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Mindanao Daily NEWS northmin . westmin . caraga . davao Bringing Good News of Mindanao

Volume III, No. 257

web portal: www.mindanaodailynews.com

Sunday

P15.00

April 26, 2015

Chan is new United Way prexy By Mike Baños, Editor-at-Large

Tribal leaders hold ‘sacred assembly’ to fight for rights CAGAYAN de Oro City -- Tribal leaders in Mindanao met Wednesday in Davao City for a “sacred assembly” that would focus on the protection of the Indigenous People (IPs) against abuses, repression, and human rights violation. Datu Roger Plama, Secretary General of Kalumbay Northern Mindanao, a nongovernment organization of IPs, on Thursday said that apart from repression and abuses the IPs are also

pressing claims over ancestral domain in the island. Plama said that the Davao summit dubbed as “Dumalongdong,” (sacred assembly) is a time-honored assembly of the tribal people where social and political problems that affect the IPs are discussed openly and denounced. He said that the IPs in Northern Mindanao will bring to the table of discussion the alleged killing Newly Inducted United Way Board of Directors 2015 with Department of Tourism (DOT) Regional Director Catalino See leaders, page A11

Chan III pose for posterity.

Power company empowers IPs communities in B’non By BONG D. FABE Editor-at-Large

MANOLO Forthich, Bukidnon -- Providing sustainable “Cleanergy” from indigenous sources maybe its main business but empowering indigenous peoples (IPs) communities to help them determine a better future for the tribe and enable them to be better guardians of the environment are its true calling. Hedcor, Inc., the wholly-owned subsidiary of AboitizPower that specializes in generating renewable energy from run-of-river hydropower systems, has installed what President and COO Rene B. Ronquillo called the 3Ps as its daily operating byword: principles See power, page A11

EMPOWERMENT. Datu Honorio Sumohoy (L), chieftain of the Bukidnon tribe and main claimant to the 15,000 hectares ancestral domain in Manolo Fortich, Bukidnon, and Hedcor, Inc. President and COO Rene Ronquilo (2L)smiles as they shake hands during the groundbreaking ceremony for the 2 run-of-river hydropower plants Hedcor will construct in the municipality. (Photo by BONG D. FABE)

photo by

Mike Baños, NPN

Dad reports on Oro’s 2014 income CAGAYAN DE ORO had an income of P2.2 billion in 2014, based on the financial documents submitted by the city government to the Commission on Audit (COA), said Councilor President Elipe in his special report during the regular session Monday presided over by Vice Mayor Caesar Ian E. Acenas. The councilor said the total income of the city last year, based on the document also received by the office of the vice mayor, was P2.4 billion which included Special Education Funds (SEF) of P159 million. Councilor Elipe, who chairs the committee on finance and ways and means, said the financial documents are necessary for the city to know its

performance in the past years, which will also guide the city council in coming up with the budget for the succeeding years. INCREASE Councilor Elipe said there were published reports and announcements over radio and television stations that as of November 2014, the city collected as much as P2.7 billion. He, however, said the figures in the COA report shows that the city only had an income of P2.2 billion last year. “Per financial documents submitted to COA by the accountant and the mayor, it would only reflect an income of P2.2 billion,” Elipe said. He said this is a difference of about P418 million over the P2.7 billion

See income, page A11

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Davao News

Editor : CHRISTINE H. CABIASA - iamxtine1992@yahoo.com

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DAVAO DEL NORTE l DAVAO DEL SUR lDAVAO DEL ORIENTALl COMPOSTELA VALLEY

NGOs hold benefit concert for Lumad children, environment

AVAO CITY -- Save Our Schools Network (SOS Network) and Salugpungan Ta Tanu Igkanogon will hold a benefit concert featuring 13 songs that depict the life and struggle of the lumads and impoverished peasants on Friday evening at the Almendras Gymnasium, this city.

