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. 239
Website: www.mindanaodailynews.com
Thursday
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March 16, 2017
For breaching one-million kilos of Virginia Tobacco harvest
Misor to get P700-m share in ‘excise tax’ By BONG FABE Contributing Editor
CAGAYAN de Oro City-For the first time since Virginia Tobacco farming started in the Municipality of Claveria in 2012, Misamis Oriental stands to get at least P700 million share from the excise tax.
Second Frontpage
n Three wom-
en from Mindanao among Top 10 PMA graduates/p.2
Oped Section 50 Cagayan students evil-possessed? Bible is cure! The strong strikes
In Focus
More bishops bacl Lopez as environment secretary/p.5
RA 7171, Section 3 states that Virginia Tobacco-producing provinces will get a 15% share of the excise tax provided that “a province must have an average annual production of Virginia leaf tobacco in an amount not less than one million kilos.” In 2015, Misamis Oriental produced a total of 1.2
million kilos of Virginia Tobacco leaf. And since the share of the excise tax is released two years after, the province stands to receive P700 million this year from the P100.02 billion total excise tax collected in 2015. The entire province is benefitting from the tobacco-growing of the Mu-
nicipality of Claveria—the only town that plants Virginia Tobacco in the entire province. Gov. Yevgeny Vincente “Bambi” Emano expressed happiness upon learning that for the first time since Virginia Tobacco started in the province, Misamis Oriental will finally get a share
T HE C om m i s s i on on Appointments (CA) on Wednesday confirmed the appointment of Education Secretary Leonor Briones. Briones was questioned by the commission on the state of her health, particularly her weak knees as she reportedly had to use a wheelchair during plane trips.
She agreed that she did have to use a wheelchair but told them that she is capable enough to perform her duties as Education Secretary noting that there is “no correlation” on the state of her knees on the state of her brain. Meanwhile, she was also sought for a comment by Senate Majority Leader Vi-
cente Sotto III on the plan of Health Secretary Paulyn Ubial to distribute condoms in schools. Briones reiterated that she will take no part of the planned condom distribution noting that there is no law or executive order that obligates her agency to distribute them.
CA confirms DepEd chief ’s appointment, bypasses Lopez
See confirms, page 7
of the excise tax amounting to P700 million, a share that exceeded his expectation. Emano shared that he expected only about P200 million. However, it was not learned how much is the share of Claveria. But a source in the tobacco business said that Claveria’s
share in the excise tax is P355 million. The same source said that in 2016, Claveria farmers produced 1.3 million kilos of Virginia Tobacco leaf. Thus, the province and municipality will again receive millions of pesos in 2018 as their share of the See tax, page 7
THE Commission on Appointments (CA) on Wednesday confirmed the appointment of Education Secretary Leonor Briones (left) but bypassed the appointment of Environment Secretary Gina Lopez for some reasons.
