Mindanao Daily (April 12, 2019)

MINDANAO DAILY The Purveyor of Truth, Justice and Development

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Volume VIII, No. 268

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Bato exonerates Oroquieta mayor Almonte of drug-use allegation INSIDESTORIES Day of valor: Cagayanons commemorate sacrifices of veterans

FORMER Philippine National Police chief and currently administration senatorial candidate Ronald “Bato” dela Rosa has virtually exonerated Oroquieta City Mayor Jason Almonte from allegations of his supposed illegal drug use. A 3-term mayor of Oroquieta City, Almonte is seeking the congressional seat in this election. This developed as Almonte took the initial step to clear him from the socalled narco list as alleged user by voluntarily submitting himself to a drug test, See ALMONTE, page 11

STORY ON PAGE 2

Modernized Isuzu PUVs enhance efficient operations at PITX

STORY ON PAGE 3

Nominations for PSTA Open

“Bato” dela Rosa

Almonte

Bato: Death penalty to drug lords By CHRIS V. PANGANIBAN Contributing Editor

PROSPERIDAD, Agusan del Sur -- Former police director general and senatorial aspirant Ronaldo “Bato” dela Rosa has reiterated his legislative push for the restoration of death penalty for those involved in big-time drug trafficking. Talking at the press conference in the sidelines of Hugpong ng Pagbabago campaign sortie here on Wednesday, said there is an urgent need to restore capital punishment for those involved in largescale illegal drug trade in the country to sustain the gains of

war on drugs , the centerpiece program President Rodrigo Duterte. De la Rosa said most of the Filipinos were happy with the government all-out campaign against the ill-effects of prohibited drugs based on a recent survey which shows that 66.6 of countrymen believed that the war on drugs is effective in the declining cases of drug trafficking. “We are winning the war on drugs based on empirical data and scientific findings,” dela Rosa said. He claimed that the Duterte factor especially on anti-illegal

drugs advocacy has recently put him in the magic 12 circle in the surveys and was grateful that in Caraga region he even topped in the same surveys. He said restoration of death penalty that applies only to big-time drug syndicates is part of solution to address the supply reduction of illicit drug trade, one his two main legislative agenda once elected in the Senate. The other initiative is demand reduction of which he will push for a legislation that will make awareness on the ill-effects on drug addiction See PENALTY, page 6

Think A Minute

Breaking free THINK a minute. Y e a r s ago I visited someone in prison. I was deeply saddened as I watched all those people locked up, living their life inside a little room. Tragically, although many of us have never been convicted of a crime, we still live our entire lives locked inside STORY FULL ON PAGE 4

Letters from Davao

Bikoy is as farcical as his story STORY ON PAGE 6

World War II exhibit opens in Pampanga

STORY ON PAGE 10

Costly But Useless. Aerial shot of the reservoirs for the fingerlings (left and middle) and reservoir (right) of the the P7.9-million Solar Powered Irrigation System (SPIS) in Barangay New Janiuay in M’lang, North Cotabato. The SPIS has been rendered useless for lack of water supply due to El Niño. Photo taken on March 25, 2019. Photo courtesy of Keith Bacongco

‘ B I KOY ’, the phantom character conju re d by the opposition to demonize the family members of Pres. Rodrigo R. Duterte, reflects the desperation of the vanishing Yellow generation of politicians in the Philippines. Yellow is associated with the Aquino political block STORY FULL ON PAGE 4

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Community

Friday, April 12, 2019

Marawi Children and Youth Peace Summit’ held

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Day of valor: Cagay-anons commemorate sacrifices of veterans

CAMP EVANGELISTA, Cagayan de Oro City -The peace-loving people of Cagayan de Oro City celebrated the 77th Araw ng Kagitingan together with the soldiers of the 4th Infantry “Diamond” Division, Philippine Army. This year’s Day of Valor celebration with the theme, “Sakripisyo ng Beterano ay Gunitain, Gawing Tanglaw ng Kabataan Tungo sa Kaunlaran,” began with a wreath laying ceremony early in the morning at El Pueblo A Sus Heroes, Divisoria Cagayan de Oro City. The Filipino war veterans of Cagayan de Oro, Mayor Oscar S. Moreno and Brigadier General Tyne T Baňas, assistant division commander, 4ID as the military host, attended the simple and solemn activity, in honor of the sacrifices and heroism of our forefathers. It was followed by a oneday Kinetic and Static display and peace concert at the Event Center of Centrio Ayala Mall where hundreds of Cagay-anons came to witness and participate. The activity showcased the 4th ID Army Rifle Squad demonstration, an army recruitment booth, rappelling, free blood pressure check-up, weapons and ammunition display and some audio visual presentations. The celebration aims to show to the people that the independence we enjoy today is the fruit of the selfless and noble sacrifices of the Filipino veterans who unselfishly shed sweat, blood and tears. Jolina, 20-year old, an

MARAWI CITY -- Almost a hundred displaced children from the nine recipient-schools gathered at the clubhouse of Marawi Resort and Hotel Monday to participate in “Marawi Children and Youth Peace Summit” spearheaded by the World Vision Philippines in partnership with Marawi City Schools Division (MCSD). Ac c o r d i n g t o C i t y Schools Division Assistant Superintendent Ana Zenaida Unte, the children in Marawi need special attention and consideration because of their vulnerability to ISIS-linked Maute group recruitment. “We need to strengthen our teachings about peace, respect and love for their family and the community. They are also being taught of the different ways on how to handle conflict. Their See SUMMIT, page 6

TFBM assures debris clearing inside Marawi’s MAA is on track

MARAWI CITY -- Ten displaced homeowners from Barangay Sangkay Dansalan personally came here yesterday following an invitation by the Task Force Bangon Marawi (TFBM) Inter-agency Committee on Debris Clearing headed by the National Housing Authority (NHA) to witness the demolition of their houses in accordance with existing laws and guidelines. This came after the interagency body composed of the NHA, Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH), Bureau of Fire and Protection (BFP), Department of Health (DOH) and the local government unit of Marawi labeled their structures as non-habitable and, therefore, should be demolished. One of the homeowners, Noranisa Calandada

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turned emotional while seeing their ancestral house being crushed to the ground by wheel excavators. “It hurts because we inherited this from our parents who had sacrificed just to build us a home,” she shared. Howe ve r, Nor an i s a agreed to demolish their house because she sees it as a practical choice. “The government recommended demolishing our house because it is nonhabitable. Of course, we trust the government. We agreed because we can’t afford to have more problems in the future,” she said. During the recent TFBM public consultation and dialogue, TFBM chairperson and Housing and Urban Development Coordinating Council (HUDCC) See DEBRIS, page 6

See VETERANS, page 11

PNP-HPG conducts road safety confab in Ozamiz OZAMIZ CITY, Misamis Occidental -- Highway Patrol Group of the Philippine National Police (PNP-HPG) conducted a Basic Road Safety Symposium in Ozamiz City in a bid to reduce deadly road accidents as well as fight street crimes. In coordination with the city government of Ozamiz, PNP-HPG provides Grab drivers with training on road safety and security, as well as anti-carnapping, anti-highway robbery, and relevant anti-criminality orientation seminars. The symposium also includes the provision of

technical support in areas of anti-criminality, such as highway robbery, among others. Police Colonel Danilo Buentipo, chief of the regional highway patrol unit (RHPU), welcomed Grab as a partner in its road safety and security initiative. He said that Grab provides significant service to the Filipino riding public through its technology and platform. Meanwhile, PNP-HPG director Police Brigadier General Roberto Fajardo said they are pushing for effective road safety inter-

Philippine National Police-Highway Patrol Group (PNPHPG) embarks on a massive program to raise awareness and implement reforms that will educate motorists and pedestrians on the importance of road safety. (smrn/PIA)

ventions to prevent more ones and children included. road accidents and help “Just like the Department save lives of commuters and of Transportation (DOTr), pedestrians, the innocent See CONFAB, page 11

Mayor Oscar Moreno and Councilor George Goking lead in inspecting the new patients’ watchers lounge of JR Borja General Hospital Wednesday, April 10 in Cagayan de Oro City. The lounge can sit 40 persons. photos by mark francisco

Motoring Modernized Isuzu PUVs enhance efficient operations at PITX FOR ADS PLACEMENT CALL OR TEXT: 0917-712-1424 • 0947-893-5776

