Mindanao Daily (March 9, 2020)

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Volume IX, No. 234

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Monday, March 9, 2020

Huili Steel Plant will propel growth in M’nao - LMP Exec • Good news: Investment necessary to push progress in the region • Bad news: The project’s take off is uncertain due to coronavirus

M

By RUFFY MAGBANUA

AGSAYSAY, MisOr— The League of Municipalities in the Philippines (LMP) MisOr Chapter has expressed full support to the Mindanao Huili Integrated Steel Mill project soon to rise at Phividec Industrial Estate in Tagoloan, Misamis Oriental.

FINAL STRETCH. Key players of PH first integrated steel mill in Phividec Industrial Estate. Standing: (from left) Robert Pizarro, Sen. Migz Zubiri and Jun Hou of Huili Investment Fund. Seated: Atty. Tony Soriano, legal counsel and Atty. Franklin Quijano, Phividec administrator.

Magsaysay Mayor Rey Buhisan

Andanar tells UN: Reassess baseless claims vs. Duterte administration

By ARGYLL GEDUCOS

C O M M U N I C AT I O N S Secretary Martin Andanar called on the United Nations Human Rights Council (UNHRC) to exercise prudence in assessing allegations of human rights violations under President Duterte’s watch.

ANDANAR made the statement as he delivered the Philippine dignitary statement at the High-Level Segment of the 43rd Session of the Human Rights Council in Geneva, Switzerland this week.

In his speech, Andanar urged the UNHRC to reas-

sess baseless claims made against the government on the alleged impunity and human rights violations, and exercise due diligence in dealing with terrorist groups masquerading as human rights defenders.

“We repeat the call for prudence in assessing claims, particularly from sources who have enjoyed the hallowed status of human rights defenders while waging the longest insurgency in Asia and terrorizing communities in the Philippines,” he said.

According to Andanar, discussions on the human Presidential Communications Operations Office (PCOO) See ANDANAR, page 15

Secretary Martin Andanar. albert alcain/presidential photo

LMP -MisOr Chapter President Rey Buhisan, municipal mayor of Magsaysay has expressed optimism in the project saying the $4.4B investment would boost the economy of Mindanao in the next three years and beyond.

Buhisan also holds key positions in the LMP as vice president for Mindanao and executive board member of

LMP national level.

Earlier, key players of the project, Jun Hou, president and CEO of Huili Investment Fund and Robert Pizarro, president and CEO of Simple Homes Development Inc. revealed that preparations for the take off are now in the final stretch, but adjustments had to be considered due See HUILI, page 15

118 modernized vehicles start serving Caraga commuters

By ALEXANDER LOPEZ, PNA

BUTUAN CITY – A to- the different routes in tal of 118 modernized Caraga Region, the Land vehicles are now serving See MODERNIZED, page 15

MODERN VEHICLES. Five modernized passenger jeeps owned by the Diamond Transport Service Cooperative arrived in Butuan City last week.

The modernized public utility vehicles are part of the full compliance with the government's Public Utility Vehicle Modernization Program in the Caraga Region. (Photo courtesy of LTFRB-13 Information Office)

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Monday, March 9, 2020

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Internet connections in Butig, significant to combat and civil military operations

By DIVINA M. SUSON Correspondent

ILIGAN CITY -- The activation of internet connection in Butig, Lanao del Sur on Thursday is very important in the combat and civil military operations of the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) according to an Army official.

Lieutenant Colonel Edgar Allan Villanueva, commander of the Army’s 49th Infantry Battalion, said the internet connection in Butig is very important, especially in their sending of reports and communications.

The Department of Information and Communications Technology (DICT), in partnership with the United Nations Development Program (UNDP) had launched on Thursday the “Free Wifi For All” in Butig through a ceremonial activation.

The project is an implemention of Republic Act No. 10929 or the Free Internet Access in Public Places Act which was simultaneously launched in Palawan, Albay, Isabela and Davao.

The DICT and the UNDP have been working together in expanding internet access coverage to the poorest and remotest areas in the country.

The simultaneous ceremonial activation of “Free Wi-Fi For All” is conducted through real time live program sychronized via Skype from the DICT Central Office to the five provinces and was made possible through technology appraisal for Internet coverage called Very Small Aperture Technology (VSAT).

It is a two-way satellite ground station with a dish antenna generally used to Officials of the Department of Information and Communications Technology (DICT) and United Nations DevelopSee COMBAT, page 15

ment Programme (UNDP) lead the simultaneous ceremonial activation of “Free Wifi for All” on March 4 in Butig, Lanao del Sur. (Photo: PIA ICIC)

Zubiri: We need stronger gov’t response to COVID-19 SENATE Majority Leader Juan Miguel F. Zubiri is calling for stronger government response and action against the spread of COVID-19, following the Department of Health’s announcement of two new confirmed cases on 6 March 2020.

“We need stricter quarantine measures, and we need protocols not only in our hospitals, but also in places where COVID-19 has been discovered to spread, such as workplaces and areas visited by patients who have been confirmed for the virus,” Zubiri said.

“For instance, when the news broke out about the San Juan patient, I saw footage of my friend, Mayor Zamora, inspecting the Greenhills area without protective hazmat gear, with a number of people sur-

rounding him, which could have placed them in danger.

What are the protocols for this?

This is a place that the patient has been known to frequent, surely it needs to be cordoned off and cleared of people, and anyone who needs to go there must be fully protected and the area fully disinfected.”

“Another case involves an area in BGC that is full of restaurants and bars and is frequented by people all the time. Shouldn’t these places have been disinfected and monitored? We don’t want to create panic amongst our people, but we also don’t want to fall into the complacency that initially pervaded in countries like Iran, South Korea, and Italy, have slow and reactive and now they have thou- of deaths.” sands of cases and hundreds “We cannot afford to See NEED, page 15

Labor unions vital in promoting workers’ rights – Bello

LABOR Secretary Silvestre Bello III on Friday has highlighted the vital role of the labor unions and employees’ associations as partners of the government in promoting the rights and welfare of the Filipino workers.

During the general membership meeting and oath taking ceremony of the St. Luke’s Medical Center Employees Association (SMCEA), Bello said that through unity, the labor department and the unions can work together to ensure that companies throughout the country will comply with the existing general labor standards and uphold the rights of their employees.

“Your general membership meeting today indicates your ability to triumph from adversity for this demonstrates oneness and unity

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of purpose. Uniting as one and working together, like what you in SMCEA are doing, is key to attaining our common goal,” Bello said.

The Labor Code provides the Filipino workers with the right to self-organization, where they can form, join, or assist unions, organizations, or associations for purposes of collective bargaining and negotiation and for mutual aid and protection. It also refers to the right to engage in peaceful concerted activities or to participate in policy and decision-making processes affecting their rights and benefits.

Bello said workers’ union can also provide assistance to the employees to improve their skills and knowledge on their respective fields which can result to a more productive output in the workplace.

Amid the outbreak of the coronavirus disease (COVID-19), the labor chief also highlighted the significant role of hospital workers and all those involved in the healthcare industry in the global fight to contain and prevent the spread of the virus.

“These are trying times for all of us, especially for employees like you in the health care, as the worldwide specter of the COVID-19 epidemic continues to hover all over the world. We thank the Lord, we remain free from the outbreak of the virus infection. And we thank our health authorities, and those in the health sector, like all of you here,” See WORKERS, page 15

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DA-PhilMech continues validation of RCEF recipients

A

IMING to mechanize the rice industry in the region, the Department of Agriculture - Philippine Center for

Presidential Communications Operations Office Secretary Martin Andanar (left) receives a plaque from Cagayan de Oro Press Club, Inc. (COPC) newly-elected President Dr. Manny Jaudian for as Mindanawnon and Kagayanan during the just held 70th COPC induction of officers held at Grand Caprice, Cagayan de Oro City. Looking on from left are Energy Secretary Ben Ranque and Cagayan de Oro Councilor Joyleen Mercedes Balaba. photo by gerry lee gorit

Postharvest Development and Mechanization (DA-PhilMech) - Region 10, with its provincial focal persons continue to validate the Rice Competitiveness Enhancement Fund (RCEF) recipients of the 18 towns in Bukidnon.

Rice mechanization is one of the components of RCEF under the RA No. 11203 or the Rice Tariffication Law (RTL).

