A military photo released to the Zamboanga Post newspaper shows the slain rebel leader Nasi, his face blurred, who was killed by soldiers in Ozamiz City in Misamis Occidental province in southern Philippines. Seven other rebels, including Nasi’s deputy, were captured by troops in the recent fighting .
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Troops pursue NPA rebels
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Sulu mayors told to prepare development plans, gets BARMM support SULU – Governor Sakur Tan has told municipal mayors to prepare their respective development plans so the provincial government can submit these early to the national and regional governments to ensure “greater probability of inclusion” of the list of proposed infrastructure projects and other Governor Sakur Tan during a meeting with municipal mayors programs in Sulu. Continue on page 5 and other stakeholders. (Sulu Provincial Government Photos)
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Misuari pushes for OIC in peace talks ‘Duterte sets up GPH-MNLF Coordinating Committee’ Read Story on page 3
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The Mindanao Examiner
September 2-8, 2019
‘Buntis Congress’ draw hundreds in Sulu town
Cagayan trade fair successful CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY – Over two dozen exhibitors from northern Mindanao have participated in the Kahimunan Regional Trade Fair 2019 here. “Kahimunan” which means “creations,” is an annual event by the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) to promote and market the products of micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs) in the region. DTI-10 Regional Director Linda Boniao said the weeklong trade fair is one of the market access
Maimbung Mayor Shihla Hayudini speaks at the ‘Buntis Congress.’ Some 270 pregnant women and their spouses attended the event in Maimbung town and was also participated by Nurunisah Tan, president of the Sulu Provincial Women’s Council; and Dr. Winafe Bravo and Benjo Sulay, of the rural health unit; and Dr. Fahra Omar, of the Integrated Provincial Health Office, among other personalities. (Maimbung Municipal Photos) SULU – Some 270 pregnant women and their husbands attended the “Buntis Congress” in the town of Maimbung in the southern Philippine province of Sulu where organizers discussed safe motherhood and responsible parenthood. The recent congress was a partnership between the municipal government of Maimbung and the town’s rural health unit.
Maimbung Mayor Shihla Hayudini, a strong advocate of women’s rights, pushed for the holding of the “Buntis Congress” in an effort to educate – especially first time – pregnant women and their spouses on various issues relating to responsible parenthood, among others. Dr. Winafe Bravo and Benjo Sulay, of the rural health unit, conducted the congress, which was
also by Dr. Fahra Omar, of the Integrated Provincial Health Office, who lectured on responsible parenthood. The president of the Sulu Provincial Women’s Council, Nurunisah Tan, also spoke on topics pertaining to the laws protecting women and children from violence. While Adil Alfad discussed women’s rights in Islam. (Zamboanga Post)
programs to help MSMEs. “DTI’s interventions usually end with marketing. We want to ensure that their products make it to the market,” she said, adding, this year’s exhibitors supported around 200 MSMEs. Bebeng Aragon, from the Obra Food and Crafts Association of Iligan City, said because of the trade fair, their products have become known to the public. She said Obra Food was one of the beneficiaries of the first batch of
Kapatid Mentor ME program of DTI in Iligan City. “We are grateful to DTI because through their help we have improved the packaging, labeling, and promotions of our products,” she said. Out of the 19 MSME-members of Obra, 11 participated in the trade fair and showcased their products such as palapa, turmeric powder, longganisa, buko pie, chocolates, souvenirs, and Maranao delicacies. (Apipa Bagumbaran)