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EXECUTIVES of Isuzu Philippines Corporation (IPC) paid a visit last March 26 to the Paranaque Integrated Terminal Exchange (PITX) in Parañaque City to witness how Isuzu’s modernized public utility vehicles (PUVs) are helping enhance PITX’s services and operations. Touring the PITX facilities were IPC President Hajime Koso, Sales and Marketing Division Head Joseph Bautista, and Corporate Communication Manager Nora Liquido. They were met by PITX General Manager Mariano Antonio Arroyo. The IPC officers were transported to PITX on board an Isuzu QKR77 cab and chassis platform configured into a Class 2, 23-seater, air-conditioned, modernized PUV with the rear body designed and manufactured by Almazora Motors Corp. This PUV is one of the 15 units franchised to the Senate Employees Transport Service Cooperative (SETSCO) plying the southwest Manila route from the Cultural Center of the Philippines (CCP) to PITX and vice

versa. The SETSCO franchise also signifies IPC’s pilot endeavor with the modernized PUV. These PUVs started operations June 18 last year. On board the modernized PUV, the IPC officers enjoyed its amenities, comfort, and safety. The PUV body is compliant with Philippine National Standards (PNS 2126:2017). The passenger cabin floor-to-ceiling height and gangway provide more space for passengers to move easily inside. The passenger door is safely situated on the right-hand side, facing the sidewalk. Other design features of the body include panoramic windows and windshields, full-body insulation with GeneQ shield, automatic door closer, ECE-compliant headlamps, brake system, wipers, windshield washer, side view mirrors, and provisions for persons with disabilities. Completing the modernized look and features of the new PUVs are the LCD/LED TV monitors, electronic signages, fire extinguishers, GPS navigation system, CCTV, dashcam

and back-up cameras, and the automatic fare collection system—all geared for passengers’ safety, entertainment, and added convenience in fare collection. As the group disembarked at the designated unloading area and entered the PITX facilities, they witnessed the spacious, airportlike facilities—all geared for the convenient, comfortable, safe, and speedy transit of passengers coming in and out of southwest of Metro Manila. The arrivals and departures of provincial buses are well-segregated and orderly See ENHANCE, page 11

Friday, April 12, 2019

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Friday, April 12, 2019

Opinion

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Think A Minute The MINDANAO DAILY is pubished by MINDANAO DAILY NEWS PUBLISHING CORPORATION. Registered with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) with Reg. No. CS201531735, Business Plate No. 201703518, under Business License Certificate No. 2017-02949, BIR-TIN No. 464-682-324-000.

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Breaking free THINK a minute. Years ago I visited someone in prison. I was deeply saddened as I watched all those people locked up, living their life inside a little room. Tragically, although many of us have never been convicted of a crime, we still live our entire lives locked inside a prison. Saddest of all, we are the ones who build the walls that hold us inside, so we are not free to live our life to the fullest. We become our own worst enemy— through our own wrong thinking about ourselves. Someone said: “When you lose your confidence, you lose the battle.” In zoos a baby elephant

is tied with a strong steel chain to a large post. At first, the young elephant pulls and tries to break free from the chain; but finally it gives up and stops trying. After that, only a thin rope is needed to tie that huge, powerful elephant down and stop it from moving anywhere. For the rest of its life that elephant believes the lie that it is too weak to break that thin little rope, so it never even tries again! Sadly, in a similar way, if I let myself believe I cannot go any farther in life, even though it is not true, then I won’t. That is the destructive power of believing the lies of my own wrong thinking about

myself. The enemy I am fighting is in my own mind. But it can happen the other way too. “Nearly every man wastes part of his life trying to show abilities he does not have to get other people’s approval he cannot keep.” A popular T.V. program in the U.S. is American Idol. It lets ordinary people show their singing talent. The problem is some of them have no singing talent at all! Yet they believe they do! Remember: “You can’t put in what God left out.” So don’t waste your life trying to succeed at something you were not made to do. There’s a saying: “The best psychologist is the one

Jhan Tiafau Hurst

inside you.” But that is only true if the One Who created you is the One living inside you. Only He can help you know and become the person He designed you to be. So won’t you ask Jesus to help you break out of the prison of your wrong thinking and sinful living? If you ask Him to forgive and free you, He can help you to start seeing and being all that He created you to be. Just think a minute.

Letters from Davao

Bikoy is as farcical as his story

‘BIKOY’, the phantom character conjured by the opposition to demonize the family members of Pres. Rodrigo R. Duterte, reflects the desperation of the vanishing Yellow generation of politicians in the Philippines. Yellow is associated with the Aquino political block whose image diminished progressively along with ineptitude and corruption which, during the reign of the Benigno S. Aquino III, pushed the country on the abyss of a failed state. The Yellow politicians are facing total extinction. Even the critical Rappler cannot suppress the rising tide of the popularity of the Hugpong ng Pagbabago senatorial bets. In its post on Facebook, writer Pia Ranada gives a spotlight on the latest Pulse Asia survey her lead paragraph reads “A little over two months before the May 2019 elections, 10 out of the 14 probable of the senatorial race are Hugpong ng Pagbabago

(HnP) candidates-a virtual domination of administration allies. Giving focus on the unprecedented rise of former Special Assistant to the President, Bong Go, Rappler quoted Pulse Asia’s research director Ana Tabunda as saying she “has not seen anything like it. Nothing like his spectacular rise. That’s unique”. Bong’s performance is indeed one for the Guinness book of record. From a virtual tail-ender in March 2018 with 5.9% when he was perceived to be a candidate for the senate, he did a sharp vertical rise to 53% in February 2019. Pulse Asia predicts that given that trajectory it is not farfetched that Bong Go will topple Grace Poe and Cynthia Villar. Let’s face it, Bong Go’s unparalleled record in the surveys reflects his boss popularity and trust rating which sustained either at “very good” or “excellent”. This, despite the concerted

denigration of the Yellow opposition. With 10 HnP bets leading the pack in the May 13 senatorial race nothing can save the Liberal Party from extinction except by demonizing who else but Duterte. There is a popular adage in Tagalog which says, “hampas sa kabayo sa kalabaw ang latay”. Assailing Duterte and family to inflict damage and hamper the foray of HnP senatorial bets to victory will not help the Yellows. The desperate political opposition which had been joined in by hypocritical clerics, legal fronts and armed New Peoples Army of the Communist Party of the Philippines have ran out of legitimate issues and are now using rehash issues among them questionably high bank deposits of the Duterte and his children and linking them, including an innocent Kitty the youngest of the brood of the President, to drug trade. This time the cabal

Jun Ledesma

employed a hooded ghost they called “Bikoy” to spell the beans on the family but even with the dirty craft they commit all the funny snafus. Hooded “Bikoy” produced a document but with the signature of HnP Rajah Buayan Mayor Zamzamin Ampatuan appended to it. Mayor Zam can only helplessly express his astonishment on how and why the spooky “whistle blower” got wind of his signature. ‘Bikoy’ is as stupid as his creators because aside from using the signature of Mayor Zam, he impleaded Kitty, a minor and an unknowing kid. The opposition have ran out of credible gimmick. Otso Diretso which had disentegrated early in the race, recently posted photos on FB touting President Duterte to ride a jetski to See STORY, page 11

Vulgarity: a New Filipino Virtue? By WILLIAM R. ADAN MindaNews

NAAWAN, Misamis Oriental--Discipline is teaching – to inculcate in learners behavior that is universally desirable and to eschew what is not. The focus is on what children are expected and allowed to do. It is teaching and encouraging kids to internalize virtues that ignoble rather than debase life. The most effective way to teach such virtues that define one’s behavior is by modelling, that is, for adults to show the young the personification of these virtues in the way they conduct themselves in life arena. And for such teaching

to be compelling, adults should walk their talk. No persons should pretend parenting or leadership unless he is a model of good behavior. ++++++++++++++++ Vulgar is funny. Vulgarity is fast becoming a virtue a leader should possess to become popular and acceptable. Consider the President of the Republic of the Philippines. While no less than the Armed Forces were alarmed by the provocative massing of Chinese vessels near Pagasa island, only some 400 km west of Puerto Princesa, Palawan, the President of the nation was trying to

win votes in the province for his anointed senatorial candidates bragging to the crowd about his humongous penis, his magnificent erection, his walking naked in a hotel hallway. Like all his vulgar rousers, his dick talk brought encouraging laughter to his adoring supporters. Election is a serious business. Let no trash talk blur our choice. We should try our best to choose candidates our kids can look up to and who can make them disciples in self-control, fortitude, honesty and respect for person and life. The young is the future. A sustainable way to end corruption, the drug

menace and other forms of criminally is not through wanton extermination of suspects or criminals but by teaching the young virtues on becoming good, discerning and responsible law abiding citizens. And let us not forget that leaders are among the best teachers. Let us protect the younger generation from dishonest, morally toxic and vulgar leaders who have no fear of God and respect for life. (MindaViews is the opinion section of MindaNews. William R. Adan, Ph.D., is retired professor and former chancellor of Mindanao State University at Naawan, Misamis Oriental, Philippines.)