The RTL provides for the creation of the RCEF that would be sourcing its funds from rice tariff collections, with Php10 billion allocated annually for a period of six years starting 2019.

Of the Php10 billion budget, DA-

PhilMech heading the mechanization component of RCEF is allocated Php5 billion for the provision of farm machineries and equipment (tillers, tractors, seeders, threshers, rice planters, harvesters) to qualified farmer organizations.

To avail this grantin-kind machineries, farmer organizations should have at least 50 hectares of irrigated rice farmlands.

The DA-PhilMech prov i nc i a l fo c a l persons with the municipal agriculturists will verify the stability of the farmers organization, needs of the requested farm machinery, and inspect their respective farm areas.# (EMB)

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Monday, March 9, 2020

Opinion

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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.

Nuts & Bolts

Thailand announces compulsory quarantine for arrivals from six places

THE Thai government on Thursday announces new compulsory quarantine measure for arrivals from four countries and two territories in a bid to contain the spread of the coronavirus.

The move came as the Thai postal service began disinfecting all packages received from overseas, although the World Health Organization has said it is safe to receive post from badly affected countries such as China.

The quarantine an-

nouncement, published in the official Royal Gazette on today , classified South Korea, China, Macao, Hong Kong, Italy and Iran as “dangerous communicable disease areas”.

This means that all arrivals from these places, including those that transit through them, will have to provide the authorities with their address and travel plan and be self-quarantined for 14 days.

“Thais and foreigners who came from these places

will have to go through self-quarantine for 14 days at home or in a hotel room, where they have to report themselves to the authorities every day or officials will come to check on them,” according to the health ministry spokesman Rungrueng Kitphati.

Those that breached the quarantined will face 20,000 baht ($630) fine, Rungrueng said.

Arrivals who display coronavirus symptoms will be send directly to govern-

JEROME DE LA FUENTE

ment hospitals.

The order starts tomorrow Friday 06 Mar 2020.

Thailand has also prepared facilities for the 14day quarantine of thousands of Thai workers gradually returning from the South Korean province of Gyeongsang and the city of Daegu, currently epicenters of the virus outbreak, the government said.

See QUARANTINE, page 14

Letters from Davao

What is Cayetano up to?

WHAT is Speaker Alan Cayetano up to? Until he shook his own house by removing a strong pillar closely identified with Pres.

Rodrigo R. Duterte, there is neither a storm or tsunami that could shake the foundation of the lower house.

By the looks of it, he created his own scenario of a conspiracy to oust him as Speaker. But this is preposterous since, on the basis of a term sharing agreement which had the imprimatur of the Palace, he will exit and be replaced by Marinduque Congressman Lord Alan Velasco come October 2020. If he is a partyman and loyal to Duterte, then why rock the boat?

What is his beef against Appropriation Committee Chaiman Isidro Ungab who is only famous for getting budgets done fast and or-

derly. The last thing that this Davao representative is to create intrigue, as Cayetano claims, given the fact that the House of Representatives is ruled by PDP-Laban and the emerging Hugpong ng Pagbabago (HnP) which are all allied with Duterte.

Davao City Mayor Inday Sara, Chair of HnP, has spoken and speaking for HnP, declares strongly that the removal of Sid Ungab is not acceptable.

Cayetano, it seems, has a different agenda. The clue is the ouster of the head of the Appropriation Committee.

We know that the budget for 2021 is an “election budget”.

This elicits a question: Is Alan Cayetano wanting to run for President that he needs a person docile to him, one who can who can chair the Appropriation Committee in accordance

to his political plot? He is counting his chicks in the house and woos a Party-list Representative of ACT-CIS to replace Ungab. Will this add up to a new political alliance he wants to consolidate in the House?

This gives us an inkling Cayetano is not inclined to give up the Speakership that easy as he is aiming for the stars. His acts are symptoms that emerge from unrestrained ambition. Did he suspect that Ungab will stand in the way to his goal that he axed him to insure that his objective be achieved? Brutus and Macbeth were driven with similar quest for power which eventually led to their ignoble death.

Two years are still left with the Duterte’s administration but already Speaker Cayetano thinks the Presi-

Jun Ledesma

dent is a lame duck. His acts of aggression invites a test of leadership from the man who chose him as his vice presidential bet over the rest who wished to be his mate. Defeated, he was not abandoned by Duterte who in the proper time appointed him Foreign Affairs Secretary so that he will always remain in the political firmament.

Duterte is bent on achieving what is achievable in the remaining days of his presidency and I firmly believe that no one is that valued or mighty that cannot be jettisoned if he proves to be an obstacle to the President’s goal.

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Monday, March 9, 2020

Providing access to the gatekeepers of the family’s finance:

5

GCash empowers Filipino women to be included in the financial landscape

FOR Filipinos, mothers are considered to be their light of the homes. They provide direction, clarity in difficult situations, and they manage the everyday lives of the Filipino family.

Women also play as the gatekeepers of the finances of Filipino homes. Typical in the Philippines, the husbands give their salaries to the wives, who then distributes the total household earnings to the daily needs and occasional wants of each member of the family.

Given this, it comes at no surprise that women are much more included in the local financial landscape, according to data from the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP). Based on the latest central bank survey on financial inclusion, 38.9 percent of women in the Philippines have formal bank accounts, while only 30 percent of adult men hold savings accounts.

But while this may sound progressive, it should be noted that only 32 percent of Filipino

adults have accounts to formal financial institutions. This means that almost seven out of 10 adults in the Philippines are still excluded from the financial landscape.

Globally, people who are excluded from the financial space often cite the lack of funds, high costs, access, and documentary requirements as reasons for not having an account at a formal financial institution.

This dearth in access, bank-

ing costs, and issues pertaining to identification are problems that are now being addressed through financial technology (fintech). Leveraging mobile technologies and applying them to finance, people now have a much simpler way to participate in the formal financial landscape.

Cagayan de Oro Councilor Joyleen Mercedes Balaba swears in the newly elected board of directors and officers of the Cagayan de Oro Press Cub, Inc. (COPC) during the 70th induction of officers held at the Grand Caprice Restaurant, Limketkai Center, Cagayan de Oro City. photo by gerry lee gorit

As managers of the family’s wealth, women, in particular, should have greater access to finance and have more knowledge about how financial tools and instruments could help them balance their needs and their funds.

“We at GCash recognize this strong need of Filipinos -especially women, who handle the laborious task of managing household finances -- to be included in the financial landscape. By employing data-driven and people-centric strategies, we are harnessing the power of mobile digital finance to provide financial access to more Filipinos, and allow them to reap the immense benefits of being included in the finance space,” GCash Chief Technology and Operations Officer Pebbles Sy-Manalang said.

Through GCash, individuals have access to a spectrum of financial services such as credit, savings, insurance, and even investments, all of which are previously untapped by the masses due to various constraints.

With a GCash account,

Filipino mothers are now empowered with the ability to manage their families’ finances with ease.

“By using GCash, Filipino women can now save money with better-than-industry rates.

They can also tap into a credit line for emergencies, have her family members insured, and even invest in money market funds for her family’s future,” Sy-Manalang added.

GCash also believes that it is important that Filipino mothers are also educated with ways to effectively manage their finances through financial technology, and that is why it provides useful information for each financial service in the app, as well as its various channels online and offline.

“We need to have financiallyeducated and decisive mothers, as they will also be the ones to impart those characteristics to their children. As we celebrate International Women’s Day this month, we hope to empower more women -- especially Filipino mothers -- to have greater access to finance,” Sy-Manalang said.

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Editor: ALLAN M. MEDIANTE

Monday, March 9, 2020

BUSINESS 6

PRRD joins effort to boost PH tourism

By JOYCE ANN L. ROCAMORA

MANILA – Tourism Secretary Bernadette Romulo-Puyat confirmed on Wednesday that President Rodrigo Duterte is visiting Boracay on March 12 to join efforts in lifting the public’s mood to travel around the Philippines.

Aside from promotions,

the Chief Executive will also inspect what has been done on the island since it was rehabilitated.

“It’s the first time that he’s (Duterte) going to Boracay since it opened so he will probably also look at the changes in Boracay and, of course, it’s his way of promoting domestic tourism,” Romulo-Puyat told a

press briefing.

