Mindanao Daily (January 4-5, 2020)

MINDANAO DAILY TRUTH. JUSTICE. PROGRESS.

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Volume IX, No. 184

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Sat-Sun, January 4-5, 2020

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CDO coops ink deal to bring water to city’s rural areas

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By JIGGER JERUSALEM, PNA

AGAYAN DE ORO CITY – A group of cooperatives here have pooled resources together to put up their own water company to bring potable water to the city’s rural areas.

In a joint venture agreement signed Thursday, the Mindanao Cooperatives Water Service Federation (MCWS)--a group of cooperatives mainly based in Cagayan de Oro--and Kyogojo Engineering Service Cooperative (KESC) agreed to operate their own water system with an initial capital of PHP123 million. The agreement seeks to expand the operations of KESC, which has been supplying water to some 2,300 households, mainly in the city’s upland areas that have not been served by the main water supplier—the Cagayan de Oro

Water District (COWD). “This is to prove that the people, and not huge corporations, can own and operate their own water system,” said Isagani Daba, MCWS treasurer and former chairman of the First Community Cooperative (Ficco), one of the MCWS member-cooperatives. Under the deal, KESC will provide the technical expertise and capability of the cooperative-run water firm, under the umbrella of MCWS. MCWS is composed of WATER FIRM. Isagani Daba (left), treasurer of the Mindanao Cooperatives Water Service Federation, Ficco, Oro Integrated Coop, COOP-RUN and Neil Bryan Oraiz, Kyojogo Engineering Service Cooperative, sign the joint venture agreement between the two Xavier University Commu- parties at the First Community Cooperative board room in Cagayan de Oro on Thursday. The deal aims to provide See WATER, page 11

potable water to underserve areas in the city.

pna photo by jigger j . jerusalem

PRRD orders opening of Central Mindanao airport By EDWIN FERNANDEZ

MOTHBALLED. Mindanao Development Authority Secretary Emmanuel Piñol (right) and his brother, Vice Mayor Lito Piñol (center) of M’lang, North Cotabato, show the runway of the mothballed Central Mindanao Airport, locally known as M’lang airport, to reporters following the visit of President Rodrigo Duterte in the province on Dec. 30, 2019. The President, after distributing relief and financial aid to thousands of recent quake victims from M’lang and other areas of the province, ordered for the immediate opening of the airport. photo courtesy of minda sec. piñol

PRESIDENT Rodrigo R. Duterte has ordered the immediate completion of the mothballed Central Mindanao Airport here and asked Senator Christopher Lawrence “ Bong” Go to source out funds for it. During his visit on Dec.

30, 2019 here, where he turned over relief and financial aid to thousands of quake victims, the President said the airport must be opened and utilized. The President issued the remark after Mindanao Development Authority

(MinDA) chair, Secretary Emmanuel Piñol, and North Cotabato Governor Nancy Catamco sought his intervention for the immediate operation of the airport here to boost economic development in mainland Mindanao. With this, the President See AIRPORT, page 11

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Surgical mission treats 205 Camiguinons

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SHARE ME A DREAM. Treating 205 patients in a two-day surgical mission, the Share Me a Dream Australia Inc. (SMADI) partners with Maharlika Charity Foundation, Inc. and Camiguin Medical Foundation to conduct such in Mahinog, Camiguin. (SMADI)

AMIGUIN— Tr e a t i n g 2 0 5 patients in a t w o - d ay s u r g i c a l mission, the Share Me a Dream Australia Inc. (SMADI) p ar tnere d with Maharlika Charity Foundation, Inc. and Camiguin Me dic al Foundation to conduct such in Mahinog, here. Doctors of the said groups attended to 119 dental extractions, 59 minor surgeries which were mainly cysts, 15 cataract surgeries, 9 cleft lip and palate surgeries, 2 circumcisions and 1 foreign body surgery.

The members of the medical team and volunteers led by Dr. B enedict Valdez and Bernie Mendoza traveled nine hours from Davao to Camiguin to hold the mission. SMADI also extended support to earthquake victims in Kidapawan distributing medicines, 5 sacks of rice and 50 Malongs (blanket) to B’laan and Bagobo tribes. SMADI is a registered charity with the Australian Charities a n d No t f o r P r o f i t Commission. (SMADI/ PIA10)

CDO fully implements CDO now ready to process biz permit renewals plastic bag regulation partment THE City Finance De- Treasurer for Operations business permit (If they the city to have their of the Cagayan Engr. Leonil Mistula don’t lack any require- business permits renewed

THE City Local Environment and Natural Resources Office (Clenro) of the city government now fully implements the “Plastic Bag Regulation” for dry goods in markets and establishments in the city. Based on City Ordinance 13378-2018 or the Integrated Ecological Solid Waste Management Ordinance, business establishments, fast food outlets, pharmacies, food kiosks, convenience stores, and ambulant vendors are restricted from using plastic cellophane in packing their goods except for meat and fish, Clenro Chief Armen Cuenca said. The said ordinance also states that “wet goods already packed in plastic wraps, pouches, bags as part of product packaging shall not be contained in any plastic bags.” With this, the local government reminds all business establishments and markets to comply with the said ordinance to avoid penalties. The local government will also start to issue an Ordinance Violation Receipt in the city. Clenro urges the public to bring their own eco-bags when going to the market or malls. (CIO/PIA10)

de Oro City Hall is now ready to accept applications for the annual business permit renewal. Acting Assistant City

said, “Kung wala’y mga kakulangon sa ilang mga papeles, dili ra abtan og usa ka oras ang proseso ug makuha gilayon ang

ment, they can get their business permit in less than an hour).” City officials now call out to entrepreneurs in

After payment, entrepreneurs proceed to the City Tourism Hall so the Business Permit Licensing Division, City Health Office, and Bureau of Fire Protection can process the permit. (CDO CIO)

since the deadline of the renewal is on January 20, 2020. Entrepreneurs will just have to have their fees assessed in the hall’s kiosk or they can have it through the local government’s online billing system which can be accessed at www.cagayandeoro.gov.ph. After the assessment, entrepreneurs can directly pay to the cashiers or through the online payment system using a Visa card. After payment, entrepreneurs will have to proceed to the City Tourism Hall so the Business Permit Licensing Division, City Health Office, and Bureau of Fire Protection can process the permit. (CIO/PIA10)

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Sat-Sun, January 4-5, 2020 “Miracle in Cell No. 7” is the sleeper hit of the ongoing Metro Manila Film Festival (MMFF). As of press time it has a strong showing at the box office with most cinema seats sold out and theater goers lining up for the next available screenings. This is unexpected as the other films participating in the MMFF are all heavyweights with big names, big production budgets, heavy advertising budgets and historically big theatrical ticket sales figures. From the time the teaser was released last November, there has been a strong interest in Miracle. The teaser had a record setting online viewer figure of over 7 million views in 24 hours. To date there are close to 20 million viewers of just the teaser. The full trailer was released in early December and had astonishing viewer statistics as well. Miracle in Cell No. 7 is originally a heart-wrenching, highest grossing film in South Korea in 2013 and currently ranks No. 7 in the list of Korea’s highest grossing domestic films of all time. The film was directed by Lee Hwankyung and produced by Kim Minki who were in town to witness the premiere of the Philippine version. They had all praises for the cast and and stated that this is a very good remake of their film, with the right Filipino touch. Directed by Nuel C. Naval (A Secret Affair, This Time), and

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written by Mel del Rosario, this official entry to the 2019 Metro Manila Film Festival stays faithful to the original plot with the unique Filipino touch of humor and drama. Immediate comments from those who have seen the movie are all praises for the cast of Miracle. Aga Muhlach is really back as he sensitively plays the character Joselito— a man with special needs who is wrongly accused of a crime. Xia Vigor surprises viewers with her innocent yet mature portrayal of Yesha, the daughter of Joselito. Playing Aga’s inmates are critically acclaimed character actors Joel Torre as Boss Sol, Jojit Lorenzo as Bong, Mon Confiado as Choi, JC Santos as Mambo, and Soliman Cruz as Tatang Celso. Awardwinning actor John Arcilla assumes the role of the prison chief, Johnny. Bela Padilla proves once again how even a short role can be a great acting piece. Already there are whispers of awards for Miracle in Cell No. 7 but the best miracle is that is the Philippines has proudly produced another global movie that has touched many hearts and caused tears of joy to be shed. Miracle is produced by Viva Films. This holiday season, catch Miracle on Cell no. 7. It will make you laugh, cry, love and truly appreciate the importance of family. And, yes, bring a hanky or two.