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DSWD Field Office 10 installs monitoring system to track payout for Marawi siege survivors MARAWI CITY -- Information and Communication Technology experts of DSWD (Department of Social Welfare and Development) Field Office 10 have developed and installed a monitoring system to track payout development for Marawi siege survivors here. Members of the Regional Information and Communication Technology Management Section of DSWD Field Office 10 ran its pilot test of the monitoring system during the payout for the Livelihood Settlement Grant (LSG) and Transitory Family Support Package (TFSP) and it was successful. The monitoring system shows a real-time update of the payout, both served and unserved beneficiaries of a certain barangay in this city. Unserved beneficiaries are those verified recipients who failed to claim the LSG and TSFP grants during the scheduled payout while served beneficiaries are those who successfully claimed the assistance.

The program is fed by a database from the Kathanor (biometric profiling) which is the baseline data for the payout. DSWD Field Office 10 Regional Director, Mari-Flor

Dollaga-Libang, lauded the development of the information system of the RICTMS because it gives the user a real-time update of the payout. Director Dollaga-Libang said the development has made

the monitoring easy among rehabilitation partners of the city. The system is hosted by a local server and can be accessed through a web browser using a computer or a smart phone.

Nominations for PSTA Open NOMINATIONS for the 3rd Philippine Sports Tourism Awards are now open to all sports and tourism related associations, event organizers, companies and local government units that have excelled in supporting, organizing and managing sports events to attract visitors to their destinations. The prestigious awards will from this year be given annually to the various categories in the private and government sectors for domestic or international events. Introduced by Selrahco Management, a marketing and promotions company focusing on destination and sports marketing, the PSTA is a spin-off of the Sports Tourism Forum which was formed in 2004. PSTA is now managed by SelrahcoPrimetime. Previous honorees include Sunrise Events, Inc (2015-2017) as private event organizers, Dumaguete City (2017) and Municipality of Lubao, Pampanga (2017) as government event organizers; Tabuelan 111(2015) and Visit Davao Summer Festival (2017) as domestic event of the year; Ironman 70.3 Cebu (2015) and Ironman 70.3 Asia Pacific Championship

(2017) as event of the year; Philippine Inter-Island Sailing Federation (2015) and Philippine Football Federation (2017) as national sports association of the year; Province of Cebu (2015) and Cebu Pacific Air (2017) for destination marketing; Resorts World Manila Masters (2015) and Century Tuna Ironman (2017) for event sponsorship of the year; Fat Boy 10s Rugby (2015) and Fundlife International (2017) were named charity events of the year, Philippine Airlines was was named 2017 airline of the year while Shangri-La’s Mactan Resort & Spa romped away with the hotel of the year 2017 award. The prestigious award of destination of the year was won by Clark Freezone in 2015 and Subic Bay in 2017. Nominations for events held only in 2018 will be considered. The categories are: Destination of the Year, Organizer of the Year (LGU), Organizer of the Year (Private), Event of the Year (Domestic), Event of the Year (International), Destination Marketing of the Year, NSA of the Year, Hotel of the Year, Event Sponsorship of

The Visit Davao Summer Festival was awarded the Sports Tourism Event (Domestic) of the Year 2016/17 for infusing sports events such as DurianMan Triathlon and Mt Apo Boulder Challenge in the Festival. Receiving the award from Mr Charles Lim, founder of PSTA (3rd from right) was Mr Benjamin Lizada, chair of VDSF (4th from left) witnessed by Councilor Al Ryan Alejandre, Davao City Council Tourism Committee chair (3rd from left), Ms Rayanne Arao, events head VDSF (extreme left), Ms Clarence Yog of Department of Tourism Region 11 (2nd from left), Mr Edmund Mayormita vice chair VDSF (2nd from right) and Ms Tessa Piansay executive director VDSF (extreme right). photo provided

the Year, Airline of the Year, Charity Event of the Year Four new categories are added for this year - Tour Operator of the Year, Sports Venue of the Year, Sports MICE event of the Year, and Media Coverage of Year. Deadline for nominations will be on June 30, 2019. Nomination forms

are available online in the PSTA Facebook page at www. facebook.com/ThePSTAwards/ There is no fee in nominating an entry. Only shortlisted nominations will be announced. For more information, call Mr Gabe Tomboc at +639064067051 or email gabe.selrahco@gmail.com

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Friday, April 12, 2019

Go pushes for legislation to address water shortage By SAUL PA-A

SAN PEDRO CITY, Laguna -- Former Special Assistant to the President Christopher Lawrence “Bong” Go on Monday pushed for vital legislations to address water shortage and scarcity of water source in Metro Manila as well as communal impounding water supply facilities in far-flung areas of the country. In a media interview, Go said he and local political stalwarts barnstormed around Calamba City proper and rural areas in Laguna, especially the depressed areas and Laguna de Bay coastal communities to see the real situation on the ground. His motorcade trailed through congested areas and slums from Calamba to the highly-populated villages in Cabuyao City, Barangay Sinalhan in Sta. Rosa City, Barangay Malaban in Biñan City and San Pedro City in Laguna’s first and second districts. He proposed for more validated studies to tap more sustainable water sources from the Calabarzon Region like the Kaliwa Dam in the hinterlands of Quezon and Rizal provinces; Cardona treatment facility in Rizal and Laguna water supply sources, including plans

Notice of publication RA 10172

CCE-0761-2019

on filtration and treatment facilities from the country’s biggest living lake, Laguna de Bay. “Silipin nating mabuti yan. Yung Calabarzon nga po isa sa mga sources ng tubig, isa po yan sa ating sisilipin pagdating ng panahon if these need legislation (We have to look into that closely. Calabarzon is one of the water sources, and we have to conduct timely studies that need legislation). I will take a look on it,” Go said, assuring protection and conservation of water sources for sustainable development. The proposals stemmed after parts of Metro Manila recently experienced water supply shortage and dismal services from water service provider Manila Water Company Inc., prompting President Rodrigo Duterte to meet with water officials and executives of concessionaires Manila Water and Maynilad Water Services. Subsequently, the Senate called for a probe which delved into Metro Manila Waterworks and Sewerage System (MWSS) being caught flat-footed when it fell short of its mandate in monitoring concession agreement, enforcing rates and service standards and on reporting regularly performance of the concessioners

and infrastructure assets to the public. Go mulled for legislation and review of the water agencies on enhancing water sources like the establishment of communal and local government-owned water supply system to address water shortage. “Sa ngayon tulungan natin ang ating LWUA (Local Water Utilities Administration), upang masolusyunan ang problema sa tubig at hindi lang po sa Metro

Republic of the Philippines City Civil Registrar’s Office City of Davao

NOTICE OF PUBLICATION

Manila kundi pati na rin sa ibat-ibang lugar na malalayo na kailangan po talaga ng pasilidad para magkaroon na po sila ng maayos at malinis na tubig (for now, let us help the LWUA to solve the water problem not only in Metro Manila but also in other far-flung areas needing access to facilities for safe and clean water),” he said. Village folks welcomed Go and the local candidates’ motorcade in whistle-stops

Republic of the Philippines Local Civil Registry Office Province of Agusan del Norte City/ Municipality: Butuan City Publication Notice R.A. 10172 April 11, 2019

(SGD.) ATTY. LEO ANTHONY R. BRACEROS City Civil Registrar

MDN: Apr 12 & 19, 2019

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 JOHN VINCENT OPEÑA RIVERA has filed with this office a Petition for Correction of Clerical Error of the child’s sex from “FEMALE” to “MALE” in the Certificate of Live Birth of JOHN VINCENT OPEÑA RIVERA who was born on January 23, 1993 at P-3A, Brgy. Ampayon, Butuan City, Agusan del Norte, Philippines and whose parents are EMELITA PELIGRO OPEÑA and JULIETO DUERO RIVERA. Any person adversely affected by said petition may file his written opposition with this Office not later than 25 April 2019.

