Mindanao Daily Set A (March 30, 2017) by Mindanao Daily News

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. 250

Website: www.mindanaodailynews.com

Thursday

March 30, 2017

P15.00

Mindanao Daily, COC-Phinma, PPI

3rd Mindanao Journalism Excellence Awards today

By MARK FRANCISCO, Staffmember

AMPUS journalists and government information officers will gather today at the auditorium of the Cagayan de Oro College-Phinma Education Network (COC-Phinma) in Barangay Carmen, Cagayan de Oro City for the 3rd Mindanao Journalism Excellence Awards Finals.

MOA SIGNING. From left, Mindanao Daily Editor in Chief Allan Mediante, and Mindanao Daily Publisher and

President Dante Sudaria with top executives of Cagayan de Oro College-Phinma Education Network (COC-Phinma) during the signing of the Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) as exclusive co-presenter of the 3rd Mindanao Journalism Excellence Awards happening today (March 30, 2017) at the school’s auditorium in Barangay Carmen, Cagayan de Oro City.

The finalists, both coming from various high school and college institutions, will vie in five writing categories that include news, feature, sports, science, business-and photo journalism. This year’s search for top campus journalists and government writers was made possible through the collaboration of the AB Communication Department of the COC-Phinma,

the Philippine Press Institute (PPI), and this paper. Mindanao Daily Publisher and President Dante Sudaria said: “We have undertaken the challenge to do our own corporate social responsibility, thus this project, which we offer with the help of institutions and establishments is aimed at building better communities and progress of Mindanao.” See JOURNALISM, page 7

MINDANAO DAILY SECOND FRONTPAGE mark francisco, Section Editor EDITOR: RUEL V. PELONE

Thursday

March 30, 2017

NGCP, TESDA form ties to develop certification standards THE partnership of two giants in the technical field will prove to be beneficial for current and future power line personnel in the country. Last March 20, NGCP joined hands with the Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA) to further improve the National Certification Standards of power line professionals. Through the signing of a Memorandum of Agreement, TESDA, represented by its Director General, Secretary Guiling A. Mamondiong, and NGCP, led by its President and CEO, Mr. Henry Sy, Jr., pledged to work together to develop the Filipino talent into internationally competent technical professionals.

Dubbed as “everyday heroes,” NGCP’s linemen are the company’s respected workforce. “As the power industry is constantly growing, so too must the knowledge and competence of our men and women on the field,” stated NGCP. Secretary Mamondiong acknowledged NGCP’s contribution to TESDA’s ultimate goal of providing skilled employment, especially to the marginalized, the out-of-school youth, returning OFWs, recovering addicts, among others. He notes that “We cannot do it on our own. We are going for helping everyone, even with our limited budget. [That is why] I am extending my appreciation See FORM, page 7

Nene Pimentel on barangay polls: respect power of the people to elect their leaders By Carolyn O. Arguillas of MindaNews

Former Senate President Aquilino “Nene” Pimentel, Jr., the “father of the Local Government Code,” is against moves to postpone the October 23, 2017 barangay elections to May 25, 2020 and have his party mate, President Rodrigo Duterte appoint OIC barangay officials. Pimentel told ANC’s “Beyond Politics” on Tuesday that repeatedly postponing the elections will make the barangay institution “look like a joke.” “More to the point. If barangay elections were not held, the power of the people to elect their own leaders and not allow their leaders to just be appointed, will be removed away from them. That is a terrible diminution of the power of our people granted to

them under a democratic rule,” he said. Pimentel told MindaNews in an e-mail that “there is no question that having the barangay officials elected by their constituents would be more in consonance with our Constitution than having them appointed by the President.” “Getting the barangay officials elected by the people of the barangay concerned makes them beholden to their voters. Appointing them, on the other hand, makes them feel they owe a debt of gratitude to the appointing power that they have somehow to repay,” added Pimentel, who had served as mayor of Cagayan de Oro, Local Governments Secretary during the transition period of the Aquino administration from 1986 until his election as Senator in 1987. Pimentel also served as Senate President

from 2000 to 2001. Surigao del Norte’s 2nd district Rep. Robert Ace Barbers has filed House Bill 5359 to postpone the October 2017 polls to May 2020, declare the seats vacant and let the President appoint OIC barangay chairs and councilors. There are 42,036 barangays nationwide as of December 2016, according to the Philippine Statistics Authority, with at least 330,000 elected barangay officials at one barangay chair and seven councilors each. War on drugs In his explanatory note, Barbers, chair of the Committee on Dangerous Drugs, described the barangays as the first line of defense at the grassroots level and that officials “must spearhead the government’s fight against illegal drugs and must maintain a proac-

tive stand in shielding the ordinary people from the drug menace.” He said he filed the bill in support of Duterte’s call to postpone the barangay polls “because he does not want those financed by drug lords to win.” Duterte last year also cited the alleged involvement of barangay officials in illegal drugs as the reason why he sought postponement of the October 31, 2016 barangay and Sangguniang Kabataan elections. The 2016 election was reset to October 23 this year by HB 10923 which Barbers’ bill seeks to amend. Pimentel told ANC’s “B eyond Politics” that assuming there are drug dealers, drug addicts, drug abusers among the barangay officials, “the solution is to Former Senate President Aquilino “Nene” Pimentel, Jr. prosecute them, put them says the power of the people to elect their leaders must behind bars be respected. Photo from Senate President Koko PimenSee LEADERS, page 7

tel’s Facebook page.

