Mindanao Daily News (January 3, 2023)

Duterte out, Duterte in; still ‘all in the family’ in M’danao

By CAROLYN O. ARGUILLAS MindaNews

DAVAO CITY — The country’s first Mindanawon President, Rodrigo Roa Duterte, stepped down after a six-year term on June 30, 2022, the same day his daughter Sara, started her six-year term as Vice President, his youngest son Sebastian his first threeyear term as Davao City Mayor and his eldest son Paolo, his second term as Representative of the first congressional district of Davao City.

The 44-year old Sara, three-term mayor of Davao City and running mate of the UniTeam’s Ferdinand Romualdez Marcos, Jr.,

BOMBO RADIO TOP LEVEL MANAGEMENT CONFERENCE

The Convergence of New Media in Radio!

BOMBO RADYO Philippines, reinforces its claim as the NUMBER 1 AND MOST TRUSTED RADIO NETWORK IN THE COUNTRY by holding its Top Level Management Conference 2023 in the cradle where it was founded, Iloilo City.

The five (5) days of strategic planning session as applied to the present times is headed by its President and Chief Executive Officer, MS. MARGARET RUTH C. FLORETE.

Bombo Radyo Philippine has consistently been in the forefront of industry, constantly transforming itself to be of better service to its audience. Fresh from an equipment and logistics upgrade costing PESOS: ONE HUNDRED MILLION (P100,000,000.00) prior to the pandemic, it has markedly increase its digital footprint with Digital Bombo Radyo goaded by the need to touch base and interact with its audience during the height of Covid 19.

The avid followers of Bombo Radyo Philippines can be assured that the Network is aware of the

Tampakan mines: ban on open pit mining lifted, vetoed

By BONG S. SARMIENTO MindaNews

KORONADAL, South Cotabato — Outrage gripped South Cotabato in May as the Sangguniang Panlalawigan lifted the controversial ban on open pit mining, removing the decade-long thorn in the throat of the $5.9-billion Tampakan project, Southeast Asia’s largest untapped coppergold minefield.

Without objection or dissenting opinion from the SP members present, the plenary approved the amendment of the 2010 Environment Code of South Cotabato on May 16, particularly the removal of the prohibition on open-pit mining.

Marbel Bishop Cerilo Casicas described as “parang may betrayal” the decision of the provincial board to lift the ban, noting, among others, that results of the public consultation in

the

needs of its audience. The strategic planning conference is meant to review performances, identify good practices as applied to all areas of operations, jettisoning those that are not responsive to the radio audience these times.

As the march of technology continues to be made available, Bombo Radyo Philippines and Digital Bombo will continue to make use of these developments so as to be of better service to its audience. This is your Bombo Radyo Philippines, the Most Trusted and Number One Radio Network in the Country!

By AZER PARROCHA

MANILA – Department of Budget and Management (DBM) Secretary Amenah Pangandaman on Sunday urged Filipinos to put “faith and confidence” in the leadership of President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. as the country ushers 2023.

In her New Year’s Day message, Pangandaman acknowledged that the past few years have put the nation to the test but Filipinos have managed to soldier on.

open-

Sara Duterte, 15th Vice President of the Philippines, with parents Elizabeth Zimmerman and President Rodrigo Duterte. Supreme court Justice Ramon Paul Hernando administered her in Davao City on 19 June 2022. M inda n ews photo by M an M an de J eto

“We were confronted with the pandemic, as well as calamities and challenges here and abroad. But, in the

Department of Budget and Management Secretary Amenah Pangandaman (File photo )

Put faith in Marcos’ leadership as PH ushers in 2023: DBM chief

Marbel Bishop Cerilo Casicas addresses the crowd during the solidarity march against the lifting of

ban on

pit mining in South Cotabato on Thursday, 19 May 2022, in Koronadal City. M inda n ews photo by bon G s sa RM iento

FLORETE

PH on heightened alert amid China surge; public urged to mask up

By JOYCE ANN L. ROCAMORA

MANILA – The Philippines is on “heightened alert” as a surge of coronavirus disease 2019 (Covid-19) cases in China triggers global concern.

In a Dec. 31 memorandum, all DOH-Centers for Health Development (DOH-CHD) were instructed to prepare and augment resources, especially telemedicine providers, in case of a possible increase in patients with respiratory symptoms.

All CHDs were enjoined to ramp up information dissemination on the importance of layers of protection, including the wearing of masks, getting the most updated vaccines, and selfisolation if unwell.

“[T]o ensure minimal local transmission in anticipation of possible increases, all CHDs are likewise

( F ile photo )

directed to continue the strict implementation of the updated guidelines on Minimum Public Health Standards, as aligned with Department Memorandum 2022-0433, as well as other relevant Covid-19 surveillance and mitigation measures,” said DOH officer-in-charge Secretary Maria Rosario Vergeire.

Vergeire reiterated DOH’s directive on the

Marcos admin prioritizes cheap, renewable energy

By AZER PARROCHA

MANILA – The administration of Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. will continue to pursue measures and policies to ensure the availability of cheap and reliable energy through the promotion and utilization of renewable energy (RE) sources.

This was the promise made by the Department of Energy (DOE) in its yearend report which identified major plans for 2023 including updating the Philippine Energy Plan, pursuing contingency measures and activities to ensure energy supply during critical pe -

riods, and pushing for the continued development of alternative fuel and improving access to electricity.

Marcos, in his first State of the Nation Address (SONA), said energy will be a “key sector” in the administration’s push for economic growth and increased employment.

He said the country is searching for new power sources while improving the mix of the energy supply between traditional and renewable sources.

As part of these efforts, the DOE, in collaboration

Bureau of Quarantine and relevant offices to intensify monitoring and implementation of border protocols for incoming individuals, including from China, at all ports of entry.

Agencies were likewise ordered to closely coordinate with seaport and airport authorities “for possible re-establishment of testing of inbound travelers from high alert countries”. (PNA)

PH offers prayers following passing of former Pope Benedict

By AZER PARROCHA

MANILA – The Philippines joins the world in offering prayers following the passing of former Pope Benedict XVI, who was the first pontiff in 600 years to resign from the post, President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. said Saturday night.

On his official Twitter account, Marcos extended sympathies to the former pope’s loved ones.

“We are in deep sorrow upon learning of the passing of Pope Emeritus Benedict XVI today. The Philippines is one in offering our prayers for the eternal repose of his soul. We keep his loved ones in our prayers,” he said.

The Catholic Bishops’ Conference of the Philippines, for its part, said it will “fondly remember” the former pope for being a “Pope of Charity.”

“If Pope Francis is known as the Pope of Mercy and Joy, Pope Benedict will be remembered as the Pope of Charity. He began his episcopacy with a profoundly theological encyclical entitled DEUS CARITAS EST (God is Love),” CBCP President and Caloocan Bishop Pablo Virgilio David said in

a statement. David said the former pope will be especially remembered as “a great theologian, catechist and musician.”

“He spent the last years of his life as an emeritus pope in solitude and contemplation, supporting the

Gov’t target to build 6M housing units to benefit 30M Filipinos

MANILA – The administration of President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. has stepped up efforts to address housing woes with the kick-off of its flagship program aimed at constructing over 6 million houses, which is expected to benefit some 30 million Filipinos.

The Pambansang Pabahay para sa Pilipino (4PH) Program envisions to construct 6.15 million housing units over the next six years and involves the transformation of informal settlements into prime residential sites and waterfronts and the rehabilitation of esteros, according to the administration’s 2022 year-end report.

Among the features of the program are in-city

resettlement, high-density/ vertical housing emphasis in highly urbanized areas, utilization of idle government lands and support of government financial institutions (GFIs) and private banks to provide development loans and end-user financing, among others.

It also involves the provision of interest support to reduce beneficiaries’ monthly amortization, local government units (LGUs) as the lead in implementing housing projects and participation by private sector developers and contractors as partners.

As of Dec. 22, 2022, the Department of Human Settlements and Development (DHSUD) has signed

47 Memorandums of Understanding (MOUs) with 39 LGUs and eight provincial LGUs.

Decent housing for all According to a briefer on the site inspection of the land development and housing project, the MOU provides that the DHSUD and LGUs “will identify blighted areas for development, purchase or pursue expropriation of private properties occupied by informal settler families (ISFs), facilitate the in-city or onsite development of government-owned properties with ISFs, and identify beneficiaries of the housing project.”

Pope Benedict XVI ( photo cou R tesy o F t he V atican website )

HOUSING PROJECT. President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. inspects a housing unit in Naic, Cavite on Dec. 5, 2022. The Marcos administration has stepped up efforts to address housing woes with the kick-off of its flagship program aimed at constructing over 6 million houses over the course of his tenure, which is expected to benefit some 30 million Filipinos. ( F ile photo )

DOH logs 15% drop in firecracker -related incidents nationwide

By LIZA AGOOT

BAGUIO CITY – Department of Health (DOH) officer-in-charge Undersecretary Maria Rosario Vergeire on Sunday said they recorded a nationwide decrease in firecracker-related injuries as the country welcomed the New Year compared to the same period in 2022.

“There is a 15 percent decrease in cases recorded in all regions as of this morning,” Vergeire said during a press conference at the Baguio General Hospital and Medical Center (BGHMC) grounds after making the rounds of the facility’s trauma unit and non-Covid-19 emergency room.

The BGHMC, the biggest tertiary government medical facility in the Cordillera Administrative Region (CAR), is one of the 61 sentinel hospitals being monitored for firecracker-related injuries across the country.

As of the morning of Jan. 1, the DOH has recorded a total of 137 firecracker-related injuries reported by the sentinel hospitals since the start of the monitoring on Dec. 20.

Vergeire said 85 of the cases occurred from Dec.

31 to the morning of Jan. 1.

The decrease is attributed to the local government units’ (LGU) implementation of regulations and ordinances related to the use and sale of firecrackers and pyrotechnics, she noted.