Avoid fire: check electrical connections
COTABATO City––Fire officials in the Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (ARMM) urged constituents on Wednesday to check electrical connections in their homes to avoid fire incidents. In a radio interview, Fire Supt. Dominador Zabala, Bureau of Fire Protection (BFP-ARMM) regional director, made the appeal following two fire incidents in Maguindanao and in Cotabato City. Zabala said a fire incident in Gen. SK Pendatun, Maguindanao on Tuesday left three persons dead. “Sadly, the town of Gen. SK Pendatun has no fire truck so our people there used the bucket relay,” Zabala told reporters. “Bucket relay” refers to firemen and the public, in a single file, using pails of water to put out a fire. He said the fire on Tuesday was triggered by an electrical short circuit. The fatalities include a father and his two daughters. In Parang, Maguindanao, at least 10 houses were razed by fire believed to be also caused by an electrical Fire trainees. Trainees of the Bureau of Fire Protection perform tire-based short circuit. exercises near the Central 911 headquarters in Davao City on 14 March 2017. Zabala said that electrical overload was the cause MindaNews photo by Carolyn O. Arguillas
See avoid, page 7
FA-50PHs holds over-flight missions over Mindanao
After their successful Visayan familiarization over-flight and tour, the Philippine Air Force (PAF)’s brand-new FA-50PH “Fighting Eagle” jet fighters started the Mindanao leg of their over-flight in Mindanao Wednesday morning. The over-flights took place 10 a.m. over the airspace of Cagayan De Oro, Butuan City and Surigao, PAF spokesperson Col. An-
Image source: globalbalita.com
tonio Francisco said in a message to the Philippine News Agency. The FA-50PHs earlier undertook over-flight missions over Mactan, Catbalogan, Calbayog, Kalibo, Iloilo, Bacolod and San Carlos, all of the Visayas, last week. “The over-flight missions will also serve as a great avenue to train pilots and allow them to be
acquainted with various aspect of flight missions such as the country’s different terrains, weather and possible areas of interests,” Francisco earlier said. Over-flights will also demonstrate the PAF’s air power capability to the public. Around six FA-50PHs are now in service with another six awaiting delivery. See missions, page 7
MINDANAO DAILY SECOND FRONTPAGE
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3 Mindanawon women among Top 10 PMA grads mark francisco, Section Editor EDITOR: RUEL V. PELONE
DAVAO City––Three Mindanawon women from Butuan City, Compostela Valley and Zamboanga City are among the Top Ten who will graduate from the Philippine Military Academy (PMA) on Sunday. All three of them are joining the Philippine Air Force while a male cadet from Lanao del Sur, this year’s recipient of the Chief of Staff Saber, will join the Philippine Navy. President Rodrigo Duterte arrived in Baguio City Saturday for Sunday’s graduation ceremonies. Eight of the Top Ten in PMA’s Class Salaknib are women, led by class valedictorian Cadet First Class Rovi Mairel Valino Martinez of Cabanatuan City.
Cadet First Class Joyzy Meneias Funchica of Butuan City is number 8, Cadet First Class Resie Jezreel Arrocena Hucalla of Compostela Valley is number 9 and Cadet First Class Catherine Mae Emeterio Gonzales of Zamboanga City is number 10. Cadet First Class Johnny Marohombsar III, the Class Baron, is this year’s recipient of the Chief of Staff saber. Marohombsar is joining the Navy. The top 10 of Class 2017 are: Cadets First Class Martinez of Cabanatuan City (Navy), Philip Modesto Viscaya of Ligao City, Albay (Army), Eda Glis Buansi Marapao of Baguio City (Navy), Cathleen Jovie Santiano Baybayan of San Fernando, Pam-
Thursday
March 16, 2017
TOP PMAERS. From left, Cadet First Class Joyzy Meneias Funchica of Butuan City, number 8. Cadet First Class Resie Jezreel Arrocena Hucalla of Compostela Valley, number 9. Cadet First Class Catherine Mae Emeterio Gonzales of Zamboanga City , number 10. Photos courtesy of Phiilppine Information Agency-Cordillera panga (Army), Carlo Em- Shiela Joy Ramiro Jallo- Marie Calonge de Guzman Force), Hucalla (Air Force) manuel Manalasan Canlas rina of Bagabag, Nueva of Manaoag, Pangasinan and Gonzales (Air Force). of Pampanga (Air Force), Vizcaya (Air Force), Sheil (Army) and Funchica (Air [MindaNews]
General Santos wants DOST’s electric ‘train’ to help ease traffic
