Mindanao Daily News (March 3, 2013) by Mindanao Daily News

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March 3, 2013

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UNA’S first order of the day:

ENERGY, ECONOMY, PEACE By CHENG ORDOÑEZ of Mindanao Daily News

THE United Nationalist Alliance (UNA) has vowed to look into three major concerns Mindanaoans are confronted with – energy, economy and peace -- during their campaign sorties here today, March 3, 2013, in Cagayan de Oro City. The UNA senatorial ticket, being led by former president Joseph Estrada, is having a three-day swing, bringing the vision “power, progress and peace” in Mindanao. Senatorial candidate Representative JV Ejercito said the lingering power shortage in Mindanao is one of the key concerns being

carried out by UNA. “The economy of Mindanao is severely affected, hence, our first order of the day when we make it to the Senate is to make sure that this problem will be properly addressed,” Rep. Ejercito told newsmen at the press conference held at the Philtown in downtown Cagayan de Oro. PEACE | page 11

Peace talks end, but Sabah standoff continues

CAGAYAN de Oro second district Rep. Rufus Rodriguez (left) and former President Joseph Estrada (middle) listen as senatorial candidate JV Ejercito Estrada expresses his gratitude to the people of Cagayan de Oro and Bukidnon for their overwhelming support. Below, excited crowds meet JV Ejercito Estrada during the Caravan of the United Nationalist Alliance Sunday morning (March 3) in time for the UNA’s campaign sortie in Cagayan de Oro City. Photos by Rolando Sudaria

ZAMBOANGA City––Philippine peace negotiators ended talks with Filipino Muslim rebels in Kuala Lumpur in the middle of the standoff between hundreds of members of the Sultanate of Sulu and Malaysian security forces. Manila said the two-day talks centered on issues on the Bangsamoro homeland which will replace the five-province Muslim autonomous region in Mindanao. But government peace negotiators did not say whether the Sabah standoff was discussed during the talks which ended

Kaamulan Festival 2013. Dancers from Malaybalay City wow the largelly hometown crowd during the street dancing contest Saturday, March 2, 2013 in Malaybalay City. The competition highlighted the Kaamulan, an annual festival showcasing Lumad cultures in Bukidnon, and touted by organizers as the only genuine ethnic festival in the country. MindaNews photo by H. Marcos C. Mordeno

sabah | page 11

NCIP lauds Kaamulan 2013 street dancing entries By Walter I. Balane of MindaNews.com

MALAYBALAY City––Contingents from six towns and two cities competed in the Kaamulan 2013 street dancing competition Saturday morning featuring

performances that a provincial official of the National Commission on Indigenous Peoples (NCIP) described as “close to authentic.” “If the dances were performed by the Lumads themselves, then it becomes

“authentic,” said Carl Binayao, NCIP-Bukidnon community affairs officer. He noted that each contingent was given Free and Prior Informed Consent (FPIC) by the tribal councils in their respective areas after

going through a validation process held last month. Binayao said the tribal councils checked the storyline, colors, costumes, steps, music, symbols, and other elements projected in the dance presentation.

He stressed that this is the second year that the street dancing contingents were given an FPIC by the tribes involving cultural matters of the dance presentations. Binayao said the process

even included meeting the judges of the street dancing competition to explain and clarify to them certain aspects. “It was clarified that the judges should no longer entries | page 11

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News In Focus

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Group opposed to political dynasties brings fight to M’nao THE fight to stop political dynasties further escalates as the Movement Against Dynasties or MAD brings the fight to Mindanao. MAD is a nationwide non-partisan and voluntary organization of volunteers from socio, civic, and religious organizations, nongovernment organizations, cause -oriented advocates and university and college students. The opening salvo in Mindanao to create awareness regarding the proliferation of political dynasties and convince the voters not to vote for members of political dynasties will start in Cagayan de Oro Sunday, March 3. Volunteers of MAD will converge on the St. Augustine Cathedral, the Nazareno Church, and Our Lady of Fatima Parish in Camaman-an to ask the church goers to sign the petition proposing the enactment of an enabling law that will make the provision of the 1987 Philippine Constitution against political dynasties operational and violators penalized. Section 26 of the Constitution states that “The

Sunday | march 3, 2013

state shall guarantee equal access to opportunities for public service and prohibit political dynasties as may be defined by law.” MAD states that after 26 years, congress has not acted on the proposed enabling law because 70 percent of legislators belong to political dynasties. MAD further states that the Supreme Court nor the Commission on Elections (Comelec) cannot be expected to act on petitions to prohibit dynastic candidates from running for the simple and convenient reason that the Constitution does not provide an enabling law. Quintin San Diego and Danilo Olivares, Chairman and Co-Chairman respectively of MAD, are resorting to Section 5 of Republic Act 6735, the Initiative and Referendum Act. This provides the people to exercise the power of people’s initiative or referendum by getting at least 10 percent of registered voters, represented by at least three percent of registered voters in every legislative district in the entire country, to sign a petition that will be

presented to the Comelec to force Comelec to call for a referendum to enact and pass an enabling law on Section 26. MAD’s opening salvo to gather the much needed signatures was at the historic Baclaran Church last Sunday (February 17) where some 50 MAD volunteers got hundreds of signatures after the presiding priest at the 9 .m. mass blessed the volunteers. Baclaran was the site of the successful signature campaigns in 1985 and in 2009 which convinced Cory Aquino and Nonoy Aquino respectively to accept the people’s draft for them to run for president. This present signature campaign has a bigger dimension in that MAD is seeking the help not only of the Catholic Church which has already issued a pastoral statement condemning political dynasties. San Diego and Olivares have approached Rev. Fr. Rex RB Reyes Jr., General Secretary of the National Council of Churches in the Philippines (NCCP) and Rev. Fr. Ricardo C. Yanez of UCCP-Cagayan de Oro.

They have promised to convince all the churches to support the anti-dynasty movement. Archbishop Antonio Ledesma of the Diocese of Cagayan de Oro also said he will to talk to his counterpart among the Muslims in their Inter-Faith organization. Olivares is confident the inter-faith support will bolster their advocacy and will make it easier to meet the 5.2 million required signatories nationwide. Olivares said however that they realize that the signature campaign may go beyond 2013 and well into the 2016 election. However, he stresses that by doing the signature campaign all over the country now, they will be able to inform the people that political dynasties are prohibited by law, are wrong and are harmful to the country and as such it is up to the people who not to vote come election day. MAD’s position is that there should be “ONLY ONE ELECTED OFFICIAL” per family up to the 2nd degree by affinity or consanguinity.

