MINDANAO DAILY TRUTH. JUSTICE. PROGRESS.
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Volume IX, No. 238
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Friday, March 13, 2020
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NMMC rolls out measures as COVID-19 patient improving By MARK FRANCISCO Correspondent
THE lone COVID-19 patient in Mindanao currently admitted at state-run Northern Mindanao Medical Center (NMMC) in Cagayan de Oro City is in critical condition but improving. Department of Health (DOH) 10 director Adriano Suba-an reported yesterday that the 54-year-old male patient is receiving supportive treatment for pneumonia – just like most coronavirus cases elsewhere. Suba-an said the Pasig City-based patient began experiencing shortness of breath on February
24 and decided to seek treatment in his home province of Lanao del Sur. He was admitted on March 3 at an Iligan City hospital which initially diagnosed him with pneumonia. Because neighboring Cagayan de Oro City has better medical facilities, it was decided that the patient be transferred here and he was admitted here last March 7 where he was tested for COVID-19. By Wednesday evening, the Regional Institute for Tropical Medicine (RITM) results came back with a positive diagnosis, making the patient the See MEASURES, page 11
What we can learn from Taiwan’s response to Coronavirus The island employs an aggressive, well-planned answer that employs analytics to minimize the spread of disease. Taiwan’s Model for Coronavirus Response WITH CONFLICTING AND AT times contradictory messages coming out of the White House, the Dow Jones Industrial Average seesawing and even the most basic supplies such as hand-sanitizer in short supply, the United States – a country with a history of helping other nations conquer pandemics – got off to an agonizingly slow start in trying A mask-clad worker disinfects an area to prevent the spread of the coronavirus in the Xindian district in New Taipei City on to contain coronavirus. COVID-19 March 9, 2020. (SAM YEH/AFP VIA GETTY IMAGES) Wondering what an aggressive pandemic response looks like? Look to Taiwan, says Dr. C. Jason Wang, director of Stanford University’s Center for Policy, Outcomes and Prevention. Following the 2003 SARS epidemic, Taiwan dramatically built up its public health infrastructure to launch an immediate response to the next crisis. Well-trained and experienced public health See RESPONSE, page 7
ity Mayor Oscar Moreno (right) of Cagayan de Oro explains to the media the city government’s role in addressing the Coronavirus during a press briefing here on Thursday. Looking on is DOH-10 regional director Dr. Adriano Suba-an. photo by gerry lee gorit
Classes suspended in the wake of COVID -19 virus By CRIS DIAZ Executive Editor
CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY: Suspension of classes at all levels, in the Iligan City’s public and private schools takes effect Friday, a city official said. Jo Pantoja, the spokesperson of Iligan City Hall, said that City Mayor Celso Regencia issued the Executive Order Thursday on recommendation of the Iligan City COVID-19 Task Force. He said that the city’s COVID-19 Task Force has recommended the suspension of classes in Iligan City following confirmation of the first COVID - 19 patient who was initial confined at the Adventist Medical Center in Iligan City. “The suspension of classes in indefinite,” Pantoja said. Iligan City is 88 kilometers west of Cagayan De Oro City. Pantoja said that the City Mayor’s Executive Order also banned the holding of graduation rites in schools, public and private gatherings, including the holding of the city’s flag ceremonies on Mondays. According to Pantoja, the confirmation of the first positive See WAKE, page 11
Shoppers line-up in popular shopping malls in Cagayan De Oro to undergo “thermal scanning” prior to entry after the Department of Health (DOH) announced the first COVID-19 positive patient in Northern Mindanao. The patient is now confined in an isolation ward at the Northern Mindanao Medical Center. Malls, hospitals, government offices and hotels have employed “thermal scanners” for possible detection of persons with fever. A person registering a body temperature of 38 degrees Fahrenheit is referred to medical personnel. Photo by CRIS DIAZ, The Manila Times
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Friday, March 13, 2020
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ELCAC is all about delivery of basic services and good
To faithfully execute their duties and responsibilities, new members of the Camiguin Federation of Family Welfare Committee and the Camiguin Hotel Resorts and Restaurants Industry Tripartite Council took their oath at Villa Paraiso Resort and Apartelle, March 10. (MIAS/PIA10)
DOLE-Camiguin program committee new members take oath CAMIGUIN -- To faithfully execute their duties and responsibilities, new members of the Camiguin Federation of Family Welfare Committee and the Camiguin Hotel Resorts and Restaurants Industry Tripartite Council took their oath at Villa Paraiso Resort and Apartelle, March 10. Reactivated February 18, the Camiguin Hotel Resorts and Restaurants Industry Tripartite Council has the following officers: Emmanuel Toledo (PFO Head, DOLE Camiguin), chairperson; Mona Oclarit, vice-chair for Labor; Engr. Ma. Victoria Jansol, vice-chair for Management; Jennifer Pabualan, Mambajao Public information officer; Annie Samson, Catarman PIO; Gloria Theresa Cutab-Cahoy, Sagay PIO; Zanaida Pagute, Guin-
Community
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siliban PIO; Marina Pacturan, Mahinog PIO. Additionally, Henry Cutab, Saul Khe, Cristine Salon, Josephine Jalop will serve as board of directors for Labor, and Susan Sykes, Franklin Mercado, Krestela Musika, Emerlita Sumile as board of directors for Management. For the Camiguin Federation of Family Welfare Committees, the new members include Susan Sykes, chairperson; Monal Oclarit, vice-chair for Labor; Saul Khe, vicechair for Management; DOLE-Camiguin, Secretary; Jundie Galla, PIO. Furthermore, Jayso Llanasa, Marie Joy Rulin, Gary Labadan were elected as the board of directors for Labor, and Fatima Lacre, Engr. Ma. Victoria Jansol, and Wence Atinen as the board of directors for Management. For now, the training for the said committees is what DOLE-Camiguin plans to execute first. They will be trained for case management and complaint s ett lement incorporating the rules and regulations of the department. L aw ye r Jof f re y M . Suyao, DOLE-10 regional director, administered the oath taking ceremony. (Marc Ian A. Salem/ PIA10)
CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY -- Contrary to claims that the government is trying to control civilians through militarization, 4th Infantry Division (4ID) Commander MGen. Franco Nemesio Gacal emphasized that the move to end local communist armed conflict (ELCAC) is all about delivery of basic services and good governance. In a meeting with the members of the Regional Task Force to End Local Communist Armed Conflict (RTF-ELCAC)-10 Technical Working Group (TWG) here yesterday, March 10, Gacal cited the gains and progress in synchronizing the programs, projects and activities (PPAs) and ensuring budget allocations through the help of the National Economic and Development Authority (NEDA)-10 led by Regional Director Mylah Faye Aurora B. Carniño. The goal is to address gaps and challenges, Gacal said, adding “by the end of the term of the President, all 763 barangays of Northern Mindanao must be conflict resilient.” “Peace, Law Enforcement, and Development Support (PLEDS) group under the task force is very fast in clearing barangays,” he pointed out. In a related development, Lagonglong town in Misamis Oriental is slated to launch its Municipal Task Force to End Local Communist Armed Conflict (MTF-ELCAC) come March 20. Lagonglong Municipal Administrator Ponciano Bana said out of 78 families in Sitio Kamansi, only 36 families are willing return there. This sitio was known to be New People’s Army (NPA) rebel infested an area where it built its headquarters for so long a time. Bana explained that some of the families are afraid to go home because they are afraid to see military
The Regional Task Force to End Local Communist Armed Conflict (RTF-ELCACX) Northern Mindanao holds a meeting with the Technical Working Group to discuss various programs, projects and activities in support of EO 70, which emphasizes the whole-of-nation approach to address the root causes of insurgency problem in the country. (Vincent Philip Bautista/PIA10)
Mylah Faye Aurora B. Cariño, regional director of National Economic Development Authority (NEDA) - 10 shares the vision of the group to address peace and development in the region. (Vincent Philip Bautista/PIA10)
soldiers in the area. “Na k it a n i ny o n g a maayo gyud pagkalubag ang utok sa atong mga igsuon didto sa Kamansi nga dli mupauli hangtud naa’y naka-uniporme (You see how these people had been brainwashed by the left to the the point that they won’t go home so long as they see uniformed personnel there),” he stressed. Gacal admitted that Sitio Kamansi in Lagonglong town and Sitio Lantad in Balingasag municipality had been “areas of concern” by the army. He said, “Remove Lagonglong and Balingasag in the area operation of the NPA and we solve 80 percent of the [insurgency] problem in Region 10.”
“Those have been their headquarters for so long. They need those because Cagayan de Oro is the center of Region 10. If you are the commander, you control the key terrain, which is Cagayan de Oro City. Remove that area, and we will win,” Gacal continued. How people perceive the government NEDA-10 Regional Director Mylah Faye Aurora B. Cariño said, “There are knowledge gaps in pursuit of development and we address these challenge gaps by research agenda.” “We realize there are some knowledge gaps that we need to address so that we can appropriately develop strategies we need to pursue to attain the goals
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of peace and development,” she explained. One of the priority researches that has been approved by the Regional Development Council (RDC) is a study on academic achievement of Northern Mindanao. Ver y simply, Cariño added, “there must be something not appropriate in how we teach our kids and right now, this is really alarming for us.” Kids in Region 10 are only learning 35-40 percent on what they should learn when they reach grade 6, finish junior or senior high school. “We know our kids our prone to radicalization. That is why we have this study,” Cariño explained. Also, a client satisfaction survey of the Philippine Army’s 1st and 4th Infantry Divisions is underway to determine how effective are the 1st ID and the 4th ID in providing security services to their areas of responsibility. For Cariño, the face of the government in conflict areas is the military. “How the people perceive the militaty is also how the they perceive the government,” she concluded. (JMOR/PIA10)
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PATIKUL DAY. Lt. Gen. Cirilito Sobejana, commander of the Western Mindanao Command (seated in military uniform) on Tuesday (March 10, 2020) calls on all sectors in Patrikul, Sulu to unite in the fight against terrorism, particularly the Abu Sayyaf Group bandits. Sobejana graced the 103rd founding anniversary of the town. (Photo courtesy of W estmincom P ublic I nformation O ffice )
Sulu town marks 103rd founding anniversary By TEOFILO GARCIA, JR.