Vergeire added that the cooperation of the people in avoiding the use of firecrackers and pyrotechnics as well as the conduct of commu -

nity fireworks displays likewise contributed to the decline in injuries.

The official said aside from CAR, the other regions that recorded a drop in firecracker injuries are Ilocos, Cagayan Valley, Central Luzon, Western Visayas and the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao.

However, she said they are expecting additional cases until their monitoring ends on Jan. 6.

Vergeire urged the public to avoid picking up and using unlighted firecrackers and pyrotechnics.

She assured that hospitals would continue to be prepared in case more persons would seek medical help.

“Even with the slightest injury, and nobody in the house is capable of managing it, have them checked at a medical facility,” Vergeire said. ( PNA )

University of Abra holds information drive on FOI

By CHRISTIAN ALLISTER TUBADEZA

LAGANGILANG, Abra (PIA) -- The University of Abra (UA) Lagangilang Campus hosted an information drive and orientation on the Freedom of Information (FOI) program of the government for its students.

The activity held at the UA Gymnasium was attended by more than 100 first year college students of the School of Information Technology.

The information drive organized by UA FOI Focal Person Joventino Trinidad Jr. aims to raise the awareness of students on FOI as well as to promote inclusivity through access to information among students.

The participants were informed of the salient features of Executive Order

No. 02. series of 2016, an overview of the FOI as well as the current implementation of the program through the technical assistance provided by the Philippine Information Agency.

They also raised their questions regarding the processes of filing for an information request as well as concerns relative to the implementation of the FOI at the local level.

The students were also reminded of some useful tips in using social media to be responsible users of its various platforms.

“We will be hosting a series of FOI information drive again next year since this program can really help students who will be needing the right information for their studies and researches,” Trinidad said. (JDP/CAGT-PIA CAR, Abra)

SAFER NEW YEAR REVELRIES. Department of Health OIC Undersecretary Maria Rosario Vergeire says in a press conference in Baguio City on Sunday (Jan. 1, 2023) that they recorded a 14 percent drop in firecracker-related injuries across the country from Dec. 20 to the morning of Jan. 1. She attributed the decrease to the cooperation of the people and local government units which opted to conduct community fireworks displays. ( pna photo by l iza t . a G oot )

Susan’s Notes

Of bottoms up revamp and shifting of political alliances

ROCKINGHAM , North Carolina—As I write this, it’s only a few hours before we all ring in 2023 and for what it’s worth, 2022 was a real humdinger. But if anything, 2022 was a breakthrough year in the global fight against the COVID-19 pandemic and after two years of restricted movement, it seems there will be more freedom for people to resume their pace of life and it’s about time we shrug off this albatross weighing heavily down our backs. 2022 was also an election year and from top to bottom, there was more or less a seismic change in leadership. From President Bongbong Marcos down to

Kim’s Dream

the local leaders, the voters have spoken and while all of us will have reservations about the new leaders, we will have to deal with the consequences of the collective choices of fellow Filipinos. This particularly also applies to Misamis Oriental province.

But first things first. Along with the change in leadership come the expected entry of new people in the bureaucracy of both Cagayan de Oro City Hall and the Provincial Capitol. I still have to collect info from the province but thanks to some friends/connections, I’ve learned that Mayor Rolando ‘Klarex’ Uy made good on his promise to ef -

fect a bottoms up revamp of the City Hall bureaucracy which took effect at the end of Dec. 31 or the first few seconds of New Year’s Day Jan. 1.

The revamp didn’t come overnight of course. Based on what I gathered from my sources, there was a ‘gentleman’s agreement’ of sorts between incumbent Mayor Klarex and his predecessor, former mayor Oscar Moreno in which Moreno supposedly asked Mayor Klarex to retain the

THE Kibaritan farmers who are organized into Kibaritan Farmers Higaonon Tribe Agriculture Cooperative are now living in extreme poverty and oppression and can not bear any longer. After two-years of suffering so much social injustice, they have finally decided to stand-up for their right. Early next year, they will harness their collective potential and a firm collective intent to close down two agencies of government that have failed to fulfill their mandate. They have comeup with a MANIFESTO which may be a wake-up call as summarized below”

“The highest law of the land, the 1987 Constitution, has STATED in clear categorical term the following DECLARATION: a) No person shall be deprived of life, liberty, or property without due process of law, nor shall any person be de-

nied the equal protection of the laws; b) The State shall promote social justice in all phases of national development. c) A public office is a public trust. Public officers and employees, must at all times, be accountable to the people, serve them with utmost responsibility, loyalty and efficiency; act with patriotism and justice and lead modest lives; d) Civilian authority is, at all times, supreme over the military; e) The prime duty of the Government is to serve and protect the people.

“Are these constitutional declaration just empty rhetoric?

“All these years we, the Kibaritan farmers, have been living in extreme poverty and oppression and the oppressors are no less than men in uniform in connivance with agencies of government in clear violation of the above mentioned

constitutional provisions and of our human rights.

Our oppression began when the AFP has included our 195-hectare farmland as part of the military reservation which was contrary to the stand of an LGU committee headed by then ViceMayor now Hon. Mayor Raymond Charl Gamboa that such conversion of our land as part of military reservation is so dangerous as Sitio Kibaritan is already a community with a chapel, an Elementary School and a

The Years Between

THE Years Between (1946) is a British film directed by Compton Bennett and starring Michael Redgrave,

Hobson and Flora Robson in an adaptation of the 1945 play The Years Between by Daphne du Maurier. It was shot at the Riverside Studios.

“Evocative details about family, friends, writers and landscapes make Lynn Cohen’s Between the Years vibrant and moving. Her landscapes are filled with memories that balance between nostalgia and revelation, as we journey with the poet through the cycle of searching, finding, losing, and recovering. Loss and aging dance with youth and fulfillment, creating poems of lyrical intensity and sur-

prise. Look for “Affairs are not for the Faint Hearted,” “Gretchen,” “Colossus,” and “City of Glass.” Lynn’s poems remind us that an epic unfolds between birth and death.”

New Year’s Day is the pause between the past and the future -- after the grand retrospectives of Hanukkah and Christmas but before the resolutions and predictions kick in. This is one of the few moments in the year when we are almost forced to contemplate the strange propulsion of time that carries us along through life. You can choose your own metaphor. Do the years feel like combers rolling onto the beach, one after the other? Do you feel as if you’re swimming down -

stream with the current of a mighty river? Or does this winter-shift from one year to the next feel like a portage through dark woods between two lakes?

From time to time most of us aspire to episodes of timelessness, if that isn’t a contradiction in terms. Parents look at their children, or we look at our parents, and there is a horrifying thrill in how rapidly they change, a thrill that makes us want to stop time, as much for ourselves as for

under Business License Certificate No. 2020-04013, BIR-TIN No. 464-682-324-000.

ALLAN MARIO MEDIANTE

RUFINO T. MAGBANUA Vice President for

VICENTE C. DELA VICTORIA Vice President for Operations

RENE MICHAEL BAÑOS Vice President for Special Projects

DANTE SUDARIA, JR. Vice President for Digital ROSE MARY D. SUDARIA, PhD Vice president for

Susan Palmes-Dennis

Valerie

Orlan R. Ravanera

Ilonggos urged to prepare 72-hr survival kit for emergency

By PERLA LENA

ILOILO CITY – City residents here are encouraged to prepare a survival kit (K-KIT) of tools and supplies enough to meet their needs for 72 hours during any disaster or emergency.

Iloilo City Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office (CRDDMO) head Donna Magno said on Saturday that emergencies such as an earthquake can happen anytime without any warnings.

“It can happen anytime. So there is a sense of urgency, we always emphasize

that to the public because we can never tell when it (will) happen,” she said in an interview.

Magno said that in partnership with a private manning firm, they have been going around the city conducting community-based training, part of which is how to make a family disaster preparedness plan.

She added that for the past weeks, they have 50 trained personnel who reached out to barangays to conduct the training.

“They were able to train

URGED , page 8

NegOr guv expects to sustain peace, dev’t gains this year

By MARY JUDALINE PARTLOW

DUMAGUETE CITY –Negros Oriental Gov. Roel Degamo has expressed optimism about a better year ahead even as he noted the province’s gains in 2022.

Degamo, in his yearend press conference on Saturday, pointed out his administration’s accomplishments and the awards it reaped in the midst of a controversial electoral row over the governorship of Negros Oriental.

“I am thankful that I am back in the office now so that I may continue what I have started in 2022 to ensure that the delivery of basic services to the people as well as peace and development projects will not be interrupted,” he said in mixed English and Cebuano.

Degamo’s rival candidate Pryde Henry Teves was declared winner in the May 9, 2022 elections by the Commission on Elections (Comelec).

But a legal battle that reached the Supreme Court later resulted in the Comelec

en banc nullifying Teves’ victory after the votes of nuisance candidate Ruel Degamo were counted in Roel Degamo’s favor, making him the duly elected governor of Negros Oriental.

Teves voluntarily stepped down on Oct. 11.

Degamo said it is time to buckle down to work as he hoped for unity between the executive and legislative branches of the provincial

government.

The governor reiterated that his administration’s priority will be his flagship program HELP -- acronym for Health, Education, Livelihood, Programs, and Projects for Peace and Development.

He noted that recouping from the pandemic with the province starting to open up borders, ease quarantine restrictions and bouncing

back from the economic losses, HELP activities continued last year with a renewed vigor from various government agencies, the private sector and other stakeholders collaborating for better outcomes.

These resulted in various recognitions the province received

Awards and recognitions

The citations gained by Negros Oriental include the 2021 Best Performing Provincial Anti-Drug Abuse Council, High Function Provincial Anti-Drug Abuse Council, Functional Peace and Order Council Awards, Top Performing Local Government Unit Award, and the High Five for Inter-Agency Collaboration from the Fred Hollows Foundation.