Boracay’s arrivals suffered from the various travel bans imposed by the government to contain the coronavirus disease 2019 (Covid-19).

On the island, the occupancy rate is 40 percent down, Romulo-Puyat said.

As the Covid-19 situation progresses, Romulo-Puyat

said the private and public sectors are collectively keeping the tourism industry afloat.

The D OT convened the Tourism Coordinating Council (TCC) in an emergency meeting to discuss measures that would mitigate the outbreak’s impact.

No less than the Department of the Interior and Lo-

Andanar appeals for sobriety as travelers from PH have Covid-19

cal Government assured the establishment of protocols down to the barangay level.

The Depar tment of Transportation, meanwhile, assured that strict protocols are in place particularly in the cleanliness of the airports and in close coordination as well in the sanitation of the airplanes.

On the other hand, the

Department of Environment and Natural Resources committed to strengthening environmental protection in tourist destinations for domestic tourists.

Based on the Bureau of Immigration data, the overall tourist arrivals in Februar y dropped 41.4 percent from the 713,394 visitors last year. (PNA)

By RUTH ABBEY GITA-CARLOS

MANILA – Presidential Communications Operations Office (PCOO) Secretary Martin Andanar on Friday urged the public to remain “calm and sensible,” despite reports that two foreigners who tested positive for 2019 coronavirus disease (Covid-19) have had previous travel to the Philippines.

Andanar issued the statement after two people from Taiwan and Australia who traveled to the Philippines have acquired Covid-19 after returning to their respective homes.

“We request the general public to remain calm and sensible, and to not resort to any rash conclusion, that could lead to unfounded widespread panic, regarding the new recorded cases of 2019-novel coronavirus (Covid-19) in Australia and Taiwan, with both patients having recently traveled to the Philippines,” he said.

In a press conference, Health Secretary Francisco Duque III confirmed that a 38-year-old Taiwanese man who visited the Philippines from February 28 to March 3 developed abdominal discomfort, diarrhea, sore

Davao City Chamber of Commerce and Industry Inc. (DCCCII) President John Carlo Tria. (Photo from John Carlo Tria Facebook Page)

Davao biz leader anxious over low inflation rate

By CHE PALICTE

PCOO Secretary Martin Andanar. (File

throat, fever, and malaise.

Duque said the Taiwanese national tested positive for Covid-19 on March 5, a day after his consultation at an outpatient clinic in Taiwan.

Meanwhile, an Australian woman who left the Philippines on March 2 after attending a wedding in Manila and visiting Pangasinan was confirmed to have been infected with Covid-19 by the New South Wales Government on March 3, Duque said.

Andanar ensured that the government will continue its

photo )

campaigns and undertakings against Covid-19.

He guaranteed that there is an intensified information drive to contain the spread of the virus.

He added that the health facilities in the country are ready to address positive cases of Covid-19.

“These actions are part of our commitment to ensure the health and safety of our citizens and that the Philippines is doing its part in the worldwide effort to fight this viral outbreak,” Andanar said.

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Andanar also enjoined everyone to continue to “cooperate, heed, and observe” all precautionary measures imposed by the Department of Health, and other advisories issued by other concerned government agencies.

“Preventing the spread of this health concern is something that cannot be done independently, but one that must be addressed collectively,” he said.

Apart from the two foreigners, Duque said a 44-year-old Japanese male who traveled to the Philippines from February 21 to 28 and flew back to Japan on March 4 also tested positive for Covid-19.

See TRAVELERS, page 9

DAVAO CITY – An official of the Davao City Chamber of Commerce and Industry, Inc. (DCCCII) has expressed concern over the decelerating inflation rate, which reached 2.6 percent in February from 2.9 percent in January.

The Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA) said on Thursday that compared to the 3.8 percent a year ago, the downtrend in inflation was brought about by the slower annual increase in the prices of food and nonalcoholic beverages.

In an interview on Friday, DCCCII president John Carlo Tria underscored the need to protect the country’s economic growth because it would build economic activities for the people and attract investors.

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Tria said he hopes that the inflation level would be maintained because managed levels would allow the Filipinos’ purchasing power to increase as growth rises.

“Low inflation levels will allow us to protect the growth we have been achieving, as this will mean higher purchasing power for businesses as people can spend more and drive economic expansion, especially in the rural areas, from which our food is supplied,” he said.

Tria also noted that if people choose to buy locally-made products, the economic activity would also improve.

“That’s why when you measure rates, these are rates of increase. If the products are so pricey, people will get thrifty. The sales and production of a certain company will also be affected since they will no longer (produce) due to their unsold merchandise,” he told the Philippine News Agency (PNA).

However, Tria said one of the factors challenging economic growth in the country is the occurrence of the coronavirus disease 2019 (Covid-19).

“Covid-19 threatens industries like manufacturing and tourism. If these sectors will continue to get affected, economic growth will be compromised,” Tria said.

On the other hand, See RATE, page 9

7 SAMSUNG changes the way you experience sound with the new Galaxy Buds+, now in stores!

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AMSUNG redefines how users should experience sound with the new Galaxy Buds+, which hits stores nationwide starting today.

The Galaxy Buds+ is Samsung’s latest wireless earbuds with dual dynamic speakers, delivering superior audio quality with rich treble and bass by acoustic specialists AKG. Talk time becomes smoother with the adaptive three-mic system that changes responses to reduce outside noise in varying environments while preserving voice quality, while the ambient sound mode controls how much can be heard from the surroundings without removing the earbuds.

The Galaxy Buds+ also seamlessly connects to any Samsung and Android compatible device via Bluetooth.

It is now also iOS compatible, with a dedicated Galaxy Buds+ app, enabling more users to enjoy an immersive audio experience regardless of what device they use.

The earbuds offer long-lasting power that guarantees 11 hours of non-stop listening time on a single charge, which can be extended up to 22 hours when powered by the charging case.

Three minutes of charging the Galaxy Buds+ is equivalent to one hour of playtime.

It also supports wireless powershare and Qi charging for a hassle-free charging experience.

Besides offering a premium listening experience, Samsung’s wireless in-ear companion now offers better software integration where users can easily shift

Monday, March 9, 2020

through Spotify playlists, answer calls, and adjust volume with simple tap commands.

It also serves as an entertainment companion with its dedicated gaming mode that improves audio latency.

The Galaxy Buds+ provides a comfortable listening experience with its speciallycrafted ergonomic design that fits snugly in the ear, even while on the go. Its sleek and compact package can turn heads and make it easy to store.

The Samsung Galaxy Buds+ is available at any Samsung-authorized store nationwide for a suggested retail price of PHP 6,990 and comes in White, Black and Blue.

Changing how users see the world Create an immersive listening experience like no other by

pairing the Galaxy Buds+ with the new Galaxy S20 series, which also hits stores nationwide starting today. The Galaxy S20 is introducing a new way of seeing with its Ultra Resolution Camera. The device is equipped with a 64MP Telephoto and two 12MP Wide and Ultra-Wide lenses,

while the Galaxy S20+ comes with a fourth DepthVision camera. The Galaxy S20 Ultra is furnished with an additional revolutionary 108MP lens. Videos take a massive leap forward with the world’s first movie-grade 8K quality setup—the highestresolution footage on a smartphone to date.

The Samsung Galaxy S20, Galaxy S20+, and Galaxy S20 Ultra are now available at any Samsungauthorized store nationwide for PHP 49,990, PHP 55,990, and PHP 69,990, respectively.

To know more about the Galaxy Buds+ and Galaxy S20 series, visit samsung.com/ph.

MINDANAO DAILY TRUTH. JUSTICE. PROGRESS.

MOTORING

Monday, March 9, 2020

GILBERT Y. CHAO - Motoring Editor

8

Suzuki Offers Pre-Launch Promos for the All-new XL7 and All-new S-Presso SUZUKI Philippines, the pioneer compact car distributor is set to introduce the XL7, and the S-Presso. With its uniquely Suzuki features, the new vehicles are set to exceed the expectations of the modern Filipino family and those who appreciate quality driving experience that cater also to their wants, and not just their needs.

The XL7: Bold, Robust, and Dashing Be ready to have that commanding presence as you step out of the XL7 with its bold face and front fenders with garnish that creates a bold and robust styling for the handsome SUV. The model is powered by a 1.5-liter K15B engine and has enough room for seven passengers with just the right leg room even in the third row leaving everyone at ease during long drives, not to mention its flexible seating arrangements.