ZAMBOANGA CITY – Lt. Gen. Cirilito Sobejana, commander of the Western Mindanao Command (Westmincom), has called on all sectors in Sulu to unite in the fight against terrorism, particularly the Abu Sayyaf Group (ASG). Sobejana made the call Tuesday during the 103rd founding anniversary of the Municipality of Patikul, Sulu. “While our soldiers kill terrorists, our partners in the civil government, the civilian sector, the academe, and the traditional and religious leaders kill terrorism,” Sobejana said. “Let us unite to defeat the menace of society, particularly the Abu Sayyaf here in Sulu,” he said.
Military troops are pursuing the ASG bandits in the hinterlands of Sulu to rescue several hostages that included five Indonesian fishermen. Sobejana also emphasized the gains of the collaborative peace and development efforts of the different government sectors particularly the Patikul Task Force to End Local Armed Conflict. The 103rd Patikul Day is anchored on the theme “Patikul @103: One Community Moving Forward towards Peace and Development.” The anniversary activity was spearheaded by the municipal government led by Mayor Kabir Hayudini and was held at the Municipal Government Complex in Barangay Taglibi. (PNA)
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Six COVID-19 PUMs in Agusan cleared Friday, March 13, 2020
By CHRIS V. PANGANIBAN Contributing Editor
PROSPERIDAD, Agusan del Sur--- Six of seven persons under monitoring (PUM) from the dreaded COVID-19 in this province were cleared Tuesday even as one is still awaiting results of his case until March 15. Dr. Jacqueline Frances Momville, Provincial Health Officer, said all of the PUMS came from the countries where there are confirmed positive cases of COVID-19. Two of the PUMS were traced in Bayugan City who are females, a 22-year-old from Hongkong and a 24-year-old from Macau, China, a 33-year-old female in San Francisco town who came from Beijing, China, a 32-year-old female in Esperanza town who came from Hongkong, a 38-yearold female in Talacogon town from Hongkong and a 31-year-old female in San Luis town who came from Huangpu, China. The lone PUM case still awaiting results is a 52-yearold male traced in San Francisco town who came from
Agusan del Sur Gov. Santiago Cane Jr let a health worker do a thermal scanning on his forehead when his car passed by the road entry point towards the provincial capitol. Contributed photo of Michael Leo Cane Torralba of the Governor’s Office, Agusan del Sur.
Geoje, South Korea. It was not yet clear as to the status of the PUMs whether they are foreigners who visited the country, Overseas Filipino Workers, balikbayans or vacationers from abroad. They were all told to go on 14-day home quarantine. Responding to Presidential Proclamation 922 of President Rodrigo Duterte, Gov. Santiago Cane, Jr. has issued an Executive Order 09-20 that institutionalizes precautionary measures to prevent the spread of COVID-19 and strengthen health surveillance system of the province
“There is no cause to panic, no cause for alarm. This are precautionary measures that residents of this province should follow to prevent from being a victim of the disease,” Cane told local reporters. Cane has stressed in his directive asking residents to maintain hygiene and refrain from going big gatherings. As part of stringent precautionary measure, the provincial government have set up checkpoints at the entry roads leading to the capitol where health workers conduct thermal scanners to all who pass by includ-
ing provincial officials and employees . Rogelio Ipanag, chief of the Provincial Correctional Security Management Office, said the thermal scanner will determine if a person went beyond the normal temperature that would be advised for medical check up at the DO Plaza memorial Hospital. Cane has left the decisions of the 14 mayors of the province if they would pursue or not upcoming festivals in their respective towns since the executive order has specifically cited to avoid big gatherings. See CLEARED, page 9
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Friday, March 13, 2020
Opinion
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Kim’s Dream
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COVID-19 is nature’s wrath against humans FOR sacrificing mother earth with all its biodiversities and the ecosystems to the altar of greed and profit, the Homo Sapiens are now taking the brunt of nature’s wrath. One of nature’s retaliatory moves against humans’ cruelty is the COVID-18. This truism is the conclusion of studies, stating that: “Ecosystems regulate pathogens (disease-causing agents) and pests. So when ecosystems are degraded, new pathogens, pests, or invasive species can spread with devastating consequences to food production and human health. Changes in ecosystems (e.g., becoming wetter, drier, warmer, or open to new inter-actions
of species) can lead to the emergence of new human diseases, such as zoonotic diseases that spread from animals to humans. HIV/ AIDS is such a zoonotic disease, transmitted from chimpanzees to humans around 100 years ago somewhere in West Africa, perhaps as the result of human hunting and eating of chimpanzees as bush meat.” Such horrible consequence of eating chimpanzees to human health can also be said when the Chinese began eating bats “paniki” in Wuhan, China that has given rise to a new zoonotic disease called COVID-19 that is now so alarming that has spread world-wide that has already
killed thousands. Oh, when will the Homo Sapiens ever learn that it is the most cruel of all species created by the Unseen Being. It is the only species that has caused the killing of its own kind of over 100 million human beings in just a century or so in two world wars, the cleansing of Hitler and Pol Pot and the continuing war in the Middle East and in Mindanao. The Homo Sapiens have also caused the massive loss of biodiversity manifested in the extinction of billions of species and the ecosystems. Human activity is so pervasive evidenced by massive land transformation through land clearing, extensive logging, mining
Orlan R. Ravanera
and grazing. Humanity is now in the cataclysmic era of its existence as we are now facing the sixth extinction of the planet. Indeed, in ecosystem after ecosystem, biodiversity is under threat, being sacrificed by the present development paradigm in furtherance of the whims and caprices of the egoic and diabolic mind, professing to have been made in the image and likeness of God, yet, is governed by satanic dark forces. Human beings are so enamored in self-gratification, selfpromotion, externalities See WRATH, page 11
Susan’s Notes
From Charlotte to Balingasag and CDO
C HA R L O T T E , No r t h Carolina—Before we talk about the pandemic that is COVID-19, allow me dear readers to thank the man who made possible my ‘return’ of sorts to radio broadcasting. I knew Monching Ong as one of the TV technicians that I worked with at the defunct Cagayan de Oro College (COC) Broadcasting network in the early millennium. Years later through various reunions with the old COC TV-radio crew, I learned that Monching now owns 105.5 FM, Bay Radio Way Kurat. I am proud of Monching for being able to set up his own radio station which is his passion. I remembered
seeing him tinker with electronic devices and how he is called on to trouble shoot transmitter equipment. This is yet proof positive that with talent, guts and focus, anyone can go far in his or her life. A brief backgrounder: Bay Radio started in Sept. 8, 2013 with its station and transmitter located in Balingasag town, Misamis Oriental. Its reach covers the towns of Binuangan to Laguindingan town where the airport is located to Cagayan de Oro City and some parts of Bukidnon province. ************************** It’s slowly making a name for itself in the local broadcast community. Bay
Radio is so named since Balingasag town is known for its beautiful baywalk. And it’s high time that this town, birthplace of incumbent Cagayan de Oro City Mayor Oscar Moreno, makes its mark in the province. Anyway, Bay Radio offers music and information just like any FM station these days whose programming is a mix of music and information. By the way, I remembered working with RMN Dxcc in the early 90s for the late Lorie de la Serna, then TV program director. Back then, RMN-TV 8 already combined music and news in its programming and in fact wanted to adopt the same programming at its FM station dxVM. Dela
Susan Palmes-Dennis
Serna was ahead of his time and what he proposed then had become regular fare for today’s radio stations. Back to Bay Radio, I have a regular program with a 7 a.m to 8 a.m slot on Monday, Wednesday, Thursday and Friday. I invite everyone to tune in to my program and also to the program of Balingasag Mayor Alexis Quina hosted by Jun Fermo which is doing a great job informing residents of Balingasag town. ************************** And I love being back on radio. To be honest, I See CHARLOTTE, page 11
Have my say
Splendid isolation SOCIAL anxiety is the single most common psychological problem according to innumerable survey results worldwide. The magnificent, gorgeous and excellent isolation, resulting out of being nervous when meeting people is really the opposite. The state of being isolated, reminds me of being in a hospital with an infectious disease. Especially nowadays while experiencing the Coronavirus spreading all around the world. Does the project of giving a speech or going to a social gathering give you the willies? Relax, there are always ways and solutions to help you by teaching you “never to be nervous again”. I have been always the most silent pupil in elementary and high school. I was ashamed even to talk to or
with my teachers. Several terrible school records have been the result. But, I wanted to become a journalist. I am still one. And, I was teaching 12 years at an university. I will be teaching again German language soon at Ateneo de Davao. During college times and while writing my first articles, I learned from my first boss, a daily news publisher, to avoid being nervous while meeting people. I was always prepared. Preparation for any communicating situation is a must. I have been invited to many parties and gatherings. I always asked for the guest list. I scanned all newspapers and browsed in the net. “In your opinion, who...” or “What do you think of....?” kept the momentum going. That was sometime during
the 1960’s. Since that time I was just very lucky to meet always the right people at the right time and place, which kept on teaching me how to avoid splendid isolation. Whether you’re delivering a speech, approaching your boss, or joining an important social occasion, do at first your homework. The most polished, smoothly delivered and spontaneous soundings talks are the result of many hours of work and years long experiences. The memorable one-liners and moving phrases that went down in history didn’t come from the last minute bursts of inspiration. I also learned from Harvard University historian Richard Marius, “that good writing is a kind of wresting with thought”. Or, as
Klaus Doring
New York Times columnist William Safire expressed before: “To communicate, put your thoughts in order, give them a purpose, use them to persuade, to instruct, to discover, to seduce!” Let’s don’t forget, that everyone of us has something to be proud of, and that everyone enjoys talking about it. But, you have to make it happen! +++ Email: doringklaus@ gmail.com or follow me in Facebook, Linkedin or Twitter or visit www.germanexpatinthephilippines.blogspot.com or www.klausdoringsclassicalmusic.blogspot.com.