Malaybalay City’s seven major gangs ‘make peace’ By Walter I. Balane of MindaNews.com

MALAYBALAY City––Seven of the city’s 23 gangs convened last week and vowed to make peace with each other, a few days before the soft opening of Kaamulan 2013. Baptist pastor Richard Sibayan, who initiated the activity for the youth groups in the province last February 15 showed MindaNews photos of representatives of the seven gangs a symbolic scarf to a purple scarf, which Sibayan said represented Godly acts. The ceremony started with a prayer by Sibayan followed by a showcase of talent from the different groups. He also spent time sharing about his past life as a city urchin or gang member when he was 13 to 21 years old. He shared his conversion at the age of 22 seeking Christ after a “dark life.” The pastor said the gangs vowed to stop fighting, especially during the Kaamulan Festival. They also vowed to monitor their own groups and coordinate with each other. “Some cases in the past

were blamed on local gangs when these were initiated by groups coming from others towns or areas,” he said. In 2009, the celebration of the Kaamulan, an annual festivity, was marred by reports of gangsters allegedly hitting on revelers and other gangsters. T he police reported 26 persons arrested in 38 crime incidents reported to the Malaybalay City Police Office at the end of the festival. The number did not include the 11 other suspects arrested for concealing bladed weapons after police frisking operations. A number of the cases were blamed on gangster wars, Sibayan said. He told MindaNewss this became one of the reasons why he decided to focus on gangs in his Malaybalay Youth Transformation Movement Sibayan identified the seven gangs that participated in last week’s gathering as “Bloods,” “Crip”, “TBS,” “Bleed,” “Odacrem,” “Black Scorpion,” and “Yo.” These groups claim 300 active members out of a thousand estimated gang memberships in the city, he said. (Walter I. Balane/ MindaNews)

Last year, we honored Mindanao’s homegrown businesses... This year, let the Investors from outside the island who helped propel Mindanao’s economy for decades be recognized...thus,

present

RATIONALE OF THE PROJECT - This is the 2nd Mindanao Business Leaders Awards, in a different category from the first one. The 1st Mindanao Business Leaders Awards was undertaken last year to give due recognition to the achievements of various Mindanao business leaders and entrepreneurs in various categories of homegrown corporate and individual business leadership achievements. - This year’s search is aimed at giving honor and recognition of excellent business leaders in the investors’s category. - BusinessWeek Mindanao as a forerunner of information on economic leadership and entrepreneurial achievements of non-Mindanaoan corporations and businessmen, deems it a part of its social responsibility to trumpet the achievements of these pillars of Mindanao’s economy, for others to emulate and thus propel an awareness for the business potential that Mindanao offers in every economic and business investment plan, whether small or great. -We are helping Mindanao achieve sustainable development of its economy through these humble efforts.

MISSION & VISION OF THE AWARDS - The holding of BWM Awards annually serves as catalyst to the ongoing efforts of business leaders and entrepreneurs who seek greater heights and strive for success in the noble mission of propelling Mindanao and its people towards full economic growth and sustainable development.

For INQUIRIES CONTACT:

(088)856-3344, (08822)74-53-80 | 09274795196 (Allan Mediante) businessweekmindanao@gmail.com

Mechanics of the Search: Duration of the Search Awards Night

: :

January 15, 2013 to May 15, 2013 June 1, 2013

Entry Requirements: 1. Individual and Company/Establishment nominations shall be accompanied with Nomination Forms available on-line at the Sponsors Website, offices of sponsors, or in the printed page of Businessweek Mindanao and Mindanao Daily issues or may be mailed, if requested, by the Awards Secretariat 2. Nominees or candidates in various categories shall be nominated by BusinessWeek Mindanao and Mindanao Daily Bureaus; individuals, organization or groups not employed by or connected to any of the nominated person or firm . 3. Nominations shall be accompanied by the ff documents which can be mailed, or emailed to the awards secretariat - MINDANAO BUSINESS LEADERS AWARDS 2013 Secretariat, Tanleh Bldg., Abellanosa St., Cagayan de Oro City,not later than May 15, 2013. 4. Brief Resume and History of the Nominee (Individual or Firm) - Photos (at least 3) ; Nomination Form ; Documentary evidence such as certificates, awards or citations

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sunday | march 3, 2013 Editor: JOE DEL PUERTO FELICILDA Asst editor: ARJAY S. FELICILDA • Email: msbmdn@yahoo.com.ph Editorial : mindanaodailynews@gmail.com Advertising : mindanaodaily.ads@gmail.com

City livelihood project yields 312 skilled graduates TACURONG City - Nine skills training programs sponsored by the Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA) and the local government unit culminated, Feb. 26, with 312 graduates. Conducted from November 2012 to February 2013, the trainings were offered for free to interested individuals, especially to unemployed adults and out-of-school youths. Fifty-six individuals graduated in Electrical Installation and Maintenance; 45 in Shielded Metal Arc Welding; 36 in Driving; 16 in Hollow Blocks Making and Tile Setting; 23 in Souvenir Making;

37 in Massage Therapy; 76 in Hair Science and Beauty Culture; and 23 in Dressmaking. “Sa massage training nga ini, nakalibre kami sang P17,000 nga training fee. Amo nga kinahanglan guid namon gamiton sa maayo ang tanan namon nga natun-an,” said Noema Mañego, a massage therapy graduate. Mayor Lina O. Montilla assured the graduates of

continued support as they venture for jobs and/or start their own business. TESDA-Sultan Kudarat OIC-Provincial Director Reynaldo Bernal also shared that the agency will continue assisting the LGU to empower Tacurongnons with necessary skills for livelihood and employment. Among the partners in the conduct of the said skills trainings were DOST, DOLE, Notre Dame of

Cotabato City students competes in NSPC COTABATO City - Eight students from various elementary and secondary schools in the city will be the official representatives of the city to the upcoming National Schools Press Conference (NSPC) in Ormoc City, April 7-12, this year. They are Priyanka Dalagan of Notre Dame of Cotabato, Kaiel Mellicent Quintero and Mary Therese Fernandez of Cotabato City Institute, Mawaddah

Kusayin of Sero Central School, Christa Jerica Javier of Notre Dame UniversityElementary Training Department, Hanima Macapaar of Notre Dame RVM College of Cotabato, Al Keem Caubalejo and Anarose Filosofo of Cotabato City National High School, who all excelled during the Regional Schools Press Conference (RSPC) in General Santos City last year. "We are very proud and happy for the achievements

of our pupils and students. This only proves that the kind of education we provide them is of best quality and that we are ready to compete with the whole nation and possibly, with other countries", Mayor Japal J. Guiani Jr. said. Moreover, the Cotabato City government, thru the Local School Board is preparing for necessary support for the contingent. (cotabatocity.net.ph/arjaysfelicilda)

