MINDANAO DAILY TRUTH. JUSTICE. PROGRESS.
Volume IX, No. 276
www.mindanaodailynews.com
Fri-Sat, May 8-9, 2020
P15.00
Mayor Moreno’s kin, latest COVID 19 casualty in CDO COVID-19 ‘invade’ CDO, village execs want ECQ By CRIS DIAZ Executive Editor and GERRY LEE GORIT Correspondent
Village chief Julito Ogsimer of Luwas Kagay-an takes the lead in urging Cagayan de Oro Mayor Oscar Moreno to place the entire city under Enhanced Community Quarantine (ECQ). Ogsimer is currently the village chief of Lapasan, one of the biggest barangays in Cagayan de Oro City. photo by gerry lee gorit
SP looks into concerns on city’s fight vs Covid pandemic
TO keep abreast and be able to act on concerns in the city’s fight against the coronavirus disease, the 19th City Council headed by Vice Mayor Raineir Joaquin V. Uy held a special session on Wednesday, May 6 with heads of national and local agencies involved in the formidable task. DSWD-10 regional See LOOKS, page 11
CAGAYAN de Oro City-Village Chiefs (Punong Barangays) here on Friday demanded for the imposition of the “enhance community quarantine” as COVID-19 virus envaded this seaport capital of 800,000 people in Northern Mindanao. The Depar tment of Health on Thursday confirmed that three more ‘locally transmitted’ COVID-19 positive cases were monitored in Cagayan De Oro City after the death of the 21-year-0ld COVID-19 positive patient on Tuesday. See WANT, page 11
By CRIS DIAZ Executive Editor
CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY: Cagayan De City Mayor Oscar Moreno on Wednesday announced that the latest COVID-19 fatality, who lived in the village (Barangay) of Carmen here, was his relative. The 61-year-old female patient originally came from the municipal town of Balingasag, the hometown of Moreno, in the province of Misamis Oriental. Moreno said that his relative was active in the distribution and packaging of the relief goods in Carmen prior to her admission to the Northern Mindanao Medical Center (NMMC) hospital on May 1, 2020. Donsals Transport Corporation owned by Donald Rey Ellarina deploys 17 coaster Dr. Joselito Retuya, the buses and 10 vans to serve the riding public from its terminal near Gaisano Mall, along Corrales Avenua, Cagayan de Oro City, which is still under the General Community city health epidemiologist, Quarantine (GCQ) status due to Covid-19.
photo by gerry lee gorit
LTFRB rationalizes Oro, Misor routes By GERRY LEE GORIT Correspondent
Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB) Regional Director Aminoden Guro of Region 10 during an interview with reporters on Wednesday afternoon at his office in Barangay Patag, Cagayan de Oro City. photo by gerry lee gorit
MINDANAO DAILY
See CASUALTY, page 11
CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY-The Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board in Region 10 (LTFRB-10) is now in the process of “rationalizing” the routes in the city and in Misamis Oriental. LTFRB-10 Regional Director Aminoden Guro said that the route rationalization is part of the Public Utility Vehicle (PUV) modernization program that will commence on June 30 this year.
Guro said that he has already met with Councilor Bong Lao, chair of the City Council committee on Public Utility, and discussed the rationalization of routes for Cagayan de Oro City. The rationalization of routes, said Guro is one of the requirements set forth under the Omnibus Franchising Guidelines (OFG) of the PUV modernization. Aside from removing the overlapping of routes, the route rationalization is conducted to determine appropriate mode, quantity
and service characteristics of the public transport service in each corridor which will make the routes more responsive to passenger demand and ensure that the hierarchy of roads and modes of transportation are followed. Guro said the LTFRB is prepared to roll out the PUV modernization in Cagayan de Oro, Misamis Oriental and even in Northern Mindanao region. He said dozens of transport cooperatives have See ROUTES, page 11
RADYO SERBISYO 106.3 FM CDO
2
Fri-Sat, May 8-9, 2020
Community
FOR ADS PLACEMENT CALL OR TEXT: 0917-712-1424 • 0947-893-5776
mindanaodaily.ads@gmail.com
MILF community members thankful as relief comes to the village MUNAI, Lanao del Norte -As a response to the request of a Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) community here, the Salam Agricultural Limited Partnership, Incorporated (Salam) provided 200 sacks of quality rice to the village at Sitio Kurakura, Barangay Tamparan, this municipality. Commissioner Abdullah “Bravo” Macapaar of the Bangsamoro Transition Authority (BTA) steppedup for the survival of his people by sending a request to Salam asking for any form of assistance as the whole country fights against the highly infectious coronavirus disease (COVID-19). This was fulfilled with the coordination of a private
power company and assistance of the army troops from the 2nd Mechanized Infantry “Magbalantay” Brigade under BGen. Facundo Palafox IV. Neil Konrad Binayao III, external relations officer of Salam, shared that Salam management, together with partner companies in the area, mobilized resources in the form of rice which is the staple food of every Filipino family. “Salam has an agri-business venture inside the MILF camp; Abaca and commercial treatment station but unfortunately, because of the quarantine measures, they have to declare work stoppage that contributed to the hardships of the people
in Sitio Kura-kura,” Binayao explained. Binayao said Salam support to provide sustainable development is the private sector’s contribution to the government’s peace efforts. “The company believes that in order to have lasting peace in the area there has to be sustainable and equitable development. We believe that it’s a key component towards lasting peace,” Binayao added. Though no one from the community is infected by COVID-19, Commissioner Macapaar admitted that the economic effects caused by the disease slowed down the development of the area as they comply with the Smiling, a MILF combatant disembarks rice sacks from an army vehicle. See RELIEF, page 9
A spoonful of support MARAWI CITY -- It was a warm summer day. While most people looked for other ways to spend their time at home, members of My Deen Food Catering endured the heat in the kitchen to diligently prepare hearty packed meals. The packed meals were
ordered by Save the Children Foundation and will be donated to frontliners in Marawi City and other areas of Lanao del Sur. Ab dul Mahayman Modaalay, chairperson of the catering service cooperative, did not hesitate in accommodating the bulk
My Deen Food Catering is expected to deliver additional packed meals within the week.
order. After all, he was already used to cooking and serving those who are in need. Abdul’s passion for cooking started with his love for kapagana, a native Maranao’s practice of offering different food to the guests. On almost every occasion, he cooked a lot of food “to share happiness with everybody.” Abdul believed that food is what brings the family to gather together. On normal occasions, he catered food for family occasions and did a few orders from his relatives and friends. When the Marawi siege happened, Abdul and his colleagues in the catering Packed meals are prepared and ready for delivery to service decided to reach out frontliners.
Angelo Dologmandin/PIA ICIC
Camiguin sets rules for land transpo service CAMIGUIN -- Through Executive Order No. 23A, all public land transportation ser vices are now required to operate at 50 percent passenger capacity to ensure adequate physical distance among passengers and further prevent the spread of coronavirus disease (COVID)-19. Motorela services are allowed to operate given that they abide with the municipal rules and regulations. Multicab and jeepney services shall only be allowed to operate after complying with the requirements of the Department of Transportation.
With the high risk of COVID-19 transmission through shared helmets and close physical contact between passenger and driver, single motorcycle or habal-habal services are suspended during the General Community Quarantine. Municipal governments must also require public land transportation services to operate on a pointto-point basis, designate loading and unloading areas, set transportation schedules. “We do this to minimize risks to public health and ensure social distancing,” Gov. Jurdin Jesus Romualdo said. (RTP/PIA10)
and served a lot of internally displaced persons (IDPs). However, they humbly admitted to having only helped a limited number of IDPs because of the shortage of equipment. Still, it did not stop them from their passion for cooking and serving other people. The catering service improved when the cooperative received cooking and catering equipment from DTI’s Shared Service Facility (SSF) for the Bangon Marawi project. “The SSF from DTI helps us make our business more efficient.” Abdul shared. “We can hold a large scale of people gathering with the help of the facilities shared to us from DTI.” On March 21 and 23, Motorists and public utility vehicles are strictly monitored My Deen Food Catering in Quarantine Control Points to ensure compliance on delivered 300 packed meals General Community Quarantine protocols in Camiguin. See SUPPORT, page 9
(CamPPO)
JOY& THATA LECHON LIVESTOCK TRADING
CAGAYAN DE ORO MAIN BRANCH P & J Lim Bldg., Tiano Brothers Kalambagohan Sts., Tel. # (08822) 727-829 * Telefax # (088) 856-1947 CAMIGUIN BRANCH B. Aranas St., Poblacion, Mambajao, Camiguin Tel. # (088) 387-0491 CORRALES BRANCH Corrales Ave., Cagayan de Oro City
DIVISORIA BRANCH Atty. Erasmo B. Damasing Bldg., #61 Don A. Velez St., Cagayan de Oro City Tel. # (088) 857-3631
Located at : PUERTO, CDO – MAIN JR. BORJA EXTENSION, CRONEN, CAMAMAN-AN – BRANCH
LAPASAN BRANCH Lapasan Hi-way, Cagayan de Oro City
Contact Number: Tel. # (088) 231-6739 0916-126-7815 CARMEN BRANCH Vamenta Blvd., Cagayan de Oro City 0920-876-3147 Tel. # (088) 231-2011
CDO MAIN BRANCH P & J Lim Bldg., Tiano Brothers Kalambagohan Sts., Tel. # (08822) 727-829 * Telefax # (088) 856-1947
DIVISORIA BRANCH Atty. Erasmo B. Damasing Bldg., #61 Don A. Velez St., Cagayan de Oro City Tel. # (088) 857-3631
CAMIGUIN BRANCH B. Aranas St., Poblacion, Mambajao, Camiguin Tel. # (088) 387-0491
LAPASAN BRANCH Lapasan Hi-way, Cagayan de Oro City Tel. # (088) 231-6739
CORRALES BRANCH Corrales Ave., Cagayan de Oro City
CARMEN BRANCH Vamenta Blvd.,Cagayan de Oro City Tel. # (088) 231-2011
FOR ADS PLACEMENT CALL OR TEXT: 0917-712-1424 • 0947-893-5776
mindanaodaily.ads@gmail.com
Octogenarians in Surigao Norte get special aid By ALEXANDER LOPEZ
BUTUAN CITY – A total of 2,502 senior citizens age 80 and above received cash assistance from the provincial government of Surigao del Norte. Mary Jul Espuerta of the provincial information office said Thursday (May 7) that each beneficiary received PHP3,000 each for the purchase of their maintenance medicines and other needs. “This program for the 80-year-old and above was started during the time of former Governor Sol Matugas and being continued by incumbent governor Francisco Matugas,” Espuerta told the Philippine News Agency. She said the beneficiaries who received cash assistance were from a list made from July to December of 2019. “Each beneficiary is entitled to PHP500 per month medicine allowance. The provincial government has decided to release the entire amount from July to December last year for them to have enough money to secure their needs in time of the pandemic. Each of them received PHP3,000,” Espuerta said. She said that as of May 6, around PHP7.5 million See AID, page 9
Fri-Sat, May 8-9, 2020
3
RTMI workers get 13th-month benefits, other cash assistance By GERRY LEE GORIT Correspondent
CAGAYAN de Oro City-Employees of Rural Transit Mindanao, Inc. (RTMI) in six branches in Mindanao were all smile as the bus company released their 13th-month benefits, bonuses and other cash assistance. Celer Estologa, RTMI media relations officer, said that last March all employees received their respective 13th-month pay benefits and other cash incentives after the bus firm secured the green light from Mr. Leo Rey Yanson, president of Yanson Group of Bus John del Castillo, general manager of Rural Transit Mindanao, Inc. (RTMI) of Bulua branch Companies. spearheads the distribution of relief goods and cash assistance to their employees Aside from the 13thFriday (May 8) at its terminal in Bulua, Cagayan de Oro City. photo by gerry lee gorit month pay, Estologa said
e mp l oye s f rom s e ve n branches in Mindanao also received their respective one-month salary in the form of cash advance. “We re l e a s e d t h e i r salaries even during the time that we temporarily stopped our operations due to Enhanced Community Quarantine (ECQ),” he told reporters. He said the company also released the “signing bonuses” of their employees employed in their branches in the cities of Dipolog, Pagadian, Cagayan de Oro (Bulua and Yacapin branch), Butuan; and Davao region. On one hand, John del Castillo, general manager of Rural Transit Mindanao, See BENEFITS, page 9
20 trays of fresh farm eggs given to Covid-19 frontline health workers
CAGAYAN de Oro City-Representatives from the Northern Mindanao Medical Center (NMMC), the region’s referral hospital for COVID-19 cases, were given a total of 20 trays of fresh farm eggs at the
Department of Agriculture – Regional Field Office (DA-RFO)- 10, April 29. This gesture aims to boost the health, nutrition and morale of the Region’s medical workers and other frontliners in the
bid to curb the spread of the disease, as they work round-the-clock to save lives. The food assistance is shared by DA-RFO 10 thru OIC-Regional Executive Director Carlene C. Col-
lado, which was ceremoniously turned over a week ago and is part from the donations of San Miguel Foods, Inc. Receiving the food assistance is NMMC’s Christerson G. Rafal, nursing
attendant and Blisilo A. Sacal, administrative officer, also in the presence of DARFO 10 Regional Technical Director for Operations Carlota S. Madriaga and other agency staff. (DA10/ PIA10)
4
Fri-Sat, May 8-9, 2020
Opinion
FOR ADS PLACEMENT CALL OR TEXT: 0917-712-1424 • 0947-893-5776
mindanaodaily.ads@gmail.com
Nuts & Bolts The MINDANAO DAILY is pubished by MINDANAO DAILY NEWS PUBLISHING CORPORATION. Registered with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) with Reg. No. CS201531735, Business Plate No. 202003336, under Business License Certificate No. 2020-04013, BIR-TIN No. 464-682-324-000.
