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northmin . westmin . caraga . davao Your Mindanao-wide Community Newspaper

Another rally v PDAF set in Oro next week Volume II, No. 081

C

web portal: www.businessweekmindanao.com

Monday

September 9, 2013

By GERRY LEE GORIT, Correspondent

AGAYAN de Oro City––Church and school leaders in Cagayan de Oro City will spearhead another rally calling for the abolition of the pork barrel.

READ FULL STORY/p.2

Surigao court orders arrest of MGB chief

By Roel N. Catoto of MindaNews

SURIGAO City––For snubbing a court hearing twice, a Regional Trial Court here has ordered the arrest of Mines and Geosciences Bureau (MGB) acting chief Leo L. Jasareno to compel his presence at the next court date.

Judge Victor A. Canoy, presiding judge of Regional

Trial Court (RTC) Branch 29, issued the arrest warrant after Director Jasareno failed to appear during the August 27 hearing. The warrant of arrest was released on the same day, which was emailed to MindaNews today upon request.

The MGB official is facing an “indirect contempt” case filed by Shuley Mine, A child portrays on his drawing for the poster-making contest the effects of environSee arrest, page 11

mental destruction. PPIO-Agusan del Sur

Scrapping Vat on oil more justified with pork barrel scandal, says research group RESEARCH group Ibon Foundation renewed its proposal to scrap the valueadded tax (Vat) on oil as global prices again begin to spiral supposedly due to the conflict in Syria.

Ibon made the statement as oil players warned of another round of oil price hikes this week. As of endAugust, the price of diesel has already increased by P3.08 per liter and gasoline by P1.95, data from

QuickLook

Breaking away from loan sharks See B

1

the Department of Energy (DOE) show.

Pegged at 12 percent of the pump price, Vat collections from oil products–– and the tax burden of the public––grow as prices climb.

Ibon estimates that the total hike of P3.08 per liter in the price of diesel alone already translates to an additional Vat burden of P7.48 million per day.

P10.00

Summit on disaster mgmt slated on Sept. 11 in Caraga

By PAT SAMONTE Regional Editor-Caraga

BUTUAN City––The Coalition of Services of the Elderly, Inc. (COSE) and OXFAM, Philippines are set to organize a Caraga Summit in Disaster Risk Reduction and Management for Civil Society Organizations on Wednesday (September 11) at Balanghai Hotel here.

In a joint statement, COSE Executive Director Fransiskus Kupang and OXFAM Disaster Risk Reduction Programme Manager Janice Ian Manlutac said that with the enactment of Republic Act 10121 or the Philippine Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Act of 2010, the role of civil society as the government’s partner in building disaster resilience has been institutionalized through their membership in Disaster See summit, page 11

‘Poor grass’ cutter included as incorporator of Napoles’ NGO?

By Malu Cadelina Manar of MindaNews

KIDAPAWAN City––A poor grass cutter in a hinterland in Magpet, North Cotabato got the surprise of his life when he received a summon from the National Bureau of Investigation for his alleged participation in the P10billion “pork barrel” scam.

Efren Sideno, a job order employee of the Magpet municipal government, was included as one of the incorporators of Sagana ang Buhay sa Atin Foundation, a non-government organization based in Metro Manila run by Janet Lim Napoles.

Napoles, a Filipino-born Chinese businesswoman,

See scandal, page 11

See cutter, page 11

Normin has sufficient rice supply See B

5

n After jail break,

BJMP sacks R-10 chief, Valencia warden See A1

2 sections 24 pages

Editorial: e-mail: mindanaodailynews@gmail.com • 72-33-44, 856-3344 • Advertising: e-mail: mindanaodaily.ads@gmail.com Contact cell nos.: 0917-7121424, 0947-8935776

A2 Mindanao Daily NorthMin NEWS northmin . westmin . caraga . davao Your Mindanao-wide Community Newspaper

News

monday| september 9, 2013 Asst editor: ROLANDO N. SUDARIA • Email: rolando_sudaria2000@yahoo.com

After jail break, BJMP sacks R-10 chief, Valencia warden

By Walter I. Balane of MindaNews

VALENCIA City––The Bureau of Jail Management and Penology (BJMP) relieved its regional director and the city jail warden two days after 21 inmates bolted from prison.

Chief Insp. Reynaldo Acelo, head of personnel and human resource development at BJMP10, said that Senior Supt. Marlon Cornelio Torregue and Senior Insp. Moises Genetiano were relieved because of a “standard

operating procedure” at the bureau “after a jailbreak of such magnitude happens.”

Torregue signed Genetiano’s relief order effective today, while the BJMP national office ordered Torregue’s relief also effective today, according to Acelo.

Replacing Torregue as regional director is Senior Supt. Cesar Balderas. The latter heads BJMP’s national directorate for human resource development, according to the bureau’s website.

Genetiano will be replaced by Insp. Carmelo Corsame as the

Comelec excludes from bidding P148.87m-worth of ballot paper

new warden of Valencia City Jail.

Corsame used to be the warden of the Tangub City Jail in Misamis Occidental, Acelo said.

As of 3 p.m. today, Supt. Roy Magsalay, Valencia City police chief, told MindaNews via text message that another inmate was recovered, bringing the total put behind bars again to 9 of the 21 who escaped.

Rodney Trinidad, 23, of Brgy.

Mabuhay, Valencia City, surrendered to Valencia City Mayor Jose M. Galario and SP04 Celso Galamiton at 4:30 a.m. today,

Magsalay said.

Trinidad, facing a case of theft, was turned over to Magsalay two hours later.

Acelo said the relief orders of Torregue and Genetiano were issued pending investigation of the jailbreak, which he said is still ongoing.

Acelo, expressing his initial assessment, said Thursday that the jail was ripe with security lapses.

He denied that the jail has insufficient guards but cited that they are also looking at the alleged failure of the other guards

to “respond to the situation”.

Acelo, who has 26 years in service at BJMP, cited that the armory was not well-secured and the firearms were not issued to the security personnel.

The Valencia City Jail houses a total of 254 inmates.

Acelo noted that on that day, 25 of the inmates were attending a session on Alternative Learning System. DXDB-AM reported Friday that the jail has suspended the ALS sessions, along with other religious activities like holding of the mass.

Another rally vs pork barrel set in C. de Oro next week

By GERRY LEE GORIT Correspondent

C

AGAYAN de Oro City––Church and school leaders in Cagayan de Oro City will spearhead another rally calling for the abolition of the pork barrel.

By Rutchie Cabahug-Aguhob

OZAMIZ City, Misamis Occidental--The Commission on Elections (Comelec) has excluded from bidding the supply and delivery of ballot paper worth P148,870,656, for use in the October 28, 2013 Barangay and Sangguniang Kabataan Elections (BSKE).

This was revealed by lawyer Helen G. Aguila-Flores, Chairperson of the Bids and Awards Committee (BAC), who said the exclusion is in compliance with the directive contained in Comelec Resolution No. 9757, promulgated, last Aug. 8.

Earlier, the Comelec, through its BAC, invited bidders to apply for eligibility and to bid for one (1) Lot with the Approved Budget for the Contract (ABC) of P148,870,656, for ballot paper to be used in the printing of Official ballots for the October BSKE. The amount was already inclusive of all taxes, such as, but not limited to, value added tax (VAT), income tax, local taxes, and other fiscal levies intended for the supply and delivery of the required ballot paper.

The invitation to bid (ITB) said a complete set of bidding documents may be purchased by interested bidders from the Comelec BAC Office upon payment of a non-refundable fee of P50,000.

However, the Commission En Banc, by virtue of the powers vested in it by the Constitution, the Omnibus Election Code, the 1987 Administrative Code, and See paper, page 9

CHURCH HISTORY. Archbishop Antonio Ledesma (partly hidden), Father Jose Arcilla (in black) and Ramoncito Cruz view the photo exhibit detailing the 391-year history of the Cagayan Archdiocese at the St. Agustine Metropolitan Cathedral in Cagayan de Oro City Friday, Sept. 6, 2013. Arcilla and Cruz are in town to launch their coffee table book “Jesuits in Mindanao The Mission” at Xavier University on Sunday. MindaNews photo by Froilan Gallardo

Bureau of Customs-10 exceeds January-August collection target

BOC on alert as Christmas season approaches

By GERRY LEE GORIT Correspondent

CAGAYAN de Oro City-The Bureau of Customs in Region 10 has exceeded by 21.63% its January-August 2013 collection target.

Deputy collector Marvin Mison said they have collected P4,434,746,717 for the period, P788,719,717 more than the target of P3,646,027,000.

Mison said that the BOC-10 would be able to reach by the end of this year its P5-billion target collection for 2013.

In 2012 the total collection was P3,856,437,796.

Mison said the office was able to surpass its collection targets for each of the month this year from January to August except in the month of June when it fell short of P13,688,873.

The highest difference registered was in the month of May when total collection reached P661,474,992 as against the target figure

Bureau of Customs Deputy Collector for Northern Mindanao Marvin Mison

of P458,243,000.

Among the top payers in the region are the Del Monte Philippines, Nestle and Pilipinas Kao. BOC-10 now is among the top three of the 17 collection districts in the country.

Mison said the Mindanao Container Terminal at Tagoloan, Misamis Oriental, has been the top grosser in the region.

The terminal is the port

of call of foreign vessels.

“Under the leadership of district collector Atty.

Lourdes Mangaoang, the BOC-10 has become a very disciplined district when it comes to collections,” Mison said.

“Importers, exporters and brokers are assured of the right performance,” he added.

In other matters, Mison said the woman customs officer who was gunned down earlier this year has been recuperating in Davao.

As for the smuggling case involving Allan Bigcas, the office still awaits a resolution from Congress although Commissioner Biazon has already forfeited the cars and other vehicles in favor of the government.

Mison said the BOC-10 is now on extra alert for any smuggling as the Christmas season approaches.

He said they will be on the lookout for firecrackers, fruits and other items popular during the yuletide.

The rally is set on September 11 in the downtown area of the city.

City Councilor Candy Darimbang said the Priority Development Assistance Fund may be abolished but she is not in favor of losing the financial assistance.

“What is needed is right implementation,” Darimbang said.

She said this can be done through the suggested line item budgeting through government agencies.

“For example, for scholarships, the assistance can be coursed through the Department of Education,” she said, adding that the role of the congressmen could be in identifying which schools the scholarships would be made available.

She said Cagayan de Oro needs a government city college to benefit hundreds of poor students.

“It’s better not to use non-government organizations,” Darimbang said.

“What we want is exact implementation of the appropriation,” she said.

Another item, Darimbang added, is in health services.

“The assistance such as free medicines could be coursed through the Department of Health,” she said, noting that congressmen would then be the ones to identify projects.

On another issue, Darimbang said she considers the intelligence fund of the city as high.

“P70-million is quite high for Cagayan de Oro, maybe P10-million or P20million is enough,” she said.

She said the intelligence fund, which the local chief executive has the discretion on its use and is audit-free, does not come from the PDAF.

monday | september 9, 2013

Asst editor: ROLANDO N. SUDARIA • Email: rolando_sudaria2000@yahoo.com

Developments Mindanao Daily A3 northmin . westmin . caraga . davao Your Mindanao-wide Community Newspaper

Uy bats for 100-percent completion of airport project in Laguindingan REPRESENTATIVE Juliette Uy of the second district of Misamis Oriental appealed to the national government to fast-track the installation of navigational facilities and instruments at the Laguindingan Airport and the completion of the road concreting so as to make the airport 100-percent operational.

In her privilege speech delivered on September 3 before the House of the Representatives, Uy brought the various issues hounding the Laguindingan Airport to congress to air her appeal to President Benigno Aquino III, the Department of Transportation and Communication (DOTC), and Civil Aviation Authority of the Philippines (CAAP).

“No less than the President acknowledged that the Laguindigan Airport has yet to get its navigational aids, but noted that with its Instrument Landing System (ILS), it is ‘safer’ than the old Lumbia Airport. We were made to understand that the navigational aids will arrive no later than May 2014. Sadly though, this is not acceptable to many sectors of the province,” she said.

The lawmaker said: “In building the new airport, the government also has to construct, rehabilitate, or widen the roads to and from Laguindingan to effectively connect all the towns, cities and other investment and tourist destinations that depend on the airport.”

“But to date, the road

REP. JULIETTE UY

widening is still ongoing and is so far concentrated in the town of Alubijid. It is in this regard that we respectfully submit the need to widen the roads westward from Laguindingan to Lugait and up to Iligan City, the roads eastward from the airport to Cagayan de Oro City, Jasaan and up to Gingoog City so that the businesses, agricultural and industrial zones and the public in general can easily benefit from faster traffic flow to and from the airport,” said the lawmaker from Misamis Oriental.

Need for complete equipment, new X-ray machines The woes of lesser flights at the Laguindingan Airport has so far been a serious let-down to the interests of the various businesses, tourism, and investors in the province.

“Hotel, restaurant and resort owners are complaining of lowered earnings due to the lesser flights to and from the province. Without

a VHF Omni-Directional Range Navigation System, Meteorological Observing System, and Precision Lighting System, the CAAP cannot allow night flights.

In fact, slight weather disturbances force flight cancellations without these systems. This just bolsters the reality that the Laguindingan airport is not 100 percent operational,” the neophyte lawmaker said.

The Laguindingan Airport can only have a maximum of 18 daily flights. It pales in comparison to the old Lumbia Airport which had as many as 26 flights a day.

“As if it were not bad enough, a recent development worsened the situation. On August 6, 2013, the X-ray machines at Laguindingan Airport broke down, barely two months since the soft-launching of the new airport. This has made security inspections tedious for the CAAP personnel and passengers alike. Another concern is the imposition of a twenty peso “entrance fee” that covers even those merely passing through the airport. Logic dictates that vehicles which pass through the airport to drop off airline passengers and do not actually park must not be charged a fee. This is standard industry practice as we have observed in the airports in Manila and other parts of the globe. It would be best if parking fees are imposed only to those who actually park in the airport compound,” Uy said.

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NEWS

A4 Mindanao Daily NEWS northmin . westmin . caraga . davao Your Mindanao-wide Community Newspaper

Caraga News

monday | september 9, 2013

Editor: JOE DEL PUERTO FELICILDA Asst editor: ARJAY S. FELICILDA • Email: mindanaodailycaraga@gmail.com jayfels30@yahoo.com.ph

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

Kids learn to be ready when disaster strikes EXTRA-JUDICIAL SETTLEMENT WITH DEED OF ABSOLUTE SALE OF DESIGNATED SHARE

Notice is hereby given that the intestate estate of the Late NESTOR A. PABILONA, who died leaving a real property located at Bulua, Cagayan de Oro City, covered by Transfer Certificate of Title No. T-141306 “A PARCEL OF LAND (Lot 25056-U, Psd-10-037465, being a portion of Lot 25056, Cad-237, Cagayan Cadastre) situated in the Barrio of Bulua, Cagayan de Oro City, containing an area of 1,000 square meters more or less, is the subject of EXTRA-JUDICIAL SETTLEMENT WITH DEED OF ABSOLUTE SALE OF DESIGNATED SHARE, entered and executed by and between; LYRA PABILONA, ELAN PABILONA, ROY PABILONA and ARIEL PABILONA, all of legal age, Filipino and residents of Zone 9, Bulua Cagayan de Oro City, hereinafter called the Heirs and the Vendor – Lyra Pabilona; that the herein Heirs and the Vendor are the legitimate heirs and successor in interest. That for and in consideration of the sum of ONE HUNDRED THOUSAND PESOS (Php 100,000.00) Philippine currency, in hand paid by Spouses REYNALDO and ERLINDA GABATAN, both of legal age, Filipino, and residents of 247 Moco Canitoan Road, Carmen, Cagayan de Oro City, Philippines, hereinafter called the Vendees, hereby SELL, TRANSFER, and CONVEY unto the said Vendees the above-described parcel of land.

As per Doc. No. 224; Page No. 45; Book No. XLIV; Series of 2013; under Notary Public of ATTY. HENRY J. BACAL.

By MELODY DE VERA

PROVINCIAL Capitol, Agusan del Sur--- At their tender age, school children in Trento town were already taught to be ready when disaster strikes and learn the importance of protecting the environment.

T he ch i l d re n c om ing from different public schools learned how to psychologically and physically manage themselves in times of calamities like floods during a day-long activities recently held by the local Disaster Risk Reduction Management Council (DRRMC) and the non government organization BALAY Rehabilitation NOTICE

Notice is hereby given that the intestate estate of the Late EMELIANO B. BACSARSA, who died on November 12, 2010, (left no will and testament) leaving parcels of land identified as; Lot No. 13294, embraced by OCT. P-11121, under Tax Dec’l, No. 04001416888, w/ an area of 17,452 sq.m. and Lot No. 13297, embraced by OCT P-11122, under Tax Dec’l, No. 04001416905, w/ an area of 2,689 sq.m., all located at Canangcaan, Tupsan, Mambajao, Camiguin, was adjudicated by all Heirs- now the subject of EXTRAJUDICIAL SETTLEMENT W/ DEED OF ABSOLUTE SALE, (Sold in Favor of RALPH H. BACSARSA).

Executed by all HEIRS under the Notarial Registry of ATTY. ANIANO S. PADERANGA, Per Doc. No. 421; Page No. 84; Book No. 29; Series of 2012.

MDN: SEPT. 9 16 & 23, 2013

MS: SEPT. 6, 13, & 20, 2013

Publication Notice R.A 10172

Center.

With a theme, “Mga Batang Ligtas Tungo sa Masaganang Bukas (Safe Children for a Bright Future)”, the children appreciate more of their life learning activities with song and dance presentation, quiz bee and poster making contest that conveys environmental message.

Elena Tantiado, BALAY coordinator for Internally Displaced Persons, said their NGO is a psychosocial institution that responds to any kind of calamity as a result of armed conflict and natural disasters especially during the onslaught of Typhoon Pablo when they extended their services to affected school children and their parents.

Trento and other neighboring towns have been severely hit by Typhoon

Pablo destroying wide areas of agricultural lands and shelters.

Ma. Leonora Theresa Ibacarra, school head of San Ignacio Elementary School, said the activity have helped a lot to released the trauma

felt by the school children after they were hit by the disastrous storm.