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Friday, March 13, 2020
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MINDANAO DAILY TRUTH. JUSTICE. PROGRESS.
Editor: ALLAN M. MEDIANTE
Friday, March 13, 2020
BUSINESS 6
AboitizPower posts P17.3 billion net income in 2019 AB OITIZPower earned P17.3 billion in net income for 2019, 20% lower compared to the P21.7 billion recorded in 2018. The company recognized non-recurring gains of P702 million, versus 2018’s losses of P2.1 billion; due to net foreign exchange gains from the revaluation of dollar-denominated debts and derivatives, and former business unit Aseagas’ value-added tax recoveries and gains on land appraisal. Without these one-off gains, AboitizPower’s core net income for 2019 was P16.6 billion, 30% lower than the P23.8 billion recorded in 2018. This was
mostly due to the outages experienced during 2019, higher replacement power costs, lower spot market sales, increased interest expense, and increased depreciation expense. “While market conditions had an effect on our 2019 financial result, we acknowledge that it was primarily driven by operational issues. Having done all the necessary measures to address these technical realities, we are positive about a much stronger operational performance and attaining our targets this year,” said Emmanuel V. Rubio, AboitizPower President and Chief Executive Officer.
“We are also confident that our incoming capacities from GNPower Dinginin and full-year operations of Therma Visayas and Hedcor Bukidnon will contribute to our 2020 bottom line,” Rubio added. AboitizPower’s generation and retail supply business recorded earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation, and amortization (EBITDA) of P36.2 billion in 2019, 16% lower than the P43 billion recorded for 2018. This was primarily due to the outages experienced by the company’s coal facilities during 2019 and exacerbated by the need
to purchase replacement power at higher spot market prices. Replacement power was also purchased from the spot market as the company had contracted ahead in anticipation of TVI’s incoming capacity. Decreased spot market sales further eroded year-on-year earnings. Capacity sold for 2019 increased by 1% to 3,184 megawatts (MW) from 3,154 MW in 2018. AboitizPower’s distribution business recorded EBITDA of P8.2 billion, which was flat YoY. The company saw energy sales increase in 2019 to 5,851 gigawatt-hours (GWh), 6% higher than
GSIS suspends work after Senate guest tests positive for Covid-19 work at its main office in Pasay City on Thursday MANILA – The Govern- after the Senate, located ment Service Insurance beside its office, said one System (GSIS) suspended of the resource speakers By JOANN VILLANUEVA
in a recent hearing tested positive for the coronavirus disease (Covid-19). In an advisory, GSIS said the temporary stoppage of
Gov. Emano: Suspendihon ang klase kung gikinahanglan PADAYON pa gihapon karong panahona nga nagtungha ang kabataan sa pampubliko ug pribadong tunghaan dinhi sa Misamis Oriental ug dakbayan sa Cagayan de Oro, luyo sa hulga sa Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19). Apan matud sa amahan sa lalawigan, Gobernador Bambi Emano, kung angayan kanselahon ang klase sa Department of
Education (DepEd) ug Commission on Higher Education (CHED), unta sa mas labing sayo nga panahon. Ning bag-o lang, gikompirmar sa Department of Health ug pamunuan sa Northern Mindanao Medical Center (NMMC) ang pinakaunang kaso sa COVID-19 dinhi sa Rehiyon 10, kung diin ang 54-anyos nga gikan sa Iligan City maoy positibong nataptan niini.
“The safety of our people is my utmost concern,” sulti ni Gobernador Emano. Nakasabot si Gobernador Emano nga adunay kaugalingong desisyon ang DepEd ug CHED kalabot kon dunay hadla sa seguridad, lakip na kining susama sa makamatay nga virus, apan kung nakit-an nga angayan suspindehon ang pagtungha sa kabataan, buhaton na gilayon.
operations during the day is “as an urgent precautionary measure.” It, however, assured its members, pensioners and transacting clients to use the agency’s various digital and online platforms for records verification, inquiries, and other GSIS transactions. These platforms include the electronic GSIS Member Online (eGSISMO) - https:// egsismo.gsis.gov.ph/eGSISMO/, the electronic mail, gsiscares@gsis.gov.ph; the GSIS website - https://www. gsis.gov.ph; and Facebook account, @gsis.ph or https:// www.facebook.com/gsis. ph/. Members can also call the pension fund’s contact center -- 8847-4747 (for calls within Metro Manila) /1800-8-847-4747 (for Globe subscribers) /1-800-10-8474747 (for Smart subscribers). They can also use the GSIS Wireless Automated Processing System (GWAPS) kiosks that are located in all GSIS branches and extension offices, provincial capitols, city halls, selected municipal offices, large government agencies such as the Department of Education (DepEd), and malls like Robinsons Malls and select SM City branches namely in North Edsa, Manila, Pampanga, Cebu, SM Aura in Taguig, SM Southmall in Las Piñas, and Mall of Asia in Pasay City. “GSIS earnestly appeals for your understanding and cooperation. The health and safety of the stakeholders, as well as the officials and employees, will always remain as the pension fund’s top priority,” the advisory said. (PNA)
the 5,540 GWh recorded in 2018. The increase in earnings, however, was mitigated by lost margins from the decommissioning of Davao Light’s Bajada power plant. About AboitizPower AboitizPower is the holding company for the Aboitiz Group’s investments in power generation, distribution, and retail electricity services. It advances business and communities by providing reliable and ample power supply at a reasonable and competitive price, and with the least adverse effects on the environment and host communities. The company is one of the largest power producers
in the Philippines with a balanced portfolio of assets located across the country. It is a major producer of Cleanergy, its brand for clean and renewable energy with several hydroelectric, geothermal, and solar power generation facilities. It also has various thermal power plants in its generation portfolio to support the baseload and peak energy demands of the country. The company also owns distribution utilities that operate in high-growth areas in Luzon, Visayas, and Mindanao, including the second and third largest private utilities in the country.