Tacurong College, Tacurong City Police Station, Sultan Kudarat State UniversityTacurong Campus, 601st Brigade-Philippine Army, Task Force Talakudong, Tacurong Pilot Elementary School, Association of Barangay Councils, and members of the Sangguniang Panlungsod. The trainings were managed by the City Social Welfare and Development

Office (CSWDO). Councilor Psyche Sucaldito, chair of SP Committee on Social Services; and Councilor Rodrigo Jamorabon, chair of SP Committee on Livelihood, both challenged the graduates to help the LGU in identifying more individuals who may also be able to benefit from the project. Meanwhile, the Public Employment Service Office

(PESO), also facilitated the registration of the graduates to the Skills Registry System (SRS) of the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE). SRS serves as repository of skilled workers’ data that could be accessed by employers or recruitment agencies in search for workers in a particular area. (Jezereel Louise C. Billano/ arjaysfelicilda)

Gen, Gapuz assumes post in Central Mindanao MRDP opens P10M

FMR in S. Cotabato By Danilo E. Doguiles

KORONADAL City - Transit of farm and other products from remote village in nearby Tupi town is expected to improve with the recent opening of a farm-to-market road in the area. The FMR project, according to a report from the Department of Agriculture (DA) 12, is located in Barangay Polonuling and involved rehabilitation and concreting of portion of a road that has been a concern among local residents and farmers because it has been causing delay in delivery of produce, especially during inclement weather. The project was implemented under the Rural Infrastructure component of DA’s Mindanao Rural Development Program (MRDP).

The FMR is 4.1kilometers long and costs P10 million to build, the report added. Half of the fund came from the World Bank while 40 percent was allocated from DA funds. The remaining 10 percent was shouldered by the local government of Tupi as its counterpart, which is required in the implementation of MRDP projects. “Having this concrete road means a faster and more efficient transportation of our products to the town center as well as to other municipalities and cities,” Mayor Reynaldo Tamayo Jr. said during the turn over ceremony. “We thank DA-MRDP for this aid,” said one of the farmers in the area. “We thought we have to wait for years before we could

have this road cemented.” Meanwhile, DA 12 Regional Executive Director Amalia Jayag-Datukan congratulated the farmers and residents in the area as well as the LGU for the rehabilitated road. “You are one of the reasons why Region 12 has been recognized as “top performer” in the implementation of MRDPfunded projects. She also told them that MRDP has been expanded as the Philippine Rural Development Program (PRDP). “We hope that with the implementation of PRDP, more significant projects intended to boost agriculture development would be implemented in Tupi,” Datukan said. (DEDoguiles-PIA 12/DA 12/arjaysfelicilda)

By Oliver Ross V. Rivera

KORONADAL City - Brig. Gen. Romeo Gapuz assumes the command of 6th Infantry Division, the biggest Army unit in Central Mindanao, yesterday, replacing Maj. Gen. Caesar Ronnie Ordoyo, who will be assigned to the Southern Luzon Command. A member of the Philippine Military Academy Class 1981, Gen. Gapuz was former head of the Army’s 4th Infantry Division in Cagayan de Oro City. Lt. Gen. Noel Coballes, commanding general of the Philippine Army, officiated the assumption-of-office ceremonies at Camp Siongco, Awang, Datu Odin Sinsuat, Maguindanao. In his message, Maj. Gen. Ordoyo thanked the 6ID soldiers even as he urged his successor to continue the peace building efforts in this part of Mindanao. Gen. Gapuz responded by assuring to support the peace process and the effort of the former 6ID commanders, like Lt. Gen. An-

thony Alcantara and Major Gen. Rey Ardo. “I shall continue the peace maneuvers of my predecessors with the MILF and the 6ID, under me, will toe Malacañang’s line in pushing the peace process forward,” Gen. Gapuz said. To the 6ID commanders and subordinates, Gen.

Gapuz said his policy is simple: "Do good and you will be rewarded, do bad and you will be punished." Also present during the turnover ceremonies were local officials of Maguindanao and the Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao. (ORVRivera-PIA12/ arjaysfelicilda)

Caraga Region

AGUSAN DEL NORTE l AGUSAN DEL SUR l SURIGAO DEL SUR l SURIGAO DEL NORTE

‘Abused’ person carts away NPA firearm By 1st Lt. Joe Patrick A. Martinez

BUTUAN City – An ‘abused’ person (name withheld for security reasons) carted away one Norinco AK47, with defaced serial number; two magazines; and 80 rounds of 7.62 mm ammunitions from Platoon 2, Guerilla Front 16, North Eastern Mindanao Regional Committee of the NPA, who has been extorting money and goods from residents of Barangay Aurora, Tagana-an, Surigao del Norte, February 20, this year. Accordingly, the NPAs were having a short rest after their extortion activities when one of their members placed his firearm in an isolated area giving the civilian the opportunity to cart away the firearm and ammunitions. He immediately turnedover the firearm to the 30th Infantry Battalion, 4th In-

fantry Division, Philippine Army, based in Barangay Placer, Surigao del Norte, for proper disposition and informed the unit about the presence and activities of the NPAs in their community. “It is because of the abuses of these NPAs that provoked me to get this firearm. The money and

food that they demanded from us was just enough for our family,” he said. Lt. Col. Vincent Iringan, 30IB commanding officer said, he already ordered his troops to hunt down the NPAs, who have been terrorizing the people in his area of responsibility “Thanks to this concern citizen, who risked his own

life to help the government put an end to the abuses of the NPAs. We salute his bravery,” Lt Col Iringan added. Meanwhile, Col. Crescente Q. Maligmat, officerIn-charge of 402nd Infantry

Brigade has congratulated Lt. Col. Iringan for successfully pursuing within his area of responsibility the essence of the AFP’s Internal Peace and Security Operation (IPSO), also known as the “Bayanihan”, which aims

to win the peace, through the concerted efforts of all the stakeholders. “The people are now working together, as one for the betterment of this side of Mindanao,” he observed. (JPAM/arjaysfelicilda)

1 killed, DOST-Caraga sets 1 injured in traffic S&T summit accident By Jennifer P. Gaitano

By PO3 Darlin Cabalinan-Migullas

CAMP Rodriguez, Butuan City - Along the national highway of Barangay Dughan, Barobo, Surigao del Sur, a Rusi motorcycle accidentally bumped a white Isuzu 10-wheeler truck loaded with Falcata logs, early morning of February 26, this year. Atg the time of the accident, the truck, bearing

license plate number YGF 950, was parked at the right lane of the road, but without an early warning device. The motorcycle was driven by Jezrel Tinambacan Edaño, who was pron ou n c e d d e a d - on arrival by the attending physician at D.O. Plaza Me mor i a l Ho spit a l i n Patin-ay, Prosperidad,