BALAY has been conducting such activities in Trento and the neighboring town of Monkayo in Compostela Valley.

By Roel Catoto of MindaNews

Acid Leach (THPAL).

Some were excited,others feared it would bring health problems and other environmental hazards into the area.

Residents of barangays Taganito, Hayanggabo, Cabugo and Urbiztondo recalled that THPAL’s hy-

C L AV E R , Su r i g a o d el Norte––Residents of Barangay Taganito and three adjacent villages in this town had mixed reactions over the recent start of operations of the Taganito High Pressured

drometallurgical processing plant emitted foul odor when it was commissioned on July 4 this year.

“That incident caused people to panic and the smell truly sucks, it’s like the [smell of] septic tanks,” said Taganito Barangay Chair villagers | page 9

NOTICE

Notice is hereby given that the Late EMELIANO B. BACSARSA, who died intestate, left a parcel of land known as Lot No. 10318, covered under Tax Dec’l No. 610024, with an area of 3,823 sq.m. located at Cabiling, Benhaan, Mambajao, Camiguin, is the subject of DEED OF EXTRA-JUDICIAL SETTLEMENT W/ ABSOLUTE SALE OF PARCEL OF LAND. Sold in favor of RALPH H. BACSARSA, made and executed by all HEIRS of the said Late EMELIANO BACSARSA, under the Notarial Registry of ATTY. VITO M. CARILLO, per Doc. No. 35; Page No. 9; Book No. 71; Series of 2013.

MS: SEPT. 6, 13, & 20, 2013

NOTICE TO THE PUBLIC Date: September 2, 2013

BUTUAN City––The Department of Health-Center for Health Development Caraga is currently holding an orientation on DrugFree Workplace Program at Luciana Convention, Butuan City.

Participating the activity are occupational safety officers, administrative/ human resource officers of different line agencies and mining companies in Caraga region. pia-bits

Mining plant opening affects villagers

PAMANA. AgusandelNorte Governor Ma. Angelica RosedellAmante-Matba (center) receives the PAMANA check worth P7 million from DILG-Caraga Director LilibethFamacion (right) during the kick-off activity of the 19th National Crime Prevention Week, Sept.

2, at the Provincial Capitol Covered Court, Butuan City. Also in photo is AgusandelNorteVice Governor Ramon Bongabong. (NCLM/Gerie Mae G. Coco, PIA-Caraga/asf)

Publication Notice R.A 10172

CCE-0008-2013 RA No. 10172

Anti-drug orientation conducted

NOTICE TO THE PUBLIC CCE-0008-2013 RA No. 10172

Date: September 3, 2013

Republic of the Philippines LOCAL CIVIL REGISTRY OFFICE PROVINCE OF MISAMIS ORIENTAL Cagayan de Oro City NOTICE FOR PUBLICATION

In Compliance with the publication requirement and pursuant to OCRG Memorandum Circular No. 2013-1 Guidelines in the Implementation of the Administration Order No. 1 Series of 2012 (IRR on R.A. 10172), Notice is hereby served to the public that LYNDIE SALCEDO TOMAMPOC has filed with this Office, a petition for Correction of Entry in sex from “FEMALE” to “MALE” in the certificate of live birth of LYNDIE SALCEDO TOMAMPOC at Laguindingan, Misamis Oriental and whose parents are BERNARDO TALLE TOMAMPOC and LILA JANUBAS SALCEDO.

Any person adversely affected by said petition may file his written opposition with this Office not later than September 23, 2013.

In Compliance with the publication requirement and pursuant to OCRG Memorandum Circular No. 2013-1 Guidelines in the Implementation of the Administration Order No. 1 Series of 2012 (IRR on R.A. 10172), Notice is hereby served to the public that CRIS SAHILAN PABELIC has filed with this Office, a petition for Correction of Entry in sex from “MALE” to “FEMALE” in the certificate of live birth of CRIS SAHILAN PABELIC at Laguindingan, Misamis Oriental and whose parents are JOSELITO RAGMAC PABELIC and EMERITA BAYSON SAHILAN.

Any person adversely affected by said petition may file his written opposition with this Office not later than September 23, 2013.

(Sgd.) MA. TERESA R. CAYLO

Municipal Civil Registrar

(Signature over printed name of the C/MCR)

(Sgd.) MA. TERESA R. CAYLO

Municipal Civil Registrar

(Signature over printed name of the C/MCR)

(Sgd.) NORMA S. DIPUTADO

City Civil Registrar

MDN: SEPT. 9 & 16, 2013

MDN: SEPT. 9 & 16, 2013

MDN: Sept. 9 & 16, 2013

Publication Notice R.A. 10172

Republic of the Philippines Local Civil Registry Office Province: Agusan del Norte City/Municipality: Butuan City

Republic of the Philippines Local Civil Registry Office Province of Misamis Oriental MUNICIPALITY OF CLAVERIA

NOTICE TO THE PUBLIC

NOTICE FOR PUBLICATION

CCE-0152-2013 (R.A. 10172)

September 5, 2013

In compliance with the publication requirement and pursuant to OCRG Memorandum Circular No. 2013-1, Guidelines in the Implementation of the Administrative Order No. 1 Series of 2012 (IRR on R.A. 10172), a notice is hereby served to the public that JONSIFER C. CARDONIGA has filedd with this office a petition for correction of entry in sex from “MALE” to “FEMALE” in the birth certificate of live birth of ARJEN CAGUROL, born at CGH & Medical Center, Butuan City, Philippines and whose parents are JONSIFER AGUIRRE CAGUROL and ARCHIMEDES LEDESMA CARDONIGA.

Any person adversely affected by said petition may file his written opposition with this Office not later than 20 September 2013.

(SGD.) JUDITH ALVIZO-CALO, LLB, MPA

City Civil Registrar MDN: Sept. 9 & 16, 2013

In compliance with Section 5 of R.A. No. 10172, a NOTICE is hereby served to the public that INGRID M. FIGURACION has filed with this Office a petition for the correction of clerical error in the entry of the child’s SEX from “MALE” to “FEMALE” in the Certificate of Live Birth of INGRID E. MAGDADARO who was born on October 10, 1958 in Cagayan de Oro City and whose parents are PAULINO MAGDADARO, NATIVIDAD ERGINA.

Any person adversely affected by said petition may file his written opposition with this Office not later than SEPT. 16, 2013.

RA 10172 Form No. 10.1 (LCRO)

Republic of the Philippines Province of Lanao del Norte Municipality of Salvador LOCAL CIVIL REGISTRY OFFICE NOTICE FOR PUBLICATION

In compliance with Section 7 of R.A. No. 10172, a notice is hereby served to the public that ARTCHE LLEMIT NAMOC has filed with this Office a Petition for Correction of Clerical Error in his GENDER from “FEMALE” to “MALE” in the Certificate of Live Birth of ARTCHE LLEMIT NAMOC who was born on APRIL 18, 1987 at CLAVERIA, MISAMIS ORIENTAL and whose parents are ROQUE BARROS NAMOC and RUFA CADIZ LLEMIT.

Any person adversely affected by said petition may file his/her written opposition with this Office not later than SEPTEMBER 14, 2013.

In compliance with Section 7 of Republic Act No. 10172, a notice is hereby served to the public that MARIBETH MACASARTE SAPANTA has filed with this Office a petition for change of first name from “BERNARDITA” to “MARIBETH” in the Certificate of Live Birth of BERNARDITA MACASARTE SAPANTA who was born on NOVEMBER 5, 1967 at CAMP 3, SALVADOR, LANAO DEL NORTE and whose parents are VERGENIA MACASARTE and ROBERTO SAPANTA.

Any person adversely affected by said petition may file his written opposition with this office not later than September 21, 2013.

(Sgd.) ANNA VICTORIA A. EVANGELISTA Municipal Civil Registrar

(Sgd.) ALIAH L. BANDING

Municipal Civil Registrar

MDN: SEPTEMBER 9 & 16, 2013

MDN: SEPTEMBER 9 & 16, 2013

News In Focus

Mindanao Daily A5 NEWS northmin . westmin . caraga . davao Your Mindanao-wide Community Newspaper

monday | september 9, 2013

Surigaonons mull civil disobedience over rotating brownouts

Outgoing ARD for Operation Nicanor Peralta turns over the ceremonial key of responsibility to incoming OICDirector III Teresita Depeñoso during simple rites at the DAR-10 regional office. Witnessing the event are (from left) PARPOs Henry Taladua and Ibrahim Marmay, Director III Eddie Agac-ac, RD Felix Aguhob, PARPOs Zoraida Macadindang, Julio Celestiano and Norberto Paquingan.

New 3rd level officials designated in DAR-10

By Editha R. Salvador

CAGAYAN DE ORO – In view of the approved rationalization plan of the Department of Agrarian Reform in consonance with Executive Order No. 366, DAR-10 has recently effected the new designations and assignments of third level officials in the region.

Teresita Depeñoso, former PARO II of Agusan del Sur, assumed as OICDirector III vice Nicanor Peralta who has opted to

retire from the service. Eddie Agac-ac was retained as Director III in the region.

Bukidnon-North and South Provincial Offices has been merged with Julio Celestiano, Jr. as Provincial Agrarian Reform Program Officer (PARPO) II and Norberto Paquingan as PARPO I. Camiguin is now under the operational jurisdiction of Misamis Oriental with Zoraida Macadindang as PARPO II. Shirley Nestoria Arquiza, who used to head the regional support

services division, assumed as the newly-designated PARPO I of Misamis Oriental.

Lanao del Norte and Misamis Occidental officials were retained in their respective positions. Ibrahim Marmay continues to serve as PARPO II of Lanao del Norte with Alibasa Andig as PARPO I. Likewise, Henry Taladua is still the PARPO II of Misamis Occidental.

The regional as well as the provincial agrarian reform adjudicators (R/ PARAD) were also assigned

as follows: Noel Carreon as RARAD, Rommel Abragan as PARAD of Bukidnon, Jemimah Anzorah Pacasum as PARAD of Lanao del Norte, Myrna Apduhan as PARAD of Misamis Occidental and Charlito Sabugaa as PARAD of Misamis Oriental.

Meanwhile, Engr. Felix Aguhob has retained his position as Regional Director in DAR-Region 10.

The new designation and assignment of the abovementioned officials took effect on Aug. 30, 2013.

After 6 yrs, still no IRR for handline fishing law

By Bong S. Sarmiento of MindaNews

GENERAL Santos City–– After six years, the implementing rules and regulations (IRR) for the law governing the handline tuna sector is yet to be finalized.

Rosanna B ernadette Contreras, executive director of the Socksargen Federation of Fishing and Allied Industries, Inc. (SFFAII), said that Republic Act 9379 signed on March 8, 2007 by former President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo still lacks the implementing guidelines that would help boost the growth of the handline sector.

Handline fishing is a traditional method that employs hook and line to catch large mature tuna, including the sashimigrade, mostly sold in the markets of Japan, Europe and the United States.

“The lack of IRR is a long time issue that we want settled because this is crucial to the operation of our handline tuna industry players,” Contreras said.

She said that the issues involving the Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (BFAR) have already been settled but those involving the Mari-

FOREIGN CRUISE.

Foreign tourists ride on a fishing boat-decorated float during the Tuna Float Parade on September 5, 2013, the opening day of the weeklong 15th Tuna Festival Carnivale and the city’s 45th charter anniversary.

MindaNews photo by Erwin Mascarinas

time Industry Authority (Marina) has yet to be ironed out.

Contreras said they are expecting the Marina to finalize the issues involving its part in the IRR in the

next two months.

Raul Gonzales, spokesman of the Alliance of Tuna Handliners, stressed the IRR was long overdue.

“The IRR is important to help chart the future

of the tuna industry. We would have the guidelines to help our operations,” he told reporters.

Gonzalez said that in the absence of the IRR, their fishing

SURIGAO City––Rotating brownouts that hit this city for over a month now have brought serious economic problems to small businessmen here as residents said that if this will continue, some will be calling for civil disobedience.

Lawyer Alfonso S. Casurra, former city mayor, said over the radio that he is calling for civil disobedience if the problem will not be addressed by the Surigao del Norte Electric Cooperative, Inc. (SURNECO).

Casurra, who has gained public sympathy, said the problem could have been solved had cooperative officials acted on it. He blamed the SURNECO officials, as well as its board of directors, for doing nothing to augment the insufficient power supply.

Interior and Local Government Secretary Mar Roxas, who was here on Tuesday attending the Local Disaster Risk Reduction Management Council, has likewise criticized SURNECO officials and its board members for their supposed ineptness.

He advised electric consumers to elect board members who will really work to solve the power outages and not those backed by the politicians.

Engr. Narciso I. Caliao Jr., acting general manager of SURNECO, denied Roxas’s comments, saying they are working hard to address the power situation.

He asked concerned individuals to instead help them, “discuss our problem so we can come up with the best solutions.”

Caliao said if consumers go on civil disobedience by not paying their bills, then they will issue a disconnection order.

He said they are currently facing a power deficiency as power generators like the National Power Corporation-Power Sector Assets and Liabilities Management Corp. (NPC-PSALM) and Therma Marine, Inc. (TMI) are not giving enough supply to power utilities.

Caliao said the problem lies with the power generators and not the distributors, referring to SURNECO and other electric utilities all over Mindanao.

SURNECO, he said, has a power deficit of seven megawatts.

NPC-PSALM is now supplying SURNECO with only 11 MW of electricity whereas it used to supply the cooperative 26 MW. TMI has also dropped its load from 8 MW to 6 MW. With this predicament, SURNECO has implemented rotating brownouts of 4 to 5 hours daily.

Caliao said SURNECO has a total power demand of 23 megawatts.

He added that base load power plants will be available only by 2016 as several coal-fired power plants are being constructed in various parts of Mindanao. One of these is the Therma South, Inc. (TSI) in Davao. SURNECO, he said, has already applied for the supply of at least 5 MW. “By year 2016 we will have sufficient supply. But what about from 2014 to 2015?” Caliao asked.

Caliao said they are contemplating to buy energy from private companies that can supply at least 10 MW at the best price and the quickest time possible.

Jose Monte de Ramos, one of the board members of SURNECO, said they prefer this route than having their own power generator set because they have no technical capability to do so.

“What we want is just to buy power from this private firm.

They will build and operate,” he said.

Monte de Ramos said they are planning to avail power from five diesel-fired generator sets, each of which can produce at least 2 MW of power. With this scheme, the SURNECO will answer the almost 8 MW power deficit, he added.

He said several power companies have presented their proposals. Among them are Peak Power Energy Inc., Gen Diesel Philippines Inc., Alternative Power Resources Holding Inc., and Power Solution Philippines Inc. Monte de Ramos said that the Department of Energy has assured to help finance the initial costs in building the power generator sets.

SURNECO held a public forum last Wednesday to discuss the power situation and seek the public’s help in coming up with solutions. At Barangay Taft, only 42 attended the consultation at the gymnasium in the morning. In the afternoon, only 38 came for the forum at Barangay Washington.

Willy A. Gan, president of Surigao Chamber of Commerce and Industries (SCCI) Inc., said at the forum in Barangay Washington that the rotating brownouts have drastically affected not just the business sector but everyone in the community.

He said he pitied the micro entrepreneurs who depend solely on their small business for their livelihood. “I could imagine they are living in debt because of this power situation,” he pointed out.

Gan said the power crisis in Surigao right now is worse than being hit by a super typhoon.

“At least in a super typhoon you can reinstall the power lines in two to three months. This power crisis we have right now is really debilitating and this is the worse economic disaster in history,” he stressed.

Some attendees in Barangay Taft, like Recardo Makinano, walked out, saying the forum will not answer the power crisis.

He pointed out that SURNECO never anticipated the problem.

The forum, he opined, was held because the cooperative was afraid of the consumers staging civil disobedience.

Sulpicio Basadre, on the other hand, said the consumers are being fooled with the too much commercialization of electricity.

Roel N. Catoto of MindaNews

A6 Mindanao Daily NEWS northmin . westmin . caraga . davao Your Mindanao-wide Community Newspaper

monDAY | september 9, 2013

Opinion

Editor: RUEL V. PELONE Email: ruel_pelone2002@yahoo.com

Mindanao Daily NEWS northmin . westmin . caraga . davao Your Mindanao-wide Community Newspaper

The Mindanao Daily nORTHMIN, Mindanao Daily CARAGA , mindanao daily westmin and , Mindanao Daily DAVAO newspapers are published daily by MINDANAO DAILY NEWS at Door 2, Tanleh Building, Abellanosa St., Brgy. Consolacion, Cagayan de Oro City. It is registered with the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI), Region 10 with Certififcate No. 01791042, and with Business Permit No. 201313231, TIN No. 209-980-927, Tel. Nos: (088) 856-3344, (08822)72-33-44, 0917-7121424, 0947-8935776 E-mail: mindanaodaily.ads@gmail.com, mindanaodailynews@gmail.com Website: www.businessweekmindanao.com MINDANAO DAILY NEWS Publisher ALLAN M. MEDIANTE Editor-in-Chief Nelson v. constantino Executive Editor- Business CRIS DIAZ Executive Editor- MDN NorthMin ruel pelone Executive Editor- Davao Joe del Puerto Felicilda Executive Editor- MDN Caraga Cheng Ordonez Executive Editor- MDN WestMin bong fabe Associate Editor SHAUN YAP UY Section Editor Arjay Felicilda Assistant Editor felix santillan RONALD MASTAIL CLIFFORD SANTILLAN Layout Artists PAT SAMONTE CRIS PANGANIBAN Regional Editors-Caraga AL JACINTOR Regional Editor-WestMin gerry lee gorit Photo Journalist ATTY. MARIO T. JUNI NOTARY PUBLIC- JUNI LAW OFFICE CELL NO: 09352379999/ (088) 8573595 CRUZ TAAL ST., CAG. DE ORO CITY Legal Counsel ---------------------------------------------------------------

2-in-1 for hard-news, politics, development and business Though both existing for sometime as a separate newspapering concept of this paper’s publisher, Dante Sudaria’s prominent publications, the Mindanao Daily and Business Daily are now merged and packaged into one.

The rationale is, again, for more efficient service and convenience to the reading public especially the people of Mindanao.