(SGD.) JUDITH ALVIZO- CALO, LIB, MPA City Civil Registrar

MDN: Apr 12 & 19, 2019

from page 2

facilitation and leadership skills were also developed,” she said. During the whole-day summit, the displaced children were engaged in games, teambuilding, sharing their experiences, and dialogue. Alrazzak Magarang, one of the participants, admitted that he was a bully to his friends before, but he learned from the summit that it was wrong, and that he should be a good influence to other children. “Now, I tend to advise my fellow students to do good and be instruments in achieving peace. If we want peace and prevent the Marawi siege from happening again, we should all be patient and humble at all times,” the 12-year-old student noted. The peace summit aims to give the Marawi children a chance to express themselves and identify what are the areas they need to work on, World Vision Operations Director Xenia Legaspi explained. “I am very inspired with these children’s stories. They’re very special to us and we’ll find other ways to help them recover,” Legaspi assured. World Vision is an International Christian Humanitarian Organization present in 100 countries around the globe, focusing primarily on the wellbeing of children. It continues to implement its Marawi Peace and Protection project in this wartorn city, which aims to help strengthen government-mandated structures, faithbased and traditional structures for peace and child protection. The initiative also empowers at least 1,600 boys and girls and about 400 adults, including teachers, faith and barangay leaders on various peace and child protection promotion activities. (WLBacelonia/PIAICCC)

Debris... from page 2

Secretary Eduardo del Rosario promised

at depressed areas, say- the Marawi IDPs to finish the debris ing “this is the first time a clearing inside MAA in August this Senatorial bet has visited year and allow displaced residents to return and rebuild their homes on the their barangays.” first week of September. Go’s sortie stretched to “The repair of the least affected almost five hours, spelling areas of MAA might even start as early July and slowly, we’ll allow residents out the needed services as to go back to their homes” del Rosario for constituents as “spe- assured. cial assistant for the people The Marawi rehab czar also urged (SAP)” and as the “Presi- the displaced homeowners to give their for the Inter-agency Committee dent’s bridge” to them in consent on Debris Clearing to demolish their his mid-afternoon address houses to avail themselves of free before the multisectoral as- government services. Otherwise, they have to personally shoulder the sembly at a San Pablo City will demolition costs. multipurpose hall. Displaced residents from MAA He told the crowd that are not yet allowed to return to their early on before the campaign homes because there are 49 unexploded still being recovered by the season, there are already bombs debris-clearing contractor as assisted some 34 Malasakit Centers by the Armed Forces of the Philippines. established in government (WLBacelonia/PIA-ICCC) hospitals across the country to set up a one-stop-shop for the expeditious health care from page 1 delivery system, free medi- part of the school curriculum at the Decal services and medicines partment of Education and Commission on Higher Education. for the poor. He called for the urgency of the death “Lahat po ng ating mga penalty bill saying even jailed Chinese big plano, tulungan po natin sa time drug lords confided to him while was murang pabahay, scholar- chief of Bureau of Corrections that the ship sa mga estudyante, reason why drug trafficking still thrives in country was the absence of the law serbisyong medical, Mala- the on capital punishment. sakitCenters bilang bahagi “I would even put a provision on this sa mas pinaigting na health proposed bill that those convicted should be executed in public so it will serve as services sa ating mga deterrent to those still involved in drug

Penalty...

NOTICE TO THE PUBLIC

CCE-074-2019(R.A. 10172)

In compliance with the publication requirement and pursuant to section 5 of R.A 9048 and OCRG Memorandum Circular No. 2013-1, the guidelines in the implementation of Administrative Order No. 1, Series of 2012 (IRR of R.A 10172), notice is hereby served the public that JEPHONEY E. IGBALIC has filed with this office a petition for correction of child’s sex from “MALE” to “FEMALE” in the Certificate of Live Birth of JEPHONEY E. IGBALIC who was born on OCTOBER 9, 1990 at DAVAO CITY whose parents are PANTALEN Y. IGBALIC and MARIA BELINDA E. EROYLA. Any person adversely affected by said petition may file his/her written opposition with this office not later than April 26, 2019. Issued on 11th of April, 2019 at Davao City.

Former Special Assistant to the President Christopher Lawrence “Bong” Go, with actor Philip Salvador, along with the motorcade of local political bets and party stalwarts, barnstorms Laguna key cities especially in depressed areas, the first Senatorial bet to do so, to see for himself as “the President’s bridge and special assistant for the people”. Go proposes vital legislations to address their concerns, among them, health services and scarcity of water supply, during his campaign sortie in Laguna on March 8, 2019. (Photo by Saul E. Pa-a)

Summit...

See PUSHES, page 11

trafficking,” dela Rosa said.

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80 youth accepted in DSWD summer job

DTI CHIEF INAUGURATES READY-TO-DRINK MANUFACTURING PLANT IN BATANGAS.

DEPARTMENT of Trade and Industry (DTI) Secretary Ramon Lopez led the inauguration of Nestle’s Php 2.8 billion manufacturing facility on 4 April 2019 in Tanauan City. The Ready-To-Drink plant, which produces Chuckie, is an expansion project of Nestle in their 27 ha facility in the city. It has generated 2,000 jobs during its construction and employs 80 staff for its operations. According to the Secretary, the expansion is proof of investors’ strong confidence in the administration of President Rodrigo Duterte. He likewise committed that the government will continue to push for reforms that will make doing business easy and will attract more manufacturing investments in the country. Sec. Lopez expressed his appreciation to Nestle for producing 94% locally of what they sell in the country. He also thanked the private sector for being partners of the government in uplifting the lives of many Filipinos by providing jobs and business opportunities. Nestle Tanauan Factory also manufactures other Nestle products such as milk and coffee creamer. Present during the inauguration were Tanauan City Mayor Jhoanna Villamor, Provincial Administrator of Batangas Librado Dimaunahan, and Nestle Philippines Chairman and CEO Kais Marzouki. photo supplied

Self-employed SSS members now covered by EC program

SELF-employed members of the Social Security System (SSS) are now covered by the benefits and services of the Employees’ Compensation Program (ECP), Labor Secretary and ECC chairperson Silvestre Bello III announced recently. “We recognize that most self-employed members of the SSS are also workers who need to be protected in time of work-connected sickness, injuries, or death. Since the creation of the ECC in 1975, the EC program has been limited only to workers in the formal economy, so it’s high time to expand the coverage of the program, for after all, they are part of our workforce,” Bello said. In a report to Bello, ECC Executive Director Stella Banawis said that under the program, a self-employed member of the SSS will receive loss of income benefits, medical benefits, carer’s allowance, and rehabilita-

tion services, in the event of work-related sickness or injuries. Rehabilitation services under the EC program involve the provision of remedial treatment, entrepreneurial or vocational assessment and training. These services are designed to meet the individual needs of each person with a workrelated disability (PWRD)

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to restore him to suitable employment and develop his mental, vocational, or social potential. If the worker died because of work-related sickness or injury, the beneficiaries will receive death pension and funeral benefits. A self-employed worker is one engaged in any trade or business or occupation, who has no employer other

than oneself, and derives an income of at least P2,000 a month from his or her physical and mental efforts, and who is not over 60 years of age, during the time of initial coverage. The following are considered as self-employed individuals who are entitled to avail of the benefits of the EC program; See COVERED, page 11

EMPLOYEES in the private sector can now have an option of working in an alternative workplace with the use of telecommunication or computer technologies following the release by the labor department of the Implementing Rules and Regulations (IRR) of the ‘Telecommuting Act.’ Signed recently by Labor Secretary Silvestre Bello III, the IRR of Republic Act 11165, or the Telecommuting Act, shall take effect 15 days after its publication in a newspaper of general circulation and posting in the DOLE website. Based on the IRR, an employer in the private sector may offer a telecommuting program to its employees on a voluntary basis or as a result of collective bargaining. The new work scheme will be a management prerogative or collective bargaining option, as well as based on the voluntariness and mutual consent of the employer and employee, taking into account the nature of the work to be done. “The work arrangement must not be less than the

minimum labor standards set by law, and shall include compensable work hours, a minimum number of work hours, overtime, rest days, entitlement to leave benefits, social welfare benefits, and security of tenure,” Secretary Bello said. To effectively implement the telecommuting program, the employer and employees shall adhere to and be guided by the mutually agreed policy or telecommuting agreement. The policy includes the applicable code of conduct and performance evaluation and assessment; appropriate alternative workplace; use and cost of equipment; observance of data privacy, and occupational safety and health, among others. Companies who will adopt the telecommuting work arrangement must notify DOLE’s nearest field or provincial office. # # #GSR

