Mindanao Daily (December 27-29, 2019)

MINDANAO DAILY TRUTH. JUSTICE. PROGRESS.

S ince

1923

Biz sentiment up in Q4, consumers less upbeat Volume IX, No. 181

www.mindanaodailynews.com

Fri-Sun, December 27-29, 2019

P15.00

OPTIMISM among Filipino businessmen rose in the fourth quarter of 2019 due to the holiday and the harvest seasons, but consumer confidence slipped due to higher commodity prices.

In a briefing Friday, Department of Economic Statistics (DES) officer in charge Fernando Silvoza said confidence index (CI) under the business expectation survey (BES) rose to 40.2 percent from 37.7 percent during the survey in the third quarter of the year.

The sanguinity of investors in the country was similar to those in Brazil, Chile, Hungary, and the Netherlands, the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP) announced.

Respondents attributed their optimism to higher consumer demand during the holidays and the harvest season; increase in sales, orders, and projects; more favorable macroeconomic conditions; higher government spending, particularly on infrastructure; and business expansion.

See UPBEAT, page 15

Palace warns public: Be wary of liquor purchase

ANDANAR IN ORO. Speaking during the 8th Mindanao Business Leaders and Entrepreneurs Awards at the Limketkai Luxe Hotel in Cagayan de Oro City, Communications Secretary Martin Andanar who is also the Cabinet Officer for Regional Development (CORD) in Region 10 reported that the Regional Task Force-Ending Local Communist Armed Conflict (RTF-ELCAC) in Northern Mindanao which he chairs has the highest accomplishments among the 17 regions in the country. Andanar also shared with enthusiam the announcement by the National Economic and Development Authority (Neda) that the country’s poverty incidence decreased by 16%. Photo by Gerry Lee Gorit

THE Malacañang on Monday urged the public to carefully assess their liquor purchases following reports that at least 11 people have died and hundreds hospitalized from drinking lambanog (coconut wine) in Laguna and Quezon provinces.

Presidential Spokesperson Salvador Panelo said the Palace was “alarmed” over the reported cases of suspected lambanog poisoning especially during the holidays where alcohol is usually present in parties.

Lambanog or coconut wine.

Panelo cautioned See WARNS, page 15

Photo courtesy of PTV/PNA

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Community

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From left, SK Fed Pres. Edgar Austine Neri, Coun. Yolanda Sabang, Coun. Susan Gayonan, Coun. Mario Cedeño, Coun. Renato Sulatan Jr., Coach Noel Villa, Coun. Jean Suzette Macapayag, Coun. Marnnie Macapayag, ABC Fed. Pres Amando Noble III, and Coun. Abdon Pacuño. Photo courtesy of Coach Noel Villa from his visit during the Get Into Rugby, Malaysia program.

RUGBY GOES TO TALAKAG

FOLLOWING the success of the Philippine Volcanoes Rugby Sevens to the recent 30th SEA Games where the Men’s Team bagged the Gold and the Women’s won the Silver, Filipinos indeed have a great potential of excelling in the sport of Rugby.

Unlike other mainstream sp or ts such as basketball and volleyball, Rugby football needs to be properly introduced at the grassroots level as there are certain misconceptions about the sport such as it being a dangerous full contact sport that only big guys can play. \ What most people don’t know is that Rugby has a non-contact version which can be played by kids and adults, across all sizes, genders and cultures.

Apart from the skills in playing the sport, kids are also taught the values of Teamwork, Respect, Enjoyment, Discipline and Sportsmanship which they would need and practice as life skills.

All these are encapsulated in a carefully developed grassroots program called Get Into Rugby (GIR) which is conducted at the community level to spread the love for the sport and

Rugby is inclusive, girls and boys can play it in a fun and safe environment. Photo courtesy of Coach Noel Villa from his visit during the Get Into Rugby, Malaysia program.

possibly develop the future Rugby stars in the country.

Realizing this potential early on, Coach Noel Villa, Filipino-born but raised in the United Kingdom, established the Cagayan de Oro Rugby Football Club (CDO RFC) in 2013.

For six years he worked very hard to develop the

sport in Northern Mindanao by teaching Rugby to kids and adults for free. His efforts have reaped several accolades as the CDO Rafters, the local Rugby Team, has won several tournaments within and outside the region starting 2014 despite being such a very young team. However, in

order to sustain interest for the sport, it is important to continuously conduct GIR activities in different localities.

Through the invitation of SB Member Jean Suzette Macapayag, CDO RFC’s Founder and Head Coach Noel Villa presented the GIR program to the local

officials of the Municipality of Talakag, Province of Bukidnon prior to their 18th regular session of the 20th Sangguniang Bayan.

The dynamic group of councilors warmly welcomed the Program and supported the idea of including non-contact form of Rugby in their local schools.

Soon, CDO RFC will be teaching the sport to young kids through its free rugby clinic which has the foundations of the Get Into Rugby program that is recognized globally.

The Cagayan de Oro Rugby Football Club is the premiere Rugby Club in Northern Mindanao, a duly recognized member of the Philippine Rugby Football Union since 2013.

Its Get Into Rugby program has been significant in the development of Rugby in the Philippines, and has grown the sport through innovative strategies such as the first GIR in the malls, among others.

Coach Noel, a certified World Rugby Coach, has also received several citations from different organizations including an invitation from World Rugby to present the challenges of growing the sport in Northern Mindanao in the year 2015.

For more information about the free GIR Program and CDO RFC’s training schedules, please LIKE and FOLLOW their Facebook page(link) or email cdorugbyclub@gmail.com. (By Cagayan de Oro Rugby Football Club)

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F

ILIPINOS call it, “The Tree of Life.”

From its seed, fruit and leaves, to its roots, every part of the coconut tree has a wide variety of uses. This is what husband and wife Jerry and Jocelyn Taray from Carmen, Cotabato Province banked on when they decided to go into agribusiness.

The couple’s business venture started in 2004, when they had to return home from their employment in Canada, unable to endure its cold weather. Using the money they saved from working abroad, they invested in the dealership of a local beer and soda products.

After two years, their initial investment prospered, and later, the couple secured a P1.5million loan from Land Bank of the Philippines (LANDBANK) to expand their distributorship and dealership business, as well as venture into agribusiness.

That same year, there was a long drought in

Mindanao which made it difficult for farmers to plant any crop. The local Philippine Coconut Authority (PCA) office had thousands of dwarf coconut seedlings that were originally intended for distribution to farmers. But because of the drought, farmers refused the seedlings, even if they were at a giveaway price.

The drought turned out to be a blessing in disguise for the couple.

The local PCA manager convinced Jerry to buy the seedlings and even gave some away for free. After four years of reconditioning the soil, the coconut trees started bearing fruit. In 2011, the couple studied the health benefits of coconuts and its potential to help farmers in their community. Thus was born the fruit of their labor: TreeLife.

Through TreeLife, the Tarays were able to develop a sustainable and reliable source of organic products, such as coco sugar, virgin coconut oil,

Feature

coconut syrup, coconut jam, and coconut aminos.

Employing farmers, IPs, women TreeLife turned out to be the couple’s most meaningful venture as it allowed them to help local farmers. They now employ over 800 farmers who help in harvesting coconuts and in processing their products.

“Our farmers are earning quite well from collecting coconut sap.

We also have a lot of indigenous people and women who are involved in the processing of coconut sugar, banana chips, and coconut oil.

We prioritize a workforce of women. We always believe that the true essence of the quality of our products comes from our farmers, our workers in the factory, and our sales team. They are all involved, from the farm to the factory,” Jerry said.

Through LANDBANK’s assistance, the Tarays have also expanded their products.

They now export their

Fri-Sun, December 27-29, 2019

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Husband and wife Jerry and Jocelyn Taray (left), founders of TreeLife, showcase their best-selling products. Coconut farmers (top right) harvesting coconuts to be used for processing TreeLife’s organic and healthy products such as virgin coconut oil (lower right).

organic virgin coconut oil, coco syrup, and their latest addition: banana chips and coconut wine.

“We’re very happy with LANDBANK,” said Jocelyn, “We’ve been with them for 13 years, and the advantage is that, kahit malayo ka, pupuntahan ka nila.”

Jerry added, “As farmers, we are instrumental in nourishing the land and harnessing its produce.

That is our role in this world. But without an institution that encourages farmers to pursue entrepreneurship, it would just be a solo venture, and not a community-based enterprise that exchanges goods and services. We are fortunate to have LANDBANK in the countryside to support farmers into becoming agripreneurs, and be responsible stewards of

the earth.”