GENERAL Santos City--In a bid to ease the city’s traffic problems, officials are pushing for the temporary deployment here of the Department of Science and Technology’s (DOST) innovative Hybrid Electric Road Train (HERT), a “40-meter long train-like bus.” City Councilor Dominador Lagare Jr., chair of the city council’s committee on transportation, said the local government is currently working on signing an agreement with the DOST for the deployment and use of the HERT in the area for at least six months. He said the council has passed a resolution requesting the DOST’s Metals Industry Research and Development Center (MIRC) to enter into a contract of commodatum with the city government for the use of the HERT. Commodatum is a “gratuitous contract” that allows a certain party to loan specific chattels for use, with the obligation to return them after an agreed period. Citing initial talks with the DOST, Lagare said the Karang. Employees of the City Government of Davao compete in a traditional game known as ‘karang’ dur- city is next in line as destination of the HERT, ing the Employees Day on Tuesday, March 14, 2017, as part of 80th Araw ng Dabaw celebration. Mindanews photo
See traffic, page 7
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Thursday, March 16, 2017
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Thursday, March 16, 2017
Opinion
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LIFE’S INSPIRATIONS: “… Put on the full armor of God, so that you can take your stand against the devil’s schemes. For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms…” (Ephesians 6:11-12, the Holy Bible). -ooo50 CAGAYAN STUDENTS EVIL-POSSESSED? Scary and dangerous! These to me represent the news that about 50 high school students from the Enrile Vocational High School in Bgy. Maddarulug, Enrile, Cagayan are being possessed regularly by evil spirits since January 2017 up to the present. Ten of these students were possessed only the other day, according to reports. Teachers from the school told media that the evilpossessed students would suddenly gain extra-ordinary strength, their voices altered while shouting noisily something about the destruction of their house. Evil possession among the students in the school has persisted today even if vari-
AL JACINTO Regional Editor-WestMin RODRIGO B. SEVILLA Regional Editor-Davao
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 ---------------------------------------------------------------
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-0955-150-6602 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,) COMVAL PROVINCE AND DAV. OR. - Rhodel javier 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
ous religious organizations have already tried to drive the spirits away. This phenomenon is being attributed by school authorities to the cutting down of a tree inside the campus. Apparently, the spirits appear to be staying in the tree. When it was cut down, students of the school began displaying weird and inexplicable behavior, mouthing complaints about the destruction of their house, apparently referring to the tree. -oooBIBLE AS INSTRUMENT VS. EVIL POSSESSION: Many will dismiss this event as a simple psychotic attack which may have been caused by ordinary human factors like hunger, fatigue, weariness, or by some other psychological imbalance. And they maybe right. But evil possession among humans is real, and a even a short research on the subject through Google will show this to be so. Now, since this problem is real, it would be wise for all interested individuals to learn a thing or two about it from as many sources as possible. For me, however, the particularly pertinent
source of information about evil spirits and possession would be the only book that offers a wide array of information on the matter, which is the Bible. From the Bible, we are reminded of one important truth: that there are spiritual forces of evil in the air around us which have the power to twist our minds and make us do things that are truly sinful, indecent, and devilish, and the only way to defeat them is by being with God through His Word. We can see this specifically portrayed and proclaimed in its Ephesians 6:11-12. -oooWHY EVIL POSSESSION IS HAPPENING IN RP: These evil spirits have the capacity of manifesting themselves not only through outward acts but more so in the thoughts and desires of people. In 1 Timothy 4:1 for example, we are warned that as the end of the world gets nearer, many will abandon the faith and instead follow deceiving spirits and things taught by demons. People will no longer listen to good teaching, and instead will gather around them a great number of
Atty. Batas Mauricio
teachers who only say what their itching ears want to hear, turning their ears away from the truth, and turn aside to myths. As they are growing up, they will be shying away from the Bible and even away from God all their lives. Now, since these people grew up without the Bible and without God, with whom did they be grow up? With God’s enemy, of course, which is the devil. Certainly, growing up with the devil could only mean allowing the devil, deliberately or otherwise, to take control of, and possess, one’s mind, body, and spirit. This is the reason why evil possession is prevalent in the Philippines nowadays. -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