NEDA ICC-CABCOM approves customs modernization project MANILA —The National Economic and Development Authority (NEDA) Board’s Investment Coordination Committee-Cabinet Committee (ICC-CabCom) has approved the Philippine Customs Modernization Project. The project approved on March 6 aims to improve the Bureau of Customs’ efficiency, effectiveness, and transparency by streamlining and upgrading systems, procedures, and operational activities with the use of information and communications technology (ICT) consistent with international standards. The proposed project has a total cost of PHP5.5 billion, of which PHP4.61 billion will be funded through official development assis-
tance. “We hope to see improvements in the quality of government transactions and delivery of services. This project aims to simplify and harmonize customs procedures to conform to international standards and facilitate trade,” Socioeconomic Planning Secretary Ernesto Pernia said in a statement. The project supports the implementation of Republic Act 10863, or the Customs Modernization and Tariff Act (CMTA), and other See APPROVES, page 7
San Miguel Food nets P32-B in 2019 MANILA -- San Miguel Food and Beverage, Inc. (SMFB) has delivered consolidated revenues of PHP310.79 billion in 2019, up 9 percent over the prior year due to higher volumes and average selling prices across key products. Consolidated net income for the full-year rose 6 percent to PHP32.28 billion while consolidated operating income increased by 4 percent to PHP47.78 billion. “We continue to remain confident in the strength of the Philippine consumer and resilience of the economy. We believe we have the ability to overcome the challenges we now face as we continue to expand the breadth of our product offerings and reinforce our presence in markets. We
remain focused on delivering the best products, and providing improved results to all our stakeholders,” said Ramon Ang, SMFB President and Chief Executive Officer, in a statement Wednesday. Its beer business continued to drive the company’s results as revenues grew 10 percent to PHP142.27 billion due to higher domestic beer volumes. Its food division registered a 5-percent increase in total revenues to PHP139.46 billion, as the poultry industry continued its recovery towards the second half of 2019. As a result, operating income for the division jumped 41 percent in the fourth quarter of the year versus year-ago level. See NETS, page 7
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officials were quick to recognize the crisis and launched an emergency public health response to contain the emerging outbreak, Wang and colleagues from the United States and Taiwan reported in the Journal of the American Medical Association. “If you let the fire burn, you could lose control of the critical moment when we could deal with it and put it out faster,” Wang says. “The impact is much greater.” An island just 81 miles off the coast of mainland China, Taiwan was a COVID-19 catastrophe waiting to happen. More than 850,000 of the island’s 23 million citizens actually live in mainland China. Another 400,000 work there. Last year, nearly 3 million people from mainland China touched down in Taiwan, bringing billions of microbial hitchhikers with them, as travelers always do. The virus picked the worst possible moment, just days before the Lunar New Year, to shift its base of operations from the animal kingdom into humans. It is a time when millions of Chinese and Taiwanese travel for the holidays. Many stream through Wuhan, the outbreak’s apparent point of origin and one of just four major Chinese railway hubs. Yet, against all odds, Taiwan has remained relatively coronavirus free. As of March 8, the World Health Organization had logged just 45 COVID-19 cases and one death since China notified WHO of the outbreak in late December. Not a single case has been reported in the last 24 hours. China’s caseload now stands at about 81,000 with 3,100 deaths. “It really does speak to the importance of planning,” says Jeremy Youde, dean of liberal arts at the University of Minnesota Duluth and an internationally recognized expert on global health politics. “Not just the policy responses, but knowing what kinds of assets we have on the ground.” “We don’t suddenly have 100,000 hospital beds lying around that could be used in the event of an outbreak.” How has Taiwan, a country on China’s doorstep, managed to contain COVID-19 when so many countries have failed? One answer is leadership, and at the very top. Taiwan’s vice president, Chen Chien-jen, is an epidemiologist who received his doctorate at the Johns Hopkins University Bloomberg School of Public Health. He was formerly vice president of Taiwan’s premier research institution. Taiwan learned the hard way – in the SARS coronavirus epidemic in 2003 – what can happen when something goes wrong. For the first couple of months after the World Health Organization posted its first global SARS alert, Taiwan was spared the brunt of the epidemic. The island tallied just 29 probable cases and no deaths and the growth rate was relatively slow, typical of a minor outbreak. That changed on April 22, 2003, when a cluster of seven infections were reported in Hoping Hospital in Taipei. Desperate to limit the spread of the infection within the hospital, administrators dispersed SARS patients to other hospitals. Those infections sparked a cascade of local transmissions that culminated in 116 probable cases and 10 deaths in just two weeks, according to a report in the journal Emerging Infectious Diseases. By mid-May, Taiwan’s caseload soared to 264 cases and 34 deaths. By June 1, the outbreak had roughly tripled, reaching 680 cases and 81 deaths, a six-fold increase in less than a month. Ten of the dead were Taiwanese health
workers; seven worked at Hoping Hospital. Subsequent after-action reports laid blame for the massive flare-up on a lack of preparation, mismanagement and carelessness. Taiwanese health officials vowed not to get caught unprepared again. They established a National Health Command Center as the hub of a number of smaller centers charged with responding to epidemics, biological pathogens, bioterrorism and medical emergencies. The instant Taiwanese officials learned that China notified the World Health Organization of a pneumonia of unknown origin, on Dec. 31, 2019, they sent health workers to board planes from Wuhan and assess passengers for fever or pneumonia before they were allowed to disembark on the island. Within a week, they expanded their surveillance net to include anyone who had traveled to Wuhan in the previous two weeks. And by Jan. 20, the government activated the Central Epidemic Command Center and charged it with coordinating all government efforts to combat the growing health crisis. In an effort to contain the epidemic, Taiwan employed the most powerful tools at its disposal – big data and analytics. The country, which has a national health insurance program, was able to link its national health insurance database with its customs and immigration records and quickly identify anyone who entered the country from China and sought medical care. Health officials began testing patients for coronavirus if they had severe respiratory illness and a negative influenza test so they could identify unsuspected cases and anyone with whom the patients might have had contact. A toll-free number was established so that citizens could report suspicious symptoms or cases. As the outbreak grew, the hotline was overwhelmed and cities were asked to establish their own toll-free numbers. In a matter of days, the government created a list of 124 “action items,” including land and sea border controls, active case finding and quarantine of people with suspected infection and making sure the health system has the resources needed to manage disease. STUDY: Global Health Security Is ‘Fundamentally Weak’ ] The government also launched an educational campaign to inform and calm a frightened public and combat misinformation. On the policy front, plans were drawn up for dealing with infections in child care settings, schools and businesses. Taiwanese schools are easier to manage than U.S. schools, because the students do not disperse and rotate from class to class. Instead the teachers rotate. When a Taiwanese student gets sick, school administrators can cancel the class. If two students in a school get sick, the school closes down. If a third of the schools in the community are closed, all the schools shut down, according to the action plan. In the U.S., where students travel from class to class, Wang says, “If one student gets sick, the virus has rotated everywhere.” Imposing such stringent measures in the U.S. would be almost impossible, Wang says. The U.S. is vast, geographically, and places public health authority at the state and local level. The federal government must wait for an invitation to launch public health activities at the state level, such as the U.S. Public Health Service “strike team” that was dispatched to Seattle last week. Making matters worse, the U.S. doesn’t have a national health insurance plan – and medical insurance plans don’t share their records. It would be next to impossible to do the kind of proactive case finding, contact tracing and surveillance in the U.S. that is central to Taiwan’s pandemic response. The U.S. could, however, mount a far more effective response than it has so far. Wang says. “The United States has enormous capacity. We have more capacity, more talent, and more money than any place in the world,” he says. “It’s a matter of recognizing that this is a crisis that needs to be dealt with in a speedy, coordinated fashion.” (By Steve Sternberg, Assistant Managing Editor, Health Initiatives March 10, 2020, at 1:24 p.m.)
Friday, March 13, 2020
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OWWA delivers cash aid, transport service to 441 quarantined seafarers during send-off in New Clark City THE Overseas Workers Welfare Administration (OWWA) hied to New Clark City in Capas, Tarlac early morning of March 11, 2020 to bring immediate cash assistance and to provide transport service to 441 seafarers cleared from COVID-19 during their send-off yesterday after ending the mandatory 14 days quarantine. The 441 Filipino ship crew were on-board the COVID 19-infested MV Diamond Princess Cruise Ship that was quarantined at the Port of Yokohoma for 14 days. They were repatriated by the Department of Foreign Affairs on February 25, and were brought straight to New Clark City for another 14 days of quarantine. After being cleared from the virus by the Department of Health (DOH), they were finally allowed to go to their respective home destinations. During the send-off led by the DOH, OWWA gave P10,000 each to the 441 seafarers, totaling
P4.41M. For the transport service, OWWA provided bus service that brought 81 seafarers to Clark International Airport and the Ninoy Aquino International Airport, and airlines tickets for their return to their remote home provinces. Following the strict orders of the DOH, which controls the activities in New Clark City, the Repatriation Assistance Team of OWWA, headed by Director Jocelyn Hapal and OWWA Region 3 Director Esperanza Cobbarubias, swiftly conducted the delivery of welfare assistance. Magsaysay Maritime Corporation, the manning agency of the seafarers, similarly provided land transport service to the OFWs back to Manila. In his message over Tweeter on February 21, OWWA Administrator Hans Cacdac called the Filipino ship crew as heroes, paraphrasing David Bowie, “They can be ers onboard the cruise ship heroes just for over 14 MV Diamond Princess days!” He said the “seafar- served beyond the call of
duty.” He likewise wished them Godspeed during the send-off.
NFA-NorMin launches ties with LGUs on rice relief
NFA, CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY | 12 March 2020 --- The National Food Authority in Region 10 has dispatched its personnel in the provinces since start of the year to push its program advocacy to enhance local government involvement in disaster preparedness through rice relief distribution during natural or man-made calamities. In a memorandum of agreement (MOA) prepared for this program, NFA is pushing with provincial, city and municipal government offices the purchase of rice from its provincial offices on cash and credit “for relief distribution operation/stockpiling/prepositioning as part of their disaster preparedness and other needs of their various projects/programs.” Under the Local Government Code (LGC), “vested with authority to discharge the functions and responsibilities of national agencies devolved to them,” LGUs are mandated to set aside and utilize 5% of the Internal Revenue Allotment (IRA) “or any amount from estimated revenue for unforeseen expenditures arising from the occurrence of calamities…” Out of this amount they are “required” to provide 20% of “the estimated revenue from sources as annual lump sum appropriation for Local Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Fund to support disaster risk management activities.” Early this year, NFA-10 Regional Director John Robert R. Hermano has instructed his provincial managers to visit local government unit (LGU) offices to campaign intensely for their wider participation in this tie-up by entering into the MOA to
authorize NFA to release rice to the LGUs. Under the scheme, provincial, city or the municipal Sanggunian legislative body will pass a resolution to authorize the governor or mayor to enter into the MOA with detailed provisions for cash or credit sale and pay NFA for the rice credit availed. The signed MOA will authorize NFA to release immediately upon the Declaration of a State of Calamity signed by the President or the Provincial Governor, City or Municipal Mayor, the rice on credit to LGU pending process in the Sanggunian for the release of payment from the IRA allotment. Rice credit under this scheme is good for fifteen (15) days credit payment reckoned from the date of receipt by LGU of billing statement from the NFA provincial office. The maximum volume or quantity of rice in bag of 50 kilograms that can be availed by LGU on credit and cash are as follows: LGU Cash Credit Provincial Government 5,000 500 City Government 2,000 200 Municipal Government 1,000 100 As per latest selling price bulletin signed on February 18, 2020, the NFA selling prices for NFA local rice recovered from milling of palay bought at P19.00 per kilogram are set at P25 per kilogram for WD1 variety and P23 for WD2. Under R.A.11203 or the rice liberalization law, the mandate of NFA is to maintain sufficient rice buffer stock to be sourced solely from local farmers.