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Opinion

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Be Prepared: The year of curiosity, anxiety starts The advent of the year 2020 starts the year of curiosity and adventure in the next 30 years and beyond. The world rolls in the rough seas of the new period as it traverses to another decade of uncertainties and guarded optimism. Looking forward, the world would be clutching with the advancement of technology. Thus, in an effort to be at pace with the demands of the time. It is, as it is happening now, obvious that technology has aggressively captured the heart of humanity to a higher level. A level where authenticity becomes doubtful to the human senses. Don’t get wrong! The transgender has already stained the indisputable distinction of the human gender. The identity of

Eunuchs would have been more appropriate than a “transgender man” or a “female transvestite.” The signs of the time are clear, although it continues to perplex the values of humanity. In the next five years or earlier, flying cars will rule the skies in the country. The traffic congestion would definitely be a goner. With the onset of rail transit in major cities in the Philippines, the traffic congestion that kills the billions of daily profits for commercial business would be bygone. At the moment, more than P 2 billion is lost daily in the National Capital Region (NCR) due to unnecessary delays in business deals and transactions. Even the minor cities, like Cagayan De Oro City, is a victim of the notori-

ous traffic mess. While the ineptness of local officials could be one of the factors, among the culprits are the natural development of cities, the affordability of cars, the growing population, inadequate engineering and infrastructures that could directly address the traffic problem. Thus, the coming of the flying cars is the awaited innovation of the new era. Moving forward to the next 20, the question of identifying “transgender” and “transvestite” would be easier as touching the apps of the smart phones. A new innovation, however, would be added to the current Quick Response (QR) Code or Bar Code scanners/ reader applications. The additional feature could be the Retina Code Reader/ Scanner (RCR). The apps

Cris Diaz

would be integrated in the smart phone – not as a password to unlock the phone – it would be used to scan whether one is dealing with a human or not! Don’t look now! The development of “artificial intelligence” with human-like flesh and mimicking the actions of human is never far fetched. Sophia, the AI developed by David Hanson Robotics in Geneva, Switzerland, is sending a strong message that the dawn of the robots has unfolded. Sophia talks like human and discusses even complex issues like religion and faith. It would not be long that the robots and AI, mimicking as humans, would be common in the city’s streets. See STARTS, page 11

Have my say

Flight times getting longer?

Ever wondered why flight times seem to be getting longer? Yes, I do. Checking my last ticket Davao-Manila-Davao and remembering some real flight times from the past, I wonder why. I learned from BBCauthor Kathryn B. Creedy, that it’s called “padding”, a phenomenon that helps airlines arrive on time – but at a cost. My previous flight back to Davao from Manila one hour twenty minutes. My ticket showed a “flight-time” of exactly 2 hours. I guess, it’s a secret the airlines don’t want you to know about, especially given the spillover effects for the environment. Padding is the extra time airlines allow themselves to fly from A to B. Because these flights were consistently late, airlines have now baked delays experienced for decades into their sched-

ules instead of improving operations. It might seem innocuous enough to the passenger – after all, what it can mean is that even though you take off late, you’re pleasantly surprised to arrive on time at your destination. Remember the final arrival announcement by the smiling stewardess last time? Kathryn Creedy is right in saying that however, this global trend poses multiple problems: not only does your journey take longer but creating the illusion of punctuality means there’s no pressure on airlines to become more efficient, meaning congestion and carbon emissions will keep rising. “On average, over 30% of all flights arrive more than 15 minutes late every day despite padding,” says Captain Michael Baiada, presi-

dent of aviation consultancy ATH Group citing the US Department of Transportation’s Air Travel Consumer Report. The figure used to be 40% but padding – not operational improvements – boosted on-time arrival rates. “By padding, airlines are gaming the system to fool you.” So, how late is late? The ultimate goal is ‘A0’, or arrival at the gate exactly on time. If a flight is early or late, it can disrupt several other things – like gate availability and airport capacity. To be fair, global airlines have invested billions of dollars in technologies to enable more efficient flight paths, according to industry body Airlines for America. But this has not moved the needle on delays, which are stubbornly stuck at 30%. A lot of different things can cause a delay but Baiada

Klaus Doring

believes 80% of the factors involved – like schedule, airport arrival flow queueing, aircraft availability, gate availability, maintenance and crew legality – are within the airlines’ control. But to date they have left it to air traffic control to remedy once planes are in the air. Another option could be to reduce the number of flights – but airline flight schedules are designed to meet buyer demand. So, if there were fewer flights, fares would increase. Well, should we give up and telling ourselves: better late than never? So what does all this mean for passengers? With airlines See FLIGHT, page 11

Hints and Traces

Beware of self-seeking We have to be wary of our common tendency to seek ourselves rather than to seek God, which is proper to us. This tendency is usually actualized everyday as we go through the different events and concerns of the day. It’s good, of course, that we work to meet a deadline, for example, or to make money, to attain a desirable goal, etc. But let’s to see to it that all this is done for God’s glory and not just for our own satisfaction. Otherwise, no matter how successful we are in these endeavors, if they are not

for God’s glory, they are worth nothing in the end. Relevant passages in the gospel support this assertion. “Seek first the kingdom of God and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well.” Christ himself said. (Mt 6,33) In another instance, Christ also said, “What shall it profit a man, if he shall gain the whole world, and lose his own soul?” These words clearly tell us that we have to take care first of our spiritual life that is concerned about keeping

a loving relationship with God before we worry about human motives, no matter how legitimate they are. Thus, St. Paul said it very directly, “Whether you eat or drink or whatever you do, do it all for the glory of God.” (1 Cor 10,31) It should be clear in our mind that if our motive for doing things is short of giving glory to God, those things which may turn out to be deeds and accomplishments in human terms would fail to fulfill the ultimate purpose for which they done. Let us remember that

Roy Cimagala

our life here on earth, and everything in it, especially our deeds, is meant to be a proof of our love for God, of our correspondence to his continuing interventions in our life, since everything is supposed to be an encounter of God, an encounter whose proper character is that of us giving glory to him. See BEWARE, page 11

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Demand for nickel in PH to Looking Forward to 2020 and Beyond, Puhon! spike due to growing demand for electric vehicles A SOJOURNER’S VIEW:

By KARL M. GASPAR CSSR, MindaNews

DAVAO CITY — Puhon: one of those words whose full meaning can only be understood within the context of being part of a specific ethnolingustic community. For this word to be understood fully, one must be part of a community whose mother tongue is Cebuano-Bisaya, an Austronesian language spoken in the southern Philippines, namely in Central Visayas, western parts of Eastern Visayas, some parts of Palawan, among migrant households of Metro Manila and most of Mindanao. There could be a close translation of this word – puhon – in other Philippine local languages but it does not translate easily to English. As far as can be ascertained there is no exact English word for it. Closest translation would be “to hope for something in the future that can be hoped for” (but nuanced with invoking God’s benevolence). Thus, one could come up with this example of a sentence: Sa sunod tuig puhon, wala nay mo-abot nga kasamok o katalagman dinhi sa atong dapit! (Next year hopefully, there will no longer be outbreaks of war and disaster

occurrence in our place.). The interlocutor can then answer by repeating the word – Puhon! And older folks usually would add: Sa kaluoy sa Dios! (With God’s mercy!). In my younger years, when I blurted out my wish in the coming days or year without adding the word puhon, the older person with whom I would have this conversation would spontaneously say the word – Puhon! And both would assume that the wish could only be granted through heaven’s intervention. A synonym in Cebuano-Bisaya is hinaut pa (to be hoped for), but puhon has a deeper meaning. It might no longer be possible to trace when this word arose and became part of the Cebuano-Bisaya lexicon. For sure it is not a loan word from the Spanish or American colonial languages like Kumusta or Hello! One assumes the word already was used in the pre-conquest period by our indigenous ancestors. And it would not be a far-fetched idea because our ancestors were in close communion with the spirit See PUHON, page 9