Each newspaper has its own target readership and news category coverage. Mindanao Daily has been bannering hardnews and current issues, governance developments, and regional news covering Northern Mindanao, Caraga and Davao Region. Business Daily, on the other hand was conceptualized

From the mail

Think A Minute

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Member: ORO CHAMBER Philippine Press Institute

as a high-end paper specially catering to the business communities, establishments and organizations. Its pages are full of corporate events, developments and business trends, serving only Northern Mindanao and Cagayan de Oro. The two becomes one newspaper, Mindanao Daily as the main section (A), and Business Daily as the business section (B), but the combined pages may regularly range from 24 to 32 pages.

A daily circulation coverage with editions for 4 corners of Mindanao (this time, including Western Mindanao), and hardnews and developmental news coming also from the 4 corners of the Island, Mindanaoan readers and businessmen are provided

By Jhan Tiafau Hurst

Don’t cheat yourself

THINK a minute.

Imagine you’re in school and your teacher gives your class a really hard test. You’re scared and nervous because you didn’t study. But then you see the smartest girl in the class is sitting right beside you and you can clearly see her paper and all her answers.

What would you do?

Probably everyone has a chance to cheat and be dishonest at some time.

In fact, many of us are tempted every day to cheat or do something wrong— like the famous sprinter from Canada named Ben Johnson.

See cheat, page 11

more value-added worth for their daily subscription rate. The same newspaper street price, and ads rates, but more added value in terms of pages and page sections.

With the new package, we are providing the public a newspaper plus a versatile information tool. More regional pages, more educational sections like tourism, environment, banking, motoring, corporate dev’t, and lifestyle and fun pages.

Mindanao Daily News becomes a journalism force to reckon with. The talents, services and skills of the men and women behind the two publications, now merged into one, would deliver more fire power, more journalistic engagement. It’s like saying, there is more power to “Unity in Diversity.”

The BSP as the Philippine government’s financial advisor ASK an ordinary person about what the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP) does, and the usual reply is that it produces, issues, and regulates the country’s currency.

Those who know more may also mention that it supervises banks and other financial institutions with quasi-banking functions, and that it is the bank of banks and also the official depository of the national government.

Still others will say that the BSP maintains an efficient payment and settlement system so that transactions between financial institutions are recorded in real time.

The BSP actually does more as the Philippines’ monetary authority.

It also plays a role as the government’s financial advisor.

Just like individuals, governments may also need to borrow money at some point. The main source of income of the government

Speaking Out Ignacio Bunye comes from the people’s taxes. When the revenue collections are not enough, it may have to look elsewhere to get money to finance its operations, to fund economic activities, to spend at times of crisis or emergency, and also to pay for maturing obligations.

The national government can borrow domestically and/ or internationally.

Government corporations can do likewise. However, local government units are limited to tapping the domestic market.

In any event, put together, these borrowings can be very substantial.

As of May 2013, total outstanding debt of the national government amount-

ed to P5.3 Trillion. Of that, P3.45Trillion was sourced domestically while P1.9 Trillion was foreign-financed.

Add to those loans, the several billions of debt owed by government corporations and local government units.

They can affect monetary aggregates and our balance of payments. They can affect monetary and price stability.

Since the Bangko Sentral is mandated by law to maintain monetary and price stability, (translation: to keep the inflation rate low and stable; to preserve the purchasing power of the peso) the national government and other government instrumentalities must seek at least the advice of the See ADVISOR, page 11

Editor: RUEL V. PELONE Email: ruel_pelone2002@yahoo.com

Mindanao Daily A7 NEWS

Opinion

northmin . westmin . caraga . davao Your Mindanao-wide Community Newspaper

Question for Bayan and CBCP re: pork scam LIFE’S INSPIRATIONS: “… `everyone who hears these words of mine and does not put them into practice is like a foolish man who built his house on sand. The rain came down, the streams rose, and the winds blew and beat against that house, and it fell with a great crash’...”

(Jesus Christ, our God and Savior, in Matthew 7:26-27, the Hoy Bible).

-oooQUESTION FOR BAYAN & CBCP ON PORK SCAM: I have a question to Bayan and its allied organizations and to the Catholic Bishops Conference of the Philippines (CBCP) as well: will their calls for protest and mass actions, and the holding of a day of atonement for corruption in the

Kakampi mo ang batas Atty. Batas Mauricio aftermath of the P10 billion pork barrel scam racking the country today, transform the corrupt and the grossly immoral among our officials in particular and our people in general?

No, they won’t. Many Filipinos, whether in or out of government, whether in or out of the private sector, will remain corrupt and immoral, and will continue to be so in the days to come.

The reason is that, many

Filipinos have become godless, and have strayed much too far away from God. Consequently, God’s grace and blessings, guidance and protection, are no longer with us as a people.

What we have now are God’s many curses, including the devilish curse of graft and corruption---all of which are now being experienced by millions and millions of us, and all of which curses will continue

to hit us, and cripple us, and destroy us as a nation, blotting the Filipino race out from the face of the earth even before we can even realize what is happening.

-oooCURSES IN REFUSING TO LISTEN TO GOD AND TO OBEY HIM: Before my critics and the rabid sympathizers of our present crop of leaders will start pounding on me because of what I have written here, let me hasten to add that these are not even my views. I am simply echoing, in layman’s language as it were, what the Bible is saying, and had predicted to happen to any nation or race which will no longer listen to His Word, and which will See scam, page 11

IBON presses for FOI passage Research group IBON said that the pork barrel controversy made the passage of an undiluted and effective Freedom of Information (FOI) bill all the more urgent as a vital tool of citizens against corruption and for increasing the accountability of all government officials.

The research group pointed out that even the Commission on Audit itself, in its audit of the Priority Development Assistance Fund over the 2007-2009 period, was only given very partial and apparently selective information by the Department of Budget and Management.

Malacanang’s hesitation to sign the

FOI bill has factored in systematically denying the public information on the implementation of projects and details of the use of lump sum appropriations, according to IBON. The group was reacting to the President’s advise for media to do some ‘soulsearching in their pursuit of the truth’ in a meeting of Asia News Network’s editorial coordinators last Saturday.

IBON also called for an immediate audit of all discretionary funds “for the sake of transparency and accountability and prioritizing public welfare and economic progress over anything else.” The research group raised concern that the share of the

Biblical reflection Bro. Edcel L. Closas

Endure unto the end Special Gospel of the day: Mark10:2831(September7, 2013-Saturday)Mark 10:28-31-Then Peter began to say unto him, Lo, we have left all, and have followed thee. And Jesus answered and said, Verily I say unto you, There is no man that hath left house, or brethren, or sisters, or father, or mother, or wife, or children, or lands, for my sake, and the gospel’s, But he shall receive an hundredfold now in this time, houses, and brethren, and sisters, and mothers, and children, and lands, with persecutions; and in the world to come eternal life: Ephesians 6:8-Knowing that whatsoever good thing any man doeth, the same shall he receive of the Lord, whether [he be] bond or free. This is the consoling statements of Jesus Christ to His disciples that all of them will receive rewards for following Him. Like Paul attested of his rewards for sacrificing in preaching God’s words to the people. 2 Timothy 4:6-8-For I am now ready to be offered, and the time of my departure is at hand. I have fought a good fight, I have finished [my] course, I have kept the faith: Henceforth there is laid up for me a crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous judge, shall give me at that day: and not to me only, but unto all them also that love his appearing. Can you sacrifice for the glory of God? Mark 8:34-and when he had called the people [unto him] with his disciples also, he said unto them, Whosoever will come after me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross, and “follow me.” Are you carrying your own cross? But many [that are] first shall be last; and the last first. Matthew 24:13But he that shall endure unto the end, the same shall be saved. If we will not persevere in serving God, we will become “defeated at the end”:SPONSORED:Neneth Bobong Balino- Dr. Edith, PhD- Tony Jordan - CDO. St. Peter Calungsod, pray for us! Listen: Radio Ultra AM1188-3:00 PM - Sunday: #09284149490-09266607505: Question – Prayer request

PDAF doubled upon the start of the Aquino government’s term and has been increasing since.

The bigger the fund, the greater room for corruption and misuse, IBON said, noting that PDAF in the Aquino administration’s first national budget proposal for 2011 more than doubled by Php 13.9 billion or 128.5% from Php 10.9 billion in 2010 to Php 24.8 billion. Legislative PDAF has further risen to Php 25.24 billion in the proposed 2014 national budget.

The research group stressed that even the itemized and supposedly reformed PDAF, described in See passage, page 11

monday | september 9, 2013

Health In Focus Dr. Mary Jean Loreche

Supplements: friend or foe Second part Products that are endorsed should have the correct and truthful data in it.

I believe that the companies should make it top in their list for their marketing guys.

There are instances where the endorsers of the products are medical doctors, and I would say, that there is nothing wrong with that. Provided that, they forget not their Hippocratic oath “primum non nocere” (FIRST, DO NO HARM).

It is good practice for our friends in the field, that, before accepting any products that they will be endorsing, that they must go back to the basics: the products must have undergone rigorous scientific testing, which means clinical trials and extensive laboratory testing has been performed, in order for the study design to be conclusive.

A doctor endorser is very powerful in convincing people to taking in the supplements and other products, thus, it makes the endorser more conscious in his/her

statements regarding the product.

It is also to the patient’s good, if, he/she is advised to continue on with their current medications and not to miss his/her follow up with his/her Specialist.

I would always remember one beloved professor in medical school where he would share with us, upcoming physicians, to respect the wishes of our patients. With respect comes the responsibility to give the different options and explaining their benefits and disadvantages.

My suggestions to the user on one hand are very simple. Use only products that have a proven efficacy like vitamins, iron, iodine and fish oils.

Beware of marketing products as “CURE” more so if it is endorsed as a “MIRACLE CURE.” Learn to think for yourself. It doesn’t mean that, if it worked for your neighbour or friend that it will be good for you too. More so, if you have an underlying illness. It See friend, page 9

Pork as irresistible tempter and corrupter CAGAYAN de Oro City– Why do you think they give a lawmaker’s pork barrel allocation an innocentsounding label like “Priority Development Assistance Fund” or PDAF? It’s to disguise its real purpose, which is to provide a senator or congressman an opportunity to do either one of two things: 1) fool the people with fake assistance or 2) collect part of the amount for his personal use.

Or do both If they can get away with it.

In other words, there is a

dishonest motive behind it.

How else can it be motivated if the purpose is to divert public funds for personal gain?

This socalled assistance for local development enables the corrupt and the unscrupulous to keep getting elected or re-elected to Congress.

For a first-time candidate, the prospect of receiving pork (P200 million yearly for a senator or P70 million yearly for a congressman) is a powerful incentive to incur debt to finance his campaign. Some

will even go so far as hock the family’s wealth in hopes of winning and earning big money.

T h e y know there’s plenty of money from pork and other sources to draw from once in office.

Traditional politicians or trapos (habitués of cockpits, casinos, and other gambling holes) know this especially, as well as the tricks needed to access same without a paper trail.

Once in office, to no one’s surprise, these Porkdependent lawmakers aren’t

really interested in legislation—which is their primary duty. The huge amounts that fall on their laps prove too distracting, making them focus on how to spend it in the name of development— not just spend it the ordinary way but imaginatively, so it camouflages their true motive.

The true motive of course is, as everyone knows, to build a positive public image or reputation, to advance their political careers, to boost their chances of reelection, to increase their personal wealth and

“DON’T use us students as an excuse for your greed” This was the message today of the youth group Anakbayan to members of the House of Representatives who are using blocking the removal of the Priority Development Assistance Fund (PDAF) by claiming

that it would affect college scholars and recipients of medical assistance.

“In the first place, scholarships and medical assistance are band-aid solutions.

Scrapping all pork barrel funds, including the P1.4 trillion presidential pork, and rechanneling them to

social services will mean better and more affordable, if not free, education and health care” said Vencer Crisostomo, national chairperson of Anakbayan.

The youth leader said that three components of the pork barrel system alone could lead to the doubling

of funding many times over for State Universities and Colleges (SUCs), public hospitals, public housing, the LRT-MRT system, and the weather agency Pagasa.

“It is adding insult to injury when the same youths who suffer from insufficient

By Manny Valdehuesa

Worm’s eyeview

See TEMPER, page 9

Youth group to lawmakers: no need to worry about pork barrel, just give enough funds SUs

See worry, page 9

A8 Mindanao Daily NEWS

WestMin News

northmin . westmin . caraga . davao Your Mindanao-wide Community Newspaper

monday | september 9, 2013

Editor: CHENG ORDOñEZ Email: nelconstant@gmail.com

Kidnapped trader freed in Jolo as two teachers seized in Basilan ZAMBOANGA City––Suspected Abu Sayyaf bandits released Thursday afternoon in Jolo, Sulu a businesswoman who was kidnapped along with a relative here five months ago, the police said Friday.

Sr. Supt. Abraham Orbito, Sulu police director, said that Nancy Gonato, 38, who is into marine product trading, was freed around 4 p.m.

Gonato’s relative, Ronnie Sandagon, 50, a former councilor of Naga town, Zamboanga Sibugay, remains in captivity.

The released kidnap victim owns the Ocean World Marine Products.

Five gunmen who pretended to be dealers of marine products seized Gonato and Sandagon noon last April 7 in their buying station at Taha Wharf, Barangay Baliwasan, this city.

Orbito said Gonato was freed unharmed following negotiations with a civilian emissary, who brought her to Sulu Gov. Abdulsakur Tan II. Orbito said he is not aware of any ransom paid since the provincial government, along with a nongovernment organization (NGO) partner, worked out for the release of Gonato.

He said he believed that the continued military and police actions could have served as a contributory factor and pressured the Abu Sayyaf bandits to release the victim.

READ!

www.businessweekmindanao.com

He described Gonato to be in good condition when freed but still she was taken to a military hospital for medical checkup as a matter of procedure once a kidnap victim is released.

The freed hostage immediately reunited with her family after she was brought to this city by a military helicopter.

Orbito disclosed that they are trying to obtain information concerning the fate and whereabouts of Sandagon, who was left behind in captivity.

Meanwhile, the Basilan-based 104th Infantry Brigade has launched operations in a bid to rescue the two teachers of a charity foundation abducted Wednesday by gunmen in Lantawan town.

The victims, Frederick Banot and Cherden Masong, were seized by gunmen from their staff house around 7:30 p.m. Wednesday at Sitio Wharf Pangasaan, Barangay Tairan in Lantawan.

Banot and Masong are both teachers of the Charity Children Foundation, Inc. (CCFI), which is an extension service of the Basilan prelature, focusing on literacy program for the Badjao and Yakan children in this province.

Col. Carlito Galvez, commander of the 104IB, disclosed that he immediately deployed troops from the Army’s 14th Special Forces Company to track down the whereabouts of the victims.

Galvez has also deployed intelligence operatives to monitor the coastal areas of Lantawan, Maluso and Hadji Muhtamad municipalities to trace the location of the suspects’ hideout.

(MindaNews)

TUNA CLOWN. A tuna float themed as a clown takes the streets of General Santos City during the Tuna Float Parade on September 5, 2013, the opening day of the weeklong 15th Tuna Festival Carnivale and the city’s 45th charter anniversary. MindaNews photo by Erwin Mascarinas

Trade department hopeful Philippine tuna exports can get into EU duty-free

By Allen V. Estabillo of MindaNews

GENERAL Santos City–– The Department of Trade and Industr y (DTI) is hopeful over the country’s chances of getting duty-free treatment starting next year for canned tuna exports to the European Union (EU) under its enhanced Generalized Scheme of Preferences or GSP Plus program.

Trade Assistant Secretary Blesila Lantayona said here on Friday that they have adopted tuna as among the priority products for inclusion into the EUGSP Plus program, which mainly grants zero duty to a number of qualified export products to the 28-member trade bloc.

She said the agency is

NOTICE OF AUCTION SALE Main Branch Carmen Branch Cogon Branch I Cogon Branch II Limketkai Branch

- - - - -

FELY’S JEWELRY & PAWNSHOP CAGAYAN DE ORO with:

located at N. Capistrano cor. Cruz Taal Sts., Brgy at Ipil St., Carmen (infront of Carmen Public Market) at Osmeña – J.R. Borja Sts., Brgy. 38, Cogon Area at J.R. Borja cor. S. Daumar Sts., (infront of Nat’l. Bookstore) at Ground Level, Service Arcade infront of parking area A Limketkai Center, Limketkai Mall

Will hold a Public Auction on all Past Due Loans, unrenewed and unredeemed pawn items, which expired last MARCH 01, 2013 to MAY 31, 2013.

The said Public Auction will be on SEPTEMBER 16, 2013 from 9:00 in the morning to 12:00 o’clock noon at each above-mentioned place of business.

MANAGEMENT

subasta Ang mga sangang prendahanan sa FELY’S JEWELRY & PAWNSHOP Cagayan de Oro nga ang:

Main Branch Carmen Branch Cogon Branch I Cogon Branch II Limketkai Branch

- - - - -

anaa nahimutang sa dalan N. Capistrano/Cruz Taal sa dalan Ipil, atbang sa merkado sa Carmen sa mga dalan Osmeña – J.R. Borja sa Cogon anaa sa mga dalan J.R. Borja ug S. Daumar sa Cogon sa gawas sa Limketkai Mall atbang sa Parking Area A sa Limketkai Center

Magpahigayon ug Subasta sa tanang wala mabag-o o wala malukat nga mga prenda nga milapas na sa gitakdang panahon gikan sa MARSO 01, 2013 hangtod sa MAYO 31, 2013.

Ang maong Subasta ipahigayon karong SETYEMBRE 16, 2013 sa may alas 9:00 ang takna sa buntag hangtud sa 12:00 ang takna sa udto. Kini ipahigayon didto sa ilang tagsa-tagsa ka dapit nga nahisgutan sa unang bahin ning maong pahibalo.

MDN: SEPTEMEBR 9, 2013

TAGDUMALA

presently consulting various industry sectors regarding the country’s application into the program.

“If our application is accepted, EU will be importing tuna from the Philippines at zero tariff starting 2014,” Lantayona said at the opening of the 15th National Tuna Congress trade exhibit at the SM City General Santos trade hall.

The DTI is scheduled to consult tuna industry players and other concerned sectors here on Sept. 18 regarding the country’s application to the GSP Plus, said senior trade and industry specialist Edgar Soguilon.

