluster 5)
March 4, 2017
7 AM – 12 NOON
March 5, 2017
7 AM – 12 NOON
Maranding, Tubod LDN, and Pagadian (Cluster 4)
March 11, 2017
7 AM – 12 NOON
Iligan City (Cluster 2) Pala-o, Buru-un, Tubod, SuarezTominobo, Poblacion and Bacolod LDN Iligan City (Cluster 1) Tibanga Main, Kiwalan and Manticao
March 18, 2017
1 PM – 5 PM
March 19, 2017
7 AM – 12 NOON
VENUE Robinson’s Mall Activity Center, General Santos City USeP Social Hall, Obrero St., Davao City Brgy. Nazareth Gymnasium, Cagayan de Oro City FSUU Gymnasium, Butuan City Christ the King College de Maranding, Maranding, Lala, Lanao del Norte MSU-IIT Gymnasium, Tibanga, Iligan City MSU-IIT Gymnasium, Tibanga, Iligan City
Prepared by: Engr. Jeremy V. Pinzon Board Secretary
Attested by: Dr. Rhodora S. N. Englis Chairperson, Board of Directors
R.E.R. Highway, Kauswagan, Cagayan de Oro City Telefax. No. (088) 856-5763, Cel. No. 09268376542
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To the New Fraternal Order of Eagles NMR-1 ASSEMBLYMAN
Notes: 1. Please bring at least one (1) valid I.D. for verification of identity. 2. Election 2017 will be done simultaneously with opening program and business meeting.
Holcim remains market leader in construction solutions By MARK FRANCISCO
HOLCIM Philippines remains to be the market leader in construction solutions in the country. Earlier this year alone, the company’s two plants in La Union and Bulacan won the prestigious 2016 Don Emilio Abello Energy Efficiency Awards handed out by the Department of Energy (DOE). The La Union plant was cited for its use of alternative fuel and raw materials to reduce its coal consumption while the Bulacan plant was recognized for its best practices in energy management through process improvements. Then less than a week later, Holcim Philippines has secured a nod from the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) for its one-day concrete technology to be used for quick road repairs in highly-urban areas. Called SuperFast-
crete, it was instrumental during the EDSA repairs last Holy Week. Last year, Holcim Philippines also released an app called HolcimConnect which allows users to compute their masonry walls, floor tiles, columns and slabs mixes. The leading firm of its kind in the country, Holcim Philippines offers construction solutions from structural to finishing. It caters to homeowners, contractors, architects/engineers, real estate developers and dealers
alike and makes specialized cement products for large infrastructure projects. Perfect service starts with offering a comprehensive range of highquality cement, aggregates and concrete, combined with innovative solutions and cutting-edge cement and concrete technology. Their product and service portfolio ensures that they offer the right kind of cement and service for their customers’ construction requirements.