RPN Radyo Ronda Stations Nationwide

CNN Philippines Stations Nationwide CNN Philippines TV-9 Manila CNN Philippines TV-12 Baguio CNN Philippines TV-12 Dagupan CNN Philippines TV-26 Tarlac CNN Philippines TV-10 Iriga CNN Philippines TV-4 Iloilo

CNN Philippines TV-8 Bacolod CNN Philippines TV-9 Cebu CNN Philippines TV-5 Cag. de Oro CNN Philippines TV-5 Zamboanga CNN Philippines TV-7 GenSan CNN Philippines TV-9 Davao

DZBS 1368 Baguio DZRL 639 Batac DZTG 621 Tuguegarao DZKI 1332 Iriga DYKW 936 Binalbagan DYKB 1404 Bacolod DYKC 675 Cebu DXKO 1368 Cagayan de Oro DXKS 1080 Surigao DXKD 1053 Dipolog DXKP 1377 Pagadian DXXX 1008 Zamboanga DXKT 1071 Davao DXDX 693 General Santos

FOR ADS PLACEMENT CALL OR TEXT: 0917-712-1424 • 0947-893-5776 E-mail: mindanaodaily.ads@gmail.com e-mail: mindanaodailynews@gmail.com

In Focus

Thursday, March 30, 2017

Alvarez’ federal Philippines: 14 states, Negros as seat of central govt By Carolyn O. Arguillas of MindaNews

Fourteen states — seven in Luzon, five in Mindanao, two in the Visayas — will comprise the future Federal Republic of the Philippines, with Negros as seat of its central government Of the 14 states, there will be two Moro states in Mindanao and two states for Indigenous Peoples (IPs) — one in Mindanao and another in the Cordillera. This sums up f Speaker Pantaleon Alvarez’ response when MindaNews asked him about his vision of a Federal Philippines late Sunday afternoon. Asked if this vision is shared by his party mates at the Partido ng Demokratikong Pilipino (PDP), Alvarez replied: “I don’t know but I will really fight for it.” Senate President Aquilino Pimentel III, PDP party president, envisions a Federal Philippines comprising 11 states, with one Moro state out of three states in Mindanao. President Rodrigo Duterte, on the other hand, has not described his future Federal Philippines

except to say it has to have “a strong President” like France. Alvarez said the five states of Mindanao will be Eastern Mindanao comprising the Davao and Caraga regions; Western Mindanao comprising Zamboanga to Surigao; the two Moro states — the island provinces of Basilan, Sulu and Tawi-tawi, and the mainland provinces of Maguindanao and Lanao del Sur; and the State of Indigenous Peoples. Alvarez said there are two “most important considerations” in establishing a state: viability– if it can survive economically, and territorial jurisdiction or the land area. “Of course there will be other considerations,” he said, adding that “when we divide Mindanao, I would suggest we do not divide it by regions.” He said Caraga is one of the poorest regions in Mindanao and can join the Davao region into the Eastern Mindanao state because the Davao region “can carry, subsidize the government of Caraga.”

Western Mindanao will comprise Zamboanga to Surigao, including the Misamis provinces and “maybe Lanao del Norte.” But for Bukidnon, located in the central part of Mindanao, Alvarez said, “hindi ko alam kung saan pupunta, kung sa Eastern o sa Western” (I don’t know where it will go — if Eastern or Western). He said the Lumads (Indigenous Peoples or IPs) should have their own state because “why do we exclude the IPs?” He acknowledged that the Lumads are spread across Mindanao but explained that even if their territories are not contiguous, “as long as they are under one administrative region, kahit hindi contiguous, okay lang yan.

summer SALE

UP TO 50% DISCOUNT ON SELECTED ITEMS

R.E.R. Highway, Kauswagan, Cagayan de Oro City Telefax. No. (088) 856-5763, Cel. No. 09268376542

WHOLESALE & RETAIL TENZEN CERAMIC TILE IMPORTED CERAMIC TILE IMPORTED GRANITE TILE IMPORTED GRANITE SLAB EUROLUX LIGHTING OSRAM LIGHTING FIREFLY LIGHTING AKARI LIGHTING FOCUS LIGHTING TILE TRIM WASH BASIN PVC MOULDING

ROYALTERN WATERCLOSET HUIDA WATERCLOSET SUNLOT WATERCLOSET SOHO WATERCLOSET ROYU ELECTRICAL DEVICES ANAM ELECTRICAL DEVICES GLASS BLOCK PINLIGHT/CHANDELIER BATHROOM ACCESSORIES CONCRETE PAVERS SHOWER PANEL ABC ZEMCOAT

CONGRATULATIONS

To the New Fraternal Order of Eagles NMR-1 ASSEMBLYMAN

ROYALTERN BATH TUB AEROGAZ WATERHEATER ARISTON WATERHEATER FIRSTANK STAINLESS TANK RONDINA KITCHEN FAUCET RONDINA LAVATORY FAUCET STAINLESS KITCHEN SINK PRETTYDOOR PVC DOOR ABC TILE ADHESIVE ABC TILE GROUT PVC/BRASS STAIRNOSSING DOOR KNOB

Enclaves, enclaves. Then meron silang sariling state governed by their own culture and tradition.” “We have to address yung diversity ng mga tao,” he stressed. As for the seat of the IP State, Alvarez said it could be in Agusan which has a substantial population of Lumads, or whatever is decided upon by the Lumads. He said the IP State will be able to survive by applying “the Malaysian formula.” “Meron silang equalization fund so yan manggagaling sa Federal Government para sinu-subsidize hanggang makabangon yan. The Federal Government will take care of them hanggang umahon yan,” the Speaker said. “I myself am part of the IP,” Alvarez said, adding he was baptized by the Manobo of Agusan as one of them. The Speaker explained Visayas will be divided into two states: Eastern and Western Visayas. “We cannot allow Region 8 (the present Eastern Visayas) to be a state kasi mahirap eh. Samar-Leyte.” He said this region could join Cebu and Bohol to comprise Eastern

Visayas State. Western Visayas State, comprising Negros and Panay islands, would not be a problem because it is rich, he siad. Alvarez is proposing that the seat of the Federal Government would be in Negros but could not specify where in Negros. “Anywhere. Basta Negros. Why? Because Negros is accessible to Mindanao, accessible to Luzon and accessible to neighboring islands in the Visayas. Look at the map. To connect Mindanao to Negros, you only have to ride RORO Dumaguete (Visayas) to Dapitan (Mindanao) ang you are connected.” To get to Cebu, one can also take the RORO, he said, adding a bridge could even be built to connect the islands. “In fact, pwedeng gawan ng tulay eh. Yung Don Carlos, basta may shortest distance. Tapos magpunta ka naman ng Manila, ang gagawin lang, Western Nautical Highway. Pag cross mo from Mindoro to Caticlan, deretso ka na ng Panay. Another RORO, ayan na. Bacolod ka na,” Alvarez explained.