He said the upcoming consultation is part of a nationwide process adopted by the agency in connection with the processing of its

GSP Plus application, which is due for submission to the EU by next month.

A program briefer said EU-GSP Plus is an enhanced preferences scheme that took off from the standard GSP, which offers to developing countries a partial or entire removal of tariffs on two thirds of qualified product categories that are exported to the EU. Under the EU-GSP Plus program, product categories covered by the standard GSP are granted the “full removal of tariffs.”

These are granted to countries which ratify and implement international conventions relating to human and labor rights, environment and good governance.

Joaquin Lu, president

of the Socsksargen Federation of Fishing and Allied Industries Inc., said they are looking forward to the inclusion of tuna products, especially canned tuna, into the GSP Plus program by next year.

The group, which hosts the annual National Tuna Congress, is pushing for the adoption at the closing of the two-day gathering on Saturday of a resolution urging the national government to fast track its application for the EU-GSP Plus program.

Lu said they are fully supporting the move as it will further enhance the country’s canned tuna exports, which are mainly produced by six tuna canneries based in this city.

GENERAL Santos City–– The creation of a permanent body to represent the country in Regional Fisheries Management Organizations (RFMOs) is important for the long-term sustainability and profitably of the tuna industry in the wake of a new tuna management regime that will be put in place next year in the Pacific Ocean, government and tuna industry executives said Friday.

Secretar y Luwalhati Antonino, chair of the Mindanao Development

Authority (MinDA), pushed for the creation of a Philippine Committee for the Advancement of Migratory Fisheries (PCAMF), a body to represent the Philippines in RFMOs like the Western and Central Pacific Fisheries Commission (WCPFC).

“With current global issues on fisheries having impact on our [tuna] industry, we must exert a strong and united presence in RFMOs such as the WCPFC,” she said during the 15th National Tuna Congress.

Hundreds of partici-

pants, including delegates from 14 countries, attended the congress themed “Celebrating 15 Years of Advocacy, Partnership and Collaboration.”

Antonino said that in December 2014, the WCPFC 10 will establish a program to protect tuna stocks so that the species can produce maximum sustainable yield.

Covered by the multiyear management program for 2014 to 2017 are bigeye, yellowfin and skipjack tuna, she added.

TRADE | page 9

Creation of permanent fisheries body pushed

body | page 10

Mindanao Daily A9 NEWS northmin . westmin . caraga . davao Your Mindanao-wide Community Newspaper

monday | september 9, 2013

Paper... from page 2

public Act No. 9184, as head of the procuring entity, has resolved “to direct the BAC to exclude in the list for bidding the procurement of ballot paper and instead use the excess rolls of ballot paper during the May 2013 National and Local Elections.”

Thus, it came up with Resolution No. 9757, entitled “In the Matter of Utilizing the Excess Rolls of Ballot Paper Procured for the 2013 National and Local Elections for the Purpose of Printing Official Ballots for the 2013 BSKE.” In view of the foregoing, all prospective bidders who purchased the bidding documents have been told to coordinate with the BAC Secretariat for the refund of their payment or bidding documents, the BAC Chairperson said.

Paragraph 10 of the Reservation Clause of the ITB on the Procurement of Ballot Paper states that: “The Comelec reserves the right to accept or reject any bid, to annul the bidding process, to reject all bids at any time prior to the contract award, or to reduce the number of units and the corresponding ABC based on the final determination by the Comelec of the number of registered voters, without thereby incurring any liability to the affected bidder or bidders.

Temper...

the trapos and their political dynasties win elections every time!

•• (MindaViews is the opinion section of MindaNews.

Manny Valdehuesa writes from Cagayan de Oro and is the president and national convenor of Gising Barangay Movement Inc. He can be reached at valdehuesa@ gmail.com.)

Villagers... from page 4

Ruben D. Parpan.

Parpan told MindaNews the people really feared the foul odor might kill them.

“Good thing no one has landed in the hospital for that incident,” he said.

He added THPAL officials explained to him and councilorsthat the company was at fault for using a wrong mixture of chemicals at the time.

“The foul odor hurt my nose, I felt dizzy. I’d rather have tear gas than that one because it prolongs your suffering,” said Andy Elemanco of Taganito.

BebeTesado, a mother of eight, said they could not sleep that night because of the obnoxious odor. She said she felt worried listening to her children cry.

“Since I was young I never had smelled something like that one and I fear that it would happen again or something worse would happen,” she added.

Parpan said Takanor-

iFujimora, president of Taganito HPAL Nickel Corporation “had called from Japan asking for an apologyand assured that incidents like that would never happen again,” he said.

Claver Mayor Eddie P. Gokiangkeesaid the incident has caused anxiety on the townsfolk, contemplating to file charges against the mining firm for the incident.

M i n d a Ne w s c a l l e d THPAL consultant Boy Alloy, but he declined to give details on the incident saying he just retired as the administrative officer of the company.

A call and text messages to Rene Gonzales, mining environment division chief of the Mines and Geoscience Bureau-Region 13 have been unanswered.(Roel N. Catoto/MindaNews/jdelpf)

Friend... from page 7

your best interest to do your own research on the product as well as its components.

Discussing it with your attending doctor, will help you and your doctor to check if the supplement you want to take or is already taking in, has no adverse reactions with your current medications, as there is such a thing as adverse drug interactions.

And, whether endorser, producer, consumer or even as the attending physician, a wholistic approach to health is never moot and

academic. This approach is timeless and will always withstand the tests of time.

Eating right, exercise, abstinence from unhealthy practices like smoking and drinking alcoholic beverages, managing the day to day stresses and yes, feeding one’s soul, will help you in keeping that health and young looking face, more than all the supplements available in this world.

For after all, supplements are supposed to be just….

To add on or enhance, not to replace.

Worry... from page 7

funding are the ones being used as an excuse to retain a massive font of corruption such as the pork barrel system,” added Crisostomo.

“We reiterate: there is no need for scholarships, medical assistance, and the like, if social services were sufficiently funded in the first place” he said.

Protests set for September 13, 18 to 20 Crisostomo said t hat Anakbayan and other youth and student groups under the Youth Act Now alliance are set to hold massive protests against the pork barrel and massive government corruption on September 13, 18, 19, and 20.

On the 13th, they will join the Luneta rally organized by the #AbolishPork Movement and several church groups, and will hold an allnight protest concert dubbed

Trade... from page 8

“We prefer this scheme (GSP Plus) as it will enable us to export canned tuna to the EU duty-free and without quota,” he said.

The Philippines’ canned tuna exports to the EU is currently subject to a 24-percent tariff while those of export rivals such as the African, Caribbean and the Pacific Group of States (ACP) and Andean countries have been enjoying a zero tariff.

The count r y, a long with fellow Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) member-states Thailand and Indonesia, was able to negotiate in 2001 for the lowering of the canned tuna tariff by half or down to 12 percent.

But EU’s five-year Tariff Rate Quota scheme, which allowed the Philippines to export 9,000 metric tons of canned tuna at a 12-percent tariff, ended in June 2008 and appeals for its extension did not prosper.

Surigao Sur fire destroys P23m property BUTUAN City––A large fire which raged for more than four hours razed three commercial buildings and 28 residential houses as it hit a municipality in the province of Surigao del Sur dawn Friday. A report from Surigao del Sur Police Provincial Office reaching the regional headquarters here Saturday at Camp Rafael C. Rodriguez mentioned the fire started at Brgy. Aquino in Hinatuan town.

The police report said Hinatuan Bureau of Fire Protection Station personnel assisted by the other personnel from the adjacent fire stations fought out the raging fire which reportedly started at a residence owned by one Ruben Canedo at 11:45 p.m. Thursday. idences in the area were made of light materials. No casualty was reported from the fire which destroyed an estimated 2.3 million pesos worth of property. A probe is being conducted by the Hinatuan Police Station and the Bureau of Fire Protection of the said municipality.

--Noel B. Najarro of PNA

R.A. 9048/10172 Form no. 10.1 (LCRO) Republic of the Philippines Local Civil Registry Office Province: Lanao del Norte Municipality: Sultan Naga Dimaporo -oOoNOTICE OF PUBLICATION

from page 7

expand their campaign chests while also expanding their political dynasties.

In other words, pork or PDAF showers public funds on personal agendas. Its abundance and casual handling enables any so-called lawmaker to do unlawful acts under official cover with impunity—meaning, without fear of punishment.

Thus, it makes them dishonest without feeling any sense of guilt. They divert public funds to private accounts as if it were the most natural thing in the world to do. It’s official and budgeted for by both Malacañang and Congress!

Pork also makes them vain, savoring with relish the power to expend the people’s monies to satisfy personal whims. Confident in the belief that no one would dare question them, they indulge in it as part of the perks of power and privilege.

The insidious thing about impunity is, they become reckless. They build infrastructure poorly, cut corners or sacrifice quality in order to maximize profits or kickbacks. They pour money on poor services such as makeshift feeding and medical programs that are here today-gone tomorrow.

In such dishonest ways are constituencies fooled or bribed with token assistance. Unfortunately for us all, the trick seems to work all the time, which is why

“#MakeSomeNoise”. They will then hold a nationwide boycott of classes from the 18th to the 20th, and will march to Mendiola Bridge in Metro Manila on the 20th.

In compliance with Section 7 of R.A. No. 10172, a notice is hereby served to the public that JEZREEL IGOT ENARGAN has filed with this office a petition for correction of clerical error particularly in his SEX/GENDER from “FEMALE” to “MALE” in the certificate of Live Birth of JEZREEL IGOT ENARGAN who was born on DECEMBER 3, 1991 at KAROMATAN NOW SULTAN NAGA DIMAPORO, LANAO DEL NORTE and whose parents are ROQUE M. ENARGAN and MELANIE B. IGOT.

Any person adversely affected by said petition may file his written opposition with this office not later than 30 SEPTEMBER 2013.

(Sgd.) MONA C. MANGKA

Municipal Civil Registrar MDN: Sept 2 & 9, 2013

Republic of the Philippines) City of Iligan .................... )S.S. AFFIDAVIT OF ADJUDICATION BY SOLE HEIR I, ADELINA DECAMPONG LLUISMA, of legal age, widow, Filipino Citizen, and a resident of Purok Sudlonon, San Miguel, Iligan City, alter having duly sworn to an oath as required by law, hereby depose and say: 1. That I am the wife and sole surviving heir of the late TRIFON LLUISMA who died on November 8, 2010 at Purok Mabinati-on, Barangay Ubaldo D. Laya, Iligan City; 2. That said deceased died intestate, without will or testament, and without any outstanding debts in favor of any person or entity; 3. That the deceased left a house and lot, more particularly described as follows, to wit: “A parcel of land Lot 2, Block 2 of the subdivision plan Psd-12-002676 being a portion of Lot 1249, Iligan Cadastre 292, situated in the Barrio of Tibanga, City of Iligan, Island of Mindanao. Bounded on the SE., along line 1-2 by Lot 3; on the SW., along line 2-3 by Road Lot 2; on the NW., along line 3-4 by Road Lot 2; on the NW., along line 4-5

by Road Lot 4, on the NE., along line 5-1 by Lot 1, all of Block 2 of the approved subdivision plan. Containing an area of ONE HUNDRED SEVENTY THREE (173) Square Meters, more or less and covered by Transfer Certificate of Title No. T- 35175 (a.f.) of the Registry of Deeds of Iligan City, including the house standing thereon.”

4. That the decedent has left no known debts or obligations that have remained unpaid or unsettled; neither has he left any ascendants or descendants or any other heirs entitled to succeed to his estate, except the herein affiant who is his wife; 5. That pursuant to Rule 74, Sec. 1 of the Rules of Court, 1 hereby adjudicate unto myself the above described house and lot by means of this Affidavit and hereby files same with the Register of Deeds of Iligan City with the request that said adjudication be made effective without judicial proceedings as prescribed by the aforementioned Rules of Court.

6. That I am executing this affidavit to attest to the above facts and for such other legal purposes that this affidavit may serve.

IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand on this 7th day of July 2013 at Iligan City.

MDN: Sept 4 & 9, 2013

MDN: Sept 2, 9 & 16, 2013

A10 Mindanao Daily NEWS northmin . westmin . caraga . davao Your Mindanao-wide Community Newspaper

monDAY | september 9, 2013

Davao News

Editor: ALLAN M. MEDIANTE Email: amediante@yahoo.com

Youth, church groups fast for peace, condemn Syria chemical killings

By AUREL LARABASTER Contributor

T

AGUM City, Davao del Norte–– Church groups here rallied to the call of church leader Pope Francis to observe a worldwide day of fasting and prayer.

They invited all Chris-

tians of every denomination to take part in the unprecedented effort for peace in Syria.

The fasting and prayerscheduled , September 7, coincided with the vigil for the Feast of the Nativity of Our Lady, whom the Pope and Roman Catholic worldwide venerate as Queen of Peace.

“Those who are gathered here today are peace advocates and faithful who joined and responded heartily to the call of various Church and

Body... from page 8

Antonino noted the new program will eventually replace the interim measure and will determine the fate of the country’s fishing access in the High Seas Pocket (HSP) 1.

She was referring to WCPFC’s Conservation and Management Measure 200801 titled “Conservation and Management Measure for Bigeye and Yellowfin Tuna in the Western and Central Pacific Ocean,” a measure that sought to reduce fishing effort by 30% for bigeye tuna within a three-year period and no increase in fishing effort for yellowfin tuna.

The measure resulted to the banning of purse seine fishing in two pockets of the Pacific Ocean beginning January 1, 2010.

In December 2011, the WCPFC granted the Philippines limited access to High Seas Pocket 1 involving only 36 tuna fishing vessels.

WCPFC counts as members the Philippines and 24 other countries.

Antonino said the creation of the PCAMF, the proposed permanent body to represent the country in RFMOs, is important “to sustain our gains in the WCPFC.” “The Philippine government will ensure that our tuna industry will get its rightful share from this global resource,” she said.

Joaquin Lu, president of

political leaders to impose fasting among ourselves as we offer prayer for Syria,” said Ignacio Lasco, Grand Knight of Council 8926 of the Knights of Columbus, in an interview.

Erma Pondillas, a member of Mother Butler’s Guild, said “we register our strongest condemnation to the use of chemical weapons which claimed thousands of lives with children as its primary victims. Using chemical weapons violate international law and it is horrifying to see these young ones being brought to their early demise due to uncalled war.”

“The use of chemical weapons is disgusting and we urgently call for immediate humanitarian assistance to the victims of these atrocities especially the victim’s families including other innocent civilians who are affected by the war,” the group said in a statement.

In an ecumenical prayer service this morning, members of various church-based groups on

Saturday offered personal and collective intentions for worldwide peace specifically in Syria.

The group prayed the holy rosary and consecrated political leaders to the Blessed Virgin Mary and several novena prayers were recited for global peace and human rights victims.

Joining with them also are students and out of school youths who wanted also to express their support for this unprecedented event as they lauded the initiative of Pope Francis for “entering again in the global stage and expressed the position of the Church in international issues such as in Syria.”

The group expressed also its opposition to the planned, brief and calculated air strike of the United States against Syria, saying that US government’s intervention will add only tension and feared that many innocent civilians will be added to the statistics of deaths as a regional war looms in Syria.

the Socsksargen Federation of Fishing and Allied Industries, Inc., said the creation of a permanent fisheries committee to represent the country in RFMOs would significantly help in sustaining the local tuna industry.

“We have been working for that and we hope that President (Benigno) Aquino will issue an executive order for its creation,” he told MindaNews at the conference sidelines.

Lu cited as one of their efforts for the creation of a permanent fisheries committee is for the government to transform the Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (BFAR) into a Department of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (DFAR).

BFAR is currently under the Department of Agriculture.

One of the resolutions of this year’s tuna congress reiterated the request for Congress to expedite the passage of a law creating a DFAR and for the President to certify the proposed bill as a priority or urgent measure. (Bong S. Sarmiento / MindaNews)

gress on Saturday, organizers passed anew a resolution requesting the Department of Agriculture (DA) and the Department of Transportation and Communications (DOTC) to expedite the issuance of the IRR of the Handline Fishing Law. BFAR is an agency under the DA while Marina is under the DOTC. The handline law requires BFAR and Marina to promulgate simplified policies and procedures governing handline fishing, in consultation with industry stakeholders.

Lobbying for a special law on handline fishing took about three years, spearheaded by the Alliance of Tuna Handliners, until Arroyo signed it in 2007.

The alliance then described the approval of the Handline Fishing Law as “a victory for the handline tuna fishermen.”

Prior to the law’s approval, handline fishing players lamented that handline pump boats are in the same category with big commercial fishing vessels.

They said the handline law is significant because it also seeks to give weight to traditional fishing practices and small fishermen by defining handline commercial fishing boat and commercial net fishing vessel.

An estimated 1,500 fishing boats are engaged in the handline fishing industry, down from 4,000 boats about a decade ago.

Fishing... from page 5

vessels have been prone to apprehension by maritime authorities.

“If we have the IRR, we can avoid these apprehensions by following the guidelines,” he noted.

At the culmination of the 15th National Tuna Con-

Dabawenyos’ favor Anti-Drunk and Drugged Driving Law, says LTO chief DAVAO City––A top officer of the Land Transportation Office noted the high acceptability of the anti-drunk and drugged driving law among the drivers in Davao City.

Virginia Torress, chief of the LTO rated the consultation on the implementing rules and regulation of the Republic Act 10586 as very successful, with the driving sector really listening and asked questions on the implications of the law.

She said the Antidrunk and Drugged Driving Law serves as a protection to the riding public and to the drivers, themselves.

“The law is very acceptable to the majority of the attendees who asked very relevant questions. It simply reinforces the quotation, If you drink, don’t drive, if you drive don’t drink,” Torres said.

She said that after a series of consultations, the IRR will be signed by the Secretary Joseph Abaya of the Department of Transportation and Communication, Health Secretary Enrique Ona and the National Police Commission and will be published on the national gazette and two broadsheets with national circulation for 15 days before the full implementation of the law.

Torres said that with the full implementation, the DOTC through public bidding will purchase breath analyzers, test kits and pen lights, while the IRR-interagency committee will continue the

drivers’ education on the new law.

She said the last leg of the public information will be today in Baguio City.