Dubbed as “Tunog Bobongan: Alay sa Lumad at Kalikasan”, it aims to strengthen the advocacies for the rights and welfare of the lumads and the environment through music. It also aims to provide a concrete expression of their contribution to thwart climate change through creative means. Rius Valle, convenor of SOS Network, said the

concert is for free but the audience can bring logistical donations like school supplies, seedlings and farm tools which will be donated to lumad schools. Valle said, “This concert is also our way of helping lumad communities and schools that have been militarized in the hinterlands. Around 13 local artists will be performing for the

Tunog Bobongan (Sounds from the Mountain). Roweno Rosales Caballes one of the performing artists said he will be rendering the song “Luna” (Space) which portrays the current situation of the marginalized lumad and peasants in the countryside. Another song entitled “Ka Comval” which refers to the province Compos-

tela Valley, depicts people’s poverty despite the province’s rich resources. Meanwhile, Mayor Rodrigo Duterte, expressed his support for the concert and encourages Davaoenos to watch the event. The Tunog Bobongan concert is part of the Dumalongdong Mindanaw, a Mindanao-wide gathering of indigenous peoples in Davao City. (PNA)

IGACOS deputizes fish wardens ISLAND GARDEN CITY OF SAMAL - City Mayor Aniano P. Antalan administered the oath-taking of twenty (20) deputized fish wardens from Philippines National Police (PNP) Samal and Samal Task Group under the command of 1003rd Brigade Philippine Army. The oath-taking was done after the two-day exclusive live-in training-workshop on fish warden deputization last April 13, 2015 at City Mayor’s Conference Room, City Hall, Penaplata, Samal District. In addition to the existing deputized fish wardens, the local government augmented twenty (20) more fish wardens (five (5) personnel selected from PNP-Samal and fifteen (15) from Samal Task Group) giving them the capacity and authority to enforce fishery laws and arrest violators base on RA 8550. The RA 8550 is an Act providing for the development, management and conservation of the fisheries and aquatic resources , integrating all laws pertinent thereto, and for other purposes. The law also stipulates the authority provided to the local government unit the

authority to enforce all fishery laws, rules and regulations as well as the valid fishery ordinances enacted by the City Council. The City Fisheries Office headed by Engr. Ana Lea A. Zapanta, City Agriculturist in coordination with BFAR XI provided the newly deputized fish warden were trained and equipped with technical skills in handling tactical tasks in apprehending marine violators. The selected deputized personnel from PNP-Samal and Samal Task Group were assigned to strategic barangays identified as main fishing areas such as the Barangay San Remegio, Cogon and Talicud Island of Kaputian District; Barangays Balet and Pichon of Babak District and other coastal Barangays wherein a detachment will also be established for them to speedily response to cases of marine violators. “Illegal fishing awareness and prevention campaign were also given to fishing barangays and coastal barangays. We also asked and encouraged barangay officials and constituents to help the fish wardens to monitor,

detect and report any illegal fishing or any unfamiliar sea vessels seen in their jurisdiction through texting or any means of communication for the immediate apprehension of the violators”, Mr. Timothy P. Dollano, City Fisheries Division, Acquaculturist said. On the same occasion, the new City Fisheries and Aquatic Resources and Management Council (CFARMC) Officials also took oath of office. Strengthening the Council could hopefully help support the effective and efficient enforcement of fishery laws and marine resources protection and preservation. The City consistently implements programs and projects for the development, management and conservation of the fisheries and aquatic resources. Yet with limited resources, involvement of barangays and neighboring municipalities and cities is imperative in curtailing illegal fishing and marine abuses to attain a comprehensive management, conservation and protection of aquatic resources around the gulf. (Samal Info.)

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Opinion

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EDITOR: ALLAN MEDIANTE • amediante@gmail.com

Duterte and death penalty

Mayor Rodrigo Duterte never minces words when it comes to his stand of imposing death penalty on criminals convicted of drug trafficking, kidnapping and rape. We cannot blame Duterte of his position on the imposition of the maximum penalty because we have seen how crimes and criminality proliferate in our country and how these threaten every individual, every home, every family and our community. Against the stand of the Catholic church, amnesty international, human rights advocates and even on some functionaries in our government, Mayor Duterte passionately argues and defends his proposition to re-impose death penalty not only as deterrent but also to eliminate perpetrators of these abhorrent crimes. Duterte makes it clear that he values life and that he will come in the way against those who will attempt at snuffing the life of the innocent. For Duterte, members of the drug and kidnapping syndicates and rapists have very little rights at all. They have to be dealt with severely. Duterte laments that convicted

drug lords and drug pushers live in luxury inside Muntinglupa. They not only enjoy all the amenities that they have in liberty, they also continue manufacturing shabu inside their so-called prison cell, managing the distribution of drugs and maintaining their syndicates. Duterte warned that most of the victims are young children. He said that once they are into shabu, you lost your children for they will forever be dependent on the drug. He said, that the lifting of death penalty in the country has encouraged foreign nationals to come to the Philippines and set up shabu laboratories and establish distribution network not only within our shores but elsewhere. They ought to be stopped and completely annihilated and one of the means is death penalty. Mayor Duterte also insists that maximum death penalty should be imposed on kidnappers because experience has it that many of the victims are either killed or if freed, continue to live in constant fear and trauma because of threats from the