Degamo expressed gratitude and attributed these accomplishments to the collaboration among all concerned sectors, saying that “Negros Oriental can always reach new heights

ML-Jasa-an Lower Jasa-an, Pob Jasa-an, Misamis Oriental

National Higway, Bauk-Bauk, Balingo-an, Misamis Oriental

Camiguin

POSITIVE OUTLOOK. Negros Oriental Gov. Roel Degamo is optimistic the province will fare better in 2023 despite challenges his administration is facing, such as the PHP500-million cut in its Internal Revenue Allotment. The governor gave a run-through of accomplishments and awards in 2022 during his year-end press conference in Dumaguete City on Saturday (Dec. 31, 2022). ( p hoto by J udy F lo R es p a R tlow )

while setting out to take on new endeavors.

BE PREPARED. Donna Magno, Iloilo City Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office (CRDDMO) head, urges the public to prepare for any hazards, particularly earthquakes during a disaster risk reduction seminar on Dec. 27, 2022. In an interview on Saturday (Dec. 31), she said the public must be ready with their survival kit and family disaster preparedness plan. ( pna photo by p G l ena )

DTI monitors red onions SRP in wet markets

THE Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) fielded its price monitoring teams beginning on 30 December 2022 to assist the Department of Agriculture (DA) in checking suggested retail prices (SRP) of red onions in public wet markets in the National Capital Region and will continue to other regions.

The DTI price monitoring for red onion is in response to the call of the President Ferdinand Mar-

cos, Jr. and DA Circular No. 12 dated 29 December 2022, which places an SRP of P250 per kilogram of red onion in public wet markets.

The DA circular regarding the SRP on red onions is in effect until the first week of January 2023.

Trade and Industry Secretary Fred Pascual directed the DTI teams to include red onions in the basket of goods being monitored by the DTI to assist DA in See MONITORS , page 8

PH eyed as one of leading economies in Asia Pacific region

By JOANN VILLANUEVA

MANILA – Following the domestic economy’s contraction due to the pandemic, the Philippine economy started this year’s first quarter with a bang after sustaining its expansion following the glitch in the third quarter of the previous year.

Growth, as measured by gross domestic product

NOTICE TO THE PUBLIC

( pna F ile photo ) (GDP), rose by 8.2 percent year-on-year from January to March this year after 7.8 percent in the previous three months.

This is also a turn-around from the -3.8 percent same period in 2021, which is the last negative economic print for the economy since dipping to -16.9 percent in the second quarter of 2022.

The government has continued the reopening of the economy to allow it to regain its previous luster.

In the first three quarters this year, GDP growth averaged 7.77 percent, exceeding the government’s 6.5-7.5 percent full-year growth assumption. Thus, the retention of the government’s growth assumption for this year amidst the threat of recession in the world’s largest economy.

Finance Secretary Benjamin Diokno said “the worst is over” for the domestic economy, noting that “better years are expected.”

“All things considered, the Philippines did very well in 2022 – both politically and economically,” he said.

The country held its national elections last May, wherein then Presidential aspirant and now President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. saw a big lead over his contend-

NOTICE TO THE PUBLIC

We are hereby informing the public, particularly our clients and advertisers that :

Mindanao Daily News Publishing Corporation Official Receipt No. 6116

Is hereby declared null and void. The said receipt was lost in our files and may have been stolen. Thus, the use of said Official Receipt is non-official and will not be honored by the Management of Mindanao Daily News Publishing Corporation. The user could be held criminally liable.

ers.

Economists have traced to the strong mandate that Marcos received from the people as the source of investors’ renewed confidence in the country, which, according to some sectors, was in question leading up to the elections.

Diokno said all sectors of the economy are expected to post strong expansion in 2023, led by manufacturing, which is one source of optimism given its strong recovery, and construction, partly due to the government’s increased infrastructure spending.

Job creation in the manufacturing sector rose by 10.42 percent year-on-year last October, which, Diokno said, indicated business expansion and higher capacity use.

“The expanded job creation is a sign of future growth prospects for the sector,” he said.

Employment is another bring spot for the economy after unemployment declined to 4.5 percent last October, lower than the 5.3 percent pre-pandemic.

Also, the 14.2 percent underemployment rate during the same period is lower than the 14.8 percent in January 2020.

Amidst these factors, inflation remains a sticky issue due mainly to the spikes in oil prices in the world market on account of the impact of the RussiaUkraine war. The oil price hikes have also affected the prices of other commodities.

Oil prices even rose to around USD100 per barrel in the past months, but it has declined to around USD80 per barrel and below in recent weeks.

Last November, the rate of price increases rose to its new 14-year high of 8 percent after breaching the government’s 2-4 percent target band last April, at 4.9 percent.

Average inflation in the first 11 months this year stood at 5.6 percent.

Diokno said inflation is seen to ease in 2023 and go back to within target levels by 2024.

Earlier, Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP) Governor Felipe Medalla projected inflation to peak last month (December), citing the drop in the prices of oil in the international market.

He said inflation is seen to go back to within target levels in the second half of 2023.

Relatively, Diokno said

Mindanao

DSWD pours in P28.1M aid to flood victims in Misamis provinces

By NEF LUCZON

CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY

– The Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) has provided more than PHP28.1 million worth of cash assistance to the families affected by flash floods and landslides brought about by the shear line in the provinces of Misamis Occidental and Misamis Oriental.

In a statement on Saturday, DSWD Region 10 (Northern Mindanao) Assistant Director Ronald Ryan Cui supervised the distribution of financial assistance and family food packs (FFPs) to 11 local government units (LGUs) of Misamis Occidental, and in Gingoog City, Misamis Oriental.

Based on DSWD reports, Cui said there were 1,016 residents from Jimenez town, 422 families from Plaridel, both in Misamis Occidental; and 24 families from Gingoog City who have received the FFPs and cash assistance.

Each recipient family in the aforementioned Misamis Occidental municipalities

received PHP5,000 under the Assistance to Individuals in Crisis Situations (AICS).

At least 932 residents in the municipality of Tudela, 576 families in Clarin, and 505 families in Sinacaban, also received cash assistance.

Still in Misamis Occidental, DSWD-10 also distributed financial aid to 124 residents of Ozamiz City, 128 families in Panaon, and seven families from Baliangao who have partially-damaged houses.

In addition, some 1,732 beneficiaries received financial assistance in Oroquieta City, 623 families from the town of Aloran, and 492 families from Lopez Jaena.

Meanwhile, Cagayan de Oro City Mayor Rolando Uy also personally handed over to Misamis Occidental Vice Governor Rowena Gutierrez the check worth PHP2 million as the city’s financial assistance to the province.

The city government here also sent food and non-food items, including medicines and a water tanker to help ease the plight of the Dec. 24 to 25 flood victims. ( PNA )

Marawi village benefits from outreach program of 55th EBde

By CLAIRE GIGJE

MARAWI CITY, Lanao del Sur (PIA)--Residents of Barangay Banga here benefitted from the outreach program kicked off by the 55th Engineer Brigade.

During the event, a total of 350 residents enjoyed the extended services, among which were free circumcision (110), haircut (77), provision of eyeglasses (30), general check-up (83) and distribution of slippers (50).

Banga Barangay Chairperson Sahara Bacarat conveyed her gratitude on behalf of her village as she noted that after quite some time, this was the only moment they witnessed such an effort anew.

She stated that receiving services from their army friends only depicts that her barangay is one of the priorities of their transformation roadmap.

“Itong ginanap na medical mission sa aming barangay ay napakalaking tulong na sa amin dahil sa mga nakaraang taon, ngayon lang ito nangyari sa amin… Ako ay lubos na nasisiyahan sa

pagpapalawak nila ng Army Transformation Roadmap at kasali ang barangay namin dito sa kanilang prayoridad sa Marawi City,” said Bacarat.

[This medical mission in our barangay is a big help to us because, for the past years, this just happened to us… I am very happy about the expanded Army Transformation Roadmap

and my barangay is one of the priorities in Marawi City.]

Resident Jamalodin Punut also commended the undertaking done by the engineer brigade. He stated that this has indeed delivered vital aid to his fellow Maranaos.

“Malaking tulong ito sa aming komunidad at sa mga Maranao [this is a big help

to our communities and the Maranaos],” said Punut.

Another resident Moli’d Hussien Domado was also joyful as well to have been assisted during the outreach program.

He stressed that the services given significantly eased the medical needs of the constituents in the area.

P H I L I P P I N E S

Branch

2 Kisolon, Sumilao, Bukidnon

ML-Malaybalay 1 Branch Fortich St., Poblacion Malaybalay City, Bukidnon

Galido is new chief of WestMinCom

By FERDINANDH B. CABRERA MindaNews

COTABATO CITY — Major General Roy Galido, commander of the 6th Infantry Division, is the new chief of the Western Mindanao Command (WestMinCom).

Galido, a membe of the Philippine Military Academy’ Class 1990 BigkisLahi, confirmed to MindaNews on Saturday that he received an order dated December 23 that he will take over the post of Lt. Gen. Alfredo Rosario Jr.

He said the exact date of the turnover has not been set but “probably that will take time second week of January.” WestMinCom is based in Zamboanga City.

Galido’s successor at the 6th ID has not been named. No announcement has been made on Rosario’s next assignment.

Galido assumed tas 6th ID commander on August 11, 2022. Before that he was Deputy Commanding General of the Philippine Army. ( Ferdinandh B. Cabrera / MindaNews )

ML-Malaybalay 2 Branch Alvaro, Pabillaran St., Malaybalay City, Bukidnon

ML- Malaybalay 3 Branch Fortich St., Brgy. 2 Malaybalay City, Bukidnon

ML-Lantapan Branch Public Market, Pob. Lantapan, Bukidnon 8. ML-Cabanglasan Branch Purok 10, Pob. Cabanglasan Bukidnon

Commencing on January 16, 2023 at 9:00 A.M. those establishment above will set a public auction all overdue pledges in the same up to August 2022 . Patrons are enjoined to verify their receipts.