Under his proposal, Malacanan Palace, the Speaker said, will just be a “tourist destination” and “historical (site).” “Landmark na lang talaga siya and I don’t think it’s healthy to maintain Manila as the seat of government,” he said, noting that in other countries, the seats of government have been transferred to other areas. Alvarez said the shift from a unitary system of government to federal is also a shifting of paradigms. “It has to be revolutionary in nature.” According to Alvarez, Luzon will have seven states: Bicol, Southern Tagalog, National Capital Region or Metro Manila, Mi Ma R o Pa ( Mi nd oro, Romblon, Marinduque, Palawan), Central Luzon, Ilocos and “another state for the IPs” in the Cordillera. “May IP (State) sila doon (Luzon). May IP tayo dito (Mindanao),” he added. Fourteen states will comprise Federal Philippines. “That’s why I have 14 deputy speakers. In preparation…,” he said. (Carolyn O. Arguillas / MindaNews)

Thursday, March 30, 2017

Opinion

FOR ADS PLACEMENT CALL OR TEXT: 0917-712-1424 • 0947-893-5776 E-mail: mindanaodaily.ads@gmail.com

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

felix santillan ZHELONIE SUDARIA Layout Artist

WEMALYN GARCIA Marketing

Rolando sudaria Production

manila marketing office 9th Flr, Unit 918, CityLand Herrera VA Rufino cor. Valero St. Salcedo Village, Makati City TEL. #: 5555392, Cell No.: 0977-152-8860 lani vallido Marketing and Sales Manager

MIJIE JUAT MAY IGLECIAS Account Executives

DAVAO booking OFFICE Door 223, Doña Segunda Bldg., CM Recto Ave., Davao City Office in Charge : SARA CASTOR, 0926-398-8293 Circulation : JOHN PAUL AQUINO, 0907-331-5640 ILIGAN OFFICE G/F IBJT North Terminal, Tambo, Hinaplanon, Iligan City Office in Charge: SONNY SUDARIA, 0916-349-7422

EDITORIAL ALLAN M. MEDIANTE Editor-in-Chief

ruel pelone Managing Editor

CRIS DIAZ Executive Editor

CHENG ORDOÑEZ (on leave) Associate Editor

MARK FRANCISCO Lifestyle Editor

GILBERT Y. CHAO Motoring Editor

gerry lee gorit Photo Journalist

COLLEGES and universities around the country turned out thousands upon thousands of college graduates of various degrees this year. Among the courses are Medicines, Dentistry, Law, Journalism, Accountants, Nurses, among others. They all fell into the warm embrace of their parents and relatives who are all hopeful for a better future for them in their respective field of endeavors. Their homes are brightened by the fact that these young men and women will soon get good jobs and could push life much easier. But it may not be the case. As these young people go down into society to hunt for a job, thousands of them will surely be rejected for unavailable positions. Applying door-to-door in manufacturing firms will not help them either as millions of previously graduated folks remain in the shadows of darkness and unemployment. Many of them will just be lying under the mango trees, hoping against hope someday, somehow they will find success beyond the rainbow. To the graduates this year, the campus ceremo-

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

nies on the stage are only the beginning of a new day for them in job hunting. Except for a few, many of them will join the regatta of wait-and-see in eying for opportunities. The question is where are these opportunities? Being jobless after school is perhaps one of the worst experience any young graduate could face. In our country, some graduates have incurred huge accounts from creditors that must be settled right away after school. Some of these graduates will end up driving jeepneys, horse-drawn calesas, untrained farmers, fishermen, gravediggers, or cemetery guards. It may sound foolish, but that is the scenario in our country. The facts of what I am saying are known by everybody but one thing good in our culture is we always strive hard to educate our children with hopes or none at all. One of the dreams of these new graduates is to work abroad, especially in the United States, Canada or in European countries. Of course, everybody is open to work in the Middle East and similar places even risking their personal safety for a good job and

pay. Newspaper headlines on incidents involving Filipino women being abused, raped or maltreated in some places do not scare them anymore as it maybe just part of living. Needless to say our country is hopeless in helping its young citizens on the issue. It is to each his own and one must jump over the obstacles to survive. The problem is what next after graduating from college? Some of them will get married, thus cascading into more odds in life than what was expected. Hitting a dark horizon has been just like bumping a dead end in life. Certainly to the old adage when there is life there is hope is true, similarly “there is light at the end of a tunnel.” Our country is at the top i n u ne mpl oy me nt problem. Probably our leaders are tr ying hard to solve this issue the reason why we welcome foreign investors put up business establishments in our country. Another obstacle is our disturbed peace and order. Again, our leaders opened a way to establish a ceasefire agreement with the rebels even if the latter go in its ambushes and murders in

Ben Emata Jr.

the countryside. It is too humiliating, but nevertheless we must accept reality that we need peace with them. I don’t know how prepared our graduates this year for competition in the international level should they go out of our country. Past statistics showed only ten percent of our nursing graduates passed the board examinations in the United States. Many of them got back to school to be able to land jobs in the hospitals. Otherwise, they end up working as caregivers in private homes. In our country, caregiving in private homes is unknown since we keep our parents with us no matter what. Anyway, the problem is how, where and when our graduates this year can find jobs to call success in their studies. This is absolutely not easy. In my opinion, we need genius to solve this problem and certainly a divine intervention. (Bennex News Service)

Think A Minute

The human machine

THINK a minute.