Editorial

Good Bye

I couldn’t hold my tears while experiencing when German Wings victims have been remembered in solemn Cologne service yesterday. Cathedral bells have marked the end of a somber memorial service held in the western German city of Cologne to pay tribute to the 150 people killed in last month’s German Wings plane crash. The ceremony was at Cologne Cathedral, one of the biggest German cathedrals and many times my hidden place of prayers, for the victims of the German Wings crash ended just like it began, with the cathedral’s bells ringing out across the city on this sunny Friday afternoon, and a choir singing.

Hundreds of mourners attended the national memorial service in Cologne’s landmark cathedral on Friday, including German President Joachim Gauck and Chancellor Angela Merkel. Gauck, the main speaker,

Think a minute… You may have heard the famous true story of the Mutiny On The Bounty. English sailors rebelled against their captain, William Bligh, in the South Pacific. They took over his ship, and then put him and his few loyal men on a small row boat out in the middle of the Pacific ocean. These rebel sailors knew that they had committed one of the worst, most serious crimes with the punishment of death. So they escaped to a lonely island named Pitcairn. There they sank their own ship to hide from the world for the rest of their lives. Less than 20

years later, only one of those rebel sailors was still alive. Their little island paradise had become a living hell. They had fought so much among themselves that they killed each other off one by one. When the last Bounty mutineer was finally discovered, he had completely changed into a different person. Instead of the alcoholic thief and murderer he had been, he was now a gentle, loving father. The British government was so impressed by the change in this old rebel sailor, that instead of executing him, they forgave and pardoned

Have my say

Klaus Doring

perpetrators who make kidnapping an industry. The rapists to him are of equal footings as drug pushers and kidnappers because either they kill their victims or they destroy the life of their victims just the same. Duterte makes no qualms about how he deals with criminals in Davao City. The heinous crime offenders have to be eliminated if they fight it out with the law and if arrested and convicted, they should, just the same, be sentenced to death by hanging. It should be by hanging because electricity or gas chamber and firing squad is just too expensive for these types of criminals. As President, he said, he will have Death Penalty restored. Well said and the people believe him. The problem here is that he has to be President first. Now if you value security, love your family, your freedom from threats from criminals then you have to convince Duterte to run for the Presidency. That is all there is to it.

told the service the nation was still in “enormous shock” over the tragedy of flight 4U 9525, which crashed into the French Alps on March 24, killing all 150 people on board. “Since this day, nothing has been what it was for these families and friends” of the victims, Gauck said. “Something was destroyed that can never be healed again in this world.” Some 1,400 people - including 500 victims’ relatives - attended the ecumenical service, presided over by Cardinal Rainer Maria Woelki, who left Berlin to take over the Cologne archdiocese just last year. “You are not alone in these hours of loneliness,” he told grieving family mem-

bers, encouraging them to take comfort in the crowds of people with them at the service. “Love is stronger than death.” Yes, it has been a tragedy in more than three countries. The German Wings crash has had a wide-reaching impact in western Europe. Most of the victims on board the ill-fated plane traveling from Barcelona to Düsseldorf were Germans and Spaniards. In his address to the congregation, President Gauck offered his thanks to the French people for their role in leading the rescue operation at the crash site in the south of their country. “For this touching sign of friendship between our countries we are all most

Think A Minute

hopeless from all the fighting and killing of his former shipmates, he became an alcoholic who was almost constantly drunk. One day when he was ready to kill himself, he found Captain Bligh’s old Bible. He began to read about Jesus Christ’s mercy and love for him, so He asked Jesus to forgive Him and help him change. From that day forward, he began to obey and live Jesus’ way every day. Friend, maybe you also have rebelled and know that you’ve been living wrongly. Maybe you even feel like a castaway, rejected by your

Castaway

Jhan Tiafau Hurst

him for his crimes. What happened to that rebel sailor and criminal to completely change his heart and character? Well, he had become so depressed and

See doring, page A11

See hurst, page A11

Daily Inspiration Praying for You

Juvy Sarraga

“Dear brothers and sisters, I urge you in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ to join in my struggle by praying to God for me. Do this because of your love for me, given to you by the Holy Spirit.” Romans 15:30

How does it feel when you find out someone has been praying for you? It’s a touching feeling to know someone who loves you is putting their weight into petitioning God for your causes. It is a sign of love. Are you praying for those that you love and joining in their struggles?

