Mindanao Daily (April 21-22, 2018)

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Volume VII, No. 268

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vertical home builders enterprises Patag Highway, Cagayan de Oro City

Tel. No. 858-5789 / Fax No. 850-5020; Cel. Nos. 0919-655-3754, 0923-304-2676 Email: verticalhomebuilders@yahoo.com

Dealer of hardware and construction materials: Product Lines: Angle Bars; Gl Pipes; C-Purlins; Holow Blocks; Coco Lumber; Carrying Channel; Double Furring Channel; Single Furring ; Acoustic Board; Polycarbonate; Power Tools; Good Lumber S4S; Panel Doors; PVC Laminated Panel; PVC Vertical Blinds; Roller Blinds ; Wooden Blinds; Armstrong Vinyl Tiles; Kent Vinyl Tiles; Parquet Tiles - Apo Vinyl Tiles.

“YOU NAME IT, WE HAVE IT.”

‘Camiguin: tranquil, unspoiled’ Distributor & Dealer of: Steel Bars; Holcim Cement; Davis Paint; Sand & Gravel; Plywood; INdustrial Supplies; Finishing Supplies; Electrical Supplies; Power Tools; Air Compressors

Camiguin to host dive fest this June

• DOT 10 commends LGU tourism campaign CAMIGUIN, the tourism jewel of Northern Mindanao is an island paradise, which today is relatively still unspoiled by the haste of modernization. And because it is untouched by large-scale tourism and considered as one of the more tranquil islands in the country, Camiguin has become a vacationer’s dreamed destination.

“I was left awestruck every single time we moved from one location to another… It makes me so proud to be a Filipino that we have something like this island in our backyard,” says ER Alviz a film director based in Manila. And whose creative works revolve around digital content, TVCs, films, TV. Do you know that with more than 20 cinder cones 100m-plus high, Camiguin has more volcanoes per square kilometer than any other island on earth?

Lonely Planet blog says “Those who do come feel proprietorial about this little jewel and guard news of its treasures like a secret. Besides the usual diving, snorkelling and sandy beaches (except for offshore ones, beaches have brown sand), Camiguin offers a chance to climb a volcano and a seeming endless supply of jungle waterfalls and hot and cold springs.”

Promotion Efforts Lauded The regional director of the Department of Tourism (DOT) in Northern Mindanao said she is happy that See camiguin, page 11

Photo by Camiguin Tourism Office

CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY – The island province of Camiguin will host a dive festival this June, according to a full-page announcement run by the Department of Tourism (DOT) 10 in this paper yesterday.

Details are still sketchy at this point but to drum up publicity for the event, the DOT 10 indicated that there will be a media tour around the island on June 15 with travel journalists and bloggers coming from Cagayan de Oro City, Camiguin and Bukidnon slated to join.

In the said publication, DOT 10 cited Camiguin as the top tourist destination in Northern Mindanao that was even visited by Miss Universe 2017 candidates that year.

DOT 10 also hailed the provincial board of Camiguin and its governor Ma. Luisa Romualdo for enacting the No Use of Plastic Bags Ordinance, pointing out that it results to a “continuous preservation of the ecological balance.”

The DOT-10 ad See host, page 11

Church leader killed in NPA ambush

By CHRIS V. PANGANIBAN

SAN FRANCISCO, Agusan del Sur -- A church leader was killed while two others were seriously hurt when alleged New Peoples Army

rebels peppered them with bullets while riding on a motorcycle on Wednesday afternoon in the interior village of Lahi in Gigaquit town in Surigao del Norte.

Capt. Francisco Garello,

Civil Military Operation Officer of the Army’s 36th Infantry Battalion, said four rebels under Guerilla Front 16C fired at the victims at close range when they passed by the assailants.

Garello said the victims who were going home from the community social hall where Army soldiers were conducting Community Support Program may have been mistaken as military

assets.

The victims, Jepti Acido,32, an elder of Jehovah’s Witnesses church in the village of Tayaga in Claver town, died on the spot after See ambush, page 11

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Editor:mark markfrancisco, francisco Section Editor

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April 21-22, 2018

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4Ps grantee overcomes anti-social behavior, graduates cum laude Photos by Oliver Badel Inodeo, Pantawid Pamilya Information Officer

Cagayan de Oro City -- Success belongs to those who try to take every opportunity that comes their way, even if they fail than by regretting for not trying.

Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program (4Ps) beneficiary Sheremie Canunayon, 20, believes in this.

Finishing a degree in Bachelor of Science in Secondary Education majoring in Mathematics, Sheremie received the highest honors as Cum Laude during the recent commencement exercises of the University of Science and Technology of Southern Philippines - Main Campus here.

Second to the last or sixth of the seven Canunayon siblings of Purok Sunflower B, Bal-ason, Gingoog City, Misamis Oriental, some 136.50 kilometers east off the city; Sheremie did not expect to earn such honor during her graduation.

“I didn’t expect to receive such award. What I did was I never wasted the opportunity given to me by DSWD (Department of Social Welfare and Development) and CHED (Commission on Higher Education) through the Expanded Student Grantin-Aid Program for Poverty Alleviation (ESGPPA). I worked and studied hard

Sheremie Canunayon with her sisters and brother inside her boarding house in Cagayan de Oro City.

to make my family happy,” she said.

When she was in her early elementary years, Sheremie claimed that she was anti-social. She didn’t want to make friends with most of her classmates. She was aloof.

However, she was quick to add that she only had few friends, who were also academic achievers like her.

It was during their frequent group studies that made her realize that she needed people around her, to support her in reaching

her goals.

Sheremie disclosed that her teacher in high school inspired to participate in school and community activities to further honed her skills and abilities. This made her more active in school and in her community.

The close supervision of her parents and teachers in high school, she claimed, slowly changed her ways before, from being aloft to being participative in school and friendly with people around her.

‘ESGPPA a good investment in education’ Sheremie considers her degree as a ticket to live out of poverty.

A scholar of ESGPPA since her first year at USTP,

Sheremie said the program is “something that every 4Ps beneficiaries must be proud of.”

She said both ESGPPA and Pantawid Pamilya are good investments of the national government to the poor families, adding that, “education is my ticket to live out of poverty.”

Like any Pantawid beneficiary, she experienced difficulties in life. It never occurred to them that anyone in the family could reach college. Yet the sheer determination has been her driving force to finish her studies.

“I was so lucky then that I was included in the list of ESGPPA scholars. Because of that, my dream became a reality, big time,” Sheremie

Sheremie Canunayon holds her medals inside her boarding house in Cagayan de Oro City, a day after her graduation at the University of Science and Technology of Southern Philippines.

shared.

She did excel in her studies and even in extracurricular activities. Despite her rather hectic schedule, she found time to be with her family to go to church.

Sheremie hoped that 4Ps will continue to help more indigent students to finish a college degree and make their dreams come true like her.

Sheremie is one of the 1,940 ESGPPA scholars in Northern Mindanao.

The Commission on Higher Education (CHED) and Department of Social

Welfare and Development (DSWD) spearheaded the implementation of ESGPPA. A student-grantee receives a maximum of P60,000 scholarship grant per school year or P30,000 per semester. This is broken down to P20,000/year Tuition Fee Cost, P5,000/ year Textbook Fees and other learning materials, and P35,000 (that is, P3,500/ month x 10 months) stipend (for board and lodging, transportation, clothing, health/medical needs, basic school supplies and other See grantee, page 11

TESDA-10 conducts Skills Demonstration and Enrollment for Free TVET on Labor Day

Sheremie Canunayon browses her graduation photos with her sister.

C agayan de Oro City -- The Technical Education and Skills Development Authority Region 10 will join the Labor Day Celebration spearheaded by the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE)-10 on May 1, 2018 at Limketkai Center, Cagayan de Oro City.

Part of the activities will be the Skills Demonstration and Enrollment for Free TVET at the Event Center, 2nd Floor, Limketkai Center, Cagayan de Oro City simultaneously held with the Job Fair and One-Stop-Shop of DOLE-

10 at the Atrium and a Livelihood/Kabuhayan Display of DTI-10 at the Rotonda of Limketkai Center.

Tek-Bok trainees will showcase their skills on various qualifications such as; Bartending/Flair tending (with free wine tasting), Cooking and Pastry Production (with free tasting), Barista/Coffee Making (with free coffee), Massage Therapy (with Free Massage), Pedicure/Manicure (free of services), Cake Decorating, Fruit and Vegetable Carving, Make-up and Hair Cutting (free of ser vice), Dressmaking, Flower Arrangement and

Free Blood Pressure (BP).