See OFFERS, page 13

All-new Suzuki Raider J Crossover Conquers Northern Mindanao FOLLOWING its official launch in Manila, Suzuki Philippines Inc. (SPH)

took the all-new Raider J Crossover to Mindanao to test its mettle against various Philippine road conditions. 20 riders from Suzuki rider clubs, Suzuki dealer partners and motoring media put the Raider J Crossover through paces on concrete, gravel, dirt and even sand on a 560-kilometer adventure trip across 5 provinces – Bukidnon, Cagayan de Oro, Lanao del Norte, Misamis Occidental and Zamboanga del Norte.

The epic journey began at Dahilayan See CONQUERS, page 13

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Monday, March 9, 2020

9

MINDANAO DAILY The Purveyor of Truth, Justice and Development

LIFESTYLE 10

Monday, March 9, 2020

Xavier Ateneo DevCom grad vies for Miss Universe Philippines crown CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY— A Development Communication major in Development Journalism graduate of Xavier University - Ateneo de Cagayan is among the 52 ladies competing for the Miss Universe Philippines crown.

Caroline Joy Veronilla, “Carol” to her family and peers, is representing the Province of Misamis Oriental in the pageant.

She lives in Balulang, Cagayan de Oro City, but hails from Balingasag, Misamis Oriental, her father’s hometown.

In a press conference and public presentation on Tuesday, February 25 Veronilla fielded questions from the media and guests ranging from press freedom to sustainable tourism, from women empowerment to children’s rights.

“As a journalism major, I understand the plight of journalists, especially now that we are under fire,” she said. “Press freedom is very important […] as it plays a lot of roles, most especially as a watchdog.

We are the ones who go to the field, who gather stories, who make sure that we are able to hear the news and be updated on what is happening in our society.”

“We check facts and we make sure that we say what is true and what is right and what is just. It’s not about being biased, we try to cover as many angles as we can.

It’s important that we get to have that kind of freedom in order to share the news. I stand by it, especially that journalists are here to make sure that the government is in check, that our communities are in check, and the agencies that are supposed to serve us are in check.”

Veronilla graduated magna cum laude in college and was awarded Outstanding Student Leader for spearheading a leadership program called “Sowing Young Leaders for Service” (SoYLS).

She also co-founded the Union of Students for the Advancement of Democracy (USAD), a political movement at Xavier Ateneo campaigning for social justice and equality.

She has been working with World Vision Philippines for five years as a donor education specialist, advocating children’s rights and access to quality education.

Besides from being a fundraiser for children,

XU DEVCOM GRAD. Carol Joy Veronilla, a Xavier Ateneo graduate, competes for the coveted Miss Universe Philippines title; pictured here during the press conference and public presentation on Tuesday, February 25, in Cagayan de Oro City. Supplied photo

Veronilla co-founded an advocacy-driven enterprise “Faith Mugs

by Lenie Rose” that aims to raise funds for her sister’s treatment. She also envisions creating more support groups for cancer patients.

She considers her sister Lenie as her greatest

inspiration in life. At 24, Lenie was diagnosed with a rare kind of NonHodgkin’s Lymphoma.

After taking the compatibility test successfully, Veronilla is set to become her sister’s stem cell donor as they have been “each other’s rock on this challenging

journey.”

Her family and friends consider Carol “a genuine woman that speaks her mind and a role model to the youth.”

She looks at joining Miss Universe Philippines as a platform for raising awareness on issues closest to her heart:

children’s rights, press freedom, and building support groups for cancer patients.

The Miss Universe Philippines coronation is scheduled on May 3 at the SM Mall of Asia Arena and Veronilla promises to give it her best to take home the crown.

PowHERful: Women’s Month Celebration at RWM’s Newport Mall challenge stereotypes, fight bias, broaden perceptions, improve situations and celebrate women’s achievements.

Collectively, each one of us can help create a gender-equal world.”

Shoes with Stories To honor women’s achievement in their respective fields and industries, Newport Mall in Resorts World Manila will exhibit Shoes with Stories featuring stilettos from PowHERful women, showcasing their success stories and the role of their shoes in their careers.

A total of 20 different pairs, styles and brands together with their individual achievements and stories of triumph will be on display at 2F, The Plaza in Newport Mall at Resorts World Manila from March 4-12, Miss Universe Philippines candidates at the launch of RWM’s Women’s Month cel2020. ebrations.

IN celebration of International Women’s Month, Megaworld Lifestyle Malls and Newport Mall at Resorts World Manila are bringing PowHERful:

Women’s Month Celebration. PowHERful women can enjoy special deals, displays and inspiring stories at the 2F, The Plaza from March 4-12, 2020.

For this year’s International Women’s Month campaign theme, everyone is encouraged to be #EachforEqual. As their website says, “We can actively choose to

Get inspiration from winning stilettos of beauty queens like Miss Universe 2018 Catriona Gray (Bragais), Miss International 2016 Kylie Verzosa (Christian Louboutin) and Miss Universe 2015 Pia Wurtzbach (Chinese Laundry).

Fellow fashionistas will surely rejoice with shoes from fashion stylist Cat Arambulo (Christian Louboutin) and model, TV personality Tweetie de Leon - Gonzales (Gaupo).

Sing high notes and praises for Asia’s Songbird Regine Velasquez - Alcasid (Gucci) who’s also known to be a big shoe collector, and Rachelle Ann Go (Christian Louboutin) who recently announced her comeback as Fantine in Broadway musical Les Miserables.

Award-winning film actresses like The Diamond Star Maricel Soriano (Balenciaga), and Comedy Star for All Seasons Eugene Domingo (Kate Spade) surely deserve a standing ovation.

Queen of All Media Kris Aquino (Miu Miu), visual artist and philanthropist Heart Evangelista (Christian Louboutin), Kapuso Primetime Queen Marian Rivera - Dantes (Valentino), The Phenomenal Star Maine Mendoza (Lauren Conrad), FAMAS and Gawad Urian Best Actress Nadine Lustre (Manolo Blahnik) and Ambassador for the Department of Tourism Dimples Romana (Aquazurra) truly made names of their own in small screens with high ratings.

See WOMEN, page 13

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Aggie News

DA-10 assesses CSO applicant THE Regional Technical Committee of the Civil Society Organizations (CSO) of the DA-RFO 10 convened for the evaluation of its one applicant, the Skills Mastery Institute for Learning Entrepreneurship and Success (SMILES) Foundation, Inc. RTD for Research and Regulations of DA-RFO 10 Carmelita T. Bajarla, who is also the chair of said committee emphasized

that the evaluation process ensures that the applicant has the capacity to manage agri-fishery projects and programs.

Said accreditation is pursuant to DA Administrative Order No. 8 Series of 2017.

Accredited CSO will be the agency’s partner to efficiently and effectively carry out the implementation of agri-fishery projects

Monday, March 9, 2020

11

and encourage peoples’ participation in agricultural development.

The committee is composed of representatives from DA’s attached agencies: BFAR, ATI, PCIC, PCC, FPA, BPI, BAI, PCA, NDA, PhilFIDA and the RAFC. In Region 10, only the Mar am a g C om mu n it y Multi-Purpose Cooperative is the accredited CSO of DA-RFO 10.

R-10 farmers complete Inbred Rice Prod’n, Certification for Seed Growers course MARAMAG, Bukidnon, March 5 - Thirty farmers from the different provinces in Northern Mindanao completed the Inbred Rice Seed Production and Certification for Seed Growers Training course today, in this town.

Spearheaded by the DA-Agricultural Training Institute (ATI), aspiring seed growers learned on the cultural management practices relative to the growth stages of the rice plant, and the policies and guidelines on seed certification for inbred rice seed production.

To further enhance their capacity, the participants also went through

field practicum on seedbed preparation, rouging and warehouse inspection with the DA-Bureau of Plant Industry - National Seed Quality Control Services (DA-BPI-NSQCS).

Under the Department of Agriculture (DA), NSQCS is responsible for certifying quality seed planting materials acquired by accredited seed growers.

The three-day training is one of the activities conducted simultaneously in the region, also in time with the first anniversary celebration of the Rice Tarrification Law (RTL) or Republic Act 11203, an act liberalizing the importation,

exportation and trading of rice.