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Davao

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DSWD’s Kalahi-CIDSS joins hands with tribal leaders MARILOG, Davao City (DSWD XI) – Some 69 tribal leaders from Matigsalug tribe attended the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) Kapit-Bisig Laban sa Kahirapan Comprehensive and Integrated Delivery of Social Services PAyapa at

IP midwife is 2019 regional Pantawid Focal BRGY. GUPITAN, Kapalong, Davao Del Norte -- “Through prayer, action, unity and understanding, there is strength to achieve whatever we aim to do,” Brgy Gupitan Rural Health Midwife, Mary Jean I. Sabudan strongly believes in this. Born of a MandayaAta-Manobo Dibabawon descent, Mary Jean was declared recently as Regional Pantawid Focal under Health Category. She has been serving the Indigenous Peoples in her community for nine years now. Hard up “We were very poor. Farming was our only means of living. Since my parents had eight children to feed and support, we really felt the struggle of surviving each day,” Mary Jean recounted. Even as a child, Mary Jean already devoted herself to strive and study hard in order to free her family from poverty. She also wanted to extend help to her fellow tribe members who were in the same fate as them. “I almost lost hope for a brighter future after finishing elementary school. My parents were incapable of sending me to high school, let alone support my college education. But I refused to let go of my goals. I worked as a house helper to support my high school education,” Mary Jean said. Fortunately, with the determination and effort of her mother, they were able to seek assistance from a National Government Organization (NGO) to help Mary Jean finish a college degree. Mary Jean See FOCAL, page 9

MAsaganang PamayaNAn Indigenous People - Community Driven Development (Kalahi-CIDSS PAMANA IP-CDD) Ancestral Domain (AD) Assembly at MACOEMADACI Friendship Building, Sito Marahan. The AD Assembly aimed at providing detailed over-

view and features of KalahiCIDSS PAMANA IP-CDD, significant provisions of the Indigenous Peoples Rights Act, and the Guidelines on Free Prior and Informed Consent (FPIC). Present were officials from National Commission on Indigenous Peoples

(NCIP), Philippine National Police, DSWD officers, Barangay Leaders, and the Kalahi-CIDSS Area Coordinating Teams (ACT). “The Ancestral Domain Assembly, part of the Social Preparation stage of Kalahi-CIDSS PAMANA IP-CDD, ensures that any

sub-project decided upon by the community, which will be built or implemented within ancestral lands protected and possessed by IP groups should pass approval from the IP group and their leaders. In this way, the path towards empowerment and progress do not

trample on other people’s rights,” explained DSWD Regional Director Mercedita P. Jabagat. Also discussed during the assembly were the roles of the DSWD, NCIP, LGUs and tribal leaders in the implementation of IP- CDD.

DAVAO CITY (DSWD XI) – At least 80 youth participants have been enlisted to be part of the 2019 Government Internship Program (GIP) of the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) here. GIP is a component of Kabataan 2000 Program of the national government which was developed to provide opportunities for in-school youth to have hands-on experience working in various government agencies.

“It is an opportunity for them to learn life skills in the workplace, have a meaningful and productive activity during their summer vacation, and at the same time earn money to augment their family budget for school needs,” DSWD Social Welfare Officer IV Dahlia S. Padillo said. The implementation of GIP is from April to May 2019 for 30 days and participants will receive a daily stipend of Php 277.50. Padillo added that during

the selection phase, DSWD prioritized interns who are 18-25 years old, member of Pag-asa Youth Association of the Philippines (PYAP), whose family income is below Php 9,000.00, and a family-beneficiary of Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program. The GIP is part of the government’s efforts to strengthen youth participation in nation-building by exposing them to government service, and to serve as a recruitment mechanism for

potential public employees. GIP youth will perform not only actual office work but will also assist in the implementation of DSWD programs and projects. Participants may also provide frontline services in DSWD satellite offices in the provinces, DSWD residential facilities and in local government units (LGUs) with active and functional PYAP, Padillo said. For 2019, DSWD has 1,360 interns all over the Philippines.

It can be recalled that in the past years, many participating youth have expressed that the internship program was a big help to them as they were able to save some money and learn to value the fruits of their hard work. Padillo expressed optimism that through this internship program more youths will recognize the importance of public service while government can expect younger and more compelling workforce in the next generation. (DSWD)

See JOINS, page 9

80 youth accepted in DSWD summer job

Mayor Rellon leads in the launching and opening ceremony of the 3rd Tagum City Youth Leadership Summit. Photos

by

CIO Tagum

Tagumenyo youth rally for peace in 3-day leadership summit By Tagum City Information Office

TAGUM CITY -- outh leaders from different groups in Tagum city converged for a three-day leadership summit that had surely brought new learning experiences that could help them to

become more efficient and responsible leaders of the millennial generation. This year’s Youth Leadership Summit marks the third edition of its installment, jointly organized by the City Government of Tagum, Youth for Peace

Movement Tagum, 1001st Infantry Brigade, 71st Infantry Brigade, Tagum City Youth Development Office and Youth for Peace Movement. Over 500 youth leaders participated in the said activity which took place at

the Energy Park and Tagum City Trade School. Series of Team Building activities were set for the campers to develop camaraderie and unity amongst each other, all the while adding fun and excitement to the leadership summit.

Various academic competitions were also held in the activity. Advocating for peace and cultural sensitivity was also one of the summit’s main features; thus, activities that reflect such advocacies were also conducted such

as the Peace Bonfire during the opening night, Shower for Peace, and Paglupog ng Katigaman (The Amazing Race: Cultural Communications Edition). Other than the activities that required physical See RALLY, page 9

9

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Joins... from page 8

The 69 IP leaders from the Matigsalog tribe, representing the sectors from elders, youth, and women, appointed the Community Sub-Project Management Committee (CSPMC), a group composed of community volunteers entrusted with the responsibility of managing the subproject with the technical assistance of the DSWD Area Coordinating Team (ACT). “ T h e f or m at i on of CSPMC ensures that the program provides everyone the opportunity to be heard especially in making decisions for his/her community. IP communities are able to participate in informed decision making for their community sub-projects,” Merlinda A. Paragamac, DSWD Promotive Services Division Chief stressed. Covered areas of KalahiCIDSS IP-CDD in Region XI are Nabunturan, Mawab, Maco, Pantukan, Mabini, Maragusan, Talaingod, San Isidro in Davao del Norte, Kapalong, Sto. Tomas, Caraga, Baganga, Cateel, Boston, Kiblawan, Don Marcelino, New Bataan, and Compstela. Total Grant Allocation for the IP-CDD implementation in Region XI is Php131, 600,000.00. “Ang programang KalahiCIDSS PAMANA IP-CDD, gi respeto ang among tribo pinaagi sa pag konsulta sa amoa. Gi himo ming kabahin sa implementasyon sa mga proyekto, ug gi respeto sa programa ang among kulturanhong katungod (The Kalahi-CIDSS PAMANA IPCDD respects our tribe by consulting us, involving us in project implementation. The program respects our cultural rights),” declared Datu Carlito Guinto Sr., Deputy Mayor of Matigsalug tribe in Marilog. In Region XI, the reported population of Indigenous

MDN: Apr 5 & 12, 2019

Friday, April 12, 2019

People in Kalahi-CIDSS IPCDD areas is 234,902. This inclusive system of IP-CDD empowers the community to build more equity and ownership of the projects. Kalahi-CIDSS is one of the programs of DSWD that uses the CDD approach to empower local communities to undertake their own development projects by actively and directly partaking in local governance in identifying their community needs as well as taking part in implementing projects that will address these needs. The Kalahi-CIDSS IPCDD targets to deliver basic services in IP communities by supporting the implementation of the Ancestral Domain Sustainable Development Protection Plan (ADSDPP), strengthening partnership of local governance institutions and the Indigenous Political Structures (IPS), and building the communities’ resilience to conflict. (DSWD/Julie Ace Brandon F. Ramos)

Focal... from page 8

then finished a course in midwifery and subsequently, passed the board examination. Equipped with her educational achievements and professional skills, Mary Jean returned to her hometown to serve her community, her tribe, and help her family

start a better life. Volunteer worker Even with noble intentions, starting out her professional journey wasn’t easy. Mary Jean couldn’t find a job fit to her qualifications in their town. It was in 1998 when she started volunteering in Barangay Gupitan as a community health worker. “I served the people of Barangay Gupitan where many residents are lumads, despite the difficulty of reaching the area due to harsh roads, impending flash floods, and the looming threats to security and safety of volunteers.” Mary Jean said. None of these dangers hinder Mary Jean’s dream to help the community in need of her services and that of her fellow midwives, doctors and barangay health workers. They would visit this remote sitio out of sheer sense of volunteerism. “I may not have received any financial compensation but my heart is full of joy knowing that I have contributed to the good health and well-being of the people that we served.” Mary Jean said. As volunteer, Mary Jean has formed partnerships with various medical groups such as the Mercy Maternity Clinic and the Malaysian onThe-Job-Trainee Doctors to improve the services they extend to remote areas. “There

