March 22, 2011

BusinessWeek MINDANAO

Paying the Correct Taxes...

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www.mindanaodailybalita.com VOL. 1, No. 261

Cagayan de Oro City

Thursday

March 22, 2012

THREE MONTHS AFTER SENDONG

Audit donations for Iligan victims

By INA ALLECO R. SILVERIO, Bulatlat.com

Third of a series YAMCEY and June are not alone in wondering about what has happened to the donations that poured into Iligan in the wake of Sendong.

The media continues to report that various donations in cash and kind continue to pour in Iligan and Cagayan

de Oro. For instance, in a story also posted in the website of the PIA, it was stated that as of March 2, the Dumaguete City Disaster Advisory Council has approved more than P3.8 million ($90 thousand) in financial assistance for the typhoon victims. City Mayor Manuel Sagarbarria said the budget would come

from the financial contribution of LGUs , private individuals and others.

Of t he sa id a mou nt, P1.940 million ($47 thousand) would be allocated to the 388 families whose houses were totally damaged. Each of the said family would receive P5,000 ($116) . Victims whose houses were partially damaged will receive P2,500 ($59.52) each.

Total allotment for the said

group was P1.845 million ($43,928), to be divided among 738 families.

In the meantime, the city government has collected about P6 million ($142,857) cash and check donations for Iligan.

As the media continues to divulge information on the funds that the affected provinces have received, the public, especially the VICTIMS/PAGE 7

P10.00

No permit, no exam policy is illegal: solon KABATAAN Partylist reminds schools that it is absolutely illegal not to permit their students to take the final examinations, even though they have not paid their tuition fees.

In a statement, Kabataan Rep. Raymond V. Palatino explained that based on Article 20, Section 99 of the Manual of Regulations for Private Higher Education Institutions, the “no permit, no exam” rule, being strictly implemented by some HEIs, is not considered valid as it clearly states that “No higher education institution shall deny FINAL exams to a student who has outstanding financial obligations, including unpaid tuition and other SOLON/PAGE 7

P8 minimum fare in effect in Region 10

By GERRY L. GORIT, Photo-journalist

CAGAYAN de Oro City––The Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board in Region 10 has already started implementing the 50-centavo provisional fare increase for public utility jeepneys effective Wednesday, March 21.

LT F R B - 1 0 re g i on a l director Mandangan P. Darimbang said the fare adjustment was based on the petition filed by various transport groups following the series of increase in the prices of petroleum products.

Darimbang said there was no need for fare matrix because the 50-centavo hike is just an “add-on.”

“There will be no additional charge for every

kilometre after the first five kilometres,” Darimbang said.

For Region 10, the new provisional minimum fare rates are P8.00 for regular passengers and for senior citizen, student and disabled discounted fare P6.50, all for the first 4 kilometers.

No increase for every succeeding kilometre.

But Darimbang said jeepney operators or drivFARE/PAGE 7

A TRANSPORT group on Wednesday said its members will not join any planned protest action against the spiraling cost of fuel products after the Land Transportation Franchising and

Regulatory Board (LTFRB) granted their request for a 50 centavo provisional fare increase.

But Roberto “Obet” Martin, president of the Pangkalahatang Sanggu-

4 hurt in road mishap

By PAT SAMONTE Regional Editor-Caraga with JOEL PORTUGAL Correspondent

BUTUAN City––A Honda TMX motorcycle driver and his three backriders were injured when they were thrown off the vehicle as it hit a Nissan Sentra it was trying to overtake in Barangay Patin-ay, Prosperidad, Agusan del Sur on Monday.

Authorities identified the victims as driver Antonio Lapasigue, 24, his father, Antonio, Sr., 54, mother, Emerita, 53, and brother, Gardo, 27.

An investigation conducted by police officers led by PO3 Dan DJ Tecson showed that both vehicles were heading for Butuan City and as Lapasigue tried to overtake the Nissan Sentra driven by Lotis Cueno, 42, in Purok 1 in Barangay Patin-ay, the motorcycle’s front tire exploded.

Lapasigue lost control of Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB) director Mandan- his vehicle, and “accidengan P. Darimbang showing the new provisional jeepney fare rates in Region 10. tally” hit the rear portion of Mindanao Daily News photo by Gerry L. Gorit MISHAP/PAGE 7

Groups pursue P2 fare hike

By CHRISTOPHER LLOYD T. CALIWAN of PNA

For more details, contact Tel. No.: 309-5276 HERMILINO VILLALON Manager

nian Manila and Suburbs Drivers Association (Pasang Masda) said the group would still press the LTFRB to grant their request for a P2-fare hike in public utility jeepneys (PUJ) nationwide.

“Wala na muna kaming HIKE/PAGE 7

WEATHER UPDATE At 8:00 a.m. yesterday, the Low Pressure Area (LPA) was estimated based on satellite and surface data at 250-kilometer southeast of Puerto Princesa City (9.0°N, 121.0°E).

This weather system will bring cloudy skies with scattered rainshowers and thunderstorms over Southern Luzon, Western Visayas and Western Mindanao becoming widespread rains over Bicol Region.

Residents living in low lying areas and along mountain slopes are advised to be on alert for possible occurrence of flashfloods and landslides.

source: pagasa

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Abu Sayyaf seized health workers in Sulu CAMP SK PENDATUN, Maguindanao––A province-wide manhunt has b een launched against Abu Sayyaf bandits who seized health workers at gunpoint in a remote village of Sulu Monday afternoon, a belated police report said.

Chief Superintendent Mario Avenido, police re-

gional director in the Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (ARMM), has ordered the police to hunt down without let-up the kidnappers, led by a certain Ninok Sapparis.

He also directed the police provincial officials to coordinate with the military and Philippine Navy to ensure the safety

of one of the kidnap victims who remained captive by the group.

Citing report from Sulu police provincial office, the regional director said four health workers were first seized by the group of Sapparis at about 4 p.m. on Monday after they flagged down a passenger van in Barangay Liang, Patikul,

Sulu, about 15 kilometers from the town proper.

Those forcibly taken at gunpoint were Hurul-in Alih, 39, midwife; Evelyn Dugasan, 43, midwife; Abinass ar Ahaj an, 24, sanitary inspector; and Alhadznie Baiting, 21, nurse, all assigned with the Patikul Rural Health Unit.

But t he k i d n app e rs released the four except Pat i ku l t ow n m i dw i fe Roselyn Kiram, 54.

Sulu Governor Abdusakur Tan has created a crisis management team to facilitate the release of the remaining victim and ensure her safety.

The Western Mindanao Command is temporarily

withholding massive military operations to pave the way for negotiation.