MANAGEMENT

Sa Enero 16, 2023 sa mga alas 9:00 sa buntag ang tanang butang naremati, isubasta diri sa tagsatagsa, nga buhatan nga ginganlan sa itaas. Tanang Butang penerenda nga wala malukat hangtud sa Agosto 2022 , maapil sa subasta. Giawhag ang tanang suki sa pagsusi sa ilang resibo.

TAGDUMALA

Commencing on January 17, 2023 at 9:00 A.M. those establishment above will set a public auction all overdue pledges in the same up to August 2022 . Patrons are enjoined to verify their receipts.

MANAGEMENT

Sa Enero 17, 2023 sa mga alas 9:00 sa buntag ang tanang butang naremati, isubasta diri sa tagsatagsa, nga buhatan nga ginganlan sa itaas. Tanang Butang penerenda nga wala malukat hangtud sa Agosto 2022 , maapil sa subasta. Giawhag ang tanang suki sa pagsusi sa ilang resibo.

TAGDUMALA

ML-Kibawe Branch Sayre Highway cor. Magsaysay St. West Kibawe, Kibawe, Bukidnon

ML-Damulog Branch Purok 9 Pob. Damulog, Bukidnon

ML- Dangcagan Branch Purok 5 Pob. Dangcagan, Bukidnon

ML-San Fernando Purok 6, Halapitan. San Fernando Bukidnon

Commencing on January 18, 2023 at 9:00 A.M. those establishment above will set a public auction all overdue pledges in the same up to August 2022 . Patrons are enjoined to verify their receipts.

MANAGEMENT

Sa Enero 18, 2023 sa mga alas 9:00 sa buntag ang tanang butang naremati, isubasta diri sa tagsatagsa, nga buhatan nga ginganlan sa itaas. Tanang Butang penerenda nga wala malukat hangtud sa Agosto 2022 , maapil sa subasta. Giawhag ang tanang suki sa pagsusi sa ilang resibo.

TAGDUMALA

For inquiries visit our office at M Lhuillier Malaybalay

Fortich Street, Poblacion, Malaybalay City, Bukidnon

MGen Roy Galido addresses his troops and guests during his installation on August 11, 2022 as the new commanding general of the 6th Infantry Kampilan Division in Awang, Datu Odin Sinsuat, Maguindanao. He succeeded MGen Roberto Capulong who served as division commander in acting capacity. Mindanews photo by FeRdinandh cabReRa

RD PAWNSHOP, INC

NOTICE OF AUCTION

This establishment will set at public auction all unredeemed pledges up to the month of AUGUST 2022 Customers are enjoined to verify their receipts for all unredeemed pledge up to the month of AUGUST 2022 . Public auction for the following branches will be held at RD Pawnshop,Inc.

AUCTION DATE: JANAURY 10, 2023

RECTO BRANCH C.M Recto St., Davao City

BOLTON BRANCH Bolton St., Davao City

PONCIANO BRANCH DR2 JV’s Peak Blgd., Bangoy St.. Davao City

AGDAO BRANCH Aquino St., Agdao, Davao City

BOULEVARD BRANCH Piapi, Boulevard, Davao City

AGDAO BRANCH 2 Lourdes Bldg., Lapo-lapu St., Agdao,Davao City

BUCANA BRANCH San Pedro Ext., Brgy 37-D, Davao City

SAN PEDRO BRANCH #115 San Pedro St., Barangay 36-D, Davao City

LEGASPI BRANCH Legaspi St., Davao City

UYANGUREN BRANCH R. Magsaysay St., Davao City

JP LAUREL BRANCH G/F Amparo Bldg., J.P. Laurel Ave, Davao City

JP LAUREL BARNCH 2 YL Finance Bldg., JP Laurel, Bajada, Davao City

UYANGUREN BRANCH R. Magsaysay St., Davao City

BOULEVARD BRANCH 2 Lot 5 Blk 1 Piapi Boulevard, Davao City

DAVAO MABINI 895 Mabini Boulevard, Brgy 37D Pob Dist Davao City

ILUSTRE BRANCH V. Ilustre St., Infront Of Felcris, Brgy 3-A Davao City

TORIL 1 BRANCH Saavedra St., Toril, Davao City

TORIL 2 BRANCH Gen. Lao St., Toril, Davao City

CALINAN BRANCH 1 Villafuerte St., Calinan, Davao City

CALINAN BRANCH 2 R. Magsaysay St., Calinan, Davao City

TORIL BRANCH 3 Agton St., Toril, Davao City

MINTAL BRANCH Door 3, RNA Bldg., Santan Bougainvilla St., Mintal Davao City

ULAS BRANCH #206 Ulas, Brgy Talomo, Talomo Dist., Davao City

TORIL BRANCH 4 Prk 9 Mc Arthur Highway, Toril Disrict, Bayabas Crossing, DC

CALINAN BRANCH 3 Prk 16 LA111-1 NCCC Calinan Davao City

MINTAL BRANCH 2 Prk 15 Sampaguita St., Davao Bukidnon Road, Brgy Mintal, Tugbok District, Davao City

BAGO GALLERA BRANCH Crossing Brgy Bago Gallera, Talomo Dist., Davao City

PUAN BRANCH Puan, Brgy Talomo, Talomo District, Davao City

MATINA BRANCH Mc Arthur Highway, Matina, Davao City

BANGKAL BRANCH Mc Arthur Highway, Bangkal, Davao City

MATINA BRANCH 2 Sto Nino, Matina Crossing, Davao City

MATINA GALLERA BRANCH Mc Arthur Highway, Brgy Matina Crossing, Talomo Dist DC

MATINA APLAYA BRANCH Phase1 Blk 2 L13 Shanghai Vil Brgy Matina Aplaya DC

CATALUNAN GRANDE BRANCH Catalunan Grande Road, Sitio Escuel Brgy Catalunan Grande Davao City

MATINA APLAYA BRANCH 2 Del Carmen Vill, Near Matina Aplaya Elem School, Brgy Matina Aplaya, Talomo Dist.,Davao City

BANKEROHAN BRANCH Quirino Ave., Bankerohan, Davao City

SANDAWA BRANCH Prk 71 SIR Phase 1, Sandawa Road Brgy 76-A Bucana Davao City

MAA BRANCH Davao City Jail Road, Brgy Maa Davao City

MATINA BRANCH 3 Door 2, Bldng 1, GMC Bldng, RSY Commercial Complex, Mc Arthur Highway, Brgy Bucana, Davao City

DONA PILAR BRANCH A#15 G/F LTG Y12 Bldg Beside ONB Km9 Brgy Sasa Davao City

TIBUNGCO BRANCH Km. 15, Tibungco, Davao City

SASA BRANCH Km. 11, Sasa, Davao City

PANACAN BRANCH Km. 14, Panacan, Davao City

SAMAL BABAK BRANCH Brgy. Miranda, Babak District, IGACOS

BUNAWAN BRANCH Km. 23 Barangay Bunawan, Davao City

PEÑAPLATA BRANCH Brgy. Peñaplata, Samal Dist. Davao del Norte

LANANG BRANCH Davao Agusan Highway Lanang Davao City

TIBUNGCO BRANCH 2 Near Gaisano Grand Brgy Tibungco, Davao City

JP LAUREL BRANCH 2 YL Finance Bldg, JP Laurel ave,Brgy 19-B, Bajada Davao City

JP LAUREL BRANCH Door#5 GF Amparo Bldg, Alta Pension House,JP Laurel Ave DC

GARCIA HEIGHTS BRANCH Brgy 19B Garcia heights, Bajada, Pob Dist. Davao City

OBRERO BRANCH #45 Inigo St., Bo. Obrero, Brgy 18-B, Pob Dist Davao City

BUHANGIN BRANCH 3 Km 5, Buhangin Road, Brgy. Buhangin, Davao City

BUHANGIN BRANCH 2 San Antonio NHA Super Highway, Buhangin Davao City

BUHANGIN BRANCH Km. 6, Superhighway, Buhangin, Davao City

CABANTIAN BRANCH #5 Lucky Plaza Bldg., Cabantian Road, Davao City

MANDUG BRANCH Door#5 Sienes Bldg., Mandug, Davao City

INDANGAN BRANCH Prk San Andres, Deca Homes Phase 1 Brgy Indangan, Buhangin, Distrci, Davao City

BUHANGIN GYM BRANCH 44 San Nicolas St., Buhangin, Buhangin District, Davao City

CABANTIAN BRANCH 2 Blk 57 Lot 1 Country Homes, Brgy Cabantian Buhangin Dist DC

BUHANGIN BRANCH 4 Km 5 Buhangin Road, Brgy Buhangin, Buhangin Dist Davao City

MAMAY ROAD BRANCH Unit#20 G/F D3GY10 Bldg. Angliongto Ave.,Brgy Alfonso Angliongto, Buhangin Dist., Davao City

CATITIPAN BRANCH Prk 10 Mutual Homes, Catitipan, Brgy Communal Buhangin District, Davao City