By ANTONIO L. COLINA IV, MindaNews

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AVAO CITY – The nickel industry in the Philippines c an expect a brighter prospect for 2020 as the global demand is expected to increase for the manufacturing of electric vehicles (EVs). Cha Olea, Philippine Nickel Association (PNIA) executive director, said in an inter view on Friday that the association has seen an increasing trend for electric vehicles worldwide, including the Philippines, leading to a possible industry boom as a result of a shift from fossil-run vehicles to more environment friendly electricityrun vehicles to curb carbon emission. “The primary component of EV battery is nickel because of the batteries,” she said. Aside from nickel, Olea said the batteries also need cobalt and magnesium, but 50 percent of the batteries for EVs are made of nickel. The executive added that manufacturing plants’ demand for stainless steel,

Mining nickel ore in Surigao del Norte.

which is also derived from nickel, would increase. Members of the European Union targets to totally eradicate carbon emission by 2030, while the United States has been slowly replacing fossil-run vehicles with EVs, by offering incentives to owners of electric vehicles. “Nickel has a very good prospect in the future, especially that Europe’s

mindanews file photo by roel catoto

direction by 2030 is zero carbon emission. They are shifting to electric vehicles,” Olea said. She said the Philippines is one of the biggest producers of nickel in the world, producing an estimated volume of 30 million metric tons last year. Of which, around 90% had been exported to China while the remaining 10% to Japan, Australia, and

EU. “Globally, they are looking for Philippines. Of course, we have to position ourselves strategically,” she said. She noted that in the Philippines, some public utility vehicles had been replaced with e-tricycles and e-jeepneys. Olea said at least 70% of the nickel ore extracted

See NICKEL, page 11

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Sat-Sun, January 4-5, 2020

BUSINESS 6

AirAsia Philippines increases frequencies of 8 routes in Q1 2020

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IR ASIA Philippines on Friday announced an increase in the flight frequencies of eight routes in the first quarter of 2020. Beginning January, the carrier confirmed it has already increased the frequencies of the following flights: Clark-Iloilo; IloiloClark -- from three times a week to daily; and Cebu-Kuala Lumpur; Kuala Lumpur-C ebu -- f rom three times a week to four times a week. Starting March 29, on the other hand, four more routes will increase frequencies: Clark-Tacloban; Tacloban-Clark -- from three times to four times a week; and Cebu-Puerto Princesa; Puerto Princesa-Cebu --

from three times a week to daily. In a st atement, t he carrier noted the high demand for these routes. “Our adjustments are well guided by data, and I am very optimistic about the tourism boost this will bring to our country in the summer months,” AirAsia Philippines chief executive officer Ricardo Isla said. Isla added that welcoming the new year with additional flights was the local carrier’s way of providing more options to guests, helping them tick off more destinations in their bucket list. The carrier operates more than 500 weekly domestic and international flights from Manila, Clark, Cebu, and Kalibo. (Ma. Cristina Arayata/PNA)

MANILA -- The Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) has cleared Capital Markets Integrity Corporation’s (CMIC) implementing guidelines on securities borrowing and lending (SBL) and short selling. The Commission En Banc approved the implementing guidelines during its meeting last December 17, subject to the adoption of certain amendments outlined by the SEC Markets and Securities Regulation Department. “With the implementing guidelines on short selling in place, we look forward to more robust activity in the stock market,” SEC chairperson Emilio Aquino said in a statement. “The Commission, however, notes that it shall not balk at exercising its

authority to suspend or prohibit short selling in an exchange when necessary for the protection of investors.” In short selling, an investor views a security as being overpriced and anticipates that its price will go down. He or she borrows the security from another person and sells it. When the price goes down, he or she buys it back and delivers it to the lender. The investor profits from the price difference and the lender benefits from the transaction by receiving fees similar to loan fees and charges. The SEC earlier approved Philippine Stock Exchange’s (PSE) guidelines on short selling transactions in an en banc meet-

Photo courtesy of Manila International Airport Authority

SEC OKs rules on securities transactions Export diversification,

PNA file photo

ing on June 5, 2018. Pursuant to the memorandum of agreement entered into by PSE and CMIC on Jan. 26, 2012, the former shall remain responsible for and retain full jurisdiction over the implementation and enforcement of trading rules on short selling. The implementing guidelines of CMIC address concerns over the effect of SBL and short selling transactions on trading participants’ books and records, error transactions, and the possible impact on trading participants’ risk-based capital adequacy (RBCA) ratio. Among ot he rs , t he implementing guidelines reiterate that short sale transactions shall be limited to “eligible securities”

which shall refer to securities of companies comprising the PSE index and to exchange traded funds. Trading participants have the responsibility to ascertain that the parties have entered into the necessary borrowing arrangements prior to entering a short sale transaction. Trading participants lending securities of one client to another must be registered with the SEC and have a Securities Lending Authorization Agreement in place. Meanwhile, those lending and borrowing shares with the counterparties should have a Master Securities Lending Agreement. The implementing guidelines also reiterates the prohibition on naked short selling, requiring

customers to execute a notarized undertaking prior to entering a short sale. The undertaking must specify, among others, that the customer understands the relevant securities laws, rules and guidelines. To ensure fair presentation and reporting, the implementing guidelines require trading participants to record the lending of securities in the following manner: • For borrowing shares, stock credit memo for the entry of securities for the borrower and stock debit memo for securities of the lender. • For the return of shares, stock debit memo for the entry of securities for the borrower and stock credit memo for the securities of the lender. (PR)

product innovations pushed

MANILA -- The country needs to diversify its exports and market destinations and introduce more product innovations in a bid to boost its export performance, according to a paper released by state think tank Philippine Institute for Development Studies (PIDS). In terms of the industrial exports, the research paper titled "Facilitating Structural Transformation through Product Space Analysis: The Case of Philippine Exports" said one short-run diversification strategy is to focus on the products that are not yet substantially See EXPORT, page 11

PH economy still among Asia’s fastest amid easing inflation By LESLIE GATPOLINTAN, PNA

MANILA -- The Philippine economy remained one of the best performers in Asia after rebounding from an initial slowdown in the first two quarters of 2019 amid obstacles, reflecting the government’s spending catch-up and easing inflation. Socioeconomic Planning Secretary and National Economic and Development

Authority (NEDA) Director General Ernesto Pernia said the goal of advancing to an upper middle-income status is “going to be surer next year”. “We are going to be reclassified as an upper middle-income country by next year and the downside to that will be less access to concessional loans. So we really have to make sure

that we finish our major infrastructure projects that are big-ticket projects in terms of cost by 2023,” he said. Pernia said the government intends to focus on projects that can be completed by 2022, as well as “those that can be started substantially such that it will be more difficult for the next administration to reverse.” See FASTEST, page 9

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Single firecracker injury recorded in DavNor

D

AVAO DE L NORT E -- One incident of firecracker injury was monitored in Davao del Norte, while Davao Oriental stayed free from firecracker-related incidents as the country celebrated the advent of year 2020. Acting Public Information Officer (PIO), Police Staff Sgt Lorraine Fernandez of Davao del Norte Provincial Police Office (DNPPO) in a phone query said that DNPPO had received only one incident

rep or t regarding Ne w Year 2020 casualty. Fernandez said this happened at 12:05 a.m. on January 1, 2020 at Purok 1A, Brgy. Limbao in the Island Garden City of Samal (IGaCoS) when the community was in revelry in celebration of the New Year. The victim was a 10-year old minor who happened to find his way out of house, unnoticed by family members. He was hit by a burst of firecrackers identified by the Police as “kwitis”. Fernandez, however said the

minor suffered “slight injury”. DNPPO monitored no indiscriminate firing during the day before New Year 2020 and even on New Year’s Day but it received report on “gunpointing” incident on December 24 at 10:40 a.m. at Purok 3A, Barangay Magsaysay, Municipality of Carmen, Davao del Norte. Basing on Carmen Police Report, Fernandez said the perpetrator was an 18-year old lad whom the police begged off to be publicly identified.