Agusan del Sur. Edaño and the backrider, Elmie Cumahig, both sustained head injuries. The latter is now confined at the said hospit a l, w h i l e t he t r u ck driver is b eing placed under the custody of the Barobo Municipal Police Station for further investigation. (DCM/MMG/ arjaysfelicilda)

BUTUAN City - The Department of Science and Technology (DOST-Caraga), in partnership with the Regional Development Council (RDC) and the provincial government of Surigao del Norte, is conducting the S & T Summit on March 14 at the provincial convention center in Surigao City. DOST-Caraga Regional Director Dominga Mallonga bared that the activity is

anchored on the theme, “Harnessing Science and Technology for Caraga’s Sustainable Development.” “The summit aims to bring together various development stakeholders in the region in order to formulate a Science and Technology Roadmap that can be used as a planning framework for development focused on fishery, agro-forestry, minerals, and eco-tourism,” said Director Mallonga.

Partner stakeholders in government are also expected to participate in the forum and share their ideas and insights on the gaps and challenges in science and technology on such sectors as S & T Education, Eco-Tourism, Mining and Environment, Agro-forestry, Food industry, Metals and Engineering, Aquamarine, ICT for governance and Climate Change. (JPG-PIA Caraga/arjaysfelicilda)

PNP chief eyes total transformation By PO1 Ryan C. Cagula

Camp Rodriguez, Libertad, Butuan City - Philippine National Police (PNP) Chief Alan L. Purisima is optimistic that all cops can contribute to establish better mindset in the PNP, through the strategic program, called “CODE P: 2013 and Beyond”. This, as he spoke before the multitude of police officers during his visit to this region, Thursday, urging the uniformed personnel to set as good examples in fulfilling the mandate of serving and protecting the citizenry towards fostering public trust and community partnership. Director Gen. Purisima

also cited the urgent need to focus on every individual job description and deploy more investigators in all police stations in the region. “Let us improve the deliv-

ery of public safety services. Police visibility is not enough. Instead, police presence shall be felt by the public,” he said. Director Gen. Purisima has ordered all commanders regionwide to conduct aggressive operations against illicit logging operations and to account for loose firearms that may sow violence in the upcoming mid-term elections. Code-P: 2013 and Beyond, consistent with the PNP’s long-term program PNP Patrol Plan 2030, stands for competence, organizational development, discipline, excellence and professionalism. (RCC/MMG/arjaysfelicilda)

Opinion

sunday | march 3, 2013

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Loss of one million jobs reveals instability of Philippine economy By BENJIE OLIVEROS of Bulatlat.com

A Gmanews.tv report revealed that a million jobs were lost from 2011-2012. The report cited data from the Department of Labor and Employment showMINDANAO DAILY NEWS ing that the number of Publisher employed Filipinos went MER M. SUDARIA Manager down to 37.668 million in October 2012 from 38.55 ROSE MARY D. SUDARIA Finance Manager million in October 2011. ALLAN M. MEDIANTE RUEL V. PELONE It also cited data from the Editor-in-Chief Managing Editor National Statistics Office CRIS DIAZ showing that the number melanie rivera Associate Editor Advertising of unemployed Filipinos SHAUN ALEJANDRAE UY went up to 2.7 million from Sports & Lifestyle Editor jun escuadro 2.6 million during the same RIZA O. ARES BEN ARCHE period. Regional Editor-DAVAO LIEZL A. DELOSO Well, the difference pat samonte JOE PALABAO may be attributed to the Regional Editor-Caraga Rene Michael BaÑos AL JACINTO government’s definition ed mainit Regional Editor-Zamboanga of unemployment, which Marketing Consultants gerry lee gorit refers only to those who Photo Journalists ATTY. MARIO T. JUNI are actively seeking work or atty. roberto a. cantago jr. Uriel C. Quilinguing looked for work within the Legal Counsels Editorial Consultant last six months prior to the

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survey and are immediately available for work. Those who have given up looking for work are not considered unemployed. The situation may even be worse because the definition of employment also has some loopholes. Considered as employed are those who have worked even for one hour with pay during the reference period and those who have worked without pay who are classified as unpaid family work. Also considered as employed are “own account workers,” which include street hawkers, who, time and again, have to run from the police and demolition crews of the MetroManila Development Authority. Ibon Foundation estimates the number of unemployed in 2012 to 4.422 million. If we consider the number of underemployed,

which is at 7.16 million, then the problem is even far worse than is officially reported. It is thus, safe to conclude that the loss of one million jobs is even understated. This dampens the boast that the Philippine economy is doing well with its 6.6 percent growth rate in 2012. Professor Rene Ofreneo of the UP School of Labor and Industrial Relations, who was interviewed by Marc Jayson Cayabyab of gmanews.tv in its report, hit the nail in the head when he pointed out the problem of quality of jobs. “We have to remind them that the industry and agriculture … are the real sectors. We cannot just rely on services, overseas labor markets, and call centers. We need all the mobilization of the economy,” Ofreneo reportedly said.

This is the problem with the GDP growth last year. It is mainly driven by services, specifically construction both public and private. Construction is seasonal. The construction industry is vibrant today because of pump priming by the government and the boom in the construction of condominiums and office spaces in anticipation of a continuously increasing demand from business process outsourcing (BPO) companies and their employees and overseas Filipino workers. SMDC alone seems to be building condominiums everywhere. But this is temporary because once the sales and occupancy rates of condominiums and office spaces begin to decline because of market saturation, so will the construction industry. This is why economy | page 11

Problems mean progress THINK a minute. What’s your problem? You know that not all problems are bad? In fact, having problems sometimes means you’re making progress. A big hardware business moved into the same building with another, small hardware store. The big hardware competitor posted signs all over the building that read: “Grand Opening.” So not to be beat, the owner of the small hardware business posted a big sign over his store that read: “Main Entrance.” It’s successful people who know that their biggest obstacles often become their biggest opportunities. As one smart man said: “The same big stone that’s

Think A Minute Jhan Tiafau Hurst an obstacle to a weak person is a steppingstone to success for a stronger person.” The difference is in their attitude and response. Remember, you are not the only person with problems. Even the lion has to fight off flies! So “Don’t be afraid to face the music just because you don’t like the tune.” Many years ago, Ameri-

can farmers carried their potatoes in wagons to the market. As their wagons bounced along on the rough, bumpy roads, the big potatoes were always the ones that ended up on top. And it’s usually the same with people. It’s the people with bigger hearts of faith and perseverance who end up on top, after getting over their life’s bumps and problems.