The enrolment for Free TVET will bring TESDA scholarships closer to those who want to avail of free skills training. It aims to reach out to people the various programs of TESDA which they may avail of.

There will be more than thirty (30) public and private technical and vocational institutions to accommodate the applicants on the enrollment day.

Director Tarhata S. Mapandi, the OIC-Regional Director of TESDA-10 said “We are honoring our skilled workers on Labor Day”. She further emphasized that the

enrolment for Free TVET will bring TESDA scholarships closer to those who want to avail of free skills training.

TVET scholarships is open to all Filipinos age 15 and above who are interested to pursue various technical-vocational (tech-voc) courses. Partial requirements include valid ID or NSO birth certificate and 1x1 picture.

Director Mapandi said that the government will continue to offer programs that will contribute to the upliftment of the lives of our skilled workers.

MINDANAO DAILY ZAMPEN UPDATES

Editor:mark markfrancisco, francisco Section Editor

Phil. Army welcomes 245 candidate solider trainees in Zamboanga del Sur LABANGAN, Zamboanga del Sur, -- “The Philippine Army is delighted to have you all here and we welcome you all candidate soldiers to the Philippine Army.”

Thus said Colonel Krishnamurti Amortela, Assistant Commander for Education and Training (G8), Philippine Army, during the opening and closing ceremony of the Candidate Soldier Course (CSC) Training Class 5312018 at the parade grounds of 1st Infantry (Tabak) Division, Camp Major Cesar Sang-an, Pulacan in Labangan town.

“You are very fortunate that you were given a chance to be part of this organization after a very long and challenging process,” Amortela said adding that he expects that the 245 trainees will do their best to pass the training.

“It is normal for you to experience fear and discouragement but I encourage you to never lose hope and never give up,” he added.

He said the training will test their determination if they

are really fit to be soldiers and this will serve as their foundation to prepare for their future duties as good and disciplined soldiers. This is also a good chance to prepare their physical and mental capacity for future missions.

In the CSC training, the trainees will learn the proper rifle handling techniques and safety, warrior tasks and drills, among others.

Amortela also called on the training staff and candidate soldiers models to share their knowledge, skills, dedication and professionalism so that they could train and mold the trainees fully to be the best soldiers in the Philippine Army.

“I challenge you to shape the trainees into world class soldiers to attain the Army’s vision of having a ‘world-class Army’ in 2018, ” Amortela urged.

After the ceremony, the trainees were divided into three groups to perform the most intense military drills and exercises. (JDP/GCCPIA9-Zamboanga del Sur)

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April 21-22, 2018

DENR-9 spearheads ‘Walk for the Earth’ PAGADIAN CITY, -- The Department of Environment and Natural Resources IX (DENR-9), in coordination with the provincial and city government other government offices, civic and women’s group and the academe led the Walk for the Earth today here.

The Walk for the Earth is one of the various activities DENR has prepared in observance of Earth Day celebration come April 22 which carries this year’s theme “Green the Cities, Green the Oceans: End Plastic Pollution.”

Mayor Romeo P. Pulmones whose message was read

by Vice Mayor Ernesto A. Mondarte said the conservation of ‘Mother Earth’ is the primary concern of the government and the respon-

sibility of human being who is to preserve the comfort and convenience of life according to the harmony of nature.

“It is really important to join this global initiative to raise awareness and take action on the preservation and protection against the

dreaded phenomenon called Climate Change,” Pulmones pointed out.

Every year the world experiences weather related disasters that cause significant loss of lives and livelihood. These are in the form of floods, droughts, forest fires and increase

in tropical cyclones, all amounting to billions and the Philippines is included, he said.

“We can still undo these disasters, but it has to be an endeavor that each one of us and every human being has to be responsible,” the

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Eagle DONDON CABASA ALLORIN

TFOE Past Executive National Vice President, EY2015 TFOE Past NMR1 Governor, EY2014 & 2016

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Cleansing Boracay WHEN Pres. R o dr igo Duterte ordered the closure of Boracay for a general clean up I am certain he is not only referring to the beach water which he accurately described as a veritable “cesspool” but also cleansing the government functionaries to include the local government units which allowed the country’s top tourist attraction and the world’s best to be a virtual sewerage and coliform catchment.

There are oppositions from various quarters claiming the government will lose billions of pesos in tourism receipts but it will not be long for now, given the unmitigated commercialism and government corruption that stinks more than the cesspool, Boracay will be avoided like plague by tourists and the loss will be beyond anyone’s imagination.

After all is said and done, so far I can only surmise that the degradation of the environment and Boracay as a prime resort could only be traced to the inutility of the provincial and local government which are supposed to enforce ordinances and environmental laws. The closure and rehabilitation order by President Duterte himself opened a can of worms revealing a magnitude of corruption that led to this radical solution of

closing the island resort to restore it back to its primal and pristine natural beauty.

I would defer a bit from the President’s idea of declaring the island agricultural for I think mother nature intended that thousandhectare plus islet as tourist paradise.

Let me start by asking where the Environmental Fee of P75/tourist go? Tourism data for 2017 showed that more than 2-million domestic and foreign tourists visited the island. For that year alone only P150million were accounted and that P91-million are still to accounted for. Where did the passengers’ boat fee of P200 for each passenger that enters and leave the islet. Both the provincial government of Aklan and the town of Malay share the collection. Malay by the way is composed of 17 barangays and three of these are in Boracay. Billions of pesos had been collected for decades but the island can only pass as a cesspool instead of an impeccable island paradise. What happened?

There are a number of Aklanons who are now residing in Davao City but have properties in Boracay.

They are old-timers of Boracay and a number of their relatives are still living in the island. They said that while they expected the

to the point:

island to become a prime tourist destination they were aghast with the unimpeded commercialism that marred the island.

When I posted some comments on Facebook about Boracay last week I received a deluge of information that have common revelations of graft and corruption that they said are so decadent they attribute the environmental degradation to the LGUs. They said Ted Failon’s coverage at ABS-CBN was good but it only touched the tip of the iceberg. One month since the closure order, only that imposing hotel called the West Cove was demolished. Ironically, the order of DENR Sec. Roy Cimatu was only to close as a rock formation which was levelled to give way to a view deck was to be restored. I have gone to Boracay myself a couple of times and I always thought that that imposing white resort hotel surrounded by trees and rock formations was owned by Pambansang Kamao Manny Pacquiao. I gathered later that it was not. The boatmen, however, would always take guests to that site and say it’s Pacquiao’s. I had insisted to be brought to that site as it is used extensively in tourism brochures and Philippine Airlines magazine. Until recently West Cove also ap-

Jun Ledesma

peared in country’s tourism materials during the APEC forum.

But what is this I heard?

Is it true that West Cove is actually or somehow more compliant compared to others? An unimpeachable source told me that the true owner, a certain Cris Aquino, obtained in 2009 a 25-year Forest Land Agreement for tourism purposes from then DENR Sec. Lito Atienza for which he pays P100,000 per year to the government. For one reason or another, his permit was cancelled by the local government on allegations that his FLAG lease was cancelled. Aquino contested that claiming that he was not informed of any environmental issues from the DENR. His resort hotel was demolished anyway without any court order and that it was looted. About 85 hotel employees lost their jobs.

If the incumbent Mayor of Malay has his faults, the government probe on the rape of Boracay should include the past administration. Many of those who had a hand in the anomalies which is not the focus of See boracay, page 11

Patricio P. Diaz, MindaNews

Halal BBL Assured, Yet Hangs GENERAL SANTOS CITY (MindaNews / 20 April) – Last Monday, April 16, the House joint panel, meeting to deliberate on the proposed amendments to the consolidated version of four proposals on the Bangsamoro Basic Law (House Bill Nos. 92, 6121, 6263 and 6475), shelved the consolidated version and adopted in toto HB 6475 – the BBL Draft 2017 of the Bangsamoro Transition Commission, also known as the Duterte-backed BBL. The same BTC BBL Draft 2017 has already been adopted with some revisions by the Senate Committee on Local Government as SB No. 1717 and considered “generally acceptable” by the MILF Chairman Al Haj Ibrahim Murad. With the adoption by the House joint panel of HB 6475, the BBL acceptable to the Moros (halal BBL) which is to be passed by the 17th Congress is assured, yet the assurance hangs.