DA-ATI and the Technical Education and Skills Development Authority share Php1-billion allocation from the Php10-billion total budget of the Rice Competitiveness Enhancement Fund, intended for extension support and education of rice farmers.

This activity is supported by the Department of Agriculture - Regional Field Office 10, thru Provincial Operations Center Chief for Bukidnon Engr. Deliza T. Camaro and the Provincial Agriculture Office, headed

by Engr. Alson G. Quimba.# (EMB)

12

Monday, March 9, 2020

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Women... from page 10

Prima Ballerina and Ballerina of the People Lisa Macuja Elizalde (Calvin Klein) and Celebrity Choreographer Georcell Dapat-Sy (Christian L oub out in) g racef u l ly danced their way to success.

Multi-awarded MVP and

Philippine National Team member in volleyball Alyssa Valdez (Valentino) and SEA Games Bronze Medalist in beach volleyball Cherry Rondina (Miu Miu) spikes victory in their chosen sport.

PAGCOR Chairman and CEO Andrea Domingo make sound business decisions, thanks to her

Campus technology

By EUNEZEL T. CAÑETE Teacher III Kapatagan East Central School Kapatagan East District Poblacion, Kapatagan, Lanao del Norte

SCHOOLS are continually evolving to meet the growing and changing needs of their campus communities.

Machine learning and connected device technologies allow for data-driven decision making and sharing research, learning and administrative data across the institution.

Keeping students, academics and staff safe is a fundamental responsibility of the institution. A systems solution that proactively detects and addresses security threats deters security breaches that can bring irreparable damage to institutional reputation and financial stability.

A connected device approach empowers facilities management solutions and energy savings programs, reducing operational costs and making more funds available for student and institutional needs. A data-driven culture with data estate modernization and management will bring the institution to a single version of the truth which spurs strategic and more effective decisions and actions.

For digital transformation to be effective, an institution must carefully analyze, design, develop, implement and evaluate their plan for change.

Modern and connected campuses enable institutions to cut costs, drive revenue

and prepare for emerging technologies such as AI. Wireless networks, collaboration tools and other solutions position schools to facilitate learning inside and outside the classroom.

For today’s students, constant connectivity isn’t just an expectation. It’s a requirement.

Students arrive on campus with carloads of connected devices – tablets, smartphones, laptops, fitness trackers, smart watches and other wearables, gaming consoles, smart assistants and wireless speakers. When institutions lack robust wireless networks that can accommodate these devices, it’s only a slight exaggeration to say students may pack their devices back into their cars, drive off to another school and enroll there. But in fact, these students are making a strategic decision about their educations.

While students certainly rely on mobile connectivity to facilitate their social lives, they also view dependable wireless service as essential to their learning and academic success. To create truly connected campuses, institutions must invest not only in wireless networking but also in backend supporting technologies, security tools and collaboration solutions that help students make the most of network upgrades.

The impact of instructional supervision

By Ma. LOU LEA C. NOB, PhD Principal I Bolisong Elementary School El Salvador City Division

WHEN student achievement measures are used, the connection between achievement and the contribution of coaching is necessarily tenuous. It is reasonable to believe that principals who practice and build skills in leadership for teaching and learning can positively impact their schools’ learning and student performance.

Factors involved are instructional leadership; school culture; management; communication, collaboration, and community building; and vision development, risk taking, and change management. Involving school faculty in all aspects of capacity building was seen as the major contributor to the school’s success. Teachers are empowered to work with the different facets of the plan and to give input about program successes and failures. Teachers became motivated to go beyond what was required.

Supervision is seen as

Ferragamo.

It was made open to the public on March 5 with the appearance of 2020 Miss Universe Philippines Candidates with the hopes of making a mark and have theirs displayed alongside these iconic women.

All About Shoes According to Coco Chanel - “A woman with good shoes is never ugly”. Reward yourselves with a new pair and enjoy BOGO deals at United Nude and special discounts from Charles & Keith, Michael Antonio, Call it Spring, Mango, and Anne Klein.

Giant Stiletto Display | I am #powerHERful Online Contest Mall patrons can take a selfie with a giant red stiletto on display or snap a shoefie of their favorite stiletto, tell their own story and get a chance to win beauty and wellness treats by using the hashtag #powHERful.

Keep your heels, head, and standards high and visit Newport Mall at Resorts World Manila. For more information, like Newport City on Facebook and follow @newportmall_ on Instagram or visit www. megaworld-lifestylemalls. com

Rate... from page 6

DCCCII executive vice president Belinda Torres said latest data from the PSA bodes well for economic growth in the medium term.

“Maintaining inflation targets keeps our economic growth strong, especially now with the threat of Covid-19 making it hard for some trade and tourism sectors,” Torres added.

(PNA)

Travelers... from page 6

Duque also confirmed two Filipinos tested in the Philippines tested positive for Covid-19, bringing the total of positive cases in the country to five.

The fourth case is a

Republic of the Philippines DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION LAND TRANSPORTATION FRANCHISING AND REGULATORY BOARD Regional Franchising and Regulatory Office No. 11 Balusong Ave., McArthur Highway, Matina, Davao City

Petition for Extension of Validity of a Certificate of Public Convenience to operate a PUJ Dual Ordinary Regular Service.

GABRIEL V. REBUTA, SR., Case No. R11-EV-PJ-2020-3-730 Petitioner.

(2015-XI-00730)

NOTICE OF HEARING

critical for enhancing teacher growth. Supervision, in this school, is all encompassing from building a culture of reflection, collaboration, and improvement to encouraging leadership at all levels to offering faculty flexible and differentiated professional development on specific teaching strategies aimed to promote learning. Supervision then appears purposeful, targeted, and central to school wide instructional initiatives.

What we need is a concerted systematic approach to assessing the impact our work with teachers has in terms of promoting student achievement.

13

Monday, March 9, 2020

Petitioner is a grantee of a Certificate of Public Convenience issued in this case authorizing the operation of a PUJ Dual Ordinary Regular service on the route: TAGUM CITY – TALAINGUD VIA KAPALONG (DAVAO DEL NORTE) AND VICE VERSA and for cargoes as a dual service from said place to any point in Region XI with the use of ONE (1) unit, which Certificate will expire on March 5, 2021. In the petition filed on March 3, 2020, petitioner requests authority to extend the validity of said Certificate to operate along the same route with the use of the same unit previously authorized.

NOTICE is hereby given that this petition will be heard by this Board on APRIL 14, 2020 at 8:30 a.m. at this office at the above address.

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

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

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

WITNESS Atty. ARMAND B. DIOSO, Regional Director, this 4TH day of March 2020 in Davao City, Philippines.

(Sgd.) Atty. CATTLEYA B. ACAYLAR Attorney IV Acting Chief Transportation Development Officer MDN: Mar 9, 2020

48-year-old male Filipino with travel history to Japan, while the fifth confirmed case is a 62-year old male Filipino who has no known history of overseas travel.

The three other confirmed cases of Covid-19 in the country involved three Chinese nationals from Wuhan, China, the epicenter of the outbreak of the disease.

One of the three Chinese nationals died due to Covid-19, while the two others already recovered from the disease. (PNA)

Conquers... from page 8

Adventure Park where the barely broken in units were immediately subjected to abuse around a 3-kilometer dirt and gravel trail. Early the next day, the convoy set off to Del Monte Pineapple farm in Manolo Fortich, Bukidnon. Riders were given the chance to have fun in the dirt inside the vast plantation. After a quick stop at Amaya View in Cagayan de Oro, the riders again hit the asphalt for a visit to the Cathedral Falls in Lanao del Norte. There, the riders got to test the Raider J Crossover’s water wading capability. The leg of the day’s journey was a steep climb to Hoyohoy Highland Resort in Misamis.

The third day began with a courtesy visit to the Suzuki 3S Shop in Ozamis and a quick pit stop at Cotta Fort. The convoy then rode strait to Dipolog Boulevard, stopping for a photo opportunity before making another stop at Rizal Landing in Dapitan.

From there, the riders took the final stretch in stride to meet the sunset at Dakak Park and Beach Resort.