ADMINISTRATION DANTE M. SUDARIA Publisher and President ALLAN MARIO MEDIANTE Vice President for Corporate Affairs RUFINO T. MAGBANUA Vice President for Business Development VICENTE C. DELA VICTORIA Vice President for Operations JOE FELICILDA Vice President for Administration RENE MICHAEL BAÑOS Vice President for Digital JOHN AARON M. DEL BANDO Vice President for Events and Promotions JOE PALABAO Vice President for Marketing
ROSE MARY D. SUDARIA, PhD Vice president for FINANCE
EDITORIAL ALLAN M. MEDIANTE Editor-in-Chief
RUEL PELONE Managing Editor RENE MICHAEL BAÑOS Regional Editor Northmin GILBERT Y. CHAO Motoring Editor PAT SAMONTE Regional Editor Caraga AL JACINTO Regional Editor-WestMin ATTY. MARIO T. JUNI NOTARY PUBLIC- JUNI LAW OFFICE CELL NO: 09352379999/ (088) 8573595 CRUZ TAAL ST., CAG. DE ORO CITY LEGAL COUNSEL
CRIS DIAZ Executive Editor JOE PALABAO Feature Editor GERRY LEE GORIT Photo Journalist CHRIS PANGANIBAN Regional Editor-Caraga RODRIGO B. SEVILLA Regional Editor-Davao ATTY. ANTONIO S. SORIANO 2F, ICS BUILDING TEL. NO.: 881-0176 TIANO COR. MONTALVAN STS. LEGAL COUNSEL
MAIN OFFICE Abellanosa St., Brgy. Consolacion, Cagayan de Oro City. Tel. Nos: (088) 856-3344, 0917-7121424, 0947-8935776, 0917-5183590, 0917-6701544. E-mails: Advertising:mindanaodaily.ads@gmail.com, Editorial: mindanaodailynews@gmail.com ROSE MARY SUDARIA, PHD Manager MELANIE RIVERA DANNYCAROSE SUDARIA Advertising Comptroller FELIX SANTILLAN ROLANDO SUDARIA Creative Production MANILA MARKETING OFFICE 9th Flr, Unit 918, CityLand Herrera VA Rufino cor. Valero St. Salcedo Village, Makati City TEL. #: 5555392, Cell No.: 0917-1320164
LANI VALLIDO Marketing and Sales Manager
MIJIE JUAT MAY IGLECIAS Account Executives
DAVAO MARKETING OFFICE Door 223, Doña Segunda Bldg., CM Recto Ave., Davao City Telephone #: (082) 298-8815 Office in Charge: ARNOLD SAN AGUSTIN- 0955-312-5405 JOSE ANTONIO P. RODRIGUEZ JUDY I. PANIS Office Clerk Field Reporter LORETO P. JALAPIT JR-Circulation in Charg TAGUM CITY, DAVAO DEL NORTE OFFICE Block 20-12, Cacacho Subd., Mankilam, Tagum City, Davao del Norte Tel/CP #: 0923-443-2578 Office in Charge: SARX LANOS ILIGAN OFFICE G/F IBJT North Terminal, Tambo, Hinaplanon, Iligan City Office in Charge: SONNY SUDARIA, 0916-349-7422 OZAMIZ CITY OFFICE Door 3, 2nd Floor Go Bldg., Lam an, Ozamiz City Office in Charge: FORTUNATO “Teddy” ALCUIZAR, JR. 0956-180-4249
--------------------------------------------------------------BUREAU AND MKTG STAFF
VILLAMOR VISAYA JR., Bureau Chief - NORTHERN LUZON REGION 2 FRANCIS C. SORIANO, Bureau Chief - NCR & REGION 3 & 4 CINDY JOYCE D. ALCANZO, Asst. Bureau Chief - REGION 3 (CENTRAL LUZON) CYRIL QUILO, Asst. Bureau Chief - REGION 4-A (CALABARZON) ELMER JAMES BANDOL (BICOL REGION) RIZA O. ARES - 0926-2242-653 CANDY MACABALE - 09161326483 MISOR - LOLONG NABONG - 0906-875-8650 GINGOOG CITY-MANNY ANSIHAGAN-0936-287-7788 SOUTH BUK. - ANNABELLE D. FLORENDO - 0975-102-8444 VALENCIA CITY - PHILIP PHIL CALUMBA-0905-652-5407 MARAMAG - ROFINA CUALES - 0926-336-1585 MALAYBALAY - DAHLIA S. BENEMERITO-0955-150-6602 MALAYBALAY - LALAINE SUDARIA - 0975-251-7882 ILIGAN CITY - JEFFREY OPONDA-0936-1174378 TANGUB CITY - BOBBY MAG USARA OROQUIETA CITY - PJ TREMEDAL-0919-3452375 R-10 BARMM - SONY SUDARIA-0947-4810371/0916-349-7422 COTABATO - ANALISA ESPAÑOLA-0916-9351714 COTABATO CITY-SHAMMAH SUNGA-0955-183-9296 DAVAO - TOM A. CABALLERO - 0975-6023684 DAVAO - IAN CABALLERO FULGENCIO - 0955-400-8752 DAVAO DEL NORTE - SARAH CASTOR - 0910-1610366 DIGOS CITY - ROMEO D. SANCHEZ -0907-1905204 PANABO, DAVAO - ARNOLD T. SAN AGUSTIN - 0955-3125405 DAVAO - ALEJANDRO BRIAN CASTOR - 0950-646-5515 DIGOS CITY- DANILO S. EBANES - 0910-756-35-34 DAVAO CITY- AUREA HERNANDEZ - 0997-924-2417 DAVAO OCCIDENTAL - PASTOR JOEL P. PESUCAN - 0926-587-6149 / 0912-019-2590 TAGUM CITY - SARX LANOS - 0923-443-2578 COMVAL - JOVELYN A. SAN AGUSTIN - 0946-255-0438 GENERAL SANTOS - LEO V. MONTEJO - 0926-798-7472 BUTUAN - PAT SAMONTE-0912-8091093 BUTUAN - JOEL DUMAS PORTUGAL - 0910-9775349 SAN FRANS - CRIS PANGANIBAN-0927-7974193 SAN FRANCISCO - DEDING PANGANBAN-0927-7974193 PAGADIAN CITY - GRACE FRANCISCO -0912-8484037 ZAMBOANGA - AL JACINTO - 0917-7103642
Member: ORO CHAMBER Philippine Press Institute
Public Relations Agencies in a Crisis – Or Why it Could Pay to Have Paid for Ads EDITORIAL departments of most publications are often in contact with public relations agencies or public relations departments. They are a crucial part of the media landscape as they provide a service that links brands and media outlets. The role of public relations (PR) is often defined as “The professional maintenance of a favourable public image by a company or other organization or a famous person.” In many cases this is done through the dissemination of releases to the media for publication in their outlets. Depending on where you stand, some publishers don’t publish anything unless there is an ad coming with it. Others may heavily depend on the access to ready-made content in the
shape of press releases. Now that I write column regularly at the Mindanao Daily, based in Cagayan de Oro in a Mindanao-wide newspaper I would write what I think can contribute to the reader’s knowledge . If there is an advertising contract in place it might mean that the item may get a bit more exposure. Surely the publisher Dante Sudaria, would have some advertisers who seem to be happy with just the ad placement without ever having editorial support. I think it is fair to say that editors would be biased in favour of those who support the media. During my 4-year stint as the General Manager of the Limketkai Luxe I would ensure that those publication who gives press
coverage are included in the hotel’s advertising budget since they have continuously supported the hotel in getting full press coverage. Amazingly, now people are starting to read my column and even with this time of the Enhanced Community Quarantine ( ECQ ) press releases continue to come thru my Facebook account . And almost I never even met the public relations people except they are brands have NEVER spent a single cent on advertising with the newspaper. Many of those brands behind the releases have also never had time to allow us to introduce myself . And none of the PR agencies that send out these releases have the budget or authority to place an ad to push things along. Without
JEROME DE LA FUENTE
exception, when asked for a tiny contribution, with amazing payment terms mind you, to keep publications going during this time, there is no answer. Not one of these releases has made it out of my inbox. Now everyone is singing the same song “We need to work together to make it through this.” While this is a very agreeable notion, so far, it seems that those brands coming out with press releases don’t seem to realise that it takes two to tango. A friend of mine was musing that he would have to have a very specific message for PR professionals See AGENCIES, page 11
Have my say
Home office
IN times of Covid-19 and ECQ or even GCQ, many of us are lucky working at home. For me it’s a doubleedged sword. I love to stay at my home office - on the other side, I miss my teaching and meeting people. Working at home - does this productivity come naturally, or can you learn it? For some, working from home is a gift – a remarkable opportunity to focus and be hyper-productive, all the while finding time to play with the dogs and even exercise in short pants. For others – well, the transition isn’t quite as seamless. Some find all they’ve done with their eight hours is answer two or three emails, dream about a having a drink or discover their ‘cheese hour’. It’s true, what British
writer Meredith Turits said: some people simply have dispositions and personality traits that enable them to better adjust to the new world of remote work than others. However, it’s not so black and white. You’re not necessarily destined to be good or bad at working remotely – some may just have to put in more effort than others. Procrastination is never easier than when your superior isn’t looking over your shoulder. As long as the status light on your communication app is green, it’s easy to rush to the fridge and try to get something to eat or drink, or get into a YouTube hole, with no one any the wiser. If it feels easier to procrastinate at home than in
the office, it is for most: tele work is a “weak situation” with murkier expectations about behavior, says Timothy Pychyl, associate psychology professor at Carleton University in Ontario. In contrast, he points to a common situation: “In an elevator, we all typically ‘act elevator’, for example avoid eye contact with others, and keep our distance as [much as] possible …. The office is more of a strong situation with expectations for many things such as dress codes, arrival and departure times [and] time spent on or off task.” Weaker cues and lower accountability may make procrastination more likely at home. And without the strong situation of an office, it’s quite a bit easier to dismiss
Klaus Doring
unpleasant tasks and meetings with not very much welcome people. . When there’s a task on your plate you don’t want to dive into, or you’re banging your head against a wall with a tech problem, you’re testing your ‘frustration tolerance’, says Pychyl. Those who have a lower frustration tolerance are much more likely to procrastinate – they’re the people who get up from their desk and find a distraction. I don’t know how you my dear readers “survive” these times. Anyway, my very best wishes at the end: See OFFICE, page 11
Letters from Davao
Of motives and options of ABS CBN LET’S set aside the COVID -19 pandemic first and talk about the shut down of ABS CBN. The emotional outbursts of some characters have breached a modicum of civility I cannot imagine that some avid oppositions and their minions would dub those identified with Pres. Rodrigo Duterte as demonic or in their language “mala-demonyo”. Protestations that use emotional blackmail are bereft of reasons. It cannot win an argument and neither can it restore the franchise of the giant network. Mr. Lopez had better look closely at the motive of politicians and the rabid critics of Duterte. Isn’t it puzzling that for years no