LOT FOR SALE

are times that government support is not enough that is why I thought of asking help from other parties”. As Pantawid Coordinator In 2009, the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) has included all Ata-Manobo and Dibabawanon tribesmen in the Modified Conditional Cash Transfer for Indigenous Peoples or MCCT-IP. With the implementation of this program, Mary Jean had seen great improvements in the lives of her fellow lumads. “I am thankful to be part of this 4Ps program as coordinator. Through Family Development Sessions (FDS), I am able to impart my knowledge in health and wellness, especially on the importance of a pre-natal check-up.” Mary Jean also initiated efforts to educate the community about the importance of immunization through FDS. Mary Jean also introduced to them the different health services provided by the government like free vitamins, free medication, free medical examination and consultation. Mary Jean as a health worker obs er ve d t hat mothers in the community struggle to find a safe and accessible birthing place. Thus, as one of her proudest initiatives, she coordinated

with officials of Barangay Gupitan to help establish a birthing facility in the area and was issued a resolution in year 2014. “For me, being a 4Ps coordinator is not an easy task. One needs to deal with different kinds of people with different levels of needs. As an IP and a partner in implementing the Pantawid Program in the community, I continue be inspired by God’s grace in my work.” Because of these ‘extra mile’ efforts, Mary Jean was proclaimed Regional Winner under Health Category of the first ever Search for Pantawid Focals. This search aims to recognize the efforts and services of partner stakeholders from the schools and health centers who have been crucial in the successful implementation of the program. At present, regional Pantawid Pamilya is helping 226,230 families in 43 municipalities, 6 cities, covering all 5 provinces, by keeping their children healthy and in school. The program also has 29,070 IP beneficiaries in Davao Region under the Modified Conditional Cash Transfer for Indigenous Peoples (MCCT-IP). (DSWD)

Rally... from page 8

engagement, the minds of

R. A 9048 Form No 10.1 (LCRO)

NOTICE FOR PUBLICATION

PRIME LOCATIONS: Over-looking at Macajalar - Gusa - 25,201sqm Lot 8A - Tablon - 57,214 sqm - Gaerlan St. - 275 sqm Perfect for Development Contact Mobile No.: 09750448408; 09292395148; 09177961757 rvinme@sbcglobal.net | aprilrose_dablio@yahoo.com

In compliance with Section 5 of R.A. 9048 a notice is hereby served to the public that MERLYN M. DIESTA has filed with this Office a petition for Change of First Name from “MERAYIN” to “MERLYN” in the Certificate live of Birth of MERAYIN SAYSON MICABALO who was born on May 25, 1970 at Iligan City, Lanao del Norte and whose parents are Ester G. Sayson and Pepe B. Micabalo. Any person adversely affected by the said petition may file his written opposition with this office not later than May 2019.

(SGD.) MARIA PURA C. MASCARINAS City Civil Registrar

MDN: Apr 5 & 12, 2019

MDN: Apr 11-May 10, 2019

MDN: Apr 5 & 12, 2019

NOTICE Notice is hereby given that the intestate estate of the late ADRIANO R. BALQUIN, who died at Batangan, Valencia City Bukidnon on January 02, 2018 and JORGITA M. BALQUIN, who died at Batangan, Valencia City, Bukidnon on August 09, 2014 without any will. That the said deceased persons, died intestate and without any obligations nor liabilities whatsoever, leaving a certain real properties, describe as follows , to wit: Katibayan ng Orihinal na Titulo Blg. P-13126 Lot No. 471, Pls-9 Area of 799 square meters

Republic of the Philippines Local Civil Registry Office Province; Lanao Del Norte City /Municipality: Iligan City

CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY

the participants were also fed with informative facts from the discussions and lectures given by highlyesteemed speakers. Among the topics discussed in the series of seminars were Responsible Social Media Engagement, Sustainable Development Goals, Violent Extremism, Voters Education, The Power of Youth in the Electoral Exercise, Social Entrepreneurship and Elevator Speech, among others. The summit also became an avenue for the young leaders to participate in tree planting and soil bagging activities, strengthening their will to protect the environment. The 3rd Tagum City Youth Leadership Summit ran from April 7 to April 9, 2019. Drex Rafols/CIO Tagum

“A PARCEL OF LAND, Lot No. 471, Pls-9 situated at Barangay Batangan, City of Valencia, Province of Bukidnon, containing an area of SEVEN HUNDRED NINETY NINE (799) sq.mtrs. “ Is the subject of EXTRA JUDICIAL SETTLEMENT OF ESTATE with DEED OF SALE, under the Notarial Registry of ATTY. PAUL VINCENT G. VILLEGAS, Notary Public, per Doc No. 411; Page No. 83; Book No. 51; Series of 2019. MDN: March 29, April 5 & 12, 2019

MDN: Apr 5 & 12, 2019

R.A. Form No. 10.1 (LCRO) Republic of the Philippines LOCAL CIVIL REGISTRY OFFICE Province of Lanao del Norte Municipality of SND NOTICE OF PUBLICATION In compliance with Section 5 of RA Act No. 9048, a notice is hereby served to the public that SITTIE TAGO COMILAO has filed with this office a petition for Change of First Name from “RASMIA” to “SITTIE” in the birth certificate of RASMIA NESCAD TAGO who was born on October 20, 1967 at SND (KAROMATAN), Lanao del Norte and whose parents are SOMINSANG TAGO and AMINA NESCAD. Any person adversely affected by said petition may file his written opposition with this office not later than 15 days.

MDN: Apr 5 & 12, 2019

MDN: Apr 5 & 12, 2019

MDN: Apr 5 & 12, 2019

(SGD.) RAUL P. RESPUESTO Municipal Civil Registrar

MINDANAO DAILY The Purveyor of Truth, Justice and Development

Editor: ALLAN M. MEDIANTE

Friday, April 12, 2019

BUSINESS 10

World War II exhibit opens in Pampanga By RIC SAPNU

CITY OF SAN FERNANDO, Pampanga -- An exhibit showcasing stories of the country’s World War II heroes opened at the San Fernando Old Train in Barangay Sto. Niño, this city on Wednesday. This is in line with the City Government of San Fernando’s commemoration of the 77th anniversary of the Death March, paying tribute to the patriotism of Filipinos. Titled “War of Our Fathers”, the exhibit is a project of the city government and the Philippine Veterans Bank. It features several photographs, write-ups and artifacts captured and used by Filipino freedom fighters during the war. Renato Claravall, president and chief operating officer of the Philippine Veterans Bank, said the exhibit would convey to WORLD WAR II EXHIBIT. Residents take a look at the photographs, write-ups and artifacts about World War II on the younger generation the display in an exhibit at the San Fernando Old Train in Barangay Sto. Niño, City of San Fernando, Pampanga. The stories of the heroes during “War of our Fathers” exhibit, a project of the city government of San Fernando and the Philippine Veterans Bank, See EXHIBIT, page 11

will run from April 10 to 15, 2019. (Photo

courtesy of the city of

San Fernando)

Cement shortage seen to delay new construction projects By AEROL JOHN PATEÑA

MANILA -- A property consultancy firm warned that the current shortage of cement is likely to hold back the construction of new buildings. Pronove Tai International Consultants said increase in the supply of cement is important in order to create more office spaces that can be utilized by business enterprises. The firm estimated that the shortage of cement have caused a 30 percent delay in the first quarter of 2019 building completions in Metro Manila. “Our thinking is that the cement shortage will cause impact for the entire year unless government does something about it. That is why we are already ringing See SHORTAGE, page 11

