MDN March 15, 2019

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Volume VIII, No. 244

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PNP takes over custody of arrested vice mayor

By DIVINA M. SUSON, Correspondent

MARAWI City––The 103rd Infantry Brigade of the Philippine Army has turned over the custody of arrested Vice Mayor Arafat Salic to the police provincial office of Lanao del Sur. Salic was placed under the custody of the military shortly after his arrest around 10 in the morning on Wednesday in Marawi City hall.

However, Sr. Supt. Madz-

gani Mukaram, provincial director Lanao del Sur police, said the vice mayor will remain to be in a facility inside the 103rd Brigade Camp in Marawi City for his security.

“The vice mayor will be temporarily detained in Kampo Ranao (103rd Brigade) for security reason,” Mukaram said.

Salic was brought to Kampo Ranao when he was arrested for ‘interview’ with the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP), the Criminal Investigation and Detection Group (CIDG) and the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA).

Mukaram said the vice mayor is also facing ille-

gal drugs and murder and frustrated murder charges in Manila in connection with an incident in the 2016 elections.

Salic was included in the narco-list of President Rodrigo Duterte.

Col. Romeo Brawner Jr., commander of 103rd Brigade, said Salic has undergone into the legal process like what any arrested person.

“He underwent into See MAYOR, page 11

Mindanao Daily columnist invited to attend Lindau Nobel Laureate meeting in Germany

Vice Mayor Arafat Salic is subjected to a medical checkup after he was arrested by the military and the police, Wednesday morning (March 13) inside Marawi city hall, for a rebellion case. Photo courtesy of the 103rd Infantry Brigade, Philippine Army

THE NIGHT STALKER

MINDANAO Daily and from all over the world.

Businessweek Mindanao Magbanua is the immedicolumnist Ruffy Magbanua ate past president of the was invited to attend the Cagayan de Oro Press Club.

69th Lindau Nobel LaureHe will write about the ate Meeting in Inselhalle many wonders of Physics Lindau, Germany from June and its endless contribu30 to July 5, 2019. tions to mankind, and how Magbanua who writes the Lindau Nobel Laureate diverse topics on his column Meetings continue to eduentitled UNRUFFLED in cate, inspire and connect this paper is tasked to cover people of diverse cultures the week-long international all over the world. science event to be attended Newspaper columnist Ruffy The 69th Lindau Noby 600 young scientists Magbanua bel Laureate Meeting is

dedicated to physics and in accordance with the 2018 Nobel Prize in Physics, one of the core topics is laser physics.

Additional topics to be discussed include dark matter and the standard model of cosmology as well as gravitational waves, which was detected in 2016 for the first time.

About 42 Nobel Laureates, including some See ATTEND, page 11

5th Northern Mindanao Big Bite Food Festival

AYALA CENTRIO MALL marked the 5th edition of the Big Bite Food Festival with the trademark Mega size Food Concepts that has become its calling card.

This time, it was Big Food: Serving the Largest Boodle of Street Food, or “the biggest boodle fight” as Ms. Cagayan de Oro 2012 Grey Mendoza put it in between spiels as she emceed the opening launch of the four day food fest.

Past editions of the festival have featured the giant halo-halo, the region’s largest maja blanca, humungous ham sliders, a titanic pineapple crumble, and a gigantic bowl of salad, among a host of other local favorites served in epic proportions.

Started in Mindanao by Centrio Mall in 2014, Big Bite has become one of the main pillars of Ayala Malls institutionalized support for local food business and concepts.

“Today we celebrate a

milestone in the 5th edition of Big Bite Food Festival which is not just about Centrio Mall but which has enabled us to reach out beyond the four corners of the mall,” said Centrio See FESTIVAL, page 11

Street food revisited at the 5th Big Bite Northern Mindanao Food Festival March 14-17 at Ayala Centrio Mall in Cagayan de Oro. RMB Photo

Culinary students prepare Big Food-The Largest Boodle of Street Food during the March 14 launch of the Big Bite Northern Mindanao Food Festival 2019 at Centrio Mall in Cagayan de Oro. RMB photo

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BukSU annual Job Fair hires 63 jobseekers MALAYBALAY CITY -- The Bukidnon State University (BukSU) in coordination and partnership with the Public Employment Service Office (PESO) and the Department of Labor and Employment, Regional Office No. X (DOLE-X) Bukidnon Provincial Field Office (Buk PFO) led its annual Job Fair on March 1 at BukSU Gymnasium, Bukidnon State University Campus, this city.

BukSU has been a long time partner of DOLE in providing employment facilitation services to the jobseekers. The Job Fair aimed to provide employment opportunities not just to their alumni and graduating students, but also to those unemployed/unskilled workers, fresh graduates, self-employed and even those who are employed but

BARMM launches Islamic ruling on immunization MARAWI CITY, Lanao del Sur -- The Ministry of Health (MOH) in the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM) launched a Fatwa or Islamic Ruling on immunization to promote the importance of vaccination and improve the campaign against preventable diseases.

Dr. Safrullah Dipatuan, MOH secretary, said the fatwa seeks to promote vaccination to Muslims as a safe and efficient way to prevent some common diseases.

The fatwa was approved by 13 Muslim religious leaders of the Regional Darul Ifta. A ceremonial signing was held prior to its official launching on the same day.

“Immunization prevents deaths and suffering from vaccine-preventable diseases such as measles, tetanus, polio, pneumonia, hepatitis, diphtheria, rubella and mumps,” Dipatuan, said adding that saving lives is a holy act that “we must do as an act of faith.”

Official data of the MOH show that as of March 10, about 45,598 target infants and children were administered with anti-measles across the region.

See LAUNCHES, page 10

See HIRES, page 10

Lanao Norte Senior High students showcase products, innovation

By HICELYN F. PANTORILLA

LANAO DEL NORTE -Senior High School (SHS) Learners of Lanao del Norte showcased their talents, skills, products and innovation during a two-day “SHS Expo and Job Fair” at Agora Trade Center, Tubod Lanao del Norte.

B earing the theme, “Empowering Senior High School Learners for Employment, Entrepreneurship, and Education Opportunity,” Department of Education (DepEd) Lanao del Norte The Ministry of Health of the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM) launches gathered all SHS students the Fatwa or Islamic Ruling on immunization. Approved by the scholars in the Regional Darul Ifta, the from public schools in the Fatwa seeks to promote vaccination as a safe and efficient way to prevent some common diseases in the province to show that they Bangsamoro region.

CNN Philippines Stations Nationwide CNN Philippines TV-8 Bacolod CNN Philippines TV-9 Cebu CNN Philippines TV-5 Cag. de Oro CNN Philippines TV-5 Zamboanga CNN Philippines TV-7 GenSan CNN Philippines TV-9 Davao

BARMM Public Information

and

Media Bureau

See SHOWCASE, page 10

IDPs claim land stakes in MAA

RPN Radyo Ronda Stations Nationwide

CNN Philippines TV-9 Manila CNN Philippines TV-12 Baguio CNN Philippines TV-12 Dagupan CNN Philippines TV-26 Tarlac CNN Philippines TV-10 Iriga CNN Philippines TV-4 Iloilo

are seeking advancement in their careers.

BukSU University President Dr. Oscar Cabeñelez said, “This Job is an opportunity for our graduates and alumni to be employed. I am hoping that applicants will be able to land good jobs.

To the agencies, I sincerely thank you for the proactive partnership and providing opportunities for possible employment to our students.

Thank you and good luck!”

DOLE-X Buk PFO Chief Raul L. Valmores said there were 3,083 jobseekers who were mostly alumni and graduating students of the school. A total of 4,206 job vacancies were available for qualified jobseekers, 3,174 vacancies for local and 1,032 overseas employment. Out of the 3,083 registered job applicants, 63 jobseekers

DZBS 1368 Baguio DZRL 639 Batac DZTG 621 Tuguegarao DZKI 1332 Iriga DYKW 936 Binalbagan DYKB 1404 Bacolod DYKC 675 Cebu DXKO 1368 Cagayan de Oro DXKS 1080 Surigao DXKD 1053 Dipolog DXKP 1377 Pagadian DXXX 1008 Zamboanga DXKT 1071 Davao DXDX 693 General Santos

NINETEEN barangay chairmen along with 6,543 internally displaced persons from the Most Affected Area (MAA) of Marawi City manifested their will to secure their war-torn properties through the Social Cartography activity spearheaded by the Department of Environment and Natural Resources, Region 10 (DENR-10).

The alliance of BLGUs, Armed Forces of the Philippines, DENR and the acceptance of GIS-based land survey accelerated its completion, ahead of its March 31, 2019 deadline.

Also known as Kambisita, Social Cartography,

Ms. Fayka Khayriyyah Alonto Ala, Chairman of Barangay South Madaya, leads 247 constituents in participating the Social Cartography on March 3, 2019 at the Provincial Capitol of Lanao del Sur.

is designed to gather data the MAA. Claims of on land ownership inside See CLAIM, page 10

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NIA rations water release in Socot due to dry spell GENERAL Sanstos City-The National Irrigation Administration has rationed the water releases of irrigation facilities in South Cotabato province and the neighboring areas due to the dwindling supplies these past weeks as a result of the prevailing dry spell spawned by the El Niño Phenomenon.

Engr. Orlando Tibang, head of the South Cotabato Irrigation Management Office, said the water level in several communal and river irrigation systems (RIS) in the area have dropped by 50 to 70 percent due to the lack of rains and the intense dry weather.

He said this has affected the Marbel-1 and 2 RIS, Allah RIS, Banga RIS and the communal irrigation systems in Koronadal City and the municipalities of Tupi, Norala and Lake Sebu in South Cotabato.