legal remedies were pursued to get the franchise of ABS CBN approved? Why all these incendiary speeches aimed at stirring public condemnation against President Duterte? Why were they so quiet during the time of ex-Pres. Benigno Simeon Aquino III? Invoking press freedom will not wash instead that’s falling to the trap of emotional blackmail that makes heroes and heroines of the salivating opposition out to attribute the cessation of ABS CBN operation to Duterte. In the first place, we in the media have an overdose of freedom. Licentious in fact. To blame the National Telecommunications Commission for
not issuing a provisional authority to operate is off the mark. Those who are insisting that NTC can give provisional authority cannot even site a legal basis. It’s nothing but incendiary oratories. Sadly not even the plight of 11,000 workers (DOLE state less than 4,000) can be made the basis for a grant. As the legal luminaries assert the law cannot be bent to the point of breakage. Why did not the lawyers and political supporters of ABS CBN argue that the application for the Network’s renewal was made in 2014 and therefore it is a continuing undertaking so that even if the franchise technically expired, the right
Jun Ledesma
of ABS CBN was preserved by its timely application? I am not a lawyer but just like the other franchise that was given provisional authority to operate the legal team of the Network could have invoked the same and therefore legally can continue to operate, until congress acts on its application. ABS CBN cannot be faulted for the delay. Why the House of Representatives did not act on its application during the Aquino administration See OPTIONS, page 11
FOR ADS PLACEMENT CALL OR TEXT: 0917-712-1424 • 0947-893-5776
mindanaodaily.ads@gmail.com
Fri-Sat, May 8-9, 2020
5
COVID-19 Accelerates Digital Adoption In PH WITH the COVID-19 pandemic, people all over the world sought to bring a semblance of normalcy in their lives. Filipinos are no different and have looked towards technology to bridge the gap between how things were versus what they are now. The ECQ and travel restrictions thrust the internet and digital applications into the forefront of the average Filipino. We have seen an accelerated adoption to critical applications that would allow people to enjoy things that can be easily taken for granted - a favorite dish, a hobby, a wanted toy, or just the simple joy of being connected to a friend. In the recent Digital 2020 April Statshot report of Hootsuite and We Are Social, the Philippines showed increased reliance on the internet as a means to cope and to safely shop for essentials. 64% of Filipino internet users reported spending more time on
social media, while 23% of users shared that they are spending more time shopping online. “The current circumstances could be more devastating if we did not have digital tools to support us. Two years ago, we started to push the organization to adopt all things digital especially in our operations. We felt it was the right thing to do,” said Ernest Cu, Globe President and CEO. Now Globe is doing the same thing for its customers, pushing various digital applications including digital payments for easier and more convenient ways to do transactions. Whether paying bills, buying load, looking up data usage or pulling up a monthly statement, all these are served up through Globe’s mobile apps - the Globe One and TM app for mobile users and the Globe At Home app for broadband users. There’s also the Globe Rewards app See DIGITAL, page 8
Operators and drivers install cellophane as barriers to ensure that the law on “social distancing” is strictly followed and to prevent the spread of Coronavirus Disease 2019. photo by gerry lee gorit
IATF okays food security development framework THE Department of Agriculture (DA), as chair of the Task Group on Food Security (TGFS), recently got the nod of the Interagency Task Force for the Management of Emerging Infectious Diseases (IATF) to pursue its Food Security Development Framework (FSDF) as it leads the country’s agriculture sector towards the ‘new normal’ era. Agriculture Secretary William Dar said “the framework aims to provide the overall vision and high-
MATHEMATICS: A LEARNERS CHALLENGE By MARICRIS BERSANO-VICENTE Teacher III Malinao High School Malinao, Banisilan, Cotabato
Mathematics as stated in the K to 12 Curriculum as one of the most valuable subjects but many of the students perceived it as the hardest among other subjects. As one of the most challenging subjects, instead of murmuring of its difficulty, students should devote their time in doing mathematical tasks inside and outside their classrooms. As a saying goes “practice makes perfect” that must the goal of every learner who wants to learn Mathematics. Solving Math problems cannot be done with just one blink of an eye. Students should understand the lesson and not just memorize the
procedures. They need focus, patience and endurance to solve different problems in Mathematics. In other words, students should put their hearts and souls to achieve their goal and that is to learn Mathematics. Nothing really comes easy in life and also that’s very true in Mathematics. Student should accept it as one of their greatest endeavor in life and once they learn to love it everything will be easy for them. Mathematics may not be everything but it always teaches us one lesson “In life, every problem has its corresponding solution.” Keep practicing, keep solving and keep achieving!
level goals for the sector to attain in the immediate and short-term. It focuses on five objectives of food production, namely: availability, accessibility, affordability, price stability, and food safety.” In view of the COVID-19 pandemic, the FSDF identifies strategic areas for each TGFS member-department to focus on in the next six months and onto 2021. Chaired by the DA, the TGFS is currently composed of 20 national departments
and agencies, to name a few: the departments of trade and industry (DTI), interior and local government (DILG), social welfare and development (DSWD), agrarian reform (DAR), environment and natural resources (DENR), budget and management (DBM), education (DepEd), science and technology (DOST), energy (DOE), and National Economic and Development Authority (NEDA). “To attain the overall See FOOD, page 8
My Passion in Teaching Reading Skill By ME V. JERUSALEM, Teacher III Silongon Elementary School Division of Misamis Occidental Tudela District
Undeniably, reading is a significant skill each learner must acquire. It is an indispensable vehicle one can utilize to proceed to higher learnings and other lifetime pursuits. It is as essential as the writing skill. However, today’s schools are faced with the problem of having a considerable number of learners who are frustration and non-readers. I am referring to the DepEd-Division of Misamis Occidental in particular. But it occurs to me that the scenario is the same with the other divisions in DepED-Region X, considering that this region is among the lowest in the rank of learners’ reading skill in the whole country. The number of frustration and non-readers seems to escalate every school year. There are even frustration and non-readers who reached high school. Now, this is very alarming! What went wrong? I can still recall my early
stage of learning back in the late 1970’s when I was in grade-1. Things were simple and less complicated. We were taught how to draw lines and curves on papers. After some time when we were able to achieve consistency in drawing those lines and curves, we were taught how to write letters in the alphabet. Upon being able to write each letter, we were taught to recognize and pronounce the name of each letter, both in English and Filipino. When we reached grade-2, all of us were able to read. If you are my contemporaries, you will giggle and feel nostalgic at the mention of these reading materials: Henny Penny and Pepe at Pilar. We repeatedly read these and other similar materials at school, day in and day out. It appeared to be learning to read applying the principle of repetition. The more often a reading piece is repeated, the more we improved in our reading skill.
Perhaps, another factor that boosted our reading skill were the comics magazines. To name a couple: Wakasan and Bisaya, which were my personal favorites. They were all over the place during our days when computers and smart phones not yet available. We read them at home, at the bus stations, and on the ferry rides across the Panguil Bay. We read them everywhere. I even read them in the toilet. Funny, but aside from that we also read crumpled pages of newspaper used as dried fish wrappers. Amazingly, we were able to read with comprehension. Hence, during our time there were no learners who reached high school who were non-readers – none that I can recall. But to top it all, the biggest factor I consider that have contributed much to our success in achieving reading skill were our teachers. We were fortunate to have teachers in our elementary days who were passionate. They patiently shared extra time for learners with reading difficulties
during lunch breaks and afterclass hours. They spent oneon-one reading sessions with us. That was really something special. Now that I am a teacher, I have been doing the same practice and I am proud to say that I have no non-reader in my grade-2 class in 3 consecutive school years. There have been several reading programs that DepEd has implemented. They come and go. I implement them but I cannot afford to be complacent. I give them my personal touch and innovation. I see to it that I spend extra time and effort for the slow learners so that they can really read. I even tapped the parents’ help for this concern. I have this passion. I must not succumb to my competitions which are the TV, computer, smart phones and similar gadgets with video games and social media craze. I cannot afford to lose. What about you as a reading teacher? What have you done?