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Covered... from page 7

• Self-employed professionals who have their own business offices; • Partners, single proprietors of businesses, and Directors or Trustees of the Board of corporations duly registered with appropriate government agencies; • Actors, directors, scriptwriters, and news correspondents who do not fall within the definition of the term ‘employee’ in Section 8(D) of the SS Law; • Professional athletes, coaches, trainers, jockeys, individual farmers, and fisher folks; • Workers in the informal sector such as market and ambulant vendors, transport workers, and those similarly situated; • Contractual and job order personnel engaged by the government through a Contract of Service and who are not covered under the GSIS Law; and, • Any other self-employed as determined by the Social Security Commission is subject for compulsory coverage, if for initial membership. As of March 2018, there are about 36.3 million workers registered under the SSS. About 12.4 percent of the registered members of the SSS or 4.5 million are selfemployed workers. On the other hand, the 2018 PSA Labor Force Survey indicates that 11.07 million or 26.9 percent of the total working population of the country are self-employed without any paid employee. To be covered under the EC program, self-employed workers shall register for SSS membership at the nearest SSS branch. Their coverage under the program will start as soon as they pay their first EC contribution. The amount of contribution that they will pay will depend on the corresponding monthly salary credit of the amount of earnings that they will declare at the time of registration. Self-employed members will pay P10 per month if they have a monthly salary credit (MSC) of P14,500 or below, and P30 per month if they have a MSC of P15,000 and above. Self-employed members may avail of simultaneous benefits under the EC program and the SSS for the same contingency, provided that they are qualified to get the benefits under each program. “With this development, the ECP will be able to serve more Filipino workers,” Banawis said. ECC

Enhance... from page 3

(buses arriving from the provinces are directed to the 2nd level, while departures are at ground level), with numerous LED monitors on the hallways indicating bus schedules, destinations, arrival and departure times, and strategically placed speakers announcing transit updates. Ticketing booths are numerous and conducted expediently. Passenger waiting areas are similar to those of airline lounges. The multi-level PITX is air-conditioned all throughout, with various food stalls and merchandise stores lining the walkways for passengers’ shopping needs while in transit. The PITX also offers loading and unloading bays for metro jeepneys and garage-to-terminal (GT or UV) shuttle vans. The PITX, built and operated by Megawide Construction Corp and the Department of Transportation, started operations on November 5, 2018 under the Public-Private Partnership program, has been projected to be able to handle up to 200,000 passengers daily, servicing the following routes in the Cavite and Batangas provinces: Kawit, Noveleta, Cavite City, Tanza, Naic, Maragondon, Ternate, General Trias, Trece Martires, Indang, Bacoor, Imus, Dasmarinas, Silang, Amadeo, Tagaytay, Mendez, Alfonso, Nasugbu, and Lian. IPC President Hajime Koso, visibly impressed with the facilities and systems already in place at the PITX, remarked: “The PITX is a prime example of how publicprivate partnerships can work in harmony to improve the lives of the people. Isuzu Philippines Corporation is delighted to play its part in this business model, as we provide the modern PUVs necessary for the convenient, safe, comfortable, and efficient transit of passengers between PITX and their places of work, leisure and

residence in southwestern Manila, Pasay and Paranaque cities.” IPC Sales and Marketing Division Head Joseph Bautista added: “SETSCO’s modern PUVs are merely the start of IPC’s wholehearted effort to support the government’s Public Utility Vehicle Modernization Program (PUVMP), which is envisioned to replace 200,000 old jeepneys nationwide with new, safe and environment-friendly public utility vehicles. IPC has been slowly but steadily adding Isuzu-branded modern PUVs to transport fleets and cooperatives around Metro Manila and in the provinces since the government program started in June 2018.” PITX GM Mariano Antonio Arroyo acknowledged the significant role the modern PUVs play in the fulfillment of PITX’s mandate. He affirmed that modern PUVs such as those of Isuzu have helped immensely in expanding the branding, purpose, and public acceptance of the PITX. He described that even before commuters enter PITX, they have had a taste of modern commuting inside the Isuzu modern PUVs.

Pushes... from page 6

kababayang may mga karamdaman (all our plans, let’s help them on affordable housing, students’ scholarship, medical services, Malasaki Centers as part of our intensified health services for our sick compatriots),” he said, citing the need for affordable and decent housing and basic services for those living in the slums. He said the President’s signing into law of the Universal Health Care for all Filipinos has complemented the Malasakit Center’s goals with PhilHealth tasked as lead agency for the fund allocations and these health services hubs shall ensure the zero-balance billing under the hassle-free scheme. He thanked the Lagunenses for their overwhelming warm welcome amid the summer heat and vowed “to continue his people-centered, service-oriented advocacies, especially the poor Filipinos in every nook and corner” where these services are mostly needed. Go spelled out his 12-point legislative agenda which support the President’s relentless war against illegal drugs, criminality, corruption and on the Magna Carta for barangay officials, medical services and the Malasakit Center, affordable housing, agriculture, education, senior citizens, localized peace talks, sports development and the establishment of a Department of Overseas Filipino Workers’ Affairs. (PNA)

Veterans... from page 2

Education 4th year student of Capitol University said, “The activity was definitely exciting. The rappelling, which I experienced, pushed me beyond my limitations. Soldiers nowadays are very talented and I really admire and enjoy watching them conduct demonstrations, sing and play musical instruments. This activity reminds the youth of our veterans who bravely fought the foreign colonizers for us to gain our freedom.” In his message, mayor Moreno said, “I challenge not only Cagayanons, but the Mindanaoans as well, in attaining peace that has been so elusive. Let us forget our divisiveness, rather, let us focus in achieving inclusive growth.” Moreno also called the Cagayanons not forget the martyrs who had sacrificed their life in the name of freedom. Major General Franco Nemesio M Gacal, 4ID commander, meanwhile said, “I thank the people of Cagayan de Oro City for being with us on this special day. As we proudly celebrate the Day of Valor, we commemorate the greatness of our Filipino Veterans for their gallantry as they fought for our country’s freedom and sovereignty. Let the heroism of our forefathers serves as an inspiration to the present and future generations.” Gacal added that as members of the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP), they will carry on and continue to emulate the standards of valor that our forefathers have exemplified all throughout the world. (4ID)

Confab... from page 2

the PNP-HPG is also calling for legislation that will require the installation of speed limit devices

Friday, April 12, 2019 in all public utility vehicles as well as dash cams and CCTVs to help protect both the riding public and pedestrians,” Fajardo said. He added that the DOTr is the main government agency which conceptualized the Philippine Road Safety Action Plan 2017-2022 with the end in view of reducing road crashes by 2022. In her message, Mayor Irene Luansing said the activity is about Grab’s continuing commitment to provide safe and secure transportation to our passengers and partner drivers,” “We are grateful to the PNPHPG for this partnership that will not only enhance our partner drivers’ training on road safety and courtesy, but it also provides us the means to contribute substantially in the anti-criminality drive of the government,” mayor Luansing said. The PNP-HPG recommended measures to reduce road-related accidents and save people’s lives, lessen casualties and injuries and protect people’s properties. This year, the PNP-HPG’s drivers were cited for being an effective means in reducing deadly road accidents mainly attributed to driver’s error, poor road condition, mechanical trouble, reckless driving and driving while under the influence. (smrn/PIA10)

Story... from page 4

the opposition to subject Duterte and his family to an unkind and crass black propaganda to erode the people’s trust on the President and diminish the winnability of the HnP senatorial bets had failed miserably. In the case of Bong Go, even Rappler acknowledged that Bong Go is “his own campaign manager. Go’s organizing skills had already been tested in 2016 when he was campaign sortie manager of Duterte’s wildly successful presidential campaign”. ‘Bikoy’, just like the compendium of issues leveled against Duterte and his family, is nothing but a farce.