Torres said a series of public information drives was also done in Manila, Cebu, and Davao this week.

She said reckless driving is the manifestation either of drunk or drugged driving.

Torres said that during apprehension, drunk driving is determined through the use of breathing analyzer.

She explained that drugged driving violators will be endorsed immediately to the nearest police station, where the examination will be conducted.

“It will be the police who will pursue the investigation on drugged driving while LTO operatives will run after drunk driving, using the breath analyzer,” Torres said.

She said that under the law, a driver who has an alcohol intake at 0.05 percent based on the reading of the breathing analyzer will be penalized.

Section 12 of the RA 10586 set the penalties for violators citing that a driver found to have been driving a motor vehicle while under the influence of alcohol, dangerous drugs and/or other similar substances, as provided for under Section 5 of this Act, shall be penalized as follows: (a) If the violation of Section 5 did not result in physical injuries or homicide, the penalty of three

(3) months imprisonment, and a fine ranging from Twenty thousand pesos (Php20,000.00) to Eighty thousand pesos (Php80,000.00) shall be imposed; (b) If the violation of Section 5 resulted in physical injuries, the penalty provided in Article 263 of the Revised Penal Code or the penalty provided in the next preceding subparagraph, whichever is higher, and a fine ranging from One hundred thousand pesos (Php100,000.00) to Two hundred thousand pesos (Php200,000.00) shall be imposed; (c) If the violation of Section 5 resulted in homicide, the penalty provided in Article 249 of the Revised Penal Code and a fine ranging from Three hundred thousand pesos (Php300,000.00) to Five hundred thousand pesos (Php500,000.00) shall be imposed; and (d) The nonprofessional driver’s license of any person found to have violated this Act shall also be confiscated and suspended for a period of twelve (12) months for the first conviction and perpetually revoked for the second conviction.

The professional driver’s license of any person found to have violated Section 5 of this Act shall also be confiscated and perpetually revoked for the first conviction. The perpetual revocation of a driver’s license shall disqualify the person from being granted any kind of driver’s license thereafter.

Mindanao Daily A11 NEWS

monday | september 9, 2013

northmin . westmin . caraga . davao Your Mindanao-wide Community Newspaper

Cheat... from page 6

In the 1988 World Olympics, Ben Johnson won the gold medal in the 100 meter dash.

He finally beat his number one rival, Carl Lewis.

However, the very next morning Johnson lost his medal!

Medical tests showed that he had cheated by using strong drugs and steroids to build his muscles for the race.

So Ben Johnson’s gold medal was awarded instead to Carl Lewis only one day after the race!

We may think that cheating doesn’t hurt anybody and that it can only help us, but it’s a lie.

Cheating always steals something from the other person that rightfully belongs to them.

It doesn’t matter if it’s cheating on a school test, in sports, or stealing money and possessions.

Whether it’s breaking the law, not paying your full taxes owed to the government, or cheating and being unfaithful to your wife or husband. But cheating is just not smart.

We not only hurt and steal from that other person, but we cheat ourselves!

We become the biggest loser. And once we start cheating, it’s very hard to stop.

Nothing you ever get through cheating can replace what you lost: your right relationship with your Maker, as well as your selfrespect and honor.

You can only get these with an honest heart and character. Plus, we can never be completely satisfied with the things we get by cheating or stealing.

Even when we think we’re getting away with it, we’re not! We’re the one who has to live with our guilt and God’s judgment that we can never escape.

So don’t fool yourself—you WILL pay for it!

But today that can all change and you can be free.

You can ask Jesus to forgive you for the cheating you’ve done in your life, and to give you the willpower you need to start changing and living His truly successful, honest way every day.

It’s only then that you can get the real happiness and peace of mind you can’t find anywhere else.

Just Think a Minute.

Advisor... from page 6

Bangko Sentral before borrowing.

In the case of foreign borrowings by the national government, the concurrence (not just the advice) of the Monetary Board must be obtained.

Just to be clear, the BSP’s opinion is limited to the monetary and balance of payment implications of any proposed loan.

The BSP does not rule on the intrinsic merit of the project or program to

be financed. That is left to the sound judgment of the borrower concerned, be it the national government, the government corporation or the local government unit.

The BSP has advised the national government on the borrowing mix which should be adopted by the NG and the NG has heeded BSP advice.

For 2013, at least, the NG has decided to source its financial requirements mostly domestically, through the auction of treasury bills and treasury bonds.

According to National Treasurer Rosalia de Leon, foreign borrowing by the NG for this year will be limited only to tapping official development assistance (ODA) loans, which provide for very concessional terms to the government.

What happens, for instance, when a local government unit borrows without seeking BSP opinion on the proposed borrowing?

One of two things can happen: 1.) No financial institution will entertain such request to borrow by the local government unit.

Or 2.) If a financial institution lends to the LGU, such institution will be facing strong sanctions from the BSP. •• Note: My book “Central Banking for Every Juan and Maria” is now available in major branches of Fully Booked, Power Books, National Book Store and the UP University Press.

Scam... from page 7

no longer obey Him. Listen to what some of Deuteronomy 28:15 to 68 are saying: “However, if you do not obey the LORD your God and do not carefully follow all his commands and decrees I am giving you today, all these curses will come on you and overtake you…

“The Lord will send on you curses, confusion and rebuke in everything you put your hand to, until you are destroyed and come to sudden ruin because of the evil you have done in forsaking him. The Lord will plague you with diseases until he has destroyed you from the land you are entering to possess.

-oooBEING ROBBED & P LU N D E R E D & O PPRESSED: “The Lord will strike you with wasting disease, with fever and inflammation, with scorching heat and drought, with blight and mildew, which will plague you until you perish. The sky over your head will be bronze, the ground beneath you iron.

The Lord will turn the rain of your country into dust and powder; it will come down from the skies until you are destroyed.

“He will cause you to be defeated before your enemies… day after day you will be oppressed and robbed, with no one to rescue you.

Your sons and daughters will

be given to another nation, and you will wear out your eyes watching for them day after day, powerless to lift a hand.

“The foreigners who reside among you will rise above you higher and higher, but you will sink lower and lower. They will lend to you, but you will not lend to them. They will be the head, but you will be the tail…. Because you did not serve the Lord your God joyfully and gladly in the time of prosperity, therefore in hunger and thirst, in nakedness and dire poverty, you will serve the enemies the Lord sends against you….”

-oooREACTIONS? Please call me at 0917 984 24 68, 0918 574 0193, 0922 833 43 96.

Email: batasmauricio@yahoo.com, mmauriciojr111@ gmail.com

Passage... from page 7

the President’s speech last month as abolishing lawmakers’ PDAF, is still pork barrel in character.

This is also on top of at least Php 500 billion in special purpose funds, unprogrammed funds, offbudget items and other ambiguous funds that are prone to be used for patronage politics and self enrichment.

Huge lump sums in the budget set aside for the discretion of a few lawmakers and the President goes on to spell an elite system of decision-making over public funds, said the group.

IBON recommended that public funds be allocated democratically.

The group explained that this should correspond with a well-designed propeople development plan that puts a premium on economic progress and the basic needs of the population.

“These can range from investing in the country’s agricultural development such as logistical support and post-harvest equipment for farmers, to the country’s very own light to heavy industries, all of which the Philippines still sorely lacks,” the group said. “Various sectors have also begun listing where the funds can and should be channeled to meet huge gaps in public services - schools, teachers’ salaries, public hospitals and houses.”

IBON stressed the importance of reflecting the people’s and the nation’s welfare in concrete program items in the national budget and instituting strong checks and balances among the branches of government to ensure forthright allocation for and implementation of such.

IBON also said that among the matters that need to be verified is whether the rising PDAF budget is indeed due merely to the consolidation of soft projects and hard projects or due to an outright increase in the allocation to senators and representatives.

Summit... from page 1

Risk Reduction and Management Councils at all levels.

They cited the “Typhoon Pablo” experience which proved that effective cooperation and coordination between government, affected communities, and civil society organizations (CSOs) “lead to faster recovery of affected communities. Strong partnerships therefore, reduce the losses brought about by disasters and increase the resilience of high risk communities.”

Scheduled at 8:30 am to 4:00 pm, the summit has set the following objectives: 1) To nominate four CSO representatives in the Regional Disaster Risk Reduction Management Council; 2) To propose an agenda for CSOs in DRRM; and 3) To come up with next steps towards achieving active civil society participation at Local Disaster Risk Reduction Management Councils in support of the implementation of R.A. 10121.

It is expected that civil society organizations in Caraga Region will provide the summit their full support with their participation.

Arrest... from page 1

Inc., which is mining nickel in Nonoc Island. The island is part of this city.

Jasareno also did not appear during the August 2 hearing, when the court first expected his presence.

In a text message to MindaNews, Jasareno said he will comply with the court order and confirmed his attendance during the re-scheduled hearing on September 12. He declined comment on the warrant of arrest.

Canoy said he was forced to issue a warrant of arrest against the MGB official after finding that the latter “lied” when he said he could not come to the August 27 hearing because he was scheduled to attend a hearing at the House of Representatives on the same day.

“However, the Calendar of Committee Meetings in the House of Representatives for August 27, 2013 does not show that respondent Jasareno will be attending any of these hearings,” the judge pointed out.

“In other words, respondent Jasareno has no House Committee hearing today (August 27) and he lied when he said that he has in his motion,” the order stated.

Canoy’s order instructed government authorities to arrest the MGB official “to ensure his attendance” on the September 12 hearing.

The judge, however, said Jasareno can be released by paying an unspecified bail.

SMI filed the indirect contempt case in May following Jasareno’s series of stoppage orders against the company. These direc-

tives, however, violated prior court orders prohibiting the agency from disrupting the company’s operations in Nonoc until all legal issues are resolved.

The judge said he wanted to hear why Jasareno had issued stoppage orders despite two existing injunctions prohibiting MGB from doing so. Canoy was one of two local judges who issued an injunction against MGB in 2011.

“The court wants to find out personally from him why he did not comply with these existing writs,” the visibly annoyed judge told Jasareno’s legal counsels during the August 2 hearing.

The Nonoc case has already earned Jasareno a graft case at the Ombudsman. Former MGB-Caraga director Roger A. de Dios accused the MGB chief of committing “corrupt practice” by making him defy the court orders and relieving him when he did not comply for fear of being cited for contempt.

Scandal... from page 1

endnote explaining the estimate) The group added that the multi-billion peso pork barrel scam makes the removal of the oil Vat even more justified and urgent.

Massive and chronic corruption in the bureaucracy as exemplified by the pork barrel scam worsens the impact on consumers and taxpayers of the double whammy of rising oil prices and intensifying Vat burden, according to the group.

Ibon urged the Aquino administration to scrap the Vat on oil to immediately benefit the public in the form of lower prices––instead of collecting the regressive tax that may line the pockets of corrupt public officials and alleged scammers like Janet Lim Napoles, while government continues to give meager allocations for social services.

Removing the Vat will bring down the price of diesel by more than P5 per liter and gasoline by more than P6 (Based on the common price of diesel of P44.10 per liter and gasoline of P51.75 in Metro Manila as of August 27).

This will greatly boost the meager incomes of jeepney and tricycle drivers, small fishers and farmers, among others and help stimulate the economy.

Ibon also reiterated its proposal to repeal the Oil Deregulation Law to curb unreasonable price adjustments brought about by monopoly control and speculation in the global oil industry. Scrapping the Vat would be useless if oil prices will just continue to be artificially high and rising unabatedly, said the group.

--Endnote: The P3.08 per liter total increase in the price of diesel as of endAugust was multiplied by the 12 percent Vat. The product, 36.96 centavos per

liter, was then multiplied by 20.25 million liters per day or the estimated volume of domestic diesel consumption. The 20.25 million liters per day was arrived at by multiplying 303.3 thousand barrels (MB) per day--the total domestic consumption of oil products in 2012, according to the DOE--by 42 percent or the share of diesel to the total consumption.

The product, 127.39 MB per day, was then converted to liters per day using the conversion rate of one barrel is equal to 158.99 liters.

Cutter... from page 1

is believed to have masterminded the Priority Development Assistance Fund (PDAF) scam.

Sideno said he received the NBI summon last Wednesday and ordered to report to Metro Manila to file his counter affidavit.

With no cash and no one to turn to, he sought the help of Magpet Vice Mayor Efren Piñol, who assisted him in meeting some NBI people in Davao City.

With tears on his eyes, Sideno told media he has no idea why his name was implicated in the scam.

When he tried to recall his supposed “connections” with Napoles, he remembered an incident which took place three years ago.

At that time, a certain Lilian Espanol, his sisterin-law who is also a native of Magpet and working as househelp of the Napoles family in Manila, called him up and asked him his complete name, birthday, and other personal data.

When he asked what it was all about, Espanol told him that Napoles was contemplating on taking him as one of her workers.

“But that did not happen.

I was not given a job. I was not also given money. I was not also told about the NGO where I was supposed to be one of the incorporators. It was only when I received the summon from the NBI that I knew I was involved in the scam,” said Sideno.

Sideno’s last recollection with Espanol was last July when she arrived in their hometown to attend a birthday party of one of their relatives.

Residents of Magpet told media that whenever Espanol would return home in her place, “it was like a fiesta.”

Sideno said he is willing to testify in court to clear his name.

But the problem, he said, is his lack of funds in travelling to Manila for his testimony.

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Briefly Biodiversity A N AT I O N A L B i o d i ve r s i t y Strategy and Action Plan 2020 (NBSAP 2020) consultation is set in the city on September 18-20, to validate and enrich identified national targets.

Theresa Mundita Lim, national director of the Protected Areas and Wildlife Bureau (PAWB) noted that the NBSAP 2020 is still anchored in the Strategic Plan for Biodiversit y 2011-2010 and the Aichi Biodiversity Targets adopted during the conference of Parties and Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD) held in Nagoya, Japan last October 2010.

A consultation-workshop to draft a National Invasive Species Strategy and Action Plan (NISSAP) is also integrated in the three-day event. NISSAP is envisioned by PAWB to be integrated in the NBSAP.

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Mining firm frees farmers from loan sharks

By CHRIS V. PANGANIBAN, Regional Editor

ROSARIO, Agusan del Sur -- For many years, Norma Martinez, a housewife who tends a small rice farmland in Bayugan 3 here, has been under the bondage of loan sharks whom she and their neighbourhood have been heavily indebted to finance their farm inputs every planting season.

Practically, the farmers in this village have to pay 30 percent interest for every P21,000 they borrowed from these loan sharks that they did not have the chance to recover from their impoverished economic condition no matter how hard

they toiled on their farms.

“Lisud gayud kaayo kay dako man ang interes niini ug mao ni ang hinungdan nga nalubong mi sa utang (It has been hard for us because of this big interest that is why we are buried in debt),” said Martinez.

Not anymore after Philsaga Mining Corporation through their Mindanao Philsaga Foundation came to their rescue and offer the lowly farmers zero interest “Plant Now-Pay-Later” which benefitted mining/PAGE B11

BREAKING AWAY FROM LOAN SHARKS. A farmer woman in Bunawan, Agusan del sur winnows rice she recently harvested from their farm

Napocor tackles debts of M’nao power coops T

HE National Power Corp. (Napocor) has stepped up its efforts to address the mounting debts of several power distributors in Mindanao as these adversely affect the operations of the state-run firm.

Smoke-free OZAMIZ City -- The SmokeFree Ordinance of Misamis Occidental, Ordinance No. 05-12, will now be strongly enforced to safeguard public health and ensure the wellbeing of all the constituents of the province.

The move aims to protect the people from the harmful effects of smoking and tobacco consumption, as well, as minimize the risk of exposure to se c o n d - ha n d s m o ke by intensif ying the awareness campaign on the dangers broug ht ab out by smok ing and imposing corresponding fines and penalties, as set by the ordinance, Dr. Rachel T. Micarandayo of the Misamis Occidental Provincial Health Office (MOPHO) said.

Enacted by the Sangguniang Panlalawigan (SP) on May 4, 1912, Ordinance No. 15-12, prohibits smoking in any part of any enclosed or partially enclosed public place, workplace, including bars and restaurants, any form of public conveyance or public outdoor space, except in designated smoke areas.

By IRENE DAYO, Reporter

In a press statement Friday, Napocor said it “sat down with key government agencies, local government units (LGUs) and concerned electric cooperatives (ECs) as part of its efforts to find a solution to the mounting debts of ECs in Mindanao.”

Newly appointed Napocor President Ma. Gladys Cruz Sta. Rita said that one of her priorities is to improve the collection-eff iciency rate, particularly in the

Autonomous Reg ion i n Muslim Mindanao (ARMM) The ECs’ outstanding obl igat ions to Napocor already reached P4.43 billion, as of end-June, with ECs in Basilan, Sulu and Tawi-Tawi accounting for 77.41% or P3.43 billion, the firm said.

She proposed t he i m me d iate pay ment of outstanding receivables from the ECs for the period of January to June 2013 and power/PAGE B11

DA encourages farmers Surigaonons mull civil disobedience to increase production DEBT-RIDDEN POWER COOPS. A lineman repairs an electrical line. Debt-ridden electric cooperatives in Mindanao are now given options to lessen their burden with the National Power Corp. (Napocor). mindanews photo by ruby thursday

over widespread rotating brownouts

By ROEL CATOTO, MindaNews

SURIGAO City – Rotating brow nouts t hat hit t his c it y for over a mont h now have brought serious economic problems to small

businessmen here as residents said that if this will continue, some will be calling for civil disobedience.

L aw yer A l fonso S.

Casurra, former city mayor, said over the radio that he is calling for civil disobedience if the problem will not be addressed by the Surigao del mull/PAGE B11

Mindanao Daily NEWS

By BUTCH D. ENERIO, Correspondent

TO help attain the annual Food Staple Suf f icienc y Program (FSSP) production t a rge t i n 2 012-2 016 i n northern Mindanao and the country in general, the Department of Agricultural (DA) regional f ield unit

(RFU) 10 has encouraged rice farmers to increase their production.