MINDANAO DAILY TRUTH. JUSTICE. PROGRESS.
Editor: ALLAN M. MEDIANTE
Fri-Sat, May 8-9, 2020
BUSINESS 6
Go clarifies “Balik Probinsya, Bagong Pag-asa” Program should be voluntary for those willing to start anew in the countryside SENATOR Christopher Lawrence “Bong” Go clarified in an interview on Thursday, May 7, that while the long-term goal of the “Balik Probinsya” program aims to encourage urban dwellers and businesses to relocate to the provinces to promote equitable distribution of opportunities and economic development throughout the country, it should still be implemented as “voluntary” for Filipinos who are willing to consider relocating to their respective home provinces. “Walang pilitan ito, hindi pwedeng pilitin ‘yung mga tao na umuwi na ng probinsya. Hinanda po ito para sa
mga may gustong lumipat o umuwi na. Bibigyan sila ng gobyerno ng magandang oportunidad na magsimula ng maayos na pamumuhay sa kanilang mga probinsya pagkatapos ng COVID-19 crisis,” Go said. “Ngayon po ito pwedeng mangyari dahil maraming gustong umuwi so unahin natin ‘yung mga gustong umuwi. Kung gusto nila manirahan dito sa Maynila, respetuhin po natin. Sino ang gustong umuwi, ‘yun ang unahin,” Go reiterated, citing many Filipino families who have expressed willingness to relocate to their home provinces after their experiences during the
current COVID-19 crisis. In relation to this, Go also mentioned that initial talks with Executive Secretary Salvador Medialdea and other key officials of concerned government agencies had already resulted to the signing of Executive Order 114, signed by President Rodrigo Duterte on May 6, institutionalizing the “Balik Probinsya, Bagong Pag-asa Program” with the creation of its council to oversee its implementation. “Nag-meeting sila Executive Secretary Medialdea along with other departments secretaries o undersecretaries po para paghandaan ang mga plano,
tulad nung executive order na pinirmahan na po ni Pangulong Duterte para po magkaroon ng Balik Probinsya Bagong Pag-asa Council,” Go explained. “Lahat ng agencies po mag-aalign ng kanilang mga programs, activities and projects na pwedeng makatulong sa mga kababayan nating nais umuwi at para rin ma-encourage ang iba na mag-relocate sa mga probinsya sa tamang panahon,” he added. “Ang mga local government units ay naghahanda na rin po para tumanggap ng mga magsisibalikan para mabigyan sila ng sapat na See CLARIFIES, page 9
DTI’s Negosyo Center launches ‘One Stop Tindahan on Wheels’ JABONGA, AGUSAN DEL NORTE – As a means to help consumers in remote areas, the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI), through the Negosyo Center (NC) in Agusan del Norte, partnered with the local government unit of Jabonga in bringing basic and prime commodities close to the communities. The DTI-Agusan del Norte started last April 21 the One Stop Tindahan on Wheels in Brgy. San Vicente of the municipality. According to DTI-Agusan del Norte Provincial Director Brenda Corvera, the initiative aims to provide easier access of basic necessities and other gro-
cery items to the residents of Jabonga, thus avoiding the need for the people to travel downtown. “It is also designed to help suppliers mobilize their
goods as the municipality of Jabonga, together with the rest of the nation, fight against COVID-19,” Corvera added. The rolling store catered
around 200 individuals in Brgy. San Vicente. Basic food items such as rice, noodles, coffee, milk and sugar became a hit among the residents of the said
distancing. This again poised another challenge to the LGUs with regard to their comprehension of the rollout of telecom and internet services in their areas. Before Covid-19, the LGUs took the brunt for the slow rollout due to the complex permitting process. A good number of LGUs actually refuse the entry of any telecom construction due to various reasons. “The internet has become an essential part of our
MANILA – In the 1970s, it was the solution to malnutrition among young public school children. Today, as the country battles the Covid-19 global pandemic— which has put the economy and people’s lives on hold— the humble “nutribun” is back and is helping fight hunger in the poorest communities. San Miguel Corporation (SMC), which decided to revive and produce the nutritious bread to solely donate it to vulnerable sectors of society, reported that total production has breached 600,000 pieces —more than double its previous production of 284,171 during the closing weeks of April. “While our food donations consisting of rice and San Miguel food products continue, there are still many who have limited or no access to sufficient nutrition--the most disadvantaged in our society, especially children. That is why we continue to work to increase the production of our ‘nutribun’, so we can distribute them for free and provide essential nutrition for them,” SMC president Ramon S. Ang said. Health benefits The new iteration of “nutribun”, like its predecessor, is packed with many health benefits, especially for young people. Made with San Miguel Mills’ King Hard Wheat Flour and its Star Margarine, the reformulated Nutribun was developed by the company’s flour technology team. Unlike the normal pandesal (salt bread), usually
See URGES, page 11
See FIGHT, page 8
barangay. NC Jabonga invited suppliers from the municipality to supply the needed grocery items for the rolling store. See LAUNCHES, page 8
Globe urges LGUs to rethink permitting to improve connectivity THE local government units (LGUs) have been pushed to the limelight by the Enhanced Community Quarantine (ECQ), and are at the forefront of bringing essential needs to the communities. Some were praised for their swift and positive response, the others falter below expectations. With the pandemic not going away soon, many Filipinos grapple with the idea of the “new normal” and what it means to earn The entrance at a bus terminal in Agora in Barangay Lapasan, Cagayan de Oro City is becoming a “haunted place” despite the city has been declared under the General Com- a living, get education and munity Quarantine due to Coronavirus Disease 2019 (Covid-19). photo by gerry lee gorit be social despite physical
SMC’s nutribuns fight hunger amid Covid-19 pandemic
FOR ADS PLACEMENT CALL OR TEXT: 0917-712-1424 • 0947-893-5776
mindanaodaily.ads@gmail.com
Technology
Fri-Sat, May 8-9, 2020
Working FASSSTER than COVID-19:
7
The people behind the technology ATENEO de Manila University’s Center for Computing Competency and Research (ACCCRe) has updated the Feasibility Analysis of Syndromic Surveillance using Spatio-temporal Epidemiological Modeler ( FASSSTER) as an evidencebased tool to mitigate potential risks brought by COVID-19 and maximize the allocation of healthcare resources. With the recalibration, the DoH, local government units (LGUs) and other healthcare facilities can now project the estimated number of COVID-19 cases in specific areas for a specific period. “In development since 2016, FASSSTER is a product of rigorous studies based on credible and updated data. Long before COVID19, this tool was already used in the surveillance of Dengue, Measles, and Typhoid,” said DOST-PCHRD Executive
Director Dr. Jaime C. Montoya From 2016 to 2019, FASSSTER was deployed in 17 Rural Health Units (RHUs) across the country to visualize disease models and generate syndromic surveillance reports during public health crises. Specifically, FASSSTER connects syndromic surveillance and event surveillance from the field to electronic medical records, and uses health information to update initial disease models to provide a visualization tool for evidence-based and data driven decision making. FASSSTER and its recalibration for COVID-19 has been made possible through the efforts of several teams in ADMU : the Data Science and Computational Modelling Team, Mathematical Modelling Team, Data Management Team, Data Warehouse Team, Systems See PEOPLE, page 8
Healthy Habits to Create an Optimistic Mindset TEACHING NUMERACY AND LITERACY AS ONE By MARICRIS BERSANO-VICENTE Teacher III Malinao High School Malinao, Banisilan, Cotabato
Teaching numeracy and literacy at the same time maximize class time and help deepen young students’ understanding for both in English and Mathematics subjects. Teachers in the 21st Century must create activities where students engage in activities that could develop their dual skills –combining the goals of the two subjects at once. To produce 21st century learners, teachers must use their valuable classroom time to the fullest putting an emphasis on the two most important skills.
One way to develop these skills among young learners is to use stories in teaching Mathematics especially on basic counting and sequencing. Counting the characters or objects found in the stories can be of great help. Sequencing events in a story can be used also. Teachers of this generation should not neglect these two most important skills to be enhanced in the students. A strong basic foundation of these two skills could lead to a lifelong learning of any individual.
By JESSA A. LABAYO TEACHER I LOCSOON ELEMENTARY SCHOOL DIVISION OF MISAMIS OCCIDENTAL TUDELA DISTRICT
Most of us are scared and worried about the sudden change of our situation due to the COVID-19 pandemic. From our busy daily routine work and fun parties at the end of the day-- to isolation, quarantine and boredom. There would then be a tendency for us to develop a negative mindset. Being a pessimist is far too easy because focusing on the negatives seems less difficult than finding the positives. However, being a negative thinker can have some serious consequences. Research has found that pessimists are more stressed, less happy, and less healthy than their optimistic counterparts.
Studies show that optimists were more likely to eat healthily, keep a healthy BMI, exercise regularly, and not smoke. It was also found that they had healthier blood pressure, blood sugar, and cholesterol levels. Cancer patients with positive attitudes also tend to have better outcome. Optimists also tend to have more satisfying relationships and are less likely to come down with the flu or catch the common cold. Whenever we think of a negative thought, we must learn to identify its triggers. Being mindful of our pessimistic thoughts will help pinpoint its cause. We would probably be negative during stressful times or when we’re
feeling emotional. For instance, when we watch news about the global crisis or the chaotic events happening right now, we might become confused and worrisome. On the other hand, if we realize the triggers for negativity, we must determine the purpose of our thoughts. Does pessimism help us accept or plan for any possible changes? We may be surprised to know that pessimism doesn’t make unwanted changes or disappointments any easier for us to cope with. Having an attitude of gratitude helps us a lot to be happy, to feel more positive and look at the brighter side of things. Learn to be grateful for the small things in life, like a cup of hot coffee in the morning, having a favorite song playing on the radio, or having a coworker that can always get to smile. Learn to also be grateful
for the obstacles and hardships in life – after all, these are essential factors to make us stronger and wiser. At times, we do make mistakes. If we mess up, giving some credit for the things that we did right might help, and the mistakes we did? We got lessons from those! Starting our day right is also good for a more optimistic mood. Waking up early, having an exercise to stay active, reading a book or listening to a motivational podcast will help shape a positive mindset and will help us stay positive all day long. It’s never too late to become an optimist. You’ll be less stressed, less grouchy, and a whole lot healthier. Adapting these habits help create our happiness than endlessly search for it.