Colonel Randolp Cabangbang, Westmincom spokesperson, said the negotiation would not cover giving of ransom as a government policy, pointing out that military operation would be the last option. Wire report

High Court dares BIR: Assess us!

SUPREME C ourt (SC) Spokesman and C ourt Administrator Atty. Jose Midas Marquez on Tuesday told the Bureau of Internal Revenue (BIR) to go ahead and assess the SC but do not blame Chief Justice Renato Corona for a practice that is being done even by previous justices.

The BIR is an attached agency of the Department of Finance (DOF).

BIR Commissioner Kim Jacinto-Henares earlier said that they would train their guns on the SC for failure to withhold taxes on allowances.

“Do not blame Chief Justice Corona. Ever since, TURN-OVER OF CLASSROOM IN SUNTINGON ELEMENTARY SCHOOL, BUGO. Rep. this is being done during Rufus Rodriguez, 2nd District, Cagayan de Oro City, turned-over to teacher Josita the time of Chief Justices Sereno the completed Grade 6 classroom in Suntingon Elementary School, Bugo (Reynato) Puno, (Hilario) in the presence of Anabelle Lariba and Brgy Chair Raul Aleria.

Davide Jr. and the other

former justices,” Marquez told reporters in a press conference.

“This is a practice even before the Chief Justice (Corona) became a Justice of the Supreme Court,” Marquez said.

Henares, citing Section 51 of the National Internal Revenue Code (NIRC) of 1997, as amended, said that compensation income earners like justices, who either receive income, which was not properly withheld or derive income other than their compensation earnings, are obliged to file Income Tax Returns (ITRs) and pay the corresponding tax due.

The comment of Henares came after a chief judicial staff officer of the SC testified before the Senate

Impeachment Court that it only withholds taxes on justices’ salaries and yearend bonuses in excess of P30,000.

Te s t i m on i e s at t h e Impeachment Court also disclosed that from 2002 to 2011, Corona received some P21-million worth of allowances and benefits, including those received by members of the electoral tribunals.

Marquez said that if the BIR would charge the SC for allowances received as part of the Senate Electoral Tribunal (SET) and House of Representatives Electoral Tribunal (HRET), then it should also look at senators and congressmen who are also members of the tribunals and receiving the same perks. Wire report

FORMER Senator Aquilino “Nene” Pimentel, Jr., yesterday issued a direct call to President Benigno S. Aquino III to allocate more modular bridges to Visayas and Mindanao, to hasten the rehabilitation of areas damaged by recent calamities.

Pimentel said he recognized the “unique qualities” of the modular steel bridges and said that these made them appropriate for the conditions prevailing in Cagayan de Oro, Iligan, and Negros Oriental.

T h e re are e x i s t i ng stockpiles of modular steel bridge components – supplied by British firm Mabey & Johnson and French firm Eiffel Matiere – which can be assembled “lego-like” within a time frame measured in months, whereas concrete bridges are built over year.

“These are easy to deploy and build, and perfect for quickly restoring access to remote areas,” said the former Senator from Cagayan de Oro. “Prevailing humanitarian conditions require fast response, and technology like this is quite effective.”

He pointed out that Typhoon Sendong wiped

out 12 major bridges in Cagayan de Oro and Iligan, and a magnitude 6.9 earthquake destroyed another 32 bridges in Negros Oriental.

Most of these structures were concrete and can no longer be rebuilt or reused.

Modular steel bridges have the added value of being salvageable, and there is one community in Alimodian, Iloilo, that rebuilt a steel bridge that was washed away by floods during typhoon “Frank” in 2008.

Pimentel said restored access to livelihoods is essential in alleviating calamity conditions in the area.

“You must get people in these areas productive again,” said Pimentel.

“B esides keeping them busy, the return to their livelihoods brings the capability to earn enough to supplement their needs.

Aid packages can only go so far.”

He added that building these structures will provide long-term socioeconomic benefits.

“There are some 5,000 Agrarian Reform Communities in VisMin, but the lands are mostly underproductive because of, among other things, the

lack of bridges. Transportation costs and labor costs directly increase because of this limitation of infrastructure, wiping out any surplus income for the farmer,” he said.

“It’s a shame because the Government spends about Php12 billion for these areas, but they still remain underproductive.”

Pimentel underscored the fact that the steel modular bridges, being funded by low cost Overseas Development Assistance (ODA) turn out to be more cost effective than their concrete counterparts, if the total cost is computed against the lifespan of the bridge.

He added that the Lu z on re g i on , b e i n g richer in terms of revenues could afford conc re te br i d ge s , w h i ch normally are paid for via progress billings and funded through domestic sources. “That is another factor to consider. Cost effectiveness combined with long payment terms and governed by strict monitoring from the foreign creditors make this an affordable option for VisMin, given that the income from the region is less.”

Pag-IBIG declares over Ex-senator asks more bridges P8.4B dividends for 2011

THE Pag-IBIG Fund Board of Trustees has approved the declaration of P8.491 billion worth of dividends for 2011, announced Vice President Jejomar C. Binay, who is concurrently Chairman of the Pag-IBIG Board.

According to the Vice President, the amount of dividends is equivalent to 71% of the Pag-IBIG’s net income for 2011. This shall be divided among the Fund’s 10.2 million members.

“In effect, individual members’ savings have earned around 4.13% for the year. This is definitely higher than what any bank grants to their clients,” VP Binay added.

Pag-IBIG Chief Executive Officer Atty. Darlene Marie B. Berberabe explained that based on the Implementing Rules and Regulations of RA 9679 or the HDMF Law of 2009, the Board of Trustees is required to set aside an amount not less than 70% of Pag-IBIG’s annual net income to be paid to members in the form of dividends.

“The dividend earnings are proportionately credited to the member’s

total savings. We wish to clarify, however, that unlike dividends provided by other financing institution, Pag-IBIG dividends may be withdrawn only at time of membership maturity, together with the member’s personal contributions and the employer share” the CEO added. Dividend earnings are tax-free.

Pa g - I B IG m e mb e r s may withdraw their total savings which include all annual dividend earnings under any of the following reasons: membership maturity after 20 years and after saving 240 monthly contributions; retirement; separation from service due to health reasons; permanent departure from the country; total disability or insanity; or upon the death of the member where his legal heirs shall receive his total savings plus an additional death benefit of P6,000 or an amount equivalent to his total savings, whichever is lower.

“We take pride in the fact that the Pag-IBIG Fund has continued to sustain its financial growth through the years, making it one of the strongest and most stable financial institutions

in the country today,” Atty.

Berberabe continued.

“Because of the efforts of the management and staff of Pag-IBIG, we were able to register a gross income of P24.8 billion in 2011, 11% higher than our gross income level in 2010 and the biggest in 31 years. Our net income is at P11.959 billion, while our total asset level is now over P302 billion.”