L e a l y n R a m o s , DA regional executive director for northern Mindanao, s a id t hat s t r ate g ie s i n increase/PAGE B9

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Camiguin builds P140M Envoy strengthens US ties with Bohol road infra projects

By BUTCH D. ENERIO, Correspondent

UNITED States Ambassador Harry K. Thomas, Jr. visited the Province of Bohol to celebrate MAMBAJAO, Camiguin fast mobility to farm products the US government’s strong partnership with - - T h r e e m a j o r r o a d and safety to commuters. the “Heart of the Philippines.” i n f r a st r uc t u re projec t s The projects consists

By JORIE C. VALCORZA, Contributor

amounting to P140 million were initiated here to boost t he prov i nce’s tou r ism industry, as well as, provide

of the construction and improvement of ser v ice road to Binangawan Falls infra/PAGE B9

Ambassador Thomas, together with Bohol Governor Edgar Chat to and U.S. Embassy Manila’s United States Agency for International Development (USAID) Mission Director Gloria D. Steele, opened an exhibit that highlighted USAID initiatives in Bohol in the past two decades.

“We consider Bohol as one of the success stories of our development assistance.

We are proud to be part of Bohol’s achievements as an emerging growth center and we look forward to further advancing this productive par tnership as we work towards our shared goal of achieving broad-based a nd i nclu sive g row t h,” Ambassador Thomas said in a statement.

The exhibit highlighted past and current projects implemented in the province, including those supporting good governance, economic g row t h, env i ron ment a l sustainability, health, and other social services.

The role of USAID in the transformation of Bohol dates back to 1991 with projects such as the Local Development Assistance

Program that helped establish the Bohol Alliance of NonGovernment Organizations.

The program supported the Philippine Government’s decentra lization reform t h rou g h lo c a l re ve nu e enhancement, environmental protection, and strengthening of local government units (LGU) and non-governmental organization capabilities to accelerate local development and investment.

The Governance and Local Democracy (GOLD) project in 1996 played a catalytic and pivotal role in Bohol’s development and environmental management resources. Under the GOLD project, Bohol crafted the Bohol Environment Code (BEC) of 1998, the f irst environment code by any local government in the country.

Among current projects implemented by USAID in Bohol is t he Advancing Philippine Competitiveness Projec t (COM PET E), a project under the Partnership for Growth (PFG). The PFG, a White House initiative, is a collaboration between the United States and the envoy/PAGE B11

US Ambassador Harry Thomas, Jr.

Mindanao consultation on biodiversity strategy & action plan set

By JORIE C. VALCORZA, Contributor

A NATIONAL Biodiversity Strategy and Action Plan 2 02 0 (N B SA P 2 02 0) consultation is set in the city on September 18-20, to v a l id ate a nd en r ich identified national targets.

Theresa Mundita Lim, nationa l director of t he Protected Areas and Wildlife Bureau (PAWB) noted that the NBSAP 2020 is still anchored in the Strategic Pla n for Biod iversit y 2011-2010 and the Aichi

Biodiversity Targets adopted during the conference of Parties and Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD) held in Nagoya, Japan last October 2010.

A consultation-workshop to draft a National Invasive Species Strategy and Action Pl a n ( N IS SA P) i s a l s o integrated in the three-day event. NISSAP is envisioned

by PAWB to be integrated in the NBSAP. set/PAGE B9

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Phl opportunities mounting as ANZ eyes zero tariffs for ASEAN lines Filipino manufacturers can look forward to bigger export breaks from Australia and New Zealand over the next few years under the terms of the ASEAN-Australia-New Zealand Free Trade Agreement (AANZFTA).

In a recent business briefing, Jeremiah C. Reyes of the Department of Trade and Industry’s Bureau of International Trade Relations (BITR) urged Philippine e nt r e pr e n e u r s t o t a k e advantage of the AANZFTA and explore the AustraliaNew Zealand (ANZ) market potentials, especially its growing demand for highvalue goods and services.

T h e A A N Z F TA i s a comprehensive f ree trade agreement that the Association of Southeast A sia n Nat ions entere d with Australia and New Zea land t hat came into force on January 1, 2010.

It spells out commercial benefits in various areas i nclud i ng i n econom ic

cooperation, competition policy, Intellectual property, e-commerce, investment, and trade in goods and services.

Under t he t rade agreement, a ll products exported to ANZ by the 10-nation ASEAN will have zero tariffs by 2020.

From now until 2020, exporters can expect an increasingly expanding list of commodities subjected to zero tariff status in the ANZ, he said.

T his mea ns Fi l ipi no traders should keep an eye out for Australian and New Zealand tariff reduction developments and use this knowledge to ensure a more targeted and successf u l marketing strategy, Reyes advised.

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Of particular interest to domestic exporters are the tariff reduction timelines for the food, transport, chemical, clothing and accessories, applia nces, a nd home furnishing sectors.

In the agreement, 96.5 percent of ASEAN product lines bound for Australia will have zero tariffs this year, including processed food, beverages, minerals, i nor ga n ic a nd or ga n ic chemicals, leathergoods, f o o t w e a r, b a s k e t w a r e , ceramics, fine and costume jewelry, appliances, auto and auto parts, ships and boats, furniture, women’s u nderga r ment s , c ot ton apparel, wool overcoats, trousers of synthetic fiber, hosiery, socks, gloves, shawls, and ties.

By 2015, tariff-free perks will expand to cover 96.8 percent of commodities, including men’s synthetic suits and dresses and women’s wool jackets and suits.

By 2020, zero tariffs shall apply to 100 percent of lines, including other articles of apparel, carpets, and wooden office furniture.

On the other hand, New Zealand has pledged to put on tariff-free status 90.3 percent of its import lines

this year, including processed food, beverages, minerals, i nor ga n ic a nd or ga n ic chem ic a l s , ba ske t wa re , ceramics, fine and costume jewelry, auto, ships and boats, air conditioners, refrigerators and freezers, upholstered seats, marble, Christmas décor, and furniture made of cane, bamboo, and metal.

By 2017, the NZ tariff-free benefit will increase to 96.5 percent of products imported, to include leather coats, belts, and gloves; carpets; knitted and crocheted fabrics; clothing and apparel; and footwear.

And by 2020, tariffs for all imported products will be removed, including for chewing gum, sweet biscuits, soy sauce, wooden doors, furniture of plastics, and other articles of clothing.

T he A NZ ma rke t i s a p ot ent i a l ly luc r at ive destination for Philippine compa nies, noted t he BITR. In 2012, it recorded a 26 -m i l l ion consu mer base and US$1 trillion in combined gross domestic product.

The A NZ last yea r imported $270-billion worth of commodities from its overseas partners. tariffs/PAGE B9

New jewelry designs attract more buyers Fine jewelry manufacturers are gearing up efforts to continuously develop new a nd u n ique de sig ns to generate more revenue.

This is through holding yearly the Philippine fine jewelry design competition (PFDC), one of the major projects of the Meycauayan

Jewelry Industry Association (MJIA).

MJIA chairman Cecilia Ramos said t he designs are improving every year, attracting interests of more buyers for loca l ly-made jewelry.

“It (PFDC) has boosts jewelry/PAGE B9

Almost P30 billion of t h e D e p a r t m e nt of Tr a n s p o r t a t i o n a n d Communications (DOTC)’s P48.7 billion funding next

year will be allotted for the continued modernization of the country’s transport s y s t e m , i n c lu d i n g t h e development of airports and seaports.

Of t he P29.8 bi l l ion funding to upgrade t he t ra nspor t system, improvement of the country’s rail transport system will take up over half or P16.32 billion.

The government increased the DOTC’s 2014 budget by 31% over t his yea r’s P37.1 billion outlay as the Aqu i no ad m i n ist r at ion aims to provide reliable, safe and affordable public t ra nspor tat ion system nationwide.

The P48.7 billion budget is part of the P2.268-trillion national budget for 2014 that Malacañang submitted to Congress.

Public infrastructure projects will get a total of aquino/PAGE B9

Aquino budgets P29B to modernize transport system

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Rice supply in Normin remains stable THE supply of rice in Northern Mindanao is stable following a three percent increase of rice harvest in the month of September, the National Food Authority (NFA) said here on Friday.

NFA regional director Lianne Ramos said that contrary to reports there is no rice shortage in the region.

She said that hoarding is not also a problem in Northern Mindanao for rice traders in the region never engaged in hoarding of rice.

According to Ramos, rice traders in Northern Mindanao are aware that the hoarding of the basic food commodity such as rice would be punishable and those engaged in hoarding of rice could be charged with economic sabotage.

T he N FA issued t he

statement to allay fears that there is a rice shortage in the region due to its rising costs in the market.

Ramos said t he NFA would be distributing rice in public markets here and expect that the prices would stabilize as the harvest season starts this month.

Meanwhile, President Aquino on Friday made an assurance that there is enough supply of rice in the market adding it expects the price of the commodity to go back to normal as the country exits from the lean season. rice/PAGE 10

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Cocofed grads seek greater role in coco industry growth

By BUTCH D. ENERIO Correspondent

A laborer stacks up sacks of rice in a warehouse. Supply of staple food is assured in northern Mindanao as harvest increased by 3% in September.

Partylist rep wants probe into overpriced rice A PARTYLIST representative on Wednesday said he wants a congressional inquiry into the country’s rice situation, in light of allegations of corruption and the reported irregular rice importation of t h e D e p a r t m e nt of Agriculture (DA) and the National Food Authority (NFA) from Vietnam.

R e p. Jon at h a n D e l a Cr u z of t he A ba k ad aGuro partylist said that an investigation was in order,

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especially after the exposé that the April 2013’s DANFA’s rice importation of 205,700 metric tons (MT) was overpriced by at least P442 million. “ T h e s e g o v e r n m e nt a genc ie s have a lot of explaining to do,” said Dela Cruz.

Dela Cruz credited a lawyer called Argee Guevarra for exposing the scam late last week. The expose was also corroborated by consumer

group, Ang Gawad Pinoy Consumers Cooperative, Dela Cruz said.

“First, t hey repor ted only 187,000 metric tons but apparently another 18,700 MT was imported without the prior approval of the Department of Finance.

Second, a check with the Oryza Global Rice price i nde x re ve a l s t hat t he purchase was overpriced by the P442 million for the probe/PAGE B9

THEY became professionals because of t he coconut industry. And now they want to reciprocate by becoming active players in the export earner of the country.

The Coconut Federation (Cocofed) scholars after 34 long years have gathered recently and discussed ways they could help sustain the productivity of the coconut industry.

Eng r. Roxa na Hojas, regional technical director of t h e D e p a r t m e nt of Agriculture in northern Mindanao and a Cocofed scholar, said that during the Cocofed Scholars’ Congress held in Cebu ea rly last month, they have agreed to play an active role in the implementation of the Philippine Coconut Industry Road Map (PCIRM)- for the industry to be more competitive in the future.

Hojas who belonged to the first batch of scholars in 1975, and one of the pioneer i ng ag r icu lt u ra l engineers produced by Xavier University, said that with the declining productivity of the coconut in the country at present, it is only fitting that the Cocofed scholars be part of the government’s effort in realizing the intent of seek/PAGE B9

Mindanao Daily NEWS

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MOUNT APO: The CHALLENGE and CONQUEST

By Anselmo B. Mercado, edited by Ismael Getubig and Angelo Mercado

First of Three Parts

Camp 1 After breakfast, we resumed our climb, guided by our chief-guide named “Kookie” who looked about age 30, and four other youthful guys (perhaps Manobos: Michael, Jonnel, Gonggong and Gabby).

They were experienced guides who knew the trails well, and they were strong porters to carry the heavy packs containing our tents, food provisions, etc. On the way up we could see some truck gardening, patches of potatoes, cabbages, carrots, cut flowers, etc. for the market.

It was a good steady climb under dense forest cover, trekking at some parts uneven difficult surfaces, muddy and slippery until we reached a picturesque, cool, clean (drinkable) running stream, and there we took a break, took the mud off our shoes and ate lunch.

Whatever it was we had eaten were very tasty indeed after that very perspiring warm-up climb.

We resumed our hike until we reached a wooded plain amidst the forest.

A sign on a tree indicated the name of the place was “Godi-Godi”, and there we pitched camp, our Camp 1 (2100 meters above sea level

by Paolo’s altimeter).

Taking a break in a refreshing, cool, clean flowing stream

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The rhum certainly helped to warm us up. “Apo 8” slept under two tents, one big (to accommodate six of us like canned sardines), and a small one (good for two).

In the big tent, we were about set to sleep when someone suddenly hooted -- Huuh! Huuh! A commotion broke out inside our tent and the guys scrambled to get out.

I began to smell stinky air (a skunk in Apo?). It was the “sound of silence”, its awful

invisible fumes filling the tent rapidly.

Even the mosquitoes could not tolerate the insecticidallike effect of it because they also vanished from the tent in no time.

What could have been the start of a quiet, peaceful rest and sleep was shaken up in a flash.

Mike decided to transfer to the smaller tent (I could not blame him) for the rest of the night.

What a night!

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(that was perhaps how he got his name). Dinner was vegetable soup locally called “bas-oy” (a mixture of squash, water cress, eggplant, bits of dried fish and chicken) and rice.

Prior to dinner, we had some cocktail (tanduay rhum and orange juice, chicharon and sausages).

The chilly mountain weather and our tiredness did not deter us from enjoying ourselves, and fun we had, more so because the rain had

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Drenched by rain and perspiration from the hike, our bodies felt some shivering.

The whole day ascent through winding jungle trails took eleven hours (5:20 a.m. to 4:20 p.m. including breakfast and lunch breaks).

We laid down our things, changed to dry clothes, hang our wet clothes and settled down. “Kookie” was also our chef, and assisted by the young porters he prepared food for dinner.

He was really a good cook

IN ABD Styling KEV

At 2:00 early dawn, we rode the autovan to Kapatagan.

We were eight and called ourselves “Apo 8”: the older ones (age range of 66-71) Ismael “Mike” Getubig, Angelo “Lito” Mercado and Anselmo B. Mercado; the younger ones (age range of 31-37): my two sons Francis and Paolo; my nephews: Victor

“Apo 8” L-R: Boy Mercado, Lito Mercado, Mike Getubig, “Vic” or “Tor” Calamba, Francis Mercado, Paolo Mercado, B-boy Montenegro, Nom Bernad (photo taken at Lake Venado, background – Mt. Apo Kidapawan side)

E SIA ISTIE JAN

May 20, 2013 The Warm-up Climb Via the “Kapatagan Route”:

“Tor” Calamba (the handsome, talented, and strong “chief of party” whose nickname was “americanized” as “Vic” by Lito), Ramon Manuel “Nomnom” Bernad II, and Jose Mari “B-boy” Montenegro.

At 3:45 a.m., our group arrived in Kapatagan, Davao, a small town some 1020 meters above sea level (registered in Paolo’s wrist altimeter).

It was dark and quiet, the residents still asleep, understandly because it was chilly up there, and we ourselves felt it.

We waited for the multicab which arrived at 4:30 a.m. to take us to the starting point of the journey. At 5:20 a.m., we began our trek up the “Kapatagan Trail” until we reached a small community (just a cluster of small houses) called “Paradise”, and there we took our breakfast, pre-cooked and packed by our chief guide (boiled eggs, chicken adobo, pork sausages, cooked rice contained in banana leaves, and coffee).

The altimeter reading at this place was 1505 meters.

CHR DO HMU LEONAR

Mount Apo is the highest mountain in the Philippines reigning majestically and proudly over a mountain range that stretches far in the provinces of Davao and Cotabato.

Its peak overlooks the cities of Davao (40 kms. to the northeast), Digos (25 kms. to the southeast) and Kidapawan (20 kms. to the west). Why climb it? “Because it’s there” -- lordly, dominating and scenic -- continually attracting, luring and challenging many people (local and abroad) who are curious and daring to meet the beguiling “Apo”. Our group, the “Apo 8”, dared to meet and discover “Apo” on May 20-22, 2013.

The idea to climb Mount Apo was hatched, got discussed and eventually planned since March of 2008, right after some of the Apo 8 had successfully climbed Mount Kitanglad in Bukidnon.

The main motivator for us was our curiosity to follow in the footsteps of our uncle, Fr. Miguel A. Bernad SJ, who celebrated the first Catholic Holy Mass with his expedition party at a site in the Apo peak in 1958.

Serious planning for our climb intensified in 2012 and we elected Victor to be our “chief of party” because of his previous climbs to the mountain and his Mt. Everest experience.

Also, the fact that he resided in Davao City he would have convenient access to get things done “right there”.

And so, this is our story – an unforgettable adventure replete with moments of joy and fun, hardships and fears, some real risks and dangers to meet the “Apo”.

To all those who “journeyed with us” in our climb with their prayers, along with their worries and anxieties, and their felicitations at the end for our accomplishment, we are very grateful.

Tanleh Bldg., Abellanosa St., Consolacion, Cagayan de Oro City, Philippines Contact nos.: (088)856-3344, (08822)72-33-44 email: businessweekmindanao@gmail.com website: www.businessweekmindanao.com

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Travel/Tourism

Mindanao Daily NEWS

northmin . westmin . caraga . davao

B7 Pigumpungan Festival highlights unity of Lumads, Christians SAN MIGUEL, Zamboanga del Sur -"Pigumpungan Festival," celebrated for the first time in this peaceful town of Zamboanga del Sur in keeping with the 53rd Araw ng San Miguel.

"It is the first time that we celebrated this festival. Pigumpungan is a Subanen word which means unity as we have seen through the cooperation and support of the people during the previous and the present administration," says San Miguel Mayor Angelito L. Martinez II. Mayor Martinez said plans have long been prepared to come up with the celebration of the Pigumpungan Festival.

"It is only during my administration that those plans were materialized and I am deeply grateful to the people of San

Miguel," he pointed out.

"We will make this a yearly activity since the launching was very successful. One of the highlights of this four-day festival which runs from Aug. 29-Sept. 1 is the schoolbased dance extravaganza participated in by 18 elementary schools and four national high schools," he explained.

The folk dance competition, ethnic and team ballroom competition wowed the audience showcasing the myriad talents of the students in the elementary and high school.

The 18 barangay Indigenous Peoples (IPS) representatives also elected their officers with Timuay Priscilla Buay Marquiala as president, to comprise the San Miguel Tribal Council of Elders.

Your Mindanao-wide Community Newspaper

monday - september 9, 2013

Although the Subanen people comprise only 5-10 percent of local folks, and a minority, the good mayor who was born and bred in this town never forgot that they were the first settlers of San Miguel.