With their hard work and perseverance, along with the diligence of their local farmers, TreeLife has now become a world-class coconut processing company and is well-known in other countries. The company now exports 90% of its products, especially the coco sugar and syrup, to international organic and health food manufacturers.

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Opinion

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RUEL PELONE

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Member: ORO CHAMBER Philippine Press Institute

Pizarro sees clear vision for Orochamber in 2020

BACK at the helm of Northern Mindanao’s premier business organization, Robert Pizarro foresees a 20/20 vision for Oro Chamber in the year 2020.

Guided by an accurate discernment, judgment and a positive hindsight, Pizarro, concurrent President and CEO of A Brown Company, Inc. is bullish on the prospects of making the Oro Chamber into a regional business organization.

On his way to a second term as the 25th president

of the Cagayaan de Oro Chamber of Commerce and Industry Foundation, Inc, Pizarro took his oath before PCCI Vice President for Mindanao Ma. Theresa Alegrio.

Pizarro succeeded Irene Floro, PhD who was instrumental in making inroads in the crafting of a 5-year roadmap for the Oro Chamber.

Pizarro’s initial salvo is focused on forging sustainable partnerships with other chambers in the region primarily to establish a strong

and effective business lobby group.

Orochamber has been an influencer in bringing about inclusive growth under a free enterprise business climate not only in Cagayan de Oro but also in others areas of Northern Mindanao.

Established in 1982, Oro Chamber now has 400 member companies — micro, small, medium and large business enterprises operating in Cagayan de Oro and suburbs.

Ruffy Magbanua

Its member-companies are classified into sectors based on activity: agribusiness, business support, manufacturing and industry, trade and commerce.

Oro Chamber’s current net worth is Php21.8 million, the highest income attained in the past 10 years. (ruffy44_ph2000@yahoo.

Living in a ring of fire EARTHQUAKES almost occur in both Indonesia and the Philippines. We both have got used to living in the ring of fire. There are lots of calamities. Earthquakes, flood, tsunamis, and volcanoes explosions are common in these two countries.

In Indonesia, the ring of fire circles throughout the Indonesian regions. It starts from north Sumatra and goes to the south region of Java. It still goes straight to Bali, Lombok, till Papua, the eastern region of Indonesia. It goes to the north to Pacific Ocean circling the long beaches. It shapes a U-Turn, turning back to the south region of America, to Brazil and Argentine. We can check it on Google map.

In Java, for example, the ring of fire crosses, splitting the Java. It exactly crosses the central Java. Then, it goes to the north to North Sulawesi. Of course, it goes straight to the north to Mindanao, Davao till the northern Philippines. We can check it in the Google by typing the ring of fire.

But, in the Philippines, we have some disasters.

They are Hurricane, Whirl-

Faith is a living, daring confidence in God’s grace, so sure and certain that a man could stake his life on it a thousand times.

(Martin Luther: 1483-1546) wind, and El Nino storm. It frequently happens in this country. The people have got used to adapting to such calamities. The people in the Philippines are accustomed to living in these heart-beating natures.

The first time I was shocked. In 2009, I was in Tagaitay city. There was a storm. During three days, it was so dark. I couldn’t see anyone in front of me in the 3-metter distance. I kept myself inside the hotel room. On the third day, the fog was getting thinner. But, I was still scared to go out.

I was amazed. I saw several people working outside: so daring.

It seems God has destined us: Indonesian and Filipinos, living in the ring of fire. Recently, we have had some earthquakes. It has happened in Indonesia and Philippines. Mindanao and Davao have got affected.

Yet, these two cities are the

PEACETALK

cities I had visited more than other cities. Seven months ago, I visited Mountain Province, the mountainous regions, beautiful, driving a 10 hour-journey from Clark international airport to Bontoc.

In Davao, I got news from some of my fellow researchers. Some campus buildings were broken. And, they have been repaired already. Renovation has been done in this city. Mindanao is today—while I am writing this article— also affected by the earthquake of 6.9 SR. I saw some buildings were broken from the media.

We are destined to live in our beloved countries: Indonesia and Philippines.

We are used to living in these regions. We are as God’s creatures. He always blesses us wherever we live, including in Indonesia and the Philippines.

I believe that our life is a place of trials of life. I

Dr. Djuwari

still remember very well, every end of the year, there is always a disaster. The tsunami in Aceh also occurred at the end of the year. However, hopefully by the end of this year, we will not get any disaster. We wish all will be fine.

However, our nature is rich in gas and oil, and other precious mines. We are still blessed. We have to believe in our God. We have been destined in our natures, living in the ring of fire. God be with us.

Merry Christmas to all the Filipinos! Greeting from Indonesia!

Dr. Djuwari is the director of language laboratory at STIE Perbanas Surabaya, the editor of some research journals in the Philippines and Indonesia. He is also a journalist in some newspapers in Indonesia; the president of international association of scholarly publishers, editors, and reviewers (IASPER).

Abp. Fernando R. Capalla, MindaNews

My take on the peace talks DAVAO City––I am glad there are positive rumors about peace talks between the Duterte Government and the Communist Party of the Philippines-New Peoples Army-National Democratic Front (CPP-NPA-NDF).

I know Joma Sison and Luis Jalandoni personally.

In early 1999, I went to Utrecht, Netherlands, to negotiate for the release of Philippine Army’s Brig. Gen. Victor Obillo and Captain Eduardo Montealto. They had been kidnapped by the New People’s Army from the military camp in Mintal, Davao City, and held as prisoners. I succeeded.

Without getting into details, I approached the different issues mainly from the human point of view.

No politics. No economics.

Just the ultimate human personal and family daily need to survive.

I know a little of Marxist ideology. As an activist youth in 1968 onwards, I tried to understand Marxism, Leninism and Mao Tse Tung Thought in an on-and-off company of Luis Jalandoni and other comrades. But when President Marcos proclaimed Martial Law, Louie and the Ilonggo comrades decided to go underground. Invited to

join, I refused. But later my brother Romy joined them.

He admired me.

The human factor is so important in interactive dialogue that without it, there is no real communication. Robots armed with artificial intelligence do communicate but there is no conscious understanding, no sense of meaning, just technical exactness.

This factor has something to do with the heart and the Self, or simply with personal faith, which helps a person make sense of what’s happening within him and around him. This explains why Digong wept at his

mother’s grave. Why Joma had to get the blessing of Cardinal Sin. Ideology has no place here because it’s not about concepts and ideas.

So when I faced a smiling and appreciative Joma, he solemnly intoned in a surprising language foreign to ideologues: “Now that the Archbishop is here we can go into high moral ground” ! ! ! From there, everything was easy.

But will Mayor Digong also go into similar high moral ground? He can and he will, given the opportunity. I have known him closely for more than 25 See PEACE, page 15

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GRP, NDF panels recommend ceasefire Meat inspection from December 23, 2019 to January 7, 2020 code eyed in Oro

By Carolyn O. Arguillas MindaNews

“Last card” Duterte sent Bello to Utrecht two weeks ago to talk with NDF consultant Jose Ma. SIson as his “last card” for peace.

Duterte on December 5 announced in Legazpi City during the Situation Briefing on the Effects of Typhoon ‘Tisoy’ in the Bicol Region that he was sending Bello to Utrecht to talk with the NDF leadership. The NDF represents the Communist Party of the Philippines (CPP) and New People’s Army (NPA) in the peace negotiations.

“Now, this is the first time that I will reveal it. I’m sending Secretary Bello….

So he should go there. Talk to them and… My… I cannot — I cannot talk about it basta he… I’m sending him back to Sison and talk to him about… Malaman lang ninyo ‘yan pagka — pagdating ng panahon (You’ll find out when the time comes),” Duterte said.

“If (Sison) agrees, ito ang sabi — sabi ko last card (this is what I say – my last card). When I say my last card is — my time is running out,” Duterte added.

Bello did not give details on what transpired during the December 7 and 8 meet-

ing in Utrecht.\ “Cautioned enthusiasm” In a statement Sunday, Bayan Muna Rep. Carlos Isagani Zarate, House Deputy Minority Leader, welcomed with “cautioned enthusiasm” the joint statement on a possible unilateral and national reciprocal ceasefires between the government and the NDF as “this certainly will augur well in creating the favorable environment necessary for the resumption of the cancelled peace talks between the GRP and NDFP, which is long awaited by our people.”

Zarate said they call on both parties to “resume the talks in earnest without preconditions and based on previously signed and binding agreements.”