“We’re hoping that the dry spell will not extend to few more months or we will really have a big problem here,” Tibang said in a press briefing.

In the case of the Marbel-2 RIS, a significant portion of its 1,700-hectare service area has been affected by the decreasing water supply.

The irrigation facility, which covers portions of Koronadal City and Lutayan town in Sultan Kudarat, has served only 729 hectares of farmlands, he said.

Tibang said the Marbel-1 RIS currently serves 1,355 hectares in parts of Koronadal City and Tantangan

town but portions of the area have already suffered due to declining supply.

The Banga RIS, which serves parts of Banga and Norala towns, presently supplies some 1,357 hectares but the water releases are rationed to only 50 percent of the service area, he added.

The Allah RIS-dam 1 has also experienced supply problems but so far maintained its services to 5,388 hectares of farmlands in parts of Banga, Surallah and Sto. Nino towns, he said.

Dam 2, which serves Sto. Nino and Norala towns, is currently closed due to periodic maintenance and will not reopen until May, said Tibang.

For the communal irrigation systems (CIS), the water levels have dropped to as low as 30 percent based on their latest monitoring.

Those severely affected were the CIS facilities in Sitio Supon, Barangay San Jose in Koronadal City, Barangay Tinago in Norala and in Lake Sebu town, he said. If the dry spell extends until June or July, a significant portion of the area’s irrigated farms would be severely affected, Tibang said.

He said they monitored at least 300 hectares of farmlands already drying up in some areas served by the Allah RIS-dam 2.

“We can’t really do anything right now but to ration the water releases and wait for the situation to normalize,” he said. (MindaNews)

3

BLACK BUGS. A woman farmers shows the black bugs that have infested her drought-stricken rice farm in Datu Saudi Ampatuan, Maguindanao. March 12, 2019. MindaNews photo by Ferdinandh Cabrera

SP authorizes CHO to apply for license to operate drug test, x-ray, health labs TO PROTECT public health safety and welfare, the 18th City Council during its regular session Monday presided over by Vice Mayor Raineir Joaquin V. Uy adopted a resolution authorizing the City Health Office to apply for a License to Operate a drug testing laboratory, health analysis laboratory, x-ray services and drinking water analysis laboratory.

This is to provide the city with assured quality laboratory services, ensuring accurate and improve laboratory diagnostic aid.

According to Dr. Fe Bongcas of CHO, the city will be putting up a freestanding screening laboratory that would be responsible for all requirements needed for drug testing.

The Power learned that the fees for the services and testing shall be P150/person for drug testing, P500 per water sample for drinking water analysis and P150 for x-ray examination.

Bongcas said the proceeds of the prescribed fees will be utilized for the purchase of needed reagents and related commodities

Republic of the Philippines DEPARTMENT OF LABOR AND EMPLOYMENT Regional Office No. 10 5F and 6F Trinidad Building, Corner Capistrano-Yacapin Streets, Cagayan de Oro City

NOTICE OF FILING OF APPLICATION FOR ALIEN EMPLOYMENT PERMIT If you have any information / objection to the above-mentioned application(s), Please communicate with the Regional Director.

March 14, 2019 SGD. ATTY. JOFFREY M. SUYAO, CESO III Regional Director MDN: Mar 15, 2019

for the conduct of the said tests.

She added that the Dangerous Drug Board (DDB) initiated guidelines for drug testing laboratory in terms of pricing.

For a city-owned lab, it should not be more than P250 per test and not more than P300 per test for privately-owned lab.

With the establishment of clinical laboratories at the CHO, the public will have access to affordable laboratory examinations.

The legislation was en-

dorsed by committees on health and sanitation and health insurance and on laws and rules respectively chaired by Councilors Maria Lourdes S. Gaane and Ian Mark Q. Nacaya. (SP/ JBD) EXTRAJUDICIAL SETTLEMENT OF ESTATE WITH ABSOLUTE SALE

Notice is hereby given that the intestate estate of the late LILIA M. PINO, who died on December 19, 2014 and JULIAN PINO, who died on April 3, 2004, without any will or debts; the deceased at the time of their death left a real property more particularly described as follows: ORIGINAL CERTIFICATE OF TITLE NO. P-34113 Lot No. 1886, Cad-867, Case-6; A Parcel of Land, Lot No. 1886, Cad-867, Case-6 situated in the Barrio of Damilag, Municipality of Manolo Fortich, Province of Bukidnon, Island of Mindanao; containing an area of Four Hundred Thirty One (431) Square Meters; are the subject of EXTRAJUDICIAL SETTLEMENT WITH DEED OF ABSOLUTE SALE; ROGELIO M. PINO, RODALLE M. PINO, RICARDO M. PINO and RONALDO M. PINO, all of legal ages, Filipino and a resident of Damilag, Manolo Fortich , Bukidnon, hereinafter referred to as the HEIRSSELLERS; and SPOSES FEDERICO JR. C. BAÑAGA and CENDY MARIE T. BANAGA, of legal ages, Filipinos, married to each other and a resident of Camp Philips, Manolo Fortich, Bukidnon; For and in consideration of the amount of TWO HUNDRED THOUSAND PESOS (P200,000.00), payment having been received to SELLER’S entire satisfaction, the herein HEIRS-SELLERS hereby SELLS, TRANSFERS and CONVEYS by way of Absolute Sale unto the BUYER to their heirs and assigns, the above described parcel of land, free from all liens and encumbrances; Under Notary Public of Atty. FARRAH L. YONGCO-INIHAO; as per Doc No. 363; Page No. 73; Book No. XXVII; Series of 2018.

Notice is hereby given that the intestate estate of the late SANTIAGO L. RAMOS, who died on September 27, 1996 at Cagayan de Oro City; died intestate, without Will or Testament and without any outstanding debts in favor of any person or entity; that the deceased is the absolute and registered owner of a parcel of land located at Napaliran, Balingasag, Misamis Oriental covered by Tax Declaration No. 0810002308069, with an area of FIFTY SIX THOUSAND EIGHT HUNDRED THIRTY FOUR (56,834) square meters, more or less; are the subject of EXTRAJUDICIAL SETTLEMENT OF ESTATE WITH ABSOLUTE SALE; made end and entered into by and between; HERMENEGILDA Z. RAMOS, Filipino, of legal age, Widow, and with residence at Jasaan, Misamis Oriental; MILA R. BOMBITA, Filipino, of legal age, Widow, and with residence at Sta. Rosa City, Laguna; AUGISTO P. RAMOS, Filipino, of legal age, married, and with residence at Jasaan, Misamis Oriental; EDGARDO Z. RAMOS, Filipino, of legal age, married, and with residence at Jasaan, Misamis Oriental; JULIUS Z. RAMOS, Filipino, of legal age, married, and with residence at Jasaan, Misamis Oriental; ANABELLE Z. RAMOS, Filipino, of legal age, married, and with residence at Patag, Cagayan de Oro City; FURTHER, FOR AND IN CONSIDERATION of the sum of TWO MILLION FIVE HUNDRED THOUSAND PESOS (PHP2,500,000.00), the receipt whereof is hereby acknowledged in full sum from VIRGINIA V. CHAN, of legal age, Filipino, Married and with residence address at Alwana Village, Cugman, Cagayan de Oro City, hereinafter referred to as the VENDEE, we do hereby SELL, TRANSFER, CONVEY and DELIVER, by way of ABSOLUTE SALE, unto said Vendee, VIRGINIA V. CHAN, her heirs, assigns and successors in interest the property above described with all the improvements existing thereon; Under Notary Public of Atty.

ALYANNA R. CHANG; as per Doc No. 227; Page No. 46; Book No. I; Series of 2018.

MDN: Mar 15, 22 & 29, 2019

MDN: Mar. 8, 15 & 22, 2019

EXTRAJUDICIAL SETTLEMENT WITH DEED OF ABSOLUTE SALE

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Member: ORO CHAMBER Philippine Press Institute

Freedom as personal

THE last piece we wrote here touched on the dangers if freedom is made personal, which is a total deviation from its original intention of being communal proved by the Exodus story of the Israelites when they were plucked out of Egypt for them to be free from their suffering, hopelessness and misery as slaves in that foreign land.

We then emphasized by arguing that its exercise should always for the benefit of a community of people.

The danger when freedom is made personal is that its ramifications toward the community is incalculable such as when first daughter and Davao City Mayor Sara Duterte posited the theory that honesty is not an issue

in the midterm elections.

Honesty, we said, is an issue not only in this election but in all elections because of the maxim that “public office is a public trust.” Trust is undeniably founded on honesty. Take for example the relationship between husband and wife.

Without honesty between the two of them, trust will never flourish.

Interestingly, on the day we wrote that piece President Duterte in a speech castigated those who are strongly reacting to his harsh, if not cuss, words against women who accused him of being sexist and misogynist as depriving him of his freedom of expression.

Our thesis that freedom is dangerous when made

personal was confirmed by the president’s argument.

We are free to eat, for example, but if we insist on feeding only our appetites without regard if others have something on their table like us, that freedom is meaningless. The freedom to eat must be enjoyed by all. But because society has become so self-oriented, we are no longer disturbed if others could hardly feed themselves as long as our tummies are full.

What’s the danger of this? Never forget the saying that a hungry man is an angry man. Will that hungry man bent his anger toward himself if not toward those he feels, reasonably or unreasonably, deprived him of that freedom to eat?

Jesse E.L. Bacon II

This is the logic of personal and even property crimes.

But what we always forget is the fact that the situation where others could hardly have something for themselves is the direct result of greed where the few deprived others of their equitable and just share of society’s wealth. This point had been raised by us here for several times already.