Ina ng itinapong sanggol, pinaghahanap na! KIDAPAWAN CITY – Patuloy ang paghahanap ng mga awtoridad sa ina ng sanggol na lalaki na itinapon sa taniman ng saging sa Kidapawan City isang linggo matapos itong matagpuan ng isang bata dito. Nasa pangangalaga ng awtoridad ang sanggol na tinatayang nasa edad
7-10 buwan lamang. Natagpuan ito ng isang Grade 1 pupil sa Sitio Panabang sa Barangay Binoligan at agad na ipina-alam ng mga magulang nito sa mga opisyal ng barangay. Hindi pa mabatid kung sino ang nagtapon sa bata at kung ano ang dahilan nito. Ang sanggol ay kulot ang buhok at kat-
amtaman ang laki at ayon sa pulisya ay masuwerte na lamang at agad itong natagpuan at nailigtas mula sa tiyak na kamatayan. Posibleng maharap sa kasong kriminal ang ina ng bata kung mapapatunayan na itinapon nito ang sariling anak. (Rhoderick Beñez)
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September 2-8, 2019
Misuari pushes for OIC in peace talks M
‘Duterte sets up GPH-MNLF Coordinating Committee’
ORO NATIONAL Liberation Front (MNLF) leader Nur Misuari has asked President Rodrigo Duterte to include the influential Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) in peace talks with Manila. The OIC had played caused deaths, suffering, But in 2001, Misuari’s a vital role in the peace and dislocation among the loyal forces and former process between the Phil- Muslims and Christians rebels, who joined the milippine government and alike,” Panelo said. itary and police following MNLF where Misuari is “In resolving the Mus- the signing of the peace the chairman. Misuari has lim rebellion in Mindan- deal, attacked a key army met recently with Duterte ao, every undertaking that base in Sulu’s Jolo town in Davao City and told the may lead to a lasting peace and civilian targets in President about it. and prosperity to that re- Zamboanga in an effort to Duterte told the for- gion must be tried and stop the government from mer Libyan firebrand that tested until its fruition. We calling an election in the he ordered Presidential can do no less as a peo- Muslim autonomous reAdviser Carlito Galvez to ple. President Rodrigo Roa gion where Misuari wantimmediately form a coor- Duterte will walk the extra ed to be a perpetual govdinating committee be- mile to bring harmony to ernor. tween the Government of the country and the naHe then escaped by the Philippines (GPH) and tion,” he added. boat to Malaysia where the MNLF, and to convene Misuari signed a peace he had been arrested and this month and set the deal with Manila in Sep- deported to the Philipagenda for discussions. tember 1996 ending de- pines and was eventually Coordinating Committee cades of bloody war. After pardoned and released by Presidential Spokes- the peace agreement was then President Gloria Arman Salvador Panelo said signed, Misuari became royo in exchange for MNLF the coordinating commit- the governor of the Muslim support to her election tee will serve as a venue to autonomous region. But bid, as well as her allies in seek for the cooperation despite the peace accord, the Senate and Congress in of the MNLF to achieve there was a widespread 2004. And in September immediate peace in Sulu disillusionment with the province by, among oth- weak autonomy they were 2013, MNLF members attacked Zamboanga City ers, helping in combatting granted. Under the peace ac- for the second time, sparkthe Abu Sayyaf militants and to convincing MNLF cord, Manila would have ing fierce clashes that lastrelatives to return to the to provide a mini-Marshal ed for weeks, and left hunPlan to spur economic dreds of people dead and folds of the law. “The GPH-MNLF Co- development in Muslim wounded, and displaced ordinating Committee can areas in Mindanao, and over 300,000 civilians. expect the full support of livelihood and housing Many of the raiders were the Office of the President, assistance to tens of thou- killed, but the others manas we move towards our sands of former rebels aged to escape following common goal of resolv- to uplift their poor living the failed rebellion. Misuari, who is acing the conflict that have standards.