8
FOR ADS PLACEMENT CALL OR TEXT: 0917-712-1424 • 0947-893-5776 E-mail: mindanaodaily.ads@gmail.com
Fri-Sat, May 8-9, 2020
People... from page 7
Development Team, and the Public Health Team, each of which is heded by the following notable professors and scientists: Dr. Maria Regina E. Estuar, Team Leader for FASSSTER and the Data Science and Computational Modelling Team. A professor at the Department of Information Systems and Computer Science at ADMU.she also serves as Executive Director of the Ateneo Center for Computing Competency and Research (ACCCRE) and is the founder of the Ateneo Social Computing Science Laboratory. In 2019, she was cited as one of the Outstanding Women in the Nation’s Service Award for Science and Technology from TOWNS for her significant contributions in strengthening the country’s S&T capacity. Dr. Elvira de Lara-Tuprio, an expert in disease modeling through differential equations and financial mathematics, with focus on financial derivatives and risk management. Besides heading FASSSTER’s Mathematical Modelling Team,
Food... from page 5
vision of a food-secure and resilient Philippines with prosperous farmers and fishers, we will operate on five core strategies on farm consolidation, modernization, industrialization, export promotion, and infrastructure development. Each member-agency of the TGFS will implement these based on their mandate,” Secretary Dar said. He added that they will put a premium on interagency resource complementation and coordination through the TGFS crossfunctional sub-groups to expand the government service reach and time period.
she is an Associate Professor ADMU’s Mathematics Department. Dr. Marlene M. De Leon, Team Leader, FASSSTER Data Management Team, is is an Associate Professor of the ADMU Department of Information Systems and Computer Science and manages the university’s Quality Assurance of Data and Information at the University. Dr. Raymond Francis R. Sarmiento, Team Leader, FASSSTERData Warehouse Team Currently, is the Director of the National Telehealth Center of the UP National Institutes of Health (UPNIH). He is a DOST Balik Scientist who specializes in clinical and public health informatics and health data science, among others. In 2019, he was recognized as an Outstanding Young Scientist in public health informatics by the National Academy of Science and Technology. Mr. Christian Pulmano, Team Leader, FASSSTERSystems Development Team, works full-time with the ADMU Dept. of Information Systems & Computer Science. He also heads the Ateneo Block Chain Laboratory (formerly AMBERLab) which received the
Recognition of Excellence Award by OpenGov Asia in 2019. He is co-founder and Chief Technology Officer of BluEHR, a spin-off product from ACCCRe. Dr. Norbie Mendoza, Team Leader, Epidemiology and Public Health Team, he specializes in the field of health and medical informatics. The development of FASSSTER is part of the DOST-PCHRD’s projects under the Information and Communications Technology in Health priority area which aims to advance the country’s telehealth services and systems and public health surveillance, among others. The recalibration of FASSSTER was undertaken in collaboration with the University of the Philippines Manila - National Telehealth Center (UP-NTHC), the Department of HealthEpidemiology Bureau and the Department of Science and Technology - Philippine Council for Health Research and Development (DOSTPCHRD). Committed to making lives better for the Filipino, DOST-PCHRD supports the development of health and
At present, the TGFS has four sub-groups: food resiliency, energy, food value chain and logistics, and water. “We expect these subgroups to work in harmony so that we could maximize our resources in reaching out to more beneficiaries as we go through our planning and operations. “The concepts we are using incorporate the eight paradigms of the ‘new thinking for agriculture’ that we introduced early on, aimed at modernizing the agriculture sector, increasing productivity and profit and, mainstreaming smallholder farmers and fisherfolk in the food supply chain,” he said. Upon assuming the DA
post, in August last year, he introduced the ‘eight paradigms’ in agriculture that include broad strokes on intensive crop diversification, farm clustering and inclusive agribusiness, science-based farming, soil health and water management, integrated post-harvest processing, and value chain integration. “As the food security development framework outlines the national government’s immediate action points and ‘rebound’ mechanisms, we will strengthen partnerships with local government units, farmers’ groups and cooperatives, agricultural state universities and colleges, and the private sector. Also, we will localize project management
MEDICAL FRONT-LINERS. Medical technologists of the Philippine Coast Guard help each other wear personal protective equipment (PPE) during the opening of the swabbing facility at the Palacio De Maynila, Roxas Boulevard, Manila on Tuesday (May 5, 2020). The medical front-liners will man the swab testing booth. (PNA photo by Robert Oswald P. Alfiler)
health-related research projects outlined by the DOST’s Harmonized National Research and Development Agenda (HNRDA) and the National Unified Health Research and Development Agenda (NUHRA). (PCHRD S&T Media Service)
Digital...
from page 5 so customers can redeem their loyalty points through several
and establish responsive feedback at ground-level to capacitate the underserved and vulnerable communities, at all times,” Dar added. Finally, the TGFS will outline an operational plan that puts all concepts into specific programs, projects, and activities that translate into action the Duterte government’s response to address the disruptions and challenges, including inefficiencies in the supply chain, losses in incomes and livelihood opportunities, and health risks due to the Covid-19 pandemic. “Together, we can do this. Together, we will act, win, and heal as one,” the DA chief concluded. ### (Myriam Layaoen, DA StratComms)
A Teacher’s Pandemic Fear By ME V. JERUSALEM, Teacher III Silongon Elementary School Division of Misamis Occidental Tudela District
Where do we go from here? This bizarre question popped out of my terrified mind. Scary thoughts keep taunting me since the dreadful COVID-19 Pandemic has changed the face of the earth in a blink of an eye. It really frightens me. It is like a huge bomb, dropped in the middle of a small village. I am one of the villagers and we are all helpless. The pandemic has wrought enormous changes in my life’s routines, my plans, my job, and in bigger concern - the socio-economic situation in our country and the whole world. This really troubles me. But I was not alone in this plight. My fellow teachers, the learners and their parents felt the same fears. It used to be so easy. It used to be so good! Graduation was just around the corner. It was supposed to be a once-ina-lifetime experience for our learners but it was nipped in the bud. All of a sudden, classes were suspended in mid-March and communities were put in strict quarantine. There were even territories which were locked down for quite a time.
People were not allowed to go out from their houses, except for a household member who was given a quarantine pass to procure supplies and other necessities. Public transports were stopped, shops and similar business establishments were closed. This has resulted to massive unemployment. It is so unfortunate. It’s all over the news on TV and other social media platforms: hunger, panic, illnesses, deaths and other faces of social, political and economic unrest caused by the COVID-19 Pandemic. Where do we go from here? What shall we do? Is there a safer place to hide other than our homes? Is this the end of the world? Is this one of those signs in the Book of Revelations that the Son of God will come again to judge the living and the dead? Terrifying questions are racing out of my mind. But as a teacher, this is not my greatest fear. The monster that really scares me is the one that will harm my learners. I have been a grade-2 teacher in a hinterland school for more than a decade. Silongon Elementary School is located in a typical barangay, which is approximately
3 kilometers from the national highway. It’s not very far compared to the other hinterland schools in the country but the road to get there is still rough and dusty during summer, and muddy and slippery on rainy season. This reflects the humble way of life of most residents whose jobs are anchored on agriculture. Most of them are coconut farmers in particular. However, most of them do not own the land that they toil. Majority are just tenants. Hence, almost all of our learners come from the lower class families. I understand that the officials of the Department of Education are doing their best to address the gaps in our children’s education brought about by the pandemic. Since stringent social distancing must be seriously observed in the teaching-learning process, online teaching and learning is at the top of the list of alternative delivery modes. In this setup, learners can continue learning using gadgets such as smart phones, tablets, laptops, and desktop computers in the comfort of their respective homes and in the virtual encounters with their teachers via Internet. This really worries me because the learners in our assigned station do not have access to the mentioned gadgets
and amenities. On the other hand, modular mode and similar approaches are included in the list. However, I foresee that this will lessen the quality of instruction compared to the usual classroom setting because the teachers and the learners will have limited contact and lesser quality time together. Aside from this, there is a big possibility that teacher assignments will be rearranged because teachers might be reassigned to their nearest purok or barangay. I am just a regular and ordinary employee of DepEd but I do feel that there’s a multitude of teachers out there who share the same apprehensions. Nevertheless, considering that the opening of classes is deferred until August, I somehow see a glimpse of hope. I am hopeful that the DepEd bureaucracy can maximize the given time to renovate and polish effective measures to address the problem on the delivery of learning that we are facing. Though scared for my learners, I still believe in the ability of the whole organization of the Department of Education. We will make it through this storm because we work as one.
partner merchants or services. So far, customers are embracing the new ways of doing things as seen by the increasing daily app downloads since the start of the quarantine period. As more companies, whether big or small enterprises pivot towards work from home arrangements, there will be a significant reliance on internet access and e-commerce to keep businesses afloat. “As we emerge from this
crisis and collectively shape our new normal, the telecommunications sector must find new ways to serve customers. We are looking at more selfserve channels to empower our customers more,” adds Cu. How the sector will address the challenges remain to be seen. For sure, one thing remains clear, the internet alongside food, shelter, and clothing is the new essential. Going digital may yet be the new normal.
Fight...
have already reached some 85 communities, as well as the homeless, through its partnerships with non-profit groups. These include institutions like Communities Organized for Res ource Allo cation (CORA), Caritas, Puso ng Ama, Jesuit missions, other NGOs, as well as through military and police installations, parishes, convents, barangays, and local health offices. Ang said the company is able to produce some 29,000 nutribuns daily at its food business San Miguel Foods Inc.’s new ready-to-eat food manufacturing facility in Sta. Rosa, Laguna and its Flour Development Center in Ugong, Pasig City. Since the start of the enhanced community quarantine in Luzon, San Miguel Corporation has launched what has now become the largest food donation drive in the company’s history. It has donate d s ome PHP491.4 billion worth of food, including rice, canned meats, poultry, and fresh meats, flour, dairy, coffee, and biscuits. Its total contribution to the country’s anti-Covid-19 efforts--which also includes donations of life-saving medical equipment and supplies, free disinfecting alcohol manufactured from its reconfigured liquor plants, and free fuel and toll to transport medical front liners, among many others-have reached over PHP1.1 billion and is still growing. (PR)
from page 6
made of 30 grams of dough, SMC’s nutribun is denser, with 85 grams of dough. Each bun has 250 calories and is also high in dietary fiber and is a good source of iron and iodine. “It is really designed to provide energy and essential nutrients so that our disadvantaged youth can avoid hunger and hopefully maintain good overall health during this pandemic,” Ang said. Children, the most vulnerable “The quarantine is still far from over, and while we worry about the spread of the virus, we also cannot disregard its impact to families already saddled with poverty, whose children are the most vulnerable.” Data from “The State of the World’s Children 2019” released by the United Nations Children’s Emergency Fund (UNICEF) reveal that one out of three children under the age of five are stunted in growth as many children in poor families are threatened with undernutrition and hunger. Given the pause in economic activity and lack of income sources for most poor families, this figure is expected to increase and should be addressed. Donation via organizations SMC’s nutribun donations
Launches... from page 6
LGU Jabonga, headed by Mayor Napoleon Montero, also supported the One Stop Tindahan on Wheels and provided two vehicles to be used by the rolling store, which is set to cater more barangays in the succeeding days. The Negosyo Center is a
major program of DTI that caters to the entrepreneurs’ need in processing requirements to establish a business, and in accessing information essential for their growth. The program is implemented by the DTI-Regional Operations Group spearheaded by Undersecretary Blesila Lantayona. To date, there are now 1,125 NCs nationwide.