Why? Because without us understanding the dynamics of social ills, we will end up stupendously thinking that the poor laborers, See FREEDOM, page 11

Think A Minute

Finding a lost masterpiece THINK a minute.

You are not one person but three: The person you think you are, the person others think you are, and the person you truly are.

One day a man was looking in a used art shop. He picked up a painting that appeared very cheap.

Then as he looked closer he saw another painting hidden underneath the cheap one.

He knew that many valuable, lost masterpieces were hidden this way, so he bought it and hurried home to begin taking off the top cheap painting.

After many hours of careful work, he could fi-

nally see a beautiful masterpiece of art that had been lost for years. Now it was finally restored to its original beauty.

Each one of us is like that masterpiece painting.

The original person you and I were created to be is hidden by what others think we are—and especially by the person we think we are.

Our own wrong thinking about ourselves stops us from becoming the person we can truly and fully be.

Almost everything we are and do in life comes from the way we see ourselves in our mind.

So if we want to change, we must go much deeper

than just changing our actions and behavior; we must change what we think about ourselves. “Success and satisfaction is an ‘inside’ job!”

Other people usually just see the surface—how we appear and act on the outside, or what we have achieved in school or in our job and career. But that is just a part of you.

Only your Maker knows the total, real you hidden underneath what others and you yourself see.

Only your Creator knows all the facts about you, inside and out, since He is the One Who custom-made you to be a one-of-a-kind masterpiece who fills a special place in

By ZAINUDIN MALANG MindaNews

peace agreement, a new organic law, another plebiscite and a new set-up later – Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM), approximately16,000 individuals were displaced since Monday, also because of heavy bombardment and fighting, this time involving fighter jets. The same place, the same type of operation, between the same groups, affecting the same villages. The numbers of IDPs (internally displaced persons) are expected to grow in the coming days.

Five years interim and the situation hasn’t changed much. It is true that the BARMM is only weeks old so it will be unfair to expect it to produce results. But the peace process is more than just a few weeks old. From the signing of the Comprehensive Agreement on the Bangsamoro (CAB) just two months from the return of the villagers I accompanied five years ago, that should have heralded a change in environment, a steady build up of confidence in the peace process, on its

promise. Recent events have shown otherwise.

I am well aware that my friends among local and international stakeholders have been in self-congratulatory mood since last year – actually, since 2014 when the CAB was signed. But for long time followers of the peace process like me, who have seen all its cyclical ups and downs, we see something disturbing underneath all the celebration. I have in particular have been taking note of the continuing growth of the BIFF, the entry of the ISIS (I actually warned that some of the ISIS I was seeing leave Iraq while I was working there will end up in Mindanao), the large scale military operations and repeated civilian displacements, the suicide bombing/s, etc. the continuing discrimination and harrassment of Moros outside the BARMM, etc.

This post may pop some groups’ party balloons and be resented particularly by the newbie observers and players in the peace process. However, even back

Jhan Tiafau Hurst

the world.

Jesus is the only One Who can show you the person He designed you to be and help you actually become that person.

Won’t you ask Him to forgive you for your wrong thinking and living?

He can start changing your mind and heart today, so you can start becoming everything He created you to be.

Just think a minute.

What is the beef with the BIFF?

FIVE years ago, my last mission in Mindanao before going on deployment in East Africa was to organize protection accompaniment for the return of thousands of civilians from several villages in Central Mindanao.

They were displaced by heavy bombardment of the SPMS box by the military who were trying to drive out the Bangsamoro Islamic Freedom MovementBangsamororo Islamic Freedom Fighters (BIFM-BIFF), the group that splintered from the MILF-BIAF (Moro Islamic Liberation Front).

They said they never experienced that intense bombing even during martial law in Marcos’ time. The bombardment had subsided and they were desperate to return to their homes – the lack of food aid at the evac sites and the miserable conditions of their shelters gave them no choice. So, we helped arrange for their safe return.

Five years later – a new

when I was still working on Mindanao issues and was frequently sought out for coffee meetings by embassy folks, foreign scholars and experts, aid agencies, and media, I have always been known as a party pooper, the one who gave everyone else a reality check.

“If you want BS, invite someone else for coffee”, I would tease them. But my voice was eventually drowned by those who prefer to see rainbows and unicorns and so, I became like the tragic Greek figure Cassandra whose dark prognosis was often ignored even if they invariably became true. Soon, the coffee invites stopped and I, too, stopped caring.

Now, Cassandra predicts that it will be a long haul, that things will get worse before it gets better. Whether or not the new autonomous set-up will bring changes in the security environment and increase the people’s level of confidence, we probably won’t know until after See BEEF, page 11

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ILIGAN UPDATES

5

People’s Day Held at Brgy. Kabacsanan I LIGAN CITY – Different programs and services were given by the Local Government Unit of Iligan City during the People’s Day. The services given during the program were: Medical Check-up, Medicines, Blood Typing, Haircut, Packed Lunch, 2 kilos of rice each, Legal Assistance (specifically: Affidavit of two [Disinterested Persons], Affidavit of Loss, Special Power of

Attorney, Contract, Affidavit of Same Persons), Dental Check-up and Tooth Extraction, Rabies Vaccination for Pets, Police Clearance, Eyeglasses for Senior Citizens and Ear Piercing. All the services were given for free as it has always been. The said program was held in Barangay Kabacsanan Gymnasium, this city on February 22.

Meanwhile, Atty. Demosthenes Plando, Chair-

man on the Committee on Laws, Rules, Labor and Employment said that there will be a soon to rise free college education for those parents who cannot afford to send their children to college universities because of poverty and lack of resources especially to the hinterland barangays of Iligan City wherein, this would be a mobilizing LGU support for basic education.

He further explained that

this program is for those from poor families to provide them a fair chance at fighting poverty. Vice Mayor Jemar Vera Cruz also said that this would provide all Iliganons equal opportunities to quality education in both private and public educational institutions. “Naa unta ta’y MSU-IIT diri sa dakbayan nga maayo og kalidad og libre ang tuition pero dili sad tanan swertehon maka skwela sa maong unibersidad intawon kay kinahanglan pa mu take

AUTHENTIC MONTESSORI SCHOOL - Bontilao Montessori Primary School (BMPS) OPENS IN UPTOWN CDO with DEREK RAMSAY as Special Guest DEREK Ramsay led the opening of Bontilao Montessori Primary School (BMPS) recently in full support for his little sister, Natala Catherine Ramsay-Bontilao as she opens her second school in Mindanao with Partners in Uptown Cagayan de Oro.

Cutting the Ribbon are From Left : Dr. Santiago Bontilao, Dr. Johnny Lu (Phil Dental Association) and Celebrity Guest - Derek Ramsay. The other photo shows Natala Catherine Ramsay-Bontilao (the School Founder and Directress with her family and partners)

BMPS is now accepting enrollment for Summer (to start in April 24) and Early enrollment for Regular Classes (in June 2019) as well as Enhancement Courses in Reading & Math. For inquiries, you may contact 0915-205-7059 or 0917-7163964 or BMPS Office 0917-178-4550. BMPS is located at Philippine Dental Association Building (PDA) along Mastersons Avenue (right beside DILG). Office Hours is between 8am and 5pm, Mondays to Fridays.

Give your child a head start in life at Bontilao Montessori Primary School!

sa maong exam (SASE) ug mabagsak dili gyod makapa-enrol.” (We may have MSU-IIT in our city that provides excellent and quality education and free of cost but not everybody is lucky enough to attend the university because they have to pass the entrance test first [SASE] and if they fail, they wouldn’t be allowed to enrol.) He said.

The “People’s Day” was indeed successful as it manifested that the city government worked for the people through

establishing the delivery of services. Mr. Steward Dumalagan of Community Affairs Office, as he always stated, “Buwis sa katawhan, ibalik sa katawhan,” (The tax of the people, should be given back to the people).

Despite the issues thrown to the city mayor, he still managed to continue to provide services through reaching out to the people through this program.

This program has been conducted since 2015. - – IMFN/CIO

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MINDANAO DAILY Drought will hit M’nao provinces -PAGASA

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SEVERAL areas in Mindanao will be experiencing the impact of El Niño.

Dry spell, according to PAGASA, is characterized by three consecutive months of below normal rainfall conditions (usually 21 to 60 percent below average) or two consecutive months of below 60 percent from average rainfall.

Areas in Mindanao that may be affected by drought by the end of March are Zamboanga del Sur, Zamboanga Sibugay, Maguindanao, and Sulu.

Likewise, more areas in Mindanao may observe dry condition or two consecutive months of below normal (21 percent to 60 percent reduction from average) rainfall conditions. These are Bukidnon, Camiguin, Lanao del Norte, Misamis Oriental, Compostela Valley, Agusan del Norte, Agusan del Sur, Basilan, and Lanao

Friday, March 15, 2019

MANILA – A ranking official of the Department of Finance (DOF) says reforms should be implemented to encourage more foreign direct investments (FDIs) and improve the country’s investment environment.

In an economic bulletin dated March 13, 2019, Finance Undersecretary Gil Beltran said 2018 FDIs to the Philippines reached USD9.8 billion, a bit lower than the USD10 billion registered in 2017.

This drop is in line with the decline in global FDIs during the past two years, he said.

The lower global FDIs last year were traced to

6

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del Sur. In Metro Manila, residents carrying all kinds of water containers are patiently queuing up just to catch the fire brigades’ water rations, even spending five hours or more or even overnight.

This is because water supply in La Mesa Dam is quickly drying up and augmentations from Angat and Ipo Dams are still under negotiations.