Two crucial questions are in the way: First, will SB 1717 and SB 6475 not be watered down or mangled in the plenary? Second, can the Senate and the House win the race against time

– they have eight session days remaining if they will meet Monday to Wednesday; fourteen, if they hold sessions until Friday. The Congress resumes its last session May 14 to June 1 then adjourns sine die on June 2. [“Sine die” means “without definite date of resumption”; referring to the Congress, “no more sessions”.] *** *** *** According to MindaNews (April 16, 2018), Ghazali Jaafar, the MILF’s 1st vice chair and concurrent BTC chair, was elated by the development in the Senate but Mohagher Iqbal, chair of the MILF Peace Implementing Panel, cautioned, “We are relieved and happy, but the way ahead is still very challenging. The fight is not yet won.” (MindaNews, April 6, 2018) MILF chair Al Haj Murad Ebrahim considered the “success of the BBL version in the House Committee level is undoubtedly a step forward” but qualified “We are aware that the job is not done yet. We need to work further and be ready for the challenges ahead. We know there will still be many challenges ahead” (MindaNews,

April 18, 2018); “…optimistic that both chambers of congress will still abide by the President’s directive earlier this month to expedite the passage of the BBL …” (Inquirer Mindanao, April 19, 2018).

SB No. 1717 is in the plenary for interpellation on May 15 to 21; for amendment on the 22nd and approval on the 23rd. If the Senate will meet Monday to Wednesday only, the interpellation will be for three days. The remaining three days, May 28 to 30, will be for the Bi-Cameral Conference and separate approval of the final measure by the Senate and the House. If they decide to extend their meetings to Friday, the period for interpellation will be for five days; the same for that for the Bi-Cam and final approval, until June 1.

Either way, the time-line is constricted.

Before the Senate went into Lenten recess last March 24, Senators Emmanuel Pacquiao, Sherwin Gathcalian and Vicente Sotto had had interpellation on SB No. 1717 which was sponsored at the plenary on February 28; they said they will continue their interpel-

lation on May 15. Senators Franklin Drilon, Francis Pangilinan, Panfilo Lacson, Ralph Recto, Pimentel are lined up for more interpellation (MindaNews, April 6, 2018).

On May 22, when amended, will SB 1717 still be CAB-compliant? *** *** *** The House will have the same time-line as that of the Senate and it will be in a tighter strait. It is hard to believe that, as Speaker Alvarez has said, only a few House members from the opposition will have amendments contrary to media reports and BBL history.

Voting separately on the Sema omnibus motion, the three committees composing the House Joint Panel voted 2-1 to adopt HB No. 6475 – the Committee on Muslim Affairs, voting 5-3; Special Committee on Peace, Unity and Reconciliation, 6-4 to adopt HB 6475 while the Committee on Local Government, 9-1 to reject.

(House Press and Public Affairs Bureau and The Philippine Star, April 17, 2018; MindaNews, April 18, 2018) Had the Joint Panel voted See halal, page 5

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Halal... from page 4

jointly, the voting would have been 16 for and 12 against on the premise of single committee membership for each member. Otherwise, the ratio can change. MindaNews reported Rep. Celso Lobregat (PDP-Laban, Zamboanga City) as member of Local Government and Peace committees who to reject.

The voting implies there is no assurance that only a few will want to make amendments and the measure will have solid support from the super majority. *** *** *** Had the House Joint Panel not changed tract, what should have been submitted to the plenary on May 15 is a bill by another number entitled “An Act Providing for the Basic Law for the Bangsamoro and Abolishing the Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao” (The Manila Bulletin, April 16, 2018) containing 362 amendments to the BBL. We presume the 362 to be “provisions” culled “as amendments” from the four House bills consolidated into what could have been a new proposed bill stated above.

The Joint Panel consolidated HB Nos. 92, 6121, 6263 and 6475 from December 6, 2017 to March 23, 2018 – more than two months, discounting the one month adjournment from December 16, 2017 to January 14, 2018. Lobregat

lamented the time, efforts and money for meetings and consultations wasted as the Joint Panel disregarded the consolidated version then opted to submit to the plenary HB No. 6475 without amendments (GMA News, April 17 and MindaNews, April 18, 2018). *** *** *** As reported by GMA News and MindaNews, Lobregat is foreseeing that submitting HB No. 6475 to the plenary without amendments will make it more difficult to pass the BBL than submitting the amended consolidated version. He said he – and more perhaps – would still propose amendments at the plenary stating that “there are many objections coming from different sectors including government agencies”.

We would believe Lobregat had he said that the Joint Panel should have deliberated on HB No. 6475 only starting last December 6. To presume that the sponsors of HB Nos. 92, 6121, 6263 and 6475 could be adequately interpellated and the 362 amendments voted upon to finalize the consolidated version from May 15 to 23 is wishing for the moon. *** *** *** The 17th Congress has a much shorter timeline than the 16th Congress had to hurdle the same problems standing in the way of the BBL. Rep. Rufus Rodriguez, chairman of the House Ad Hoc Committee on the

Sat-Sun, April 21-22, 2018 Bangsamoro Basic Law, sponsored HB No. 5811, the substitution of the original HB No. 4994 or BTC BBL Draft 2014, on June 1, 2015 (House Press and Public Affairs Bureau, June 1, 2015).

That was during the Second Regular Session of the 16th Congress.

By January 21, 2016, three session days after the Third Regular Session of the 16th Congress had resumed following the Christmas break, HB No. 5811 was still under interpellation (GMA News, January 21, 2016). The 16th Congress had its last session day on February 3; it adjourned for the May 2016 elections, without passing HB No. 5811.

On May 15, HB 6475 will be sponsored at the House plenary. Before deliberations could start, the bill has first to be submitted to the House Appropriations Committee.

And there are only eight session days left before adjournment sine die.

If the 16th Congress failed to pass HB 5811 in nine calendar months, passing HB No 6475 in eight session days calls for a miracle. *** *** *** No miracle will happen.

However, a Republic Act entitled Bangsamoro Basic Law can come out of the 17th Congress riding on President Duterte’s strong determination and iron political will.

How will he make this happen?

First, certify BBL as urgent legislative matter.

Second, talk to cum order the members of the Senate and the House to pass SB 1717 and HB 6475 within the 17th Congress – by June 1 without further amendments if the eight-session-day timeline would not allow.

Senator Zubiri withdrew his own bill and adopted the Duterte-backed BTC BBL Draft as SB 1717 after a phone call from the President. HB 6475 was adopted “as is” after the President had sent a letter to speaker Alvarez.

Third, if necessary call a special session to last until the BBL Republic Act is passed. The 17th Congress is until July 22. It is just in adjournment from June 2.

There’s ample time for a special session.

President Benigno Simeon C. Aquino III failed to do these to save BBL. Fourth, if the BBL Republic Act is challenged in the Supreme Court, let it be.

The government will defend it.

President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo did not defend the Memorandum of Agreement on Ancestral Domain.

Halal BBL Republic Act is assured; yet, it hangs. Will President Duterte pluck it down to be delivered to the Moros?

(MindaViews is the opinion section of MindaNews.

Patricio P. Diaz was editor in chief of the Mindanao Cross in Cotabato City and later the Mindanao Kris. He is the recipient of a “Lifetime Achievement Award” from

the Titus Brandsma for his ‘commitment to education and public information to Mindanawons as Journalist, Educator, and Peace Advocate.’ You may e-mail your comments to patponcediaz@ yahoo.com)

Boracay... from page 4

investigation were carried over from the past administration. Indeed, a month had elapsed and we still have to hear from the probe who was responsible for covering the natural wetlands in Boracay and sold this to the public.

The LGU failed to implement the law that mandates that no building construction should be allowed on easement measured by 25 meters plus five meters during high tide from the beach to inland. Beachfront establishments have yet to be domolished. Which begs of another question. Who heads the demolition team?

Maybe Secretary Cimatu should also check why forest lands are sold and given permits by the town authorities. Maybe the Bureau of Internal Revenue and the National Bureau of Investigation should also check why when you go snorkeling you pay P40 per dive and no receipts are issued.

Maybe the LGU and the NBI should check on the lifestyle of “pasat” and present town officials and barangays. I was told some of them drive expensive

5

sports cars and celebrate anniversaries and birthdays in expensive hotels in Manile including the glitzy City of Dreams.