PAT SAMONTE CHRIS PANGANIBAN Can you imagine life Regional Editor Caraga Regional Editor-Davao without machines?

Rene Michael BaÑos uRIEL C. QUILINGUING Regional Editor Northmin Contributing Editor

This year’s graduates

If we didn’t have cars, buses, telephones or radios, we’d be lost without these basic machines we use every day. But a machine only helps your life if you know how to use it. It reminds me of the old chief from the jungle who came to town because he was asked to make a speech on the radio. The old guy had never been in a radio studio or seen modern gadgets like a microphone before. So when the radio host gave him the microphone, this jungle chief grabbed it and put it up to his EAR to give his speech! Machines and gadgets are great—if you know how to use them correctly. Do you know the most sophisticated, advanced machine ever invented? It’s

n God did not

make us robots that He controls and forces to live the right way. you and me! The human machine. In fact, the more that scientists and doctors discover about the human body and brain, the more they learn what an amazing computer and machine we human beings are. Our mind, body, emotions, and will make up the total person that we are. You see, the only one who knows everything about how the human machine works correctly is the One Who designed and invented us.

God made us differently from all the other animals which have no ability to choose in their lives. They do everything simply by instinct. But we are free to think with our mind and conscience to make our own choices how we live. God did not make us robots that He controls and forces to live the right way. Sadly, since we’ve all chosen to be stubborn and self-centered, we’ve used our freedom wrongly. We even think we know better than our Maker and Inventor what will make us happy. We’ve all chosen to live our own way, instead of using our bodies and minds the way God designed us to enjoy life—the right way that works. God’s commands are not to stop us from having fun. It’s just the opposite! The Bible is simply

Jhan Tiafau Hurst

the manual and instruction book for the human machine, so we can keep enjoying life without hurting ourselves and breaking down. Jesus our Designer shows us His blueprint for success and satisfaction that lasts. But it’s never too late to get your life fixed and working correctly again. So why not ask Jesus Christ to forgive you for living your own way? Then ask Him to take charge so you can start living His right, successful way. It’s the only way you’ll ever enjoy your life fully the way it was meant to work. Just Think a Minute.

Daily Inspiration “You will never become who you want to be if you keep blaming everyone else for who you are now.” -Unknown We are all born with shortcomings. Then, of course, we accumulate additional shortcomings through our environment and our reactions to our environment. So flawed as we are . . . just know that there is hope for each person who seeks to accept the flaws. Blaming our parents, our teacher, our boss, our friend or spouse fails to move us forward. Blaming others never allows for self acceptance. Take your eyes off the blame game. The key is to accept your flaws, grow in compassion for others and look toward your creator for guidance. Create a compassion for others and allow the gentle part of who you are begin to emerge.

Juvy Sarraga

Forum

FOR ADS PLACEMENT CALL OR TEXT: 0917-712-1424 • 0947-893-5776 E-mail: mindanaodaily.ads@gmail.com Editor: Ruel V. Pelone

Thursday, March 30, 2017

IBON hits big miners over threat of international arbitration RESEARCH group IBON hit the Chamber of Mines of the Philippines (COMP) for dangling the threat of international arbitration over the Department of Environment and Natural Resources’ (DENR) closure of mines. The group said that this is another mechanism of investment liberalization

firms that have bilateral investment treaties (BITs) and they could sue the government for compensation. The DENR previously announced the cancellation of 75 mineral production sharing agreements (MPSAs), and plans to close 23 mines and suspend five others. According to IBON, international arbitration is an instrument of investment liberalization, which corporations use to unhamper and secure their profitseeking to the detriment provement in global trade of countries’ sovereignty in activities. The continued determining what is in the expansion of the IT and best interest of its people. BPO sector in the country, will see an increase in career opportunities for specialised roles in cloud and data analytics”, said Sanjay Modi, Managing Director, Monster.com – APAC and Middle East. “Moreover, businesses will need to upskill existing employees to meet global industry standards and demands particularly in niche roles like animation, software development, risk& compliance,” he added. The Monster Employment Index Philippines is a monthly gauge of online job posting activity, based on a real-time review of millions of employer job opportunities culled from a large representative selection of career websites and online job listings across Philippines. The Index does not reflect the trend of any one advertiser or source, but is an aggregate measure of the change in job listings across the industry.

that undermines government’s regulatory power, and safeguards foreign investments over public interest. The COMP recently warned that affected mining companies could file arbitration cases should the government not honor mining contracts. It said that a number of these are foreign mining

Online hiring in PH continues to increase ONLINE hiring continues to hike in the Philippines as the country witnessed a 10% year-on-year growth in February. 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 Logistic, Courier/ Freight/ Transportation, Import/Export, Shipping sector reported the steepest growth in online hiring, recording 28% growth in e-recruitment between February 2016 and 2017. This was also the most-notable annual growth in the series. Long-term growth momentum improved by 10 percentage points; up from 18% growth in January 2017. This was closely followed by BPO/ITES and IT, Telecom/ISP, which saw 24% year-on-year growth in online hiring demand. The Engineering, Construction and Real Estate sector reported the sharpest decline in online hiring activity at -5% year-on-year. While observing occupational groups, Customer Service roles took the lead in online demand, reporting 23% year-on-year growth in February. Engineering /Production, Real Estate reported the steepest decline amongst occupations, recording -2% year-on-year decline. “As one of the fastest growing economies in the region, the job market in the Philippines is likely to remain vigorous and attract more foreign investment including offshoring. We’ve seen a surge in online job postings in sectors like logistics and transportation, possibly due to slight im-