Troops pursue NPA rebels From page 1 PAGADIAN CITY – Security forces continue to pursue communist insurgents in Misamis Occidental province after soldiers killed a senior rebel leader of the New People’s Army (NPA) and captured 7 others, including a deputy secretary of the Communist Party of the Philippines, in fierce clashes in Ozamiz City. Captain Clint Antipala, of the 1st Infantry Division, said the campaign against the NPA is going on not only in Misamis Occidental, but elsewhere in Western Mindanao where rebel forces are actively operating. “Tuloy-tuloy naman yun operation natin at hindi tayo titigil habang patuloy ang mga terorista sa kanilang pakikipaglaban sa ating pamahalaan,” he said. Antipala said the recent clashes in Ozamiz City killed a rebel leader, who was only identified by his alias “Nasi,” was the secretary of the Guerrilla Front Sendong of the Western Mindanao Party Committee. He said among those captured by troops were Nasi’s deputy, a platoon and section leaders, but
their identities were not made public as military interrogation to the prisoners continues. Antipala said soldiers also recovered an M16 automatic rifle, four .45-caliber pistols and 7 fragmentation grenades, including three motorcycles, improvised explosives and P50,000 in cash from the rebels during the weekend fighting. Colonel Leonel Nicolas, commander of the 102nd Infantry Brigade, lauded the soldiers for the slaying of the rebel leader and capture of the others. “This is a big blow to the communist movement as well as to the Western Mindanao Regional Party Committee and we expect that they will be disorganized and disgruntled,” he said. Last month, rebel forces threatened to attack power facilities there after they raided the coalfired power plant of the Mindanao Energy Systems, Inc. (Minergy) in the village of Quezon in Balingasag town in Misamis Oriental and disarmed security guards, seizing 5 high-powered weapons and other military hardware.
Norsen Manggubat, a spokesman for the Communist Party of the Philippines, said raid was in retaliation to the alleged abuses of Minergy to villagers. He said Minergy’s operation, which started in 2017 “under Duterte’s incitation of installing coalfired power plants in the pretext of expanding energy resources in the country” allegedly dislocated dwellers from their homes and livelihood. “This will serve as a warning to Minergy and other companies who are only serving for the interest of profit. The revolutionary movement is ever determined to paralyze and halt Minergy’s operation.” Manggubat was referring to the operations of coal-fired power plants STEAG State Power Inc., and FDC Misamis Power Corporation in the town of Villanueva, also in Misamis Oriental. The NPA, armed wing of the CPP, has been fighting for the establishment of a Maoist state in the country. The movement began in 1930 and is the world’s longest communist insurgency. (Zamboanga Post and Mindanao Examiner)
President Rodrigo Duterte and Nur Misuari during one of their meetings. Misuari is the chairman of the Moro National Liberation Front. (PCOO Photo) cused of rebellion by authorities for the deadly attack, is being protected from arrest by Duterte, who interceded to the police and military on behalf of the former rebel chieftain so he would be free to move around without any fear of being arrested Duterte, who admitted being a good friend of Misuari, also admitted that he intervened to allow Misuari to travel abroad to attend two conferences of the Organization of Islamic Cooperation in Abu Dhabi and Morocco despite criminal charges against the MNLF leader. “He came to see me to ask me to intercede in his behalf that he be given temporary pass to go out - kasi may kaso siya eh, ipi-preso siya dito - para maka-attend ng OIC,” Duterte said. “So I told the military and the police, hayaan ninyo na at babalik ‘yan. He is not a fugitive, he is a rev-
olutionary. And you know what? That guy will always come back. It would be an insult to his person if he is buried in another land. Babalik dito ‘yan, dito magpakamatay,” he added. Misuari is also facing graft charges at the Sandigan Bayan over the alleged anomalous purchase of education materials when he was governor of the defunct Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao. Misuari denied all criminal and graft accusations against him. OIC Despite all these charges against Misuari, the OIC continues to support him. And in 2017, the OIC Secretary General, Dr. Youssef Al Othaimeen, in support of the peace process even convened the 4th Session of the Bangsamoro Coordination Forum in Abidjan, Cote d’Ivoire on the margins