The Raider J Crossover will become available at Suzuki dealerships beginning March 15 but before that, Suzuki gave the public a chance to experience firsthand the performance of their latest offering in the underbone segment EXTRAJUDICIAL SETTLEMENT/ PARTITION OF A PARCEL OF LAND WITH ABSOLUTE SALE KNOW ALL MEN BY THESE PRESENTS: That the late ERLINDA L. SAUCELO, who died on September 24, 2007 at Cagayan de Oro City, Philippines, That the said deceased ERLINDA L. SAUCELO died intestate without leaving any known debts which has remained unpaid or unsettled up to the present, and all the obligations incurred during his death were all paid and/or settled. That the said deceased at the time of her death, left real property registered in her name which PARCEL OF LAND is more particularly described as follows, to wit: Katibayan ng Orihinal na Titulo BLG. P-48588, Lot No. 29, Csd-10-016694-D, Iden. To Lot No. 1605, Pls-854 is situated at Barangay Mambatangan, Municipality of Manolo Fortich, Province of Bukidnon, Island of Mindanao containing an area of ONE THOUSAND ONE HUNDRED NINETY-FOUR (1,194) SQUARE METERS, more or less and has been the subject of an Extrajudicial Settlement/Partition of a Parcel of Land with of Absolute Sale. Filed by heirs of ERLINDA L. SAUCELO in favor of ROSANNE C. ESCALANTE per Doc # 76; Page #17; Book #2; Series of 2019 under the Notarial Registry of KATRINA G. MORDENO. MDN: Feb 24, Mar 2 & 9, 2020

during a two-day test ride avail of this promo. For last March 7 and 8 at SM more details, visit www.

Lanang in Davao, while suzuki.com.ph.

Cebuanos will get their chance on March 21-22.

Follow Suzuki Motorcycles Philippines social media pages for future schedules.

Offers... from page 8

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

Luggage space is not a problem as you can feel free to CAMIGUIN BRANCH take both big and small B. Aranas St., Poblacion, Mambajao, Camiguin Tel. # (088) 387-0491 luggage with a capacity of CORRALES BRANCH 153 liters. Take this with you Corrales Ave., Cagayan de Oro City to new adventures.

Reserve DIVISORIA BRANCH from March 1-18, 2020 and Atty. Erasmo B. Damasing Bldg., #61 Don A. St., Cagayan de Oro City get a discount ofVelezP30,000 Tel. # (088) 857-3631 from the Php1,068,000.00 LAPASAN BRANCH price tag.

Lapasan Hi-way, Cagayan de Oro City Tel. # (088) 231-6739 The Athletic and Powerful Profile of the CARMENSBRANCH de Oro City PressoVamentaTel.Blvd.,# (088)Cagayan 231-2011 The S-Presso champions the perfect fusion of a bold and practical design that takes after Suzuki’s classic SUV trademark look, making the S-Presso a sight to behold that makes heads turn with its athletic profile and tall powerful stance.

Inside, the 1.0-liter S-Presso is just as impressive as its exterior profile with its high seat position, providing comfort and convenience in every drive with ample luggage space. Get the SPresso for Php518,000.00 and with an early reservation promo from March 1-18, 2020, customers may avail the P15,000 discount with just a down payment of P5,000.

Visit any of the 77 Suzuki dealerships nationwide to

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

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

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

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

CORRALES BRANCH Corrales Ave., Cagayan de Oro City

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

EXTRAJUDICIAL PARTITION WITH DEED OF SALE KNOW ALL MEN BY THESE PRESENTS

That the late FELICISIMA PONTEJOS died on April 05, 2005 at Brgy.

Calamba Cabadbaran City, Agusan del Norte; that the late FELICISIMA PONTEJOS died without any will and left real property described herein below as follows: Tax Declaration No: 13-03-0023-007-00255 Property Identification No. 234-03-0023-007-15 that the above described property have not been the subject of any previous extra-judicial settlement, neither subjected to any litigation nor claims whatsoever; that the said deceased left no unpaid debts and has been the subject of an EXTRAJUDICIAL PARTITION WITH DEED OF SALE filed by the heirs of FELICISIMA PONTEJOS per DOC #19; PAGE #04; BOOK #LXIX, series of 2018 under the Notarial Registry of ATTY. ALAN M. ASIO. MDN: Mar 9, 16 & 23, 2020

Publication Notice R.A. 10172

Republic of the Philippines OFFICE OF THE MUNICIPAL CIVIL REGISTRAR Province of South Cotabato Municipality of Polomolok NOTOCE TO THE PUBLIC

CFNCCE-

Date: February 24, 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 serve to the public that JOCELYN N. ESTRELLA-OCTAVIANO has filed with this Office, a petition for correction of the child’s sex from “MALE” to “FEMALE” in the Certificate of Live Birth of JOCYLYN NAPANO ESTRELLA born on MARCH 5, 1985 at POLOMOLOK, SOUTH COTABATO and whose parents are JIMMY A. ESTRELLA and LEONILA GA.

Any person adversely affected by said petition may file his written opposition with this Office not late that March 4, 2020.

(SGD) JANE F. BARRIENTOS Municipal Civil Registrar

MDN: Mar 2 & 9, 2020

Republic of the Philippines DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION LAND TRANSPORTATION FRANCHISING AND REGULATORY BOARD Regional Franchising and Regulatory Office No. 11 Balusong Ave., McArthur Highway, Matina, Davao City

Republic of the Philippines DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION LAND TRANSPORTATION FRANCHISING AND REGULATORY BOARD Regional Franchising and Regulatory Office No. 11 Balusong Ave., McArthur Highway, Matina, Davao City

Petition for Extension of Validity of a Certificate of Public Convenience to operate a PUJ Dual Ordinary Regular Service.

Petition for Extension of Validity of a Certificate of Public Convenience to operate a AIRCONDITIONED UV EXPRESS Service.

DOLORES S. ADVINCULA, Case No. R11-EV-PJ-2020-2-2103 Petitioner.

(2000-XI-02103)

ALEXES NOTARTE RESPULO, Case No. R11-EV-UV-2020-2-1176 Petitioner.

(2015-XI-01176)

NOTICE OF HEARING

NOTICE OF HEARING

Petitioner is a grantee of a Certificate of Public Convenience issued in this case authorizing the operation of a PUJ Dual Ordinary Regular service on the route: MA-A - AGDAO and for cargoes as a dual service from said place to any point in Region XI with the use of ONE (1) unit, which Certificate will expire on March 31, 2020. In the petition filed on February 27, 2020, petitioner requests authority to extend the validity of said Certificate to operate along the same route with the use of the same unit previously authorized.

NOTICE is hereby given that this petition will be heard by this Board on APRIL 14, 2020 at 8:30 a.m. at this office at the above address.

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

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

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

WITNESS Atty. ARMAND B. DIOSO, Regional Director, this 28th day of February 2020 in Davao City, Philippines.

Petitioner is a grantee of a Certificate of Public Convenience issued in this case authorizing the operation of a AIRCONDITIONED UV EXPRESS service on the route: DAVAO CITY – BANSALAN (DAVAO DEL SUR) AND VICE VERSA with the use of ONE (1) unit, which Certificate will expire on January 26, 2021. In the petition filed on February 27, 2020, petitioner requests authority to extend the validity of said Certificate to operate along the same route with the use of the same unit previously authorized.

NOTICE is hereby given that this petition will be heard by this Board on APRIL 14, 2020 at 8:30 a.m. at this office at the above address.

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

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

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

WITNESS Atty. ARMAND B. DIOSO, Regional Director, this 28th day of February 2020 in Davao City, Philippines.

(Sgd.) Atty. CATTLEYA B. ACAYLAR Attorney IV Acting Chief Transportation Development Officer

(Sgd.) Atty. CATTLEYA B. ACAYLAR Attorney IV Acting Chief Transportation Development Officer

MDN: Mar 9, 2020

MDN: Mar 9, 2020

MINDANAO DAILY FEATURE TRUTH. JUSTICE. PROGRESS.

Editor: MARK FRANCISCO

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Monday, March 9, 2020

Alegrio heads PCCI Mindanao as Area VP Airport of Aboitiz Infrastructure Inc. (AIC).

ORMER Oro Chamber More recently, Secretary-General and President Alegrio met with PCCI affiliate chambers Ma. Teresa R. Alegrio has of Southwestern been elected Area Vice President Mindanao to organize for Mindanao of the Philippine the 29th Mindanao Chamber of Commerce and Industry Business Conference.