The World Bank International Centre for Settlement of Investment Disputes (ICSID), for example, is known for siding with transnational corporations (TNCs) and strictly enforcing decisions that include expropriation of assets, said the group. This mechanism is further institutionalized under free trade deals (FTAs), said IBON. Countries negotiating the Regional Cooperation Economic Partnership (RCEP), for instance, can be sued by investors whenever it is perceived that government policy, law or action harms present and future

profits. IBON’s recent mining study shows that extractive companies have a history of suing governments through international arbitration when their profits are compromised. For example, American oil company Occidental Petroleum Corporation cost Ecuador US$1 billion when the government expropriated Occidental’s assets after it illegally sold its rights to another company. Mining company Pacific Rim, a subsidiary of Australian miner OceanaGold since 2013, sued the government of El Salvador for US$301 million for denying

the permit for the El Dorado mine due to environmental concerns. IBON urged the Duterte government to stand firm on DENR’s order to protect the country’s remaining natural and mineral resources. The closure order will give a respite to the massive drain of mineral resources and the destruction of ecosystems. The group also stressed that government should revoke existing bilateral agreements that allow big local and foreign businesses to plunder the nation’s mineral wealth and that secure corporate interests mechanisms such as international arbitration.

Mindanao Daily TARPS-STICKERS-NEWS

tarpaulin sticker billboards backlitfilm panaflex photopaper 881-0100

0935-1613398 mdntarps@gmail.com

MDN: Mar 30, 31 & Apr 1, 2017

Thursday, March 30, 2017

In Focus

FOR ADS PLACEMENT CALL OR TEXT: 0917-712-1424 • 0947-893-5776 E-mail: mindanaodaily.ads@gmail.com Editor: Ruel V. Pelone

University official says

Free tuition in state colleges likely in June

CAGAYAN de Oro City-A university official on Wednesday expressed confidence that President Rodrigo Duterte would sign into law the “Affordable Higher Education Act” before June

so that the free tuition fee in all state-owned colleges and universities can take effect for school year 2017-2018. Dr. Ricardo Rotoras, president of the University of Science and Technology

of (Southern) Philippines (USTP), said the passage of the bill last March 13 signals the holding of the bicameral conference committee between the two houses of Congress before

President Duterte could sign it into law. “Once signed into law, the free tuition fee in all college levels would start in the next academic year, which will start on June

2017,” Rotoras said. He said that the signing of the Affordable Higher Education Act would also allay the fears of students of the Misamis Oriental

By Darwin Wally T. Wee of PNA

”I was once convinced to join the ASG. You know in rural areas, in the mountains, we do not see any hopes. If you go out, all you can see are mountains. Even inside the house, you see nothing. Our minds are close to think of other opportunities and other good

possibilities in life,” Kumar, now in his 20s, told the Philippine News Agency at a recent youth forum here. “It’s like a detention cell – there are only four corners. Our world revolves around our house and in the mountains. So, if you’re worried and if you think

you don’t have any hopes in life, you’ll easily join the ASG,” Kumar said. Kumar, who just graduated from a four-year Bachelor of Public Admiration course at the Basilan State College last year, detailed the harrowing conditions and the vulnerabilities why

many young people are easily being duped to join the Abu Sayyaf in Tipo-Tipo, his hometown. “I was thinking of joining the Abu Sayyaf. My mother learned about it, and she decided to send me to Marawi City,” he recalled.

See june, page 7

Young Moro glad he did not become an Abu Sayyaf thug ISABELA City, Basilan--If not for the quick intervention of his mother, Hafidz Kumar, who was then 16 years old, could have joined the Abu Sayyaf Group (ASG) and live a life of a thug.

Dureza warns public vs OPAPP impostors Secretary Jesus Dureza has warned the public to report immediately persons claiming to represent the Office of the Presidential Adviser on the Peace Process (OPAPP) who are asking for “reservation fees” for alleged OPAPP projects. “Information has reached our office that certain individuals are going the rounds reportedly offering persons and companies alleged OPAPP government projects and asking for ‘reservation fees,’” Dureza said in a text message Monday afternoon. He said they have not authorized anyone to “peddle or sell projects nor are we into this unscrupulous

See thug, page 7

See warns, page 7

Republic of the Philippines Province of Bukidnon MUNICIPALITY OF KIBAWE 0ffice of the Municipal Civil Registrar

Notice to the Public

In compliance with the publication requirement and pursuant to OCRG Memorandum circular number 2013-1 Guidelines in the implementation of Administrative Order No. 1 series 2012 (IRRR on R.A. 10172), notice is hereby served to the public that JENNIFER P. TABURNAL has filed with this 0ffice, a petition for correction of entry of his SEX from “FEMALE” to “MALE” and his birthdate from “JUNE 14, 1979” to “JUNE 4, 1979” in the certificate of live birth of JENNIFER PARAN TABURNAL who was born on June 4, 1979 at Kibawe, Bukidnon and whose parents are SANTOS M. TABURNAL and CONDRADA B. PARAAN. Any person adversely affected by said petition may file his written opposition with this Office not later than April 7, 2017.

In compliance with the publication requirement and pursuant to OCRG Memorandum circular number 2013-1 Guidelines in the implementation of Administrative Order No. 1 series 2012 (IRRR on R.A. 10172), notice is hereby served to the public that DANIEL B. NALE has filed with this 0ffice, a petition for correction of entry of his child’s Sex from “MALE” to “FEMALE” in the certificate of live birth of CARYL LLENA NALE who was born on August 5, 2005 at Kibawe, Bukidnon and whose parents are DANIEL B. NALE and FLOREMIE B. LLENA. Any person adversely affected by said petition may file his written opposition with this Office not later than April 7, 2017.