“B u t t h e Pa g - I B I G Fund’s growth is not restricted to its finances.

The past year was a year of changes, growth and action. Our efforts to provide quality service to our members have been recognized when Pag-IBIG became ISO 9001-2008 Certified in 2011, the first among key shelter agencies,” says Atty. Berberabe. “ The members—the Filipino workers – are the direct beneficiaries of all the efforts of the Fund.

Every increase in its income means higher dividend rates and bigger savings for the members. We reassure all our members that the Fund will continue to safeguard and ensure the growth of the savings that they have entrusted to us.”

THURSDAY, MARCH 22, 2012

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3 FICCO Bldg., Lapasan Hi-way, Cagayan de Oro City Tel No. 72-3344, cell No. 09264874974 Look for Ai/Rose

EDITOR: ALLAN MEDIANTE, Email: amediante@yahoo.com

New styles of brand new, branded dresses and blouses, sandals and bags

Globe Run4Home redefines activism Cebuano triathlete champion Noy Jopson endorses Globe annual charity run A BIG name in the athletic scene, Cebuano Noy Jopson Is most known for grabbing the first Cobra Ironman title, which he skillfully set at 4:21.27. This coming March 25, 2012 in Cebu City, he will be joining the upcoming Globe Run4Home and has openly expressed his endorsement for the values that the event espouses.

“I’m really excited! Globe Run4Home is dedicated to not just 1 but 4 organizations that are at the forefront of their advocacies. It’s not often that you get to combine what you love with giving back,” shares Noy when asked about his sentiments regarding the event.

A lover of the outdoors and sports, Noy has successfully kept himself busy and immersed in the world of fitness. His fire for running

started at the early age of 9. Even during his younger years, his titles number to many and include prestigious awards. Among those that he championed are Asian Cup Junior in 1995 and the Philippine Enduraman Champion. He is also a 3-time National Champ and a record holder for Olympic Distance.

His decision to be an athlete is a deliberate one.

Noy closely grew up with civic awareness and responsibility, as his father is the well-known political activist Edgar Jopson.

The late Jopson was a key mover during the period of civil unrest or the First Quarter Storm in the 1970s.

He was the president of National Union Students of the Philippines and also bears the recognition Ten

Outstanding Young Men of the Philippines.

“Throughout my life, it was my intention and decision to shy away from activism. I used to believe that it was not worth the separation or the loss of a loved one. Now, I realize that it’s not wrong to push for what my parents fought and died for: social justice and human rights,” declares the triathlete.

Noy recounts his younger days when he was hounded left and right with opportunities to stand up for various causes. He instead kept himself busy with training to excuse him from said activities.

“If there’s a chance to keep running, join triathlons, promote fitness, and celebrate health while helping our country, why not?,”

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Noy happily concludes.

The funds raised from this year’s Globe Run4Home will be funneled to support the projects of Gawad Kalinga and Habitat for Humanity Philippines with a particular focus on addressing the needs of Filipinos victimized

by Typhoon Sendong. As the environment is as well a home, Cebu Biodiversity Conservation Foundation and Philippine Tarsier Foundation also join this year’s roster of beneficiaries.

T h o s e w h o c an n ot participate in the run but wanted to donate to their chosen beneficiary can do so via Globe GCASH. All they have to do is text the following: For Philippine Tarsier Foundation - DONATE <space> AMOUNT <space> MPIN <space> <TARSIER> and send to 2882; Cebu Biodiversity Conservation Foundation - DONATE <space> AMOUNT <space> MPIN <space> <CEBUBIO> and send to 2882; Habitat for Humanity - DONATE <space> AMOUNT <space> MPIN <space> <HABITAT>

and send to 2882; Gawad Kalinga - DONATE <space> AMOUNT <space> MPIN <space> <GK> and send to 2882.

Registration rates for Globe Run4Home are at its most affordable this year.

Registration fees per category are P300 for 3K, P400 for 5k, P500 for 10K, P600 for 15K, and P700 for 21K. The registration fee of the 21k category includes race shirts in various sizes, race bib number, timing chip, and finisher’s medal.

Registration is until March 22, 2012 at Paseo de Ciudad, 1st level, Ayala Center, Cebu City and via www.globe.com.ph/run.

Globe Run4Home 2012 is supported by Alaska, Ce-

buana Lhuilier Insurance Solutions, Fox, Gatorade, StarWorld, and Summit Natural Drinking Water as major sponsors. Minor sponsors include Active Zone-Ayala Center Cebu, Airphil Express, Cenovis, Century Tuna, Department of Tourism, Dole, Marriot Hotel Cebu, McDonald’s, Rexona, Skechers, The B ody Shop, Timex, Trends & Technologies, and Woman

by Lactacyd.

Media partners are Cebu Daily News, Manila Bulletin, Philippine Daily Inquirer, The Freeman, The Philippine Star, Radio GMA, SkyC able C ebu, Word Broadcasting Corporation, Infochat, and Newsbytes.

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THURSDAY, MARCH 22, 2012 www.mindanaodailybalita.com

Editor: RUEL PELONE , Email; mindanaodailynews@gmail.com

Insidious form of manipulation of oil prices

By BENJIE OLIVEROS, Bulatlat.com

Mindanao Daily Editorial Department Tel/fax Nos. 856-4433, 74-53-80 Door 3, Geleng Bldg.

Lapasan Hi-way Cagayan de Oro City

Upgrade your computer THINK a minute.

You know that a brand new computer today will be outdated and old in just a few months.

I recently replaced my 7-year old computer when my friends told me I was using a horse to race against rockets.

To compete and succeed in this world we have to keep up with the technology, which means continually upgrading our computer.

Yet none of these impressive inventions comes even close to the power of the human mind.

In fact, our mind’s computer already has all the upgrades we’ll ever need.

So since we’re the ones who control the world’s most powerful computer, we must keep learning and upgrading it every day.

Someone said: “Your mind is like a parachute—

Think A Minute

First part I HAVE written a number of articles on how pump prices of oil are being kept high. Let me summarize the Jhan Tiafau Hurst main reasons: First, there is a monopoly of oil. The big oil companies – Exxon Mobil, Royal Dutch Shell, BP, then Chevron it’s not much good unless Texaco in fourth, which is followed by the relatively it’s open.” And if we want smaller oil companies such as Total– are vertically into change our life, we have tegrated. They control the production and distribution to change our mind first. of oil and natural gas: from exploration, extraction, Computers, however, can refining, distribution to your friendly gasoline station. also be dangerous. That’s Since they control the supply, they control the prices. why we need an anti-virus The days when the Organization of Petroleum Exprogram to protect our comporting Countries was able to control the production puter from viruses that can and price of oil, such as in the 1970s, are long gone. infect and damage it.