Nets...
the year strong, with rev- 5 and 15 of the Philipenues up 17 percent to pine Development Plan PHP29.06 billion. (PR) 2017-2022, which puts importance on simplifying government transactions, from page 6 enhancing trade facilitainternationally agreed cus- tion, and strengthening toms standards with the linkages and connectivity, World Trade Organization respectively. (PR) (WTO) and World Customs Organization. Pernia said the project is in line with Chapters
from page 6
Strong consumer demand continued to lift the division’s prepared and packaged food segment, driven by strong performance of its core products such as Tender Juicy Hotdogs, Purefoods Chicken Nuggets, Purefoods Corned Beef, Magnolia Gold Butter
and Star Margarine. Product mix likewise improved as it shifted portfolio to higher-margin products. In response to African swine fever (ASF), the company converted some of its pork-based products to chicken-based formulations. Meanwhile, the spirits and liquor business ended
Approves...
8
Friday, March 13, 2020
Davao
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Mayor Sara to undergo self-quarantine DAVAO CITY — Presidential daughter and Mayor Sara Duterte submitted herself for a voluntary, monitored home quarantine and signed up as a Person Under Monitoring (PUM) under the Davao City Health Office. “She is now confined in an isolated bedroom at her residence and will continue to work through emails, messaging, and videotelecon,” a city hall statement released on Thursday reads. The decision came after Mayor Duterte held a lunch meeting Wednesday in Manila with Senator Sherwin Gatchalian, who announced that he would go into self-quarantine as he personally interacted
with a person who tested positive for coronavirus disease 2019 (Covid-19). He said the person attended a hearing of the Committee on Basic Education, Arts and Culture on March 5. However, Gatchalian said that he felt healthy and asymptomatic but would follow the protocol for safety purposes. The presidential daughter, on the other hand, was not suffering from flu-like symptoms but chose to undergo self-quarantine to protect others if she may be found to be sick. It was also revealed that one of the mayor’s employees at their residence was unwell on Wednesday night and is now also listed as PUM.
DAVAO DEL NORTE -- Local chief executives (LCEs) of the three component cities of Davao del Norte together with the municipal mayors of Sto. Tomas and Braulio E. Dujali have issued executive orders suspending classes at all levels and sustaining the same until the Declaration of Public Health Emergency issued by President Diuterte shall have been lifted. Island Garden City of Samal City Mayor Al David Uy made the first crack of issuing such an order when he signed Executive Order (EO)No. 195 Series of 2020 dated March 09, “Declaring the Suspension of Classes in Elementary, High School and Senior High School Levels Within the Jurisdiction
of the Island Garden City of Samal Starting March 16, 2020 due to the Outbreak of Coronavirus Disease (COVID-19) in the Philippines”. Among other provisions, the EO urges “all teachers and DepEd personnel to end all school activities prior to March 16, 2020,” and that the same directive prohibits the conduct of “all mass gatherings such as but not limited to , moving up ceremonies, recognition, awarding, commencement exercises, JS Prom, retreats, intramurals, and field trips” Panabo City Mayor Jose Relampagos followed, issuing Executive Order No. 24 Series of 2020 dated March 10 providing for the “suspension of classes and school activities in all
By CHE PALICTE
No suspension of classes in Davao amid Covid-19: DepEd By CHE PALICTE
Davao City Mayor Sara Z. Duterte
“All those who need through her mobile numthe attention of the Mayor ber,” the statement added. may directly message her (PNA)
DavNor component cities, 2 towns suspend classes due to COVID-19
Capacitating the School Heads of DepEd Iligan City Division in terms of Communication Skills By OMAR Q. HUSSIEN
In order to a d d re ss the professional needs of public school heads in Iligan City in terms of communication skills, the Division Office (DO) organized a two- day capacity building training which took place on March 9 and 10, 2020 at N Hotel, Cagayan de Oro City. By Key Result Areas (KRA), the Senior Education Program Specialist (SEPS) in Human Resource, Training and Development (HRTD) of the Schools Governance and Operations Division (SGOD) served as the Training Manager of this activity with the assistance of the members of the Technical Working Group (TWG). The main purpose of the training management team is to ensure if the training objectives were met.
Sessions on both oral and written communication skills including DepEd Orders with provisions on communication were run by competent resource speakers. During his speech, Dr. Roy Angelo Gazo – the Schools Division Superintendent (SDS) emphasized that communication skills play vital roles in the positions and functions of the school heads. Everyday, they face the learners, teachers and stakeholders. Given that premise, the school heads need to be clear and consistent in communicating with their clients. However; according to SDS Gazo, the best way of exhibiting communication skills is through the language of the heart. This would mean that not only the school heads but all the men and women in the Department of Education need to be gentle and sensitive in communicating with the children and other clients.
levels of public and private schools in the City of Panabo as one of the precautionary measures to address the threats of novel Coronavirus Disease (COVID-19)”. The EO advises school heads/presidents, teachers and non-teaching personnel, during the period of suspension, to “immediately formulate a system in disseminating information or instructions to their learners while classes are suspended”. Relampagos directs the City Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office (CDRRMO) and the City Health Office (CHO) “to monitor and report to the undersigned the compliance of the respective schools in the City”. This morning, March 11, Mayor Allan Rellon releases E.O 2020-032 declaring “the suspension of classes in all levels effective March 16, 2020.” Section 1 of the same EO, however, says that the “suspension of classes in the tertiary level shall be left to the discretion of their respective college administrators.” The same E.O cancels events that require mass gathering such as but not
limited to graduation and moving up ceremonies, JS Prom and PTA assemblies while “schools are encouraged to hold such activities after the State of Public Health Emergency is lifted by the national government”. This afternoon, the Municipal Information Office of Sto Tomas released EO No. 07 Series of 2020 duly signed by Municipal Mayor Ernesto Evangelista “Suspending Classes in all levels both Public and Private schools and Cancelling of all school –related activities in the Municipality of Santo Tomas, Davao del Norte as precautionary measure against Corona Virus.” MIO Sto Tomas, however, had posted online last night the advice on the release of Evangelista’s EO takes effect today March 11, and the same “will be in effect unless and until order is lifted”. Through the EO, Evangelista mandates the formulation of COVID-19 Protocol while “urging the school stakeholders to strictly follow the preventive and precautionary practices as prescribed by the Department of Health (DOH)”. See SUSPEND, page 9
School retreat
By AMIE EMPHASIS Teacher II Bongbongon Elementary School
SCHOOL retreat happens when a group of people – in this case school students – goes somewhere together to a place to rest, relax and bond. Sometimes it is seen as spiritual retreats. It is a time to get away, focus on the theme and build friendship and memories. Each session includes an ice breaker game, a game to get to know students from other classrooms, a time of worship led by a student band, a testimony from a student officer and a message from the speaker, the principal.
After each session, students go into cabin groups where they discuss the message and get to know each other better. Outside of the main sessions, there are organized games by grade levels which bring a lot of spirit and friendly competition to the event. One game involves classes using sheets to toss tennis balls and other balls to the side in an effort to have the least amount of balls left on their side when time is up. Another competition involves classes creating a fun music video for a set of judges. There are many optional activities like soccer, rugby, volleyball and basketball.
DAVAO CITY -- The Department of Education in Davao Region (DepEd-11) has reiterated that the agency is not encouraging the suspension of classes in the region amid the threat of the coronavirus disease 2019 (Covid-19). DepEd-11 spokesperson Jenielito Atillo said on Wednesday that suspending classes would be unnecessary with only two weeks left for the 2019-2020 school calendar. “We respect the suspension, but there is also a need to seek the wisdom of the school’s division superintendent so that we will also discuss the rescheduling of classes,” Atillo said. Three cities in Davao del Norte--Tagum, Panabo and Island Garden City of Samal-as well as the municipality of Sto. Tomas suspended their classes starting Wednesday because of the coronavirus scare. Although they respect
Trade... from page 6
percent growth on account of higher inward shipments of mineral fuels and lubricant, as well as capital goods. There is, however, the looming slowdown in global demand partly due to the spread of Covid-19. “The government should further intensify its trade efforts to minimize the impact of reduced external demand and manage timely recovery. This is while we are preventing the spread of Covid-19 with continued vigilance and implementation of health measures,” Socioeconomic Planning Secretary Ernesto Pernia said in a news release issued Wednesday. Pernia said relevant government agencies should consider measures that would streamline procedures and facilitate trade, as well as reduce transaction costs. “In consultation with the private sector, the government should ease (the) implementation of some regulations that will allow firms to manage costs and provide financing or loan restructuring to micro and small enterprises whose operations may have already been affected,” he added. Pernia cited measures that were instituted to remove administrative constraints for the importation of agricultural products under Administrative Order
the decision of local governments, Atillo called on local officials to consult with the DepEd first. He said all schools must comply with the 203 school days before ending the school year. Moreover, the DepEd-11 spokesperson pointed out that the Davao Region remains free from the virus and the health authorities confirmed that the sole patient under investigation (PUI) has already tested negative of the virus. He said DepEd has already directed the schools to go on with their graduation rites and moving-up exercises provided that they schedule the activities from April 13 to 17. “They [public schools] can also postpone their graduation or moving-up if the situation escalates. The private schools, however, can hold the same activities provided that they have to employ the protocols set by the Department of Health,” he added. (PNA) 13, s. 2019. These include streamlining procedures and requirements in the accreditation of importers and minimize the processing time of applications for importation; providing exemption to traders that are already accredited from registration requirements; and reducing transaction fees and cargo fees for a limited period. He said relevant government agencies may institute similar measures. The Anti-Red Tape Authority may also play a crucial role in helping businesses reduce their cost of production by fast-tracking the review of procedures of certain crucial agencies, such as the Food and Drug Administration of the Philippines, to allow the introduction of new and innovative products to the domestic and export markets, Pernia said. He noted that the government, in coordination with exporters, can also facilitate the identification of new sources and markets, as well as diversification of its products to manage vulnerabilities. “In the longer term, emphasis must be placed on developing backward and forward linkages that will encourage the production of raw materials and intermediate inputs – as well onward processing to finished products – in the domestic market to reduce reliance on foreign suppliers,” Pernia said. (PR)
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Suspend... from page 8
Meanwhile, Municipal Mayor Leah Marie MoralRomano of Braulio E. Dujali late this afternoon released online EO No. 16 signed March 11 providing the “suspension of classes and school activities in all levels of public and private schools in the municipality of Braulio Dujali as one of the precautionary measures to address the threat of COVID-19 Through the EO, Atty. Moral advises scho ol heads/presidents, teachers and on-teaching personnel during the period of suspension to “immediately formulate as system of disseminating information or instruction to their learners while classes are suspended. Among other provisions, the Municipal DRRM office and Municipal Health Office are directed to monitor and report the compliance of schools in the municipality. (PIA XI/Jeanevive Duron-Abangan)
Friday, March 13, 2020
Zamboanga City creates Covid-19 task force By SALVADOR SANTIAGO and TEOFILO GARCIA, JR.