But he warned against “militarists and saboteurs” who, he said, will “do everything to prevent a political, just and lasting solution to the more than five-decade old armed rebellion in our country.”

He said the saboteurs in the past, “especially from the security sector, used undermining schemes like implementation of so-called ‘legitimate police operations against criminals’ as cover for counterinsurgency operations during the ceasefire period. They also used paramilitary groups as proxies

in these counterinsurgency operations.”

“There’s a lot more to be done,” he said as he called on both parties to “stay the course and always consider the primordial interests of our country and people as their guide.”

“Very positive step” Balay Mindanaw, in a statement, said the Joint Statement is a “very positive step” towards the resumption of the GRP-NDF peace talks.

“We commend both parties for going the exra mie in an effort to revive the formal

peace negotiations,” Balay Mindanaw said, adding they appreciate the parties’ “listening to the voices from the communities that have been longing for just and lasting peace in our land.”

Balay Mindanaw urged the principals of the two parties “to take to heart and heed the recommendations.”

“We hope that this becomes an irreversible step towards the transformation of this decades-old armed conflict as the two parties resume their wokr in addressing hte roots of

CAGAYAN de Oro City--The joint City Council committees on health and health insurance and on agriculture and fisheries chaired by Councilors Maria Lourdes S. Gaane and Jay R. Pascual favorably endorsed the proposed Meat Inspection Code of Cagayan de Oro to the committee on economic enterprises chaired by Councilor Ian Mark Q. Nacaya for further review.

This, after the joint committees on Tuesday thoroughly reviewed the provisions of the draft ordinance submitted by the City Veterinary Office and discussed the legal opinion of the City Legal Office.

The proposed ordinance provides policies and regulations pertaining to meat inspection, through the various stages of processing, marketing and the proper preservation and inspection of such products.

It also aims to harmonize various issuances on meat establishment operations and meat inspection, as wells as strengthen support the development of the

See PANELS, page 15

See CODE, page 15

SEALED OFF.

Policemen seal off the junction of Sinsuat and Quezon Avenues in Cotabato City on Sunday night (Dec. 22) following a blast that injured 14 people.

Tight security measures are currently being implemented in the city following Sunday’s blasts. (Photo courtesy of Jome K. Dimapalao–Brigada Cotabato News FM)

Local executives condemn bombings

COTABATO City––North Cotabato Governor Nancy Catamco and Cotabato City Mayor Frances Cynthia Guiani-Sayadi have strongly condemned the separate

bombing incidents in their respective areas of dominion on Sunday evening.

Catamco, in a statement, said the bombings in the

See BOMBINGS, page 15

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BUSINESS 6

STEAG State Power Inc awarded best in Corporate Social Responsibility

C

AGAYAN de Oro City - STEAG State Power Inc (SPI), a world-class energy company, is one of the three awardees for “Best In Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR)”, during the recently concluded 8th Mindanao Business Leaders and Entrepreneurs Awards, consistently organized by Mindanao Daily News Corporation, purposely to recognize companies, entities and leaders’ outstanding performance which contributed to greater develoment in Mindanao.

Two other awardees were Cagayan de Oro Light and Power Company (Cepalco) and SM Cagayan de Oro. The recent awarding ceremonies was held at Limketkai Luxe Hotel on December 13, 2019, the biggest and the tallest hotel in Southern Philippines,

which is based in Cagayan de Oro City. It was wellattended by dignitaries and awardees all over Mindanao, including Martin Andanar, one of President Duterte’s cabinet members. Andanar is now President Duterte’s Communications Secretary.

SPI bagged the award as “Best in Corporate Social Responsiblity” (CSR) because of its tremendous implementation of worthwhile projects which help many people in Villanueva, Misamis Oriental, as well as in other aspects of corporate social responsibility (CSR) mandated to big companies operating in the country.

SPI is cited for its excellent CSR programs “which afforded economic, social, and environmental benefits to its stakeholders, clientele, and consumers”.

The award further notes that SPI’s “environmental

and social philanthropy and volunteering efforts for the community helped forge a stronger bond between workers and consumers and the community as a whole”.

BusinessWeek Mindanao Publisher Dante Sudaria, together with Cooperative Development Authority (CDA) Chairperson Orlando Ravanera and PCOO Secretary and Cabinet Officer for Regional Development (CORD) Region 10 Martin Andanar presented the award to Jerome Soldevilla in behalf of SPI. SPI’s commitment to help bring about the development of its host communities is expressed through its various Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) programs, focusing on the following areas of concerns: 1. Improving Education through the Social EmpowSee STEAG, page 13

BEST IN CSR. Jerome Soldevilla (3rd from L) receives the award, in behalf of STEAG, for Best In Corporate Social Responsibility from Dante Sudaria, president/CEO of BusinessWeek Mindanao Corporation/Mindanao Daily News, during the 8th Mindanao Business Leaders and Entrepreneurs Awards held Friday at Luxe Hotel, Limketkai, Cagayan de Oro City. Two other awardees for best in CSR are Cepalco represented by Marilyn Chaves (2nd from L) and SM Cagayan de Oro represented by SM executives Ivy Guantero and SM City Cagayan de Oro manager Bernadeth Flores (4th & 5th from L).

SoKor eyes relaxed visa measure for Asean states

By JOYCE ANN L. ROCAMORA, PNA

RELAXING VISA MEASURES FOR ASEAN. A night view of the Changdeokgung Palace in Seoul which is among the most popular tourist destinations in South Korea. On Dec. 12, Yonhap News Agency reported that Seoul plans to implement a relaxed visa measure for Asean member states as part of efforts to promote regional tourism. (Photo courtesy of Christine Joy Caloracan)

MANILA -- The South Korean government is planning to implement a relaxed visa measure for citizens of the 10-Association of Southeast Asian Nations (Asean) countries, the state-funded Yonhap News Agency said in a report.

Yonhap reported on December 12 that four major policy measures, including “a new visa program with Southeast Asian countries” and the expansion of South Korea’s visa-free stay program to regional airports

have been discussed during a Korean government meeting on strategies to promote regional tourism.

Quoting a government release, Yonhap also noted Seoul’s plans to sign a treaty with Asean “to allow young people from the region to enjoy regional tours and language studies while staying in South Korea up to one year”.

Asean member states include Brunei, Cambodia, Indonesia, Laos, Malaysia, See VISA, page 13

Stocks end week up, peso weakens

By JOANN VILLANUEVA, PNA

MANILA – Net foreign selling in the local bourse failed to dampen the main equities index but weakened the peso Friday.

The Philippine Stock Exchange index (PSEi) gained 1.56 percent, or 119.18 points, to 7,773.12

points, which a trader attributed to correction after the weakness on account of the concerns on the concessionaire contract in the country and the US-China trade discussion.

All Shares rose 0.88 percent, or 39.98 points, to 4,598.83 points.

Most of the sectors trailed the main index, led

by Holding Firms, which improved by 2.57 percent.

It was followed by Financials, 1.72 percent; Mining and Oil, 1.36 percent; Property, 1.27 percent; and Services, 0.03 percent.

Only Industrial ended on the red after it fell 1.38 percent.

Volume reached 1.1 billion shares amounting to PHP12.2 billion.

Decliners led advancers See STOCKS, page 13

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7

Green group offers easy tips for plastic-free holiday parties

A WASTE and pollution watchdog group urged the public to take steps to reduce their plastic footprint as family, school, workplace, church and barkada gettogethers are held during the joyful yuletide season.

In keeping with the first “R” of the 3Rs (reduce, reuse, recycle), the EcoWaste Coalition has come up with ideas, which, if carried out, could help in cutting the volume of single-use plastic (SUP) waste generated in countless Christmas and New Year parties.

“With parties happening left and right, we see loads of disposable plastics being bought, used and disposed of. Right after the merrymaking, we see these SUPs being thrown in the bin as quickly as these are used.

Just look at the bin or the dumpster and you will easily see evidence of the pervasive throw-away culture, which SUPs have come to represent,” said Jove Benosa, Zero Waste Campaigner, EcoWaste Coalition.

“We should no longer

think single-use plastic plates, cutlery, water bottles and straws, as well as grocery bags and food packaging, are cheap. SUPs, which are petroleum products, are anything but cheap considering the huge costs of plastic pollution, from production to their disposal, which are not reflected in their actual price,” he said.

“We now need to rethink

the so-called cheapness and convenience of SUPs amid the increasing threat of plastic and toxic pollution to the natural environment, including sea life,” he pointed out.