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Bukidnon • Camiguin • Lanao del Norte • Lanao del Sur • Misamis Occidental • Misamis Oriental

Chan is new United Way prexy By Mike Baños, Editor-at-Large

Region 10 Tourism Director Catalino “Butch” Chan III was inducted the new president of the United Way Cagayan de Oro-Misamis Oriental & Gingoog City, Inc. last April 24 at the Pilgrim Christian College Executive Hall. Inducted into office by Atty. Carlo Limjoco were the following: Ismael J. Cabegin (Vice President for Operations); Pio D. Baconga (Vice President for Fund Campaigns); Rene K. Burdeos (Vice President for External Affairs); Guadalupe J. Chu (Secretary); Elena M. Borcillo (Assistant Secretary); Leonara C. Ejercito (Treasurer); Dorothy Jean B. Pabayo (Assist ant Tre asurer); Edna R. Garmendia (Auditor) and Virgilio C. Jose, Cherry Mae L. Limbaco, Meneleo R. Navarro, Jose Mari G. Pelaez; Myrna A. Sescon and Justina T. Uy as members of the board. Jose C.Chan has also been elected board member but did not attend the induction. Standing in for Regional Health Director Aristides C. Tan, Atty. Limjoco cited how United Way’s efforts bring “the nurtured miracle of gradually putting in

the forefront of public consciousness the greatest idea that the smallest help extended, and the most humble care given, can pave the way towards bringing back and securing the dignity of life which has been deprived to many of our brothers and sisters.” “It has thus become our fervent wish and resolve, coming from a government agency tasked to bring to our citizenry the basic necessity of an equitable and accessible quality health care and services, to continually support and participate in this great effort of All United Way,” Atty. Limjoco said. “So long as resources allow it, we step forward and take the necessary steps to take active involvement in your Medical Assistance Program, Livelihood and Calamity Assistance Programs, and all other noble undertakings deserving of full support.”

The induction was preceded by the induction of new board members Myrna A. Sescon, Dr. Virgilio C. Jose and Misamis Oriental Vice Governor Jose Mari G. Pelaez by VP-External Affairs Atty. Rene K. Burdeos. The second part of the program featured the raffle draw for solicitors who assisted in the organization’s fund raising activities and awarding of plaques to partners of United Way by Past President Dorothy Jean B. Pabayo with the assistance of the directors. Cited in particular was Mrs. Paquita Adaza’s donation of P20,000 for the next 12 months for its flagship Medical Assistance Program which has assisted 7,606 indigent patients since the program started May 31, 2013. United Way originally started in the US and Canada as the Community Chest, the same name by which the local organization was known when it started. The Community Chests in the United States and Canada were fund-raising organizations that collected money from local businesses and workers and distributed it to community projects. The first Com-

munity Chest, “Community Fund,” was founded in 1913 in Cleveland, Ohio by the Federation for Charity and Philanthropy. The number of Community Chest organizations increased from 39 to 353 between 1919 and 1929, and surpassed 1,000 by 1948. By 1963, and after several name

changes, the term “United Way” was adopted in 1963 in the United States, In 1948, Walter C. Laidlaw merged the Community Chest and other Detroit charities to form the United Foundation. By 1974, there were enough United Way organizations internationally to demand the kind

of support provided by the national organization, United Way of America and United Way International was born, In May 2009, United Way of America and United Way International were integrated as one global entity, United Way Worldwide.

Rep.Rufus B. Rodriguez delivers his message to the faculty and staff of the Cugman Elementary School during the groundbreaking ceremony of the construction of a two-storey, 4 classrooms building costing Php 5,952,197.52. Also in photo is Party List Rep. Maximo Rodriguez, Jr. of Abante Mindanao (sitting, left).Barangay Chairman Ricardo L. Pacheco; and Barangay Kagawads Miller J. Cagatin and Wendelyn L. Escobia. photo supplied

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Introducing Noel B. Barrameda:

Raising the Gold Standard at Seda Centrio

Noel Barrameda

Noel B. Barrameda’s recent appointment as Seda Centrio’s new Hotel Manager is what many would call an auspicious event. Seda had just become the first hotel chainin Asia to undergoaccreditation for Certified Guest Service Professionals (CGSP) from the American Hotels and Lodging Educational Institute (AHLEI) and graduated its second batch of Seda Centrio hotel employees for the Guest Service Gold program recently. Being named a Customer “Gold Service” Property is an affirmation that an establishment’s front-liners meet the highest international standard of service. It recognizes an establishment’s commitment to quality, service and hospitality.” Coincidentally, Mr. Barrameda himself had already undergone the Guest Service Gold Certification Workshop, conducted by the same institute at Lagen Island, El Nido Resorts last July 2013. Guest Service Gold underscores the most important values in guest service based on extensive industry research by the AHLEI, recognized as the global leader in hospitality training and hotel management

certifications, certifying and validating competencies with academia and industry experts. “The objective is not just to satisfy, but to‘delight’ a guest. To do this, a staff member must constantly seek ways to surprise a guest. After all,what guests remember most about a hotel is not so much the furnishings but the stories of theirmemorable experiences during their stay,” says Seda Group General Manager Andrea Mastellone. And his familiarity with Guest Service Gold isn’t all the new Seda Centrio hotel manager brings to the table. For the past eight years, Mr. Barrameda has risen through the ranks to the highest post at El Nido Resorts, Palawan as itsGroup Resort Manageroverseeing the operations of all itsfourproperties. Previous to that,he was Resident Manager, and earlier on, was Sales Manager of anotherinternational luxury resortmanaging travel trade partnerships in the Asia Pacific. His knowledge in business operations was further honedthrough businesses he himself set up in the information technology, spa

Seda Centrio Hotel Manager Noel Barrameda with the hotel’s marketing and sales staff.

working in an architectural firm. Later that year, he found the opportunity to put his newly-learned skills to use through a training stint at a prestigious resort. “They offered me a job as sales supervisor, and even thoughit was not in operations, I thought it was a good way to get me started in the industry. I wasthen promoted to sales manager, enabling me to travel around Asia.After four fulfilling years, I felt it was time to expand my horizons and took the opportunity to work in El Nido as Resident Manager of Miniloc Island.” This was the time he took his Guest Service Gold Certification. But again, the yearning to improve himself further led him to take a sabbatical to pursue the General Managers Program at the Cornell University of Hotel Administration in the US, followed by a Workshop on Accounting and Finance Statement Analysis from the New York University School of Continuing Professional Studies. With his experience and training, what does the new Seda Centrio manager aspire to achieve in his new challenge? Clients from his past affiliations have frequently referred to Mr. Barrameda The Manager at Work - Seda Centrio Hotel Manager Noel Barrameda in a huddle with program host Owen Jaen and as the ‘heart of the company’, an appellation he’d Director for Sales Carol Valdez during the hotel’s Appreciation Party for Top Partners. and hospitality industries. However, what sets Mr. Barrameda apart from other hospitality industry professionals is his unending drive to constantly improve himself, often at his own time and expense. Although he first dabbled in architecture and infor-

mation technology and is well-versed in graphics design and photography, he found his passion in the hospitality industry and enrolled in a Certificate Course in Hotel Operations at the New York University School of Continuing Professional Studies while

like guests to similarly attribute to all Seda Centrio staff, especially now, given their CGSP accreditation and Guest Service Gold training. “I emphasize to my team that we have to live up to our accreditation as a Certified Gold Service Property because this differentiates us from other hotels. We already have a good product but it has to be supported by friendly, reliable service to make us stand out,” he elaborates. “I also want Kagay-anons to feel comfortable in Seda. We have a warm and accommodating staff, a relaxed atmosphere, and facilities for both business and leisure. For visitors here on business, we assure them of professional and efficient service, practicing flexibility as much as we are able to, and providing assistance to ensure them a seamless experience.” “For guests who come here to relax, I would like Seda Centrio to be their top-of-mind choice of venue for a stay-cation, weekend family gathering, or celebrations for special occasions. I want Seda to be a place where they can enjoy a memorable gathering with their friends and families.” It certainly sounds like guests to Seda Centrio have a lot to look forward to during their next visit.