Intoxicated with liquor, the lad pointed the gun in anger, to his father at their own home. The act failed to result in eventually killing the father as members of Barangay Peacekeeping Action Team (BPAT) immediately responded and were able to lead the lad away from the crime scene. Responding BPAT members them called Carmen Davao del Norte Police for the official incident report. Meanwhile, Davao Oriental Provincial Police Office

Pres. Duterte hands over P10M financial assistance for DavSur’s quake victims DIGOS CITY, Davao del Sur – President Rodrigo Duterte handed over on Monday a check worth P10 million to Davao del Sur Governor Douglas Cagas for the quake victims in the province. The turn-over rites held yesterday at the Cor Jesu College gym in Digos City was witnessed by Senator Christopher Lawrence “Bong” Go, Interior and Local Government Secretary Eduardo Ano and Social Welfare Secretary Roland Joselito Bautista. “One thing is clear, we can’t predict earthquake,” the Pres. Duterte reminded a crowd of about 700 alumni high school students, teach-

ers and staff of the Cor Jesu College during the school’s celebration of its 60th Founding Anniversary where the President was the keynote speaker. It was in time for the diamond anniversary of the President’s high school alma mater that he brought the additional financial assistance for the quake-affected families in the province. On his part, Gov. Cagas expressed his gratitude to Pres. Duterte for visiting the province and extending the financial aid. He said the amount can help a lot to acquire and purchase relocation sites and to repair and build homes for the very poor families

Republic of the Philippines Department of Transportation LAND TRANSPORTATION FRANCHISING & REGULATORY BOARD Regional Office No.10, Apovel, Bulua, Cagayan de Oro City

Republic of the Philippines Department of Transportation LAND TRANSPORTATION FRANCHISING & REGULATORY BOARD Regional Office No.10, Apovel, Bulua, Cagayan de Oro City

PN ROA CANITOAN TRANSPORT COOP. CASENO.R10-EV-CC-PUJ Rep. by : ENGR. LOLITO B. SANCHEZ 2019-12-3751

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APPLICANT(s)/ PETITIONER(s) request/s authority to Extend the Validity of a Certificate of Public Convenience with Consolidation of Cases to operate PUJ SERVICE on the line: COGON MARKET TO BAYABAS and vice versa with the use of TWENTY TWO (22) unit/s. This application/petition shall be considered by the Board on January 16, 2020 at 2:00 P.M. at this board on whice date Applicant(s)/ Petitioner(s) shall formally submit his/her/their evidence. The Applicant(s)/Petitioner(s) shall publish said notice at least TEN (10) DAYS prior to the date of hearing once in a newspaper of local circulation. Party(s) opposed to the approval/granting of the application/petition must file his/her/their written opposition with supporting documents, unless this Board deems it necessary to require additional documentary evidence and/or his/her/ their oral testimony(s). N.B. FAILURE TO APPEAR AT THE SCHEDULED DATE AND TIME OF HEARING SHALL MEAN THE DISMISSAL OF THE APPLICATION/PETITION. WITHNESS, AMINODEN D. GURO, Regional Director, LTFRB-Region X, this 2nd day of January 2020 at Cagayan de Oro City, Philippines.

APPLICANT(s)/ PETITIONER(s) request/s authority to Extend the Validity of a Certificate of Public Convenience with Consolidation of Cases to operate PUJ SERVICE on the line: COGON MARKET TO PATAG and vice versa with the use of FIFTY ONE (51) unit/s. This application/petition shall be considered by the Board on January 16, 2020 at 2:00 P.M. at this board on whice date Applicant(s)/ Petitioner(s) shall formally submit his/her/their evidence. The Applicant(s)/Petitioner(s) shall publish said notice at least TEN (10) DAYS prior to the date of hearing once in a newspaper of local circulation. Party(s) opposed to the approval/granting of the application/petition must file his/her/their written opposition with supporting documents, unless this Board deems it necessary to require additional documentary evidence and/or his/her/ their oral testimony(s). N.B. FAILURE TO APPEAR AT THE SCHEDULED DATE AND TIME OF HEARING SHALL MEAN THE DISMISSAL OF THE APPLICATION/PETITION. WITHNESS, AMINODEN D. GURO, Regional Director, LTFRB-Region X, this 2nd day of January 2020 at Cagayan de Oro City, Philippines.

(Sgd.) ATTY. MOHAMAD FAHDEL S. PIMPING HEARING OFFICER

(Sgd.) ATTY. MOHAMAD FAHDEL S. PIMPING HEARING OFFICER

MDN: January 4, 2020

MDN: January 4, 2020

who lost their houses from the earthquakes. “Your presence here has made us all smile sa kalipay.. we are all smiles because we know that you love and care for the people of Davao del Sur,” Gov. Cagas told the President during the turn-over rites. “Your presence is the most invaluable and priceless Christmas gift for the people of Davao del Sur,” the governor added. Pres. Duterte brought more joy to the attendees at

the Cor Jesu College gym when he announced his plan of putting up 1,000 socialized condo-type housing units for the quake-affected families, particularly in the municipalities of Malalag and Padada. On December 22, the Office of the President through Sen. Go turned over P10 million worth of cash assistance to the local government of Padada which was badly hit by the December 15 quake where

Commencing on January 16, 2020 at 10:00 A.M. those establishment above will set a public action all overdue pledges in the same up to August 2019. Patrons are enjoined to verify their receipts.

See VICTIMS, page 11

Commencing on January 17, 2020 at 10:00 A.M. those establishment above will set a public action all overdue pledges in the same up to August 2019. Patrons are enjoined to verify their receipts.

(DOPPO) reported the province as free from busts and blasts of illegal firecrackers. There was neither indiscriminate firing that reached DOPPO. DOPPO), police community relations (PCR) officer, PSupt Ariel Nueva attributed this peaceful atmosphere and injur y-f re e Ne w Ye ar 2020 celebration of Davao Oriental to DOPPOs intensive “AntiPaputok Campaign” launched and pursued way before the advent of New Year. (PIA XI Jeanevive D. Abangan)

Dabawenyos celebrate New Year with torotot, music DAVAO CITY -- Dabawenyos celebrated the coming of the new year thru torotot or party horns and music. About a thousand people flocked to Davao City’s Rizal Park for the annual Torotot Festival which features several party horns in different shapes, sizes and sounds. “This is very fulfilling, many are happy, you do not hear firecrackers, this (torotot) is a better substitute for fireworks,” Angel Sumagaysay, head of the Public Safety and Security Command Center said of the festival.

Commencing on January 20, 2020 at 10:00 A.M. those establishment above will set a public action all overdue pledges in the same up to August 2019. Patrons are enjoined to verify their receipts.

See CELEBRATE, page 11

Commencing on January 21, 2020 at 10:00 A.M. those establishment above will set a public action all overdue pledges in the same up to August 2019. Patrons are enjoined to verify their receipts.

MANAGEMENT

MANAGEMENT Sa Enero 21, 2020 sa mga alas 10:00 sa buntag ang tanang butang naremati, isubasta diri sa tagsatagsa nga buhatan nga ginganlan sa itaas. Tanang Butang penerenda nga wala malukat hangtud sa Agosto 2019 maapil sa subasta. Giawhag ang tanang suki sa pagsusi sa ilang resibo. TAGDUMALA

MANAGEMENT

Sa Enero 16, 2020 sa mga alas 10:00 sa buntag ang tanang butang naremati, isubasta diri sa tagsatagsa nga buhatan nga ginganlan sa itaas. Tanang Butang penerenda nga wala malukat hangtud sa Agosto 2019 maapil sa subasta. Giawhag ang tanang suki sa pagsusi sa ilang resibo.