Remember that in 2008, during the peak of spikes in These protective prooil prices, announcements by OPEC of increases in the grams even update themproduction of oil did not temper prices. selves regularly against new There are those who claim that because the producviruses that can attack. tion and sale of oil and gas are not being controlled So since we go to all that by only one company, there could be no monopoly trouble for a machine that’s pricing. They are, after all, in competition with each so quickly outdated and other and competition lowers prices. This is the same useless, how much more argument of the Philippine government in justifying the continued implementation of the Downstream Oil Industry Deregulation Law. While it is true that giant oil companies compete against each other, they act as one in setting prices. One could readily observe that WITH THE PRICE of fuel hitting oil companies always announce that they are raising the P60 per liter mark, the fate of PRICES/p.5 this country looms in the dark. The government knows that oil prices are liquid. It (government) knows that there are means to cushion the impact of an escalating oil price. www.mindanaodailybalita.com However, the current dispensation The MINDANAO DAILY NEWS is published by Mindanao is languid.

It is not doing anything Daily Balita at Door 3, Geleng Bldg., Lapasan Highway, serious to really address possible Cagayan de Oro City. It is registered with the Department effects of spiraling oil prices. Thus, Cris Diaz of Trade and Industry (DTI), Region 10 with CerƟfifcate No. we could sense the uneasiness of 01349532, and with Business Permit No. 02275, TIN No. 946-396-807-001 people these days.

Telefax Nos: (088) 856-3344, (08822)74-53-80, A driver of a passenger cab complained that he Cell nos.: 0917-7121424, 0923-432-0687 could no longer pick passengers as much as he could Website: www//mindanaodailybalita.com since he has to conserve fuel. At the end of the day, E-mail: mindanaodaily.ads@gmail.com the driver could barely buy a kilo of rice to feed his mindanaodailynews@gmail.com family of five.

DANTE M. SUDARIA Both parents and students are complaining of the PUBLISHER rising school fees, too. The ordinary worker has to RUEL V. PELONE ROSE MARY D. SUDARIA make both ends meet from a meager wage as employer FINANCE MANAGER EDITOR-IN-CHIEF grumbled of an impending wage increase.

ALLAN M. MEDIANTE MELANIE RIVERA IRENE DOMINGO EXECUTIVE EDITOR ‘Quo vadis, Pinoy?’ Where do we go from here?

PINKY CADAVEDO JOE DEL PEURTO FELICILDA As the country reels at the mercy of oil prices in the A ò Ùã®Ý®Ä¦ MANAGING EDITOR international market, the future of about 90 million GUILLERMO ADE, JÙ.

CRIS DIAZ people is uncertain.

PÙÊ ç ã®ÊÄ ASSOCIATE EDITOR Yet, not everything is lost. If the government will ALBERT MOLIT PAT SAMONTE act on legislative measures to create a petroleum MARLON DOMINGO R ¦®ÊÄ ½ E ®ãÊÙ-C Ù ¦ reserve body, the government could contain sudden CIRCULATION AL JACINTO surge of fuel prices.

JUN ESCUADRO R ¦®ÊÄ ½ E ®ãÊÙ-Z Ã Ê Ä¦ Last year, legislatures moved for the creation of the RIZA O. ARES GERRY LEE GORIT petroleum reserve body under the supervision of the LIEZL A. DELOSO ROLANDO SUDARIA

important is it to protect the computer of our own mind!

Everyday we face dangerous, deadly viruses like pornography and sex outside of marriage, temptations to lie or steal, commit suicide, gossip, lose our temper, and other kinds of wrong thinking that can ruin our character, our marriage and children, our job, our whole life. That’s why we’ve got to be careful what we allow to come into our mind.

“Garbage in, garbage out.” So every day, we need

a good brain-washing. And no one’s more qualified to keep our mind clean than God our Maker. That’s why He gave us the Bible as our manual for life, to show us how to maintain and keep improving our mind.

The Bible is your own anti-virus program to protect your mind from wrong thinking that can destroy you.

You see, God knows that the person who doesn’t control his thoughts will lose control of his life.

So why don’t you decide to spend some time every day reading your Bible and talking with God? Get involved in a Bible-teaching church.

It will raise your level of thinking and living, and protect you from all the dangerous viruses that threaten your mind every day.

Just Think a Minute.

A country lurking in a dark

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state-owned Philippine National Oil Company.

House Bill 4526 seeks to create a national Strategic Petroleum Reserve to store ready-to-use gasoline, diesel and Liquefied Petroleum Gas that could supply the country’s fuel needs of about 300,000 barrels per day for 15 days.

Although a two-week period of fuel availability is short, that would be enough to cushion impact of a sudden oil price increase.

Even if the petroleum reserve is established, lot of issues remained. Will the reserve fuel be able to hold the local prices of oil to shoot up? We have to ask this question since the problem here is not the availability of fuel reserve but the spiraling oil prices.

If having a fuel reserve will address concern on unabated oil prices, then, we must pursue its creation.

However, if the fuel reserve cannot effectively address fuel prices increase, then, let us forget it.

Subsequently, details of the creation of a petroleum reserve must focus at maintaining affordability of prices of fuel in the local market. Otherwise, any legislative act that does not meet this criterion is nothing but a piece of paper.

At present, the Filipino people will continue to bear the burden of a worsening condition where the prices of oil in the world market dictate its economic fundamentals. The coming days will provide the Filipino people certain direction. The uncertainty of that direction remains. However, the people must be ready to reckon the call of time.

--------React: crisguardian@yahoo.com

Issues about false prosecution LIFE’S INSPIRATIONS: “… maintain justice in the courts…” (Amos 5:15, the Holy Bible).

-oooISSUES ABOUT FALSE PROSECUTION CLAIMS: The big question confronting the Filipino people now in the impeachment trial of Chief Justice Renato Corona is this: with the admission by the Land Registration Authority, through its chief Eulalio Diaz, that the claim by the prosecution that Corona has 45 posh properties in his name is not true, and was in fact a mere

Kakampi mo ang batas Atty. Batas Mauricio misrepresentation, can Corona still be impeached on this issue?

Without any factual basis, can the charge of graft and corruption still stand?

And with the prosecution having been exposed as having lied in one of its major accusations, can

the Filipino people still believe the other charges against the Chief Justice?

Effectively, the issue now is no longer the culpability of Corona. The issue has turned now to the falsity and, at the very least, the morality of pushing through with his impeach-

ment even if the major charges against him appeared to have no factual basis at the time some 188 congressmen signed the Articles of Impeachment against him.