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Seda Centrio hosts Appreciation Party for Top Partners By Mike Baños, photos by Rich Neri Concepcion

Cagayan de Oro City’s premiere urban lifestyle hotel hosted an Appreciation Party for its Top Partners from last year at the Sinamay Function room last Wednesday, April 22. “Seda Centrio wants to show our heartfelt appreciation to all our friends and patrons whose loyalty and patronage have made Seda Centrio Cagayan de Oro’s premier hotel,” said Mr. Noel B. Barrameda, hotel manager in his welcome remarks. As a sign of Seda Centrio’s appreciation of the loyalty and patronage of its guests, Mr. Barrameda said Seda Group General Manager, Mr. Andrea Mastellone, and Group Director of Sales & Marketing Ms. Melissa Carlos flew in from Manila to personally thank Seda Centrio’s friends and patrons by spending time to celebrate with them for the evening. “The reason we’re here tonight is to show our appreciation to institutions, agencies, organizations and individuals who have frequented Seda Centrio for their hotel and events requirements during the past year,” said program host Owen Jaen. Seda Centrio gave out three awards for Top Corporate Partners, another 2

awards for Top Events Partners and one Individual Loyalty Award. “All seven of our awardees were selected on the basis of ranking highest in terms of bookings in our hotel,” said Carol V. Valdez, Seda Centrio Director for Sales. Awardees for the Top Corporate Partners included the National Grid Corporation of the Philippines (NGCP, represented by Mr. Vismindo Cebrian, Principal Specialist, PAMGs-District 3, North Central Mindanao Area); Philippine Sinter Corporation (PSC, represented by Mr. Emmanuel Lapuz, HR Manager); and, Nestle Philippines. Top Events Partners were awarded to companies which frequently held their meetings, events, workshops, roundtable-discussions and planning sessions at Seda Centrio. Awarded were the Municipality of Claveria, Misamis Oriental (represented by Acting Mayor Veraluna Abrogar), and The Philippine American Life & General Insurance Company (PHILAMLIFE AIA, represented by Mr. Freldemar Gamotin, Territory Manager). Not the least, also recognized with the Individual Loyalty

Seda Centrio Hotel Manager Noel Barrameda introducers Guest Chef Danny Gallardo of Seda Nuvali.

Mr Vismindo Cebrian receives the Seda Centrio Award for Top Corporate Partner in behalf of NGCP

Award was Dr. Shirley Tia and family: Mr. Henry Tia, and children Giovan, Celine and John Rey, in recognition of their being Seda Centrio’s most loyal guest who stayed with the hotel the longest, making Seda Centrio their home for many months. Another highlight of the evening was the delectable Japanese Buffet prepared by Guest Chef of Seda Nuvali, Chef Danny Gallardo, who has been a Japanese chef here and abroad for restaurants, exclusive clubs and companies. For the Appreciation Night, Chef Danny prepared Mixed Sushi Maki, Kani Salad Roll and Japanese Cold Noodles to go with the hot items Chicken Teriyaki, Kushikatsu, Prawn Tempura. Yakiniku (Barbeque style) with Onigiri (Special Japanese rice) and topped by green tea mocha and mixed fruit skewer (bread & brownies cheese fondue). Entertainment was provided by Asia’s Got Talent and Talentadong Pinoy winner, Neil

HR Manager Emmanuel Lapuz receives Seda Centrio’s Award for Top Corporate Partner in behalf of the Phil. Sinter Corp.

Acting Claveria Mayor Veraluna Abrogar receives the award as one of Seda Centrio’s Top Events Partner for 2014.

Seda Group Manager Andrea Mastellone watches with amusement the performance of Neil Rey Llanes, The Human Beatbox.

Rey Llanes, who repeatedly wowed the awe struck audience with his “Human Beatbox” act. Music was provided by a local boy band, Just Boys composed of Leon, Andrei, Dove, EJ and Clyde. To further spice up the evening, Seda Centrio raffled off to the audience overnight accommodations for 2 persons at Seda BGC, Seda Nuvali, Seda Abreeza, and Seda Centrio; with the grand prizes being tickets for two

for the Katy Perry concert on May 7 at the Philippine Arena in Bulacan, won by Dr. Ramon Moreno of NMMC; and tickets for three to the same event won by Dr. Alou Ong, also of NMMC. Seda hotels was named the “Philippines’ Leading Hotel Group” in October 2014 by the World Travel Awards considered “the Oscars of the travel industry.” It has also been named a Certified “Gold Service” Property (CGSP) by the

American Hotel & Lodging Educational Institute (AHLEI)— the first hotel brand in Asia to receive this honor. Seda is the first hotel brand in Asia which trained its staff in the Customer “Gold Service” program. Hotel frontliners in the chain’s three properties – namely Seda BGC, Seda Abreeza in Davao City and Seda Centrio in Cagayan de Oro City – passed the individual certification with flying colors.