“As we ask producers to curb the production of SUPs and hasten the introduction of sustainable product packaging and delivery systems to reduce plastic and

chemical wastes, we also ask consumers to curb personal consumption of SUPs,” he added.

To help in reducing the purchase, use and disposal of SUPs, including Styrofoam items, the EcoWaste Coalition urged party organizers, as well as partygoers, to try these ideas for plasticfree yuletide parties: • First and foremost,

plan for a waste-free and plastic-free party.

• Refrain from putting up plastic banners and shun the use of plastic bags as buntings, especially for street parties. Keep decorations simple and plastic-free.

• Go for reusable tablecloths instead of one-time use table covers.

• Have a drink dispenser as a replacement for single-

serve bottled juice, soda or water.

• Serve drinks in reusable glasses.

• Ditch plastic straws.

• Bring your own reusable takeout containers for food to be bought elsewhere.

• If ordering food online, cut back on plastic cutlery, wrap and bags.

• Serve food See PARTIES, page 15

8

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Let the Spirit of Love, fill our hearts and homes.

In this loveliest of seasons, may we all find many reasons for happiness.

May tour days be merry and bright filled with God’s light and Love.

Merry Christmas and A Happy New Year to All! Greetings from:

MERRY CHRISTMAS AND A BLESSED 2020!

Hon. JUNAFLOR S. CERILLES

Municipal Mayor LGU Dumalinao, Zambo. Del Sur

Merry Christmas and a Prosperous New Year!

From:

Dr. MARIO H. CERILLES Disease and Microsurgery of the EYE, EAR, NOSE and THROAT Diplomats, Philippine Board of Opthalmology Member, Philippine Academy of Opthalmology Member, PSO-HNS Cerilles Bldg.

B. Aquino St., Pagadian City Clinic hours: Mon-Sat 8:00am-5:00pm

Mario-cerilles@yahoo.com Telephone No. (062) 215-3151 Cell phone No. 09177110018

Proverbs: The eyes of the Lord are everywhere keeping watch on the wicked and the good…

Merry Christmas & A Happy New Year to All! From:

Ptr. DOMINGO BALASE and FAMILY

Merry Christmas & A Happy New Year to All!

AUB-Pagadian Branch

From:

Merry Christmas & A Happy New Year to All! From:

Bank with us anytime anywhere…

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John 1:12 Yet to all who received Him, to those who bnelieved in His name, He gave the right to become children of God.

Merry Christmas & A Happy New Year to all!

From:

Hon. CESAR C. DACAL, Jr. BM 1st Dist., Zambo del Sur

Committee Chairman on Appropriations/Finance, Way and Means The entire world celebrates the birth of our Lord Jesus Christ in believing that the real meaning of the celebration brings to every individual a blessing.

Merry Christmas & A Happy New Year to all!

Fri-Sun, December 27-29, 2019

9

PASKOHANONG MINSAHI Ang panahon sa pasko subli na usab nga nagapahinumdom kanato sa kanindot sa kinabuhi sa atong pamilya, mga higala ug labaw sa tanan ang atong pagtoo sa Labaw nga Makagagahom.

Kanatong mga Kristiyano, ang pasko dili lamang us aka simpli nga selibrasyon sama sa atong mga nakiya nga mga Christmas Lights, nagsidlak ug daw makabungol nga buto sa mga fireworks ug mga nadungog nato nga mga huni sa pasko kun dili us aka balaan nga kasaulogan sa paghandom sa pagkatawo sa atong Ginoong Hesus.

Isip mga tomotoo, atong ipabati sa tanan ang diwa o mga importanting mensahi sa pasko nga mao ang Pagminahalay, Pagpinasayluay, Paghinatagay ug Paghudtaka.

Ato untang isilsil sa atong mga hunahuna ug kasingkasing nga kining maong mga mensahi magpadayon ug magpabilin nganhi kanato sa tanang panahon tungod kay para kanako, “WALAY KAPUSLANAN ANG GASA SA KINABUHI KUNG KINI DILI NATO GAMITON ALANG SA PAGTABANG SA MGA TAWO NGA GIHIKAWAN UG NAGNINAHANGLAN.” Sa katapusan akong giampo ug gipanghinaut nga unta ang kalipay ug kabulahanan magadagayday kanatong tanan niining kapaskuhan ug sa umaabot pa nga mga katuigan.

From:

Hon. FERNANDO Y. PAMERAN City Councilor

LGU, Pagadian City Committee Chairman on Barangay Affairs

Panahon karon sa pagsaulog sa Pasko atong ipatigbabaw ang panaghi-usa ug pakigdait sa atong isig katawo ug ilabi na ang pag pinasayloay. Karon ug sa umaabot pang katuigan magtinabangay ug suportahan nato para sa pag-asenso sa Pagadian.

Kini ang inyong pangmasang Konsehal DODONG DUTERTE ug uban sa akong dibuok pamilya manghinaut sa Malipayong Pasko ug Bulahang Bag-ong Tuig.

MAYOR MACARIO “DODONG ORIS” V. TINGSON Municipal Mayor Municipality og Tukuran Province of Zamboanga del Sur

Merry Christmas & A Very Prosperous 2020!

Hon. RONALDO C. POLOYAPOY BM 2nd Dist., ZDS Committee Chairman on Trade & Industry

Merry Christmas and A Happy New Year!

Hon. JESUSELLER M. DUTERTE City Councilor

LGU Pagadian City Committee Chairman on Ecology

Merry Christmas and Happy New Year to All!

LUIS MERCHANDISE Duterte St., Sta. Lucia Dist., Pagadian City

INDAWAG ASSOCIATION, INC. scanned

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Statement on the Unilateral Reciprocal Ceasefire and Resumption of Peace Talks

By BISHOP FELIXBERTO CALANG Convenor, Sowing the Seeds of Peace in Mindanao December 23, 2019

We greet with much jubilation the unilateral reciprocal ceasefire declarations and the impending resumption of formal peace talks between the Government of the Republic of the Philippines and the Communist Party of the Philippines.

The reciprocal ceasefire gives the Filipino people reason to celebrate with greater hope and joy the Christmas and New Year holidays, in keeping with our Christian traditions and our people’s decades-long quest for peace based on social justice.

As Christians, we see the impending resumption of the peace talks as a time to deepen our faith in Jesus as the Prince of Peace. The liberation of God’s people from oppression and injustice was at the core of Jesus’ ministry for peace.

His birth and infancy were wrought with persecution and forcible displacement of families, replete with the extrajudicial killings of the first born of Israel, so similar

to our contemporary times.

The Government of the Republic of the Philippines (GRP) and the National Democratic Front of the Philippines (NDFP)’s coming together this Season to lay out plans for formal talks next year is therefore worthy of the people’s support, despite the government’s 360 degree turns and twists in the past years.

The act of the Three Wise Men of humbly honoring the Prince of Peace is also worth emulating. In the same spirit, we see three gifts of wisdom that should visit the talks for now: 1. Give the talks its “second wind” by not allowing warmongers to shoot it before it takes off from the ground anew. This rumor-mongering about the assassination of President Duterte at a time both parties are coming to terms with each other only serve to “spoil the peace.”

2. Challenge Executive Secretary Medialdea, the new member of the GRP peace panel, to stand for the

civilian voice and authority in the negotiations, being the alter ego of the President.

3. Take off from where the talks have started and honor previous agreements.

There is no reason to reinvent the wheel. The peace talks were going well in hammering out agreements on Social and Economic Reforms, until it was thrown into limbo

by Proclamation 360. This means revisiting the issues of release of political prisoners and implementation of the Comprehensive Agreement on Respect for Human Rights and International Humanitarian Law (CARHRIHL).

An enduring peace that is based on social justice is what we anticipate for every Christmas. It is today’s gold, frankincense, and myrrh.

It is the truly tangible and lasting wish that we make on our noche buena table.

Let us include in our prayers that the peace talks usher in a truly peace-filled New Year.