“PCCI is also (PCCI), the country’s largest business finalizing a MOA with organization. the Anti Red Tape Authority (ARTA) ambassador Benedicto Alegrio is currently that will put up a Yujuico who was the Head of the desk in the regional unanimously elected Corporate Social chambers of Mindanao.

PCCI president during Hopefully, we can have Responsibility and the PCCI annual Public Relations Dept. a MOA signing within meeting on December of STEAG State Power this month.

6, 2019.

Inc. at Villanueva, Alegrio met Alegrio said Misamis Oriental. with officials of the she would focus She is also the Vice National Economic on supporting Chair in the Board and Development Yujuico’s focus on of Trustees of Xavier Authority-Region X entrepreneurship and University-Ateneo de and Department of innovation as essential the Interior and Local Cagayan . catalysts to supercharge Government-Region Alegrio holds the distinction of being the the Philippine economy X on 24 January 2020 first Secretary-General in the coming years, at Cagayan de Oro and projects to assist of the Cagayan de Oro to discuss ways to Chamber of Commerce local government further strengthen units implement smart collaboration and and Industry city technologies to Foundation, Inc. (Oro partnership in improve efficiency and leveraging resources Chamber) to become its President, and prior reduce corruption. from the business to her election as PCCI The Oro Chamber sector through their and PCCI-X AVP for Mindanao, Corporate Social also served as the PCCI under Alegrio’s Responsibility (CSR) stewardship has Regional Governor for funds. been instrumental in Region X (Northern The meeting focused pushing for the soonest on how government, Mindanao from 2018implementation 2019. the business sector, of the proposal to She will serve as and civil society Upgrade, Expand, part of the 20-member organizations could Operate and Maintain board of directors best synergize and the Laguindingan under former sustain efforts

F

By MIKE BAÑOS

and resources to operationalize Executive Order No. 70 (Whole-of-Nation Approach) in attaining lasting peace and inclusive development in the region.

NEDA-X generated information from the business sector on their CSR-funded activities in the region for CY 2020, which will be targeted to communities under the convergence areas for peace and development (CAPDev) program.

PCCI and the companies representing the energy sector, recommended to the Regional Development Council-X the need to review the provisions of Energy Regulation No. 1-94 to consider aligning its policy with EO 70 on making funds available for priority focus areas besides the host communities stipulated in I-94.

ER 1-94 program is a policy under the Department of Energy Act of 1992 and the Electric Power Industry Reform Act of 2001, which stipulates that host communities are entitled to a share of one centavo for every kilowatt-hour (Php 0.01 / kWh) sold by power generation

Ma. Teresa R. Alegrio, PCCI Area VP for Mindanao

plants operating in their area.

The group agreed to make this undertaking a continuing engagement, to be institutionalized in the RDC-X through quarterly RDC-X private sector representatives meetings and with the appropriate Lines of Efforts /Task Groups.

Other members of the newly elected directors of PCCI

include : Sergio OrtizLuis Jr., Ma. Alegria Limjoco, Menardo Jimenez, Alfredo Yao, Francis Chua, Edgardo Lacson, Roberto Amores, Jose Leviste, Apolinar Aure, Edgard Sia II, Dennis Uy, Michael Chen, Felino Palafox Jr., Jeffrey Ng, Delia Jimenez (NCR), Gregoria Simbulan (North Luzon), Clarine Tobias (South Luzon), and Samuel Chioson (Visayas).

GSIS Chief Macasaet unveils new “Multi-Purpose Loan” program during Stakeholders Dialogue in Zambo City ZAMBOANGA City.

GSIS Acting President and General Manager (APGM) Rolando Ledesma Macasaet today announced that the state pension fund is launching a new loan product in May 2020, dubbed the GSIS “Multi-Purpose Loan” (MPL) program.

The new MPL program is a loan restructuring and debt consolidation program designed to help government employees settle their

outstanding debts in GSIS. “If, for example, a government employee took out a Salary Loan, Emergency Loan and ConsoLoan three (3) years ago at 12% interest, GSIS will consolidate all these loans into one ‘Multi-Purpose Loan’ account. Then we will restructure the payment terms.

Instead of paying 12% interest, the government employee will now only pay

7% to 8% interest under the MPL. Instead of 3-years-topay, we can perhaps adjust to make it 5-years-to-pay. Para hindi po mabigat sa empleyado,” Macasaet explained.

The outstanding penalties and surcharges of the loans shall likewise be waived by GSIS upon approval of the employee’s MPL application.

Another important feature of MPL is that

it allows newly-hired government employees to borrow money from GSIS. In the past, an employee is required to render at least 20 months of service in government before they can borrow from GSIS. Under MPL, employees who have rendered at least three (3) months government service can now apply for a loan.

“Napansin po kasi namin, yung mga newly-hired public

school teachers natin for example, hindi maka-utang sa GSIS. So what do they do?

They go to the loansharks. They fall prey to the ‘five-six.’ Kakasimula pa lang nila sa serbisyo, baon na kaagad sila sa utang – kasi di nila alam ang taas-taas pala ng interes na sinisingil sa kanila. This is what GSIS is really trying to prevent,” Macasaet said.

Under the MultiPurpose Loan

program, a GSIS member who has rendered at least 15 years government service can borrow up to 14-times his/her basic monthly salary.

The interest rate is only 7% up to 8% per annum, depending on the amount of the loan and the length of repayment.

APGM Macasaet stressed that basically, what GSIS is trying to do is give our government workers access to cheap credit.

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Workers... from page 2

Bello said.

SMCEA President Roldan Clumia meantime assured Bello of the union’s unwavering support in the campaign of the government for labor laws compliance and in ensuring a harmonious working environment which is beneficial for both the management and the workers’ sector.#Paul Ang

Combat... from page 2

reach remote locations due to its wide range as it accesses satellites to transmit and receive data.

VSAT is the technology that would give free Wi-Fi access to far-flung areas of the country.

Previously, internet signal in the area was difficult causing delays for military to respond querries from the public in as far as peace and order and security is concerned.

“We have signal booster but it is limited. The internet connection can give awareness to the people what is going on in the country, in the world, especially to the youth. The senior high school students in Butig were briefed about the DOs and DONTs in using the internet and other social media platforms so we are hoping they are responsible enough in using the internet,” Villanueva said.

The 49th IB stations at the old municipal hall building in Barangay Poblacion after liberating Butig from the ISIS-inspired group that tried to take over Butig in 2016.

Butig Mayor Dimnatang Pansar said internet connection has several importance in town especially now that the local government unit is promoting Butig as the new eco-tourism in Lanao del Sur. This is also a big help for the LGU in their efforts “to have a stronger and functional government unit”.

“Communication is very vital to sustain the peace and order stability in our area, economic recovery and also the promotion of eco-tourism,” Pansar said.

Pansar said people in Butig felt isolated in the past years and choosing their town as part of the DICT’s and UNDP’s wifi connectivity project is a big help for them to get connected to the world.

“We don’t have to go to neighboring places just to submit or download our files, we already feel connected to the world because of this,” Pansar added.

Need... from page 2

government response to COVID-19. I am urging a more proactive approach from our agencies and local governments.”

Zubiri also called for the early summer release of schools, “to allow our kids to stay safe at home and to allow our schools

to be disinfected.”

“There are only a few days left ’til the summer break, so we should ask DepEd to just order the early break, as what has been done to hundreds of millions of school kids all over the world to avoid contamination and spread.”

“I also hope DOH is making testing kits available at all hospitals, so anyone with cough and colds can get tested. I don’t think this is excessive. Let’s not be complacent. We have seen how the virus has completely terrorized other countries.

Let us not wait for the same thing to happen to us before we spring to action.”

Quarantine... from page 4

The country has recorded a total of 47 coronavirus cases since January, with one fatality. Thirty-one of the coronavirus patients have recovered and returned home, while 15 are still being treated in hospitals.

Among the other latest measures taken by the Thai authorities to halt the spread of the flu-like disease is the plan to disinfect packages from overseas, though there have been no reports of the virus being contracted from the mail.

“Thailand’s post offices will disinfect every package arriving from overseas, at headquarters, including at Suvarnabhumi airport, Lak Si post offices, express mail service and delivery trucks,” according to Thailand Post Chief Executive Officer, Korkij Danchaivichit.