The strong strikes
PRESIDENT Rodrigo “Di- permission from China to allow our fishermen to venture into the Scarborough Mindanao unless peace and which actually is part of our order is improved. I agree territory. Duterte’s act was a to this plan for the military great blunder since it legitito act without reservation mized the Chinese claim of whatsoever. With martial ownership of the island that law in hand, the president belongs to us since Adam. can perform extra pow- What the Chinese is doing is ers that are not within his a direct spying of our counreach. Many of our rebels try. If China refuses to get are just stubborn and do not away from its misbehavior, understand the situation of what can we do? Perhaps we the civilians. file a protest in the United I wonder if some of us are Nations, but the Chinese aware that the communist does not honor whatever Chinese survey ships are decision of the international wandering in our waters, body. The UN does not have presumably to get a closer police power to intercede in insight of our country. Per- such case. haps they are studying the What I am afraid is terrain around and preparing sooner or later, China will for an invasion. Of course claim the entire Philippine our department of national archipelago as part of its defense reacted by ordering sovereignty by historical our navy to drive away this background and whatever act that violated our laws crazy reasoning. If it reaches in relation to sovereignty. this point, certainly every But as we knew pretty well one of us would consider the Chinese has the habit of fighting, but who are we to disrespecting our rights ever do such thing against a world since and the only thing that power? The communists do deters them sometimes is the not have to fire their big guns presence of the United States to put us on our knees. They Navy. As I was reading the know we are good only in news in this regard, I could making firecrackers for the not help but trying to control new year against its missiles my temper as it might blow and nuclear bombs. up my blood pressure. I am President Digong Duterte really very angry. ordered the Armed Forces Well, I think this is the of the Philippines to drop effect of President Rody bombs in the hills where Duterte, who once asked the NPA are hiding. My
PAT SAMONTE CHRIS PANGANIBAN gong” Duterte threatened Regional Editor Caraga Regional Editor-Davao to declare martial law in
Rene Michael BaÑos uRIEL C. QUILINGUING Regional Editor Northmin Contributing Editor
50 Cagayan students evil-possessed? Bible is cure!
suggestion weeks ago is to pour gasoline and burn the thick forest where the armed rebels are hiding. If we have to fight them, then let us do it the hard way to achieve victory. Talking about peace with them is useless because their aim is to take over our country and declare it a communist state. Certainly, this is impossible because millions of us will not agree except perhaps the few who are foolish. I am calling all Filipinos to be always aware of our environment especially on the issue of peace and order. We can never tell big things and shocking may happen while we are drowsy. We must be aware of our weakness and lack of firepower with which to stop aggression. Disasters do happen at the time we are unprepared. Filipinos are generally known to be happy-go-lucky people unmindful of what is stored for us in the next days. This is the point where we are weak plus our habit of intrigues, jealousy and utter irrationality. Filipinos are divided in their appreciation of the restoration of the death penalty. I favored the death penalty but it must include murder, rapes, plunder and other crimes previously punishable by death. This way the order of killing emanates
Ben Emata Jr.
from the court while presently, it is perpetrated by the police on the ground of “nanlaban or bumonot ng baril”. This will reduce the extrajudicial murders in the country. Whether we like it or not, killings are going to happen because President Duterte assured the law enforcers of protections if they kill criminals. In my humble opinion, shooting a suspect upon sight is not a way of determining he is a criminal. I am certain the police are aware when to make arrest and when to shoot. Our military is manned by gallant and well-trained soldiers but we lack the equipment to defeat our enemies. We need modern fire weapons, bullets, submarines, battleships and updated fighter jets. Using the age-old equipment is sending our warriors to their graves on top of being laughed at by our enemies. I admire our Boy Scouts motto of “laging handa.” President Digong promised us of changes, let that come now not tomorrow.