11

EXTRA-JUDICIAL SETTLEMENT OF ESTATE WITH WAIVER OF RIGHTS

KNOW ALL MEN BY THESE PRESENTS: We, ELIZA D. BANAC, EMMANUEL D. BANAC, and ELIZALDE D. BANAC, all of legal age, Filipinos , widow and married, respectively, and all residents of Palayan, Aloran, Misamis Occidental, on our own volition and free will, do hereby declare as follows: 1. That we are the widow and legitimate children and the only compulsory heirs of the deceased PEDRO BUOT BANAC who died on October 9, 1941 at his residence at Palayan, Aloran, Misamis Occidental; 2. That the decedent died intestate, without leaving any Last Will or Testament and without leaving any known debts or accounts whatsoever; 3. That at the time of his death, the decedent left a conjugal property with his wife which is a parcel of land covered by TCT No. T-43524 containing an area of 8.0083 hectares situated at Tugaya, Valencia City, Bukidnon and which was subsequently covered under the Comprehensive Agrarian Reform Program (CARP) of the government and is now titled under TCT No. 133-2019003694 in the name of the Republic of the Philippines. As compensation thereof, the Landbank made a deposit as follows: Cash P268,813.16 Bond 499,224.45 ----------------- Total P768,037.61 ============ 4. That pursuant to Section 1, Rule 74 of the Revised Rules of Court of the Philippines, and we, the parties herein, being all of age and with full civil capacity, have agreed to adjudicate unto ourselves pro-indiviso, ONE HALF (1/2) portion of the above-said cash and bond which is the share of the decedent in accordance with law; 5. That we, EMMANUEL D. BANAC and ELIZALDE D. BANAC, for our part and for and in consideration of our love and affection for our mother, do hereby voluntarily WAIVE, TRANSFER and CONVEY in favor of our said mother, ELIZA D. BANAC, all our rights, interest and participation in the said ONE-HALF (1/2) portion of the cash and bond which is the share of our deceased father; 6. That we hereby affirm that we have executed the this instrument out our own free will without force, intimidation or violence upon our person, and that we have received our just and proper shares and have no more claim or demand against each other in connection with the adjudication of the above-described property.

Is subject of EXTRA-JUDICIAL SETTLEMENT OF ESTATE WITH WAIVER OF RIGHTS. Under the Notarial Registry of ATTY. MANUELITO A. MASONGSONG, Notary Public. Per Doc. No. 452; Page No. 91; Book NO. 38; Series of 2019.

MDN: Dec. 27, 2019, Jan. 3 & 10, 2020

12

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Langyaw’ng mag-uuma, gidayeg ang programang agrikultura sa MisOr GIDAYEG uyamot sa mga mag-uuma gikan sa laing nasud ang programang pang-agrikultura ni Gobernador Bambi Emano dinhi sa Misamis Oriental. Matud pa nila, mahimo nilang sundogon sa ilang pagpauli ang mga pamaagi sa pag-uma dinhi sa lalawigan.

Hilabihan ka-impress sila si Erik Andrus gikan sa United States of America sa kanindot ug bag-ong technique sa Provincial Agriculture Office sa paguma, kung diin mas molambo pa ang industriya sa agrikultura ug mas mokita pa ang mag-uuma.

Atol sa 9th International

Season’s greetings from:

HON. PHOEBE L. CORVERA, RN. MD. Municipal Mayor San Luis, Agusan del Sur

Rice Duck Conference nga gipahigayon sa buhatan sa Provincial Agriculture Office ning bag-o dinhi sa Cagayan de Oro, kung diin mitambong si Mr. Andrus, ubay-ubay nga technique ang iyang mabitbit sa iyang pagpauli.

"I'm very impressed by your governor's understanding of sustainability, and the importance of economic viability for all farmers, and I wish him all success," mensahe ni Mr. Andrus ngadto sa gobernador.

Bisan si Takao Furuno, usa usab ka mag-uuma nga gikan Japan, nagtuo nga tungod kay si Gobernador

2019 a year of achievements for DOF, says Dominguez S E C R E TA R Y C a r l o s Dominguez III has said 2019 has been a year of "great achievements" for the “warriors of reform” of the Department of Finance (DOF) in a wide gamut of fields ranging from revenue and dividend collections to the pursuit in the Congress of the remaining packages of the comprehensive tax reform program (CTRP) that will help the government fund its priority programs on infrastructure and human capital development.

With the professionalism and dedication of all DOF employees, Dominguez said

the Department has managed to do what was once thought impossible—which is to pursue policy reforms that have spelled a palpable improvement in the lives of the Filipino people as the government strives to build a robust and inclusive economy on the Duterte watch.

“The task of bringing forth change is a long and painful one. We will have to deal with the vagaries of our politics, the inertia of the bureaucracy, and the resistance of those who would rather have things stay as they are,” Dominguez

Social issues in the Philippines in 2019

By MARK A. FRANCISCO Teacher I Molugan National High School El Salvador City

Ripples of change begin when communities unite and take action.

In 2019, communities cut through the noise and pursued collective action to bring about positive change.

At a time when polarizing issues and disinformation muddle conversations in digital platforms, people have shown that social media remains to be a platform to engage communities for social good.

Our youth learn from observing people similar to them. If you want young people to get involved, showing them that another teenager could do this type of stuff would be very empo­wering.

Youth activism experts say “2019

looks a lot like the 1960s” and that “the unit of activism today is probably the tweet.” Young people around the world are trying to get the government to pay attention to issues close to their hearts whether it’s the deforestation in the Amazon or the Hong Kong protestors on the extradition bill. Focusing on policy goals and engaging with elected officials or other governments is part of their call to action.

Though social media networks are being used by disinformation producers and actors, advocating a call to action to a problem is possible. While social media tools are a central component of almost

Republic of the Philippines Province of Bukidnon CITY OF MALAYBALAY Emali: ccromalaybalay@gmail.com Tel. No.: (088) 813-5816 NOTICE OF PUBLICATION

MDN: Dec 21 & 28, 2019

any movement, there is more work ahead such as providing a platform for those without access to the internet, giving voice to the voiceless, and advocating social media for good. Trending hashtags grab media attention which could lead to a movement. An attitudinal shift could happen by transforming anger into a global movement calling for urgent change. #ThisHappened2019 in the news and other topics wraps up the decade These are just some of the moments in 2019 when people spread ripples of change in their own way.

It all starts with one act. What's your move?

Republic of the Philippines Local Civil Registry Office Province: Agusan del Norte City/Municipality: Butuan City

Publication Notice R.A. 10172 NOTICE TO THE PUBLIC

CCE-0349-2019 (R.A. 10172) In compliance with the publication requirements and pursuant to OCRG Memorandum Circular No. 2013-1, Guidelines in the Implementation of the Administrative Order No. 1 Series of 2012 (IRR OF R.A. 10172). Notice is hereby served to the public that LORETO L. MAHILUM (name of document owner) Has filed with this Office, a petition for Correction of Clerical Error from “AUG. 7, 1959” to “JUNE 7, 1959” in his Certificate of Live Birth who was born on June 7, 1959 whose parents are LEOPOLDO MAHILUM and AMPARO LEGASPINA. (Sgd) PRISCILLA G. TILANDUCA City Civil Registrar

Bambi usa usab ka maguuma, nakasabot siya sa kahimtang sa mag-uuma, ug mao iyang dakong tinguha nga mapalambo ug maayo ang agrikultura sa lalawigan.

"To the governor, I believe his passion for agriculture is very strong. I'm very happy that the governor communicates with the farmers and understand how they live," ingon pa ni Mr. Furuno.

Si Mr. Andrus ug Mr. Furuno nagpaambit usab sa ilang kahibalo ngadto sa mga local farmers nga mitambong sa nasangpit nga okasyon nga gitambo-

CCE-286-2019 (R.A. 10172) 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 GERALD ROCERO 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 GERALD ROCERO who was born on 12 May 1995 at CGH & Medical Center, Butuan City, Agusan del Norte, Philippines and whose parents are RUEL OCBA INDAY AND GENALYN CURATO ROCERO.

Any person adversely affected by said petition may file his written opposition with this Office not later than 06 January 2019.

MDN: Dec 21 & 28, 2019

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

said in his message to fellow DOF workers during their recent annual Yearend party.

“The reforms we seek to achieve will require resilience, endurance and persistence. I ask you to remain firm in the tasks we have to accomplish, especially next year as we push for the remaining packages of the tax reform program,” he said.

See DOF, page 13

EXTRAJUDICIAL SETTLEMENT AMONG HEIRS KNOW ALL MEN BY THESE PRESENTS: That RENATO ACOSTA LUMIBAO, who died in Northern Mindanao Medical Center, Capitol Compound, Cagayan de Oro City on MARCH 4, 2018, That the deceased left no debts or obligations due against the estate of said decedent; that the said deceased at the time of his death left certain real property registered in his name RENATO LUMIBAO, and more particularly described as follows with Transfer Certificate of Title No. T-51888 containing an area of THREE HUNDRED (300) SQUARE METERS, more or less, and has been the subject of EXTRAJUDICIAL SETTLEMENT AMONG HEIRS per DOC #107; PAGE #22; BOOK #30; Series of 2019 under the Notarial Registry of ATTY. ELAINE MAY P. SARCENO TAN-GAN. MDN: Dec 20 , 27, 2019 & Jan 3, 2020

ngan sa mag-uuma gikan sa nagkalainlaing probinsya ug kalungsuran sa amihanang Mindanao. Misalmot pa sa cooking contest ang mga delegado. Migawas nga mananaug ang grupo ni Mr. Furuno sa ilang grilled boiled duck and hash potato.