of the 44th Session of the Council of Foreign Ministers. The OIC said it continues to deal with the MNLF through the Jeddah formula. The meeting discussed the prospects of the peace process under the Duterte administration and is part of the efforts of the OIC to close ranks between the MNLF and MILF (Moro Islamic Liberation Front which also signed a peace accord with Manila in 2014) and to help in the process of merging the two peace tracks and to consolidate realization of the inalienable rights of the Muslim minority in southern Philippines for a peaceful, just and durable settlement of their problem. The OIC Council of Foreign Ministers also reaffirmed the importance of unity within the MNLF and the Jeddah formula. (Mindanao Examiner)
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September 2-8, 2019
Sulu Pictures in î…ťe News
Brigadier General Ariel A. Felicidario with Governor Abdusakur M. Tan at the Capitol. Felicidario will be ending his tour of duty in Sulu. Tan thanked the officer for his contribution to the peace efforts of the provincial government. (Nahdin Jubaira)
Minister Safrullah Dipatuan of Ministry of Health pays a courtesy call on Governor Abdusakur M. Tan. Dr. Fahra T. Omar, of the Sulu Integrated Provincial Health Office, accompanied Dipatuan. (Nahdin Jubaira)
The Hadji Butu School of Arts and Trade led by Dr. Sh-Vethlana K. Abdurajak thanked the Governor Abdusakur M. Tan for the immediate response to their request of 240 plastic school chairs intended for students. (Nahdin Jubaira)
Governor Abdusakur M. Tan receiving the courtesy visit of the staff from Civil Service Commission Field Office. (Nahdin Jubaira)
Julsani M. Abdulhadil leads a group from the Ministry of Basic, Higher and Technical Education and pays their courtesy on Governor Abdusakur M. Tan. (Nahdin Jubaira)
Father Eliseo Mercado, Luzvimindo Rondase, Milabel Ho, Rody Garcia, Sec. Usman Aragasi, Merlene Siason, Saidamen Limgas, members of the Search Committee for Mindanao State University Chancellorship, pay a courtesy call on Governor Abdusakur M. Tan. (Nahdin Jubaira)
September 2-8, 2019
5 Sulu mayors told to prepare development plans, gets BARMM support
The Mindanao Examiner
Continued from page 1 Tan, who recently met with local government officials and other stakeholders at the Capitol, said municipal mayors should come up with a 10-year, P1-billion development program which would be submitted to the Department of Public Works and Highways. And another three-year, P1-billion development plan to be submitted to the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM). He said all these development plans must be submitted in September. Agri, Fishery projects Tan said Minister Mohammad Yacub, of the BARMM Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries and Agrarian Reform, visited Sulu recently and they discussed cooperation in creating projects and programs which will provide livelihood opportunities to the community. Yacub assured Tan of BARMM’s support to the provincial projects, especially in the agriculture and fishery sectors. Tan told Yacub that poverty remains the biggest problem in Sulu, one of 5 provinces under the BARMM, one of the poorest regions in the country. “We must address poverty, not the symptoms, but the root cause of poverty,” Tan said, adding, “agriculture and fisheries
are of vital importance in Sulu which is surrounded by waters, and it will contribute a lot in our goal of poverty alleviation and to the overall development of the province.” Yacub said they are planning to organize farmers, communities, cooperatives and develop programs that will enhance productivity for a sustainable and adequate income for them. “We hope to partner with the local governments and with your leadership Governor Tan, working together, strengthening cooperation, we can improve the state of agriculture and fisher sectors in Sulu,” he said. Tan suggested the regular holding of skills and livelihood trainings by the Technical Education and Skills Development Authority for beneficiaries of the government’s Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program to capacitate them and the integration of the Payapa at Masaganang Pamayanan (PAMANA) Program. PAMANA is the national government’s convergence program that extends development interventions to isolated, hard-to-reach and conflict-affected communities, ensuring that they are not left behind. The program is anchored on the government’s strategy of winning