BUHANGIN MILAN BRANCH Milan, Brgy Buhangin, Buhangin Distrcit Davao City

TAGUM BRANCH 1 Quezon St., Tagum City

TAGUN BRANCH 2 Bonifacio St., Tagum City

TAGUM BRANCH 3 Pioneer Avenue, Tagum City

TAGUM MARKET New Public Market, Tagum City

TAGUM BRANCH 5 Suarez Plaza, Sobrecarey St., Tagum City

COMVAL MABINI BRANCH Public Market, Pob Mabini, Comval

MACO BRANCH Prk 2A, Poblacion, Maco Compostela Valley

TAGUM SAN MIGUEL BR Prk 6 San Miguel, Tagum City

TAGUM MANGGA BR Prk Ilang-ilang, Mangga Visayan Vill Tagum City

NEW CORELLA BRANCH Prk 2, Poblacion, New Corella Davao del Norte

TAGUM QUIRANTE II BR Quirante II St., Magugpo, Poblacion Tagum City

TAGUM BRIZ BRANCH Neo Bldg, Prk Rambutan, Magugpo East, Tagu, City

TAGUM-NCCC BRANCH G/F NCCC, Km55, National Highway, Tagum City

MATI BRANCH 1 Rizal St., Mati, Davao Oriental

MATI BRANCH 2 Madang Public Market, Madang, Mati

TIBANBAN BRANCH Tibanban, Gov. Generoso, Davao Oriental

MATI BRANCH 3 Rizal Extension, Mati, Davao Oriental

SAN ISIDRO BRANCH Compra Bldg., San Roque San Isidro, Davao Oriental

MATI BRANCH 4 Dahican, Mati City, Davao Oriental

BANAYBANAY BRANCH Prk 14 Poblacion, Banaybanay, Davao Oriental

LUPON BRANCH C. Tuballa St., Lupon, Davao Oriental

PANTUKAN BRANCH Market Area, Kingking, Pantukan, COMVAL Province

SAN IGNACIO BRANCH Prk Magbuhos, Brgy San Ignacio, Manay Davao Oriental

CARAGA BRANCH Sobrecarey St., Poblacion, Caraga Davao Oriental

CATEEL BRANCH Dacuycuy St., Poblacion Cateel, Davao Oriental

MANAY BRANCH P5 Castro St., Central Manay, Davao Oriental

PANABO BRANCH 1 Quirino St., Panabo City Davao del Norte

PANABO BRANCH 2 Quezon St., Panabo City Davao del Norte STO TOMAS BRANCH 1 Feeder Road 2, Public Market, Sto Tomas, Davao del Norte PANABO BRANCH 3 Purok Atis, Brgy Sto Nino, Panabo City STO TOMAS BRANCH 2 Melecio Bldng, Magsaysay Ave., Tibal-og, Sto Tomas, Davao del Norte DAVAO CARMEN BRANCH Stall#28, Carmen Public Market, Davao del Norte

PANABO BRANCH 4 Lucas Bldg., Prk 2 San Francisco, Panabo City

PANABO

St., Bansalan, Davao del Sur MAGSAYSAY BRANCH Poblacion, Magsaysay, Davao del Sur MATANAO BRANCH Public Market, Pob Matanao, Davao del Sur PRES. ROXAS BRANCH Poblacion, Pres. Roxas, Cotabato BANSALAN BRANCH 2 R Delos Cientos St., Pob Dos, Bansalan Davao del Sur Ang tanan nga gi-prenda sa bulan sa AUGUST 2022 nga wala malukat, ang maong mga ahensiya mobaligya pinaagi sa subasta sugod sa 10:00 sa buntag basi sa petsa nga nalista sa taas. Gihangyo ang tanang mga suki sa pagsusi sa ilang resibo.

Urged...

from page 5

over 5,000,” she said.

Next year they intend to go massive with their information drive and training.

The survival kit contains the family’s food supply, first-aid and hygiene kits, medicines, water, clothes, beddings and other items they will need to survive for the next 72 hours as three days are said to be the crucial time for disaster response.

The kit has to be checked and replenished every three months and stored in an area that can be easily accessed in case of emergency.

Aside from the survival kit, a family disaster preparedness plan should also be prepared identifying the hazards in the community and potential effects, listing meeting places and evacuation centers in the barangay, assigning roles of family members in the preparation and response, and important contacts of family members and their usual locations.

Aside from earthquakes, other primary hazards in the city are typhoons, flooding, storm surge, water scarcity, fire, tsunami, and soil liquefaction. ( PNA )

Eyed...

from page 6

oil prices have gone back to pre-Russia-Ukraine war period despite the worries on global demand outlook on account of the production disruptions in China, tighter global financial conditions and weak global growth outlook.

For 2023, the global economic outlook was factored into economic managers’ growth assumption for the domestic economy, thus, the reduction of the assumption to 6-7 percent from 6.5-8 percent.

“But an average GDP growth of 6.5 percent is nothing to be sneezed at: it is still one of the highest, if not the highest growth rates among ASEAN+6 economies,” Diokno said.

He attributed this outlook to, among others, the early approval of the government’s PHP5.2 trillion 2023 national budget, the adoption of the firstever Medium-Term Fiscal Framework (MTFF) 202328, approval of the 2023-28 Philippine Development Plan (PDP), retention of the country’s investment grade credit ratings, stable and resilient banking system, adequate external payments position, favorable economic investments, young, English-speaking, and tech-savvy demographics, and the government’s increased spending program for infrastructure.

“As long as the country stays united and its political leaders and policymakers remain focused on economic growth, the Philippines’ future remains bright. The trajectory of its growth will make the country one of the leading economies in

0917-712-1424 • 0947-893-5776

E-mail: mindanaodaily.ads@gmail.com

the Asia Pacific region,” he added.

With these developments, Rizal Commercial Banking Corporation (RCBC) chief economist Michael Ricafort said the domestic economy has regained its pre-pandemic performance amidst the threat of elevated inflation due to the ongoing RussiaUkraine conflict and the expected hikes in central banks’ key rates, among others.

He said inflows from overseas Filipino workers (OFWs) are at near-record high and continue to fuel domestic demand, exports have posted monthly record-highs, manufacturing is among its pre-pandemic highs, and the government is firm on further increasing expenditures on infrastructure.

He also noted the continued growth of the business process outsourcing (BPO) sector as well as mining activities for green minerals, and the higher productivity of the agriculture, manufacturing, and tourism sectors.

The government’s revenue collections have improved and Ricafort said additional fiscal reform measures such as the Public Services Act, Retail Trade Liberalization Act and Foreign Investment Act would greatly address the increase in the government’s debt-to-GDP ratio, which rose during the pandemic because of higher funding requirements.

The Philippines’ debtto-GDP ratio exceeded the 60 percent international threshold in the third quarter of this year and Ricafort cited the need to bring this down “to help sustain the country’s relatively favorable credit ratings at 1-3 notches above the minimum investment grade that help support confidence in the country by international investors and creditors.”

Ricafort, in turn, said introduction of more reform measures are seen to boost the employment situation in the country and in turn sustain economic recovery.

He is open to the possibility of a further increase in the national government’s debt in line with the plan to issue US dollar-denominated and peso-denominated bonds, which is part of the government’s program to finance its programs and projects.

He said the government, thus, needs “to further intensify tax revenue collections based on existing tax law, come up with new taxes/tax reform measures, increase tax rates, among others to further boost structural sources of government revenues.”

The government, he said, also needs to adopt a more disciplined spending through fiscal reform measures such as rightsizing, anti-corruption/ anti-leakage/anti-wastage measures to help address the budget gap.

“New taxes and higher tax rates need to be fair, equitable, and progressive, especially targeted to those that can afford them or those from the higher income brackets or at least prevent adding burden to the poor, most vulnerable sectors, and/or those hit hard by the pandemic,” he added. ( PNA )

Monitors...

from page 6

ensuring that prices of the agricultural products remain affordable for consumers especially during the holiday season.

“DTI is calling on sellers to keep their prices within the suggested retail prices. We are exerting every effort to ensure that prices of basic necessities and prime commodities are within reach of Filipino consumers,” Secretary Pascual said.

Benefits...

from page 7

“Maraming salamat. Dati, walang pumupunta dito na programang ganito. Malaking tulong ito kasi nababawasan ang mga gastos ng aming parents at ibang mga tao,” said Domado.

[Thank you. Before, no one would go here for this program. This is a big help because the expenses of our parents and other people are pulled down.]

Affirming the preceding testimony, resident Hadji Jamil Casnor likewise underlined that the engineer brigade has gradually improved the established rapport between the civilians and the military.

He underscored that not only the army engineer made the citizens in his place feel safe and secure but also supported them in other aspects of their living.

“Dako na ni nga tabang kay maskin lang ang pagpatuli sa mga bata, dili na problemahon nga kailangan dad-on pa sa doctor. Ang mga sundalo karon, maayo ang serbisyo nila,” said Casnor.

[This is a big help because even the circumcision of the kids, cannot be a problem anymore as they do not need to be brought to the doctor already. The soldiers now have good service.]

The outreach was conducted in collaboration with the 500th Combat Engineer (Mabagsik) Battalion, Volunteers In-Service, and Amai Pakpak Medical Center. ( CRG/PIA-Lanao del Sur )

ceremonies were held in 15 LGUs -- Quezon City and Marikina City in NCR; Mariveles, Bataan; Palayan City, Nueva Ecija; Carmona, Cavite; Tanauan City, Batangas; Mandaue City, Cebu; Bacolod City, Negros Occidental; Roxas City, Capiz; Iloilo City; Sta. Barbara, Iloilo; Victorias City, Iloilo; Carles, Iloilo; Tagbilaran City, Bohol; and Iligan City, Lanao del Norte.

The DHSUD and GFIs, including the Government Service Insurance System (GSIS), Social Security System (SSS), Land Bank of the Philippines (LBP), and Development Bank of the Philippines (DBP) have also signed an MOU on Dec. 21, 2022, stating that DHSUD and GFIs will collaborate on funding strategies and allocation of financial, technical and operational resources for the 4PH.

Marcos led this month the groundbreaking of the Palayan City Township Housing Project in Nueva Ecija.

The President pointed out that the administration’s concept is to provide families with shelter not only for poor Filipinos but also for employed individuals who need decent housing.

The chief executive said housing agencies and developers must consider providing their housing projects with facilities and necessities like water, power, schools, markets as well as transport hubs.

Marcos likewise vowed to drum up efforts for the administration’s ambitious housing project in a bid to provide Filipinos with decent housing complete with basic amenities and facilities.

Project construction has already begun in various locations across the country. Inclusive, sustainable settlements

The chief executive is also expected to sign an executive order to implement Section 24 of Republic Act 11201, which mandates government agencies to jointly identify idle state lands suitable for housing and rural development.

“The Marcos administration’s socioeconomic agenda focuses on providing Filipinos with better living conditions by establishing livable and sustainable communities,” the report read.