Mr. Henry Tia and family receive Seda Centrio’s award for Top Individual Partner.

Mindanao Daily A11 NEWS

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Doring... from page A4

deeply grateful,” the president, whose role is largely ceremonial, said. French cabinet minister Alain Vidalies and Spanish Interior Minister Jorge Fernandez Diaz were also present at the service. Deutsche Welle reporter Kate Brady was in Cologne, observing the proceedings on a big screen set up outside the cathedral. The service was also broadcast live on national German television. A candle for each of the dead, including the copilot Lubitz. Not everybody agreed with this ... . Would you? Across Germany, flags flew at half-mast, while buses and trains in Cologne stood still for a minute of silence as the cathedral service got underway. Inside the famous gothic structure, known in German as the “Kölner Dom,” a choir sang hymns, while small wooden angels were put on the pews. The steps to the altar were covered with 150 candles - one for each person who died in crash, including co-pilot Andreas Lubitz. Referring to the decision to include a candle for Lubitz, Cardinal Woelki told Germany’s “Bild” newspaper: “It’s not for us to judge.” President Gauck also asked the congregation to remember the co-pilot’s family. “On March 24 his relatives lost someone whom they loved and who leaves behind a hole in their lives - in a way that they find just as difficult to make sense of as all the other bereaved.” An unbelievable event. An unbelievable story. Many remaining questions. For all of us, who are taking a plane now and also in future. Here and everywhere in this world. +++ Email: doringklaus@ gmail.com or follow me in Facebook or Twitter or visit www.germanexpatinthephilippines.blogspot.com.

Hurst... from page A4

family and friends, but especially rejected by God. Did you know that you can never become too wrong or bad for God to love and accept you. He will never cast you away or reject you, no matter what you’ve done! In fact, right now, Jesus is just waiting for you to ask Him to forgive you and start changing you from this day forward, for the rest of your life. Will you do it? Just Think a Minute…

Leaders... from page A1

six tribal people by the state’s para-military forces and armed goons. According to Plama, the Lumads make up most of the 103 victims of extrajudicial killings in Mindanao, another 233 have accused falsely and internally displaced about 10,000 Lumads out

of militarization and other forms of rights violations. The Lumads (natives) of Mindanao have been subjected to intensified attack through the militarization of the countryside, environmental plunder of ancestral domains, and rights violation, Plama said. He said that the IPs are optimistic that the Mindanao wide assembly could come up a comprehensive paper that could provoke the government to institute measures in addressing the problems of the tribal people in Mindanao. CD/EM

Power... from page A1

that act as its guidepost in doing business — People, Planet and Profit. “The profit comes afterwards. But first, we have to take care of the people and the planet,” Ronquillo told this paper. Hedcor held here on Earth Day (April 22) the groundbreaking ceremony for its P12.5-billion two cascading run-ofriver hydropower plants with a combined capacity of 68.8 megawatts (MW) that will generate a total of 360 gigawatt hour (GWh) of electricity every year. These plants will be online in 2016. Feasibility study for the project started in 2012 but it was only this year that Hedcor finally secured all the necessary permits to be able to actually began construction of the plants. But since 2012, the company had given support to the lumad communities in the project area, said Datu Honorio Sumohoy, chieftain of the Bukidnon tribe. According to Sumohoy, Hedcor arrived in their village Gilang-Gilang armed with questions and not projects for implementations or project proposals. “The questions were all about the community and the tribe and how Hedcor will be able to help the tribe and the community.” “Every time we do projects, we always see to it that we consult the communities involved. We just don’t come in and implement projects. We asked the communities how we can help them. All the projects in the community are