-oooBIG QUESTION ON MOTIVATION OF SURVEYS: Indeed, there is a big question on the motivation of some survey groups in conducting a poll on the people’s perception about the guilt or innocence of Corona. Assuming without conceding that the survey results are accurate, which ISSUES/p.5

THURSDAY, MARCH 22, 2012

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PIA News Bits Director Abner M. Caga PIA, R10 & 13 Cluster

DA conducts training to agri extension workers

BUTUAN City - A total of 23 Agricultural Extension Workers from all over Caraga Region, are undergoing a season-long Training of Trainers on Rice Production at the ATI Training Complex, Los Angeles, this city.

Part of the thrusts of the Department of Agriculture to improve rice production in the region, the training culminates on April this year. Two of the participants are representing the city government of Butuan.

(Butuan PIO)

NorMin investments reach P9.96B

REGION 10 - Investments monitored by the Department of Trade and Industry in Northern Mindanao have reached P9.97 billion last year. Some P4.17 billion or 41.8 percent of such investments was poured into Misamis Oriental.

Surigao Sur declares GPK winners

REGION 13: Barobo, Surigao del Sur ranked first in the most recent Gawad Probinsiya sa Kapaligiran (GPK) assessment and evaluation for Category A or third class towns. Second and third placers in same category were Tagbina and San Miguel, respectively.

In category B, Carrascal won over Carmen (2nd placer) and Bayabas (3rd placer). The prizes, P16,000 for first placer; P12,000 for second; and P10,000 for third. Bislig won over Tandag in the component city category.

Infra investments top in R10

REGION 10 – The Department of Trade and Industry (DTI-10) has seen infrastructure and services, as last year’s leading investments in the region. Topping the list are the construction and expansion of several tourism-related facilities, like hotels, pension houses, dormitories, restaurants, and recreation facilities.

MDaily textline Compiled by KHRISTHA RIVA ARFENE

“We were caught in the very heavy traffic jam near Corpus Christi due to the simultaneous gathering of FICCO members. We waited for our turn to cross the street.

As we were about to cross the street, a motorcab cut us off and forced its way on our road right of way. So, our vehicle and another one were caught in the middle of the street. I noticed a policeman in full uniform in the shades, he went to the front of our vehicle, “gibunalan amo hood sa iya folder nga gidala” and told us and the other vehicle to back off. So, we thought we would back off, but the vehicles behind us were already in a bumper to bumper position, but we dutifully backed our vehicle. We thought he would be organizing things for the traffic to flow easily. Then, to our dismay, his main purpose for us to back from the road was so that a police Innova plate number SKA-178 was able to get through. Once that vehicle was through with the traffic, he calmly boarded it and speed away towards Macasandig. This policeman is unbecoming an officer and a gentleman. Garbuso ra sya. (From Facebook Account of Mr. Janry Colonia, March 11, 2012)

088-855-1945 0918-979-3130 0922-865-9063 EMAIL ADDRESS: andy_jabao@yahoo.com

PNP SAF recruitment is on

By RONNIE FRANCIS M. CARIAGA

CAMP Alagar, Cagayan de Oro City––Police Director Catalino S. Cuy of the PNP Special Action Force (SAF) announced the start of recruitment for 289 additional members of the elite police unit.

Applicants are required to submit their respective application folders containing two original 3R size pictures, two original 2x2 ID pictures in white shirt and white background, duly accomplished Civil Service Personal Data Sheet, police eligibility, two NSOcertified copies of birth certificate and transcript of records.

The other requirements are college diploma, two NSO-certified copies of marriage contract and birth certificates of qualified dependents and clearances

from the barangay chair, mayor, MTC/RTC/prosecutor, NBI, and the PNP Directorate for Intelligence.

SAF is a rapid deployment force of the PNP, in support of the other units and agencies against terrorism, commando type unconventional warfare (CUW) against lawless elements over extended periods of time, control, search and rescue operations during calamities and catastrophes.

The unit also conducts civil disturbance management (CDM) operations even as it addresses the requirements of stability and security operations during civil disobedience.

Additional information on the recruitment process can be obtained from the trine and Development Divi- Special Action Company, Regional Personnel and sion (RPHRDD), Cagayan Fatima, Abuno, Iligan City.

Human Resources and Doc- de Oro City, or from the SAF (rfmc/jdelpf )

Prices...

that they are being forbidden by the oil company from undercutting other gas stations in the vicinity even if these were carrying a different brand and were being supplied by a different oil company.

Do we still need proof that giant oil companies set the price of oil in conjunction with each other?

Second is speculation.

Oil is a commodity of choice – second is gold – by traders

from page 4

of oil one after another.

The time lag between the announcements of price increases by the different companies is only a matter of hours.

I have als o wr itten about the experience of my nephew whose first work was as manager of a gas station. He was told by the owner of the station

OFFICE OF THE NOTARY PUBLIC ATTY. ANTONIO L. AMARGA ATTORNEY-AT-LAW 16 Pabayo St. Cagayan de Oro City Tel. No: 72-30-90 RURAL BANK OF GITAGUM (MIS.OR.) INC. Mortgagee -versus-

# D – 2012 – 343 RE: Extrajudicial/Notarial Foreclosure of Real Estate Mortgage

Sps. EMETERIO and ANGELA JARAMILLO BAGAS Mortgagor x---------------------------------------------------------/ NOTICE OF AUCTION SALE BY NOTARY PUBLIC Upon extra-judicial petition for sale under Act. 3135, as amended filed by Rural Bank of Gitagum (Mis.Or.) Inc. with office address at Poblacion, Gitagum, Misamis Oriental, against Sps. Emeterio and Angela Jaramillo Bagas, all of legal age, Filipino citizens and residents of Sinai, Laguindingan, Misamis Oriental, to satisfy the mortgage indebtedness which as of January 31, 2012 amounted to Php. 1,499,988.89 excluding attorney’s fees equal to 10% of the outstanding balance and expenses of foreclosure, the undersigned or his duly authorized deputy will sell at public auction on April 30, 2012 at 9:00 o’clock in the morning or soon thereafter at the Hall of Justice, Initao, Misamis Oriental to the highest bidder for cash and in Philippine Currency, the following property/ ies described below, to wit; TCT No. T-5307 Tax Declaration No. 0818001004771, PIN: 052.18.0010.005.01 A PARCEL OF AGRICULTURAL LAND including all improvements thereon under Cad Lot No. 13094-Part containing an area of 30,000 square meters more or less located at Sinai, Laguindingan, Misamis Oriental; Bounded on the NORTH

by Lot No. 26 & 27 of Sec. 002; SOUTH by Lot No. 06, 07, 05 & 04; EAST by Barangay Road, WEST by Lot No. 33 & 34 of Sec. 006. Declared in the name of Angela Jaramillo-Bagas.