There’s a saying: “What doesn’t kill you makes you stronger.” Yes, problems may detour you and take you off course for a little while, but only you can choose to stop moving ahead. Sometimes we think that our temporary problems are permanent. But if you stay patient and positive, then the end of your problem will become the beginning of your new season of success. So why not ask Jesus Christ to take charge of your heart every day. It’s only with Him on your side, and His peace and power in your life, that you can turn every problem into progress. Just Think a Minute.

After Sabah killings, what is next?

LIFE’S INSPIRATIONS: “… Jesus answered: `Watch out that no one deceives you. For many will come in my name, claiming, ‘I am the Messiah,’ and will deceive many. You will hear of wars and rumors of wars… Nation will rise against nation, and kingdom against kingdom’…” (Matthew 24:4-7, the Holy Bible). -oooSABAH KILLINGS: BEGINNINGS OF NEW SECESSION: So what’s next after 12 Filipinos were killed by Malaysian policemen after they dared to support the claims of the Sultanate of Sulu and North Borneo over Sabah? Will the Sultanate’s claims still be pursued by Sultan Jamalul Kiram III, or will these claims now be shelved by him? Will he and his followers who profess belonging to the Kingdom of

Kakampi mo ang batas Atty. Batas Mauricio Sulu and North Borneo want to remain Filipinos, after being left to themselves by the Philippine government? Will the Aquino government now be happy that the standoff, precipitated by the arrival in Lahad Datu, Sabah, Malaysia of some 200 or so followers of Sultan Kiram on February 09, 2013, has ended, with the Filipinos merely wanting to reclaim what they own being killed mercilessly? Will peace now finally reign in Mindanao, or, we

have just witnessed the beginnings of a new secession conflict in Southern Philippines that will involve on the one hand the followers and sympathizers of the Sultanate of Sulu and North Borneo wanting to be on their own now, and the military forces of the government of the Republic on the other, perhaps aided by other armed groups that have received favor from current officials of government? -ooo-

SENTIMENTS OF SULTAN KIRAM AND HIS FOLLOWERS: Some of my friends who are close to Sultan Kiram are telling me that the prevailing sentiment among his followers and supporters and among many Sulu residents after 12 of them were killed during the firefight on Friday, March 01, 2013, and after the Sultan’s brother was arrested by Malaysian police, is this: the Aquino government abandoned them and virtually discarded them as citizens of the Republic. That being the case, my friends are telling me, Sultan Kiram and his people are thinking that they cannot be faulted if they are now seriously studying discarding their Filipino citizenship as well, since they never got any help, support, or even sabah | page 11

sunday | march 3, 2013

The People.Places.Events The | February February 24 24 -- March March 2, 2, 2013 2013 Editor: RUEL V. PELONE Email: ruel_pelone2002@yahoo.comCAGAYANTIMES MetroSpect D E O RO d E O rO

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1st Membership Assembly February 22, 2012 Kamagong Hall Pryce Plaza Hotel Cagayan de Oro City

Developments

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N. Mindanao reforests 13,855 hectares in 2012 through NGP THE Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) in Region 10 reported that in 2012 the region has planted about 13,855 hectares of public lands to include mangrove forest, riverbank rehabilitation and urban greening. The National Greening Program (NGP) of the Aquino administration is a vehicle of the government to enhance the country’s forest stock to absorb carbon dioxide largely blamed for global warming. DENR 10 R eg iona l Executive Director Ruth Tawantawan said that this massive forest rehabilitation program seeks to grow 1.5 billion trees in 1.5 million hectares nationwide from 2011 to 2016. He added that government agencies and institutions including the local government units have provided support to the program not only in the

tree planting but also in the production of quality seedlings, mobilization of employees including students from Grade 5 to college level. “Our people’s organizations particularly largely from Community-Based Forest Management areas are responsible in taking care of the seedlings planted by other participants since they are living in these areas. In a way, NGP has provided alternative livelihood activities for these marginalized upland and lowland households through seedling production and maintenance of newly-planted trees. In turn they are included in the Conditional Cash Transfer Program of the Department of Social Welfare and Development.” Director Tawantawan explained. Regional Technical Director Agustilo reforests | page 11

Toyota offers free car safety check up SUMMER is just around the corner and what better way to prepare for your long road trip than to have your Toyota checked by Toyota-certified technicians for free! Simply visit any of Toyota’s dealerships from February 25 to March 23 to avail of the Free 20-point vehicle safety inspection. Furthermore, for your peace-of-mind, Toyota Motor Philippines Corporation will once again launch the Toyota Motorists Assistance this coming Holy Week – a service tradition for the past 22 years. From Maundy Thursday to Easter Sunday, service teams will be deployed in eight major destinations across Luzon to assist the motoring public in Bantay, Ilocos Sur; Rosario, La Union; Baguio City, Benguet; Urdaneta, Pangasinan; Tagaytay City; Calamba, Laguna; Lucena City, Quezon; and Sipocot, Camarines Sur. The service teams will provide free roadside assistance and repairs to all vehicles with emergency concerns, regardless of makes and models. The Toyota Motorists Assistance Campaign is in partnership with Toyota Dealers, Chevron toyota | page 11

Last year, we honored Mindanao’s homegrown businesses...

BEL-IS, KAPATAGAN NGP PROJECT SITE. This plant is among the most robust plant in the

This year, let the Investors from outside the island who helped propel Mindanao’s economy for decades be recognized...thus,

project area. Using organic fertilizer (manure and sawdust), it stands about 2.2 meters. The NGP Project in Barangay Bel-is, Kapatagan, Lanao del Norte is being maintained by the people’s organization of the area.

present

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* Hotel/Resorts & RATIONALE OF THE PROJECT Tourism Dev’t - DAKAK PARK BEACH RESORT - This is the 2nd Mindanao Business Leaders Awards, in a different category from PEARL FARM RESORT the first one. The 1st Mindanao Business Leaders Awards was undertaken last year to give due recognition to the achievements of various Mindanao business leaders and INDIVIDUAL CATEGORY entrepreneurs in various categories of homegrown corporate and individual business * Agri-Business - MT. KITANGLAD AGRI-VENTURES INC. leadership achievements. * Banking & Finance - D’ ASIAN HILLS BANK - This year’s search is aimed at giving honor and recognition of excellent business * Hotel/Resorts & Tourism leaders in the investors’s category.- DUKA BAY EDEN NATURE’S PARK - BusinessWeek Mindanao as a forerunner of information on economic leadership ENTREPRENEUERSHIP and entrepreneurial achievements of non-Mindanaoan corporations and businessmen, deems it a part of its social responsibility to trumpet the achievements of these pillars OF an COMPANIES * Mega Entrepreneur for others-toLIMKET of Mindanao’s economy, emulateKAI and GROUP thus propel awareness for the business potential that Mindanao offers in every economic and business investment - ZEALEP GROUP OF COMPANIES plan, whether small or great.