I do not know whether the Local Water Utilities Administration has any regulatory power over Boracay Island Water Co. owned by Ayala and Boracay Tubi of Lucio Tan. You will wonder why a small island like Boracay has two water utilities charging clients P130 per cubic meter! And I heard that collection or desludging of night soil cost P2,630.00 per 3-cubic meter! When the DENR probe team of Secretary Cimatu started opening drainage canals and sewerage pipes, they discovered how these were interconnected and tons of refuse go out to the sea fertilizing the water with coliform bacteria.

When tables are laid out to the beach line, the owners pay P300 per table. Do not ask me who collects but if the stall owners want to cooperate with the government they better tell all so that the beach, the waters and the local government units should be rid of filth and corruption. Then maybe in less than six months the glory and fame of Boracay will once more resonate all over the world.

For yielding to the imposition and demands of the corrupt, the resort establishments have to suffer the consequence. As the saying goes, “it takes two to tango”.

MINDANAO DAILY

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4th Country Report on extractive industries draws hundreds of sectoral participants

MANILA - PH-EITI (Philippine Extractive Industries Transparency Initiative) officially launched its 4th Country Report in a National Conference that started from April 16 to 19 at the Philippine International Convention Center here.

PH-EITI organized the week-long activities to develop and empower people to sincerely participate in properly dealing with the country’s natural resources together with different organizations such as national and local government companies and students who had their 1st National Resource Governance Student Conference.

The 4th Country Report was one of the main events during the week long National Conference, with the theme “Moving Beyond Transparency: Galvanizing Open ENR (Environment and Natural Resource) Governance for Development”.

The report also known as Fourth PH-EITI is the collection of extractives data The PH-EITI (Philippine Extractive Industries Transparency Initiative) 4th Country Report National Conference April 16 to 19 at the Philippine See draws, page 11

International Convention Center gave citations to the writing fellows from the Philippine Press Institute. (2nd from left – MDN editor in chief, ALLAN MEDIANTE, also PPI’s vice president was one of the 20 fellows chosen all over the country to write on extractive industries. (PPI photo)

TIEZA launches online 8 major bridges linking travel tax payment system Visayas, Luzon in the works

By Joann Villanueva

By Aerol John Pateña

MANILA -- Long queues in airports are now expected to be reduced as passengers will now be able to pay their travel taxes online.

Tourism Infrastructure and Enterprise Zone Authority (TIEZA) together with the Development Bank of the Philippines (DBP) and the DBP Data Center Inc. (DCI) launched on Monday the Online Travel Tax Payment System (OTTPS) in Pasay City.

The OTTPS is an online payment portal designed to provide a more convenient way of paying travel taxes.

“We want to ensure efficient and hassle-free payment of travel taxes through the OTTPS,” TIEZA Chief Operating Officer and General Manager Pocholo Paragas said during the event.

“Through the OTTPS, passengers have the option to pay their travel taxes online instead of lining up at the airports and travel tax centers,” Paragas added.

Among those present at the launch were TIEZA OIC-ACOO for Administration and Finance Sector Atty. Joy Bulauitan, DBP

TIEZA Chief Operating Officer and General Manager Pocholo Paragas conducts demonstration of the Online Travel Tax Payment System (OTTPS) during its launch at Double Dragon Plaza in Pasay City Monday.

Chairman Alberto Romulo, DBP President and Chief Executive Officer Cecilia Borromeo and DCI Senior Business Development Manager Arnel Celis.

Through the OTTPS, travel taxes may now be paid through local and international credit cards; debit cards; ATM; Over the Counter (OTC non-bank channel partners) channel partners such as San Mig Food Avenue, Petron Corporation, Total Philippines Corporation, H Lhuillier Pawnshop, Tambunting Pawnshop Inc., Shopwise and Wellcome supermarkets, among others; electronic payment kiosks and

mobile wallets.

Passengers may create their account through https: //traveltax.tieza.gov.ph and pay their travel tax through the website.

Travel tax is a levy imposed by the Philippine government on individuals who are leaving the country irrespective of the place where the air ticket is issued and the form or place of payment as provided for by Presidential Decree 1833.

TIEZA, formerly known as the Philippine Tourism Authority, is an attached agency of the Department of Tourism which administers the collection of the See travel, page 11

CEBU CITY -- The Duterte administration plans to build eight major bridges with an estimated total cost of PHP269.19 billion to connect the islands of the Visayas and link them to Luzon, as part of the government’s massive infrastructure buildup and to create more jobs outside Metro Manila, Finance Secretary Carlos Dominguez III said.

“These bridges will provide growth corridors and ensure that none of the major islands of the Visayas will be left behind in the country’s race to progress,” Dominguez said in a speech read for him by Finance Undersecretary Bayani Agabin at the closing of the Philippine Economic Briefing (PEB) held at the Marco Polo Hotel on Thursday.

Dominguez said the eight proposed bridge projects that are set to be submitted to the Investment Coordination Committee (ICC) for approval are: 1) an 18.2-km. bridge to connect Samar provinces to the main island of Luzon; 2) a 20-km. bridge connecting Leyte to Mindanao Island through either an Underwater Tun-

nel Bridge or a Long-Span Overhead Bridge; 3) the 5.7-km. Panay-Guimaras bridge; and 4) the 12.3-km.

Guimaras-Negros interisland linkages connecting these islands.

Also set for ICC approval are: 5) the 1-km. BoholLapinig Island bridge; 6) the 18.-km. Lapinig Island-toLeyte bridge; 7) the 5.5-km.

Cebu-Negros Link Bridge; and 8) the 24.5-km. Cebuto-Bohol Link Bridge.

Dominguez said the proposed bridges are on top of four big-ticket projects in the Visayas under the “Build, Build, Build” program already approved for implementation by the National Economic and Development Authority (NEDA) Board.

These are the three airport improvement projects and the New Cebu International Container Port.

“Our infrastructure investments, estimated at USD170 billion between now and 2022, have very high multiplier effects. By undertaking these thoroughly studied strategic projects, we will stimulate economic activity. Jobs and opportunities will be created, and we are confident

we can bring down poverty incidence to only 14 percent by 2022,” the finance chief said.

The country-based PEB, now on its third and final leg here, aims to provide a “comprehensive back story to the headline numbers of (the country’s) outstanding economic performance,” he said.

This back story, Dominguez said, will be sustained via a massive infrastructure modernization program supported by a comprehensive tax reform package; grants and concessional loans extended in the form of official development assistance (ODA) from the Philippines’ allies in the region; and financing support from multilateral institutions, such as the Asian Development Bank (ADB), World Bank (WB), and the Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank (AIIB). “’The Build, Build, Build’ program is in full swing.

We are continuing with our comprehensive tax reform program. Investment flows into our economy will continue to rise dramatically,” Dominguez said.

According to him, See works, page 11

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Here’s your chance to join the Harry Styles Fan Fair!

Harry Styles’ solo concert in Manila is one of the most-awaited shows of 2018. To drum up excitement for his arrival, Globe invites everyone to the Harry Styles Fan Fair at the Trinoma Cinema Lobby on April 21. This is your chance to win tickets

to the show!

At the Fan Fair, Stylers can participate in the ballpit photobooth, a Style-oke where they can sing Harry’s songs to their heart’s content, and the Style-igraphy where they can design a mural. Fans can also get a free haircut and donate

Senior High Program: An enhanced way of learning

By Raquel Rita D. Salingay, School Head Kinawe National High School

In June 2016, Senior High School (SHS) will be compulsory for all Filipino students leaving Grade 10.

Before we praise, condemn, welcome, or fear it, we should be sure to understand what exactly SHS is. Since these employable skills cannot be acquired within only ten years of education (not to mention that, after Fourth Year or Grade 10, students will only be 16 years old and not yet fully employable), we added two years of free public education.

These two years should not have more of the same things they are supposed to learn in the first ten years (11 now with compulsory Kindergarten).

Rather, they are focused primarily on employable or entrepreneurial skills.

(Students who can afford private schools need not worry about employable skills when they are 16 years old; unlike the poor, they can afford to spend another four years learning a profession.

Pov e r t y, h ow e v e r, should not be a reason for students not to pursue a profession. There are college scholarships available, of course, but definitely not for all poor students (roughly half the population, according to

the SWS). There must be a systemic way to give poor students a chance to go to college at some point in their lives. First, we have to give them the skills they need to make a living.

Then, if they save enough money and are motivated enough, then they can go to college and take board exams and the rest of it.

Since those of us who are older than 24 had only ten years of basic education and did not fare so badly in college, we could argue that SHS is not necessary.