TCT No. T-5307 Tax Declaration No. 0818001004772, PIN: 052.18.0010.005.02 A PARCEL OF AGRICULTURAL LAND including all improvements thereon under Cad Lot No. 13094-P containing an area of 33,313 square meters more or less and residential land containing an area of 400 square meters more or less located at Sinai, Laguindingan, Misamis Oriental; Bounded on the NORTH

by Lot No. 11 of Sec.003; SOUTH by Lot No. 03; EAST by Lot No. 003; WEST

by Barangay Road. Declared in the name of Angela Jaramillo-Bagas.

Should there be no other bidder or only one (1) bidder, the auction sale scheduled above shall be held again on MAY 29, 2012 at the same time and place.

Prospective buyers may investigate for themselves the title of herein above-described and encumbrances thereon, if any there is.

Cagayan de Oro City, February 24, 2012

MDB: MARCH 15, 22, & 29, 2012

(Sgd.) ANTONIO L. AMARGA Notary Public

and hedge fund managers, especially after crisis strikes.

And those trading in oil futures, majority of which are not users of oil, take advantage of both negative and positive events to push prices up through frantic trading.

Read today’s article “OPEC oil prices continue to rise” by the Philippine News Agency| Xinhua. It enumerated three reasons why oil prices are going up: First is the geopolitical crisis due to tensions between the US and Iran.

It said Iran is the second biggest exporter of oil and

that the country controls the Strait of Homuz, the most important transport line of crude oil.

Even so, has the conflict escalated already such that the world is already experiencing a supply shock?

If there is still no war, and therefore, no acute shortage, why are the prices increasing now?

Second, the article said “The rise of the euro due to progress made in resolving Greece’s debt crisis coupled with the falling dollar promoted investment in crude oil futures, thus lifting prices.”

Issues...

ECS: If Local Government and Interior Secretary Jesse Robredo thought it was enough to fire Caloocan City Fire Marshall Supt.

Oscar De Asis in connection with the four-day fire that razed the Ever Gotesco Grand Central Mall in Caloocan City, he should look again.

The liability, if any, of De Asis is actually minimal when compared to the liability of Caloocan City officials who, wittingly or unwittingly, allowed the mall to continue operating through the years, despite its obvious defects which prevented firemen to enter its parts that were burning.

The fact is that the same mall, according to a report

by ABS CBN DZMM in a program hosted by Kabayan Noli De Castro, already suffered the same fate four to five years ago, being gutted by fire which also lasted for five days, again because firemen were unable to enter the mall.

If Robredo wants to hold all of those liable for the fire, he should also fire many Caloocan officials.

from page 4

is actually very debatable at this point, are we saying that an impeachment proceeding is now to be decided on the basis merely of what the public thinks?

Not only was Senate President Juan Ponce Enrile correct in saying that surveys could be gravely and, at times, deadly wrong, citing the case of Jesus Christ, our God and Savior. It is also indubitable that in any judicial, administrative, or civil or criminal proceeding, what controls is not public opinion, but the evidence presented by the parties to the case.

Unless, of course, the surveyors are bent on shaping the mind of the people towards a particular result, and agitating them against any result that would not conform to the people’s expressed perception. Perhaps, the surveyors are preparing the groundwork for a “people power”, just in case.

-oooDILG SHOULD ALSO PROBE CALOOCAN EX-

6

THURSDAY, MARCH 22, 2012 www.mindanaodailybalita.com

BUTUAN CITY, BAYUGAN CITY, SAN FRANCISCO, TAGUM CITY SUZUKI * HONDA YAMAHA* KAWASAKI MEMBER: G.A. ROMARATE GROUP OF COMPANIES

Editor: RUEL PELONE , Email; mindanaodailynews@gmail.com

Polygamy in Islam

By SULTAN AMINODEN DIAMPUAN GURO

Third of a series Islam gives polygamy a legal status, for Allah has given men the option to marry more than one wife and restricted the number to a maximum of four, on condition that they should be treated with perfect equality in all materials things. But if they fear that they will not be able to deal justly with them, then only one. Allah said: “And if you fear that you shall not be able to deal justly with the orphan girls, then marry [other] women of your choice, two, three, or four; but if you fear that you shall not be able to deal justly [with them], then only one.”

(Qur’an 4:3) The Holy Qur’an takes full comprehension of the state of human nature and the weakness of human beings: “You will never be able to be fair and do justice between women, even if it is your ardent desire, but turn not away [ from a woman ] altogether, so as to leave her [ as it were ] hanging [ in the air ].”

(Qur’an 4:129) Hence, such an option is not only permissible, but desirable for those who can fulfill its condition. But if a man may harm himself, his children or his wives by practicing polygamy, then he should marry only one. Polygamy is a blessing, particularly when circumstances make it an ideal solution that a man or woman may face: First, to a childless couple when the wife is unable to bear children and the husband is desperate to have a child.

Secondly, when the wife is suffering an incurable disease; in that case, by marrying a second wife, a man not only helps his sick wife and children to get proper care and attention, but to retain her home and maintain her status as a wife, instead of being discarded. And at the same time, it allows the husband to have the relationship he needs under a legal marriage relationship and keeps him away from adultery, because marriage as described by ‘ Umar ibn al-khattab ‘– the Companion of the Prophet and the second Caliph of Islam – is a strong weapon against adultery. Thirdly, during times of war, when men are killed in large numbers and leave widows and orphans behind, or when violent crime among males becomes high and the rates of homosexuality increase, it becomes obvious that women outnumber men and are causing alarm and concern to society. In such cases, we are faced with one of three situations: 1. Some women are forced to live a deprived life until death; and this is unacceptable to those women who reject a life of privation and also reject a life of sin and transgression. Or they will be left destitute and exposed to prostitution and immorality.

2. Or it allows men to take mistresses and legalize adultery which leads to a corrupt society.

3. Or polygamy is permitted as a decent solution.

Islam permitted polygamy on condition that absolute justice prevails (in materials matters). It may be painful for some women, but it is also beneficial for surplus women and society as a whole. It protects those helpless women’s rights and saves them from destruction (prostitution, plagues of venereal disease, herpes and AIDS etc.). it also protects their socio-economic rights and provides protection for women and children from mental and physical abuse.

Cycling: 17 teams to battle for 2012 Le Tour de Filipinas SIX local teams, including the national squad, will test their mettle against riders from 11 foreign entries in the 2012 Le Tour de Filipinas that was formally launched Wednesday at the Centennial Grand Ballroom of the Manila Hotel.