Sa Enero 17, 2020 sa mga alas 10:00 sa buntag ang tanang butang naremati, isubasta diri sa tagsatagsa nga buhatan nga ginganlan sa itaas. Tanang Butang penerenda nga wala malukat hangtud sa Agosto 2019 maapil sa subasta. Giawhag ang tanang suki sa pagsusi sa ilang resibo.

Sa Enero 20, 2020 sa mga alas 10:00 sa buntag ang tanang butang naremati, isubasta diri sa tagsatagsa nga buhatan nga ginganlan sa itaas. Tanang Butang penerenda nga wala malukat hangtud sa Agosto 2019 maapil sa subasta. Giawhag ang tanang suki sa pagsusi sa ilang resibo.

TAGDUMALA

TAGDUMALA

TAGDUMALA

MANAGEMENT

The Torotot Festival was started during the 2014 New Year’s Eve celebration with Smart Telecommunications as an official partner, it was created as a means to celebrate Davao City successful implementation of the fireworks and pyrotechnics ban. The New Year’s Eve staging of the Torotot Festival is currently sponsored by Phoenix Petroleum. Meanwhile SM Lanang Premiere greeted the New Year with party music and dance performances. Among the crowds were Indian na-

CAGAYAN DE ORO MAIN BRANCH P & J Lim Bldg., Tiano Brothers Kalambagohan Sts., Tel. # (08822) 727-829 * Telefax # (088) 856-1947 CAMIGUIN BRANCH B. Aranas St., Poblacion, Mambajao, Camiguin Tel. # (088) 387-0491 CORRALES BRANCH Corrales Ave., Cagayan de Oro City DIVISORIA BRANCH Atty. Erasmo B. Damasing Bldg., #61 Don A. Velez St., Cagayan de Oro City Tel. # (088) 857-3631 LAPASAN BRANCH Lapasan Hi-way, Cagayan de Oro City Tel. # (088) 231-6739 CARMEN BRANCH Vamenta Blvd., Cagayan de Oro City Tel. # (088) 231-2011

CDO MAIN BRANCH P & J Lim Bldg., Tiano Brothers Kalambagohan Sts., Tel. # (08822) 727-829 * Telefax # (088) 856-1947

DIVISORIA BRANCH Atty. Erasmo B. Damasing Bldg., #61 Don A. Velez St., Cagayan de Oro City Tel. # (088) 857-3631

CAMIGUIN BRANCH B. Aranas St., Poblacion, Mambajao, Camiguin Tel. # (088) 387-0491

LAPASAN BRANCH Lapasan Hi-way, Cagayan de Oro City Tel. # (088) 231-6739

CORRALES BRANCH Corrales Ave., Cagayan de Oro City

CARMEN BRANCH Vamenta Blvd.,Cagayan de Oro City Tel. # (088) 231-2011

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Fastest... from page 6

He said there is a grace p er io d of t hre e ye ars from the time the country achieves the status before changes in terms and conditions of lending agreement take effect. In the World Bank’s classification, upper middle-income economies are those with a gross national income (GNI) per capita of USD3,996 to USD12,375. The Philippine GNI per capita reached USD3,830 in 2018. The Philippine gross domestic product (GDP) accelerated by 6.2 percent in the third quarter, making it the second fastest-growing major economy after Vietnam, and ahead of China, India, Malaysia, Indonesia, and Thailand. It recorded a 5.8-percent growth rate in the first three quarters of 2019, slightly below the lower-end of the government’s 6 to 6.5-percent full-year growth rate. “The economy has continued to grow this year despite its initial slowdown in the first two quarters and the obstacles that were thrown its way -- from the El Niño phenomenon that resulted in water shortages, the delay in the passage of the 2019 budget, to the US-China trade war, among other things,” Pernia said. Authorities attributed the weak performance in the first two quarters of 2019 to the effect of the delay in the passage of the 2019 national budget, which prevented the government to spend on its infrastructure program, among others. President Rodrigo Duterte signed this year’s budget only in April. Economic managers thus implemented a catch-up spending program, which resulted in growth recovery in July to September. Pernia said the “catchup plan” on spending on infrastructure projects has also some impact on increasing the country’s economic growth in October to December. “In the fourth quarter, consumer spending really got boosted by bonuses, OFW (overseas Filipino workers) remittances also rose 7.7 percent in October, and that also contributed to increased consumer spending which accounts for about two-thirds of GDP,”

he added. NEDA Undersecretary Rosemarie Edillon also cited that private consumption would be robust given the slow inflation, especially food, as well as government consumption. “Investment spending is also very hefty especially this fourth quarter, actually leading to the fourth quarter,” she said, adding that tourism receipts are likewise expected to post gains with the Philippines’ hosting of the Southeast Asian Games (SEA Games). Pernia said prices, which are a major concern of ordinary Filipinos, have also remained stable this year. He added year-to-date headline inflation for 2019 stood at 2.5 percent, which was mainly driven by lower food prices and price rollbacks for domestic petroleum products brought about by the decline in global oil prices. The average inflation to date is still within the government’s 2 to 4-percent target band. After it decelerated for five consecutive months since June 2019, inflation rate rose to 1.3 percent in November primarily due to faster rate of price increases of alcoholic beverages and tobacco index. Rice deflation, however, was observed for the seventh consecutive month in November 2019. Pernia expected the rice tariffication law (RTL) continuing to help bring down overall inflation as it helps improve rice stock inventory of the country. “Today with the RTL, 101 million Filipinos are enjoying more affordable rice,” he said, adding the RTL includes the Rice Competitiveness Fund (RCEF) which aims to help affected farmers increase their yield, diversify crops, and reduce postharvest losses and production and marketing costs. To be sourced from rice import tariff collections, the annual PHP10-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. From 2020 to 2022, economic planners are targeting a 6.5 percent to 7.5-percent GDP growth.

Sat-Sun, January 4-5, 2020 “The main advantages there would be the budget would have been passed by then before the end of the year so there will be no reenactment of the budget for 2020. So that would already be a good start for the year and in the home stretch, government spending on infrastructure will increase further because we want to finish as many infrastructures as possible,” Pernia added. To support and sustain inclusive growth through infrastructure, he said the NEDA Board has approved seven new projects amounting to PHP187.34 billion. “Majority of these projects will be implemented outside Metro Manila, as we aim to develop growth centers in the regions and spread economic growth and development throughout the country,” he said. Pernia also considered consumption spending an economic growth driver as inflation remains stable. On the downside, the NEDA chief said the trade war between the United States and China is “still continuing although it has softened a bit and we hope it will soften further.” “Looking at these milestones in our journey, we see a stable economic performance for 2019, even as we remain vigilant and prepared to face risks such as the possible water shortages in 2020, weak global growth and stagnating world trade, disruptive technologies, and the volatility of oil prices,” Pernia added. (PNA)