In compliance with the publication requirement and pursuant to OCRG Memorandum circular number 2013-1 Guidelines in the implementation of Administrative Order No. 1 series 2012 (IRRR on R.A. 10172), notice is hereby served to the public that EVIOLETA POLON MINO has filed with this 0ffice, a petition for correction of entry of her date and month of birth from “December 6, 1962” to “September 25 , 1962 ” in the certificate of live birth of EVIOLETA P. MINO who was born on December 6, 1962 at Kibawe ,Bukidnon and whose parents are Joseph B. Mino and Magdalena D. Polon. Any person adversely affected by said petition may file his written opposition with this Office not later than April 19, 2017.

(SGD.) RUFINA R. BUTRON, CE Municipal Civil Registrar

MDN: Mar 23 & 30, 2017

MDN: Mar 30 & Apr 6, 2017

Republic of the Philippines LOCAL CIVIL REGISTRY OFFICE PROVINCE OF MISAMIS ORIENTAL Cagayan De Oro City NOTICE FOR PUBLICATION In compliance with Section 5 of R.A. No. 9048, a NOTICE is hereby served to the public that MA. TERESITA E. ENERIO has filed with this office a petition for the change of first name from “MARIA TERESITA” to “MA. TERESITA” in the Certificate of Live Birth of MARIA TERESITA PIADOPO EDROLIN who was born on October 3, 1967 in Cagayan de Oro City and whose parents are MARCIAL EDROLIN and FLORENCIA PIADOPO. Any person adversely affected by said petition may file his written opposition with this Office not later than March 31, 2017.

Publication Notice R.A. 10172

Republic of the Philippines Province of Davao del Sur CITY OF DIGOS

NOTICE TO THE PUBLIC In compliance with the publication requirement and pursuant to OCRG Memorandum Circular No. 2013-1 Guidelines in the Implementation of the Administrative Order No. 1 Series of 2012 (IRR on R.A. 10172), Notice is hereby served to the public that FRIDAY MULA DIARODIN has filed with this Office, a correction of child’s sex from “MALE” to “FEMALE”in the certificate of live birth of FRIDAY MULA DIARODIN at Malita, Davao del Sur and whose parents are RAYMUNDO VILLEGAS DIARODIN and JEANY ROSE CARAGAO MULA. Any person adversely affected by said petition may file his written opposition with this Office not later than April 7, 2017.

OFFICE OF THE CITY CIVIL REGISTRAR NOTICE FOR PUBLICATION In compliance with Section 5 of R.A. 9048, a notice is hereby served to the public that EVELYN S. VELASCO has fild with this Office a petition for CHANGE OF FIRST NAME (CFN) from “EVELYN LYDIA” to “EVELYN” in the Birth Certificate of EVELYN LYDIA VELASCO who was born on February 13, 1946 at Parang, Cotabato and whose parents are Carlos Velasco and Luz Saavedra. Any person adversely affected by said petition may file his written opposition with this Office not later than April 09, 2017. Issued this 20th day of March 2017 at Digos City, Davao del Sur, philippines

(SGD.) NORMA S. DIPUTADO City Civil Registrar

(SGD.) JOSEPHINE A. MARQUEZ Municipal Civil Registrar

(SGD.) MARISSA C. NEBRADA City Civil Registrar

MDN: Mar 23 & 30, 2017

ZONE 3, CROSSING HIGHWAY, TEAKWOOD HILLS, AGUSAN, CDOC

ROOMS VARIES FROM 350, 450, 550, 850 – FOR 12 HOURS WASH UP FOR ONLY 180 – WITH RESTAURANT ON THE GROUND FLOOR WITH FUNCTION ROOM FULLY AIRCONDITIONED. Tel No. 0883232924 Cel No. 09757142125 / 09172221445

FOR ADS PLACEMENT CALL OR TEXT: 0917-712-1424 • 0947-893-5776 E-mail: mindanaodaily.ads@gmail.com

Journalism... from page 1

The annual project, Sudaria said may be one small step for non-mainstream journalists, but may lead to a giant leap in building a better nation through responsible journalism. Mindanao Daily Editor in Chief Allan Mediante said the Journalism Excellence Awards is being conducted primarily to recognize the potentials of writers who are not members of the mainstream media. “By recognizing, and honing their writing skills, we have high hopes that these young writers will be inspired and encouraged to use their skills as an instrument for development,” Mediante pointed out. The panel of judges are composed of the following: Mindanao Daily editorial consultant Uriel Quilinguing, BusinessWeek Mindanao editor-in-chief Nelson Constantino, Philippine News Agency executive editor Cris Diaz, freelance journalist Teresita Superioridad-Baluyos, independent journalist Lina SagaralReyes, Melyn Brioso-Roa of Soroptimist International, City Council secretary/journalist Raul Moldez, photojournalist Froilan Gallardo, feature writer/business consultant Evangeline Sastine, Dr. Rosemary Sudaria of the Cagayan de Oro City Schools Division, RCBC operations manager Anthony Roa, Mindanao Daily managing editor Ruel Pelone, Cagayan de Oro Press Club (COPC) director/A Brown consultant Ruffy Magbanua and BusinessWeek Mindanao vice president for administration/broadcast journalist Joe Felicilda. The 3rd Mindanao Journalism Excellence Awards is also made possible with the help of the Veterans Bank, Jetti Petroleum, Inc., Ayala Corporation, EastWest Bank, and the National Grid Corporation of the Philippines (NGCP).