The national squad of the PhilCycling will race under the banner of Smart.

The other local teams in the April 14-17 international race that is now on its third edition are Go21, LPGMA/ American Vinyl, Mail And More, Kia and Jinbei.

On the roster of foreign squads in the race that is now a regular on the Asia Tour calendar of the Union Cycliste Internationale, are TPT Cycling of Iran, Terenganu Cycling of Malaysia, Suren Team of Uzbekistan, Aisan Racing Team of Japan and Dutch Global Cycling Team of the Netherlands.

The other international teams are CCN of Chinese Taipei, OCBC of Singapore, Pure Black of New Zealand, Plan B of Australia, RTS/

GiandKenda also of Taiwan and Colossi Miche of Indonesia.

Bert Lina, the acknowledged godfather of cycling, led the launching ceremony and expressed his continuing support to cycling which is now running for 10 years — through his company Air21, which is returning as tour presentor this year.

Joining Lina are Dynamic Outsource Solutions, Inc. president and race organizer Gary Cayton; Manila Hotel president and former Senator Joey Lina; PhilCycling president and Tagaytay City Mayor Abraham Tolentino; Metro Manila Development Authority (MMDA) chairman Francis Tolentino; and former local tour champion and Eagle of the Mountain

CIRCLE A WORD GEMS

AMETHYST BRAZILLIANITE CARNELIAN DIOPSIDE DONBURITE EMERALD FLOURITE

GARNET JADE JASPER KUNZITE LAPIS LAZULI ONYX

OPAL PEARL PERIDOT PHENAKITE RUBY SPINEL ZIRCON

ccnsport.com Paquito Rivas, the president of the race management group Philippine National Cycling Association.

Also gracing the affair were Cauayan City (Isabela) Administrator Bagnus Maximo and Atty. Ariel Magno, who represented Cagayan 1st District Rep. Jack Enrile.

They were also joined by

Director of the Embassy of Japan Kiyoshi Takauchi and Counselor for Social and Cultural Affairs of Indonesia Ahimsa Soekartono.

The Le Tour will cover 502 kilometers from its start in Sta. Ana, Cagayan, to the Burnham Park finish in Baguio City.

Although the first two stages will be on flat roads and the third on a relatively hilly course, the fourth stage will now be the local tour’s new “killer” lap over the so-called “Northern Alps” on the Cordilleras on the backdoor leading to the summer capital.

Stage One will start in Port Irene in Sta. Ana and will cover 155 kms up to the Tuguegarao City finish.

Stage Two will be all of 110 kms from Tuguegarao to Cauayan City, while Stage Three will be a short 102-km ride to Bayombong, enough to prepare the riders for the treacherous 153-km race to Baguio City the next day.

(PNA)

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THURSDAY, MARCH 22, 2012 www.mindanaodailybalita.com

Fare... from page 1

are required to get a copy of the new fare rate and have it posted in their respective units as a guide for passengers.

“The provisional fare hike will be in effect while the LTFRB is still deliberating on the “main” petition for a P2 fare hike,” he added.

Earlier, LTFRB spokesperson Sonia del Mundo said the LTFRB considers a petition to hike jeepney fares as “urgent.” However, she said, a petition for a P2 increase to the current minimum fare for jeepneys is still undergoing public hearings and consultations.

In its petition, the transport groups said they could no longer cope with the rising prices of fuel and spare parts.

However, Darimbang said that jeepney operators will be required to roll back the minimum fare once diesel prices go back to P45 per liter.

Mishap... from page 1

of the Nissan Sentra throwing him and his passengers off the motorcycle and landing on the road pavement.

The victims were rushed to nearby D.O. Plaza Memorial Medical Center where they are now confined, police said.

The two vehicles were impounded by the Prosperidad police.

Solon... from page 1

school fees corresponding to the school term.”

He also appealed to the Commission on Higher Education (CHED) to strictly implement this rule as his office receives numerous reports about prohibition of students to take examinations due to unpaid obligations.

“In the midst of the school examination period and the wave of price hikes and massive unemployment of parents, the government should ensure that students with pending fees will be allowed to take their examinations,” said Palatino.

Palatino also urged the Senate to immediately adopt the Anti-No Permit, No Exam Act which he authored, to penalize erring HEIs. Under the proposed legislation, an HEI who would refuse a student to take his or her final examinations would be fined up to P50,000 (US$1,165.51 based on today’s foreign exchange rate).

Palatino, meanwhile, asked students and parents to immediately report to telephone no. (02) 352-1054 any case of violation of the anti-no permit, no exam policy as stipulated in the aforementioned manual.

[Noel Sales Barcelona/CBCPNews]

Hike... from page 1

plano na magrali at kung may plano man ang iba di muna kami sasali dyan.

Kami naman sa Pasang Masda hangga’t makukuha sa usapan yun ang inuuna namin dahil ayaw din namin na maapektuhan ang mga mamamayan (We have no plans to strike a protest and if there’s other group planning to have their rally we will not joined them.

We in Pasang Masda were going to make discussions to the officials because we don’t want to affect the public),” Martin said.

But he said that though the LTFRB’s order granting their request for a provisional fare hike was a welcome development, the 50 centavos that jeepney drivers in Metro Manila and other parts of the country get, haf effectively been erased by the latest round of oil price hikes implemented Tuesday.

“Nakakalungkot dahil pinagbigyan nga ang aming kahilingan na provisional fare increase pero tumaas naman ng 60 centavos ang pump prices (After granting the provincial fare increase, we felt sad because the oil firms jacked up their prices by 60 centavos),” Martin said.

Oil firms Petron, Pilipinas Shell and Chevron along with independent oil players Eastern Petroleum and Total Philippines added 70 centavos per liter for premium gasoline. All five oil firms increased pump prices of regular gasoline, diesel and kerosene by 60 centavos per liter.

This, Martin said should prompt the LTFRB to accede to their request for a P2 fare increase, which if granted would result to a P10 minimum fare.

Joining Pasang Masda in the request were the Federation of Jeepney Operators and Drivers Asso-

ciation of the Philippines (FEJODAP), Alliance of Concerned Transport Operators (ACTO), 1-Utak and the Liga ng Transportasyon at Opereytors sa Pilipinas (LTOP).

Militant transport group, Pagkakaisa ng mga Samahan ng mga Tsuper at Opereytors Nationwide (PISTON) on the other hand said they will also file within the week a request for a P1 fare increase nationwide.

PISTON Secretary General George San Mateo said the 50 centavo provisional fare hike was not enough to cope with the continued oil price increases in the past few weeks.