Puhon... from page 5

world. In their everyday lives, gods and spirits surrounded them and had to be invoked either to seek favors or to ward off misfortunes. Some words would therefore be used in a way to recognize this close inter-connection between the spirit and the human words. One thinks of Inshallah (if Allah wills), commonly spoken by our Muslim brothers and sisters when they express a wish for something. Or the Tagalog term – harinawa usually translated as – May God make it so or May God help. Integrated into this

word are the three letters awa: mercy. In the few hours leading to the unfolding of a new year – as 2019 gives way to 2020 – puhon figures prominently. As a new year – which is also a new decade – begins, many of us hope for the best that are yet to come. In the country today, we do wish that there will be less disasters that will create havoc on our lives. In the past decade we experienced some of the worst natural calamities to strike the Republic – from Sendong to Pablo to Yolanda. In southern Mindanao, a series of strong earthquakes shook not just buildings but people’s faith in the structures that have been built – cathedrals, condominiums, malls, public markets and government edifices. In Manila, water and galunggong have become scarce or expensive commodities. In various parts of the country, health issues like the dengue and polio struck fear in parents’ hearts unsure if the State’s health in-charge know what they are prescribing as the right medicine. Monstrous traffic conditions are now not only confined in Metro Manila, but have become as bad in most big cities from Baguio to Davao, Cebu to Cagayan de Oro. And the President himself – so sure that he could solve the drug problem in the six months after his inauguration – confessed to the nation that he is not winning the drug war. And bad news for him and those behind the EJKs and Leila de Lima’s detention: they could no longer enter the U.S.A. So we wish that in 2020 and the next decade: More among us Pinoys will be enticed to be ecological warriors and do our share in combating climate change and be engaged in actions from small everyday actions (e.g. stop using onetime use of plastics, recycle your waste, etc.) to joining advocacies (continue opposing mining operations and the construction of more coal-fired power plants and dams). If global warning has connections to the occurrence of natural calamities, we can then hope that there

will be less disasters taking place. Be more courageous in opposing the State’s disregard for human rights and taking a non-aggressive stance against China’s encroaching into our territory in the West Philippine Sea. Continue to oppose extrajudicial killings (EJKs) and propose more humane response to the needs of those with drug addiction. Be vigilant in participating in the public sphere and express our critical opinions in the way that the State has failed in curbing corruption within the bureaucracy and the ineptness of its institutions that continue to frustrate the citizen’s expectations (eg. the PCGG’s failure to win any of the cases against the Marcoses). Support media’s fight to hold on to their constitutional right to defend truth and be engaged in the kind of investigative journalism that can only strengthen the body politic. Oppose fake news and help to expose their perpetuators. In the coming elections, pursue what took place in the last one when some political dynasties and celebrities who have no right to run for office were rejected by the electorate. Still many of them are in place and would run again, thus the need for more action to banish more of them from elective positions. There are a few more, but this essay is getting too long. I end with one and this is for those of us belonging to the Roman Catholic Church. For 2020, the Catholic Bishops of

9

the Philippines (CBCP) has declared this as the Year of Inter-Religious Dialogue, Indigenous People and Ecumenism. If we are true to the intent of this year’s theme, we should do more to dialogue with other religions (especially the Muslims here in Mindanao), cultures (especially the Lumad) and with other Christians. And in 2021, we will commemorate the 500thyear anniversary of the arrival of Christianity to this part of the planet. We should attempt to avoid expensive and triumphalistic celebrations devoid of relevance as to how our Christian faith could truly become a force for socialecological transformation. Instead, truly take on the spirit of the biblical Jubilee as we seek forgiveness and healing and atone for past transgressions through acts of justice and mercy. These are my wishes for the coming year and the coming decade. Sometimes, when there seems to be no reason to hope that these will come to pass – considering the sad realities that confront us in this Republic – a moment arises that reverses the pessimistic mood. And one of these moments is when a trusted friend comes along and starts blurting out her wishes for the future and one spontaneously responds by saying – puhon! Happy New Year everyone. And yes, hinaut unta nga matuman ang tanan ninyong gipangandoy aning moabot nga tuig ug dekada (may all your wish for the coming year and decade be fulfilled). Puhon!

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Sat-Sun, January 4-5, 2020

VIVA TO HOLD AUDITIONS IN CEBU Calling all talents in Cebu and nearby areas. search for aspiring actors, singers, bands, Here is your chance to shine as bright as a dancers, film and television directors and Viva Star. influencers. Viva Communications, Inc. will be holding auditions for Viva’s Search for a Star in Cebu on Saturday, January 11, 2020. The auditions will be held at the Viva Studios which is located at the 3rd Floor of The Space Building in AS Fortuna St. Barangay Banilad, Mandaue City. The audition is open to all talents aged 7 years old to 30 years old. Viva is in

Those interested can check out the ad on line at the Viva Communications, Inc. website and then fill out the application form and send it back to reserve a slot. Registration at the venue will start at 8:00 in the morning. The auditions are being conducted by the Viva Artists Agency, Viva Films, Viva Records, Oomph! and Viva South.

PayMaya is now SSS’ newest collection partner

SSS launches contribution payments through the SSS Mobile App with PayMaya

State-run Social Security System (SSS) has tapped digital financial services leader PayMaya to allow members to conveniently pay their contributions through the SSS mobile app. With this partnership, individual members of the pension fund such as Selfemployed, Voluntary, and Overseas Filipino Workers (OFW) can now pay their contributions using their PayMaya account or any Visa, Mastercard, or JCB credit, debit, or prepaid card. In the next phase, PayMaya will accept employer's contributions (regular and household) and salary loan payments. SSS President and Chief Executive Officer Aurora C. Ignacio and PayMaya Philippines, Inc. Chief Executive Officer Orlando Vea formally signed the agreement, making PayMaya as one of the 85 accredited collecting and paying partners of SSS, 35 of which are already Real-Time Processing of C ontributions (RTPC) system compliant. “We are very glad that we were able to add another accredited collection partner that will ensure fast, convenient and secure way of remitting the hard-earned money of our members for their future contingencies and retirement options to the pension fund,” Ignacio said. “The public has been

POWERING FAST, ACCESSIBLE PAYMENTS IN THE SSS MOBILE APP WITH PAYMAYA. Voluntary members of the Social Security System (SSS), including overseas Filipino workers, can now easily make contribution payments to the state-owned pension fund using their PayMaya account or any credit, debit, and prepaid card as the agency officially launches its partnership with digital financial services leader PayMaya. Leading the launch during the event at the SSS Headquarters in Quezon City are SSS President and CEO Aurora C. Ignacio (9th from left), PayMaya Founder and CEO Orlando B. Vea (7th from the right), and PayMaya President Shailesh Baidwan (6th from right). Joining the launch are (2nd to 8th from left) SSS Department Manager Belinda B. Ella, SSS EVP for Operations Sector Judy Frances A. See, SSS EVP for Investments Sector Rizaldy T. Capulong, SSS Commissioner Bai Norhata Macatbar-Alonto, SSS EVP for Corporate Services Sector Elvira Resare-Alcantara, SSS Commissioner Anita Bumpus-Quitain, and SSS VP Gilda Victoria Mendoza. Also present in the launch are (5th from right to rightmost) SSS Commissioner Michael Regino, SSS Commissioner Ricardo L. Moldez, DOLE Assistant Secretary Alex V. Avila, PayMaya Government Sector Head Marvin Santos, and PayMaya Enterprise Head Mar Lazaro.

very much aware that we have been exerting all efforts to make SSS transactions hassle-free through our gradual shift to the digital platforms. This is one of our options to eliminate long queues in automated teller services in branches and other accred-

ited partner agencies. In just one tap on your mobile phones, your contribution payments are remitted to the SSS,” Ignacio said. For his part, PayMaya Chief Executive Officer and Founder Orlando Vea said: "Using digital technology in delivering social

services to all Filipinos is a big leap for SSS and we are proud that they have tapped us in this initiative. Making public service more accessible to all Filipinos through digital financial services is in line with our thrust at PayMaya to push for digital

and financial inclusion." PayMaya is providing its universal payments platform to SSS to allow it to accept PayMaya as well as all card and mobile wallet payments through its mobile app and soon in its other online channels and branches. For those without a card, they can simply sign up for a PayMaya account by downloading the PayMaya app on their iOS or Android devices and use the mobile number associated with their account when they pay via the SSS mobile app. The S ocial S ecurity Commission (SSC), the policy-making body of the SSS, approved the accreditation of PayMaya, the digital financial services arm of Voyager Innovations, after it had submitted and passed the standards and requirements of the RTPC system. Members of the SSS who will use their PayMaya accounts or their debit and credit cards for paying their contributions should first download the SSS Mobile App in Google Play Store, Apple App Store or Huawei App Gallery. They can log-In using their existing My.SSS account’s user ID and password and generate their Payment Reference Number or Statement of Account in the SSS Mobile App by clicking the “Generate PRN/SOA” icon.