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In Focus
By Nikki Rivera Gomez of MindaNews
It’s a pretty good crowd for a Saturday And the manager gives me a smile ‘Cause he knows that it’s me they’ve been coming to see To forget about life for a while —Billy Joel, “Piano Man” IT’s funny how we sometimes equate life with worldliness. Indeed, life is that, and then some, yet in our harried and routine existence we tend to grovel over the nittygritty—that which we call Life—while our respective life-experiences unfold. It’s inconvenient for many of us. For artists, it can be unnerving. The late great Alfrredo Navarro Salanga was said to have quietly fretted about the many things he had to personally attend to to make ends meet, while writing—the type that came from the heart—necessarily had to take a backseat. In the end, Freddie came to be known as one of his generation’s most gifted and prolific writers. But he had his moments. This came up in the long conversation I had with Vic Secuya when I had coffee with him in his home. We talked about art and writing workshops, the impetus of his current works, the compilation of new articles he’s written (yes, he also writes), and yes, the period one invests in to ensure some stability. Which isn’t bad in itself, that last one, a sentiment that somewhat puts him in the same boat, not only with Freddie but with the likes of 16th Century Raphael, who chose to earn a little bit more money, on top of his numerous papal commissions, as the Pope’s valet de chambre. All that is par for the course. But at the end of the day, the creative spirit aches to be free. And the artist must relent. In a way, this exhibit, Vic’s 24th, forms part of his second wind. Throughout the long years, not only has he wowed patrons with his award-winning works; he has also plodded through much of the day-to-day exigencies of keeping it all together: Paying the bills, bringing the child to school, having the car fixed. Perhaps it isn’t really about exchanging one “life” for another. But my sense is that the artist in him, or however one calls that persistent tug in the creative heart, was back from the dead and beginning to nag. And Vic wasn’t about to walk away. One can feel that comeback spirit in this “Music Festival Series.” Unlike his previous subdued paintings, these ones are more vibrant, not unlike an array of Muslim banners along a village road. Musical instruments and female forms animate the abstracts. And somewhere between the strokes are an See life, page 7
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More bishops back Lopez as environment secretary
THE Catholic bishops of mineralrich Samar Island came out in support of Environment Secretary Gina Lopez amid controversies surrounding her pending confirmation. Bishops Isabelo Abarquez of Calbayog, Crispin Varquez of Borongan, and Emmanuel Trance of Catarman said Lopez deserves a chance to lead the agency. Music Festival Series — among the paintIn Samar alone, they said the ings featured in Vic Secuya’s exhibit on DENR head has responded to the March 11 -12 at SM Lanang. Photo by call of many communities affected Nikki Gomez by mining and logging. For the bishops, Lopez “is the true secretary for the protection of our environment”.
Life, as you see it
Thursday, March 16, 2017
The prelates made the statement after a meeting of the Samar Island Partnership for Peace and Development (SIPPAD) held in Catarman, Northern Samar last week. SIPPAD is a multisectoral group composed of the Church, local government units, government agencies, civil society groups, peoples’ organizations, the academe, youth, women, and other sectors. For the last 11 years, the group has been steadfast in protecting the region’s environment and has passed numerous resolutions for Archbishop Ramon Arguelles and other priests speak to Environment Secretary Gina Lopez during a rally outside the recognition of the the Senate gate in Pasay City, March 1, 2017. See more, page 7
Photo courtesy of Roy Lagarde
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OFWs now exempted from paying airport terminal fees Thursday, March 16, 2017
By Aerol John B. Patena of PNA
Overseas Filipino Workers (OFWs) are now exempted from paying terminal fees at the Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA).