The effects of El Niño are something that concern not only the farmers but almost all households in the metropolis and the provinces.

The Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA) on Wednesday (March 13) announced 41 provinces may experience dry spell by the end of March while several See HIT, page 11

DOF exec cites need for reforms to attract more FDIs

By JOANN VILLANUEVA

BUSINESS

Purchase Order Funding

US-China trade issues, Brexit, and slower global growth.

Citing a study by the World Bank (WB), Beltran, who is also the DOF’s chief economist, said “foreign capital should be attracted to enhance more competition and efficiency in the economy.”

He also said that “drop in 2018 FDI is just a temporary phenomenon brought about by the uncertain world economic environment.”

“FDI flows will recover when world conditions are better. Meanwhile, the Philippines should implement reforms for a better investment environment,” he said.

Beltran also brought up the need to “drastically cut”

red tape.

“In this regard, TradeNet.ph, among other digital infrastructure, should already be implemented.

This will facilitate exports of manufactures,” he said.

The Finance department executive also said that restrictions on foreign ownership “should be eased” since the country is among the countries in Asia that has the most restrictive investment regimes.

Among those to be reformed is the Public Service Act (PSA), he said. “(This) should be amended to redefine public utilities and enhance competition to bring down cost,” he added.

(PNA)

DA to probe high prices of GMO corn

By LILYBETH ISON

MANILA -- Agriculture Secretary Emmanuel “Manny” Piñol has ordered an investigation in the reportedly high prices of hybrid corn seeds in the country.

“I have ordered to investigate on the prices of hybrid corn seeds in other countries because the multi-national companies handling hybrid corn seeds in the Philippines -- particularly the GMO (genetically modified organism) -- are selling it at a very high price right now,” Piñol said in a press briefing on Tuesday.

He said these multi-

national companies are allegedly selling hybrid corn seeds to farmers who have to shell out PHP12,000 per hectare.

“It seems there is connivance between these multinational companies on the prices of hybrid corn seeds as they offer the same,” Piñol said in Filipino.

“We will check. They (multi-national companies) will hear from me and we will take legal action. The moment we were able to establish that the selling price of high hybrid corn is really high and they monopolized the market, we will file charges against

them,” he added.

Piñol said the Philippine Competition Commission (PCC) has the mandate to sanction erring multinational companies.

The use of hybrid corn seeds is growing fast and has led the country to 100-percent self-sufficiency in corn.

The October-December 2018 corn production at 1.81 million metric tons, was higher by 10.8 percent than the 2017 level of 1.63 million metric tons.

Harvest area increased to 612,000 hectares from previous year’s record of 571,000 hectares. Yield per See PROBE, page 11

Filinvest’s power arm ready to serve Mindanao’s future steel industry THE Gotianun family-led FDC Misamis Power Corporation (FDC Misamis) in Villanueva, Misamis Oriental Province is ready to respond to the surging power demand on Mindanao island.

Earlier this year, the Mindanao Development Authority (MinDa) released

an information bulletin that by 2025 Mindanao’s current demand, which is around 1,600-MW to 1,700-MW, will increase by 500-MW to 600-MW. Per the National Grid Corporation of the Philippines (NGCP), Mindanao’s current capacity reaches around 2,400-MW to 2,500-

MW. Although there is currently an oversupply of approximately 800-MW in the region, MinDa reiterated that Mindanao would still need an additional 100-MW per year to cope with rising power demand.

MinDa cited some of the major upcoming economic

projects in Mindanao, which would be contributing to the demand for power, such as the Mindanao Railway System (MRS), new hotels and malls, and the entry of two giant foreign steel companies in Davao City and Misamis Oriental.

In Misamis Oriental, HBIS Group, China’s sec-

ond-biggest steel producing company, plans to set up its facilities at PHIVIDEC Industrial Estate in Villanueva town anytime this year.

The said company is pouring in $4.4-billion in investments through a twophase project with the objective of producing millions of tons of hot-rolled coil and

600,000 tons of slab annually in the first phase, and another eight (8) million tons in the following phase.

FDC Misamis President and CEO Mr. Juan Eugenio L. Roxas emphasized the company’s commitment to provide electricity to HBIS, as well as to existing See READY-, page 11

MINDANAO DAILY We innovate... and we lead!

Editor: MARK FRANCISCO

New College of Dentistry Bldg.

Friday, March 15, 2019

FEATURE

7

SWU Phinma breaks ground for SWU Villa SOUTHWESTERN University Phinma Dentistry students have a new home to look forward to.

School officials, faculty, the student council, and student body were all present at the SWU campus to commemorate the start of construction of the College of Dentistry’s new building. Set to be completed in April of 2020, the new building, is slated to be called “SWU Villa”.

“This move is part of SWU’s “home improvement program”, as we like to think that our students consider SWU their “home”, and we hope to provide current and future students with the best facilities they need.” said SWU Chief Operating Officer Albert Gamboa.

The seven-floor structure will contain pre-clinical and clinical areas, as well as administrative offices, faculty, conference, and discussion rooms, and rest areas for clinicians and students.

Eight clinics are planned, with a reception room for incoming patients,

including three simulation rooms where SWU’s dentistry students can practice using their instruments before working on actual patients.

A ceramic dental laboratory and complete denture room, an autoclave room, a roentgenology laboratory and x-ray room, and a central stockroom to serve the laboratories and clinics, round out the facilities for The Villa.

“The number of dentistry students enrolling is growing every year, and with the SWU Villa, the university will be able to accommodate more.” noted Gatieh Nacario, SWU’s Vice-President for Academics.

The construction of The Villa is in line with SWU’s thrust to provide high-quality, hands-on learning experience for its serious and driven students. SWU officials foresee that with the new building and its facilities, the students’ learning experience within the university will be improved, and will help them achieve their goals of becoming world-class dentists.

Davao 8 Davao Occ. town declares DepEd-11 denies banning NPA ‘persona non grata’ ACT members as poll BEIs

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Friday, March 15, 2019

DAVAO CITY -- The Department of EducationRegion 11 (DepEd-11)brushed aside allegations of the Association of Concerned Teachers (ACT) that it has banned the group’s members from performing election duties.

“I can categorically say that DepEd did not issue declaring them as ineligible to the BEI. Their accusation is based on allegations with no solid evidence,” said Jenielito Atillo, DepEd-11 spokesperson, during the AFP-PNP press briefing

on Wednesday here.

“We don’t have an issue with them when it comes to working inside the classroom. We respect their freedom of expression,” Atillo added.

Still, Atillo said ACT and DepEd-11 officials continue

to maintain a good relationship.

Atillo argued that DepEd officials have no authority to declare any teachers’ group as ineligible to serve in the May 2019 elections. Only the Commission on See DENIES, page 10

DAVAO CI T Y -- The Davao Occidental town of Jose Abad Santos has declared the New People’s Army (NPA) as “persona non grata” or unacceptable, condemning the rebel group for its various atrocities.

A municipal council resolution signed by Mayor Jason John Joyce cited the “continued acts of violence, terrorism, violent extremism and other forms of

lawlessness, oppression, and harassment of the communist insurgents to the people”.

The resolution accused the Communist Party of the Philippines (CPP) and its armed wing, the New People’s Army (NPA), of “constantly violating” the International Humanitarian Law in attacking nonconflict associated civilians, See DECLARES, page 10

Army assures safety of Davao City DSWD prioritizes residents amid NPA atrocities cleansing of 4Ps list

DAVAO CITY -- The Philippine Army’s 3rd Infantry Battalion (3IB) has assured to keep residents of this city safe from atrocities of the communist New People’s Army (NPA).

Lt. Col Oscare Partuza, 3IB commanding officer, made the assurance following Monday’s encounter between the NPA and government troops in So Sangiapo, Barangay Sinuda, Kitaotao, Bukidnon.

“We and the other security forces in Davao and the local government of Davao City condemned the evil deeds of the CNTs (Communist Party of the Philippines-New Peoples’ Army Terrorist),” Partuza said, referring to the military’s standard designation of the NPA and its mother organization -- the Communist Party of the Philippines.

Partuza called on Dabawenyos to support the military’s effort to stop NPA atrocities, adding that “with our collective actions and continuous vigilance, we can totally rid Davao City against criminals and terrorists.”

After Monday’s 10-minute firefight, Partuza said government troops are still pursuing the insurgents who scampered towards the northern boundary of Davao City and Bukidnon.

Partoza said the encounter ensued after government troops encountered about 30 insurgents believed to be members of the NPA’s Guerilla Front 56 under a certain Egor.

Government troops recovered from the encounter site an AK47 rifle with magazine, an improvised explosive device, communication devices, ammunition,

By FRANCES MAE MACAPAGAT

DAVAO CITY -- Social Welfare and Development Secretary Rolando Bautista announced the department’s prioritization on the cleansing of the list of the Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program (4Ps) beneficiaries.

Attending the 68th Anniversary program of the DSWD Region XI last March 11 at the Davao Convention and Trade Center, Bautista bared stringent measures are in place as the department aims to remove beneficiaries who are not suppose to receive monthly social assistance.

“We have received so many complaints thru 888 claiming that there are many beneficiaries who should be removed from the list. We appreciate these information and so we can verify these people”, he said.

Mayor Allan L. Rellon together with his wife, Ms. Yhora Mae Rellon and the city officials dancing to the tune of Kay Ganda ng Ating Musika by Ryan Cayabyab during the Grand Opening Ceremonies of the 5-in-1 Celebration last The official mentioned See CLEANSING, page 10

February 27 at the New City Hall Grounds. Leo Timogan/ CIO Tagum

Tagum’s 5-in-1 fest ends on a high note Anniversary.