After the member has created his PRN, he needs to click the Pay button to display the two options: “Pay with PayMaya Account” or “Credit/Debit Card”. If the member opted to pay using his PayMaya account, the screen will display the Payment Reference Number, amount, and convenience fee. The member is required to input his email address and password. PayMaya will send a One-Time Password (OTP) to proceed with the payment. On the other hand, if the member opted to pay using his credit/debit card, the screen will display the monthly contribution, convenience charge and total amount. To complete the payment, the member is required to input the following: First Name, Last Name, Card Number and Expiry Date of the card. For confirmation of successful payment, a pop-up message will display the PRN, amount, convenience fee and payment reference number. For credit/debit payment, the member has the option to indicate the member’s email address or mobile number to receive an email notification or Short Message Service (SMS) as confirmation of successful payment. A convenience fee of 1.75 percent of the total amount to be paid will be See PAYMAYA, page 11

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Water... from page 1

nity Credito Coop, DMPI Employees and Community Credit Coop, Allied Services Multipurpose Cooperative, Oro Savings and Sharing Coop, City Hall Employees Multipurpose Cooperative, Provincial Capitol Employees Multipurpose Cooperative, Cepalco Community Multipurpose Cooperative, MOGCHS Faculty, Retirees, Employees and Students Multipurpose Cooperative, and PPSC Regional Training School-10 Employees and Staff Multipurpose Cooperative. Daba said the federation managed to generate from member-cooperatives the PHP132 million as startup capital, and could raise more amount if needed. “So the JVA has all the necessary ingredients to upgrade and expand water distribution service – technical skills and experience, as well as financial resources,” the MCWS said in a statement. MCWS said it is eyeing to expand its operation from the current KESC service areas into the upland villages of Dansolihon, Mambuaya, Bayanga, and Indahag. “Our intention in this JVA is to fast-track the expansion of water systems in areas not yet serviced by the [Cagayan de Oro Water District],” KESC president Neil Bryan Oraiz said. Oraiz said although KESC has the experience and expertise, “the MCWS has the financial capability to back up the investment since putting up a water system involves a lot of money.” MCWS said it was compelled to establish a cooperative-run water system to enable “the general public, to own and manage this basic necessity.” It added: “What we are seeing now throughout the country is that water distribution is owned by taipans, if not cronies. So what the coops aim for is for the general public to own and manage public utilities, like water distribution. This can happen only through cooperatives.” (PNA)

Airport... from page 1

verbally asked his former assistant and now Senator Go to coordinate with the Department of Transportation (DOTr) and source funds for the completion and operation of the airport. In a statement on Thursday, Piñol said that he and Catamco had earlier briefed President Duterte on the actual status of the airport, also known as the M’lang airport. The airport’s construction started in 2004 when Piñol was governor. The 1.8-kilometer runway and terminal building were completed in 2010. Present when the President issued the instruction were Go, Department of the Interior and Local Government Secretary Eduardo

Año, Department of Social Welfare and Development Sec. Rolando Joselito Bautista, National Housing Authority General Manager Marcelino Escalada Jr., M’lang Mayor Russel Abonado, Piñol, and Catamco. The airport’s terminal building has been completed but the facility has not been operated because the provincial government of North Cotabato has not turned over the 62-hectare property to the DOTr. The previous leadership, then under the provincial governor and now Vice Governor Emmylou Mendoza, cited “missing documents” as the reason behind their failure to turn over the project to the DOTr for completion and commissioning. Catamco assured President Duterte that the provincial government will complete all the needed documents for the official turnover of the property to the DOTr. Go said the operation of the airport is vital because it is located in a strategic area and will boost the economic growth of the Soccsksargen region where many agricultural products, including highly-perishable fruits, come from. “I will talk to DOTr Secretary Art Tugade and I will help look for additional funding for the completion of the airport,” Piñol quoted the senator as saying. Piñol said the senator also vowed to seek his colleagues’ support to fast-track the completion and operation of the M’lang airport before 2022. (PNA)

Flight... from page 4

gaming the system, as it stands, flight times will likely increase as more and more planes take to the skies. Fact is also that many airlines will try to make it tricky for passengers to get an eligible claim accepted. The tactic of extending flight times is yet another way to decrease a passenger’s chance of filing a claim and getting financially compensated for the hassle they have gone through. Better late than never? I guess so. +++ Email: doringklaus@ gmail.com or follow me in Facebook, Linkedin or Twitter or visit my www. germanexpatinthephilippines.blogspot.com or www. klausdoringsclassicalmusic. blogspot.com.

Starts... from page 4

The job of the humans is to determine the robots and other animated objects that would certainly be around us. Everyone on the planet is connected with one another in the next 30 years. Aside from information about anything on the planet, all information about an individual would be available in the internet. There

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Sat-Sun, January 4-5, 2020 is no escape as technology imprisons the values of humanity. The AI and robots would greatly influence the economy and the direction of politics. While the AI and robots are primarily developed to lighten the workloads of human (mentally and physically), in the long run, the presence of AI and robot would be a threat to mankind. Without argument, any human being could disable the robot by disabling its power supply. However, when the robots make the first destructive move, the losses would be beyond expectation before it could be stopped. Scary! Whether one likes it or not, the world is destined toward an animated and robotic AI in the next 40 years and beyond. The time of curiosity and anxiety has come. Be Prepared!

Beware... from page 4

By so doing, we actually affirm our true dignity as persons and children of God, created in his image and likeness, meant to share in God’s own life and nature. By so doing we do not demean ourselves nor annul our freedom. We just have to make sure that whatever we do, it should always be for the glory of God. Yes, as usually happens, it can be implied that we are actually glorifying God in whatever we are doing even if our immediate motive is something that is human and legitimate. But we need to pause and rectify ourselves from time to time, because for us to slip into something purely human without doing things for love of God is very easy and can pass with us hardly noticing it. That is why it is imperative that we pause and make some kind of self-examination to see if we have the right motive in our actuations. A tremendous amount of humility is needed here, since we have a strong tendency to be proud, vain, self-centered and to feel self-sufficient. We have a strong tendency to lose our sense of complete dependence on God. We can think that for us to be truly free, we have to declare independence from God. Or we can wrongly think that by maintaining our dependence or union with God, we are compromising our sense of responsibility over our whole life. So, let’s be wary of the subtle ways we can get trapped in the dynamics of self-seeking.

PayMaya... from page 10

charged to the member if he opted to pay using his debit/credit card while a P10 transaction fee will be charged for those who opt to use the e-wallet. “This is only the beginning of our continuous effort to provide quality and convenient services to our members. Hopefully,

we can soon use PayMaya for loan repayments and payments from employers not only in the SSS Mobile App but also even on the SSS website,” Ignacio said. Based on the latest data, the SSS Mobile App has been downloaded 2.93 million times in Google Play Store, Apple App Store and Huawei App Gallery as of November 2019. Aside from PayMaya, SSS members may pay their contributions conveniently thru online transactions offered by partner-banks and other collection partners. For the official list of online payment channels, members may visit the SSS website.