"Later, Christians have come to settle in this peaceful town but let us never forget that it was the Subanens who first tilled our soils and made them productive."

“I would say that the people’s support was so amazing, even during the opening, I never expected that the response would be so overwhelming. I was thinking only the highway barangays would participate but to my surprise, even the far-flung barangays joined. In fact, many of them cried, and I was one of them. I practically had goose bumps,” the mayor said in the

vernacular.

Mayor Martinez expressed his gratitude to his lovely and ever-supportive first lady, Ms. Vida Belle Althea T. Martinez, Tourism Officer and chairperson of Ms. Teen San Miguel 2013 and the cultural extravaganza, to Vice Mayor Celso T. Otero, Sangguniang Bayan members and barangay officials.

Mayor Martinez reiterated his wholehearted thanks to all the people of San Miguel, the working committees and everyone else who contributed to the success of the 53rd Araw ng San Miguel. He then encouraged everyone to sustain the momentum to achieve the municipality’s long cherished dream of progress and development. (FPG/ALT-PIA9/Zambo.

Sibugay)

Albay’s 2 tourism practices finalists in ATOP-DOT awards LEGAZPI CITY – Two of Albay province’s recent tourism activities have been chosen as finalists in this year’s Pearl Award: ATOP-DOT Best Tourism Practices of the Philippines.

The good news is contained in a letter received here by Gov. Joey Salceda from ATOP’s Committee on Awards and Citations head Kenneth Benignos.

The letter informed him that Albay’s Daragang Magayon Festival and Coral Rosary Beads Genesis have been chosen as finalists in local governments’ festival and eco-environment categories, respectively.

Jointly sponsored by the Association of Tourism Officers of the Philippines and the Dept. of Tourism, the award, now on its eighth year, recognizes exceptional tourism practices, projects and innovations.

Daragang Magayon is a yearly festival that Albay celebrates with its iconic endowment of Mayon Volcano, whose name originated from "Daragang Magayon" and whose story is "The Epic of Daragang Magayon sa Sayaw kan Tolong Bulod (Lovely Lady in the Dance of Three Mountains)."

It adopted a new sales pitch: “Indulge yourself in warm Albay!” that further consolidated the province’s recent tourism gains.

The gains means a 49 percent hike in tourist arrivals in 2012, with a 23 percent growth in the foreign tourists sector.

Salceda explained that “Indulge yourself in warm Albay! Warm people, hot and spicy food and tropical ambience” is Albay’s latest tourism come-on.

Daragang Magayon has been its new

cultural epiphany as the new tourism giant of Luzon.

The Coral Genesis is the country’s first underwater solar-powered and coral-beaded rosary installed in Albay Gulf early last August.

It is a 60-coral-bead chain with attached solar panels, bulbs and a concrete crucifix forming a 65-meter rosary installed 25 feet deep in the coastal waters of Sto. Domingo town in Albay by the Legazpi City Chapter of the Junior Chamber International.

It automatically lights up at night and has the capacity to emit low-voltage electricity that helps corals grow five times faster than the normal rate of at least one centimeter a year.

These solar panel-aided, coral-growing beads are exclusively assembled by the JCI-Legazpi based on the researches it conducted to regenerate corals and fish sanctuaries in Albay and other parts of Bicol.

The Coral Genesis is a project that uses faith-based devotion, technology and environmental protection to boost tourism and improve the locality’s natural coastal defenses from storms and tsunamis, and most importantly alleviate coastal poverty, according to Salceda.

“Along this vein, I would like to request the presence of your men and women behind these entries for personal appearance with the second set of the panel of judges for validation and final judging on Sept. 10, 2013 at the Diliman Preparatory School, Quezon City,” Benignos said in the letter. (PNA)

Antique Heritage Tour seen to boost tourism industry ILOILO CITY -- The Antique government, the Department of Tourism 6 and the local government units the province were upbeat that they recently launched “Antique Heritage Tour” that will boost its tourism industry.

B oracay-Northern Antique-Kalibo Tourism Development Area Manager Artemio Ticar said “Cultural Heritage Tourism” is now getting more popular worldwide.

Thus, the endeavor led by Katahum Tours is a big leap toward the goal of Antique to lure more local and foreign tourists to visit its different tourism destinations and cultural heritage sites.

“This program is a great step for the province of Antique to allow the people especially the tourists to access the province’s local heritage,” he said.

“Cultural Heritage Tour-

ism is not merely a getaway to a historic site or event. It is best described as tourism that generates and defines opportunities to experience the places, people, activities, cultural arts, and artifacts that authentically represent the stories and people of the past and present,” he said.

He lauded the initiative of Katahum Tours headed by its Manager Flord Nicson Calawag, who is also the owner of Tibiao Fish Spa, to create another landmark in the tourism history of Antique.

He encouraged stakeholders to promote Antique’s rich cultural heritage, saying, “Let us work hand in hand focusing on making every travel of our tourists to each destination a unique, authentic and remarkable experience."

Part of the Antique Heritage Tour itinerary are visits to Sira-an Hot Spring and the Anini-y Church made of

corals in Anini-y town; Buri weaving in Brgy. Diclum in Tobias Fornier town; Patnongon Church in Patnongon; Patadyong weaving in Bagtason, Bugasong; Lambaklad, Tibiao Fish Spa, Eco-adventure activities, and pottery-making in Tibiao; and Muscovado sugarmaking in Brgy. Casit-an in Laua-an.

The tour also includes “Istorya-Kanta Kinaray-a Night” which showcases the Original Kinaray-a Music (OKM) with singercomposer Board Member Dante Beriong and Sammy Rubido.

Data from DOT-6 shows a total of 14,506 tourists visited Antique in 2012. Of which, 13,477 were domestic tourists, 408 were foreign tourists and 621 were returning overseas Filipinos.

Of the six provinces in Western Visayas, Antique has the least number of tourist arrivals. (PNA)

Ice cream is given for free to Lumad participants of Kavurunan on Friday, August 30 in Carmen, North Cotabato province. Kavurunan, which means a festive gathering, is one of the activities for the Kalivungan Festival where different indigenous tribes of the province come together to showcase their dances, songs and games. In San Miguel, Zamboanga del Sur, lumads and Christians unite during the Pigumpungan Festival. MindaNews photo by Ruby Thursday More

Jetstar Asia continues fleet growth, boosts capacity SINGAPORE -- Jetstar Asia has announced an additional 18 weekly services resulting in 17,200 seats on flights every month from Singapore to popular destinations in Cambodia, Indonesia and China with the addition of two new aircraft to its fleet.

From Oct. 27, the schedule will include addition of two flights per week from Singapore to Bali making a daily service, launch of three direct services from Singapore to Phnom Penh as well as additional one weekly flight from Singapore to Hangzhou and Shantou in China respectively.

It also adds four flights per week from Singapore to Medan, an increase of four weekly services to Jakarta resulting in 25 weekly services to the Indonesian capital.

Jetstar Asia chief executive officer Bara Pasupathi said the new capacity is a result of adding two new Sharklet-equipped A320s to the fleet in Singapore.

"Since 2009, we have been acquiring aircraft at an average rate of two per year. In financial year 2013, Jetstar Asia welcomed six new A320s as part of a fleet renewal exercise," he said.

"This financial year we will have 19 aircraft with an

average fleet of 3.3 years, making our fleet one of the youngest in Singapore."

Boosting services to popular destinations in Cambodia, Indonesia and China will see Jetstar Asia carry more than four million passengers before the end of 2013.

"Previously, passengers travelling to Phnom Penh would need to transit in Siem Reap. With direct flights to Phnom Penh, there will be more seats available from Singapore and travellers will now be able to enjoy more time exploring their destination," said Bara.(PNA/ Bernama)

DOT: Declaration of Boracay, Guimaras rabies-free islands could attract more tourists ILOILO CITY --Department of Tourism Regional Director Helen Catalbas on Wednesday lauded the reports that Boracay and Guimaras would soon be declared rabies-free islands for it could attract more tourists to come to the two tourist destinations in Western Visayas.

“More tourists would be interested to travel to the islands of Boracay and Guimaras if they will be declared rabies free,” said Dir. Catalbas, in an interview on Wednesday.

She said that hopefully other local government units (LGUs) would also work towards the declaration of their tourism destinations. “I hope all destinations in Western Visayas will also

be achieving the same,” the tourism official contended.

“This is a very good addition to the tourism destination,” Dir. Catalbas contended.

The declaration of the islands as rabies-free will be on September 28 during the Wold Rabies Day celebration

by Secretaries Dr. Enrique T. Ona of health and Proceso Alcala of agriculture in Boracay island while Interior Secretary Mar Roxas also expected to be present.

The island have been for the last two consecutive years rabies-free that made them able to meet the prerequisites for such declaration. (PNA)

Mindanao Daily NEWS

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B illboard B8 Cayabyab to hold Songwriting Workshop at Rodelsa Hall northmin . westmin . caraga . davao Your Mindanao-wide Community Newspaper

monday - september 9, 2013

Y

oung music enthusiasts from Liceo U and other schools in Cagayan de Oro will have the rare chance to be mentored by no less than the music maestro Ryan Cayabyab in a half day songwriting session at Liceo de Cagayan University's Rodelsa Hall this coming September 11.

This special music activity is spearheaded by Philpop Musicfest Foundation, Inc and in partnership with Liceo de Cagayan University and various corporate partners.

The workshop hopes to arouse the musical creativity of young Filipinos all over the

country as well make them more appreciative of Original Pilipino Music (OPM).

Mr. Cayabyab will share his experiences in the music industry and reveal tips and guidelines on songwriting.

He will be joined by other personalities from Philpop Musicfest Foundation.

Ryan Cayabyab has created chart-topping OPM pop songs and has contributed his craft to notable theater musicals, movie scores, full-length ballets.

He has also created choral and orchestral pieces.

Currently he is the Executive Director of the

Philpop Musicfest Foundation, the group behind the Philippine Popular Music Festival, a songwriting competition for amateur and professional Filipino composers that seeks to help elevate the Philippine Music industry.

This activity at Rodelsa Hall is free to young students but with limited seats availability.

To know more about the workshop, please feel free to call the Liceo U College of Music at (088) 8584093 to 95 local 109 or call/text 09176366528.

What on earth is “twerking”?

F

or those who are a bit familiar with the goings-on of the internet, you were probably among the millions who gaped in shock at seeing Miley Cyrus perform during the MTV Video Music Awards a few days ago.

A common question I heard after the performance spontaneously combusted in the world wide web is this: what on earth is “twerking”?

Suddenly, everyone “has” to know what the word means considering that even huge news networks such

wait till they catch their daughters twerking to this song! (2) Twerk it girl, work it girl!

And yes, those are the actual words and examples from the dictionary.

So let's go back to the Miley performance.

While I was both horrified and amused while watching, the rest of the world had varied levels of reaction ranging from slight amusement to downright disgust, and of course, the expected parental outrage.

It even went as far

as CNN carried it in their headlines. In fact, the Oxford English Dictionary have taken it upon themselves to officially recognize the existence of the word twerk by adding it into their list of words.

Twerk: Pronunciation: /twəːk/ verb [no object] informal • dance to popular music in a sexually provocative manner involving thrusting hip movements and a low, squatting stance.

• Examples: (1) Just

as sparking anger over its feminist and racial implications due to the use of black women as literal props during the performance.

But let's not deal on the darker issues of the performance though. Here are some of the funniest comments from all over the internet.

--- “Let's not speak of this ever again.”

---”Subjecting other countries to this performance would be considered an act of war.”

---”Shhhh, it was just a bad dream. The monsters can't get you now. It never happened.”

---”I don't think it's drugs. She's probably just acting out to compensate for the repression she endured being a Disney star. She also probably feels anger and a need to rebel because of the expectations of perfection imposed on her by what is likely a large percentage of people in her life.Or it could just be drugs.”

---”Put your tongue back in your mouth. Put it back. “ ---”I never thought I would see the day when they sexualized teddy bears.”

The Silver Lining

by Janey Montebon Duterte

---”And this is why aliens won't talk to us.”

Suffice to say that the performance will forever be ingrained in entertainment history, along the lines of Britney Spears shaving her head and Tiger Woods with his horde of mistresses.

And with that, I will never be mentioning this awful performance again.

You should probably move on from this too and forget it ever existed.

Okay? Deal.

THE INNER SOCIETY OF MAGIC and Friends capped off the evening of A JULY September 6 with this photo op right after “Mystify” the Inner Society of Magic 5th Year Anniversary Special at the Xavier University Little Theater. The jampacked XU-LT was treated to an evening of illusion, mental magic, comedy, fun and entertainment, the performers were Reuben, Maw, Allen, Kenneth, Jason, Mics, Nate and Nexus.

e W s s e n N i A s u D B N I M Photo by Ronald Mastail

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northmin . westmin . caraga . davao Your Mindanao-wide Community Newspaper

monday - september 9, 2013

Increase... from page 1

improving rice production is by increasing yield per unit area and by expanding the areas under rice cultivation through the improvement/rehabilitation of ex i s t ing sys te m s an d construction of new irrigation facilities.

She said that in line with the FSSP, Region 10 will hold the 2013 Regional Agri-Pinoy Rice Awards to give recognition to highly performing provinces, municipalities, cities, irrigators associations and agricultural extension workers in their significant contributions in achieving the country’s rice sufficiency.

“These awards will encourage commitment and ensure excellent performance of the region’s local government units and stakeholders of their functions and responsibilities.”

Ramos said.

Ramos said that cash awards will be given to the top three provinces (P150,000 each), top seven municipalities(P100,000 each), top four irrigators associations (P100,000 each), and 20 agricultural extension workers (P10,000 each).

The DA RFU 10 said that the deadline for the submission of scrap book along with the necessary requirements and other documentation will be on Sep. 20 to mgive ample time for the regional search committee to conduct table and field evaluation. The awarding will be on Oct. 15 in this city.

C u r r e n t l y, n o r t h e r n Mindanao’s rice sufficiency is at 75 percent. The production comes from 78,000 hectares of both irrigated and rain-fed areas. “ We ar e e n c o u r ag i n g the farmers and the local government units to work hand in hand and improve their rice production so that we will no longer import rice.” Ramos said.

She said that the success of the FSSP would mean Filipinos consuming newly harvested rice and the economic wellbeing of farmers will be secured.

Infra... from page 2

in Sagay town and the newly completed service road and slope protection project leading to Tuasan Falls in Catarman, amounting to P50-million and P40-million, respectively.

The other project is the opening and upgrading (gravel to concrete) of the P50-million cross country road cutting from Mainit, Catarman to Mambajao, although this serves as an alternative route from the major road, all the while, it provides a great view of the island’s rainforest.

Camiguin Provincial Tourism Officer Candice Naomi B. Dael said these projects are hoped to boost the province tourist influx and economy.

“We wanted to bring our tourist spots closer to the people. The Binangawan Falls (rainbowed falls) for example is situated within the dense rainforest in the highlands of Sagay, but because of its distance, the knowledge of its existence has been limited only to locals and mountain

climbers,” Dael said.

The province is likewise initiating appropriate measures for the promotion, protection and conservation of these areas.

An ordinance is currently being drafted prohibiting the building of any shelter, dumping of garbage, as well as, hunting, collection and removal of wildlife resources.

The Camiguin District Engineering office, meanwhile, said that the two remaining projects will be completed within the year, funded by the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) in partnership with the Department of Tourism (DOT).

Set...

from page 2

The activity will cover regions 9, 10 and the Autonomous Region of Muslim Mindanao (ARMM).

Discussions laid out for the consultation include the PBSAP’s significance to the Philippine Development Plan (PDP), mainstreaming of the biodiver sit y conser vation in the PDP, Invasive Alien Species Plan, validation of priority threats and drivers of biodiversity loss, and sharing of good practices.

Tariffs... from page 4

Ph i l i p p i n e ex p o r t s t o Australia amounted to $387 million in 2012, led by car parts, electrical and telecom products, nickel ores, desiccated coconuts, and deodorants.

New Zealand, meanwhile, imported from the Philippines for the year some $49-million worth of fresh or dried bananas, car batteries, fresh or prepared pineapples, carrageenan, and desiccated coconuts. -Romelda Ascutia, PHILEXPORT News and Features

Jewelry... from page 4

sales of members; buyers are now looking at Philippine-made products as potential source of fine jewelry because they have seen the beautiful designs that our designers has made,” she said.

Ramos said the competition aims to create innovative quality jewelry that suits the taste of both the local and export markets, and promote utilization of indigenous materials as component or in combination with other materials for fine jewelry.

“Before, there were very few designers, now, they are already in abundance. We are more original in our designs, before we just copy from catalogues,” she said.

Now in its 13th year, the PFDC targets to attract 400 entries this year from aspiring jewellers, amateur and professional designers, and students from schools offering design and designrelated courses.

T h e d e ad l i n e fo r t h e submission of entries is September 15. Winners will be announced and awarded on November 29.

The PFJDC is conducted annually in partnership with the Department of Trade and Industry, Provincial Government

of Bulacan, the Municipality of Meycauayan and PHILEXPORT. -- Danielle Venz, PHILEXPORT News and Features

Aquino... from page 4

P399 billion funding in 2014. the amount, which is equivalent to 3% of the gross domestic product target for next year, is 35% higher than this year’s appropriated infrastructure spending of P295 billion.

A total of P9.014 billion will go to the development of air transpor t facilities encompassing 37 domestic and international airports.

A total of P3.167 billion will be channeled to the country’s maritime transport development plans as part of the government’s medium-term goal of ensuring an integrated nautical network.

The budget will cover 44 ports, wharves, causeways and boat landing areas.

Plans include the development of an integrated multimo d al logistic s and transportation system that i nvo l ve s i d e n t i f y i n g a n d developing logistics corridors that will benefir both large cities and smaller towns and rural areas.

The Star report said that the DOTC is studying the possibility of establishing RoRo (roll-on/ roll-off) ports in isolated areas, developing the country’s cruise shipping industry, creating the Greater Capital Region -SubicClark-Manila-Batangas transport and logistics corridor.

National Economic and Development Authority director general Arsenio M. Balicasan said the surge in infrastructure spending next year will reduce the cost of transporting goods and people, support agricultural productivity, reduce risk from disasters and boost economic investments and employment.