6,000 musically inclined Tagumenyos brought the house in the state of euphoria with their angelic voices and beatific music in the Grand Musical Showcase which heralded the unity and pride of every Tagumenyo people during the grand opening ceremonies last February 27 which gathered a crowd of more or less 2,500.

Considered as the Mother Festival of all festivals in Tagum, Musikahan Festival is vibrant as ever with its eight activities which harnessed friendly competition among participants coming

from the three major islands of the Philippines; Luzon, Visayas, and Mindanao.

Tunog Tagum, Tunog Tagumpay; Battle of the Bands which promotes the Tagum’s unique music run from February 21 to 24 at JS Gaisano for its elimination round congregated 34 bands which were cut into 10 finalists and battled for the best among the best band in Tagum last February 28 at GMall of Tagum.

The heats up in crescendo as the Republika ng TM brought Rocksteddy a renowned band in the country and Patrick Quiroz in Tagum to perform last

March 1 at the City Hall Grounds which attended by 7,500 individuals. On the same date, Rondal-Awit Plucked Strings Competition was also held at Robinsons Place of Tagum participated by nine groups in two categories with total members of 175 performers.

Merrymaking was not the only objective of this activity for the Tagumenyo Bisa’g-Asa (TBA), a group of Tagumenyos who are working and living abroad, conducted a job fair to help our jobless Tagumenyos land a job still in March 1 and as of the record 792 aspiring applicants walked in and 53

among them were hired on the spot by 32 employers.

They also launched the TBA scholarship program as their efforts on reaching out for Tagumenyo youth achieve their aspirations, during the TBA: Pag-abi-abi last March 2.

Other Musikahan Festival Activities which painted color and melody in the streets of Tagum were Barangay Musikahan (Rural and Urban), Himig Handog Choral Competition, Marching Band and DBLC Street Parade Competition, Avenida Musika: Symphonic Serenata, Kasikas sa Tagum:

See ASSURES, page 10

TAGUM CITY— High Spirited. Joyous. Proud.

These are the words that explain how the 5-in-1 Celebration of the city left the Tagumenyos after the two weeks of merriment which started last February 21 to March 7 which prided the many monikers of Tagum especially being the City of People and the Music Capital of the South.

Like in the last three years of holding this grandiose festivity, the 5-in-1 celebration consisted of the Musikahan Festival, Tagumenyo Bisa’g-Asa, Araw ng Tagum, the State of the City Address, and the City Hall

DAVAO CIT Y -- Doctors, nurses and patients of the Davao Medical School Foundation (DMSF) and the Southern Philippines Medical Center venerated the heart relic of St. Camillus de Lellis on Wednesday here.

The heart relic of St.

Camillus de Lellis, the patron saint of the sick, doctors and nurses, arrived on Tuesday afternoon for a three-day visit here and in Davao Oriental.

A holy mass was held at the DMSF chapel followed by the public veneration.

At 12 noon, another Eu-

charistic celebration was held at the SPMC. The public veneration at SPMC will be held from 1 p.m. to 5 p.m. The heart relic will be transferred on Thursday at San Pedro Hospital where the Eucharistic mass and Anointing of the Sick will take place

from 8:30 a.m. to 10:30 a.m.

On the last day, March 15, from 8:30 a.m. to 9 a.m., the Solemn Rite of Acceptance at San Pedro Cathedral and public veneration will be held.

The mass is scheduled at 12 noon and the public

veneration starts from 1 p.m. to 4:30 p.m. The Eucharistic celebration and Anointing of the Sick and public veneration are from 6:30 p.m. to 8 p.m.

Davao City is part of the Mindanao journey of the St. Camillus de Lellis relic which includes other cit-

ies like Mati and Cagayan de Oro. The two-month journey in the Philippines will have its last stop at the Manila Cathedral and the relic will return to Rome, Italy on April 1 where it is enshrined at the Church of St. Mary Magdalene.

(PNA)

See ENDS, page 10

Davao hospital staff, patients venerate St. Camillus relic

9 PH, Malaysia to pursue cooperation on Halal, barter trade, and strengthening BIMP-EAGA

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Friday, March 15, 2019

MAKATI – Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) Secretary Ramon Lopez pushed for greater bilateral cooperation on the area of barter trade between the Philippines (PH) and Malaysia (MY) during his dialogue with Minister of International Trade and Industry Datuk Ignatius Darell Leiking on 8 March 2019. The trade chief highlighted the revival of barter trade system in Mindanao will support the promotion of Halal industry from both countries. The ministers also agreed to cooperate in strengthening the Brunei Darussalam, Indonesia, Malaysia, Philippines East ASEAN Growth Areas (BIMP-EAGA).

“We should really make these areas of cooperation work as it will create and bring more economic activities to both Filipinos and Malaysians. The barter trade as well as the BIMPEAGA will mean a lot to our people,” said Sec. Lopez.

The trade chief conveyed the ongoing progress in the revival of barter trade system in Basilan, Sulu, and Tawi-Tawi areas (BASULTA) that aim to provide more livelihood and income to small coastal communities, especially in Sulu and Tawi-Tawi. Likewise, he underscored PH’s potential in Halal industry and the

opportunities it offers to Malaysian consumers.

Officials from the Ministry of International Trade and Industry (MITI) noted that apart from electronics, top imports from PH include processed food, which could be a strong start for Halal promotions.

In 2018, MY stood as the country’s 10th largest trading partner, 11th export market, and 9th top import supplier. Total bilateral trade from both countries amounted to USD 6 billion in 2018 compared to USD 5.5 billion in 2017.

DTI will head a delegation on April to attend the Malaysia International Halal Showcase. “This kind of activities are very important to PH as the country is still beginning to recognize its potentials in the Halal industry and would learn much from big economies, like Malaysia,” Sec. Lopez added.

Both ministers expressed the need to focus on the development of ASEAN’s sub regions, which include the BIMP-EAGA. Meanwhile, Minister Leiking expressed his appreciation on PH products and home-grown brands like Jollibee, which is currently expanding in MY. MITI officials also conveyed the interest of many Malaysian companies in

participating in PH government’s massive infrastructure project, Build Build Build as well as the assistance extended to companies intending to invest in PH. The meeting between Sec. Lopez and Minister Leiking followed the visit to PH of His Excellency Prime Minister Tun Dr. Mahathir Mohamad last week. Present during the meeting were DTI Undersecretaries Ceferino Rodolfo and Abdulgani Macatoman, Assistant Secretaries An-

Claim...

properties. The strategy not only expedites the process but also reduces human exposure to unstable structures inside the MAA. Ground-truthing reveals a minute difference of only 0.10 millimeters between

drone-generated map and actual survey.

Kambisita is one of the activities of Task Force Bangon Marawi lodged under DENR. (PSMadridano/ PMD-DENR10). #TayoAngKalikasan

from page 2

ownership on structures are also recorded.

As provided in Memorandum Circular No. 2017003 by the Land Management Bureau, Kambisita adopts the drone-generated maps in identification of EXTRAJUDICIAL SETTLEMENT OF ESTATE OF DECEASED PERSON

Notice is hereby given that the intestate estate of the late FULGENCIA PELLERIN CLAVANO, who died on August 14, 2018 at Northern Mindanao Medical Center, Capital Compound, Cagayan de Oro City, died intestate leaving Veterans Saving Account under Account No. 0023-375300101 in the amount of P102,537.54; are the subject of EXTRAJUDICIAL SETTLEMENT OF ESTATE OF DECEASED PERON; made and entered into by and among: MARIE LOR, LEONARDO P. CLAVANO JR., MARYLYN C. TALILI, MARIVIC C. RABINA, MAGGIE C. MUMFORD, LEONARDO P. CLAVANO III and LINDY P. CLAVANO, all of legal ages, single/married respectively, Filipinos and residents of Block 8, Lot 9, Villa Trinitas Subd., Bugo, Cagayan de Oro City, NOW, THEREFORE, pursuant to section 1,Rule 74 of the rules of court, subject to the limitations imposed under section 4, thereof, the HEIRS herein, do hereby adjudicate unto, divide and partition by and among themselves, as by these presents have ADJUDICATED unto, DIVIDED and PARTITIONED by and among themselves the herein-above described Veterans Savings Account under Account No. 0023-375200-101 in the amount of P102,537.54 in pro indiviso equal sgare each of them; Under Noatry Public of Atty. ROWELL B. VALLEDOR; as per Doc No. 217; Page No. 116;Book No. 13; Series of 2019.

MDN: Mar. 1, 8 & 15, 2019

gelo Taningco and Allan Gepty, Board of Investments International Investments Promotion Service Chief Lanie Dormiendo, Malaysia External Trade Development Corporation (MATRADE) Chief Ex-

MDN: Mar 8 & 15, 2019

Republic of the Philippines OFFICE OF THE MUNICIPAL CIVIL REGISTRAR Province of Lanao del Norte MUNICIPALITY OF BACOLOD RA Form No. 10.1 (LCRO) R.A. 10172 NOTICE OF PUBLICATION

In compliance with Section 5 of R.A. No. 10172, a notice is hereby served to the public that ANISAH LOCSADATO MADID has filed with has this Office a petition for CORRECTION OF CLERICAL ERROR particularly SEX from “MALE” to “FEMALE” in the Certificate of LIVE BIRTH ANISAH LOCSADATO MADID who was born on July 12, 1997 at BACOLOD, LANAO DEL NORTE whose parents are BASAULA MARANDACAN LOCSADATO and DEMAR SANGUILA MADID.

Any person adversely affected by said petition may file his written opposition with this Office.