FOR ADS PLACEMENT CALL OR TEXT: 0917-712-1424 • 0947-893-5776
mindanaodaily.ads@gmail.com
Relief... from page 2
guidelines of the government’s implementation of the enhanced community quarantine (ECQ) to protect the health of the villagers. This includes infrastructure projects, road concreting projects, and the production of Abaca where the residents mostly rely on their livelihood. Commissioner Macapaar extended his gratitude to the private sectors, local government units (LGU) and the national government for the attention they have given to MILF communities since the establishment of the BTA. “Ang sabi ng Presidente natin, yung kampo (MILF Camp Bilal) palitan po natin ng community ng mga Muslim - ng mga combatant. Marami na ang mga nangyayari, yung mga armas ng ating mga combatant ay pinalitan ng cash, package ng PhilHealth, 4Ps (Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program), scholarship at iba pang mga livelihood. Nagpapasalamat talaga ako sa ating Presidente,” Commissioner Macapaar expressed. [The President said that he will turn my camp (MILF Camp Bilal) into a Muslim community - a community for the combatants. A lot has been happening since then, the combatants’ firearms was surrendered in exchange for cash, PhilHealth package, 4Ps (Pantawin Pamilyang Pilipino Program),
scholarships, and other livelihood programs. I am thankful to our President.] Commissioner Macapaar said that this is the fourth time the community received aid since the outbreak of the pandemic begun. The leader appreciated the efforts being harnessed just to push through helping them especially now that the whole Sitio celebrates the holy month of Ramadhan. “Alhamdulillah! Maganda ang relasyon namin sa tropa ng militar at sa lokal na pamahalaan dito. Ang sasabihin ko lang sa kapwa ko Muslim, hanggang hindi po matapos ang May 15, sana po ay manatili po tayo sa bahay kase yun ang unang gamot sa lumaganap na sakit, magbasa lang po tayo nag Qur’an,” Commissioner Macapaar relayed. [Alhamdulillah! So far, our relationship with the military and the government has been very cordial. My message to my fellow Muslims, until May 15, let’s remain inside our homes because it is the number one prevention against COVID-19, and let us read the Qur’an.] (CLV / PIA ICIC)
Fri-Sat, May 8-9, 2020 are currently facing.” Abdul expressed. “Thank you very much [to the frontliners] for the job you did to help our fellow citizens. You deserve to be heroes of our country.” (DTI-10/PIA ICIC)
Digital... from page 3
this crisis and collectively shape our new normal, the telecommunications sector must find new ways to serve customers. We are looking at more self-serve channels to empower our customers more,” adds Cu. How the sector will address the challenges remain to be seen. For sure, one thing remains clear, the internet alongside food, shelter, and clothing is the new essential. Going digital may yet be the new normal.
Benefits... from page 3
Aid...
Support...
Clarifies... from page 6
from page 3
has been released by the provincial government for the program. “Our 80-year-old and above residents are among the most vulnerable during the pandemic. Governor Matugas wants our personnel to personally deliver the cash assistance to the beneficiaries,” Espuerta said. She added that the program is different from the assistance being provided by the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD). The DSWD, Espuerta said, caters to beneficiaries who are 60-yearsold and above. “The provincial government is also validating the new list of our 80-years-old and above residents from January to June 2020,” she added. Data provided by the provincial government said that as of May 6, a total of 1,016 over 80-year-old residents in Surigao City were already provided with the financial aid, 181 in the town of San Francisco, 118 in Sison, 145 in Tubod, 219 in Malimono, 229 in Mainit, 134 in Alegria, 201 in Tagana-an, and 259 in Placer. (PNA)
(RTMI) of Bulua branch distributed 5 kilos of rice on friday morning (May 8). Estologa said the RTMI has distributed at least 1,050 bags containing 5 kilos of rice for its employees in Bulua branch in Cagayan de Oro City. He said that the bus company will continue to from page 2 help an look after the welto the foundation. They are fare of their employee at expected to provide 300 this time of health crisis more packed meals in the coming weeks. “We are delighted that we By MARYJEAN P. COSTO, Teacher III had a little share in serving Canibungan Proper Elementary School them [frontliners] the best Division of Misamis Occidental Tudela District food in our home that . . . “Many people take no Credit cards, for instance, have somehow can give strength care of their money until this debt consolidation feature to the hard situation that we they come nearly to the end that combine all other dues in
tulong, pabahay, kabuhayan at iba pa,” he further emphasized. Last Monday, May 4, Senator Go filed Senate Resolution No. 380, urging the Executive branch to formulate and implement a Balik Probinsya Program. It was adopted by the Senate on the same day. President Duterte’s order came days after the said resolution was adopted. EO 114 was issued and will make the Balik Probinsya Program a priority after the national health crisis. Preparations for the long-term plan are underway while programs are also in place for immediate implementation for those who wish to move now, according to concerned officials from the Executive branch. “Para sa mga gustong umuwi na ngayon, may nakahanda nang protocols daw ang gobyerno para siguraduhin na ligtas ang pagbyahe at hindi ito magdudulot ng lalong pagkalat ng sakit. May transportation assistance at transitory package na ipapamahagi,” Go said. The EO will constitute the creation of the Balik Probinsya Bagong Pag-asa Council which tackles policies for balanced regional development. Go cited the EO saying that the body will provide an over-all direction for all the policies and implementation for the Balik Probinsya Program, especially in developing regions. Go also emphasized that as a legislator, he will help formulate long-term plans and push for key
legislative measures necessary to encourage more Filipinos to go home to the provinces and start their lives anew. He said in the interview that he is studying proposed laws that will encourage investors and businesses to expand their operations in the provinces and grant them incentives to boost development and availability of economic opportunities in the countryside. “Bilang isang mambabatas ay isusulong ko po ang iba’t ibang batas na makakatulong... halimbawa ‘yung mga negosyante at businesses, to encourage them at bigyan sila ng incentives. (This is) to encourage them to put up businesses dun sa probinsya para pag maraming trabaho, maraming negosyo, plantasyon, factory at iba pang kabuhayan ay maraming trabahong pwede nating ibigay sa mga Pilipino sa probinsya,” he explained. With regard to the issues of land use, Go also mentioned that concerned government departments and agencies, such as the National Economic and Development Authority and the National Housing Authority, will help in planning out available land that can be converted for the use of the beneficiaries for housing, businesses and agriculture. “Halimbawa, hindi lang po lupa gaya dun sa mga farmers o sa mga agrarian reform na kasalukuyang ginagawa ng gobyerno. Marami pa palang lupa para dito sa mga urban dwellers (na magrerelocate). Halimbawa, may mga government lands tay
Financial Literacy: Vital for Teachers
of it”, says one writer, Johann Wolfgang von Goethe. This was proven true especially for many working Filipinos, including teachers. As the due dates pile up each month, many of us were facing a lot of money problems continuously. The lack of financial education and financial knowledge of Filipinos resulted to poor management of resources. With proper financial literacy, we can acquire skills that will help us make smart decisions towards money. Financial literacy might not free us from debt at once but it will help us gain knowledge about the right financial instruments, tools, and investments that will alleviate money problems.
Philippine Army reservists as COVID-19 frontliners in Iligan By RUSTICO Y. JERUSALEM, RN, EdD Senior Education Program Specialist Iligan City Schools Division
SOME 146 reser vists enlisted personnel and 17 reservists officers form the 1002nd Ready Reserve Infantry Battalion respond as frontliners to augment this city’s manpower in the battle against the unseen COVID-19. The unit was activated through Executive Order 29-2020 signed by Mayor Celsio Regencia on March 15 to hasten the distribution of relief assistance to families in different barangays of Iligan. Five of these reservists are employees from DepEd that grabbed the opportunity from the suspension of classes to offer services to the community and I am proud to say that I am one of them. In the spirit of volun-
brought about by Covid-19.
9
teerism, as reservists, we are not expecting anything in return from this but we are giving what we could offer to the people. The 1002nd Ready Reserve Infantry Battalion is always activated in times of war, natural disasters and other calamities in need of military utility as augmentation to the regular maneuver unit of the Philippine Army which is the 2nd Mechanized Infantry Battalion. For you to become a military reservist, you have to submit required documents, go through training before being officially commissioned under the RA 7077 or the Citizen Armed Forces of the Philippines Reservist Act.
Kagay-an Festival 1st Oro Lechoneros Encuentro Champion
for Orders, Contact Yoyong:
09354145759 09169249371
one account with lower interest charges. Understanding interest rates will also help avoid loan sharks and apply for personal loans from legit lending companies that offer lower fees and easier payment schemes. If we are financially literate, this will guide us to make responsible decisions and helps us to stay away from loans, as much as possible. However, having knowledge is not enough. No one has truly grasped financial literacy until they can regularly do the right things with money that lead to the right financial outcomes. Taking action is necessary. How to start? One basic step is through budgeting. Of course, we, teachers learn how to add and subtract during our elementary years, but it’s totally different when
Republic of the Philippines SUPREME COURT 4TH SHARI’A CIRCUIT COURT 4th Shari’ a Judicial District Iligan City
IN RE; JOINT PETITION TO APPROVED AND AND REGISTER THE DIVORCE OF SPOUSES RENGIE S. PAALISBO AND IRISH JUDENNE D. DINGDING-PAALISBO
we apply those principles to our own finances! Most of us rely on our salary, so a little delay of it would already cause so much trouble. If we are habitual budgeters, we will be living below our means, which is, putting aside luxuries and prioritizing the basic needs of the family. As a result, we still have money left for savings. We would be saving for our goals and practice delayed gratification that we can have peace of mind, knowing that our future is secured. Also, budgeting means allocating a portion of the income for emergency fund- that’s three to six months monthly income. This is important so that we cannot borrow money from people or loan institutions in case of emergencies such as calamities, sickness or accidents. Fixing and managing our finances may take time, especially when we have debts to pay. But taking small steps done diligently will later pay
CIVIL CASE NO.2020-042
RENGIE S. PAALISBO AND IRISH JUDENNE D. DINGDING-PAALISBO, Petitioner. X-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------/
off one day. Starting to build an emergency fund may start from P1, 000, but doing it consistently will make it even bigger later on. However, debt is an important to get rid of. It slows down financial progress. Getting out of debt may involve time, but listing them from smallest to greatest and paying it without starting additional debts is practical. One day, it will be cleared off. The purpose of financial literacy isn’t just head knowledge. The real goal is to be able to use your money to do the things you truly want to do, be living a debt-free, stressfree and financially healthy life--retiring with dignity, spending quality time with family, and giving to others who are also in need. With proper financial management, one can achieve a meaningful and satisfying life!