Pipila lamang sila si Mr. Andrus ug Mr. Furuno sa mga langyaw nga nakadayeg sa pamunuan ni Gobernador Bambi Emano dinhi sa Misamis Oriental, ang pamunuan nga naglantaw sa kahimtang sa katawhan sa kabukiran ug kadaplinan, pinaagi sa pag-ugmad og mga programa nga haum gayud alang kanila.

EXTRA-JUDICIAL SETTLEMENT OF ESTATE WITH PARTITION, DEED OF DONATION AND DEED SALE KNOW ALL MEN BY THESE PRESENTS: That REDEMPTA A. BACTONG, HENRY A. ASIL, PERPETUA A. GALARION, JEREMIAS A. LUMALAN, FELICOLA A. AGUSTIN, EVANGELINE R. ASIL, LIGAYA A. LAYSON, ROBERT R. ASIL (PWD) ANNEX 2 EXHIBIT (MEDICAL CERTIFICATE) REPRESENTED BY: JEREMIAS A. LUMALAN, AND ELSIE ASIL MAHINAY (DECEASED) REP BY: SWEET ELLA ASIL M. DAGONIO AND CHERISH DELIGHT A. MAHINAYAND BERNIE ASIL AGUSTIN, NORBERTO A. LUMALAN, IRIES LUMALAN BACOR, RACKIE A. LUMALAN all of legal ages and heirs of the late FELICISIMO ASIL who died on October 13, 2002 that the deceased left the following real properties which are all owned in common with his children, these properties are more describe as follows: CADASTRAL LOT NO. 136 PLS 805, assessors lot no.

030, CADASTRAL LOT No. 847 PLS 805, assessors lot no. 007, CADASTRAL LOT NO. 1550, PLS 805, Assessors lot no. 037 and has been the subject of EXTRAJUDICIAL SETTLEMENT OF ESTATE WITH PARTITION, DEED OF DONATION AND DEED SALE in favor of BERNIE A. AGUSTIN (vendee) per DOC #358; PAGE #73; BOOK #2; series of 2019 under Notarial Registry of ATTY. KEVIN JAY Y. CELESTIANO. MDN: December 14, 21 & 28, 2019

REPUBLIC OF THE PHILIPPINES) CITY OF DAVAO ) S.S. x----------------------------------------x AFFIDAVIT OF SELF-ADJUDICATION

I, ELPIDIA ROJO NODADO, of legal age, Filipino, widow, and a resident of P17 Lubogan, Toril, Davao City, Philippines, after having been duly sworn to in accordance with law, do hereby depose and say:

That I am the surviving spuse of the late ULDARICO TINGUHA NODADO, who died last December 9,2018 in Davao City, copy of this Certificate of Death is hereto attaché for ready reference;

That thes said deceased, at the time of his death left a certain percel of land situated in Barangay Troil, City of Davao, covered with Transfer Certificate of Title,No: T-221730 containing an area of NINETY EIGHT (98) SQUARE METERS,more orless,

‘’A parcel of land of the consolidation and subd. project (Lot 23, Blk. 4 of the consolidation and subdivision plan Pcs-112402-001758, being a portion of Lots 234-I-1-A to 234-I-1-E, Psd-112402-031724),situated in the Barangay of Toril, City of Davao; Island of Mindanao. Bounded as follows: On the NE., along line 1-2 by lot 24 of Blk. 4: on the SE., along line 2-3 by road lot 14 (8.00 m. wide); on the SW,. along line 3-4 by lot 22 of Blk. 4 all of cons. & subd. plan: on the NW., along line 4-1 by lot 234-I-2, Psd-25716,Beginning at appoint marked ‘’1’’ on the plan being S. 80 deg. 43’E., 368.30 m from B.L.L.M. No. 28 Davao Cadastre, thence. . . . . . . . . . . .

S. 50 deg.33’E., 10.02 m. to 2; S.39 deg.28’W., 9.75 m. to point 3; N.50 deg.33’W., 10.02 m. to point 4 N.39 deg. 28’E., 9.5 m. to point

Of beginning; and containing an area of Ninety Eight (98) Square Meters more or less.

That the said deceased left no debts;

That pursuant to Rule 74, Section 1 of the Rules of Court, I hereby adjudicated unto myself the abovementioned parcel of land by means of this Affidavit and hereby files the same with the Register of Deeds for the City of Davao, with the request that said adjudication be made effective without judicall proceedings as prescribed by the aaforementioned Rules of Court;

That I am excecuting this affidavit to attest to the truth of the foregoing facts and for whatever legal purpose this may serve.

IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand this day of November 7, 2019 at Davao City, Philippines.

ELPIDIA ROJO DONADO Affiant

SUBSCRIBED AND SWORN to before me this _ day of November, 2019 at Davao City, Doc. No. 504 Page No. 102 Book No. X Series of 2019

MDN: December 13, 20 & 27, 2019

ELMER B. RANON Notary Public Until Dember 31,2019 PTR 1482346 12-27-18 (2019) IBP No. 062966 1-14-19-D.C. ROLL OF ATTORNEY’S 51813 Davao City

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Stocks... from page 6

at 92 to 78, while 55 shares were unchanged.

On the other hand, the peso ended the week at 50.815 from Thursday’s 50.635 against the US dollar.

Another trader traced the currency weakness to the foreign selling in the PSE as investors took advantage of the volatility in the local equities market.

The local unit opened at 50.63, sideways from the 50.61 start in the previous session.

It traded between 50.625 and 50.86, resulting in an average of 50.736.

Vo l u m e t o t a l e d t o USD835.75 million, lower than the previous day’s USD998.7 million.

The currency pair is seen to trade between 50.60 and 50.90 on Monday. (PNA)

Steag... from page 6

erment through Education (SEEd) Program 2. Improving Income through the Livelihood and Economic Enterprise Development (LEED) Program 3. Improving Health through the Water, Sanitation and Health (WaSH) Program 4 . Imp r ov i n g G ov ernance through the Enhancing Governance in L o ca l D e velopment (EGoLD) Program 5. Improving Access to Electricity through the Fostering Rural Electrification and Energization (FREE) Program 6. Improving Quality of the Environment through the Environmental Conservation (ECo) Program 7. Inspiring people to excel through a continuing Information, Education and Communications

(IEC) Program About SPI STEAG State Power Inc . ( SPI ) is a worl d cl a ss e ne rg y c omp any and a leader in advance c o a l - f i re d p owe r ge n e r at i on te ch nol o g y. It was organized to own, finance, build, operate and maintain the f irst coal thermal power plant in Mindanao.

T he p owe r pl ant i s located at the PHIVIDEC Industrial Estate in Villanueva, Misamis Oriental and has a capacity of 232 MW. It started commercial operations in November 2006 and since then, it has been reliably providing additional electric power ne e d e d to sust ai n t he island’s economic growth and progress.

SPI is majority owned

by Steag GmbH which is one of the largest producers of electric power in Germany. With 80 years of extensive experience, Steag GmbH is a pioneer in highly efficient and reliable power plant operations in Germany. The other SPI shareholders include two leading Filipino comp anies --- Ab oit iz Power Corporation (AP) and La Filipina Uygongco Corporation.

With solid technical know-how and expertise plus a workforce complement of about 200 dedicated and competent p ers onnel, SPI f u lf i l ls its mandate of helping provide solutions to the growing energy needs of the country and lives up to its vision of becoming a trusted partner for progress and development.

Through the years, it has established a reputation as a highly efficient, reli able and resp onsible electric power producer in Mindanao.

Fri-Sun, December 27-29, 2019

Visa... from page 6

Myanmar, the Philippines, Singapore, Thailand, and Vietnam.

The report also mentioned Seoul’s plan to launch new flight routes connecting South Korea’s regional airports to Vietnam, the Philippines, and Indonesia “while newly allowing foreigners to stay up to 72 hours at South Korean regional airports without a visa starting in 2020”.

When asked to confirm, South Korean officials in Manila said they are still awaiting information from Seoul.