But that was before the College Readiness Standards were formulated.

The College Readiness Standards demand a lot more of someone entering college today than during our time. Just one obvious example: the College Readiness Standards demand that a student entering first year engineering should already know Calculus.

The part of the SHS that gives all students the basic academic preparation demanded by the College Readiness Standards is called the “Core Subjects.”

The part that gives students the skills needed by employers or needed if they set up their own businesses is called the “Track Subjects.”

their hair to the Philippine Cancer Society, which will create special wigs for cancer patients.

To join, Stylers must simply load at least P100 and register to GoSURF50.

Those who complete all the activities can get a chance to win concert tickets and exclusive Harry Styles shirts!

Those who load up at the

event get instant freebies too.

Harry Styles: Live on Tour will be the singer’s first solo tour after his stint with One Direction. His debut solo album, Harry Styles, was released last May, 2017, debuting on the US Billboard 200 chart at number one. The album’s lead single “Sign of the

Times”, as well as the whole album were well-received by critics and the general public, with its music video reaching more than 325 million views on YouTube.

The tour kicked off last September 2017, followed by shows all over the world.

In the Philippines, Globe held an exclusive pre-sale registration last June, where

all ticket reservation codes sold out in just 52 seconds.

Harry Styles: Live on Tour is produced by Live Nation and is promoted by MMI Live in partnership with Globe. For more information, visit the website at go.globe.com.ph/GlobeHarryStyles, call the Globe hotline at (02) 730-1010, or visit any Globe Store.

The Social Security System (SSS) has announced that voluntary and self-employed female members can now use the Text-SSS facility in submitting maternity notifications as part of its mandate to continuously provide better service.

SSS President and Chief Executive Emmanuel F. Dooc said that with the Text-SSS facility, individually-paying members have another way of notifying SSS about their pregnancy aside from the current practice of submitting maternity

notifications directly to any SSS branch.

“With just one text away, expecting mothers can now inform SSS of their pregnancy. It is more convenient for them since they no longer need to go to SSS personally to comply with

the notification requirement,” said Dooc.

Dooc added that members will not be required initially to submit a proof of pregnancy when notifying the SSS using the facility.

However, the proof of

Republic of the Philippines Department of Transportation LAND TRANSPORTATION FRANCHISING AND REGULATORY BOARD Regional Office No. XI Davao City

Republic of the Philippines Department of Transportation LAND TRANSPORTATION FRANCHISING AND REGULATORY BOARD Regional Office No. XI Davao City

Application for a Certificate of Public Convenience to operate an TH FREIGHT TRUCK service.

Petition for Extension of Validity of a Certificate of Public Convenience to operate an PUJ DUAL Ordinary Regular service.

SSS maternity notification now available via Text-SSS Call for Entries for 68th Carlos Palanca Memorial Awards for Literature

The Carlos Palanca Memorial Awards for Literature, the longest-running and most prestigious literary contest in the country now on its 68th year, is now accepting entries to its regular categories as follows: · English Division – Short Story, Short Story for Children, Essay, Poetry, Poetry Written for Children, Oneact Play, and Full-length Play; · Filipino Division – Maikling Kuwento, Maikling Kuwentong Pambata, Sanaysay, Tula, Tulang Para sa mga Bata, Dulang May Isang Yugto, Dulang Ganap ang Haba, and Dulang Pampelikula; · Regional Languages Division – Short Story-Cebua-

no, Short Story-Hiligaynon, and Short Story-Ilokano.

The Kabataan Division, the special youth categories open to persons below 18 years of age as of 31 May 2018, is also now open for entries. The theme for this year is “How will you encourage the Filipino youth to read more books?” (Kabataan Essay) and “Paano See call, page 11

GREEN SWIFT LOGISTIC CORPORATION, Case No. R11-NC-TH-2018-4-026 Applicant.

See maternity, page 11

SWEET JOVEL M. LEE, Case No. R11-EV-PJ-2018-4-765 Petitioner. (2012-XI-00765

NOTICE OF HEARING

NOTICE OF HEARING

In the application filed on April 16, 2018, applicant requests authority for a Certificate of Public Convenience to operate a TH FREIGHT TRUCK SERVICE for the transportation of freight on the route: WITHIN DAVAO CITY AND FROM SAID PLACE TO ANY POINT IN THE ISLAND OF MINDANAO accessible to motor vehicle traffic and vice versa with the use of One (1) unit.

NOTICE is hereby given that this petition will be heard by this Board on MAY 8, 2018 at 8:30 a.m. at this office at the above address.

At least TEN (10) Days prior to the above date petitioner shall publish this Notice once in a newspaper of local circulation.

Parties opposed to the granting of the petition must filed their written opposition supported by documentary evidence on or before the above date furnishing a copy of the same to the petitioner, and may if they so, desire appear on said date and time.

This petition will be acted upon by this Board on the basis of its records and the documentary evidence submitted by the parties, unless the Board deems it necessary to receive additional documentary and/or oral evidence.

WITNESS Atty. TERESITA DELA PEÑAYÑIGUEZ, Regional Director, this 17th day of April 2018 at Davao City.

Petition is a grantee of a Certificate of Public Convenience issued in this case authorizing the operation of a PUJ DUAL Ordinary Regular service on the route: MULIG and for cargoes as dual service from said route to any point in Region XI with the use of ONE (1) unit, which Certificate will expire on May 22, 2018.

In the petition filed on April 18, 2018, petitioner requests authority to extend the validity of said Certificate to operate along the same route with the use of the same unit previously authorized.

NOTICE is hereby given that this petition will be heard by this Board on May 8, 2018 at 8:30 a.m. at this office at the above address.

At least TEN (10) Days prior to the above date petitioner shall publish this Notice once in a newspaper of local circulation.

Parties opposed to the granting of the petition must filed their written opposition supported by documentary evidence on or before the above date furnishing a copy of the same to the petitioner, and may if they so, desire appear on said date and time.

This petition will be acted upon by this Board on the basis of its records and the documentary evidence submitted by the parties, unless the Board deems it necessary to receive additional documentary and/or oral evidence.

WITNESS Atty. TERESITA DELA PEÑAYÑIGUEZ, Regional Director, this 19th day of April 2018 at Davao City.

(Sgd.) Atty. CATTLEYA B. ACAYLAR Attorney IV MDN: Apr 21, 2018

(Sgd.) Atty. CATTLEYA B. ACAYLAR Attorney IV MDN: Apr 21, 2018

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SPDA plans to build modern hospital in Davao City DAVAO CITY -- The Southern Philippines Development Authority (SPDA), a government-owned and controlled corporation, will construct a modern medical city in its 4.7-hectare property currently occupied by the Department of Agrarian Reform (DAR) 11 in Catalunan Pequeño, Davao City.

Newly-appointed SPDA administrator and chief executive officer Abdulgani “Gerry” A. Salapuddin said during his acceptance speech on Wednesday at the Waterfront Insular Hotel Davao that the modern hospital will be called Asia Pacific Medical City worth P10 billion to be implement-

PNP CHANGE OF COMMAND. President Rodrigo R. Duterte hands over the marksman rifle from outgoing Philippine National Police (PNP) Director General Ronald dela Rosa to newly-installed PNP Director General Oscar Albayalde during the PNP Change of Command Ceremony at Camp BGen. Rafael Crame in Quezon City on April 19, 2018.

Richard Madelo/Presidential Photo

2 NPA rebels killed in clash with Army troops DAVAO CITY -- Two members of the New People’s Army (NPA) were killed and their rifles seized in an encounter with troops of the Army’s 39th Infantry Battalion in Sitio Caceras, Barangay Upper Bala, Magsaysay, Davao del Sur on Tuesday.

Capt. Gary Dida of the 1002nd Brigade reported

that the two NPA members were part of a 30-man armed rebels, allegedly led by a certain Norma Capuyan alias Libra, Dave Verano alias Borjack, and Eusebio Cranzo alias Brix, that the soldiers had clashed with.

Witnesses reported that the NPA was meeting with militias in the forested area of Upper Bala, prompting

government troops to send forces to quell any planned atrocity.

Dida said the firefight lasted for about an hour, resulting in the death of the two rebels. The troops also seized their M16 rifles.

He said the troops also saw several wounded NPA members being dragged away by their comrades.

The troops immediately hunted down the NPA rebels, Dida said, noting that there was no casualty from the government side.