Export... from page 6

produced but the country has revealed comparative advantage (RCA) in. "The starting points of the first strategy are the existing exports already produced (although not substantially, accounting for less than 0.5 percent of the country's total exports) by the country and require less adjustments in the production structures," it said. Potential markets for these goods include Organisation for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD) economies and Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) members, it added. The paper said the agricultural sector can diversify into the production of goods with higher sophistication content as well. In the short run, the country can focus on improving the production structure of agricultural goods which the country has RCA in, but are not yet substantially produced. These include processed fish and seafood, industrial oil, cereals/pasta/bread, animal/vegetable fats/oil, and extracts/dye. The paper further said another short-run diversification strategy looks at products that are relatively close to the country's current production structure but the country has no RCA in. Potential products include part/accessories of instruments/devices/equipment, equipment/devices/ parts of electrical nature, minerals, parts/accessories of motor vehicles, products related to plastics, among others. It added potential markets for these goods include OECD economies, ASEAN countries, Brazil, and Morocco. Some OECD and ASEAN economies are markets for goods in the country's current export basket such as integrated circuits, static converters, and photosensitive/photovoltaic/LED semiconductor devices, color television receivers/ monitors/projectors, and crude/ refined copra oil. Further, the paper said it is imperative to promote an environment that encour-

ages innovations as a way of doing business, noting that innovations are correlated with the firm's productivity and employment growth. "To facilitate product innovations, there is a need to ensure that process innovations are integrated into the various stages of good production. This will require increased servicification," it added. (Philexport)

Nickel... from page 5

from the Philippines would be used for stainless steel, 3% for other components, 6% for batteries of EVs, 2% for castings, 6% for plating, 9% non-ferrous metals, and 4% for alloy steel. She said the new opportunities in the global market would benefit the domestic nickel industry. According to her, the mining industr y in the Philippines employs some 250,000 workers. (Antonio L. Colina IV / MindaNews)

Celebrate... from page 8

tionals studying in Davao City’s medical schools. Several residents went to high ridges overlooking Davao Gulf to watch the fireworks display of neighboring Samal Island, 2020 marks the 18th year since the city banned the use of firecrackers and pyrotechnics. There were very few violators of the ban, these included two persons in Barangay Tugbok Proper who were caught by police using improvised cannons or commonly called lantaka. (PIA XI/RG Alama)

Victims... from page 8

three people died from a collapsed commercial building and more than 3,000 families evacuated. The municipalities of Hagonoy and Sulop were also given P3 million and P2 million, respectively. The OP also extended P5 million financial aid to Matanao town, and P2 million each to Kiblawan and Sta. Cruz. As of December 25, 2019, the Office of Civil D e fe ns e i n t he re g i on (OCD-XI) reported that more than 31,000 families or 132,736 individuals from Digos City, Bansalan, Hagonoy, Kiblawan, Matanao, Padada, Magsaysay and Malalag were displaced due to the series of earthquakes which severely affected the province in October and December this year. The O CD-XI report stated that a total of 31,301 houses were reported damaged in municipalities of Digos City, H a g o n o y, M a g s a y s a y, Malalag, Matanao, Sulop, Pad ad a, B ans a l an and Sta. Cruz of Davao del Sur, and Davao City, wherein 5,296 identified as totally damaged and 26,005 as partially damaged. There were 12 reported deaths from the municipalities of Magsaysay, Sulop, Padada, Matanao and Bansalan of D av a o d e l Su r a n d Malita, Davao Occidental. (PIA-XI/C arina L. Cayon)

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MDN chooses Pabama Transport Company among the “Transport and Auto Industry Leaders” in Mindanao

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ABAMA Transport and Tours Corporation, operator of the famous doubledecker buses plying the Cagayan de oro-Bukidnon routes and vice versa, was adjudged “Transport and Auto Industry Leaders”, during the recentlyconcluded 8th Mindanao Business Leaders and Entrepreneurs Awards held at Limketkai Luxe Hotel on December 13, 2019, and consistently organized by Mindanao Daily News Corporation, purposely to recognize companies, entities and leaders’

By JOEL CALAMBA ESCOL outstanding performance which contributed to greater development in Mindanao. Other awardees were two equally amazing transport and auto industry leaders include MGM Motors Mindanao, Inc, Davao and Isuzu Cagayan de Oro. Pabama was awarded for improving and providing efficient and steadfast service to the riding public of Mindanao. This homegrown transportation enterprise has immensely contributed to the economic development of Mindanao. In an exclusive interview with Rinan Dayonayos, HR

Officer of Pabama Tours, he said the company was very thankful to have gotten the award as among the best transport companies in Northern Mindanao. He said the award will serve as a challenge to serve more the riding public and offer more attractive services and promotions in the future. “We are honored to receive the award and hopefully in the future we will also receive more awards,” Dayonayos told Mindanao Daily News. “Dako kaayo ug matabang ang maong award kay magdugang kini kadasig sa among pagpalambo pa sa kompanya to serve more people for many years,” he said. Pabama was the first bus transport company in Mindanao which introduced double-decker buses plying the routes from Cagayan de Oro City to Bukidnon, passing the cities of Malaybalay and Valencia and the fastest booming town of Maramag. This new level of using double decker buses was one of the deciding factors of the board of judges to choose Pabama Transport as among the top leaders in transport and auto industry, aside from its very humble beginnings. Other transport companies operating in Mindanao has not introduced this idea of using double decker buses. The introduction of double decker buses tremendously amazed the riding public as this type of buses were pioneers in Mindanao and even other regions all over the country. Inside these buses, there are other amenities such as free internet access and free

tablets for all passengers to make them enjoy the whole trip from Cagayan de Oro to Maramag in Bukidnon and vice versa. History Pabama Transport, also known as Pabama Tours and Pabama Transport and Tours Corporation, is a bus company based in Kibawe town, Bukidnon province in the island of Mindanao in southern Philippines. It serves the routes between the city of Cagayan de Oro, the province of Bukidnon and the city of Gingoog. A local provincial bus line with humble beginnings, it was the first bus company in the country to introduce the luxury bus with on-board tablets and the double-decker provincial bus. The company was founded in 1998 by the Panis family based in Kibawe, Bukidnon. It started out as a local provincial bus line serving the MalaybalayKibawe-Kadingilan route using used-up second hand minibuses, and later added both bought and locally-assembled low-grade provincial buses on their fleet. While it continued to be so throughout the whole 2000’s decade, during the same time period it often copied the livery of its rival Rural Transit to give the impression that it was a subsidiary of the giant company when in reality it was not, as a marketing strategy and to better secure the preferences and tastes of the commuters. As Pabama Transport entered the 2010’s decade, it began reforming its fleet, procuring several secondhand units acquired from Holiday Bus to augment its

fleet. At the same time, the bus line entered the Cagayan de Oro-Kibawe-Damulog route for the first time to expand its service area. The moment the company acquired its first units from Ankai in year 2015, it also started to copy the Rural Transit’s practice of naming their airconditioned units into ‘Tours’, and thus the Pabama Tours was conceived. That same year, it entered the Cagayan de Oro-BalingoanGingoog route as it bought D&C Express the same year and integrated its operations to the company. In 2017, they became the first bus line in the Philippines to have luxury bus with on-board tablets per seat, which they all bought from Zhongtong Bus Holdings. The next year, they once again became the first bus line in the country to have double-decker buses which they procured from the same bus manufacturer. These acquisitions effectively graduated the company from a small local provincial bus line into a large first-class executive coach service company. The company has already has now acquired 25 more

units of Zhongtong Magnate Double Decker Bus that will be used to serve new routes between Cagayan de Oro and Davao via BUDA. Presentors of the recently concluded 8th Mindanao Business Leaders and Entrepreneurs Awards include Veterans Bank, Ayala, BPI BanKo, Cooperative Development Authority, provincial government of Misamis Oriental, CORDS 10 and PCOO, Limketkai Luxe Hotel, Pepsi, Washington, Angela Soriano Fashion Design Studio, SELRAHCO PR, Dessert Boss, Pie Square Photo Booth, AVPro and Marzel Digital Studio. PANEL OF JUDGES The Panel of Judges in this year’s awards are Journalist Tessie Superioridad, Mindanao Daily News (MDN) Executive Editor Cris Diaz, MDN Managing Editor Ruel Pelone, MDN and BWM Training Director Joe Felicilda, and MDN Editor in Chief Allan Mediante, MDN columnist Raffy Magbanua, also the former president of the Cagayan de Oro Press Club, Inc. (COPC); and BusinessWeek Mindanao Editor in Chief Nelson Constantino.