This initiative was a result of the Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) that was signed between the Department of Transportation- Manila International Airport Authority (MIAA) and 40 airline companies operating at the NAIA. The agreement is consistent
with President Rodrigo Duterte’s directive to ensure a seamless and hassle-free experience at the airport to OFWs. The International Passenger Service Charge (IPSC) or the terminal fee worth Php 550 shall be waived for OFWs, pilgrims,
Philippine Sports Commission (PSC) delegates and others authorized by law and the Office of the President traveling outside the country starting April 30, 2017. The exemption shall be honored upon purchase of tickets and will also apply to online purchases
effective end of July 2017. Thus, migrant workers no longer need to line up for refund when departing from NAIA. Department of Transportation (DOTr) Secretary Arthur Tugade expressed gratitude for the
See fees, page 7
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Missions... from page 2
The PAF’s 12-plane order from Korea Aerospace Industries (KAI) is worth PHP18.9 billion. The FA-50PHs has a top speed of Mach 1.5 or one and a half times the speed of sound and is capable of being fitted air-to-air missiles, including the AIM-9 “Sidewinder” air-to-air and heat-seeking missiles aside from light automatic cannons. The FA-50PHs will act as the country’s interim fighter until the Philippines get enough experience of operating fast jet assets and money to fund the acquisition of more capable fighter aircraft. The FA-50PH design is largely derived from the F-16 “Fighting Falcon”, and they have many similarities: use of a single engine, speed, size, cost, and the range of weapons. KAI’s previous engineering experience in licenseproducing the KF-16 was a starting point for the development of the FA-50PHs. The aircraft can carry two pilots in tandem seating. The high-mounted canopy developed by Hankuk Fiber is applied with stretched acrylic, providing the pilots with good visibility, and has been tested to offer the canopy with ballistic protection against fourpound objects impacting at 400 knots. The altitude limit is 14,600 meters (48,000 feet), and airframe is designed to last 8,000 hours of service. There are seven internal fuel tanks with capacity of 2,655 liters (701 US gallons), five in the fuselage and two in the wings. An additional 1,710 liters (452 US gallons) of fuel can be carried in the three external fuel tanks. Trainer variants have a paint scheme of white and red, and aerobatic variants white, black, and yellow. The FA-50PHs uses a single General Electric F404-102 turbofan engine license-produced by Samsung Techwin, upgraded with a full authority digital engine control system jointly developed by General Electric and KAI. The engine consists of three-staged fans, seven axial stage arrangement and an afterburner. Its engine produces a maximum of 78.7 kN (17,700 lbf ) of thrust with afterburner. (PNA)
Tax...
from page 1
excise tax. “Lipay uyamot kita kay ang probinsya sa Misamis Oriental adunay madawat nga (gahin) gikan sa excise tax (We are very happy because we the province of Misamis Oriental has a share of the excise tax,” Emano said. RA 7171 specifically states the purpose for which the excise tax share can be used and utilized
and that is “to advance the self-reliance of the tobacco farmers through (1) cooperative projects that will enhance better quality of products, increase productivity, guarantee the market and, as a whole, increase farmers’ income; (2) livelihood projects, particularly the development of alternative farming system to enhance farmers’ income; (3) agro-industrial projects that will enable tobacco farmers in the Virginia tobacco-producing provinces to be involved in the management and subs equent ownership of these projects such as post-harvest and secondary processing like cigarette manufacturing and byproduct utilization; and (4) Infrastructure projects, such as farm-to-market roads.” Virginia Tobacco farming started in Claveria, Misamis Oriental when the tobacco and cigarette company PMFTC, Inc. started its experimental farm in Barangay Anei in 2012 covering just 10 hectares. Still, planting Virginia Tobacco was just an additional incomegenerating activity for the farmers. But when the company began commercial operation of its first “continuous production operations” in the fourth quarter of 2014, flue-cured tobacco leapfrogged as the main crop, with the number of farmers cultivating tobacco increasing from 113 to 670, and the area covered expanding from 58.27 hectares in 20122013 to 1,340 hectares as of July 2015. “Tobacco planting has become a cash crop for the residents as they gained better income allowing them to send their children to