the peace by forging strategic partnerships with national agencies in promoting convergent delivery of goods and services, and addressing regional development challenges in conflict-affected and vulnerable areas. Yacub said he will inform the BARMM Chief Minister Ahod Ebrahim and Cabinet ministers of the matters discussed and proposed during the consultations and meetings here. Tan said: “A holistic approach, connecting existing but separate programs of government is important to attain peace and development, and progress that will benefit the people, particularly the poor and marginalized sector of the community.” He also expressed his sentiments on the impending displacement of “organic personnel” of the Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao which was dissolved and taken over by BARMM following a referendum. “Kawawa naman sila. They have the experience and capacity. Sayang naman at maraming mawawalan ng trabaho,” Tan said. Tan also assured Yacub’s group of Sulu’s support to BARMM leadership. “A productive economy, peaceful community, pagtulungan natin at aangat tayo,” Tan said. (Zamboanga Post)
Governor Sakur Tan during a meeting with municipal mayors and other stakeholders. (Sulu Provincial Government Photos)
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Across : 1. “In ___ We Trust” 4. Off kilter 9. Make a selection 12. Vane dir. 13. Gambling game 14. Cheer sound 15. Gobbled up 16. Unhappy 18. Upper bodies 20. Poet’s eternity 21. Autumn bloom 23. Metal bars 27. Appetizer 30. Depart 31. Mountain cat 32. Butterfly snare 34. Trucker’s vehicle 35. Single thing 36. Actor kevin ___ 38. Decorator’s advice 39. Declare 40. Obtain 42. Tranquilize 46. Tenor Luciano ___ 50. Needing water 51. Boxing great 52. Foreign 53. Stamping tool 54. Cozy place 55. Prophets 56. Lawn material
Answer to last week’s crossword:
Down : 1. Pesky insect 2. Aware of 3. Stag 4. Not quite 5. Dampen 6. ___ a girl! 7. Ranch animal 8. Bruised 9. Sphere 10. Crony 11. “Back to ___ Future” 17. Took into custody 19. New York racetrack 22. Upright 24. Beasts of burden 25. Ten cents
26. Recipe direction 27. Goad 28. Melody 29. Between 33. Bread browner 37. Beer mugs 39. Fur wrap 41. Important times 43. Appends 44. Threesome 45. Gazed at 46. Flat cushion 47. Beerlike brew 48. Wine (Fr.) 49. Bind
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HEALTH
Mga Simpleng Payo Para sa mga Buntis Dr. Willie T. Ong 1. Sa unang 3 buwan ng pagbubuntis, kumain ng pagkain na mayaman sa Folic Acid. Ang folic acid ay tumutulong sa pagiwas sa sakit sa utak, spinal cord at ugat (nerves) ng mga sanggol. Kapag nakakita kayo ng batang may bukol sa bandang ulo, batok o puwitan, posibleng dahil ito sa kakulangan ng bitamina ng nanay. Ang folic acid ay matatagpuan sa mga patatas, beans, peanut butter, ma-berdeng gulay tulad ng kangkong, malunggay, pechay at talbos ng kamote. Kumain ng 3 tasang gulay bawat araw. 2. Hangga’t maaari, huwag muna uminom ng kahit anumang gamot habang buntis. May mga side effect ang mga gamot na puwedeng makasama sa sanggol. Magtanong muna sa doktor. 3. Sa huling 3 buwan (mula 6 hanggang 9 na buwan), damihan ang mga pagkaing mataas sa
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September 2-8, 2019
Calcium at Iron. Sa mga panahong ito, kailangan ng sanggol ang maraming calcium (sa paggawa ng buto ng bata) at iron (sa paggawa ng dugo). Ang calcium ay makukuha sa gatas, yogurt, ice cream, keso, malunggay, dilis at sardinas. Ang iron naman ay matatagpuan sa atay, spinach, maberdeng gulay at sardinas din. 4. Maghintay ng 3 taon bago magbuntis muli. Malaking stress ang pagbubuntis sa nanay. Lahat ng pagkain, sustansya ng bata ay kinukuha sa nanay. Kaya nga ang mga nanay na maraming anak ay marurupok na ang
buto at nagiging anemic pa. Para maka-recover ang iyong katawan sa pagbubuntis, maghintay ng 3 taon bago sundan si beybi. Magplano ng pamilya. 5. Magbuntis bago mag-35 ang edad. Tunay ang kasabihan, “Kapag ika’y nagbubuntis, ang iyong isang paa ay nasa libingan na.” Totoo po ito, dahil hindi biro-biro ang pagbubuntis. May mga komplikasyon ang panganganak na puwedeng mamiligro ang buhay ng ina at sanggol. Kapag ang nanay ay lampas na sa edad 35, mas mahirap na ang pagbubuntis at tumataas na rin ang mga sakit tulad ng Down’s syndrome sa bata. Tandaan, kumain ng tama, matulog ng mahaba at umiwas sa mga bisyo. Sa mga buntis, magpatingin ng maaga sa inyong doktor. Napakahalaga ng pre-natal check-ups para sa mga buntis!