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Vamos a Zamboanga! A Balikbayan Compoblano’s Perspective of his Native City By MIKE BANOS

was recently afforded a unique experience that allowed me to look back at my native city 32 years ago and compare it with how it’s changed since then. Thanks to the Department of Tourism and Cebu Pacific, I joined a media delegation from Cagayan de Oro on a two-day tour of La Cuidad de las Flores, now rebranded as “Ciudad Latina de Asia or Asia’s Latin City.” There were six journalists in our party: Orwin Austria (Mindanao Gold Star Daily), Nicole Managbanag (Sun Star Cagayan de Oro), reporter Joey Yecyec and cameraman Val Martinito (ABS-CBN Cagayan de Oro) and publisher Dante Sudaria and myself from the BWM Group of Publications (BusinessWeek Mindanao, Mindanao Daily News, Mindanao Star, The Cagayan de Oro Times and BWM Magazine). We were accompanied by Jojo Roque, Yoyong Esmedalla and Nanc y Derequito from DOT in Region X. Unfortunately, Cagayan de Oro Tourism Officer Imma Rae Gatuslao was not able to make it due to red tape. We had to get up at 3AM even if our flight was still 6:15AM since we had to come together at the DOT X office then be at the Lumbia Airport by 5AM to avoid being bumped off. The ATR 72-500 was fully booked so it was a good idea to come early and have an early snack at the DOT’s VIP Lounge courtesy of Carl Maglangit and Arian Sim. After a slight delay and a quite bumpy landing at the Zamboanga International Airport, we were wondering where our hosts where. Fortunately, Marilou “Ludy” Silorio, DOT IX senior tourism operations officer, had come earlier and quickly brought us to the nearby Garden Orchid Hotel. We had a sumptuous breakfast and off we were for our first adventure with Ludy and Stephanie Camins, also of DOT-9. Our guide turned out to be no less than my grade

sc hool classmate, Icelle Gloria Durano Borja from the Zamboanga Normal College Laboratory School, the present-day Western Mindanao State University. Icelle is a multi-awarded guest curator and research associate of the National Museum of Zamboanga City at the famous Fort Pilar. She is the president of the Mindanao Association of Museums; executive council member of the National Commission on Museums and the National Commission for Culture and the Arts (NCCA). Besides being a museum and cultural worker, Icelle is also a researcher, painter and registered nurse! We started our tour in the Plaza Rizal at the very epicenter of the old poblacion. It’s in much better condition than it was in my salad days thanks to the efforts of the late Grand Dame of Zamboanga, former Congresswoman and City Mayor Maria Clara Lorenzo Lobregat, whom we know as Tita Caling, being the second cousin of my late Dad Rene on the Lorenzo side. The centerpiece of the Plaza is a statue of Rizal whic h spor ts an immaculately white coat of paint and boasts of two authentic cannon from the Spanish times and an immaculately cared for garden harkening back to the days of the old Ciudad delas Flores. Although we didn’t have sufficient time to stroll in it, also found nearby is Plaza Pershing. Originally named “Plaza de Don Juan de Salcedo” for one of Spain’s great 16th century Conquistadores, it was renamed “Plaza Pershing” in 1915 in memory of General John J. “Blackjack” Pershing for his contributions to the heritage of Zamboanga City. The old fountain near the defunct City Theatre is gone, replaced by a multi-purpose building, since the original octagonal kiosko is now too small to host most public events for which it was originally built. Which is a pity, because that fountain was beautiful

and a sight to behold with its mini waterfall, water lilies, sculptures and golden carp. Nonetheless, Plaza Pershing remains one of the favorite hang-out places of Zamboangueños as evidenced by the crowds gathered there enjoying themselves with their friends and loved ones. From Plaza Rizal Icelle brought us across N.S. Valderrosa St. (named in honor of the first mayor of Zamboanga) to the historic City Hall. Built in 1905-1907 by the Americans colonizers as the civic building of American Governors of the Moro Province, it now houses the city government of Zamboanga and is considered the oldest heritage provincial capitol in the country with its Spanish Renaissance Architecture. Built with the help of Japanese carpenters who left their imprint on the chrysanthemum carvings of its doors, the building escaped destruction from both the Japanese and American military during World War II since both sides had a high regard for its cultural and heritage value to both nations. Again, I must take my hat off to Tita Caling and her dedicated band of Zamboangueño historians and heritage conservationists, especialy Icelle, for restoring the City hall to its former glory. Despite some moder n amenities, it didn’t look this good during previous administrations although Icelle laments the two fo u n t a i n s i n i t s i n n e r courtyard are no longer maintained and the carp she personally donated and cared for mysteriously disappeared with the passing of Tita Caling. For our next issue, we will continue our tour of downtown Zamboanga with visits to the BPI Museum, Pettit Barracks, Fort Pilar and Paseo del Mar. C e b u Pa c i f i c f l i e s from Cagayan de Oro to Zamboanga three times a week every Tuesday, Thursday and Saturday. It is the largest airline in the country with the lowest year-round fares.

Tour Guide Icelle Borja tells us the Chrysantemum motif of the doors at City Hall were made by Japanese Carpenters and were a major factor in saving the building from Japanese bombing during WWII. (photo by Mike

sunday | march 3, 2013

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Toyota...

Sabah...

Philippines Inc.; Philippine Auto Components (Denso), Inc.; Du Pont Far East, Inc.; Emicor, Inc; 3M Philippines, Inc.; Fujitsu Ten Corporation of the Philippines; Paint Marketing Co. Phils., Inc.; Federal Chemicals (Akzonobel), Inc.; Bridgestone; OE Works Manufacturing, Three Bond Singapore Pte. Ltd and Smart Q Systems Co., Inc. With Toyota you can be sure of safe and worry-free road trips this summer!