(Sgd.) EMILY B. CABUG Municipal Civil Registrar

MDN: Mar 8 & 15, 2019

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

NOTICE TO THE PUBLIC

CCE-383-2018(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 CHRISLEI ANNE AMORA BURGOS 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 CHRISLEI ANNE AMORA who was born on December 21, 1984 at Butuan Doctor’s Hospital, Butuan City, Agusan del Norte, Philippines and whose parents are CECILIA CAFE AMORA and LAURENTE SOBRENO BURGOS.

Any person adversely affected by said petition may file his written opposition with this Office not later than 25 March 2019.

MDN: Mar 8 & 15, 2019

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

ecutive Officer Dato’ Wan Latiff Wan Musa, Malaysian Investment Development Authority Executive Director for Strategic Planning Zabidi Mahbar, ASEAN Economic Integration Division of MITI Director

Republic of the Philippines REGIONAL TRIAL COURT OF LANAO DEL SUR 12th Judicial Region Marawi City IN THE MATTER OF PETITION FOR CANCELLATION OF THE CERTIFCATE OF LIVE BIRTH OF ABDUL-HAKIM YAHYA GARANGAN UNDER REGISTRY NO. 972228,

SP. PROC. NO. ML-458-2019

ABDULHAKIM YAHYA GARANGAN, Petitioner -versusMARAWI CITY LOCAL CIVIL REGISTRAR & THE PHILIPPINE STATISTICS AUTHORITY Respondents x-------------------------------------------------------x ORDER

Before this Court is a verified Petition for Cancellation of the Certificate of Live Birth of one ABDULHAKIM YAHYA GARANGAN, with Registry Number 97-2228 under the Office of the Local Civil Registrar of the Marawi City, Lanao Del Sur. Petitioner is seeking to cancel the said certificate of live birth, which contains erroneous entries, in order to maintain his true and correct certificate of live under registry number 99-0172.

Finding the petition to be sufficient in form and substance, the same is hereby set for hearing on April 10, 2019 before this Court at 8:30 o’clock in the morning at which date, place and time, any interested party may appeal and show cause why the petition should not be granted.

Let this Order be published in a newspaper of general circulation in the City of Marawi and the Province of Lanao del Sur once a week for three (3) consecutive weeks at the expense of the petitioner.

The Civil Registrar of Marawi City, Lanao del Sur, and the Civil Registrar General, Philippines Statistics Authority, Quezon City, or any person or party who has an interest in the petition, may file his/her opposition thereto with in fifteen (15) days from notice of this petition or from the last day of publication of this order.

Further, let copies of this Order be posted, also at the expense of the petitioner for fifteen (15) days prior to the date of hearing at the following areas: 1.) Bulletin Board of the City Hall of Marawi City, Lanao del Sur, 2. ) Bulletin Board of Civil Registrar of Marawi City and 3.) Bulletin Board of this Court.

Furnish copies of this Order the Office of the Solicitor General at 134 Amorsolo St., Legaspi Village, Makati City, the Local Civil Registrar of Marawi City, Lanao del Sur, and the Philippines Authority, Quezon City.

SO ORDERED February 11, 2019 at Marawi City, Philippines.

MDN: Mar 8, 15 & 22, 2019

Khairulnizam Hashim, and MATRADE Manila Trade Commissioner Siti Azlina Mohd Ali Hanafiah.

EXTRAJUDICIAL SETTLEMENT OF ESTATE

Notice is hereby given that the intestate estate of the late BENEDICTO M. LAGMAN JR., died single on September 9, 2001 at Valencia City, Metro Manila; and LEMUEL M. LAGMAN, died single on January 9, 2017 at Brgy. San Rafael, Sto. Tomas, Batangas; the decedents left in the Philippines real property several parcels of land covered by: 1. TCT No. T-5414 containing an area of FIFTY EIGHT THOUSAND (58,000) Square meters more or less, situated at Barrio of Bilay, Butuan City, Agusan Del Norte, Philippines; 2.

TCT No. 5415 containing an area of THIRTY TWO THOUSAND (32,000) Square meters more or less, situated at Barrio of Bilay, Butuan City, Agusan Del Norte, Philippines; 3.

TCT No. 5416 containing an area of SIXTY THOUSAND ONE HUNDRED (60,100) Square Meters more or less, situated at Barrio of Bilay, Butuan City, Agusan del Norte, Philippines; 4. TCT No. 5417 containing an area of FIFTY TWO THOUSAND (52,000) Square meters more or less, situated at Barrio of Bilay, Butuan City, Agusan del Norte, Philippines; 5. TCT No. 5418 containing an area of SIXTY EIGHT THOUSAND (68,000) Butuan City, Agusan del Norte, Philippines; are the subject of EXTRAJUDICIAL SETTLEMENT OF ESTATE; made and entered into by and between; 1.

FLORLINDA L. GUSTILO, of legal age, Filipino citizen, widow and with address at Blk 14 Lot 11 Clover St. PH2, Ponte Verde Subdivision, Brgy.

San Rafael, Sto. Tomas, Batangas; 2. JOCELYN M. LAGMAN, of legal age, Filipino citizen, single and with address at Blk 14 Lot 11 Clover St. PH2, Ponte Verde Subdivision, Brgy.

San Rafael, Sto. Tomas, Batangas; 3.

ALEX L. CRUZ, Filipino, of legal age, single, and with address at B9 L12 Mozo St., Villa Monserrat 3A, Filinvest Havila, San Juan Taytay, Rizal; and MA. LEA RACHEL L. CRUZ, Filipino, of legal age, single, and with address at B9 L12 Mozo St., Villa Monserrat 3A, Filinvest Havila, San Juan Taytay, Rizal; MA. LEA LILETTE CRUZ ROSALES, Filipino, of legal age, married to Patrick Rosales and with address at B4 Lot 11 Oller St., Villa Monserrat 3A Filinvest Havila, San Juan, Taytay, Rizal, heirs of LETICIA M. LAGMAN, sibling of decedent, who died on May 20, 1999; 4. TIMOTHY JOHN L. CRUZ, of legal age, Filipino, married and a resident of Unit 304 Eurerka Suite 3839 Mascardo St., Tejeros, Makati City, Philippines, the sole heir of Ma. LOURDES L. CRUZ, sibling of decedent, who died on January 27, 2010; Under Notary Public of ATTY. RAUL E. ABANG; as per Doc. No. 278; Page No. 56; Book No. I; Series of 2019.

MDN: Mar 1, 8 & 15, 2019

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Denies...

Declares...

perform atrocious plan,” he added. from page 8 from page 8 Lamosao asked the resiElections, he pointed out, non-military equipment, dents to immediately report has the power to consti- and non- government fa- the presence of NPA memtute and appoint electoral cilities and establishments. bers in their area. (PNA) boards.

“The presence of the At i l l o s a i d D e p E d CPP-NPA-NDF threatens merely records names of the economic, social and from page 8 teachers who are willing political stability and the Drum, Bugle & Lyre Corps, to participate or serve in well-being of the province Drumline Competition (Juthe election. and its populace,” the reso- nior and Open), and Brass An earlier statement lution reads, referring to Band Showdown which released by Undersecretary the National Democratic assembled an accumulated Nepomuceno Malaluan Front--the rebels’ political mob of 13,855. described ACT’s accusa- wing.

March 7 marked the tion as malicious.

Capt. Jerry Lamosao, highlight of the celebra “Their allegations are spokesperson of the Army’s tion, the hosting Araw ng not validated. It is based 10th Infantry Division, said Tagum which was started on reported and purported local government units are by a parade of a conglomeracts,” Malaluan said. increasingly aware of the ate of Tagumenyos coming Malaluan also advised atrocities of the NPA. from the different sectors ACT to come forward with “We would like to re- of society. specific and validated inci- mind everybody that the A mammoth crowd dents when alleged DepEd CPP-NPA-NDF with their which approximately numlocal officials prohibited upcoming anniversary, is bered to 27,000 from all election services for their on the move to create more walks of life participated members. atrocities in the areas where in the parade which is DepEd has earlier asked they are still present. Rest spread-eagled thoroughly ACT to clarify whether its assured that the 10th ID is in Tagum’s major ways. members are members of ready to prevent them from In the afternoon, the lothe ACT Teachers Party- harassing people,” Lamosao cal chief executive, Mayor list, noting that current said during Wednesday’s Allan L. Rellon, prided his laws forbid “political par- AFP-PNP press briefing brainchild developmental ties, organizations or co- here. program dubbed as EAGLE alitions registered under “The manifestation that WINGS and its achievethe Party-list system” from the municipality of Jose ment during his 6th State being represented in the Abad Santos declaring the of the City Address. He voter’s registration boards, CPP-NPA-NDF as persona also presented the future boards of election inspec- non grata is a good start so plans for Tagum which will tors, boards of canvassers, that the group will be denied amplify the city’s economy or other similar bodies. on the recruitment oppor- and cityscape such as the (PNA) tunity and at the same time Tagum Stadium and Tagum Airport which will be located at Madaum.

On another vein, Proud Tagumenyo spirit resurged once again in the launching MALAYBALAY BRANCH of the Kagikan book which traced up the rich history Tagum; the basis of its Kimberlite Pawnshop will be having an of name and the origin of its settler after 102 AUCTION SALE on all items that expired original years of residing in the hazy and dark side of history after on January 2011: the LCE’s report. But prior to this event, a Kagikan Colloquium was held at AUCTION DATE: March 19, 2019 the Robinsons Place Tagum last March 5 which was Fortich Street, Barangay 2 keynoted by the highly-esteemed Michael Charleston Malaybalay City, Bukidnon “Xiao” Chua, an Assistant

Ends...