ZAMBOANGA CITY – Mayor Maria Isabelle ClimacoSalazar has underscored the importance of cooperation among government agencies to prevent the potential spread of coronavirus disease 2019 (Covid-19) in this city. Salazar said Wednesday that preparations for public health hazards such HELPING KEEP THE VIRUS AT BAY. Zamboanga City Councilor John Dalipe, the chairperson of the City Council’s committee on health and sanitation (right), assists in checking the temperature of inbound passengers from Tawi-Tawi as one of the measures to prevent the entry of the coronavirus disease 2019 (Covid-19) in the. The councilor also visited Tuesday (March 11, 2020) other ports in the city to check on their readiness. (PNA photo by S alvador S antiago )
Kagay-an Festival 1st Oro Lechoneros Encuentro Champion
That the late KOCK S. KEE, who died intestate on July 24, 2018 at Cagayan de Oro City, that the deceased left a Rizal Commercial Banking Corporation (RCBC) Peso Savings Account with Account No. 1501 402 369 1745 with a total deposit of ONE HUNDRED THOUSANND SEVEN HUNDRED EIGHTY-NINE and SEVENTY-ONE CENTAVOS (Php 100,789.71) at RCBC Velez branch, Cagayan de Oro City, filed by the heirs of KOCK S. KEE, per DOC #162; PAGE #32; BOOK #3; Series of 2019 under the Notarial Registry of ATTY. NOELLE THERESE G. VEDAD.
That RANDY A. PANTASTICO who died on December 30, 2001 at Medical Mission, Davao del Sur, leaving without any will; at the time of the death of the decedent, he left a certain parcel of land which land is more particularly described and bounded as follows; TRANSFER CERTIFICATE OF TITLE NO. C-29305 situated I the Barangay Minda Municipality of Carmen, Province of Davao del Norte, Island of Mindanao containing an area of ONE HUNDRED EIGHTY (180) SQUARE METERS, more or less, and has been the subject of EXTRA JUDICIAL SETTLEMENT OF ESTATE with WAIVER filed by the heirs of RANDY A. PANTASTICO, per DOC #378; PAGE #76; BOOK #396; series of 2020 under the Notarial Registry of ATTY. JULIAN R. SORIANO, JR.
MDN: Mar 13, 20 & 27, 2020
MDN: Mar 6, 13 & 20, 2020
KNOW ALL MEN BY THESE PRESENTS
ORDER
In compliance with the publication requirement and pursuant to OCRG Memorandum Circular No.2013 – 1, Guidelines in the implantation of the administrative Order No.1 Series of 2012 (IRR on R.A. 10172), Notice is hereby served of the public that GIDEON BRAVO URSOS, has filed with his office a petition for change of first name from “GEGSON” to “GIDEON”, in the Certificate of Live Birth of GIDEON BRAVO URSOS, who was born on JUNE 03, 1977 at San Francisco, Agusan del Sur and whose parents are RODOLFO M. URSOS & ROSITA V. BRAVO. Any person adversely affected by said petition may file his written opposition with the Office of the Municipal Civil Registrar, San Francisco, Agusan del Sur. (Sgd) TITA APURA PRADO Municipal Civil Registrar
Before this court verified joint petition for the approval and registration of the Divorce filed by the petitioners and alleging among others. That petitioners are husband and wife respectively in a marriage performed under Civil rite on December 4, 2008 at Dasmariňas, Cavite both petitioner’s had been converted to Muslim and thereby embraced Islam Religion as their new found faith, by virtue of their respective intellectual choices which were duly registered with this court, both of them can be served with summons and other legal process relative to this case at their residents at Rosario Heights, Tubod, Iligan City and Blk 10 Lot 8 3 Verde Rosa Subd., Brgy. Sanjamayor, Tanza, Cavite respectively; That said marriage did not last long due to lack of love and affection until the relationship manifested incompatibility and sustained misunderstanding between petitioners and reached the point of irreconcilability and they separated for one (1) years now, they decided to separate live physically in bed and board, thereby, executed Memorandum of Agreement in order to formalize their separation. Since there separation, they had never been communicating or supporting either financially or emotionally to each other, neither minding each other affair’s; Petitioner’s seek judicial decree of divorce, thereby, severing their marriage bond on December 4, 2008, so that they will have free hand to do what a single man or woman could do without marital burdens. Reconciliation between them has already been diligently employed but all proved futile. WHEREFORE, finding this petition to be sufficient in form and substance, set the initial hearing of this case on February 21, 2020 at 9:00 a.m. at which time, date and place. Any interested party may appear and show why the petition should not be granted. Let copy of this Order be published in a newspaper of General Circulation in the City of Iligan once a week for three (3) consecutive weeks at the expense of the petitioners. SO ORDERED Iligan City, Philippines, this 18th day of january, 2020 MDN: Mar 13, 20 & 27, 2020
MDN: Mar 13 & 20, 2020
Republic of the Philippines Local Civil Registry Office Province; Lanao Del Norte Municipality of iligan city
NOTICE FOR PUBLICATION
NOTICE FOR PUBLICATION
In compliance with Section 5 of R.A. 9048, a notice is hereby served to the public that AUGUSTO B. INFANTE has filed with this Office a petition for Change of First Name from “AUGUSTO ALDO” to “AUGUSTO” in the Certificate live of birth AUGUSTO ALDO BALANQUIT INFANTE who was born on August 9, 1960 at Iligan City, Lanao del Norte and whose parents OLIVA C. BALANGIT and SEGUNDO M. INFANTE. Any person adversely affected by said petition may file his written opposition with this office not later than April 2020
In compliance with Section 7 of R.A. 10172, a notice is hereby served to the public that ANGEL MAY T. RAMIRO has filed with this Office a petition for Correction of Clerical Error particularly SEX from “MALE” to “FEMALE” in the Certificate live of birth ANGEL MAE TIMTIM RAMIRO who was born on 15, MAY 1988, Iligan city Lanao del Norte and whose parents are WENINA E. TIMTIM and DIOMEDES E. RAMIRO. Any person adversely affected by the said petition may file his written opposition with this office not later than APRIL 2020.
MDN: Mar 13 & 20, 2020
(Sgd) MARIA PURA C. MASCARIÑAS City Civil Registrar
MDN: Mar 13 & 20, 2020
Republic of the Philippines Local Civil Registry Office Province:Agusan del Norte City/Municipality: Butuan City Publication Notice R.A. 10172
See CREATES, page 11 DEED OF EXTRA JUDICIAL SETTLEMENT AND PARTITION OF THE ESTATE OF ALBERTO BALEN WITH DEED OF ABSOLUTE SALE IN FAVOR OF ANNALEN V. SAN PEDRO KNOW ALL MEN BY THESE PRESENTS That the late ALBERTO BALEN died intestate or without a will on September 3, 2012 at NMMC Provincial Hospital, Cagayan de Oro City and upon his death he left no payable debts. Upon the death of Alberto Balen, left a conjugal estate or conjugal real property located in Purok 4, Tablon, Cagayan de Oro City, particularly described as follows: Transfer Certificate of Title No. T-69841 containing an area of One Hundred Sixteen (116) Square Meters, more or less filed by the heirs of ALBERTO BALEN, per DOC#243; PAGE #49; BOOK #13, Series of 2019 under the Notarial Registry of ATTY. EFREN N. PELARADA. MDN: Mar 13, 20 & 27, 2020
Republic of the Philippines Province of Misamis Oriental MUNICIPALITY OF ALUBIJID OFFICE OF THE MUNICIPAL CIVIL REGISTRAR Publication Notice R.A. 10172 March 5, 2020 NOTICE TO THE PUBLIC In compliance with the publication requirement and pursuant to OCRG Memorandum Circular No. 2013-1, Guidelines in the implementation of Administrative Order No. 1 Series of 2012 (IRR on RA 10172.) Notice is hereby served to the public that AHNDE RAGMAC MAGDADARO has filed with this office a petition for correction of clerical Error/s in the entry of the child’s sex for “MALE” to “FEMALE” in the Certificate of Live Birth of AHNDE RAGMAC MAGDADARO who was born on September 3, 1993 at Taparak, Alubijid, Misamis Oriental and whose parents are FLORETO PERFETUA MAGDADARO and NORMA PAIRAT RAGMAC. Any person adversely affected by said petition may file his written opposition with this office not later than March 20, 2020.