just a hint of fair treatment over their claim that Sabah is owned by the Sultanate of Sulu and North Borneo, and that, all throughout their ordeal, the Sultan and his followers were treated as foreigners not entitled to their government’s protection. The sentiment in Sulu, I am told, is that, the Philippines was more interested in protecting Malaysia’s interests and perspectives on the Sabah issue, even as its officials, almost to a man, went on a crazy binge, accusing them of crimes and other lawless acts with threats of arrest and imprisonment fit only for hardened criminals, even if what they merely wanted was to claim what is historically known to be the Sultanate’s dominion and property. -oooWHAT IS NEXT? So what is going to happen next? It is anybody’s guess, of course, but whatever it is, I am sure it is not going to establish peace in Mindanao. Rather, as evidenced now by the sentiments of the Kiram family being quoted by their close friends, the spectre of more troubles, problems and even armed confrontation is once again being raised in the horizon. I hope this is not going to happen, because any such trouble, problem or armed confrontation happening in Mindanao is going to affect the entire country, domestically and internationally, and this is certainly frightening in the light of the on-going developments in the South China Sea (or the West Philippine Sea). We can only pray now for God’s powerful right hand to intervene once more, so that peace will continue to reign in our country and among our people, whether they are Christians, Muslims or of other spiritual groupings. At the rate things are going, we are headed towards more wars, with Filipinos fighting and killing other Filipinos. Really, may God have mercy on us all!!! -oooREACTIONS? Please call me at 0917 984 24 68, 0918 574 0193, 0922 833 43 96. Email: batasmauricio@yahoo.com, mmauriciojr111@ gmail.com

from page 8

Economy... from page 6

the Aquino government is banking on public-private partnership projects. But even these have their limits. Likewise, the retail industry is also seasonal. Demand fluctuates according to the months of the year and is dependent on the purchasing power of the people, which is mainly being propped up also by remittances of OFWs, the shrinking middle class and BPOs. The business process outsourcing (BPO), the socalled sunshine industry of the Aquino administration and its predecessor, is also very unstable. It is based on contracts from companies abroad secured by locallyoperating BPO companies. Employment in these companies is also, therefore, based on contracts. Large-scale mining for export, another industry being courted by the Aquino government, is heavily dependent on foreign capital and on the demands in the world market. In this period of crisis, the demand for minerals that are necessary for production is expectedly low. And open pit mining, which most big mining companies use, is not as labor intensive as tunnel or underground mining, and therefore employs less workers – aside from the fact that it leaves a permanent damage on the environment. Industry and agriculture are indeed the real sectors. These provide the stable foundation for the economy. A national industry and agriculture that are geared toward, first and foremost, providing for the needs of the domestic economy – and not mainly for export, which goes up and down according to the boom and bust of the world economy – could create stability in the economy while providing long-term, stable employment. To complement these, secure jobs with living wages should be generated and a genuine agrarian reform program should be implemented to increase the purchasing power of the Filipino people. In these times when the world economic crisis is becoming increasingly more virulent, this may be the only way for the economy to move forward. (http:// bulatlat.com)

from page 6

Reforests... from page 8

Obsioma of the Forest Management Services disclosed that the reforestation and tree growing in 2012 covered 13,855 hectares entailed almost 7 million of forest and fruit tree seedlings. RTD Obsioma added that this regional accomplishment was made possible by about 31,234 volunteers coming from all sectors who wanted to pitch in for the restoration of our dwindling forest cover. He clarified that as part

of the convergence initiative among the Department of Agriculture and Department of Agrarian Reform, half of the tree planted constituted forest tree species intended for timber production and protection while the remaining half was composed of agroforestry species. On February 24, 2011 President Benigno Aquino issued Executive Order No. 26 declaring the implementation of the National Greening Program as a government priority program to reduce poverty, promote food security, environmental stability and biodiversity conservation and enhance climate change mitigation and adaptation. Areas eligible for rehabilitation under the program include all lands of the public domain. Specifically, these include forestlands, mangrove and protected areas, ancestral domains, civil and military reservation, urban greening areas, inactive and abandoned mine sites and other suitable lands. A report from Peri Madridano

Entries... from page 1

concern themselves with the authenticity of the elements of the dances. They just have to check for accuracy and performance based on the story line presented,” he added. Loreta Sol Dinlayan, incharge of the Bukidnon State University Ethno-Cultural Museum, said the presentations were rich in content across the eight contingents. “The presentations were full of Bukidnon symbols and cultural elements that depict the life of the indigenous peoples in the province,” she said. Dinlayan, an instructor of social sciences at BSU, cited the “balsa” or “gakit” (raft), which the Lumads used for transportation along the rivers in the province; kilala leaves used in the ritual and cultural events; “karang” or bamboo walkers used by the Lumad to walk across deep rivers; and “bakag” or big baskets used during harvest seasons. The presentations also featured “bangkasu” or altars used by the Lumads in the their spiritual rites; the “bangkakaw,” a traditional tool used for fishing along with the “tundok” or a fishing rod with fork. Another common symbol featured in the contingents’ presentations include the display of medicinal herbs. “In a deeper sense, the herbs are also used to heal social problems, because if you heal the body, the person’s mind will also be healed,” Dinlayan said. She said the presentations this year were generally better compared to last year. Joe-An Bayona Henderin, Bukidnon provincial tourism officer, said they have opted to include the NCIP in the process of

preparation for the street dancing competition to avoid problems and criticisms about the alleged exploitation of the Lumads in a commercialized festival. “Every Kaamulan, we feared that we will exacerbate the misconceptions,” she added. Bayona said the consent given to the contingents by the tribal councils are limited only to their performance during Kaamulan 2013. “They have to seek another consent if they want to perform in other places,” she added. The contingent from the Municipality of Pangantucan presented the Talaandig and Manobo tribes using the flood story, which tells the story of their origin as a people. The Talakag contingent presented the Talaandig and Higanon tribes. Among the themes presented were the Tampuda Hu Balagen Ta Pusod Hu Dagat, a peace pact that took place in Tikalaan, now part of modern day Talakag town. The Dangcagan town’s contingent featured the Manobo Pulangihon tribe. Their presentation depicted “Bawian te Baylan,” a dance ritual offered to Magbabaya (God) for the healing of a lady inflicted with a disease by a bad spirit. Golden Harvest is the theme of the contingent from Valencia City. Among those they featured were rituals known as panlisig and pamalas to drive away spirits or bad omen in preparation for rice and corn planting. The contingent from Damulog town featured the Manobo Donggoanon tribe and their culture and economy along the Pulangi River. The Kitaotao contingent featured the Manobo and Matigsalug tribes’ thanksgiving dances after they fought Aragasi, a maneating giant who killed a woman. Aspects of traditional life of the Manobo tribe including rituals, dances, songs, and rhythms were the focus of the contingent from Don Carlos town. They also featured the legend behind the town’s famous tourist attraction, the Pinamaloy Lake. The 2012 street dancing competition winner, the contingent from Malaybalay City, featured the Healing of Lagongluy, a dance theater narrative depicting life in Nakakulob and the relation between men in different tribes, nature, and gods. Among the aspects presented include thanksgiving and offertory dances. The street dancing competition, which was allotted P1 million out of the P7 million festival budget, is the major highlight of the annual Kaamulan, a festival dedicated to the province’s seven hill tribes. Winners of the competition were to be named later in the day.