“We are rushing the completion on petition for a P1 fare hike sa jeepney across the country because the government cannot remove the Value Added Tax in oil and it is not acceptable on the 50 centavos increase for fare in NCR and Regions 3 to 10 which does not include the Regions 1, 2, Cordillera, ARMM, 11, 12 at 13,” San Mateo said.

But like Pasang Masda, San Mateo said they had no plans yet to stage transport strike.

L ast week, PISTON staged a transport caravan in Metro Manila and protest actions in the provinces to dramatize their opposition to the oil price increases and to demand for the scrapping of the VAT on fuel products, the repeal of the Oil Deregulation Law and a P9 roll back in pump prices.

Department of Transportation and Communications (DOTC) Secretary Mar Roxas said the provisional fare increase was justified. (PNA)

Victims... from page 1

residents are justified in wondering where the money is being used.

In the areas frequented by volunteers of humanitarian and relief groups, both local and international, residents complain that they have yet to receive concrete help from the government.

Most of the help they are getting, they said, come from the humanitarian groups.

In a report posted on the Iligan local government website, it was said that there were appeals from concerned groups that the Philippine Institute of Certified Public Accountants (PICPA) audit the Sendong” cash donations.

The city’s auditor Gulam Sucor said they would first secure the consent of the Central Office of the Commission on Audit (COA), as even the outsourcing of audit services would normally need the consent of the agency.

“We want to assure the public that a tight audit is being done, and the public can check for themselves as we will post the information on the donations on the website of the CoA. We will also post the full audit report of all fund sources and statement of expendi-

1

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As for the national agencies, as early as December 29, 2011 or a few days after Sendong struck, reports already came out questioning their management of the funds.

In a story filed by Michael Punongbayan of the Philippine Star, it was revealed that as of December 2011, the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) had more than P193.6 million ($ 4.6 million) in donated funds which could have been used to help victims of Sendong.

Government auditors questioned why the money was ” lying idle in a government depository bank and is not being utilized for its intended purpose.”

In Punongbayan’s report, it was also revealed that the COA discovered how the DSWD has received over P314.7 million ($ 7.5 million) in donations for typhoon victims from various sources from 2004 to 2010. As of Dec. 31, 2010, over P193.6 million ($4.6 million) was unused.

“The donors may have thought that all their donations had provided relief to the beneficiaries and were used to rehabilitate the damage done by the calamities which struck the country in the past years,” COA said.

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tures of the city of Iligan for 2011 until April 2012 when they’re completed,” Sucor said.

Currently the donations are said to amount to P242 million ($5.7 million).

The Iligan government said this will be used only in the building of houses, with P60 million ($1.428 million) going to the repair of damaged infrastructure; P14 million ($333,333) to the repair of water supply facilities; and the P11.87 million ($285 thousand) for cash for work program.

In a report was dated Feb. 27, Iligan officials planted 1,500 mahogany seedlings along Mandulog River in Barangay San Roque.

Iligan City was said to have “observed the Iligan Love Month and the 26th anniversary of the People Power Revolution.”

The cit y government launched the tree-planting/ growing campaign it dubbed “Plant a Tree and Grow with Me” and officials said that the number of seedlings planted corresponded to the approximate 1,200 number of f looding casualties in Iligan.

A memorial marker was also erected in honor of the victims. Where are the DSWD’s funds for relief victims?

7

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8 HEALTH & LIFESTYLE Fortified milk needed for healthier child development THURSDAY, MARCH 22, 2012

SCHOOLCHILDREN require adequate nutritional supplementation to help them keep up with the demands of their increasingly active lives. Falling short of their daily requirements puts them at risk of lapsing into poor mental and physical capacities that can impair not just their health but also their own future.

Milk provides parents with the easiest way to ensure that their children get their much-needed nutrition.

Different age levels of kids, though, call for different types of milk. For children aged seven and up, the ideal type to drink is one that is fortified with vitamins and micronutrients – ingredients

that are crucial for building strength and bodily resistance against infection.

Fortified milk contains vitamins A, D, and B, along with iron, zinc, and other nutrients that give children a stronger immune system.

This type of milk not only strengthens growing bones because of its vitamin D content—essential for optimum calcium absorption—but also helps improve vision with vitamin A. All these essential nutrients, including zinc, iron, and vitamin C can be found in a glass of BEAR BRAND Powdered Milk Drink.

Zinc is involved in major metabolic processes and in functions of many tissues,

and it plays a central and unique role in the functioning of the immune system, as over 300 enzymes alone need zinc for proper biological function. Iron is also essential for improving immunity, carrying oxygen to the body, boosting one’s energy level, and even preventing learning difficulty among children. Vitamin C rounds up the immunebuilding benefits of fortified milk, as it helps protect the body against oxidative damage, promotes resistance to infection, and helps in one’s recovery from stress.

As a fortified milk variant, BEAR BRAND Powdered Milk Drink helps growing children cope well

with the demands of their active lives at school, at home, and outdoors. In its ongoing outreach program dubbed LAKI SA GATAS Nutrition Education Advocacy, which visits elementary students in public schools nationwide, BEAR BRAND regularly promotes the importance of having a sharp mind and a strong body to build a better future and attain their dreams in life.

“Drinking fortified milk must be a daily habit among schoolchildren because it is vital for overall health yet inexpensive to give,” said Jasmin Estacio, Consumer Marketing Manager for BEAR BRAND. “It must be part of a child’s daily diet,

supplemented by the right food choices that parents must provide.”

Estacio further explained that BEAR BRAND Powdered Milk Drink is not formulated for infants; it is targeted for growing children four years old and above. Furthermore, the product conforms to the standards set by the Food & Drug Administration, and is registered and approved by the same agency.

By knowing what kind of milk to give, along with establishing healthy eating habits, parents can lay the foundation for healthy diets that will enable their children to enjoy active and fulfilled lives.

Eating shark ‘in’ in Roxas ROXAS City––Reports have it that sharks, which abound in the Visayan Seas, are fast-becoming a normal part of the cuisine of many households in this Panay Island city.

The report has been substantiated by no less than the Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources Director for Western Visayas.

BFAR Region 6 Director Drusselah Bayate has asserted, however, that selling and slaughter of sharks in Roxas City is at a minimum and the shark variety caught rather inadvertently by local fishermen belongs to the common shark, like the hammerhead.

Bayate has admitted though that no law prohibiting the selling, collecting and the butcher of sharks is currently in effect in the country, but said that “a proposal of such nature is pending at the BFAR.” In addition to this growing concern over sharks landing on the table for culinary reasons, Bayate said sharks taken out from within 15 kms from the shoreline is first and foremost the major responsibility of the local government which is tasked to enact ordinances for control and regulation of shark fishing.

BFAR intends to tackle the issue by having probing talks with local officials, Bayate said.

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