(Sgd) ESTELA N. SALDIA Municipal Civil Registrar
MDN: Mar 6 & 13, 2020
NOTICE TO THE PUBLIC
Notice is hereby given that the intestate estate of the LATE GENEROSO D. DEMAFELIZ, copy of his death certificate is hereto attached as ANNEX “A” respectively, left a parcel of land “A residential house and Lot No. 4571, TS-217, situated at Dadiangas, Municipality of General Santos, Province of South Cotabato, containing an area of Six Hundred Twenty Two (622), square meters, more or less,” with ORIGINAL CERTIFICATE OF TITLE NO. (P-28601) P-1777 and “A residential house and Lot No. B-2-G of the subdivision plan Psd-12040470 being a portion of Lot 11-B-2, Psd-12-036817, situated in Brgy. Of Poblacion, Mun. of Polomolok, Province of South Cotabato, containing an area of Four Hundred Twenty Three (423), square meters, more or less,” with TRANSFER CERTIFICATE OF TITLE NO. T-108127, is the subject of EXTRAJUDICIAL SETTLEMENT OF THE ESTATE OF THE LATE GENEROSO D. DEMAFELIZ, per Doc. No. 90, Page no. 18, Book. No. VIII, Series of 2020. MDN: Mar 13, 20 & 27, 2020
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
HON. OSOP M. ALI Presiding Judge
R. A 10172 Form No 10.1 (LCRO)
Republic of the Philippines Local Civil Registry Office Province; Lanao Del Norte City /Municipality: Iligan City
(Sgd) MARIA PURA C. MASCARIÑAS City Civil Registrar
CIVIL CASE NO.2020-009
LEANDRO “ALI ” S. DELA CRUZ AND “MARIA FE “MARIAM” ESCANO-DELA CRUZ, Petitioners. X-----------------------------------------------------------------------------/
NOTICE OF THE PUBLIC
R. A 9048 Form No 10.1 (LCRO)
Republic of the Philippines SUPREME COURT 4TH SHARI’A CIRCUIT COURT 4th Shari’ a Judicial District Iligan City
IN RE; JOINT PETITION TO APPROVED AND AND REGISTER THE DIVORCE OF SPOUSES LEANDRO “ALI” S. DELA CRUZ AND MARIA FE “MARIAM” ESCANO-DELA CRUZ,
Republic of the Philippines Local Civil Registry Office Province: AGUSAN DEL SUR City\Municipality: SAN FRANCISCO
EXTRA JUDICIAL SETTLEMENT OF ESTATE with WAIVER
against the rapidly evolving outbreak of coronavirus.” The task force, headed by the mayor, is composed of the heads of the Department of Health, City Health Office, Zamboanga City
NOTICE
09354145759 09169249371
from page 3
as Covid-19 must involve “a coordinated effort of all agencies concerned.” On Tuesday, Salazar issued an executive order creating a task force that “will guide, strengthen the implementation of all programs, projects, and services in this city, ensure tighter inter-agency cooperation
EXTRAJUDICIAL PARTITION WITH SPECIAL POWER OF ATTORNEY
for Orders, Contact Yoyong:
Cleared... Already, three of the cultural festivals initiated by the local government units of Loreto, Sta. Josefa and Veruela have been cancelled while the municipality of La Paz was waiting from Mayor Michael Lim’s return from Manila attending the meeting of the League of Municipalities of the Philippines . Bayugan City Mayor Kirk Asis has declared suspension of classes in all levels yesterday (March 12) and the municipality of San Francisco followed suit later oin the same day.
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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-013-2019 (R.A. 10172)
CCE-013-2019 (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 20 March 2020.
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 ROVI RAY DURANGO PATIÑO has filed with this office a Petition for Correction of Clerical Error of the child’s sex from “MALE” to “FEMALE” in the Certificate of Live Birth of ROVI RAY DURANGO PATIÑO,who was born on 26 September 1999 at P-1, Bingkilan, San Vicente St., Butuan City, Agusan del Norte, Philippines and whose parents are DALISAY OCAMPO DURANGO AND RONNEL URBIZTONDO PATIÑ0. Any person adversely affected by said petition may file his written opposition with this Office not later than 20 March 2020.
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 JUVY PEDROSA CATIIL has filed with this office a Petition for Correction of Clerical Error of the child’s sex from “MALE” to “FEMALE” in the Certificate of Live Birth of ANGEL PEDROSA CATIIL,who was born on 15 June 2003 at P-9 Tungao,Butuan City,Agusan del Norte and whose parents are JUVY BALCORSA PEDROSA AND EDDIE LOMONGO CATIIL. Any person adversely affected by said petition may file his written opposition with this Office not later than 20 March 2020.
CCE-013-2019 (R.A. 10172)
MDN: Mar 6 & 13, 2020
(Sgd) JUDITH ALVIZO-CALO,LIB, MPA City Civil Registrar
MDN: Mar 6 & 13, 2020
(Sgd) JUDITH ALVIZO-CALO,LIB, MPA City Civil Registrar
MDN: Mar 6 & 13, 2020
(Sgd) JUDITH ALVIZO-CALO,LIB, MPA City Civil Registrar
10
Friday, March 13, 2020
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Wrath... from page 4
and religious trivialities with teachings that are just empty rhetoric. You love God? Then be one with all of God’s creation as we are all inter-connected. Please contemplate a while on these global realities. The world has now some 7.3 billion people and an output of $90 trillion annually, with both the population and global output continuing to rise. Based on studies, “the world economy is continuing to rise at 3-4 percent per year, meaning doubling every twenty-years.” That’s how the world is becoming abundant yet there is deepening inequality as only one percent of the world’s population mostly global corporations are benefitting. While a rich family in the United States can consume a cake that is worth $72,000 in one day, there are some 821 million on earth who are hungry. Don’t you know that the combined wealth of some 8 wealthiest families in the US is the equivalent of the total assets of some 3.6 billion people most of whom are just subsisting on one dollar per day? T h e t re s p a s s i ng of planetary boundaries is occurring in many ways including climate change and pollution. According to studies, “humanity is so much a pressure on the earth that is causing a dramatic increase in the rate of species extinction estimated to be more than a thousand times faster than before the Industrial Revolution. There are many other phenomena associated with loss of species such as the decline of genetic diversity within species and the abundance of particular species that will cause zoonotic diseases, i.e., COVID-19. The combined effect is so large that is causing what could be the sixth great extinction of the planet.” Beware! Nature’s wrath is upon us now. Look at what we have we done in killing Gaia (Mother Earth). She has no more lungs now. Where are the 17 million hectares of dipterocarp forest that is the home of billions of flora and fauna that have lived through evolution for billions of years? In just one century, powerful loggers have extensive erased these biodiversities from the face of the earth. What have happened to the “veins” (the rivers) of Gaia? Of the 25 major rivers in the country, 15 have already dried-up or polluted? The stomach of Gaia (the bays and oceans) are very acidic because of ocean acidification, the twin evil of climate change. Of the 13 major bays in the country, 10 are already biologically dead. The Philippine Archipelago is the “center of the center of marine life on earth,” based on the UN-FAO study but our seas have become the dumping ground of toxic and highly radiated garbage
Friday, March 13, 2020
developments, what I feared would happen had now come to pass as I learned through my social media feed that the Department of Health (DOH-10) regional office confirmed that a 54-year-old patient tested positive for COVID-19 at the Northern Mindanao Medical Center (NMMC). As I write this I learned that Mayor Oscar Moreno was scheduled to hold a press conference at 10 a.m Philippine time Thursday (March 12) with local DOH doctors and I will reserve most of my comments and assessment for my next column which hopefully sees print sometime this week or next week. Rep. Rolando Uy of Cagayan de Oro City’s first district already issued a press statement calling on city residents to keep calm, stay vigilant and strictly observe self-hygiene while monitoring the latest official pronouncements from the DOH and the city government. In my previous column, I wrote about the stringent health checks imposed on travelers like my husband Ronnie and myself when we boarded our flights from Manila all the way to Charlotte. Back then I said the threat of COVID-19 is real from page 4 and that threat had now missed being on radio after I reached the doorsteps of the migrated to the US a decade City of Golden Friendship. ago. Through my radio program, I can keep my finger on the local public’s pulse from page 12 amid the backdrop of local, Zamboanga del Sur, Bukidnational and international non, Camiguin, Lanao del social-economic and politi- Norte, Misamis Occidental, cal developments. Misamis Oriental, Com I could not remember postela Valley, Davao del the number of times Mon- Norte, Davao del Sur, Davao ching invited me to host Occidental, Davao Oriental, a program on his radio Cotabato, Sarangani, South station, which I initially Cotabato, Sultan Kudarat, found preposterous until Agusan del Norte, Agusan I realized how technology del Sur, Dinagat Islands, made it possible for people Surigao del Norte, Surigao to communicate with each del Sur, Basilan, Lanao del other across distances. Sur, Maguindanao, Sulu and So thanks to technology, Tawi-Tawi. I find myself hosting a radio Customers in Calanogas program in the comfort of and Saguiaran in Lanao del my home here in Charlotte, Sur, for example, can now North Carolina and wonder reach out to their families of wonders, my program and loved ones, access social can be seen and heard all media, watch videos or play over the world. games on their phones using The world is indeed Smart’s newly fired-up LTE getting smaller thanks to network in their area. technology. And it feels great “This is part of PLDTto learn that I still have a Smart’s mission to provide platform to discuss issues world-class connectivity and and be a catalyst for posi- access to all Filipinos, whertive change in society as we ever in the country they may know it. Indeed, Balingasag be,” said PLDT-Smart senior town is fortunate to host vice president for Network Bay Radio FM Way Kurat. Planning and Engineering *************************** Mario G. Tamayo. Speaking of international In 2019, Smart increased from developed countries. Gaia is now shaking (earthquake); she is also vomiting (floods); she is bursting in pain (volcano eruptions; she is bald (ozone layer depletion) and she is filled with blinding nostalgia (pollution)! The Unseen Being can be seen in the beauty of the waterfalls against the backdrop of radiating trees and blooming flowers and above are flying birds, hovering above as if dancing to the music of the wind. We are God’s stewards of His creation but have failed and cause the earth’s demise. Let us now stand to protect the ecosystems as we are all Gaia’s sons and daughters. Let us be one with all of God’s creation and thus become Homo Pacem (men and women for peace and be transformed into Spiritus Luminius (enlightened spirits). From the depth of our hearts, we must now feel that love exemplifying oneness and in one voice whisper with compassion, “WE LOVE YOU, GAIA! – All for the Unseen Being’s greater glory. Then, with that love and strong faith, how can COVID-19 win over us because if God with us, who can be against us?!