Lt. Col. Rhojun Rosales, Commanding Officer of 39IB, thanked the concerned residents for the timely and accurate report on the presence of the NPAs in their See clash, page 10

ed through public-private partnership.

The medical city is envisioned to have a college of medicine, commercial complex, and other amenities to serve the people of Davao City and Mindanao, Salapuddin said.

“Since our most important wealth is health of our people, then we must endeavor to build our modern and state-of-the-art medical and hospital industry for a healthy and strong Mindanao,” he said.

Salapuddin was a former member of Moro National Liberation Front (MNLF).

He was Basilan governor See plans, page 10

Widest, longest summer festival kicks off in Davao DAVAO CITY – In time for PAGASA’s declaration of summer, the tourism sector in Davao Region is kicking-off the Visit Davao Summer Festival (VDSF) which runs for 76 days from April 15 to June 30 with 35 events lined up regionwide.

VDSF Executive Committee chair B enjamin Lizada said the holding of events is aimed to put Davao Region on top of the minds of domestic and foreign tourists. This is the widest and the longest summer festival, he said.

The festival will carry three themes: Sports and Adventure Events, Culture and Arts Events and Party, Fun and Leisure Events plus the fun sale in major malls in the city.

There will be promotional rates for hotels and airlines. Already in its fifth year, VDSF is a collaboration between the private sector and the government.

“We have all the provinces and cities participating because we believe that what is best for the region is good for individual local government units and for all of us,” he said.

He said the VDFS is all set. He said this is not about competition but complementation in attracting more tourists. While there is an increase in tourists arrivals during summer, Davao City tourism chief Generose Tecson said the VDSF help boost arrivals with the activities carried See festival, page 10

World Youth Camp highlights Tagum’s commitment to youth development

Davao City puts up gender-friendly restrooms

Youth Fellowship, is a venue for youth in developing proper mindset through lectures and in engaging in social volunteer activities that keep them away from drug-related activities.

With its mission and vision to promote youth development, the camp also creates a great impact in breaking the language barrier and enhance professionalism and self-confidence among the youth.

One of the highlights is the presence of the IYF Founder Ock Soo Park wherein he mentioned that Filipino people have a special spot in his heart IYF founder Rev. Ock Soo Park welcomed the delegates to the 2018 World Youth Camp that makes this year’s camp last April 17, 2018 at the city hall of Tagum. He shared on an exclusive interview that he regards this WYC in the Philippines as special and he’s happy to see the faces of memorable.

DAVAO CITY -- The Davao City government has converted the restrooms at the ground floor of the Sangguniang Panlungsod building to “all-gender restroom’ to accommodate the Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, and Transgender (LGBT) community.

This was announced

by Vice Mayor Bernard Al-ag, who said the allgender comfort room is seen to reduce discrimination against people who have other sexual preference.

This move also strengthens the city’s implementation of the anti-discrimination ordinance approved in 2012.

“We are just finalizing

By Tagum City Information Office

TAGUM CITY -- After the successful hosting of the 6th ASEAN Scout Jamboree last year, Tagum City takes its part once again in setting a solid function for leadership and upholding global education among youth.

Participated by different contingents, this year’s World Youth Camp does not only hone the skills and talents of the youth but also plays a great role in nationbuilding that comes at an opportune time as the nation prepares for the resurgence of Sangguniang Kabataan The 2018 World Youth Camp, jointly organized by the City Government of Tagum and the International

See youth, page 10

the Filipino youth. He is also excited to strengthen the hearts of the millennial youth.

Leo Timogan/CIO Tagum

See restrooms, page 10

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Festival... from page 8

out in other places of the region.

“This time around almost the entire region is participating and we expect more visitors arriving,” she said.

“Visitors go to other places in the different cities and provinces, they spend time in the city and we really benefit from this summer activity,” she added.

Among the activities that will take place this summer include the Mt. Apo Boulder Face Challenge and Mt. Apo Sky and Vertical Race in Sta. Cruz, Davao del Sur; Amihan National Skimboarding Competition and Bonamine Ultimate Beach Frisbee Tournament in Mati City; Air Asia Durianman Triathlon, Flanax Samal Marathon in the Island Garden City of Samal; the Tempra Battle of the Strongest at Matina Town Square, Davao City and VDSF 1st Comval Aquathlon at Kopiat Island, Mabini, Compostela Valley Province.

Other activities are the Climb Caravan promoting the four beautiful peaks of Mt. Apo, Mt. Hamiguitan, Mt. Amakan, and Mt. Candalaga. The Mars Attack Compostela Valley National Climb will take place at Mt. Candalaga.

The VDSF diving event will be held in Sigaboy Island, Samal Island and San Isidro, Davao Oriental diving site.

The Samal Sand Sculpting Competition with the theme “Disney” showcasing talents of Samalenos thru sand sculpting while the Bigiw Regatta sa Isla is a competition for the fastest and most beautifully designed sail, showcasing Samal Island’s traditional fishing boat. PNA

Clash... from page 8

area.

The Commander of the 10th infantry Division, Maj. Gen. Noel Clement, vowed to continue pursuing the remaining CPP-NPA terrorists but “will spare those who want to surrender.”

“10th ID remains steadfast in protecting the people and securing communities.

The death of the two NPAs clearly manifested the ills of communist-terrorist ideology,” he said. (Lilian C Mellejor/PNA)

Youth... from page 8

The World Youth Camp’s activities hyped the participants’ performances in each activity that includes Mind Games, Character Formation Lectures, Values Education, Team Building Activities, Water Olympics, Sports Activities, Cultural Game, and Team Competition.

The main action of camp is concentrated at the sprawling site of Energy Park, a favorite camping venue of different youth

organizations as of late.

1,960 participants from the different parts of the Philippines and the world participated in the said camp.

At night, campers witnessed cultural exchange and mind recreation activities at the City Hall Atrium wherein participants were able to share their culture with other contingents.

Justynne Keigh Dano/CIO Tagum

Restrooms... from page 8

the signage, anytime next week we will launch it. It will be placed at the ground floor,” Al-ag said.

He said it is time to put up the all-gender comfort room, citing last year’s incident where a transgender woman figured in a heated altercation with another woman who felt “uncomfortable” with her presence.

“Following our antidiscrimination ordinance, it will be an opportunity for the LGBT community not to be discriminated against with this all-gender comfort room,” Al-ag said.

Al-ag said the Sanguniang Panlungsod should serve as the avenue for the LGBT community to express their gender preference without being discriminated.

Under the anti-discrimination ordinance of the city, Dabawenyos are prohibited from discriminating against people based on gender,

WELCOMING REPATRIATES. Social workers from Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) conduct intake interview to Filipino repatriates who arrived in Davao City from Manado, Indonesia Thursday night. The 31 fishermen were welcomed by Philippine Government officials led by Special Assistant to the President Secretary Christopher Lawrence T. Go at Camp Feranil Pier, Naval Station Felix Apolinario, Panacan, Davao City.

DSWD provided transportation assistance and food packs, Department of Agriculture gave out 150 packs of assorted vegetable seeds, Bureau of Fisheries turned over fishing implements, the Office of the President distributed buckets of foodstuffs while Department of Foreign Affairs assisted them with their travel documents. The fishermen hail from different parts of Mindanao such as General Santos City, Sarangani Province, Davao City, Davao Oriental, Zamboanga, and Tawi-tawi. All will be assisted in returning to their homes as soon as possible. (dswd)

religion, life status and others.

Councilor Mary Joselle Villafuerte has also proposed an amendment to the ordinance to include the health status of a person, following reports that some workers were dismissed from their work because they have Hepatitis B. Last year, the Ateneo de Davao University put up its gender- friendly restrooms.

(Funny Pearl Gajunera/ PNA)

Plans... from page 8

from 1988 to 1998, congressman from 1998 to 2007, and then went into private life until his appointment to SPDA as administrator by President Rodrigo R. Duterte.

The official said they have asked the President to issue an executive order returning the properties occupied by DAR 11 to SPDA so that they can proceed with the construction of the hospital as they have already started working on its master development plan, including the design concept drafted by a group of architects, engineers, and economists.

Salapuddin said they are also planning to develop the properties of SPDA in Bukidnon, Cagayan de Oro, Marawi, Davao City, and Zamboanga City as the agency has been tasked to make Mindanao the “southern frontier, not the southern backdoor” by the President.

He said SPDA has lined

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up short-term and longterm development projects in all the properties awarded by the government to the GOCC, including the immediate repair and rehabilitation of its existing buildings in the Koronadal Business Center, ice plant in Pikit, and fishpond in Vitali, Zamboanga City.