Republic of the Philippines SUPREME COURT 4TH SHARI’A CIRCUIT COURT 4th Shari’ a Judicial District Iligan City
IN RE; JOINT PETITION TO APPROVED AND AND REGISTER THE DIVORCE OF SPOUSES ROBERTO B. BAJARO JR. AND VIVIEN D. TUGAL-BAJARO,
CIVIL CASE NO.2020-041
ROBERTO B. BAJARO JR. AND VIVIEN D. TUGAL-BAJARO , Petitioner. X----------------------------------------------------------------------------------/
ORDER
ORDER
Before this court verified joint petition for the approval and registration of the Divorce filed by the petitioners and alleging among others. That petitioners are husband and wife respectively in a marriage performed under Civil rite on JUNE 23, 2003 at LINAMON, LANAO DEL NORTE both petitioner’s had been converted to Muslim and thereby embraced Islam Religion as their new found faith, by virtue of their respective intellectual choices which were duly registered with this court, both of them can be served with summons and other legal process relative to this case at their residents at PUROK 5-A, LINAMON, LANAO DEL NORTE respectively; That said marriage did not last long due to lack of love and affection until the relationship manifested incompatibility and sustained misunderstanding between petitioners and reached the point of irreconcilability and they separated for six (6) years now, they decided to separate live physically in bed and board, thereby, executed Memorandum of Agreement in order to formalize their separation. Since there separation, they had never been communicating or supporting either financially or emotionally to each other, neither minding each other affair’s; Petitioner’s seek judicial decree of divorce, thereby, severing their marriage bond on JUNE 23, 2003, so that they will have free hand to do what a single man or woman could do without marital burdens. Reconciliation between them has already been diligently employed but all proved futile. WHEREFORE, finding this petition to be sufficient in form and substance, set the initial hearing of this case on JUNE 5, 2020 at 9:00 a.m. at which time, date and place. Any interested party may appear and show why the petition should not be granted. Let copy of this Order be published in a newspaper of General Circulation in the City of Iligan once a week for three (3) consecutive weeks at the expense of the petitioners. SO ORDERED Iligan City, Philippines, this 23RD day of APRIL, 2020.
Before this court verified joint petition for the approval and registration of the Divorce filed by the petitioners and alleging among others. That petitioners are husband and wife respectively in a marriage performed under Civil rite on JUNE 14, 2005 at MALITBOG, BUKIDNON both petitioner’s had been converted to Muslim and thereby embraced Islam Religion as their new found faith, by virtue of their respective intellectual choices which were duly registered with this court, both of them can be served with summons and other legal process relative to this case at their residents at RABAGO SUBD., VILLAVERDE, ILIGAN CITY and BATANGAN, VALENCIA, BUKIDNON respectively; That said marriage did not last long due to lack of love and affection until the relationship manifested incompatibility and sustained misunderstanding between petitioners and reached the point of irreconcilability and they separated for EIGHT (8) years now, they decided to separate live physically in bed and board, thereby, executed Memorandum of Agreement in order to formalize their separation. Since there separation, they had never been communicating or supporting either financially or emotionally to each other, neither minding each other affair’s; Petitioner’s seek judicial decree of divorce, thereby, severing their marriage bond on JUNE 14, 2005, so that they will have free hand to do what a single man or woman could4 do without marital burdens. Reconciliation between them has already been diligently employed but all proved futile. WHEREFORE, finding this petition to be sufficient in form and substance, set the initial hearing of this case on JUNE 5, 2020, at 9:00 a.m. at which time, date and place. Any interested party may appear and show why the petition should not be granted. Let copy of this Order be published in a newspaper of General Circulation in the City of Iligan once a week for three (3) consecutive weeks at the expense of the petitioners. SO ORDERED Iligan City, Philippines, this 4th day of MAY, 2020.
MDN: May 8, 15 & 22, 2020
HON. OSOP M. ALI Presiding Judge
MDN: May 8, 15 & 22, 2020
HON. OSOP M. ALI Presiding Judge
MINDANAO DAILY FEATURE TRUTH. JUSTICE. PROGRESS.
10
Fri-Sat, May 8-9, 2020
Shop Essentials from Home As staying home becomes the new normal, SM Men, SM Woman and SM Youth of The SM Store serve the public by making essential clothing needs available through ShopSM.com and Call to Deliver. IN these trying times, we get by with just the essentials. And as we work together to help flatten the curve by staying at home, SM Men, SM Woman and SM Youth strive to bring you essentials straight to the comfort of your home—if you need it, and when you need it. SM Youth, SM Men and SM Woman are ready to serve their customers by offering essential clothing needs such as underwear, sleepwear and loungewear, active wear for staying fit at home, and protective outdoor pieces like shirts, jackets and hoodies to equip individuals who have to leave home for very important errands. Shop Essentials from Home may be done by visiting ShopSM.com or availing the Call to Deliver service by simply messaging the The SM Store branch of your choice (branch directory is attached), or messaging each brand on social media: Facebook: SM Youth, SM Men, SM Woman Instagram: @smyouth, @smmen, @smwoman Select essential items from the attached product
Activewear
Protective Outdoor Pieces
Protective Outdoor Pieces Men
PPE
Loungewear Women
catalogue or by joining the Viber group Stay-At-Home Essentials through this link https://bit.ly/35jXbB d. Available products will be constantly uploaded and updated there. State your order and expect a response or confirmation from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Pay via Cash-onDelivery, credit/debit card or bank transfers. Please note that due to checkpoint restrictions, delivery time will differ. Sleepwear Women Sleepwear Men Underwear Women Underwear Men For any questions or for more details, feel free the health and safety our to message each brand on inquiries about pieces that ity, call your nearest The representatives. their respective social media are not included in the list SM Store and you will be By shopping essentials ourselves and our loved accounts stated above. For or for product availabil- happily assisted by branch from home, we can ensure ones.
LANDBANK, DOLE ready cash aid for displaced OFWs due to COVID-19 IN partnership with the Department of Labor and Employment (D OLE), t he L and Bank of the Philippines (LANDBANK) is gearing up to distribute cash assistance to overseas Filipino workers (OFWs) who
have been displaced due to the coronavirus disease (COVID-19) pandemic. Un d e r t h e D OL E AKAP (Abot Kamay ang Pagtulong) for OFWs Program, around 135,720 displaced land-based and sea-based OFWs will each receive a onetime financial assistance of P10,000 or $200, or its equivalent currency in the host country. B eneficiaries are composed of about 85,720
on-site OFWs based abroad, and 50,000 repatriated OFWs or “Balik Manggagawa” already in the country. Through the LANDBANK Remittance System (LBRS) eligible repatriated OFWs from National Capital Region (NCR) will be able to claim their P10,000 cash aid from LANDBANK Branches free of charges via PESONet. Meanwhile, the 85,720 OFWs based abroad will receive their cash aid from their respective Philippine Overseas Labor Offices (POLO) processed via LANDBANK’s Outgoing Telegraphic Transfer (OTT), free from bank commissions and
cable charges. As of May 5, a total of 2,468 OFWs benefited, with total proceeds amounting to P24.68 million released by LANDBANK. “LANDBANK is closely working with DOLE in assisting our OFWs to weather work disruptions and circumstances brought about by the COVID-19 crisis. This means immediately delivering financial support to our OFWs, wherever they are in the world,” LANDBANK President and CEO Cecilia C. Borromeo said. DOLE CAMP Update The AKAP for OFWs Program supplements DOLE’s COVID-19 Ad-
justment Measures Program (CAMP), wherein LANDBANK is also a distribution partner. The CAMP provides a onetime P5,000 financial support to employees of companies or business establishments that have adopted flexible work arrangements or temporary closure due to the current health adversity. As of May 5, NCRbased workers that benefited from the program has reached 18,222 totaling P91.11 million in cash grants released by LANDBANK under CAMP. LANDBANK supports national government agencies in the distribution of various social
protection programs to sectors most affected by health and economic concerns caused by the COVID-19 pandemic. This is in line with LANDBANK’s designation as the disbursement arm of the Social Amelioration Program (SAP) of the government for the implementation of Republic Act No. 11469 or the “Bayanihan to Heal as One Act.” For details and updates, please refer to the official LANDBANK social media accounts @landbankofficial (Facebook and Instagram), @LBP_Official (Twitter), and www. landbank.com.
FOR ADS PLACEMENT CALL OR TEXT: +63917-712-1424 • +63947-893-5776 E-Mail: mindanaodailynews@gmail.com
Extend... from page 12
in Northern Luzon, Staff Sergeant Efren Paragoso from Task Force Davao, who received the equipment on behalf of his team, expressed his gratitude for the initiative. “These medical supplies are really of great help to us,” Paragoso shared. “This will definitely improve our screening process,” he added. During Hedcor’s first and second waves, some P1-million in relief packs and medical equipment were handed over to partner LGUs and medical frontliners in Benguet, Mt. Province and Ilocos Sur. Hedcor had also previously handed ready-to-eat food packs, sacks of rice, and medical supplies worth over P.5-million to host communities in Davao City, Davao del Sur, and Bukidnon. Hedcor is a run-ofriver hydropower arm of AboitizPower. With 22 hydropower facilities over the Philippines, it has a total installed capacity of 277MW of Cleanergy, AboitizPower’s brand for clean and renewable energy.
Routes... from page 1
already signified their intentions to operate modern public transport system. Guro said that based on the latest pronouncement of Transportation Secretary Arthur Tugade, the modernization program will push through as scheduled on June 30. Modern jeepneys, UV Express or vans will start plying the streets of Cagayan de Oro City, said Guro. He said buses and coaster buses will also ply the first and second districts of Misamis Oriental in June this year.
Want... from page 1
The village chiefs representing 26 villages in the city’s 80 rural and urban villages made the call following the death and the presence of COVID-19 positive cases from three villages here. The three COVID-19 positive patients came from the villages of Carmen, Camaman-an, and Lumbia. The patient from Lumbia died Tuesday while the COVID-19 patient from Carmen died on Wednesday. Two more COVID-19 positive patients were also monitored in Pinikitan, Camaman-an, who was admitted to the Northern Mindanao Medical Center (NMMC). The two newly confirmed COVID-19 positive patients were mother and daughter of the COVID-19 positive patient from Camaman-an who died two weeks ago. Health officials said that there is a possibility of a locally transmitted COVID-19 virus in the city, prompting the village chiefs to call for the imposition of the ECQ in the entire city.