“About the news item, we are still waiting for an official statement to come from the headquarters in Korea,” the Korean Cultural Center in the Philippines (KCC) said in an e-mail to the Philippine News Agency on Wednesday.

KCC is under the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism of the Republic of Korea and the Embassy of the Republic of Korea in the Philippines. (PNA)

DOF... from page 12

Among the DOF’s accomplishments in 2019 that Dominguez cited were the passage of the tobacco tax reform bill, the increased revenues from taxes and cash dividends remitted by government owned- and -controlled corporations (GOCCs), the progress in the remaining CTRP packages sent to the Congress, and the highly concessional loan financing sealed for projects under President Duterte's signature “Build,

Build, Build” program.

He also mentioned among the DOF's accomplishments the credit rating upgrade of "BBB plus," and the successful offshore issuance of bonds with tight spreads over the benchmarks, along with the collection of taxes from errant Philippine online gaming operators (POGO) service providers and their foreign employees.

“All the hard work we put in to reform our policies and build an inclusive economy have resulted in a palpable improvement in the lives of our people,” Dominguez said.

The Finance chief said the Duterte administration is well on track in achieving what had seemed at first as an ambitious goal of bringing poverty incidence to 14 percent by 2022 down from 23.3 percent in 2015, as evidenced by official data showing that 5.9 million Filipinos were lifted out of poverty in three years. This means poverty incidence dropped to 16.6 percent in 2018 from the previous rate in 2015.

Quoting Alexander the Great, who had built an empire that stretched from Greece to India, Dominguez said: “There is nothing impossible to him who will try.”

Citing an example, Dominguez said the Duterte presidency was able to finally pass the Rice Tariffication Law (RTL) after three decades of other administrations trying to do so.

The RTL has reduced the price of rice for over 100 million Filipino consumers and will boost the productivity of palay farmers through the establishment of the annual

Season’s Greetings from:

JOY& THATA LECHON LIVESTOCK TRADING

Ochoa Avenue Butuan City

Located at : PUERTO, CDO – MAIN JR. BORJA EXTENSION, CRONEN, CAMAMAN-AN – BRANCH

METZ FLOW PURIFIED DRINKING WATER

P10-billion Rice Competitiveness Enhancement Fund (RCEF) mandated under the law.

To be sourced from rice import tariff collections, this annual P10-billion RCEF will go to providing local palay growers with farm machinery and other equipment, high-yield seeds, cheap and easy credit, and skills training on farm mechanization and other modern technologies.

He also pointed out that the Duterte administration embarked on tax reform without being compelled by a looming fiscal crisis, and significantly increased investments in infrastructure from a mere 2.5 percent of the Gross Domestic Product (GDP) for over 50 years, to above 5 percent of GDP with dramatic results.

By 2022, Dominguez said the government will be investing 7 percent of GDP in modernizing the country’s logistics backbone, which

13

will enable the Philippines to catch up with the rest of the region and further sharpen its global competitiveness.

Taking a page from Sun Tzu’s Art of War, Dominguez quoted the Chinese philosopher and general in saying: “Victorious warriors win first and then go to war, while defeated warriors go to war first and then seek to win.”

“We are all warriors for reform. The sage tells us we must be smart to win.

We must prepare well and move decisively. I encourage you to continuously build yourselves and sharpen your weapons for the war we have before us. After the holiday break, we will return to the battlefield with refreshed spirits and renewed vigor to win the war for reforms,” Dominguez said. “And I trust we will win by combining sound analysis, compelling strategies, and savvy execution. Let us aim for victory after victory.” (PR-DOF)

Dec. 27, 30, 2019, Jan. 1, 4, 6 & 7, 2020

Contact Number: 0916-126-7815 0920-876-3147

Season’s Greetings from:

Season’s Greetings from:

COH/NDH Nasipit, Agusan Del Norte

Buenavista, Agusan del Norte

Mr. & Mrs. GERTRUDEZ EDLYN’S RACHO CEMBRANO BobongandBautistalla CHICHARON BABOY Family Season’s Greetings from:

Butuan City

FOR ADS PLACEMENT CALL OR TEXT: +63917-712-1424 • +63947-893-5776 E-Mail: mindanaodailynews@gmail.com

Peace... from page 4

years. He is human and he can easily be human.

Why? He cannot go against himself. Only Digong knows Mayor Digong.

In saying this delicate matter, I am not saying he will get spiritual and wax religious. No. No, he won’t.

He would even continue attacking the Church in his usual rough ways. Yes, he will continue his rants against Church beliefs and practices without knowing he is attacking only the externals of the Catholic faith, not the essence of Faith.

Faith is something internal, one’s deep personal relationship with God. Digong has it and because of it he responds spontaneously, automatically, sincerely, not always aware and selfconscious.

This is a matter of perception. This is quite common among many of us who unfortunately don’t know the Mayor. And like many of us, he does not know he is attacking the externals, not the Faith, of the Church. Beliefs, practices, the Pope, bishops, clergy, etc. are externals, not the essence of Faith. You can’t criticize what you do not know, what is internal, invisible in all of us.

In short, to describe how Digong would go into high moral ground is to paraphrase a French philosopher on the so-called heart-to -heart human encounter once said, “the heart has its reason which reason does not know.” Joma Sison would agree.

In a Dutch restaurant later after all the release agreements were done, Joma began to talk to me spontaneously about himself, a scene unfamiliar to his comrades. Digong had similar moments with friends, not only with me, several times before.

But will they ever meet on a friendly one-on-one? I hope so. (Archbishop Emeritus Fernando Capalla was born in Leon, Iloilo. He served as Archbishop of Davao from 1996 to 2012.

He also served as President of the Catholic Bishops Conference of the Philippines).

Warns... from page 1

the public against purchasing alcohol that is not approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA).

“We remind the public that they should always check whether their alcohol purchases, or any product that they consume for that matter, have been registered or approved by the Food and Drug Administration,” Panelo said.

“Prudence dictates that we should always be mindful of what we ingest, particularly during this time of merrymaking,” he added.

Reports showed that residents from different parts of Rizal started being rushed

to hospitals after showing signs of poisoning such as stomach ache, dizziness, and vomiting on Sunday afternoon.

The victims were taken to nearby health centers and hospitals in San Pablo, Laguna while others were brought to the Philippine General Hospital (PGH) in Manila because of the large number of victims.

Laguna police said the victims drank the lambanog bought from a retailer based in Barangay Pook in Rizal town, Laguna.

The owner of a lambanog distillery, Fred Rey, surrendered to authorities on Monday and promised to help shoulder the victims’ expenses.

Laguna Governor Ramil Hernandez also ordered a temporary ban on the sale of lambanog across the province.

Quezon police also ordered the shutdown of the store which sold lambanog.

In December last year, a number of people also died from lambanog poisoning.

FDA said the alcoholic beverage tested positive for high levels of methanol, a prohibited additive in Lambanog, and which is suspected to have caused the deaths of some individuals.

(PNA)

Upbeat... from page 1

They also cited the positive impact of the country’s hosting of the 30th Southeast Asian (SEA) Games.

Among the different types of trading firms, business sentiment by importers and domestic-oriented firms were more buoyant as they anticipated an increase in sales and higher demand on pharmaceutical products, and food and beverages during the holiday and harvest season.

“That is where we can see the effect of the trade war indirectly,” BSP Deputy Governor Francisco Dakila, Jr. said during the same briefing.

Among the selected economic indicators, businesses expected the peso to strengthen against the US dollar, inflation rate to increase, and for interest rate to ease further in the last quarter of the year.

On the other hand, CI, under the consumer expectation survey (CES), declined to 1.3 percent from the previous quarter’s 4.6 percent.

Respondents traced the drop in their optimism to higher prices of commodities, low or no increase in salary/income, increase in household expenses, and high unemployment rate.

Their spending outlook on basic goods and services were broadly steady for the first quarter of 2020 at 37.1 percent from 36.2 percent in the previous quarter.

“This indicates that respondents who expect to spend more on goods and services outnumbered those who said otherwise,” the

Fri-Sun, December 27-29, 2019 to talk to you guys, Forget it,” but added, “I cannot stop.

Hindi ko pwedeng sabihin, ‘Ayaw ko na makipag-usap’ (I cannot just say I don’t want to talk anymore). That is not a statement of a leader, of a President.”

He said he expects the military would react to this move “but you know you should understand that the quest for — the longing for peace is always there. And not for the military and the police but for everybody.