college and improve their lives. It also provided employment opportunities to the community and nearby municipalities,” said Didet Santiago, PMFTC communications manager. The company also assures the farmers of a ready market at a fixed contracted price, farms inputs assistance, free transportation for the leaf harvest to the buying station, full technical assistance from planting to growing and harvesting, and training on good agricultural practices. PMFTC, Inc. strongly believes that Claveria, Misamis Oriental has a great potential for Virginia Tobacco growing. It is investing more than US$50 million (over Php2.2 billion) in the municipality within a period of five to six years. The US$50 million investment would be used to build curing barns, provision of tobacco seedlings ready for planting by the farmers as well as technical support to farmers in the area. The company buys the fresh leaf of the farmers and do the curing at the Claveria facility. (Bong D. Fabe)
Thursday, March 16, 2017
Confirms... from page 1
Members of the CA agreed with Sen. Loren Legarda that there was no question in the competence of Briones. Briones, aside from being a long-time educator, is also known for being a fiscalizer having served as national treasurer and presidential adviser of social development during the term of former Pres. Joseph Estrada. She is also professor emeritus at the National College of Public Administration and Governance of the University of the Philippines (UP-NCPAG). To recall, she was not the first choice of Pres. Rodrigo Duterte as Education Secretary. She was selected after the Lyceum of the Philippines executive Peter Laurel declined the appointment. Aside from Briones, also confirmed were 44 senior military officers of the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) including Medal of Valor recipient Brigadier Gen. Noel Buan and that of Quezon City Mayor Col. Herbert Bautista -- his appointment to the rank of Colonel, Philippine Army (reservist) was unanimously approved by the Commission . Meanwhile, S enator Manny Pacquiao on Tuesday said he was sure that Environment Secretary Gina Lopez will be reappointed by President Rodrigo Duterte even after she will be bypassed by the CA. Pacquiao, chair of the CA Committee on Environment, said the CA will deem Lopez bypassed as the Congress adjourns on Wednesday. He said there is a “50/50” chance that Lopez would be confirmed as Environment Secretary given the strong opposition from the CA and various sectors. The neophyte senator said that Lopez’s confirmation seemed like the “longest” confirmation hearing for a Secretary. Hearings have been suspended twice and bypassed once. Lopez, who is currently on an official trip abroad, had to face over 20 oppositors who were against her decision to close and suspend several mining operations in previous CA hearings on her appointment. Instead of having a closed-door caucus with the CA panel, Pacquiao called for a meeting to discuss Lopez’s nomination. Pacquiao invited Finance Secretary Carlos Dominguez III, co-chair of the Mining Industry Coordinating Council (MICC), to speak on the council’s role in advising the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) on matters such as allowing mine closures. According to Dominguez, the MICC acts as an advisory body for the DENR but it is still up to
the DENR to make the final policy decisions. He said that Lopez failed to follow due process by ordering the mine closures and suspensions as she did not allegedly consult with concerned government agencies. Finance Undersecretary Bayani Agabin, for his part, said the potential impact of mine closures is estimated at PHP 821 million worth of losses. Agabin said that as per his knowledge, the closure of the mines have not yet been enforced. Dominguez clarified that he had no spat with Lopez despite the latter’s questioning the review and that he remained part of the team. Pacquiao, however, said that Lopez will still be given a chance to review and air her side in the next CA hearing in May. “We adjourned the meeting so that on May, when we come back (from recess), we will open the hearing and give her time, send her a copy of this meeting so that she can review,” Pacquiao said. “On May, I will give her time to respond,” he added. Saying he is also an environmental advocate, Pacquiao said that as chairman of the committee, he would not show bias and give time for Lopez as well as oppositors to speak. (PNA)
Avoid... from page 1