Peace... from page 1

Representative Rufus Rodriguez.

Sabah...

“Dapat ibuhos ang budget sa Mindanao dahil ito ay from page 1 late Wednesday. nararapat lamang upang Malaysia is brokering the peace talks maibsan ang kahirapan ng between the Philippine government and mga kababayan natin dito na the Moro Islamic Liberation Front which is for decades for self-determination sobra na ang nararanasang fighting in the southern region which was formerly kahirapan dahil sa kawalan under the Sultanate of Sulu and North now known as Sabah. ng sapat na enerhiya,” Ejer- Borneo, Hundreds of Sultanate members cito said. headed by Raja Muda Azzimudie Kiram, brother of Sulu Sultan Jamalul Kiram III, “With the dry spell this ademanded recognition from Malaysia, but summer expected to affect Kuala Lumpur flatly rejected the demand. Mohagher Iqbal, the MILF chief hydroelectric plants in the peace negotiator, said both panels signed region and available power the Annex on Transitional Arrangements resources are getting scarce, and Modalities that details the road map the creation of the Bangsamoro UNA believes that a 15-year towards region. He said they also approved and energy blueprint should the Terms of Reference for the be crafted to abate further signed Independent Commission on Policing energy crisis that could which is the body that shall submit develop into an economic recommendations to the peace panels on the police force for the Bangsamoro. and political catastrophe,” Last year, the Philippines and MILF UNA declared in its news signed the Bangsamoro framework accord which is considered a breakthrough in release. the peace talks. But a group calling itself Anak Sulu UNA said the Energy the signing of the Bangsamoro Regulatory Commission said framework agreement proves several should answer for the en- things and scenarios to include. 1. The Philippine Government is ergy shortage being felt willing to grant Sub-State status to in Mindanao, particularly areas claimed by the MILF. This will thus hitting the agency on lack include the Sulu Archipelago supposed to be a sleeping sovereign state since of foresight. centuries ago. The framework agreement Meanwhile, Ejercito and is just a step away from the declaration Independence by the MILF within the former senator Dick Gordon of next few years- with or without the aphas vowed to look into the proval of the Manila government or the of Sulu although this will cover problems besetting kagay- Sultante the Sulu archipelago. anons and their neighbor2. The Sultanate of Sulu is a nation ing residents on the state acknowledged by the Islamic world. It only needs a formalized setup of government of the Misamis Oriental (in modern times) to be welcomed among International Airport in ruling and independent states of the world. yet the Philippine Government has Lagundingan, which start- And refused to consider the Sultanate as such. 3. The Sultanate of Sulu should ing month of operation that its Independence from the Rebusinessmen and private declare public of the Philippines. In Mindanao, individuals are wanting to the occupation army of the Republic the Philippines stationed in the Sulu hold further due to alleged of Archipelago, Basilan, Sulu and Tawi-Tawi lack of vital equipment and has been in a state of war since so called shortage in the length of its grant of Philippine Independence. The Philippine Military has failed runway. to subjugate the Sulu Archipelago until Several groups here have today. There is nothing more that the government can do to stop this rally behind a move to sus- Manila declaration of Independence as it has pend the start of the opera- failed to stop the Moro National LiberaFront, the Moro Islamic Liberation tion of the new airport until tion Front, the Abu Sayyaf and still dormant the ILS is in place and the Liberations Fronts in Mindanao…the nest 200-meter runway shortage, of such fronts. 4. These fronts have managed to as compared to the Lumbia hold at bay the might of the Philippine airport, are addressed for Military through these years, and nothing that comes out from blabbering mouths safety reasons. in Malacañang can change the course of The new airport is set things in Southern Philippines. the Philippine Center for to be opened on April, this IslamHowever, and Democracy urged the Aquino year, despite the absence of administration to reactivate its pursuit the resolution of the Philippine claim the air navigation facility of over Sabah, which it had filed before the and enough runway length, International Court of Justice. It said a just and peaceful resolution which, according to protestthe sovereign claim of the Sulu Sulers, are detrimental to the of tanate erstwhile ceded to the Philippine government will remove a thorny issue safety of passengers. has caused much uncertainty in the Former senator Dick that relationship between Malaysia and the Gordon said: “The prema- Philippines. “The Philippine government should ture opening of the new protect the proprietary rights of Sultan airport in Laundingan is Jamalul Alam’s heirs, identified in the 1939 dangerous. Without the air ruling of Chief Justice C.F.C. Macaskie of the High Court of North Borneo. The navigation equipment, “it is heirs were Dayang-Dayang (Princess) like a lost leader. There is no Hadji Piandao, who was acknowledged the major share-holder with 3/8 share; need to rush if the safety of as Princess Tarhata Kiram and Princess the passengers is at stake.” Sakinur-In Kiram, were to have 3/16th each; Mora Napsa, Sultan Esmail Ejercito vows to support share Kiram, Datu Punjungan, Sitti Mariam, Sitti the installation of the neces- Jahara and Sitti Rada, who were awarded share each. All the principal heirs sary equipment needed by 1/24th have died. The rights of their heirs, most the new airport to support of whom are Filipino citizens, must be protected by the Philippine Government,” its marketing aspect. said. Also, the UNA senatorial PCIDThe PCID, headed by Amina Rasul, ticket has been fully sup- also called on the Aquino government create a Sabah Committee, under porting the call for lasting to the Office of the President, to address peace in Mindanao. “We the Philippine Claim to Sabah. Rasul said the members of the believe that socio-economic Committee should include the Departdevelopment is necessary ment of Foreign Affairs, Department of to attain long-term peace Justice, Department of Local Government, Department of National Defense, and security in Mindanao. Mindanao Development Authority, Office JV re-echoes his father’s of the Presidential Adviser on the Peace Autonomous Region of Muslim declaration on poverty al- Process, Mindanao, a representative of the Sultanleviation, saying, “ang UNA ate of Sulu as well as a representative of the heirs to Sabah. ay para sa mahihirap.” “Past Philippine Administrations Aside from Ejercito and have attempted to address the Sabah but were unable to reach a lasting Gordon, the UNA contin- claim and generally acceptable conclusion. gent at the press conference However, this must not discourage the was composed of former stakeholders and peace advocates from an inclusive, just and sustainable Senator Migz Zubiri, Nancy pursuing formula that will satisfy the concerns Binay, Tingting Cojuanco not just of the Philippine and Malaysian but particularly of the Sulu and Ernesto Maceda. They Governments Sultanate and the private heirs to Sabah,” were joined by 2nd District she said. (Mindanao Examiner)

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