Form... from page 2

to NGCP for this partnership.” Secretary Mamondiong also pledged to fast-track all processes and ensure the full implementation of the MOA. For NGCP’s part, President and CEO Henry Sy, Jr. noted the importance of TESDA in building the capacity of potential skilled workers, “TESDA will play a major role especially in the improvement of the infrastructure industry. One major problem we experience is the lack of skilled laborers and other skilled personnel. With the infrastructure program launched by the administration, there will be a bigger demand for skilled workers. I am confident that with this partnership, we can contribute to meeting that demand. We are in a position to help, and with the support of TESDA, we will do a good job.” The partnership also

marked the launch the Line Ranger School—a 6-month program which aims to attract aspiring young talents to enlist in NGCP’s talent pool. NGCP launched the first batch of trainees for the Line Ranger School last February. One Hundred and Twenty (120) line rangers in four newly established schools located in North Luzon, South Luzon, Visayas, Mindanao, were accepted into the program. The line rangers, while on training, will be fully-supported by NGCP before they become full-fledged power line personnel. NGCP shall fund the entire program, and provide training facilities and instructors. TESDA, for its part, will provide the training module standardization, program and facility accreditation, and certification of training course graduates. “We are delighted to be working with TESDA. The institution’s excellent reputation as the leading certification body for technical and skilled workers, and NGCP’s own track record in developing world-class professionals in the power sector, will provide greater credibility to the program and to the capability of our graduates,” stated Mr. Sy.

Leaders... from page 2

and punish them.” He told MindaNews that on the issue that some barangay officials are drug dealers or users, “the same can be said, I understand, of some higher ranking LGU officials..” He added: “The matter cannot be used as a valid reason to remove the barangay officials from the authority of the people to place them in positions of power.” Pimentel’s son, Aquilino III or “Koko” is the incumbent Senate President and President of the Partido ng Demokratikong Pilipino (PDP), the political party that fielded Duterte in the 2016 Presidential polls. Duterte serves as national chair of the party. House Speaker Pantaleon Alvarez, Jr. on Monday expressed confidence they could pass the postponement law when they resume sessions on May 2 to June 2. A press release posted on the congress.gov.ph website quoted Alvarez as saying they can pass the bill especially if it is certified as urgent by the President. At the Senate, however, several senators from both the majority and minority are opposing the move. The Senate President said he will meet with the President to clarify his proposal. ‘Quite a bit messy’ On March 23, Duterte was asked in a press conference upon his arrival from Thailand to confirm a statement of Local Governments Secretary Ismael Sueno that the President wanted barangay positions declared vacant and the officials replaced with appointees.

Thursday, March 30, 2017 Duterte replied: “You know, there’s a problem. There is no legal basis for being there. Walang hold over sa barangay. They are just there, I don’t know de facto, whatever.” But RA 10923 which postponed last year’s election to October 23 this year, provides under Section 3 that “until their successors shall have been duly elected and qualified, all incumbent barangay officials shall remain in office, unless sooner removed or suspended for cause.” Duterte admitted having advised Congress not to commit the “mistake” of calling for an election this year “because narcopolitics has entered into the mainstream of Philippine politics…” and the 2019 local elections is “just around the corner.” He said if elections were held this year, the officials on his narco list will win. “Forty percent of the total (number of) barangay captains are into drugs, that’s my problem,” he said. “Either patayin muna natin ‘tong mga yawa na ito kasi ‘pag ka hindi (either we kill these devils first because if we don’t) they will be elected again,” the President said, adding it would be dangerous if barangay officials involved in illegal drugs can still influence the voters and local officials elected in 2019 will be indebted to them, thus putting the country deeper into narco-politics. But Duterte admitted removing the barangay officials and appointing OICs would be “quite a bit messy.” “We are looking for a way to appoint na lang the barangay captains but the mechanism of how to go about it, select them… Ako I can, but you know it’s always the President who has the power to appoint,” he said. He added he would enter into a compromise “with the Church and everybody” for them to nominate three citizens, but typical of Duterte, did not complete his sentence: “They can nominate three citizens from… ” He said the nominees must be cleared by the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA), and by the police and military that “they have no connections with the rebels,” that they are not into drugs, and “they are not really the leaders of politicians.” He said he is asking the religious groups and the Lions Club and other groups to nominate “so we can do away with shady characters. (Carolyn O. Arguillas / MindaNews)

June... from page 6

State College of Agriculture and Technology (MOSCAT) in Claveria, Misamis Oriental that the “merger” of MOSCAT and USTP would trigger a tuition hike. Former Rep. Rufus Rodriguez of Cagayan de Oro City authored a law that

merged the state-owned colleges in 2014 as one of the pre-requisites prior to the approval of the creation of USTP, formerly known as the Mindanao University of Science and Technology (MUST) that was created in 1991. MOSCAT was originally created in 1927 and held classes at the now Misamis Oriental General Comprehensive High School (MOGHS) in the city’s downtown along Velez Street here. MOSCAT later transferred to Claveria, Misamis Oriental and was then known as Claveria Municipal High School. (PNA)

Warns... from page 6

and anomalous business.” “We are implementing our projects in the most transparent way and proper way bereft of corruption and anomalies,” he said. Dureza urged the public to report to them immediately, through mobile 09173009346 or landline, 02-6360701 local 823 or 824 or by email at opapp.osec@ gmail.com. (MindaNews)

Thug... from page 6

However, two of his neighborhood friends and playmates decided to join the dreaded group. Kumar recounted that they were all in their teens when the bandits tried to lure them to join their “cause.” “Tipo-Tipo is the stronghold of the Abu Sayyaf, especially the village of Baguindan. Sometimes, when we go to the mountains for our livelihood, we meet them, and they talked to us. They play their weapons as if they are toys. We are being fed with delicious food. We are also being given money. So some of my friends said they have no choice but to join the Abu Sayyaf,” he recalled. “We don’t know anything in life. You’re given a nice weapon and money ranging from PhP50,000 to PhP100,000,” he said of the ASG’s recruitment strategy. It was during Kumar’s stay in Marawi City where he realized that there is so much more than what the Abu Sayyaf members have offered to him. “I was 16 years old in 2008. I was studying at a madrasa (Islamic school) in Marawi City and I saw people going to schools, riding motorbikes and wore fancy clothes. I told myself that I need to change my vision in life. I realized that if I will join the Abu Sayyaf, I will never see the opportunities and I’ll not achieve anything,” he shared. “I told myself that I need to continue my study. I phoned my uncle in Isabela City if he can provide for my education. He paid for my tuition during my first year in college. From there, I was exposed to different places and learned the diverse views of life,” he added. Kumar, who is the eldest among the six siblings, grew up without a father. His mother separated from his father and remarried but the second