In advice to the public posted on its website, the WHO said: “People receiving packages from China are not at risk of contracting the new coronavirus. From previous analysis, we know coronaviruses do not survive long on objects, such as letters or packages.”

Huili... from page 1

to coronavirus.

Also affected is the project’s schedule for the ground breaking supposedly set by end of this month.

Once the project will go on stream, the first three years is expected to generate 10,000 jobs. Upstream and downstream industries are seen to generate about 40,000-50,000 jobs, he said.

The plant will be the country’s first integrated steel complex and represents the biggest ever industrial investment from China in the Philippines.

15

Monday, March 9, 2020 The facilities in the complex will include sintering, coking, pelletizing and steelrolling to produce basic iron and steel products for further processing.

The project is expected to produce 4.5 million tonnes of hot-rolled coil and 600,000 tonnes of slab annually in first phase, with output reaching 8 million tonnes per annum in the second phase.

Overall construction and ramp-up are scheduled to take three to five years.

A Brown Company, Inc.’s subsidiary, Simple Homes Development, Inc. has partnered with Huili Investment Fund for the land lease of the 305-hectare property at the Phividec Industrial Estate.

Simple Homes is the lone Filipino partner of Huili MCC Integrated Steel Mill of China.

Pizarro said the other three leading partner- companies are Huili Investment Fund, Baowu Steel Group Corporation Ltd (China Baowu), and China Mettalurgical Group Corporation’s subsidiary, CISDI Group Co Ltd. (CISDI).

Andanar... from page 1

rights situation of the country have been influenced by the same organizations that have been labeled as terrorists by the European Union, the United States, the United Kingdom, and Canada.

He added that the said groups claim legitimate anti-insurgency actions as red-tagging, curtailment of civic space, and weaponization of bureaucracy against their armed struggle.

“The actors who profess terrorism are able to exploit the mantle protecting human rights defenders is a failure of due diligence on the part of the UN system.

This can be rectified,” Andanar said.

The Palace official said that while the UNHRC remains vital in promoting human rights across the globe, it had to be free of politicization to preserve its credibility and integrity.

“The Philippines speaks from experience as a victim of arbitrary action by the Council. We regret that discussions on the human rights situation in the country have been swayed by baseless allegations and that the Council has failed to exhaust mechanisms for constructive, reasonable, and fact-based discourse,”

Andanar said.

The former broadcaster likewise highlighted the Duterte administration’s p olic y to exp and and strengthen the space for a free and empowered media, evident in two of the first orders the President issued when he assumed office in June 2016.

“The Philippines has always valued press freedom,” Andanar said.

“We are deeply conscious that having a plurality of voices, including critical ones, is essential in the healthy functioning of our cherished democracy. Its relationship with other human rights is deep, intricate, and abiding,” he added.

Modernized... from page 1

Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB) said.

LTFRB-Caraga OICDirector Maria Kristina Cassion said the modernized vehicles are all compliant to omnibus franchising guidelines and part of the Public Utility Vehicle Modernization Program (PUVMP) of the government.

Of the total number, 20 are buses operated by Bachelor Express, Inc. plying the route of Butuan City to Surigao City.

Another 28 modernized public utility jeeps (PUJs) are also serving routes 1, 2 and 10 and the ButuanNasipit route under the management of Diamond Transport Service Cooperative (DATSCO), Cassion said.

She added that a total of 70 taxis now serve commuters to all routes in Caraga Region.

“The PUV Modernization Program is the administration’s largest noninfrastructure project which aims to provide a comfortable life for all Filipinos through a safe, reliable, convenient, affordable, and environmentally-sustainable transportation system in the country,” Cassion said.

She also expressed optimism that the modernization program will be pushed through, saying it is about time to improve the transport situation in Caraga Region.

“One important factor that contributes to the realization of this program is our pro-activeness, especially in addressing the issues and concerns of the various transport service cooperatives and corporations,” Cassion said.

FAKE CIGAR-MAKING MACHINES. Authorities recover three units of cigarette-making machines in Barangay Bagalupa, Labangan, Zamboanga del Sur, on Saturday (Mar. 7, 2020). National Bureau of Investigation-Region 9 Director Moises Tamayo says the machines were similar to the equipment they found in a factory producing counterfeit cigarettes that authorities raided on Friday in Dinas, Zamboanga del Sur. (PNA photo by Leah D. Agonoy)

3 cigarette-making machines found in Zambo Sur town

By LEAH AGONOY

PAGADIAN CITY, Zamboanga del Sur – Authorities recovered on Saturday three cigarette-making machines loaded in a wing van abandoned in Labangan town in the province, some 15 kilometers from here.

Lawyer Moises Tamayo, National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) regional director, said the machines recovered in Barangay Bagalupa were similar to the equipment seized in a factory producing counterfeit cigarettes.

The factory was raided Friday by authorities in Dinas town, an hour’s drive away from Labangan town.

“It is very seldom to find cigarette-making machines here (Labangan).

Obviously, you can see it is similar (to the ones previously confiscated in Dinas town) and there are also tobacco and cigarettes with fake seals (on this truck),” Tamayo said.

He said the machines were recovered after the NBI received a report that a wing van was abandoned in Barangay Bagalupa.

Further inspection showed that the van’s registered plate number was She said LTFRB-Caraga will continue to provide technical assistance to the transport service cooperatives in the area.

Meanwhile, Cassion pointed out that PUVMP is not merely a vehicle modernization program but a comprehensive system of reforms that will entirely change the public land

changed from CAY-1628 to AS-F682, Tamayo said, in an apparent attempt to hide its cargo.

“We believe the machines were transported to another place to evade the authorities,” the NBI official said, suggesting that the recovered machines were connected to the factory raided in Dinas.

Authorities said the machines were estimated to be worth PHP15 million to PHP25 million, and are capable of producing up to 600 master cases daily or up to 300,000 packs of cigarettes a day.

Tamayo said the equipment will be transported to the common evidence warehouse in Cagayan de Oro City “for proper disposition and destruction.”

He said they are pursuing several leads to identify the owner of the machines as well as the driver of the wing van.

Cases for violation of Customs Modernization and Tariff Act and National Internal Revenue Code will be filed against the owner of the machines, he said.

(PNA) transportation industry.

“This program is not impossible. We have already started it. We have made gradual but impactful changes in our units that received positive feedback from the commuting public.

This goes to show that the PUV Modernization Program has really worked,” she said. (PNA)

MINDANAO DAILY FEATURE TRUTH. JUSTICE. PROGRESS.

16

Monday, March 9, 2020

PAASCU grants Institutional Accreditation & Level IV Core Programs to Xavier Ateneo

THE Philippine Accrediting Association of Schools, Colleges, and Universities (PAASCU) has granted Xavier University Ateneo de Cagayan with an Institutional Accreditation for the first time ever.

Xavier Ateneo president Fr Roberto C. Yap SJ, shared the notification from the PAASCU board of directors to the XU community on in his memo, dated Friday, February 28.

“Institutional Accreditation is the highest certification that can be given to an educational institution.

The distinction was granted based on Xavier Ateneo’s accomplishments and compliance with the five major criteria set by the Federation of Accrediting Agencies of the Philippines,” Yap noted.

The major criteria for PAASCU Institutional Accreditation include the following:1. The Arts and Sciences, Business, and Education programs should have been granted at least Level III reaccredited status; 2. 75% of the program offerings should be accredited; 3. Majority of the total student population should be enrolled in the accredited programs; 4.

The performance of its graduates in the licensure examination should be at par with or above the national passing rate for at least two years; and, 5.

The Higher Education Institution should have well-developed internal quality assurance mechanisms that include strong research and linkages, instruction process, and community

service programs.

Yap said that PAASCU renewed the Level IV Accreditation to Xavier Ateneo’s core programs: Arts and Sciences (College of Arts and Sciences), Elementary

and Secondary Education (School of Education), and Business Administration and Accountancy (School of Business and Management).

“Institutional and Level IV Accreditation

are affirmations that at Xavier Ateneo, we truly Experience Excellence!

We rejoice at this accomplishment, AMDG,” he added.

PAASCU is authorized by the Commission

on Higher Education to certify the levels of accredited programs in educational institutions.

Accreditation translates to the granting of progressive deregulation and other benefits.