The governmenthas a l l o c a t e d a P4 0 - m i l l i o n special purpose fund for the preparation of feasibility studies on infrastructure to help meet the greater demand for sound an d e c o n o m i c all y v i a b l e projects in the coming years.

-- PORTCALLS

Rice... from page 5

In a press briefing, Deputy Presidential spokesperson Abigail Valte said she received word from the Department of Agriculture assuring enough supply of the major staple and that is has been monitoring supply and prices on the ground.

Valte said personnel from the DA deployed to public markets found that everything was okay.

Quoting DA Secretar y Proceso Alcala, she said rice supply has stabilized and that rice prices will normalize. “At least we’re out of the lean season and expected na medyo mag-normalize na rin ang mga presyo.”

The Palace official also said the government had expected rice prices to go up by around P2 but it’s unfortunate that some traders have reprtedly seized the opportunity to jack up prices.

The National Food Authority (NFA) and the DA is aware of these abuses and are carrying out appropriate measures.

Also they have coordinated with the National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) to trace the source of the text messages that circulated yesterday about the supposed “distribution of free rice.”

The NFA is also verifying some tips of possible hoarding being done by some suppliers, Valte said.

Probe... from page 5

entire transaction and third, despite repeatedly bragging about rice self-sufficiency, they now intend to import another 700,000 metric tons by November,” Dela Cruz said in a press conference.

Meanwhile Dela Cruz said he will summon a certain “Buddy R” who acted as bagman for the group behind the anomalous deal.

Insufficient?

Dela Cruz also said he received information that the rice stock held by the NFA is insufficient.

“I think we should really look into this. From what I was told by NFA insiders, we only have 18 days in supply stocks and worse, we only have around five to six days of good stock rice because the rest are still in palay form,” he said.

Meanwhile, House Resolution 261, also filed by Dela Cruz, directs the House Committee on Food Security to conduct a formal inquiry into the real state of the country’s rice supply, especially amid the rising cost of rice in the market and the reported widespread rice shortage in the country.

“The price increment of the lowest commercial grade rice variety rose from P27 per kilo a few months ago to P34 per kilo recently and the nearest next prices stocks of a more edible quality is now at P41 per kilo,” it said.

B9

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Seek... from page 5

the PCIRM for the industry to be reliable supplier of competitive coconut products and by products locally and globally, thus it would be a major source of income and employment in the agriculture sector.

She said Cocofed scholars have considered becoming players in the coco processing; agri-entrepreneurial activities; participate in the value added chain; and establish a foundation so, they too, could send sons and daughters of coconut farmers to school.

“This is one way to pay forward our benefactors who made it possible for us to earn a degree.”

Hojas said.

Hojas said that there were more than 8,000 Cocofed scholars nationwide in seven batches from 1975 to 1986 who attended school in the various colleges and universities in the country. 5,000 graduated.

The Philippine Coconut Authority has said that the problems besetting the industry, which is the second producer of coconuts in the world, are attributed to low production and decreasing farm productivity; low income share of coconut farmers and high poverty incidence; limited viable village-level integrated processing technologies; non-competitive coconut processing; and limited investment for research and development.

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B10

Advertising and Editorial E-mail : businessweekmindanao@gmail.com Contact nos. : 0917-7121424 • 0947-8935776 Editor: Clifford Santillan

Your Mindanao-wide Community Newspaper

monday - september 9, 2013

Maja Salvador supports Gerald’s charity work Maja Salvador said she is proud of boyfriend Gerald Anderson’s passion for charity. Maja, who was spotted on the sidelines of the recently concluded Hero Ball basketball tournament organized by Gerald at the Makati Coliseum, said she was very happy to have been part of the event. blown away by Gerald ’s kindness as profits from the event would be for the benefit of Hero Foundation, an organization aiming to prov ide secured and c on si s t ent e duc at ion a l suppor t for children of soldiers from the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP).

“Yes for Hero Foundation.

“Siguro pang third time ko palang siya napapanood magbasketball. Siyempre nakakatuwa na napapanood ko yung mga ibang talent niya hindi lang puro acting. Eto naman basta sobrang love niya yung pagba-basketball,” she said, adding, “I’m happy na naka-attend ako sa event na nagawa niya.”

Maja confessed to being

clifford’s

Daily HOROSCOPE AQUARIUS (January 20 – February 18) -It’s a great day to handle personal issues of all kinds.

You may find that your energy is even more powerful than you had thought, and you may leave some big problems behind in the end.

PISCES (February 19 – March 20) - It’s a good time to think about settling a big debt -- or at least starting to chip away at it in earnest. If your finances are in good shape, consider what you owe to others emotionally.

ARIES (March 21 – April 19) - You need to listen closely today -- there’s one person who really needs your input, but only once you’ve heard theirs. Try to keep your mouth shut for a while.

It’s good exercise, and it can really help!

TAURUS (April 20 – May 20) - What do you need to do to take care of your health? It could be almost anything from one better meal every day to a brand-new daily exercise routine, but now is the time to get started.

GEMINI (May 21 – June 21) - Your energy levels are through the roof today and that could make you feel as giddy as a teen with a new driver’s license. Try not to take any risks, though, or you could feel like a teen with a new speeding ticket!

CANCER (June 22 – July 22) - You and a friend are parting ways temporarily over something that will one day seem kind of silly -- but in the heat of the moment, it’s all you can think about.

Burn out this grudge quickly!

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A new franchise from one of the PlayStation’s top developers? No wonder buzz has been building over the past year for The Last of Us from Naughty Dog, creators of Crash Bandicoot, Jak and Daxter, and, best of all, the Uncharted series. The new game is a horror-themed action-adventure that follows Joel and the younger Ellie across a post-apocalyptic America teeming with zombie-like infected humans and small groups of healthy survivors.

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in a separate ABS-CBN News report, that, “Exciting ang Star Magic Ball for me this year. Hindi pa niya (Anderson) nakikita [‘yung gown ko]. Hindi ko pa rin nakikita ‘yung isusuot niya.

Siyempre, maganda ‘yung may surprise.” Cebu-based international designer Cary Santiago will be making her gown for the Star magic Ball. “…’Yung mga ginagawan niya ng gowns sina Ms. Charo Santos, Kris Aquino, Ruffa Gutierrez. ‘Yung beauties nila talagang royal so feeling ko kahit paano lumelevel ako sa kanila,” added the actress. *abs-cbn showbiz news*

GAMERS’ Treat

Social Section

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(09275589155)

Nung nalaman ko nga eh sinabi ko nga ‘Grabe itong taong ‘to. Parang he’s [just] out there to share his blessings,’” quipped the dancer-actress.

Me a nw h i le , for he r part, Maja related that she’s thrilled about the seventh Star Magic Ball happening on September 7. “Pag may time magte-treadmill lang siyempre ikaw mismo yung mga kinakain mo, yung meals mo ikaw mismo [ang magmomonitor]. Kailangan for Star Magic Ball,” she said.

W h i le she d id n’t categorically confirm that the OTJ star would be her date for the ball, she noted,

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How to play the game?

Fill in completely every rows, columns and diagonals of each puzzle without repitition

of the same digit.

Yesterday’s Answer

LEO (July 23 – August 22) - Your actions are keeping others interested and engaged -- so keep it up! Your social energy is perfectly in tune with that of your people, and you should be able to get them to see things your way.

VIRGO (August 23 – September 22) - You and a friend or business partner are joining forces in a big way -- so make sure that you’re on the same page! It’s all too likely for a little misunderstanding to flare up into something much larger.

LIBRA (September 23 – October 22) - You’re getting looks from all around today -- and it’s all good! People are taking notice of your positive qualities, and that should help you to take advantage of an important coincidence.

SCORPIO (October 23 – November 21) - You need to kick back and let things happen today -- even if that makes you feel somewhat anxious. Passivity is a winning strategy for you now, so swallow your fears and let it ride.

SAGITTARIUS (November 22 – December 21) Laughter seems to surround you today -- but not mockery! You should do what you can to keep it going, but with your terrific social energy, it shouldn’t take much of an effort this time.

CAPRICORN (December 22 – January 19) - You need to step up to authority -- but only as far as circumstances permit. You should find that things are somewhat more difficult than you had hoped, but your no-nonsense approach works wonders.

Amazing Facts!

Did you KNOW?? ..

Geologists have discovered there seems to be more water miles deep between the rocks of Earths mantle than in all the oceans of the world. The intense pressure of the tons of rocks above keeps the hot water from turning to steam and escaping.

CROSSWORD puzzle across 1. Plant stalk 5. Homegrown 10. Billiards shot 12. Expunge 13. Exterminates 15. _Tin Tin 16. Iron symbol 17. Muslim leader Misuari 18. Actor Pitt 19. To and_ 21. Allotment 23. House of religious order 25. Resinous substance 26. Actor Milby 29. Strongly alcoholic 30. Dam in Bulacan 32. Selenium symbol

33.

34.

36.

38.

39.

40.

Cager Taulava Kitchen appliance Wash lightly Rustic Undecorated Auld lang_ DOWN 1. Shuffle 2. Slender candle 3. Do wrong 4. Earth’s satellite 5. _Miserables 6. Conjunction 7. Edible roots 8. Filipino or Thai 9. Let out money 11. Expresses grief for 14. Toil 18. Rubbish receptacle 20. Wind instrument

22. Composure 24. _Testament 25. Aromatic herb 27. Association of Southeast Asian Nations 28. Blackbird 29. Stringed instrument 31. Burden 34. Actor Affleck 35. Uninteresting 37. Silicon symbol

Yesterday’s Answer

Mindanao Daily NEWS

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Power... from page 1

then the full payment of their current liabilities.

For t he s hor t-t er m , Napocor is u rg i ng ECs to achieve a 95-percent collection efficiency, and reduce their system loss to less than 13 percent in order to achieve full payment of the outstanding debts of the ECs from January 2013 onward.

Energy Secretary Carlos Jericho L. Petilla called on the cooperation of the ECs and the LGUs to work with Napocor to minimize its financial losses in order to continuously improve its mandate of providing electricity to 36 provinces a nd 255 mu n icipa l it ies nationwide through its NPCSmall Power Utilities Group.

“We need to immediately put a stop to the corporation’s f inancia l bleeding,” t he statement quoted Napocor President and Chief Executive Officer Gladys Cruz-Sta. Rita as saying.

“This can be achieved with the outstanding receivables from the ECs for the period January to June 2013 and, thereafter, the full payment of their current liabilities.”

“While we understand the situation of our customer cooperatives, we can no longer afford to incur massive losses. This is why we need to work with our customers and our key stakeholders to come up with concrete, time-bound and workable solutions to address the situation,” she added.

The government firm operates all state-owned power facilities, including the Agus-Pulangui hydroelectric power plant complex in Mindanao, which supplies more than half of the region’s electricity needs.

Through SPUG, Napocor also provides electricity to remote barangays and villages or those areas that are not connected to the national power grid.

Areas considered off-grid are in several provinces, including Mindoro, M a r i ndu qu e , Pa l aw a n , Romblon, Masbate, Siquijor, Zamboanga, Sulu and TawiTawi.

Mining... from page 1

69 of them from the villages of Wasian and Bayugan 3 in Rosario town and Imelda in Bunawan town.

A total of P1,455,900 was initially released for the beneficiary farmers with the same amount of P21,000 released to each of them.

To keep a close watch on this project, Philsaga has employed an agricultural technologist t hat would assist in maintaining the productivity of rice lands.

Huge savings came in during the first harvest after the farmers were already liberated from the whims of these loan sharks mostly from Davao City who are called “strikers” because they are the same traders who bought the harvest of

farmers with a dictated low prices of palay.

Accord i ng to a data gathered from the company, the farmer beneficiaries were able to save P436,770 which significantly improved their lot.

“Dako akong pasalamat kay naay progra ma nga sama niini kay wala man sila mangayo bisag gamay nga interes (I am grateful for the program like this because they did not ask for any interest),” Martinez said in her handwritten letter to the company.

She said the gains she had already away from the huge interest has led her the capacity to buy a brand new refrigerator and an additional small capital that helped a lot in her little sari-sari store to attend to the needs of her children going to school.

Lawyer Raul Villanueva, Philsaga president, said the program is part of the company’s sincere efforts to help improve the economic plight of people especially in the communities within the peripheries of their mining operation.

The leniency showed by the farmer beneficiaries to take responsibility of their financial obligation has resulted to about 90 percent collection rate or a total of P1,302,600 repaid by borrowers who personally visit the Philsaga office to repay their loans.

Encouraged by t he p o sit i ve t u r n out , t he company decided to increase the financial loan to P38,890 for each borrower and already covers 100 beneficiaries and raised the program cost into P4.5 million.

Mull... from page 1

Norte Electric Cooperative, Inc. (SURNECO).

Casurra, who has gained public sympathy, said the problem could have been solved had cooperat ive off icials acted on it. He bla me d t he SU R N ECO officials, as well as its board of directors, for doing nothing to augment the insufficient power supply.

Inter ior a nd L oc a l Government Secretary Mar Roxas, who was here on Tuesday attending the Local Disaster R isk Reduction M a n a g e m e nt C o u n c i l , ha s l i ke w i s e c r it ic i z e d SUR NECO off icials and its board members for their supposed ineptness.

He a d v i s e d e le c t r ic consumers to elect board members who will really work to solve the power outages and not those backed by the politicians.

Engr. Narciso I. Caliao Jr., acting general manager of SURNECO, denied Roxas’s comments, saying they are working hard to address the power situation.

He a sked concer ned individuals to instead help them, “discuss our problem so we can come up with the best solutions.”

Caliao said if consumers go on civil disobedience

by not paying their bills, t hen t he y w i l l i s sue a disconnection order.

He said they are currently facing a power deficiency as power generators like the National Power CorporationPower Sector Assets and Liabi l it ies Ma nagement Corp. (NPC-PSALM) and Therma Marine, Inc. (TMI) are not giving enough supply to power utilities.

Caliao said the problem lies with the power generators and not the distributors, referring to SURNECO and other electric utilities all over Mindanao.

SURNECO, he said, has a power def icit of seven megawatts.

N PC-PSA L M is now supplying SURNECO with only 11 MW of electricity whereas it used to supply the cooperative 26 MW. TMI has also dropped its load from 8 MW to 6 MW. With this predicament, SURNECO has implemented rotating brownouts of 4 to 5 hours daily.

Caliao said SURNECO has a total power demand of 23 megawatts.

He added that base load power plants will be available only by 2016 as several coalfired power plants are being constructed in various parts of Mindanao. One of these is the Therma South, Inc. (TSI) in Davao. SURNECO, he said, has already applied for the supply of at least 5 MW. “By year 2016 we will have sufficient supply. But what about from 2014 to 2015?”

Caliao asked.

Ca liao sa id t hey a re contemplating to buy energy from private companies that can supply at least 10 MW at the best price and the quickest time possible.

Jose Monte de Ramos, one of the board members of SUR NECO, said they prefer this route than having their own power generator set because they have no technical capability to do so.

“What we want is just to buy power from this private firm. They will build and operate,” he said.

Monte de Ramos said they are planning to avail power from five diesel-fired generator sets, each of which can produce at least 2 MW of power. With this scheme, the SURNECO will answer the almost 8 MW power deficit, he added.

He said several power companies have presented their proposals. Among them are Peak Power Energy Inc., Gen Diesel Philippines Inc., Alternative Power Resources Holding Inc., and Power Solution Philippines Inc. Monte de Ramos said that the Department of Energy has assured to help finance the initial costs in building the power generator sets.

SURNECO held a public forum last Wednesday to discuss the power situation and seek the public’s help in coming up with solutions.

At Barangay Taft, only 42 attended the consultation

at the gymnasium in the morning. In the afternoon, only 38 came for the forum at Barangay Washington.

Willy A. Gan, president of Su r igao Cha mber of Commerce and Industries (SCCI) Inc., said at the forum in Barangay Washington that the rotating brownouts have drastically affected not just the business sector but everyone in the community.

He said he pitied the micro entrepreneurs who depend solely on their small business for their livelihood.

“I could imagine they are living in debt because of this power situation,” he pointed out.

Gan said the power crisis in Surigao right now is worse than being hit by a super typhoon.

“At lea st i n a super typhoon you can reinstall the power lines in two to three months. This power crisis we have right now is really debilitating and this is the worse economic disaster in history,” he stressed.

Some attendees in Barangay Taft, like Recardo Makinano, walked out, saying the forum will not answer the power crisis. He pointed out that SURNECO never anticipated the problem.

The forum, he opined, was held because the cooperative was afraid of the consumers staging civil disobedience.

Su lpicio Basad re, on the other hand, said the consumers are being fooled with the too much commercia lization of electricity.

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Envoy... from page 2

Philippines Government focused on accelerating and sustaining broad-based and inclusive economic growth.

USAID also provides assistance to Bohol through the Private Sector Mobilization for Family Hea lt h Phase 2 Projec t which a ims to increase private sector participation in the delivery of family planning, maternal and child health services. USAID’s c u r rent env i ron ment a l project, the Coastal Climate Change Adaption Project to strengthen the Marine Protected Areas (MPAs) which is implemented in partnership with Rare, builds community, ecological, and social resilience against climate change.

Mission Director Steele s a i d , “ t h e s t r on g a n d productive partnership that we have built with the people of Bohol is instrumental as we move towards meeting our vision of putting the Philippines on an accelerated growth trajectory to achieve broad-based growth that b enef it s a l l Fi l ipi nos .”

Mission Director Steele said.

Du r i ng t he event, Ambassador Thomas also h ig h l ig hte d t he st rong partnership that Bohol has developed with the U.S. Peace Corps, whose volunteers have been working to build a brighter future for the young people of Tagbilaran.

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 LAPASAN BRANCH Lapasan Hi-way, Cagayan de Oro City Tel. # (088) 231-6739 CARMEN BRANCH Vamenta Blvd., Cagayan de Oro City Tel. # (088) 231-2011

Mindanao Daily NEWS

northmin . westmin . caraga . davao

B12

Your Mindanao-wide Community Newspaper

monday - september 9, 2013

Advertising and Editorial E-mail : businessweekmindanao@gmail.com Contact nos. : 0917-7121424 • 0947-8935776