of the fire that quickly engulfed the houses made of light materials. “In all these fires, the use of electricity was the culprit so we ask our people to check electrical connections and avoid overloading,” Zabala said. “Octopus connection was also common in many communities in ARMM,” he admitted, reminding residents it is illegal. ARMM is composed of the provinces of Maguindanao, Lanao del Sur, Basilan, Sulu and Tawi-Tawi. In the entire ARMM, 67 of the region’s 116 towns have no fire trucks and no fire stations. In Maguindanao’s 36 towns, 17 have no fire truck. Across ARMM, 34 towns have fire stations but no fire truck to use in case of fire. In Cotabato City, where the regional BFP-ARMM office is located, a fire incident also destroyed several houses on Tuesday afternoon. No casualty was reported. Zabala said his office will intensify information dissemination on how to avoid fire, not only during this month, which is Fire Prevention Month, but all throughout the year. (PNA)
Traffic... from page 2
which at present is deployed in Cebu City. The train has been serving Cebu City commuters for free since Feb. 15 as part of its continuing test run. “I think the contract with
Cebu will end this April and after that, the DOST promised that the train will be sent here,” Lagare said. He said the local government could use the HERT “for six months and for as long as we need it.” The HERT, which was launched by DOST in 2015, was designed by Filipino engineers and made with locally available parts, an agency briefer said. It said the “40-meter long train-like bus” can run at a maximum speed of 50 kilometers per hour and is mainly powered by hybrid diesel fuel and electricpowered battery. The electric train was designed as energy-efficient vehicle and does not need electricity and suspended cables to operate. Lagare said the deployment of the train will “ease” traffic problems in major routes in the city, especially during the rush hours. “From what we’ve seen so far, it could be a solution to transport problems all over the country, especially here in the city,” he added. (MindaNews)
More... from page 5
Samar Island Natural Park. In February, Lopez ordered the shut down of 23 mines, mainly nickel producers and mostly located in functional watersheds. Pushing for “social justice,” she said one cannot run a business to the detriment of the environment and of local communities. At least three mining firms operating in Homonhon Island in Guiuan, Eastern Samar were among those ordered to close their operations. To date, small scale chromite mining are also operating in the towns of Salcedo, Llorente, Gen. McArthur, Quinapondan, Hernani, and Llorente, all in Eastern Samar. Earlier, Archbishop Ramon Arguelles of Lipa and several priests also joined a rally outside the Senate building and called on the Commission on Appointment to confirm Lopez’ Cabinet post. The CBCP’s National Secretariat for Social Action (Nassa) is also pushing for the confirmation of Lopez as DENR secretary. CBCPNews
Life... from page 5
unmistakable girth, a resurgence of excitement, if you will, over the future of art.
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That word, future, also leaps into mind, albeit inversely, when one appreciates his “In the Beginning Series.” As a non-artist, I am, paradoxically, unable to see the conventional logic of his colorful renditions, yet able to discern a connection between sunrise and sunset, beginning and end, life and death. Maybe Vic wants to tell us something about life and its cycles. After all, he’s one man who seems—mundanities, accolades, and all—to be coming full circle.
Fees... from page 6
support of the air carriers. He als o commended MIAA General Manager Ed Monreal for ensuring that this will b e extended to OFWs. “ This is a gift to the OFWs f rom our President and is a manifestation of his concern for their welfare,” according to Tugade. For his part, Monreal s ai d : “It is but f itt i ng that we afford them utmost care and attention in ver y possible way we c an . We hop e t hat after re visiting the integration process earlier implemented in 2015 and instituting changes in the process of exemption, our OFWs will have a seamless airport exp erience.” The MIAA had imp o s e d t h e i nt e g r at i on of international terminal fee in airline tickets pur p or tedly to ease congestion in Manila air p or ts. Under the regulation, the OFWs are required to pay the Php 550 terminal fee w hen buying plane tickets online or f rom airline ticket off ices. They can claim a refund prior to their dep ar tu re f rom or up on their return to the Ninoy Aq u i n o I n t e r n a t i o n a l Airport (NAIA) in Manila. OFW groups had opp o s e d t he i mp o sit i on, saying it is a clear viol at i o n o f t h e M i g r a nt Workers Act of 1995 that exempts the OFWs from paying the terminal fee. The OFWs were not able to claim their refund due to little time to line up at the departure refund counters as they have to catch their f lig hts. A repor t culled from the Philippine News Agenc y
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