husband died while working in Sabah, Malaysia. With little help from family members later on, Kumar ended up financing his own education. He decided to go back to Basilan after spending at least a year in Marawi City with a conviction to get a college degree. “I was a working student. I worked as a crew at Jollibee. I saved my money and used it to finance my education when I was in my second year. During my third year in college, we create the Basilan Youth Congress. I saved those reimbursements during training and forums. I used the saving to pay my tuition until I graduated,” he said, adding that he also received some allowances from local leaders in the province. Kumar said the only way for young people, especially those in the remote areas, not to be swayed easily to join the extremist group is for them to have access in basic education and information. “I told my friends, if you compare your life to me, I am poorer. I don’t have a father. I have many siblings, but I was able to finish my education,” he said. Kumar, who is is currently taking up a master’s degree also at the Basilan State College, said that getting a good education will make him “more credible,” as his group is now engaging with young people in conflict-prone areas through peace forums. “My topic is always on motivation. I talked about those Moro leaders who were able to make names despite coming from impoverished families,” he said. “With perseverance and prayers, there is nothing impossible in life,” he said. Kumar noted that if the young people in conflictprone areas are educated, the “relevance of the Abu Sayyaf would diminish.” He said this would also combat the wrong teachings of Islam, which Kumar noted are being used by the Abu Sayyaf to justify their actions, especially when recruiting young individuals. Kumar said that there are foreigners who are coming to Basilan to preach extreme views and ideology of Islam. “Some are even convincing the young people to join the ASG, because they are using prophet Mohammad’s jihad as the basis. In short, they brainwash the recruits,” he said. “Even some Muslim clerics here are also brainwashed about the wrong teachings of Islam. Some of them even go to the mountains and help and defend the ASG, saying what they are fighting is for Islam,” he explained. Kumar confirmed that the Abu Sayyaf is recruiting young people, who are shown in videos posted on social media fighting government troops. The Abu Sayyaf, which is linked to Al-Qaeda and has pledged allegiance to the Islamic State of Iraq and Syria (ISIS), is included in the list of foreign terrorist organizations of the U.S. State department. It emerged in this island province in the early 1990s. It led some of the country’s worst terrorist attacks, such as the bombing

of a passenger ferryboat that left hundreds of people killed, kidnapping of foreign tourists, extortions and beheadings. For Gov. Hadjiman Hataman-Salliman, the problem needs to be addressed holistically. “The people will feel the presence of the government with the delivery of basic services, and with that the vulnerability of the youth to join extremist groups will be lessened,” Salliman told the Philippine News Agency in a separate interview. He also confirmed that most of the members of the Abu Sayyaf now are young men. “We need to establish schools in remote areas,” he said, noting he created a “mobile Ulama” (Islamic scholar) to go around this island province and teach the correct ideology of Islam so the youth will not be misled by the Abu Sayyaf. Amir Mawallil, executive director of the Office on Bangsamoro Youth Affairs (OBYA) in the Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (ARMM), said the solution should focused on the underlying factors on why young people are joining the extremist group. “One of the many ways to address the vulnerability of the youths in joining the Abu Sayyaf is to resolve the structural violence in the concerned areas,” he said during a recent youth consultation in this province. “We are coming up with several programs to provide platforms for the youths to freely express themselves without resorting to violence,” he pointed out. Some of the programs involve the training of young Moro people in arts, reeducating the correct Bangsamoro history, and increased interaction especially in social media. With all these interventions, Kumar said “it is just a matter of time for the influence of the Abu Sayyaf to become no longer significant to the communities in this province.” “There is a need to reach out to those young people in remote areas because they don’t have access to this information,” he said. (PNA) Republic of the Philippines Department of Transportation LAND TRANSPORTATION FRANCHISING & REGULATORY BOARD Regional Office No.10, Apovel, Bulua, Cagayan de Oro City MA. LOISE W. SADAYA Applicant/s

CASE NO. 2017-10-570 (2007-10-523)

NOTICE OF HEARING APPLICANT(s)/PETITIONER(s) request/s authority To extend the validity of certificate of public conveniencewith substitution of unit/s to operate PUJ service on the line ;Cogon Market to Gusa/Cugman (all in Cagayan de Oro City) and vice versa with the use of one(1)units. This application/petition shall be considered by this Board on April 7, 2017 at 3;00 P.M. at this Board on which date Applicant/(s) Petitioner(s) shall formally submit his/her/their evidence. The Applicant(s)Petitioner (s)shall publish said notice at least FIVE(5) days prior to the date of hearing in a daily newspaper of general circulation in the Mindanao Island. Party(ies)opposed to the approval /granting of the application /petition must file his/her/their written opposition with supporting documents, unless this Board deems it necessary to required additional documentary evidence and /or his/ her/their oral testimony(ies). FAILURE TO APPEAR AT THE SCHEDULED DATE AND TIME OF HEARING SHALL MEAN THE DISMISSAL OF THE APPLICATION/PETITION. Issued this 27TH day of March, 2017 at Cagayan de Oro City, Philippines.

(Sgd.) AMINODEN D. GURO OIC Regional Director MDN: Mar. 30, 2017

Thursday, March 30, 2017

FOR ADS PLACEMENT CALL OR TEXT: 0917-712-1424 â€¢ 0947-893-5776 E-mail: mindanaodaily.ads@gmail.com