R.A. Form No. 10.1 (LCRO)

“Beyond the provision of shelter, especially to the underprivileged and calamity-affected families, the government is working towards building inclusive and sustainable settlements and well-planned communities,” it added.

Under the Emergency Housing Assistance Program (EHAP), the National Housing Authority (NHA) provided PHP349 million to 33,637 beneficiaries who were victims of the 7.3magnitude earthquake in Northern Luzon on July 27, 2022, Super Typhoon Odette, and other calamities.

The DHSUD is also pursuing the resettlement of those affected by the earthquake and has signed an MOU with the NHA, Pag-IBIG Fund, the municipalities of Tayum and Bucay in Abra, and the SM Development Corporation (SMDC) for the development of resettlement sites and permanent housing for the affected families in the province.

Other housing accomplishments include the completion of 7,300 new housing units through NHA; awarding of 100 housing units to residents in Intramuros through the Social Housing Finance Corporation and the financing of 46,433 housing units through the Pag-IBIG Fund End-User Home Financing Program, where 8,444 are socialized housing units. ( PNA )

Prioritizes...

from page 2

with the Energy Regulatory Commission (ERC), is set to develop policy and framework for new and emerging renewable energy (RE) technologies.

“These include offshore wind, waste-to-energy, expanded rooftop solar program as well as ocean and tidal stream energy,” the DOE said in a news release on Sunday.

The DOE said the Marcos administration has increased investments in RE projects to meet the target of a 35 percent RE share in the country’s power generation mix by 2030 and 50 percent by 2040.

From July 1 to Dec. 14, 2022, the DOE said it has awarded 41 RE service contracts with a potential capacity of 9.2 gigawatts (GW).

Of this number, around 6.2 GW of equivalent capac-

Republic of the Philippines

Local Civil Registry Office

Province: COTABATO

City/Municipality: CARMEN

NOTICE FOR PUBLICATION

In compliance with Section 5 of R.A. Act No. 9048, a notice is hereby served to the public that CHARLIE TOBIAS MIRAMBEL has filed with this Office a petition for Change of First Name from “ CHALEES ” to “ CHARLIE ” in the Certificate of Live Birth of CHALEES TOBIAS ALRAMBIL who was born on November 23, 1956 at Midsayap, COTABATO and whose parents are Federico L. Mirambel and Flaviana Tobias Any person adversely affected by said petition may file his written opposition with this Office not later than 06 January 2023

(Sgd.) ROSIE A. TOMELDEN Municipal Civil Registrar

ity will come from offshore wind (OSW) service contracts.

The DOE also issued 18 Certificates of Award to the winning bidders of the 1st Green Energy Auction Program (GEAP), with an aggregate capacity of 1,866.93 megawatts (MW).

To encourage more investors to develop and utilize RE, the DOE increased the annual percentage of Renewable Portfolio Standards for on-grid areas from 1 percent to 2.52 percent beginning 2023 and started preferential dispatch of all RE-generating units in the Wholesale Electricity Spot Market (WESM).

In November last year, the DOE also allowed 100 percent foreign capital in RE projects by amending the implementing rules and regulations (IRR) of the RE Act that had previously limited foreign ownership of RE projects to 40 percent.

The DOE has also endorsed to the Office of the President the draft Executive Order that would strengthen and rationalize the regulatory framework for the immediate development of the OSW.

Other accomplishments under the DOE include initiating the development of alternative fuels and implementing the government’s Energy Resiliency Compliance Plan.

The DOE launched on Dec. 14 last year the National Energy Contingency Plan (NECP) for “The Big One,” aimed at crafting harmonized multi-sectoral contingency plans and disaster response measures from energy stakeholders.

Together with the National Power Corp. (NPC), the DOE will also undertake its renewable energy development program, including the hybridization of diesel generating facilities, considering that 89 percent of the energy generation and capacity mix in off-grid areas came from oil-based sources.

Marcos, in his SONA, also expressed belief that it is time also to re-examine the country’s strategy towards building nuclear power plants in the Philippines while complying with the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) regulations for nuclear power plants.

The DOE said nuclear power is also an important part of the energy mix that the DOE is eyeing.

Publication Notice R.A. 10172

It will also update the existing Nuclear Road Map to guide both the Nuclear Energy Program Implementing Organization (NEPIO) and the Nuclear Energy Program Inter-Agency Committee (NEP-IAC) in addressing the challenges of the country’s nuclear energy program. ( PNA )

Offers...

from page 2

universal Church and Pope Francis spiritually with his prayers. Let us commend him to the Lord and pray for his eternal repose,” he added.

David also thanked Filipinos for accompanying him in prayer and offering special Mass intentions for his peaceful passage into eternal life.

Former pope Benedict, 95, died in a former monastery where he had lived since his resignation in 2013.

His body will be moved to St. Peter’s Basilica on Monday allowing the public to pay their final respects, according to the Vatican.

His funeral will be held in St. Peter’s Square, in front of the basilica, on Thursday and will be presided over by Pope Francis.

He will be buried in the Vatican Grottoes, beneath the church, where his predecessors also lie. (with reports from Ferdinand Patinio/ PNA )

Expects...

from page 5

for as long as everyone is on board towards a common goal”.

He said his administration has vowed to provide adequate health care to its people, spurred by the lessons learned from the pandemic, and in the process, raked in accolades.

The province received several commendations in the 2022 Local Health Systems Awards of the Department of Health for its “commitment to make medical services accessible to our people”, Degamo said.

Negros Oriental was also hailed as the Top Performing LGU for exceeding the national target on Increased Budget Allocated to Health based on the 2021 LGU Health Scorecard in Central Visayas.

Inching forward with more gains

Other accomplishments include educational assistance to deserving youth in the province; centenarian

Republic of the Philippines

Local Civil Registry Office

Province: COTABATO

City/Municipality: CARMEN

NOTICE TO THE PUBLIC Date: 22 December 2022

In compliance with the publication requirement and pursuant to OCRG Memorandum Circular No. 2013-1 Guidelines in the Implementation of the Administrative Order No. 1 Series of 2012 (IRR on R.A. 10172), Notice is hereby served to the public that JHOMARIE CUAS NUÑEZA has filed with this Office, a petition for correction of entry in SEX from “ MALE ” to “ FEMALE ” in the Certificate of Live Birth of JHOMARIE BATINGAL CUAS at Carmen, Cotabato and whose parents are Calixto O. Cuas at Carmen, Cotabato and whose parents are Calixto O. Cuas and Adelaida N. Batingal

Any person adversely affected by said petition may file his written opposition with this Office not later than 05 January 2023

(Sgd.) ROSIE A. TOMELDEN Municipal Civil Registrar

assistance to 12 individuals who reached the age of 100 and financial incentives to 782 daycare workers amounting to almost PHP3 million throughout the province.

On education, the province hired 345 teachers along with 260 Administrative Aides/Utility Workers; PHP5 million was allotted for the construction/completion of school buildings and facilities; 120 units of Android/Smart Television Sets were donated and distributed to different public elementary and secondary Schools.

Jobs were provided locally and overseas through the Provincial Public Employment Service (PESO) while workshops and livelihood skills training for the marginalized sectors were provided, which led to many individuals engaging in fish processing, cake baking, meat processing and fruit and root crop processing.

Strengthening the framework for peace and development

With the province still grappling with the insurgency problem posed by the Communist Party of the Philippines-New People’s Army (CPP-NPA), the Provincial Task Force to End Local Communist Armed Conflict (PTF-ELCAC), which Degamo chairs, has identified priority programs and projects that would cater to the needs of the people in the conflict-affected areas.

Farm-to-market roads and river control projects were among the priority infrastructure that the province highlighted to ensure easier transportation of farm products from the

hinterlands and far-flung areas to various markets.

Serbisyo Caravans in the barangays brought government services to the people while Local Peace Engagements, Youth Leadership Summits, and Peace Concerts were also initiated by the Philippine Army and other partners in the different LGUs/villages.

The provincial and local ELCAC task forces facilitated the surrender of former NPA rebels and their enrollment to the government’s Enhanced Comprehensive Local Integration Program (E-CLIP) to start a new life and reintegrate into mainstream society.

Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) Secretary Benjamin Abalos Jr., who visited Negros Oriental on Tuesday (Dec. 27), said he has given stringent orders to the Philippine National Police to go after those engaged in the illegal drugs trade, “e-sabong”, and all forms of criminality.

Abalos also said he will personally and closely monitor the peace and order situation in Negros Oriental.

The DILG secretary made a quick visit to the Negros Oriental Police Provincial Office, accompanied by Gen. Rodolfo Azurin Jr, the PNP chief, and met with the governor and provincial police official. ( PNA )

ORDER

Before this Court verified joint petition for the approval and registration of the Divorce filed by petitioners and alleging among others. That petitioners are husband and wife respectively in a marriage performed under Civil rite on October 8, 2011 at Lapu-Lapu City, Cebu, both petitioners had been converted to Muslim and thereby embraced Islam Religion as their new found faith, by virtue of their respective intellectual choices which were duly registered with this Court, both of them can be served summons and other legal processes relative to this case at their resident at Purok 2, Villaverde, Iligan City respectively;

That said marriage did not last long due to lack of love and affection until the relationship manifested incompatibility and sustained misunderstanding between petitioners and reached the point of irreconcilability and they separated for each other for some reason of which both petitioner finally decided to legally break or severe their marriage bond for years, they had never been communicating or supporting either financially or emotionally to each other, neither minding each other affair’s; petitioner seek judicial decree of divorce, thereby, severing their marriage bond on October 8, 2011 so that they will have free hand to do what a single man or woman could do without marital burdens. Reconciliation between them had already been diligently employed but all proved futile.

WHEREFORE, finding this petition to be sufficient in form and substance, set the initial hearing of this case on January 2, 2022 at 9:00 a.m. at which time, date and place. Any interested party may appear and show why the petition should not be granted. Let copy of this Order be published in newspaper of General Circulation in the City of Iligan once a week for three (3) consecutive weeks at the expense of the petitioners.