Exhibit... from page 10

the war. “This Death March anniversary we are celebrating (is) an example of valor, strength, discipline, and commitment, which many people do not understand, especially the younger ones. That is why we are bringing up the stories of our fathers through an exhibit,” Claravall said. The exhibit will run until April 15. City tourism officer Ching Pangilinan, meanwhile, said the city serves as a tool to encourage every Fernandino to trace the contribution of Pampanga and San Fernando to the rich history of the war. “Pampanga remains to be one of the noble and heroic places, not just by sending soldiers (to) the World War II but also through Hukbalahap veterans who also contributed their own efforts. In the City of San Fernando, we do not forget its rich history and tradition. Every year, we give honor, not only to our forefathers but also to their families,” Pangilinan said. The city government also held a wreath-laying ceremony at the Death March Marker at the San Fernando Old Train Station, which also played a vital role during the Bataan Death March in 1942. It was the final stop of the Filipino and American soldiers in their 102-km. march from Mariveles, Bataan before heading to their final destination in Capas, Tarlac. Also present during the opening of the exhibit were representatives of the Veterans Federation of the Philippines, city government, Pampanga Arts and Culture Council, different Masonic Lodges of Pampanga, City Schools Division of San Fernando teachers, barangay officials, and barangay tourism council members. (PNA)

Shortage... from page 10

the bell,” said Monique Pronove, Pronove Tai President and Chief Executive Officer, in a press briefing held at Makati City on Wednesday. A study conducted by the firm showed that a total of 15 buildings measuring 276,000 square meters (sq. m) were completed during the first quarter of 2019 resulting to an increase of 31 percent than the quarterly average last year. Demand for office buildings

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Photo shows (from left) Denny Masayon (City Health Office nurse, CBRP inchargedcommunity based rehab program; Retired Police Colonel Edgardo Martinez (current executive assistant, office of the city mayor); Oroquieta City Mayor Jason Almonte; and DILG City Officer Fely Uy with the DILG National Anti-Drug Abuse Council (ADAC) Award at the awarding rites last December. “City of Good Life” is also a con- Laurente Sr. was referring to a sistent recipient of DILG’s annual retired police officer in Oroquieta from page 1 Seal of Good Housekeeping and City who was arrested and convicted which yielded negative results. Seal of Good Local Governance as shabu dealer. “ He said Oroquieta Speaking before a huge cam- under Almonte’s leadership. City has one of the lowest crime paign rally of the Hugpong ng In his letter to President Duterte incidents in the country, “mostly Pagbabago last April 3 in Tangub dated December 21, 2018, Almonte petty crimes.” City, Misamis Occidental, Dela Rosa, said 24 Oroquieta City barangays Mayoralty candidate Lemuel President Duterte’s main man in his have been declared drug-free, and Acosta, his partymate and the city’s war against drugs, gave what many two more are on-board for as- current vice mayor, said the number observers refer to as “rare words of sessment by the Philippine Drug of businesses has doubled during encouragement” to Almonte, who Enforcement Agency. the three terms of Almonte, from has since appealed to city residents Almonte is currently vying for a about 1,000 registered enterprises “to pray so that the right informa- seat in Congress in the first district when he became mayor in 2010, to tion would reach Malacanang.” of Misamis Occidental. He served about 2,000 business establishments “Ayaw’ guol guol diha. Mga as mayor for three consecutive now. trials lang na sa atong kinabuhi. terms of Oroquieta City, where a “No public official who is allegMga unos lang na sa kinabuhi. big portion of the area was given edly engaged in illegal drugs can ever Kaya nimong lusutan. (Don’t be recognition by the Department of come up with a good development sad. They’re just trials and tribu- the Interior and Local Government program for his city,” said Welita lations of our life. You can easily as drug-free under his watch. Lara, retired budget officer, who surmount them),” Dela Rosa told Unfortunately, he said, five added she felt lucky and fortunate Almonte in the vernacular during barangay captains have allied with to have Almonte at the helm when his speech, alluding to reports the rival local party slate. “Illegal she was budget officer. reaching Malacanang linking the drugs would only defeat our vision Father Ernesto Lata, Lopez mayor to illegal drugs. of a progressive Oroquieta City, and Jaena Parish Priest of the Iglesia Party mate and local party’s I may be forced to do something Filipina Independiente, said, “I Team 20-0 standard bearer and about these five barangay captains, know Mayor Jason so well since we gubernatorial candidate Philip file administrative charges against grew up together and he confides Tan, said he and Dela Rosa talked them to compel them to take action everything to me. So I can attest about it on stage “and he, himself against illegal drugs,” he added. that there has never been a drug was surprised and can’t believe” Almonte’s partymates have at- issue with him ever since. All of us that Almonte was on the narco list. tested to his persistent anti-illegal are willing to testify and vouch for “As I have been telling Mayor drug advocacy and campaign, which him that he was never into drugs.” Jason: You should be brave enough already led to the arrest of drug Almonte’s three terms as mayor to stand by your people. You are pushers and traders, including a of Oroquieta City saw the best loved by the people of Oroquieta. retired police officer. governance and public service The result of this election will vin- The mayor’s party was also record in the local government’s dicate you,” Tan, current mayor of informed that followers of the history, exemplified by the grant of Tangub City emphasized. Parojinog clan, whose scion and scholarship to some 4,945 students The Drug Dependency Ex- other known members have been to improve the labor-force profile amination Report on Almonte jailed or killed in a major anti-drug of the city. He also allocated funds by Dr. Vernon Nery Jr., Chief of operation two years ago, were report- for various programs to boost the Hospital of the Calamba District edly planning to mount a political capabilities of the city personnel, Hospital in Misamis Occidental, campaign to ensure Almonte’s defeat including the DepEd personnel, states: “Subject is not a drug user. and his slate. “I don’t know why PNP and Bureau of Jail Management No further intervention is neces- they are up against me,” he said. and Penology, barangay tanods, sary.” The report was attested to by His party mates noted that the barangay health workers, day care Notary Public Diogenes B. Apao Jr. city government’s action against il- workers, barangay nutrition scholars, last April 5. legal drugs to support the Duterte tricycle drivers, and indigent senior The Drug Test Report of the administration’s war on drugs has citizens, among others. Department of Health – Philippine in fact helped invigorate the local In a gathering, Almonte showed Drug Screening Laboratory likewise economy. residents of Barangay Pines, one of showed that Almonte was negative John Harold Japay, president of the farthest barrio from the Poblaof illegal substances methamphet- the city’s Youth Leadership Program, cion, the architect’s perspective of amine and tetrahydrocannabinol. an organization of out-school youths the P330-million sports complex, The people of Oroquieta were disclosed that Mayor Almonte “is which is expected to be finished shocked by the recent report impli- very strict against youngsters smok- early next year. cating Almonte in the illegal drug use ing and drinking liquor in public”. “Our aim is to allow us to bid considering the City even received “We were really very much for, along with the province, to a citation from Interior and Local surprised with the accusation,” host the next Palarong Pambansa, Government Secretary Eduardo Japay stressed, “All of us would to help boost the city’s campaign to Ano for the local government’s hide, or get out of the place when harness the potential of the youth, at anti-drug campaign last December. we hear that the mayor is coming, least in sports, and take them away In the 2018 National Anti-Drug because we know he would be very from the temptation of drugs,” he Abuse Council (ADAC) Award angry. So, for small things like that, shared. signed by Ano, Oroquieta was con- that he would be angry, how much This summer, Mayor Almonte ferred the “Ideal” city government more on serious and dangerous would be treating city residents “in recognition of its exemplary habits like drug addiction.” anew with the funfare and glitter efforts in the performance of its “If he is really into drugs, or of the city’s annual summer sports duties in complementing the na- alleged to be a narcopolitician, why league. At least three top collegiate tional government’s anti-illegal drug were the big fishes in Oroquieta teams from Metro Manila have campaign, and in garnering a score City caught here and jailed,” asked arrived for the weeklong league. of between 85 to 99 functionality former Tangub City jail warden, Leading players from the Philippine points during the conduct of 2017 retired Chief Inspector Dominador Basketball Association would be ADAC Performance Audit.” Laurete Sr. He once served as a coming shortly to conduct summer Oroquieta City, known as the police officer in Oroquieta City. basketball clinics for the local youth.

Almonte...

in Metro Manila during the first quarter of this year was higher by 39 percent year on year as it recorded 364,000 sq. m compared to 262,000 sq. m during the first quarter of 2018 according to Pronove Tai. The increase in demand was driven by the IT-BPM sector at 36 percent while the offshore gaming sector demand grew by 118 percent year on year. Pronove Tai said at least 52 buildings measuring 1.1 million sq. m in Metro Manila must be completed before the end of the year. “You always want to reach a certain equilibrium where you have corporations not spending too much

on their real estate,” Pronove explained. The firm urged government to suspend the implementation of tariffs on cement imports as the real estate market needs at least 32 million metric tons of cement annually for the construction of new buildings and other infrastructures in the country. Currently, local suppliers for construction firms can only provide around 27 million metric tons of cement. The Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) has imposed last February an additional PHP 8.40 duty per bag of imported cement to protect local manufacturers and

ensure the stability of the commodity’s supply and price. The duties on cement will also encourage existing and new players to build additional facilities for domestic production, and address the country’s perennial trade deficits. Data from the Trade Department shows that cement imports increased from only 3,558 metric tons in 2013 to more than 3 million tons in 2017. The share of imports also increased from only 0.02 percent to 15 percent during the same period, leading to a 49 percent decline in manufacturers’ income in 2017. (PNA)

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Friday, April 12, 2019

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