Charlotte...
Learning...
the number of its LTE base stations by 51% compared to end-2018 and deploying these in more areas of the country. Underpinning Smart’s network deployment is the continued expansion of PLDT’s fiber infrastructure, which grew by 32% to more than 322,400 kilometers nationwide. This unmatched fiber infrastructure is a critical advantage for Smart. The sustained improvement of the PLDT-Smart network has been supported by a stepped-up capital expenditures program that includes investments in network and IT systems, including investments in increased LTE coverage and capacity, expanded fiber transport and new international cable networks.
Wake... from page 1
COVID-19 patient from Iligan also resulted in the quarantine of 20 health personnel of the Adventist Medical Center where the patient was initially confined. He said that the City Council also authorized the City Mayor to procure protective gears for medical personnel of the private and public hospitals in the city. Pantoja also disclosed that the team from the city hospital, the Department of Health (DOH) and the task force was organized to track down the relatives, friends and family members who were in contact with the COVID-19 patient. The patient, a 54-yearold male from Marawi City was originally confined at the Adventist Medical Center in March 3 after complaining of cough, cold, fever and headaches. The DOH took over the medical treatment of the patient who was immediately considered as a patient under investigation (PUI). Pantoja said that the patient told the DOH personnel that he came from San Juan, Manila before he was admitted to the hospital. The DOH immediately transferred the patient to Cagayan De Oro City after the result of the sampling proved the patient positive of CORVID -19. Pantoja said that the patient was transferred to the Northern Mindanao Medical Center in Cagayan De Oro City because the hospital is the only government hospital in the region capable of treating patient
with infectious diseases.
Measures... from page 1
first COVID-19 infection in Mindanao. Suba-an said that just like other coronavirus cases, he is expecting the patient to improve within three to six weeks although his condition remains critical at this time and he remains at the NMMC isolation ward. “We are managing him according to WHO guidelines,” he said. Suba-an added that all immediate family members who had taken care of him from Lanao del Sur to Iligan City have already been traced and under home quarantine. Along this line, NMMC management is strictly implementing protective guidelines for all its medical personnel, patients and visitors with this latest development. NMMC hospital chief Jose Chan said that he is requiring all medical personnel to carry portable alcohol bottles with them at all times so they could disinfect themselves any time within their duty at the complex. He also mandated all patients and their watchers to wear face masks within the facility as an additional precaution. This, as Suba-an said that he has already directed all private hospitals in the city to ready their isolation wards in the event of any contingency. In a related development, Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) provincial director for Misamis Oriental Almer Masillones warned online peddlers of overpriced alcohol and face masks that they are now coordinating with the Criminal Investigation and Detection Group (CIDG) and PNP Cybercrime Group to track them down. Masillones said these peddlers who are taking advantage of the situation must be prosecuted. Meanwhile, Cagayan de Oro City Mayor Oscar Moreno appealed to the public to remain calm “but not le their guard down.” “We have put in place a massive information campaign for the public to note – practical reminders such as social distancing, washing of hands, coughing etiquette and avoiding crowded places, etc.,” he said. Moreno assured the public that City Hall and all its
11
departments as well as the 80 barangays of Cagayan de Oro are ready for any contingency. In a related development, Corpus Christi School in Cagayan de Oro City has cancelled all its classes effective Friday (March 13), thus suspending its final examinations, honors recognition, moving up and graduation rites. In a statement, school director Alfonso del Fierro said that “for the safety and well-being of our students, teachers and staff,” they have decided to forego the final examinations for first to fifth graders. Graduation rites for sixth and twelfth graders, moving up ceremonies for tenth graders and recognition rites for honor students will likewise be held at a yet to be announced date.
Creates... from page 9
Medical Center, Mindanao Central Sanitarium, Bureau of Quarantine, Philippine Medical Association, City Disaster Risk Reduction, and Management Office, Zamboanga City Police Office, City Schools Division, Department of Trade and Industry, Zamboanga Chamber of Commerce and Industry Foundation and the Office of Civil Defense. Dr. Dulce Amor Miravite, City Health Office (CHO) chief, earlier said they have strengthened surveillance and existing measures to prevent the entry of the Covid-19 into this city. CHO placed under close monitoring for Covid-19 an overseas Filipino worker who arrived here recently from Hong Kong, one of the places with confirmed Covid-19 cases. Meanwhile, City Councilor John Dalipe urged airport authorities Wednesday to start using thermal scanners to check on inbound passengers as a precautionary measure against Covid-19. Dalipe, the chairperson of the City Council’s committee on health and sanitation, visited early this week the Zamboanga International Airport, the seaport, and Integrated Bus Terminal to monitor the contingencies being adopted by government agencies against the dreaded viral disease. During his visits, the councilor distributed bottles of alcohol to passengers and used a thermal scanner to demonstrate its effectiveness in detecting potential Covid-19 symptoms. (PNA)
MINDANAO DAILY The Purveyor of Truth, Justice and Development
FEATURE 12
Friday, March 13, 2020
Learning, living in digital M’nao
Alnadzma Tulawie
YouTuber Marie Sousa of Cotabato City started taking videos in 2015 to record her activities and special events. “I uploaded the videos on my channel, not for everyone to see, but for me to look back on those memories. I had no idea one could make a living out of vlogging!” Five years and over 10,000 subscribers later, her YouTube channel, “It’s Pretty Marie,” covers a wide
variety of topics catering to her viewers’ many interests—from make-up tutorials to “mukbang,” an online broadcast wherein a host samples food and chats with the audience. Better connectivity has also made teaching easier for Alnadzma Tulawie and learning more engaging for her students at Sulu State College. “With access to the In-
Marie Sousa
ternet, my students are able to expand their research and delve deeper into their assigned topics,” said Tulawie, who teaches Master in Filipino Language at the Graduate Studies Department. “Reading my students’ papers, I now glean greater knowledge and wider perspective…Because they are now on the information superhighway, they are no longer behind their citybased peers,” Tulawie added. Sousa and Tulawie are among those whose lives have been changed for the better by access to better connectivity in Mindanao. Helping her hometown “Youtube is a huge community to be explored. You have to know your niche and get a pulse on what your viewers are looking for; they’re your audience,” said Marie. To get a feel of what her viewers are interested in, Marie presented a wider variety of content. “I now also do travel vlogs, which I enjoy because not only do I get to go places, I also get to help my viewers plan their itineraries according to their budget,” she said. But the one destination she enjoys vlogging about the most is her hometown,
Cotabato City. “I love showcasing my city and giving tips on what places to visit, what foods to try. It’s the least I could do to promote by hometown and correct negative notions about the city,” she exclaims. Ï believe that Cotabato City is one of the best places in Mindanao, where you could meet great people.” She has also used her YouTube channel to reach out to victims of recent earthquakes in Makilala, North Cotabato. “They say that when you help, do so quietly. Well, I decided to vlog about community service because I wanted to encourage others to lend a hand,” said Marie. True enough, in response to her video, offers of help poured in from everywhere. “Through the Internet, my viewers from different parts of the world were able to send help,” she shared. Indeed, having a good internet connection has helped Marie share her experiences and build an online community. “Behind every successful YouTube channel is a strong internet connection,” she said. She considers her generation fortunate because everyone has access to the Internet; and she is making
the most of this valuable resource to “spread positivity” through her YouTube channel. “Thanks to the Internet, I constantly meet interesting people; I get to express my creativity, and even help change lives,” said Marie. “With connectivity and Smart LTE in Mindanao, the possibilities are limitless. I look forward to producing more quality content,” she enthused. Meanwhile, Tulawie’s fellow faculty members are also active online, and the Sulu State College itself now has an online presence. “Deans would make announcements online, and the information would reach faculty and students via Facebook, for example,” she said. “We hope this service would be available to more people in Mindanao,” she said. With its continuous network upgrades across Mindanao, PLDT wireless subsidiary Smart Communications, Inc. will see to that. Smart LTE in Mindanao As of end-2019, Smart has upgraded to LTE more than 100 towns across Mindanao, including towns in Zamboanga del Norte, See LEARNING, page 11