He said the technical team is completing the conceptual designs that will be presented to local and foreign investors for partnership or joint venture investments.

Salapuddin said they plan to hold trade missions to member states of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN), countries in the Middle East, China, Japan, and some European countries.

“I will try to deliver and pursue the commitments of the President for peace and development. I will pursue the mandates by law of SPDA,” he added.

A corporate vehicle for peace and development, he said the GOCC can implement any socio-economic development programs such as mining, oil exploration, power generation, business ventures of any sorts, that can add up to the socio economic benefits and upliftment of the people.

The SPDA exercises the power of a corporation; acquires, leases, or holds personal and real properties; engages or invests or extends loans and guarantees or to enter into joint ventures with Filipinos and foreign investors; exercises the right of eminent domain; and contracts indebtedness and issue bonds. (Antonio L. Colina IV / MindaNews)

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Grantee... from page 2

related costs.

The 4Ps is a human development measure of the national government that provides conditional cash grants to the poorest of the poor, to improve the health, nutrition, and the education of children aged 0-18. It is patterned after the conditional cash transfer (CCT) schemes in Latin American and African countries, which have lifted millions of people around the world from poverty.

The DSWD is the lead government agency of the 4Ps. Pantawid Pamilya is only one of the poverty reduction strategies of the national government implemented by the DSWD, with the primary aim to break the intergenerational poverty cycle.

In Northern Mindanao, there are more than 270,000 household active beneficiaries of the program.

Hino... from page 12

jeepney with side-facing passenger seats and covered open air windows. Its design is also provisioned for standing passengers to further maximize seating capacity.

Through the Public Utility Vehicle Modernization Program (PUVMP), the government gathered different local players in the commercial manufacturer industry to display their prototypes for public viewing with the theme, “Modernong Sasakyan, Progresibong Bayan” at the Philippine Convention Center (PICC) Forum in Pasay City.

Petron... from page 12

When asked to rank the test fuels—designated only by letter codes—in the daily runs, the consolidated results indicated that Petron Turbo Diesel was rated by the drivers as delivering the best performance in terms of power, engine response, and acceleration.

Following the test protocol of the Department of Energy (DOE) Fuel Economy Run, the vehicles traversed some 230.7-kilometers from the Petron station on Kisad Road, Baguio City, going through the relatively busy Marcos Highway, then on to the Tarlac-Pangasian-La Union Expressway (TPLEX), the Subic-Clark-Tarlac Expressway (SCTEX), the North Luzon Expressway (NLEX), ending at Petron NLEX Southbound in Bocaue, Bulacan.

All vehicles delivered outstanding results, averaging 20% better than the official Fuel Efficiency Ratings (FER) posted in the 2017 DOE Fuel Economy Run. For example, the BMW X1 achieved 34.08km/L, which is 43% better than the 23.88km/L recorded in the DOE Run. The Honda CR-V’s fuel consumption improved by 19% to

28.52km/L from 23.96km/L. The fuel efficiency results were similarly impressive for the other vehicles, as follows: Ford Everest – 27.21km/L; Toyota Innova – 23.4km/L; Ssangyong Tivoli XLV – 22.6km/L; Isuzu mu-X – 19.97km/L; Isuzu D=MAX – 18.44km/L; Nissan Urvan – 17.22km/L; and Ford Ranger – 17.08km/L. The Petron TriAction Performance Run – Diesel Edition was observed and certified by representatives from Department of Energy (DOE), Automobile Association of the Philippines (AAP), and the Car Awards Group Inc. (CAGI).

Prestone... from page 12

launched its Anak ng Mekaniko Scholarship Program as part of its 90th Anniversary celebration. It is a grant that aims to pay tribute to the country’s auto mechanics in the automotive sector by giving their children a chance to earn a tertiary level education.

Monique G onza les, Brand Manager of Prestone, said that they owe a lot of their success to the auto mechanics, who continuously trust and patronize their products in ensuring vehicles are in good condition all the time. “It is our time now to give back through this initiative and provide a ground for a brighter future for their children through education,” added Gonzales.

After receiving applications from across the country, Prestone is set to announce the nine deserving ANAK NG MEKANIKO Scholars, who will be granted a full scholarship to a four-year course of their choice in any STI Colleges campus nationwide. These recipients will be flying in Metro Manila early this May to personally receive their awards.

Walk... from page 3

chief executive emphasized.

Assistant Regional Director for Management Services Tito L. Gadon who represented Regional Director Carlito M. Tuballa shared the history of the Earth Day celebration.

Robert Ramos, officer in charge of the Provincial Environment and Natural Resources Office led the ‘Prayer for the Healing of the Earth.’

After the opening program at Plaza Luz this city, a ribbon cutting was held in the same venue for the Earth Exhibit featuring photos of protected areas, endangered species among others found in the region, and the Earth Market, a display and selling of organic products locally produced.

Earth Day is an annual event celebrated on April 22 worldwide with various events to demonstrate support for environmental protection.

First celebrated in 1970, and it is now coordinated globally by the Earth Day Network and observed in

Sat-Sun, April 21-22, 2018 more than 193 countries. springs and a unique soda (JDP/CAL-PIA9-Zambo- spring are among the other places that tourists can visit anga del Sur) not just this summer but any time of the year. from page 1 Unchuan reported that Congressman XJ Romualdo as of latest tally, Camiguin recommending Camiguin has 905 rooms ready for as a summer destination accommodation. in relation to the Boracay “In fact, Secretary Wanda closure. She told Mindanao Teo, also upon our recDaily News that “we are ommendation, has named happy that this declaration Camiguin as one of the top has been made and that tourist destinations in the we are especially grate- Philippines,” she added. ful that the LGU together (with a report from m with the private sector has f) been very supportive. This support is also behind the success of the viral tour- from page 1 ism promotions campaign he was hot on his left eye and “Feel Camiguin” a purely exited on his nape while the local production initiated two others Virgil Flor Ortiz,

by Congressman XJ and the 23, and Abner Malaque, 20, Provincial Tourism Team.” sustained gunshot wounds “Camiguin is very differ- on their legs. ent from Boracay. While Bo- “This is another failed racay is a beach destination operation of the NPA which with a party atmosphere, only shows how poor is Camiguin is a top ecotour- their intelligence gathering ism destination with numer- network,”Garello said. He ous tourism sites like the said this was the third time Asean Heritage mountain the NPA harassed civilians Mt. Timpoong Hibokhibok, in the same area of the prewaterfalls, cold springs, hot vious incidents occurred in springs, the famous White September and October last Island Sand Bar, Mantigue year.

Island Marine Sanctuary Merjolyn Paulo, a church and a unique soda water member, told the Inquirer spring that is only found on in a mobile phone interview the island among others.” that the victims were wear In a recent interview with ing formal casual attire that an MDN reporter Unchuan she could not believe why said that for accommoda- the suspects could have eastions Camiguin has three ily mistook them as military existing high end resorts assets. but there are some ongo- She said the rebels ining construction such as a discriminately fired at the 200 room high end hotel in victims without checking Mambajao. “There are 200 thoroughly their backrooms in DOT accredited grounds . Type a message... hotels but overall there are Lt Colonel Xerxes A over 850 rooms available Trinidad, Commanding including homestays (from Officer of the 36th KIB, last weeks information). expressed sadness to the Our recent data this week unfortunate tragedy at a has tallied 905 rooms to time that President Rodrigo be exact,” she added. The Duterte has comsidered island also features special the move to resume the culinary food and services.” peace talks between the Unchuan also com- government and the Namended the efforts of the tional Democratic Front LGU in sustainable tour- of the Philppines. ism as evidenced by their “We vehemently conordinances such as the ban- demn these treacherous ning of plastic bags in their attacks to the civilians by the CPP-NPA. These acbusiness establishments.

“We have exerted our tions manifests their true best efforts to boost tourism intentions of deception and development in the island how to resolve conflict in and make it a top tourist Mindanao,” Trinidad said. destination in the country “The attack was made as evidenced by DOT 10’s to sow fear and force the plans and programs. DOT community not to support Secretary Wanda Teo, also government peace initiaupon our recommenda- tives. I am calling all peace tion, has named Camiguin loving people of said comas one of the top tourist munity to include the entire destinations in the Philip- municipality of Gigaquit, pines.” (edited by allan let us stand together and m. mediante) condemn this barbaric actions of theNPAs”, Trinidad said.