KIMBERLITE PAWNSHOP

Kagay-an Festival 1st Oro Lechoneros Encuentro Champion

Professorial Lecturer at the City of Manila’s De La Salle University.

A grand fireworks display capped the two-week celebration last March 7 that was witnessed by almost 3,500 Tagumenyos.

(JP Cordovero/CIO Tagum)

Assures... from page 8

and subversive documents.

Earlier, Brig. Gen. Ernesto Torres, commander of the 1003rd Infantry Brigade, assured the military has kept the city’s boundaries secured especially along the areas of Baguio and Marilog districts. The two districts are being eyed as peace and development zones under the local government’s Peace 911 initiative. (PNA)

Hires... from page 2

were Hired-On-The-Spot (HOTS).

HOTS Jesha J. Jimeno thanked BukSU, as well as the PESO Malaybalay City and DOLE for the opportunity of being able to apply to many companies in one venue. “My employment is indeed a help for me and my family to defray our daily domestic expenses,” expressed the 20 year-old graduating student, taking up of Bachelor of Science in Business Administration.

She applied for call center agent and was hired on-thespot by Skykes Asia Inc., a Cebu City-based call center company.

Likewise, Jicer F. Olbedo, also one of the HOTS, was very elated of landing a job right away as a call center agent at Skykes Asia Inc..

“This employment would be a great help to my family, especially that I can now help support my younger brother’s school expenses,” shared the 23 year-old alumni of the school who graduated from the course of Bachelor of Science in

Development Communication and a resident of Dilapa, Quezon, Bukidnon.

He revealed that his mother has no work and his father is a tricycle driver.

The family’s income would be sometimes not enough for their everyday needs.

“The Job Fair is a really great help to us seeking for jobs.

Thank you DOLE Bukidnon and PESO, especially to BukSU for conducting this!” Olbedo added.

Valmores felt elated with the results of the Job Fair and assured the public that the DOLE will continue to facilitate such activities, especially in boosting employment facilitation in the province. (DOLE10/PIA10)

Launches... from page 2

The MOH said measles cases in the region decreased to 361 confirmed cases this year compared to 1,260 cases during the same period in 2018.

Together with the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF), Dr. Zul Qarneyn Abas, MOH deputy minister, said they thought of tapping the Regional Darul Ifta to come out with the Fatwa after discovering that many of the parents in the region ”tend to refuse immunization because they were unsure if vaccination was consistent with their faith.”

The MOH and the UNICEF conducted two conferences - one for the island provinces and another for the mainland provinces on August and September 2018 to issue a fatwa on the legitimacy of vaccination and the evidence found in the Holy Qur’an and the Sunnah.

Abas assured that immunization is permissible from the Islamic perspective noting that “the vaccines are halal.”

“The best gift we can give

to our child is full immunization certificate,” Farid Dastgeer, child protection specialist of UNICEF said.

With the Fatwa on immunization, the Health Ministry is hoping to increase the immunization rates across the Bangsamoro region. (BARMM Public Information and Media Bureau/PIA10)

Showcase... from page 2

can compete with other students anywhere part of the world.

“You are the reason why we are here today, and we feel proud and contented of our work as teachers because we can now witness the skills and potentials of our students,” Schools Division Superintendent Dr. Roy Angelo E. Gazo said.

He also encouraged the students to continue pursuing their dreams.

The event opened doors as DepEd invited employers to the job fair. This was specifically for Grade 12 students who intend to be employed after graduation.

There were eight local agencies during the job fair: [1] Armed Forces of the Philippines Recruitment Services, [2] Technical Education Skills Development Authority (TESDA), [3] Philippine Health Insurance Corporation, [4] Alrose Group of Company, [5] MSS Trading, [6] Rural Transit Inc., [7] Robinson Inc., and [8] Department of Labor and Employment.

“I must say that this K to 12 program is preparing us for completion. A tree should start as a piece of seed until it becomes a lovely tree,” said Raph Legarde, Grade 12 student of Maigo National High School as insight experiencing the K-12 program.

Students also had a chance to present their products and innovation through entrepreneurship where they can sell and earn.

This included Booths Visitation or Product Expo featuring food display, welded finished products, photo booth, and agricultural display.

During Services Expo, students provided hand and foot spa massage, body massage, pedicure/ manicure.

They also build confidence through a demonstration of talents skills, and abilities.

Performance Expo meanwhile had a cultural dance, hip hop dance, musical theatre, variety show, and live band acoustic rendition. (HMFP/ PIA Lanao del Norte)

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from page 6

provinces may experience drought.

Dry spell, according to PAGASA, is characterized by three consecutive months of below normal rainfall conditions (usually 21 to 60 percent below average) or two consecutive months of below 60 percent from average rainfall.

Areas which may also experience dry spell are Abra, Benguet, Kalinga, Apayao, Mountain Province, Pangasinan, Cagayan, Bataan, Nueva Ecija, Pampanga, Tarlac, Zambales, Metro Manila, Batangas, Cavite, Laguna, Quezon, Marinduque, Oriental Mindoro, Romblon, Albay, Camarines Norte, Camarines Sur, Catanduanes, Masbate, and Sorsogon.

Drought, meanwhile, is more severe as it is characterized by three consecutive months of below 60 percent rainfall reduction or five long months of below normal rainfall.

Other province include Ilocos Norte, Ilocos Sur, L a Union, O ccident a l Mindoro,and Palawan.

Luzon areas which may observe dry condition are Ifugao, Isabela, Nueva Vizcaya, Quirino, Bulacan, Aurora, Rizal, Guimaras, Negros Oriental, Bohol, Cebu, Siquijor, and Southern Leyte By end of May, 33 areas may experience drought including Pangasinan, Bataan, Pampanga, Tarlac, Zambales, Metro Manila, Batangas, Cavite, Laguna, Occidental Mindoro, Oriental Mindoro, Romblon, Palawan, Albay, Camarines Norte, Camarines Sur, Catanduanes, Masbate, Sorsogon, Aklan, Antique, Capiz, Iloilo, Negros Occidental, Biliran, Eastern Samar, Leyte, Northern Samar, Misamis Occidental, and Dinagat Islands. – Marje Pelayo

Ready... from page 6

and potential PHIVIDEC locators.

“Given the opportunity, we are very much ready to supply our neighboring industries considering that we have the necessary advantage over other suppliers.

We have proven the plant’s reliability since the start of its commercial operation in 2016. We are located near the steel plants’ proposed site which means less susceptibility to disturbance in the transmission system and, of course, minimal or zero line rental charge once WESM in Mindanao is operational,” said Roxas.

FD C Misamis Plant Manager Luis Lagarnia, Jr., confirmed the consistent performance of the coal-fired power plant for the past two (2) years.

“Facility preservation is key in sustaining our performance. We have avoided any unplanned shutdown through the conduct of diligent monitoring and

maintenance on our major electrical equipment,” said Lagarnia.

FDC Misamis still offers one of the cheapest electricity rates in the entire Mindanao. “FDC Misamis remains true to its commitment in delivering sustainable power to Mindanao.

Notwithstanding the current inflation, depreciation in the value of peso and current excise tax being imposed on coal, FDC Misamis is still among the cheapest and most reliable source of power in the region compared to conventional coal and diesel-powered plants,” Roxas said.

The power plant’s efficiency, FDC Misamis is very much confident that it can provide the power needed by its adjacent industries and any future investments in the PHIVIDEC area.

Probe... from page 6

hectare improved from 2.85 metric tons to 2.95 metric tons or by 3.5 percent.

Production for JanuaryDecember 2018 at 7.77 million metric tons, decreased by 1.8 percent from the 7.92 million metric tons output in 2017.

Harvest area and yield also declined to 2.51 million hectares and 3.09 metric tons per hectare, respectively, from their levels in the previous year.

Based on standing crop, corn production from January to March 2019 may increase from the previous year’s level of 2.48 million metric tons. (PNA)

Cleansing... from page 8

the Proximean test which will determine the actual economic status level of a person.

He added though that implementation of these measures will only start upon the signing of the 2019 General Appropriations Bill.

“Not until the 2019 budget is approved, these activities related to the cleansing of the list will be implemented on the ground.”

The department is also set to finalize an agreement with the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) and the Philippine National Police (PNP) to help the office carry out social service delivery to the grassroots.

“First, the agreement will enable uniformed men to provide security of our social workers as they do their validation and assessment in Geographically Isolated and Disadvantaged Areas (GIDA). This will not just cover the 4Ps program but all other programs of the DSWD, ” he said.

The agreement will also contain the provision of space for the prepositioning of relief goods per guidance of President Rodrigo Roa Duterte. The President directed that prepositioning of relief goods should no longer be in local government unit facilities as these are often used for political ambitions.

“We will also be requesting to use air assets, water and land assets to preposition relief goods to ensure efficiency of the delivery of goods to affected areas.

(PIA 11/FGM)

Mayor... from page 1

a medical check-up and debriefing and interview with the Philippine Army, the CIDG and the PDEA because of the other charges he is facing,” Brawner explained.

Tension but under control The vice mayor’s arrest caused tension in the city, especially to the supporters according to Brawner.

But it did not affect to the security and peace and order situation of the general public.

“There was no resistance from the vice mayor when the troops arrived to arrest him, although he was surprised. He said he did not know about the charges against him, but he calmly submitted to our operatives going to the camp,” Brawner said.

Around eight vehicles arrived that time at the city hall together with Salic.

Despite of the tension, the military and the police are above the situation.

The PNP-Army checkpoints were tightened to make sure that Salic’s companion, who are included in the Martial Law arrest order, could not get out of Marawi City.

In September 2017, an updated arrest order of the Department of National Defense was released bearing almost a thousand of names, many of them are Salic’s relatives and family members.