Provincial Governor Yevgeny Vincente Emano wrote to President Rodrigo Duterte on Wednesday asking the national InterAgency Task Force on the Management of Emerging Infectious Diseases (IATFMEID) to declare the entire Misamis Oriental and Cagayan De Oro City until ECQ. At present, the IATFMED declared Misamis Oriental as a COVID-19 “moderate risk area” after the province recorded a “zero” COVID-19 cases from March 2020 to present.
Looks... from page 1
director Mari-flor DollagaLibang; DOH-Center for Health Development for Northern Mindanao director Dr. Adriano Subaan; DOLE regional director Atty. Joffrey Suyao; city police director P/Colonel Henry Dampal, and heads of concerned city hall departments, among others were invited to shed light and answer queries on programs implemented in the city. Councilor Edgar Cabanlas said members also need to have a real picture of what is happening in the implementation of laws and programs in the city. “If we know what is really happening, the City Council can formulate measures to help in the fight against Covid-19,” he said. Everyone is affected with the feeling of malaise, danger, doubt and fear, he cited. Cabanlas stressed that the city council is obliged to also see to it that ordinances are being followed to protect the public against the virus. VIOLATIONS Representing the city police director, P/Major Ritchie Salva informed the legislative body that the local police office has deployed all its personnel in the field to implement ordinances in relation to the pandemic. He reported that from March 17 to May 5 the COCPO arrested 2,561 individuals for violating the curfew ordinance. He said during the period, 2,145 establishments were cited for violating social distancing protocols, 55 were apprehended for not wearing face mask and 11 for not complying with the required Barangay Exit Pass. The local police also arrested and filed cases against suspects involved in illegal drugs and illegal gambling, he added.
Fri-Sat, May 8-9, 2020 He s aid generally COCPO can maximize its strength to enforce city laws and protect the public, however, he said, the city can request the regional police office to augment its organic force which used to be over 1,000 personnel. As of now, the local police office has 800 to 900 organic force, he said. PENALTIES Councilor Teodulfo E. Lao, Jr. said he observed that some are not complying with the law because the penalty is too light. “Way tagai og importance, maybe the penalty is too lenient,” he cited. According to the COCPO official, he was instructed by the police director to appeal for the imposition of stiffer penalties for violation of the law. “Dili sila mahadlok,” he explained. Vice Mayor Uy said the police director was invited to the meeting so that the City Council can revisit concerned ordinances and make the needed amendments, if needed. (SP)
Casualty... from page 1
the Department of Health (DOH) on May 5, 2020. The two other COVID-19 positive patients came from Pinikitan in the village of Camaman-an. Ta task to conduct contact tracing of COVID-19 positive patients, said that the patient had a swab test on May 3, 2020. He said that the patient died on May 5, 2020, a day after the swab result confirming that she was COVID-19 positive on May 6, 2020. The latest victim was one of the three COVID-19 positive patients from Cagayan De Oro City announced by the Department of Health (DOH) on May 5, 2020. The two other COVID-19 positive patients came from Pinikitan in the village of Camaman-an. Their health conditions at the NMMC remain stable, health officials said. heir health conditions at the NMMC remain stable, health officials said.
Agencies... from page 4
after the lockdown as he may not have any media outlets left to place the releases as many publications are shutting down. And then we have the releases or information coming from brands that have been supportive of media for a long time.
These are the ones that may now be benefiting from their longstanding relationship with media through advertising campaigns. I don’t think anyone would turn down the request to publish something now from a business partner that has for years paid for ads. It simply pays, in times like these, to have supported the media with hard dollars and cents. It is important to have good content, but it does not pay the bills. Editors, writers and publishers I have spoken to have the same question: How come brands can spend on the PR agencies, but ‘don’t have a budget’ to place ads in the mediums that they want to use to get their message out. They want the medium to use their resources to help them make money while they are unwilling to return the favour. While the PR agencies surely won’t work for free, even in times like this, the publisher will be left with bills to pay while there is no income. It makes it clear to publishers where their loyalties have to be. Once the dust settles, the publishing community will take stock of whom they could count on for support. Publishers, editors and other media professionals will remember those who stood by them when they were most needed.
Options... from page 4
and the present is quite puzzling and indeed could be a billion-peso question. If you get my drift. Meanwhile, there had been clashes of legal opinions. Senators, Congressmen, Justice Secretary, Solicitor General, NTC the network itself, and some crackpots who claimed that depriving ABS CBN the authority to operate will increase the cases of COVID infection in the country. If Lopez lawyers are worth their salt, they could have exploited the ambiguity of the law on franchise and seek relief from the Supreme Court and in the process ask for a Temporary Restraining Order or Injunction. Instead of soliciting sympathy from the public ABS CBN can invoke good faith since as early as 2014 it has applied for renewal. By the looks of it the laws and regulations on telecommunications, franchising, legislative proceedings, are difficult to comprehend, even among lawyers. Isn’t
it that difficult questions of law may be the basis of good faith? So stop the grandstanding and tear-jerking contest. Seek legal remedies instead. I am sure the Supreme Court will grant the TRO. But whether I am right or wrong, for Pete’s sake HOR kindly tackle the ABS CBN franchise application bearing in mind the complaints of the independent cable operators against it.
11
same institution we rely on today with the ongoing pandemic,” Castelo added. The Philippines suffers from having very low site density compared to other countries due to lack of cell sites in relation to the number of internet users. The Philippines is behind India, China, Indonesia and Vietnam when it comes to cell sites to internet users ratio. According to Tower Xchange’s 2019 3rd Quarter report, there are at least from page 4 17,850 cell sites in the Philstay safe and healthy. ippines. +++ On the other hand, latest Email: doringklaus@ data from We Are Social gmail.com or follow me show that internet penin Facebook, Twitter or etration in the Philippines Linkedin or visit my www. stood at 67% in January this germanexpatinthephilip- year. The country now has pines.blogspot.com or www. 73 million users on social klausdoringsclassicalmusic. media. This brings the blogspot.com . users per site ratio at 4,089 users that are sharing one cell site. from page 6 Vietnam in comparison new way of life, especially has 90,000+ cell sites. This with the prospects of the is one of the major reasons new normal like work from why internet speed in many home and E-learning. It is countries is faster compared imperative especially these to the Philippines. times of the new normal Because of this reality, that we start addressing the Globe cites the support challenges in building cell and foresight of some LGUs sites so we can provide the who have been spearhead1st world internet quality ing the movement towards we all aspire for,” said Atty. digitalization of their comFroilan Castelo, General munities including Makati, Counsel at Globe. Manila, Pasig, San Juan, Demand for internet Cainta, Baguio, San Juan services in the country has Del Monte in Bulacan, and definitely risen especially in Iloilo. Provinces such as residential areas for many Pangasinan, La Union and reasons. Amongst them are Bataan have also taken the employees working from first steps in uplifting the home, students doing e- digital experience of their learning, entertainment residents. By doing so, they and streaming videos to are able to take advantage of stay connected with friends technology in their seats of and family, ordering food government like city halls and shopping online, using and more importantly, in digital payments, online community hospitals as the banking, and much more. pandemic rages on. “We appeal to LGUs “We remain hopeful that especially the barangay more LGUs will realize the leaders to rethink the way need to fast track Informathey view permits to enable tion and Communication building the right amount of Technology (ICT) network infrastructure to best serve expansion. The new normal their constituents. If they demands better connection, allow just one oppositor better service and better exin a barangay to stop the perience as more people stay permitting process, then at home to work. Continuing it’s a disservice to the entire to do otherwise is a great city, not just the barangay,” disservice to the Filipino said Castelo. people,” Castelo said. “Homeowners Associa- Globe recently reported tions are likewise a source of at least a Php 2 billion drop delay and inevitable loss of in capex spending versus 1Q connectivity. Homeowners 2020 which totaled Php10.7 should stop using arguments billion due to the impact about health risks because of Covid-19. The company for many years these argu- initially committed to spend ments have already been laid P63-Billion in 2020 for its to rest by the World Health network expansion proOrganization (WHO) the gram. READ MINDANAO DAILY NEWS ON THE WORLD WIDE WEB
Office...
Urges...
http://www.mindanaodailynews.com
MINDANAO DAILY FEATURE TRUTH. JUSTICE. PROGRESS.
12
Fri-Sat, May 8-9, 2020
Hedcor extends aid to checkpoints in Mindanao, Northern Luzon AboitizPower generation unit Hedcor and Aboitiz Foundation have provided frontliners across various Quarantine Control Points (QCP) in Northern Luzon and Mindanao with Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) to protect the first responders who are safeguarding the public, Now on its third wave, thermal scanners, face masks and rubbing alcohol were distributed to frontliners as they continue to secure peace and order and serve the public. In Mindanao, Hedcor assisted some 400 frontliners across 11 QCPs in Bukidnon, Cagayan de Oro, Davao City, and Davao del Sur to help buttress government’s efforts to flatten the curve. The company also distributed supplies to checkpoints within its host communities in the Cordillera Administrative Region
(CAR) in Northern Luzon. Andy Faelnar, Assistant Vice President of Hedcor Group, said in a statement: “COVID-19 is a pressing matter we face, and our frontliners come in ready to respond. They have a pivotal role in enforcing social regulations while ensuring public safety and security.” Faelnar added that the health and general well-being of all is of paramount importance to Hedcor. Hedcor recognizes that checkpoint personnel are in the front lines keeping the public safe, exposing them to a higher risk as they perform their critical jobs. “Our community deserves safety and protection amidst this pandemic. That’s why we are here. We, too, deserve it. The same with anyone else, we have family waiting for us at home. Thank you Hedcor for
thinking of our safety too,” said Narciso Dimmuyog of QCP Tadiangan, Tuba, one of the control point officers
See EXTENDS, page 11
2GO offers easy rebooking options for travelers 2GO Travelpassengers with cancelled trips for the period of March 16 to May 15, 2020 can now conveniently rebook without going to the retail outlets or authorized agents. Apart from a waived rebooking fee and fare difference, tickets have validity of 12 months from their original date of travel. 2GO is extending special options to affected travelers until May 31, 2020 by offering them any of the following options: a) free accommodation upgrade up to cabin, b) reroute their ticket to any 2GO Travel Destination, c) transfer their ticket to another person or d) avail of 20% discount on your next travel at the time of rebooking. Rebooking or revalidation of eligible tickets can
be done by calling 09959674353, 0956-8079438, and 0951-6143362 or sending an email to info@2GO.com.ph from Monday to Sunday, 8:00AM to 6:30PM. Travelers are advised to take note of their original travel details and reservation number when rebooking. 2GO travels to the following 18 island destinations:
Manila, Batangas, Caticlan, Odiongan, Romblon, Roxas, Bacolod, Cebu, Coron, Dumaguete, Iloilo, Puerto Princesa, Butuan, Cagayan de Oro, Dipolog, Iligan, Ozamiz, and Zamboanga. Passengers who want to book their tickets for future travels may visit travel.2go.com.ph.