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those that the community themselves proposed,” Ronquillo said. Among these projects are livelihood and education. Sumohoy, the mandatory representative of the IPs to the Municipal Council of Manolo Fortich and main claimant of the 15,000 hectares ancestral domain that is being traversed by the Tagoloan River — whose power Hedcor will harness through its power plants — these two are needed to empower the tribe to be able determine their future as well as be better guardians of the environment. “We are very grateful to Hedcor and to the AboitizPower for supporting us and for giving us hope that we can still improve our tribe and our lives. In fact, since 2012, Hedcor had given the tribe support on three separate occasions already. Imagine, this was before the actual project started. How much more when construction starts and during its operation?” he told this paper. “Ever since the time Hedcor came to Manolo Fortich, there have been improvements in the tribal communities. The company is supporting some of our youths’ education as scholars and it has provided us livelihood trainings and other kinds of supports to empower us to become better and to improve our lives,” he added. Aside from livelihood and education, Hedcor is also employing the lumad communities in the project area as guardian of the forest. The company is providing them with seedlings of fruit-bearing and forest trees for its reforestation and watershed management project in the area. “Parte sa among gipirmahang kasabutan sa Hedcor mao ang reforestation project. Kini importante kaayo kay kita nasayod nga kung walay kahoy, wala usay tubig. Ang among kasabutan mao nga ang Hedcor ang mogasto sa tanan ug kami sa tribu mao ang motanom ug modepensa sa mga kahoy nga among gitanum,” Sumohoy said. The protection of the environment is part of Hedcor’s mandate to it-

DENR Undersecretary for Administration and Information Systems Ernesto D. Adobo, Jr. (R) witnesses the turn-over between DENR 10 Regional Director Ruth M. Tawantawan (C) and Bukidnon Forest Incorporated (BFI) General Manager Reynaldo Abordo (L) on the management and operation of the project on Integrated Sustainable Wood Pellet Manufacturing and Industrial Tree Plantation Development in the Philippines on April 10 in Cagayan de Oro City. The project is a contract between the Philippine government represented by the DENR Secretary Ramon JP Paje and the Republic of Korea and the implementation survey team of Korea International Cooperation Agency (KOICA). (mmp/rpao pr # 04-154-2015)

self. “Hedcor is driven to protect, conserve and preserve our environment. We are geared towards generating power that leaves a lighter impact and does not compromise the Earth’s climate and its limited resources. Hedcor offers Cleanergy as a solution,” Boy Jabonillo, Hedcor vice president for Business Development, told this paper in an earlier interview. Aside from generating electricity, Hedcor is also generating employment for the locals, income for the local government units (LGUs) and better options for lumads. Ronquillo said that the construction phase of its plants will create from 800 to 1,000 jobs for the local people of this municipality. Aside from that, the company will also open up access roads that will give farmers more practical means of transporting their crops to the market. And when the plants are in operation already, farmers can tap water from the weir to irrigate their farms and watering livestock. Through taxes, royalties and shares from the hydropower plants, millions or even billions will go to the barangay, municipal and provincial

LGUs that can be used for the empowerment of the constituents. (Bong D. Fabe)

Income... from page A1

figures reported. “Just to emphasize here, kung ibutang tanang tinuod nga gi-claim sa atong kasamtangan nga administration nga naay P2.7 billion Nobyembre palang, asa man ang kwatro sientos diseotso milyones nga balance nganong wala man mogawas sa mga financial statements sa COA,” Elipe asked. MANIFESTATIONS In his reaction, Councilor Ramon Tabor said there is no basis for coming up with the P2.7 billion income as it is not backed by documents. He said what is more prevailing is the statement submitted to COA. “I think the point of the reporter is that iyang gipakita lang nga katong P2.7 billion statement ... walay basehan kay kini mismo ang dokumento nga gisubmitir nag ingon nga mao ang income,” Tabor cited, saying the income of P2.7 billion is only lip service if documents say otherwise. “Kinsa katong nag ingon nga P2.7 ila na kanang kargo, ila na kanang responsibilidad. Kay naa man prinsipyo sa balaod kanang gitawag

nga Res Ipsa Loquitur, the thing/document speaks for itself ... kung mao nang gisubmitar that will prevail. The P2.2 billion income, for all intents and purposes, documentary, legal or otherwise will be the basis as the true figure not those earlier mentioned …,” Tabor cited. COA In his reaction, Councilor Roger Abaday said while he appreciates the report, it is premature to predict, especially as the chief executive will submit the financial statement of the city during the next quarter. He said the city council should wait for the regular, annual report of the COA on the matter. For his part, Councilor Teodulfo Lao said it is the COA that has jurisdiction to look into the transaction of local government units whether onerous or if funds entrusted are being abused. “Let’s wait for the report, that’s the time to discuss on liabilities,” he added. Councilor Elipe said he will make a series of reports on the financial documents in the next couple of weeks.

A12 Mindanao Daily NEWS northmin . westmin . caraga . davao Your Mindanao-wide Community Newspaper

sunday, april 26, 2015 Advertising and Editorial E-mail : mindanaodailynews@gmail.com Contact nos. : 0917-7121424 â€˘ 0947-8935776