Attend... from page 1

of the most recent recipients of the Nobel Prize will meet young scientists from 88 countries for an inspiring dialogue.

The week-long event will include numerous lectures, panel discussions, Agora talks, master classes and a poster session.

In addition, there will be plenty of opportunities for infor mal exchange wit h t he me et ing p articipants on the fringes of the sessions as well as during the social events.

The organizers of the meeting will also arrange interview appointments for journalists with Nobel Laureates, young scientists and distinguished guests.

Once every year, more than 30 Nobel Laureates convene in Lindau to meet the next generation of leading scientists: 500-600 undergraduates,PhD students and post-doctoral researchers from all over the world.

The Lindau Nobel Laureate Meetings foster the exchange among scientists of different generations, cultures and disciplines.

Festival... from page 1

Mall Manager Hammer Bagani Roa in his welcome remarks. “We give them that platform to reach their potential by finding their maximum reach, and Big Bite has become that platform.”

This year’s festival will feature national personalities such as Chef Boy Logro, the Philippine’s Idol sa Kusina, and TV host and former VJ Joyce Pring as they host the many culinary events and competitions, Celebrity Chef JP Anglo, host of CNN Philippines’ Hungry with Chef PJ, as well as some The grand launch was also graced by local luminaries including Ms. Eileen San Juan, representing City Mayor Oscar S. Moreno who was attending an RPOC meeting in Davao City in her capacity as the Local Economic and Investment Promotion Officer; City Tourism Council Chair Dorothy Jean Pabayo, and Ms. Carol Valdez, COHARA director representing COHARA President Bong Pelaez.

“This event is very timely as Cagayan de Oro is getting noted for its food scene, just as it is expected to become the country’s next metropolitan center after Manila, Cebu and Davao by 2025,” San Juan, a past president of the Cagayan de Oro Hotels and Restaurants Association (COHARA) noted. ‘As Metro Cagayan de Oro, it would encompass not only the city but also neighboring municipalities from Misamis Oriental and Bukidnon.”

She also noted that for the next edition of KUMBIRA, COHARA’s signature food show, is eyeing the participation of the Brunei Darussalam-Indonesia-Malaysia-Philippines (BIMP) East Asean Growth Area (BIMP-Eaga).

And not the least, Big Bite Northern Mindanao Food Festival makes its bid to enter the international food scene through Lifestyle Network’s FoodPrints, a food and travel show hosted by Filipino Chef and food personality Sandy Daza that’s aired to Filipino communities all over the globe through The Filipino Channel (TFC).

TFC is a global subscription television network based in the US owned and operated by ABS-CBN. As of 2014, The Filipino Channel has over three million subscribers worldwide, most of whom are in the United States, Middle East, Europe, Australia, Canada, and Japan The son of well-loved chef Nora Daza, Chef Sandy is not only a renowned chef but also author of the bestselling cookbook “Cooking with Sandy Daza”, a columnist, food critic, and has a new restaurant, Wooden Spoon.

Chef Sandy hosts FOOD PRINTS, a food travelogue show on Lifestyle Network

Friday, March 15, 2019 that puts a whole new light to Filipino cuisines by rediscovering its roots through the locals. Chef Sandy learns from them on how to cook their own special blends and uncovers the unique Filipino food culture in the process.

Among the salient events for the four day food fests are CDO Humba Challenge with Cagayan de Oro’s culinary schools and Grill & Chat at Centrio Garden with DJ Kyle (March 14); Krispy Kreme Challenge to create a signature ‘Northern Mindanao” donut (using the original glazed donut); Longest Line of Maruya, both with culinary schools; Event with Host Joyce Pring and Chef Boy Logro; Grill & Chill at the Garden with Aira & DJ Red; and Media & Bloggers Food Sampling (March 15); Beach Eats Competition to create a Cocktail using local fruits in season; Gourmet Street Food Challenge to turn street food into gourmet creations (with culinary schools); Demo with CNN Phils. Celebrity Chef JP Anglo; Grill & Chill at Centrio Garden with Krna & DJ Ms DJ (March 160.

March 17 is awarding day with the Culinary Challenge winners and Grill & Chill at Centrio Garden with the Vamenta Brothers featuring Shekaina DJ Mark D. As Centrio Mall Manager Hammer Roa puts it in his open invitation to everyone: “Take part, enjoy, this is our very own, and we encourage you to awaken that amazing love for food, rediscover your cravings, and take that one big bite!”

Beef... from page 4

the expiration of the transition period of the BARMM. For one, the public is expecting it to address the security issue.

But they, the public, have not been made aware that the BARMM was denied having its own security force under Republic Act 11054 (Organic Law for the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao). Even the police will continue to be under Philippine National Police (PNP) — the same PNP that sent those troops into Mamasapano in January 2015. We will see little change other than in name from PROARMM (Police Regional Office-Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao) to PRO-BARMM. Cliché but all Cassandras like to say they pray their forecasts are wrong.

Same with this one. Past and current prognosis are all meant to give the public a reality check which we hope will help bring them closer to the self-governing and self-determined future they want.

(Zainudin Malang is a lawyer from Mindanao who spent years on deployment in acute emergencies in East Africa and the Middle East. Before that, he was the founding head of a hu-

man rights and civilian protection organization in Mindanao and was one of the five members of the peace process monitoring body. He is currently on a break and shuttles between Cotabato and Manila.)

Freedom... from page 4

especially those in the construction sector, are pure lazy.

This is just like the anger of many toward socialism as something evil by refusing to understand that it is society’s own mechanism to heal itself against the evils of the greed that capitalism breeds and spawns. This greed that is inherent in capitalism, remember that capitalism’s own survival depends largely on its ability to produce profit for the capitalist’s insatiable greed, is the very reason why there is socialism.

Sadly, a sizable number of the populace refuse to understand that society is simply looking for an antidote to the insatiable greed that is inherent in capitalism hence socialism’s cry for a just and equitable distribution of wealth to all. Even the very people whose situation in life is the very thing that socialism wanted to address are inexplicably fighting, knowingly or unknowingly, for the retention of the very order that is causing them to lose their freedom for a “full and abundant life.”

By the way, we should not confuse communism with socialism for there’s a whale of difference between the two. Socialism is merely society’s inherent antidote to the evils that greed in capitalism brings hence if we are afraid of socialism at least we should freely work for the tempering of capitalism’s greed so that not only one percent of the world’s population be enjoying more than half of the world’s wealth. There should be more. It is in this regard that our freedom to transform ourselves for the betterment of society should be zealously exercised. (jelbacon@yahoo.com; jelbaconii@gmail.com)

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Friday, March 15, 2019

Cebu Pacific solidifies Australia presence with strong performance of new Melbourne route

THE Philippines’ largest carrier, Cebu Pacific (CEB) continues to grow its presence in Australia, on the back of improved bookings following the launch of its Melbourne route in August 2018. As of November 2018, data from Australia’s Bureau of Infrastructure, Transport and

Regional Economics (BITRE) showed that Cebu Pacific alone flew a total of 18,971 passengers between Manila, Melbourne and Sydney—up 56% from the same month in 2017.

A total of 48,064 passengers travelled between Manila, Melbourne and Sydney on

direct connections mounted

by Cebu Pacific, Philippine Airlines (PAL) and Qantas in November 2018, up 31.3% year-on-year. For this month, CEB passengers comprised 39.5%; while PAL garnered a 38.1% share. Qantas, however, operates direct service only between Manila and Sydney.

The Bureau of Infrastructure, Transport and Regional Economics is an agency under Australia’s Department of Infrastructure, Regional Development and Cities. Its mandate is to provide economic analysis, research and statistics on infrastructure, transport and regional development issues for the Australian Government.

“We have an average market share of about 40% for our Melbourne and Sydney routes. We are pleased with the strong reception in Melbourne for Cebu Pacific, and excited that the ‘CEB Effect’ of year-round low fare offerings, coupled with our promotions, provide opportunities to visit the Philippines,” said Candice Iyog, Vice President for Marketing at Cebu Pacific.

Cebu Pacific flies five times weekly between Manila and Sydney; and thrice a week between Manila and Melbourne.

Since the launch of CEB’s Melbourne route last August

14, 2018, capacity between Philippines and these two cities in Australia has increased 32%, and passenger volume grew 31%.

Cebu Pacific is the only Low Cost Carrier with direct service from Manila to Sydney and Melbourne. Fares on CEB are as much as 60% lower than prevailing fares of other airlines flying the same route.

The BITRE report noted that the expansion of Low Cost Carriers—including Cebu Pacific, have helped ramp-up tourist arrivals into Australia.

According to Tourism Australia, from January to November 2018, a total of 140,700 tourists from the Philippines visited Australia, up 11.7% year-on-year. Data from the Philippines’ Department of Tourism also show that Australia is also one of the top sources of tourist arrivals in the Philippines, with close to 243,000 Australians visiting the country for the same 11-month period—up almost

four percent, as the country gains popularity as a tropical getaway destination, offering more scenic attractions and better value for money than Vietnam, Thailand or Bali.

“As more brand-new aircraft enters the CEB fleet, we are now in a position to seriously study the possibility of expanding to more destinations in Australia. We are encouraged by our performance in the Australia market.

Connecting key cities such as Perth or Cairns would give more Australians easier access to the Philippines and enable more Filipino-Australians to visit family more often,” added Iyog.

Cebu Pacific expects to receive 12 brand-new aircraft in 2019, the bulk of which are Airbus A321NEO (New Engine Option) aircraft. CEB had earlier expressed interest in opening new destinations in Australia, India and North Asia as it receives the new aircraft.