SO ORDERED.

Iligan City, Philippines, this 9th of December, 2022.

MDN: Dec 24, 2022, Jan 3 & 10, 2023

Republic of the Philippines

Local Civil Registry Office

Province: Agusan del Norte City/Municipality: Butuan City

NOTICE TO THE PUBLIC

CCE-320-2022 (R.A. 10172)

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 the R.A 10172), Notice is hereby served to the public that MERLYN DELOS SANTOS SANCHEZ has filed with this office a Petition for Correction of Clerical Error of the child’s date of birth from “ 10 JANUARY 1974 ” to “ 22 JANUARY 1974 ” in the Certificate of Live Birth of MERLYN CRISTOBAL DELOS SANTOS , who was born on 10 JANUARY 1974 at Sumile, Butuan City,Agusan del Norte, Philippines and whose parents are NENITA COZ CRISTOBAL AND BALDOMERO DELIAMAS DELOS SANTOS Any person adversely affected by said petition may file his written opposition with this Office not later than 13 January 2023

(Sgd.) AMALIA T. QUE Acting City Civil Registrar

MDN: Jan 3 & 10, 2023

MDN: Dec 24, 2022 & Jan 3, 2023

(SGD) HON. OSOP M. ALI Presiding Judge

from page 4

Daycare Center. Such warning and such concern for the community has totally been disregarded to the detriment of the children, many of whom have already developed phobia and are panicking. The blasting of cannons at dawn has created so much phobia to the community especially to the children that many decided not to go to school anymore. The non-stop firing of guns and blasting of cannons are continuously instilling fear and havoc to

the children as they would recall that horrible incident which happened on March 25, 2016 when three children died due to the blasting of an UXO (Unidentified Explosive Ordnance) and two children seriously wounded. Until now, no justice for the death of three children, in gross violation of the Constitution.

“What is so painful in the continuous destruction of our farms which are planted with various crops such as corn, root-crops, sugar cane, etc. which have been tractored, buck-hoed or griddered by military men as ordered by

Teaching Reading

By: REY J. TACASTACAS Head Teacher II Cagawasan Elementary School Kibawe East District Kibawe, Bukidnon

The foundation of every child’s education is reading. To succeed in life, a youngster needs to learn to read. Every academic subject and after-school activities involve reading. Since it serves as the foundation upon which instructors build, it is crucial and has the power to make or ruin a child’s education. A child who is instilled with a love of reading will read more and achieve more success. It is the responsibility of teachers to guide students and demonstrate to them that reading may be enjoyable while also being beneficial. Every child should develop a passion for reading.

Teachers must demonstrate to students the benefits of reading in order to foster a love of the subject. Getting children interested in reading, letting them realize that there is a topic for everyone, and assisting them in exploring it is the best approach to achieve this. That requires the classroom to have a wide range of books available for the children, including readers at various levels. For the students who struggle,

teachers must provide a lot of help. Additionally, there must be a wide range of possibilities for pupils at various levels. Students need to have objectives to work toward so they can have the finish in sight. Students’ goals should be things that are obtainable and that they have helped to make.

Since reading does not come as naturally as speaking, effective reading instruction is crucial. Children need be properly and methodically taught how to read in order for them to acquire this crucial skill. Reading is not something that can be learned just by exposing children to reading materials. A teacher can approach reading with kids in a variety of ways. When teaching reading skills, teachers build a student’s future on solid ground. A effective educational program depends on students having great reading abilities. The kids can improve their reading skills when these mechanisms work together. Students require scaffolding and foundational skills, which are finished in phases.

their superiors. How dare our lands have been land-grabbed using pronouncement of military reservation as an alibi? We are puzzled why our land have been convered into farming projects in cohort with the Department of Agriculture, even granting MATG DA’s fund of 299,650, adhering to the ELCAC initiatives of government, on the basis of us being red-tagged as FR (former rebels)?

“What is so shocking and puzzling is our discovery and the DND and the DENR have signed a Memorandum of Agreement subjecting our land to a Relocation Survey paying three firms some twenty million pesos to put border markers (muhon) to justify the conversion of our land as part of the reservation without even including important stakeholders such as the LGU of Kalilangan and the participation of the DAR as our land has already been classified as Alienable and Disposable. We were even shock to know that a false information was given by the DENR Regional Office that there are no occupant in the 195-ha. area to justify DENR’s position that the land be a part of the military reservation. ANO PALA KAMI, MGA BASURA?

“WE NOW HARNESS OUR COLLECTIVE POWER TO HARNESS OUR COLLECTIVE POTENTIALS TO CORRECT THE ABOVEMENTIONED SOCIAL WRONGS THROUGH PEOPLE POWER. THOUSANDS ARE NOW SUPPORTING US INCLUDING THE CHURCH, PEOPLE’S ORGANIZATIONS, ENVRIONMENTAL GROUPS AND NON-GOVERNMENT ORGANIZATIONS.

“WE HAVE THEREFORE DECIDED TO CLOSE DOWN THE REGIONAL

AND PROVINCIAL OFFICES OF THE DENR AND THE DAR AS THEY FAILED TO DO THEIR RESPECTIVE MANDATES. INDEED, LET JUSTICE BE DONE ‘TILL HEAVEN FALLS!

“WE NOW STAND AS ONE TO PROTECT OUR RIGHTS AS CONSTITUTIONALLY PROVIDED THROUGH PEOPLE POWER BASED ON THE CONSTITUTIONAL DECLARATION THAT “IN A DEMOCRATIC AND REPUBLIC STATE, SOVEREIGNTY RESIDES WITH THE PEOPLE AND ALL GOVERNMENTAL POWERS EMANATE FROM THEM!”

“NAGKAHIUSA KAMI UG ANDAM MAGPAKAMATAY PARA SA AMONG KATUNGOD NGA WALAY HUNONG NGA GIPAMASTAMASAN. HOY! MGA AHENSYA SA KAGAMHANAN BUHATA ANG INYONG MANDATO DILI ANG MANDATO SA PUSIL, GAHUM UG SA SALAPI! YOU MUST NOW SERVE THE PEOPLE ESPECIALLY THE POOR AND THE OPPRESSED. BE THAT LIGHT AMIDST THE DARKNESS AS THE PRESENT ISSUES OF CORRUPTION CONTINUE TO AFFECT THE CIVIL SERVICE. SEVERAL REASON FOR THESE ISSUES STILL EXIST BECAUSE OF THE DEEPLY ROOTED PROBLEMS OF NEPOTISM, CRONYISM, MILITARIZATION, POLITICAL PATRONAGE AS WELL AS LACK OF TRANSPARENCY AND ACCOUNTABILITY”.

The MANIFESTO has been signed by hundreds of members of the Kibaritan Farmers Higaonon Agricultural Cooperative with the support of thousands of allies from Organizations of Indigenous People; Former MILF Combatants now orga-

0917-712-1424 • 0947-893-5776

E-mail: mindanaodaily.ads@gmail.com

nized into cooperatives NonGovernment Organizations, Church-Based Organizations and Environmental Groups.

from page 4

There are days so beautiful, so productive, so happy that we would like to fix them in our minds for good as the prototype of all days -- while knowing that what makes those days so memorable is also the fact that they slide past as if by their own momentum. But the momentum is ours, too. It’s tempting to believe on New Year’s Day that we are standing still while the world rushes on, as if we were passengers in one of Einstein’s thought experiments. But who is to say that we aren’t the ones rushing onward, and the world is trying desperately to keep up? Time’s arrow is embedded in the very nature of this universe, and it’s a good thing, too, because otherwise everything would be so disorganized.

Many times we are really in too much of a hurry while feeling uncomfortable if we notice how time flies. Yes, my late grandmother was right, when she said: The older you become, the faster time passes by. My late mother told us the same. Yes, I am 69 now. I can only strongly agree with her.

When I was still a teenager, I was longing to be an adult already. Later, I enjoyed listening to my late grandmother (born 1898!) stories such as “Once upon a time” or “When I was young” from her life yesterday’s life... .

After a couple of years, especially while observing that time really flies like a racket to the moon, I also have the same question in mind: Are the present hours and days less valuable?

Of course, each day has its own set of happiness and

trials. But it also holds very high possibilities of how we take the initiative to do or to move something, if ...! Yes, the luring term IF lets us look into the future with an overblown “glistening” eye: IF I will finish my studies - IF my children become adults - IF I might become rich and win in the lottery, yes IF! And then?

Christmas is gone, if you might read this. The next turn of the year is just around the corner. For most of us it’s time to come to our senses. The future prospects smile at us already. What might the New Year bring us? Is life in the future easier, nicer, more charming and more fulfilled compared to the present or the almost finished 2022? The thoughts fill me with horror, because tragicomic future visions can easily blur away our present day.

A possible topsy-turvy world of a golden youth tries to let us forget that also the past has had its shares of disappointments, pains, tears, darkness, tricky as well as desperate days... yes, lost days, irretrievable time... .We dream our impossible dreams from last year, this 2022 to the future and vice versa. We forget that between yesterday and tomorrow is our valuable presence. Well, now well then - if we know how to fulfill this period.

I will be taking a short break from many tasks and appointments. I will be trusting in God, because He takes care of me and my future. Don’t allow the daily hectic and stress of this season kill your senses.

+++

Email: doringklaus@gmail. com or follow me on Facebook, LinkedIn or Twitter or visit www.germanexpatinthephilippines.blogspot.com or www. klausdoringsclassicalmusic. blogspot.com

garnered 32,208,417 votes, nearly double the number of votes her father got in 2016 (16,601,997) and nearly 600,000 votes more than Marcos’ 31,629,783.

Sara is the third Mindanawon Vice President after Emmanuel Pelaez (1961 to 1965) and Teofisto Guingona, Jr., (January 2001 to 2004). Pelaez and Sara were both elected. Guingona was appointed by Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo who, as Vice President, assumed the post of President after Joseph Estrada was impeached on charges of bribery and corruption.