Camiguin...

Ambush...

Host... from page 1

identified White Island, Tusasan Falls, Sunken Cemeter y, Walkway to Old Volcano, Old Church Ruins (Catarman) and Katibawasan Falls as the top tourist destinations in the province.

In a separate letter sent to this paper, DOT 10 director Marie Elaine Unchuan also mentioned that the Asean Heritage site Mt. Timpoong Hibokhibok, Mantigue Island Marine Sanctuary, cold springs, hot

Draws... from page 6

which is the flagship product of PH-EITI. The National Conference also had Transparency Talks which gave the leaders from Philippine Government, Industry, and CSO a three-15 minute talk about their different perspectives.

On the first two days of the National Conference they had a National CSO Conference and Action Planning Workshop conducted

by Bantay Kita, in which EITI projects and accomplishments were presented.

The presented projects and accomplishments were in the areas of Empowering Indigenous Peoples, Open Mining Governance, Right to Information, Monitoring Human Rights Violations in Mining-Affected Communities, and Data Disclosure, particularly on Beneficial Ownership, Climate Risk Reporting, and Labor and Employment Mining and on the second day sessions and workshops on various topics took part. Also CSO Representatives were selected to the PH-EITI MSG during the second day.

In the following two days, the conference continued with the 1st National Resource Governance Student Conference where the Chamber of Mines of the Philippines and the Petroleum Association of the Philippines are partners of the event.

The very first National Resource Governance Student Conference brought university leaders from extractivesrelevant regions throughout the country and different fields of studies. The conference discussed the pressing resource governance issues in the Philippines and the role of transparency and the youth in this issue. This concluded the event that was participated by the members of the PH-EITI MSG, national government agencies and regional offices, Local Chief Executives and LGUs hosting extractive operations, Civil Society Organizations, Academe, Extractive companies, Representatives from the Senate and House of Representatives, Development partners, and Members of Media.

Travel... from page 6

Philippine Travel Tax. The agency is also mandated to provide support infrastructures and facilitate investments in tourism enterprise zones nationwide.

(PNA)

Works... from page 6

Filipinos will feel the economic benefits of these infra projects “very soon,” with the country “moving strongly towards achieving a high middle-income status in a few years.”

“Be assured that President Duterte is fully committed to the overall economic program that will make our growth more inclusive, our people more prosperous and our communities stronger and safer,” he said.

The Philippines, Dominguez noted, is now one of the best performing economies in Asia, with the ADB declaring the country as having entered its “golden age” of economic growth.

(PNA)

Call...

from page 7 mo hihikayatin ang mga kabataang Pilipino na magbasa pa ng mga aklat?” (Kabataan Sanaysay).

11

All submissions must be printed copies, as specified in the Official Rules. The Carlos Palanca Foundation, Inc. will not accept online or email submissions for all categories.

Contestants may submit only one entry per category.

Published/produced works, which were first published or first produced between 01 May 2017 to 31 May 2018, and/or unpublished/unproduced works may be entered in the contest.

Only unproduced works may be entered in the Dulang Pampelikula category. A work which has been awarded a prize in another contest before 12:00 m.n. of 31 May 2018 is not qualified for the awards.

The deadline of submission of entries is on 31 May 2018.

The Palanca Awards is open to all Filipino or former Filipino citizens of all ages, except current directors, officers, and employees of the Carlos Palanca Foundation.

The Palanca Awards established in 1950 to honor the legacy of businessman and philanthropist Don Carlos Palanca Sr. aims to help develop Philippine literature by providing incentives for writers to craft their most outstanding literary work and to be a treasury of the Philippines’ literary gems from our gifted writers and to assist in its eventual dissemination to our people, particularly the students.

For official contest rules and forms, visit the Palanca Foundation office at Ground Floor, Greenbelt Excelsior Bldg., 105 C. Palanca Street, Legaspi Village, Makati City.

For inquiries and other concerns, participants may contact the CPMA office through email at cpmawards@gmail.com or at (632) 843-8277.

Maternity...

from page 7 pregnancy must be submitted to SSS once the member applies for reimbursement of her maternity benefit.

The agency chief also emphasized that maternity notification via Text-SSS is only for individually-paying members for now, and that employed members must still notify the SSS through their employers.

Submission of the maternity notification via text message should be in the following format: SSS MATERNITYNOTIF <SSNumber> <PIN> <Expected Delivery Date MM/DD/YYYY> <Total Number of Pregnancies (including this pregnancy)> to be sent to 2600.

Each text costs P2.50 for Globe /Touch Mobile and smart subscribers and P2.00 for Sun Cellular subscribers. The member will receive a confirmation once the maternity notification is successfully received by SSS. Aside from the Text-SSS facility, maternity notifications can be done online thru the My.SSS portal in the SSS website.

Members will be asked to provide information such as expected date of delivery, number of delivery, and date of last delivery or miscarriage.

“Text-SSS and online facilities are our answer to the growing need of members for a more convenient and accessible means of transacting with SSS for their maternity claims. Rest assured that SSS will also devise more friendly means for other benefits,” said Dooc.

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MINDANAO DAILY motoring

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

GILBERT Y. CHAO - Motoring Editor

Sat-Sun

April 21-22, 2018

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Petron Conducts Turbo Diesel Field Test As a fuel innovator, industry leader Petron Corporation is continuously looking for ways to provide Filipino motorists with the best possible products in the market.

The company’s R&D team recently enhanced the formulation of its premium Petron Turbo Diesel to be the best diesel in the Philippines. The Petron TriAction Performance Run – Diesel Edition took off from Manila to Baguio for a weeklong series of tests on challenging mountain roads from Baguio to Ambuklao, and then from Baguio to Halsema, the highest elevation in the Philippine highway system, before finishing with a fuel economy run from Baguio back to Manila.

Faced with the challenge of measuring improvements in engine power, engine response, and acceleration, test

drivers were asked to rate the performance of different diesel fuels in a stringent double blind procedure. Using a different diesel fuel each day for four days, the drivers drove the same winding, uphill-downhill route from Baguio City to Ambuklao Dam and back.

All these while keenly observing whether there was an immediate engine response when going uphill after slowing down on a sharp curve, or if the engine does not feel strained when carrying a full load, or if the vehicle is able to accelerate smoothly even on long uphill climbs.

To ensure that Petron Turbo Diesel is able to deliver optimum performance across vehicle types, different vehicle categories and brands were included in the field test. The test vehicles consisted of a BMW X1, a European luxury subcompact crossover; a Toyota

Innova, the market leading utility vehicle; a Honda CR-V Diesel, the 2017 Car of the Year-Philippines; a Nissan Urvan, a popular people-mover; a Ford Everest and Ford Ranger to represent the American brand; Isuzu mu-X and Isuzu D-MAX for the leader in commercial vehicles; and a Ssangyong Tivoli XLV, a Korean SUV model.

See petron, page 11

Hino presents modern jeepney prototypes in Prestone Launches the support of the PUV Modernization Program Anak ng Mekaniko Hino Motors Philippines (HMP), the exclusive distributor of Hino trucks and buses in the Philippines, showcased its modern jeepney prototypes at the Public Transport Modernization Expo organized by the Department of Transportation.

Hino’s modern jeepney prototypes come in four variants: Hino 4 & 6 Wheelers for Class II & III in AC & Non-AC versions.

Designed like mini buses,

the Euro 4-powered Hino jeepneys provide a seating capacity of 23 – 30 passengers. The Hino Class III model is

an air-conditioned mini bus type with ample room for its frontfacing passenger seats, secured with seatbelts

for additional safety.

The Hino Class II PUV is designed more closely to the conventional

See hino, page 11

Scholarship Program

For Filipinos, education is considered as a symbol of wealth that parents can bequeath to their children. As such, every family, as well as the government and civic organizations, are actively doing their best to make this precious wealth accessible to everyone, regardless of their status in life.

Through the Free Tertiary Education Bill, government programs, and our State Universities and Colleges, the government strives to make attaining a college degree possible. However, there is still so much to be done. A recent survey conducted by the Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA) revealed that one in every 10 Filipinos, aged 6 to 24 years old, is out of school due to the high costs that go with the pursuit of an academic career. The survey also showed that more than 50 percent of out of school youths belong to families whose income falls at the bottom 30 percent of the entire population, based on their per capita income.

To help in advocating education, Prestone, a known brand for trusted and quality auto care (Motor Oil, Brake Fluid, and Coolants) products, See prestone, page 11