Kailangan — the doors must be open always or the — there must be at least one channel if everything closes na pwede mong pakiusapan (that you can talk with).

As of 3 p.m. Sunday, there has been no confirmation if President Duterte from page 5 approved the recommendalivestock and poultry in- tion. (Carolyn O. Arguillas dustry and promote animal / MindaNews) health by preventing the entry of disease-carrying animals, and surveillance from page 5 of zoonotic and reportable diseases in meat establishmunicipality of Libunments. gan, North Cotabato and In his letter to the com- Cotabato City have struck mittees, City Legal Officer another blow to the people’s Atty. Jose Sabanal said these sense of security who are regulatory guidelines are still reeling from the losses, consistent to existing laws damages, and trauma of the and other national govern- recent earthquakes. ment issuance which ensure “I vehemently condemn food security and safety in these attacks on our fellow the city.

Cotabateños. Let us keep He added that it also in mind that these terrorfocuses on the duties and ist acts aim to instill fear responsibilities of the City and to spread panic,” the Veterinary Office in the governor said, as she called strict implementation of the on everyone to remain calm provisions of the proposed and to stay vigilant. ordinance.

She added that the proSabanal said its provi- vincial government would sions are in order and not be closely monitoring the contrary to the constitu- situation alongside security tions, existing laws, public forces and concerned local moral, good customs, public government units, and will order, or public policy. (SP/ extend the necessary supJBDacer) port to all partners in peace.

“I strongly believe in the fortitude and mettle of from page 5 our people. We have proven this, time and again. We the conflict.” have survived and thrived “Doors must be open despite natural disasters and always” Duterte terminated the acts of terrorism,” she said.

At least five persons peace negotiations with the NDF through Proclama- were injured in the 6:30 tion 360 on November 23, p.m. bombing that occurred 2017 just as the government along the Libungan Bridge peace panel was on its way in Barangay Poblacion, Lito Utrecht supposedly for bungan, North Cotabato.

In Cotabato City, an another round of talks.

On December 5, 2017, update said the number of he signed Proclamation 374 those wounded in Sunday’s designating the CPP-NPA blast incident in front of the Cotabato Cathedral has as a terrorist group.

A year later, on Decem- risen to 14 – nine soldiers ber 4, 2018, Duterte is- and five civilians.

“I urge city residents sued Executive Order No. 70 “institutionalizing the to be vigilant amid these whole-of-nation approach instances of terrorism,” the in attaining inclusive and mayor said.

She added that the posustainable peace, creating a National Task Force to end lice and military remain Local Communist Armed on top of the situation but Conflict, and directing the still need the cooperation adoption of a National Peace of the community to fight terrorism.

Framework.”

Col. Portia Manalad, The EO institutionalcity police director, said a ized Duterte’s preference for “localized peace talks.” grenade caused the bombBefore announcing in ing at the vicinity of the Legazpi that he was sending Cotabato Cathedral, while Bello to Utrecht, Duterte an improvised explosive explained that “there can device triggered a separate never be a statement that explosion at nearby Pedro would end finality (sic) in Colina Hill.

Two separate blasts that everything that you say in followed minutes after was public.”

He acknowledged that he due to “bomb disruptions” said “That’s it, I do not want initiated by military and BSP report said.

The result of the CES also showed that households that have savings declined, with the percentage declining to 36.3 percent from an all-time high of 37.5 percent last quarter.

The respondents said they were saving to prepare for emergencies, health and hospitalization, education, retirement, business capital and investment, and purchase of real estate.

Households with overseas Filipino workers (OFW) who alloted remittances for savings increased, but those who allocated funds for investments went down.

(PNA)

Code...

Bombings...

Panels...

police bomb disposal experts, she added.

In Maguindanao, an explosion also took place at the site of a trade fair in North Upi town at about 9 p.m. Sunday, injuring two victims.

Troopers from the Army’s 6th Infantry Division have been mobilized to augment security forces in the three areas. (PNA)

15

• If your stock of reusable party essentials is not enough, consider borrowing additional dishes and cutlery from friends or neighbors.

• For bigger celebrations, consider renting party supplies such as tablecloths, cloth napkins, drink dispensers, serving trays, plates, spoons, forks, knives, etc.

• Put a “zero food waste” reminder on the table. from page 7 • Put segregated waste on reusable plates and bins on display. bowls with matching cut• Send leftovers home lery that can be washed in reusable jars. and reused.

• Compost food scraps.

Parties...

79-percent of Filipinos satisfied by drug war, a wake-up call to critics THE Malacañang on Monday hailed the results of a survey which showed that majority of Filipinos are still satisfied by President Rodrigo Duterte’s crackdown on illegal drugs.

In a statement, Presidential Spokesperson Salvador Panelo said the survey results should serve as a “wakeup call” against foreign groups and personalities who spread lies to discredit his campaign against illegal drugs.

“Once again, this is a loud and clear repudiation of the rambunctious political opposition and cantankerous detractors of President Rodrigo Roa Duterte and his Administration,” Panelo said.

“This too shall serve as a wake-up call against foreign countries and entities to take their cue from the genuine sentiments of the Filipino people and cease from their continuous affront against our sovereign state with their pretended or feigned concern about human rights,” he added.

Results of a recent Social Weather Stations (SWS) survey showed that 79 percent of Filipinos were satisfied with Duterte’s war on drugs, only 15 percent were dissatisfied, and the remaining 6 percent were undecided.

This gives the President’s drug war a net satisfaction rating of +64, classified by SWS as “very good.”: This figure is similar to the “very good” rating in September 2018 to March 2017 which ranged from +63 to +66 but 6 points below the “excellent” +70 rating in June and March 2019.

The pollster said that net satisfaction with the antinarcotics campaign has always been either very good or excellent in the past 12 survey rounds.

The campaign recorded its highest satisfaction rating in December 2016 at excellent +77.

By area, net satisfaction with the drug war is highest in Mindanao at excellent +74, followed by very good levels in the Visayas at +69, Metro Manila at +67, and Balance Luzon at +55.

The most common reason respondents remain satisfied by the drug war is that drug suspects have lessened at 42 percent, followed by drug suspects have been arrested at 18 percent, and crime has lessened at 11 percent.

Rounding the top five reasons are: it diminished the drug trade at 8 percent, and protected the youth from drugs 6 percent.

The SWS survey, fielded from September 27-30, 2019, was done using face-to-face interviews of 1,800 adults nationwide.

Local and foreign human rights groups have condemned the Duterte administration’s war on drugs, saying it is creating atrocities and a culture of impunity.

The government has denied claims that the killings were state-sponsored and that cases are filed against police proven to be guilty of abusing their powers. (PNA)

MINDANAO DAILY FEATURE TRUTH. JUSTICE. PROGRESS.

Editor: MARK FRANCISCO

Fri-Sun, December 27-29, 2019

16

Industry leaders push for Cleanergy

T

HE Philippine energy sector has come a long way in the last 10 years, ushering in an era of landmark policies and initiatives geared towards industry competitiveness and environmental sustainability.

Over the past decade, the power sector has shifted from being highly dependent on fossil fuel to employing a more balanced energy mix with various companies taking a more active role in utilizing clean and renewable energy.

In 2013, renewable energy contributed around 26 percent of the country’s total power consumption. This has since increased to over 30 percent

by the end of 2018 mainly due to the national government’s campaign to increase its use, as well as the growing appetite of consumers for more sustainable sources of power.

The government has committed to making sure that renewables contribute at least 50 percent of the country’s total energy consumption by 2030. This is an optimistic goal given the growing awareness of companies towards the impact of renewable energy on their operations as well as the communities they serve.

Long before the trend on "green" and sustainable practices took shape, green office developer and operator

NEO Property Management, Inc. (NEO) had already been at the forefront of clean and renewable energy. In 2013, NEO partnered with AboitizPower for Cleanergy, the latter’s brand for clean and renewable energy.

In January 2019, NEO renewed its partnership with AboitizPower for the supply of 13.5 megawatts (MW) to its facilities in Bonifacio Global City, Taguig.

“We want to give our customers an overall ‘green’ experience, from the design and architecture of our buildings, up to the power supply we use,” NEO Chief Executive Officer Raymond Rufino earlier said.

Hedcor’s Sibulan B Power Plant in Sta. Cruz, Davao del Sur is one of 22 run-of-river hydropower plants in Mindanao and North Luzon. Holding a gross capacity of 277.36 MW of clean and renewable energy, Hedcor forms a large part of AboitizPower’s renewable portfolio, which includes geothermal, solar, and large hydropower facilities all over the country.