Marcos, Jr., who was nominated as standardbearer of the Mindanaobased Partido Federal ng Pilipinas, a political party organized by President Duterte’s supporters, appointed Sara as Education Secretary

In Davao City, the Duterte brothers faced serious challengers in the May 2022 polls: lawyer Ruy Elias Lopez, a former three-term Representative of the 3rd district in Davao City and son of the late mayor Elias B. Lopez against Vice Mayor Sebastian Duterte for the post of mayor and peace and development worker Maria Victoria “Mags” Maglana against reelectionist 1st district Representative Paolo Duterte. The brothers won. The “dynasty slayers” lost but won the hearts of Dabawenyos and those outside the city who want an end to political dynasties, for their courage to challenge the well-entrenched Dutertes.

Except for the years 1998 to 2001, the Dutertes have ruled Davao City as mayor from 1988 to 2025: Rodrigo served seven terms (1988 to 2008, 2001 to 2010 and 2013 to 2016), Sara served for three terms (2010 to 2013, 2016 to 2022) and Sebastian from 2022 to 2025.

The Dutertes also occupied the vice mayoralty post from 2007 to 2022 – Sara from 2007 to 2010, Rodrigo from 2010 to 2013, Paolo from 2013 to 2016 and was reelected for 2016 to 2019 but resigned in December 2017, and Sebastian from 2019 to 2022. Sebastian filed his certificate of candidacy for a reelection bid as vice mayor and Sara filed her COC for what would have been her third consecutive term as mayor, but withdrew to run for Vice President.

Sebastian withdrew his COC for Vice Mayor and substituted for Sara in the mayoralty race.

Still all in the family in 2022 polls

Across Mindanao’s 27 provinces, 33 cities and 60 congressional districts in the May 2022 polls, the winners are still all in the family.

There was hardly any changing of the guards, except in a handful of areas like Surigao del Norte, where the patriarch of a political dynasty, Francisco Matugas,

Sr. was defeated by Robert Lyndon Barbers, a member of a dynasty that the Matugas dynasty earlier toppled and in Bukidnon where 3rd district Rep. Manuel Zubiri, son of long-time Governor Jose Maria Zubiri, lost his gubernatorial bid to 4th district Rep. Rogelio Neil Roque. Roque’s wife Laarni, a councilor of Valencia City, won the congressional district seat her husband represented.

In North Cotabato and Dinagat Islands, the “dynasty slayers” of 2019 –Nancy Catamco and Arlene “Kaka” Bag-ao — lost in their reelection bid to a dynasty member and dynastybacked candidate.

From the first elections in the post-Marcos dictatorship era — 1987 for Congress and 1988 for local posts — until the end of this present term on June 30, 2025, MindaNews’ research shows that one political dynasty will have ruled as Governor of the province for 33 years (Dimaporos of Lanao del Norte), three for 27 years (Amantes of Agusan del Norte, Romualdos of Camiguin, Mangudadatus of Sultan Kudarat); one political dynasty will have ruled as City Mayor for 34 years (Dutertes of Davao), another for 27 years (Uys of Dipolog), and two for 21 years (Jalosjos of Dapitan and Furigays of Lamitan); and four political dynasties will have ruled their congressional districts uninterrupted, as Representatives for 12 terms or 38 years (Zubiris of the third district of Bukidnon, Romualdos of the lone district of Camiguin, Bautistas of Davao Occidental and the Almarios of Davao Oriental).

Like the rest of the country, the post-Marcos dictatorship or post-EDSA political landscape in Mindanao in the past four decades saw the death and resurrection, and the rise as well as expansion of political dynasties. The1987 Constitution prohibits political dynasties to ensure “equal access to opportunities for public service” but no antidynasty law has been passed by the dynasty-dominated Congress.

The President and Vice President are members of political dynasties. (Carolyn O. Arguillas / MindaNews )

Put...

from page 1

Filipino people remained steadfast and unwavering,” she said.

She, likewise, expressed confidence that the Marcos administration will work hard to achieve its goal of lifting more Filipinos out of poverty with the passage of the PHP5.268-trillion national budget for 2023.

“As we usher into 2023, let us put faith and confidence to our national leadership and to our fellow countrymen, as we all steer our nation forward and to the right direction,” she said.

“Rest assured that following President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr.’s signing of the 2023 General Appropriations Act, we will soldier on towards economic recovery and transformation. As the President says time and again— In this administration, no Filipino will be left behind,” she added.

Pangandaman also hoped that all Filipinos enter the new year with “gratitude, greater zeal and optimism.”

She earlier underscored that the 2023 budget was crafted in support of the Marcos administration’s 8-point Socioeconomic Agenda and the Medium Term Fiscal Framework (MTFF).

Anchored on the theme, “Agenda for Prosperity: Economic Transformation Towards Inclusivity and Sustainability,” the proposed budget seeks to address the immediate and pressing concerns of all Filipinos in the near- and medium-term.

On Dec. 16, Marcos signed into law the 2023 national budget that is geared towards achieving post-pandemic economic recovery.

He said the 2023 national budget will provide the government with a tool to transform the economy and carry out the needed structural changes toward realizing the administration’s goals.

The Marcos administration’s first spending measure is 4.9 percent higher or PHP244.4 billion more than 2022 budget of PHP5.023 trillion and puts top priority on education, infrastructure development, health, agriculture and social safety nets. ( PNA )

Ban...

from page 1

February were not tackled by the plenary.

“The future of the province was decided this morning in 15 minutes,” end, our courage, unity and resilience prevailed. The indomitable spirit of the

the Bishop said in a press conference that same day, stressing the members present did not even explain their vote.

The session was presided by board member Glycel Mariano-Trabado asVice Gov. Vicente de Jesus was on leave.

Present during the plenary session were board members Hilario De Pedro VI, principal author of the proposal to remove the ban on open pit mining; Edgar Sambog, Dardanilo Dar, Noel Escobillo, Antonio Fungan, Eamon Gabriel Mati, Henry Ladot, Rolando Malabuyoc, Alyssa Marie Fale and Rose Grace Achurra.

Since 2010, the open-pit mining ban has been hounding the giant Tampakan project, which Sagittarius Mines, Inc. has been pursuing since the early 2000s.

SMI has repeatedly vowed to employ “responsible mining” in the Tampakan project.

The Catholic Church-led protest march and online petition prompted South Cotabato Gov. Reynaldo Tamayo, Jr. to veto the measure in June, saying “it was hastily decided and includes questionable provisions.” ( Bong S. Sarmiento / MindaNews )

Alliances...

from page 4 employees hired during his nine-year tenure for at least six months starting June 30, when Moreno stepped down from office.

Aside from the casuals and job order employees, also affected were the department chiefs and assistant department chiefs who served during the nine-year Moreno administration and are co-terminus with him. Among those who departed is close friend and former protégé Maricel CasiñoRivera. But to be accurate, she did resign from her post as city information officer to run for a Provincial Board (PB) seat in Misamis Oriental’s second district under the ‘One CDO-One MisOr’ banner of Moreno and his running mate Ayi Hernandez.

As fate would have it, she and Moreno lost their respective bids despite a gallant province-wide campaign. Still, I’m glad that Maricel is still quite active in the local media scene through the ‘Overtime’ program that she hosts with Moreno.

But there are some department ‘managers’ as Mayor Klarex calls them whose tour of duty during the Moreno administration was extended courtesy of Mayor Klarex under his administration. Their extension is evidence of the quality of work and service they delivered to the public. But the twin memos issued by Mayor Klarex may mean they either remain in service a few more months, or assume a lower rank in favor of a new appointee or dropped out altogether.

But that’s political reality in the Philippines where political alliances are forged only to be broken apart later at the drop of a hat or, in the case between Moreno-who lost his gubernatorial bid last May--and Mayor Klarex, who finally won the mayoral seat that he sought for over a decade, due to intrigues sown by the people around them. I won’t mince words, that appears to be what happened between them.

I saw the Bombo RadyoCDO video that went viral on Facebook in which Moreno voiced his disappointment over what he described as his loss of direct access to Mayor Klarex during a Christmas party he hosted for the local media. When Mayor Klarex listened/watched the Bombo Radyo-CDO video, I must say that I admired his self-control as he thanked Moreno for helping him in a lot of things.

But the negative undercurrent seething beneath that self-control maintained by Mayor Klarex can be sensed and I didn’t actually finish watching the video out of fatigue and a pained sense of realization that it may, just may, signal the end of what I maintain to be a fruitful partnership of two leaders that benefitted and sustained Cagayan de Oro City in its brightest

days—the awards, the modernization of the city-owned JR Borja General Hospital, the professionalization of City Hall’s bureaucracy etc.-and its darkest nights i.e the COVID-19 pandemic.

Again, that’s political reality and I recognize that. I also recognize that there are those who stand to benefit from the split and I can only question whether they have the best interests of Cagayan de Oro City in mind or their own selfinterest. Anyway they’re big boys and whatever they decide they can live with it. And I’ve read some of the comments posted by netizens during that Dec. 23 episode of Mayor Klarex’s program and unsurprisingly, they were supportive of Mayor Klarex. ********

Civilian life may take some getting used to for Moreno and that’s understandable. And I don’t doubt that he can still serve in government in some capacity or another—a congressional seat maybe based on what my sources told me—but it’s perhaps definite that it won’t be anywhere near Cagayan de Oro City Hall in the immediate future.

And whether Moreno likes it or not, even he must realize that Mayor Klarex is now his own man and he is now the city’s local chief executive. Whatever decisions Mayor Klarex makes now and in the near future, his administration will stand or fall on them. I also want Mayor Klarex to succeed—I have a family living in Cagayan de Oro City--and one can only imagine what he can bring to Cagayan de Oro City if he is given two more terms. But again, it’s now Mayor Klarex’s turn to serve the City of Golden Friendship and it’s the Kagay-anons who will decide if he can serve them for an additional six more years.