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UN refugee agency praises Sulu government for strong support SULU – The United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) has praised the Sulu provincial government for its strong support in responding to humanitarian situation. The UN refugee agency has recently distributed relief items to villagers in Patikul town displaced by clashes between security and Abu Sayyaf forces. UNHCR Field Associate Rasul Kulat said the strong support from the provincial government has been critical in making humanitarian operations possible. He said the openness of local government units to humanitarian partners also motivates UNHCR to further bolster its efforts to rebuild the lives of displaced families. “There is also strong support and commitment from the Provincial Government thru the Provincial Disaster Risks Reduction Management Office in responding to displacement situation,” Kulat said.
The UNHCR said displacement is difficult and unjust for anyone anywhere and this is doubly felt for those living in a place as remote as Sulu, where logistical obstacles and protracted conflict makes humanitarian efforts challenging. It said displaced families had to fend for daily survival while worrying that another skirmish can uproot their lives once more. Relief operations and protection monitoring are crucial to help restore hope in an island scarred by conflict, according to the UNHCR. But through the “Bayanihan spirit and inspiring teamwork” between humanitarian actors and the local government that aid is able to arrive in Mindanao. UNHCR said it provided beneficiaries in Sulu with non-food items such as kitchen sets and cooking utensils. Having fled with nothing, the families were grateful to receive necessities that lifted some of
the weight brought by life in displacement. It said the road to building better futures is faced with challenges caused by clashes between armed groups that disrupt the people’s way of life and hamper the aid delivery to Sulu. “Loss of livelihood occurs when skirmishes happen. Schooling is also disrupted for the children, making it difficult for them to rebuild their lives. For now, displaced families of Sulu rely on the support of government and private donors to survive the day-to-day. More support is needed to provide them basic facilities such as WASH facilities and sturdy shelter materials,” the UNHCR said. “WASH” refers to the provision of water, sanitation, health care waste management, hygiene and environmental cleaning infrastructure, and services across all parts of a facility. (Zamboanga Post and Mindanao Examiner)
NFA says rice stocks are in good condition FOLLOWING REPORTS of over 4.5 million bags of rice in warehouses of the National Food Authority which are in danger of rotting, the NFA clarified that all its stocks are maintained in good condition at all times and ready for release to calamity victims as required under the law. It said RA 11203 or the Rice Tariffication Law, passed in February this year mandates the NFA to maintain a buffer stock good for 15-30 days of daily consumption requirement to meet contingencies during calamities and emergencies anywhere in the country. The NFA said it currently holds about 4.5 million bags of rice and 6.4
million bags of palay or a total rice equivalent of 8.5 million bags good to last for 13 days. “We abide by what is dictated by our mandate. We store and handle our stocks following good warehouse-keeping protocols in all our warehouses across the country so that we can immediately respond to any need for rice supply during calamities and emergencies,” NFA administrator Judy Carol Dansal explained. She said the NFA continues to buy palay from farmers at P17 per kilo to provide them a ready market for their produce at reasonable price. “We conduct procurement operations on a year-round
basis. We have more than 300 buying stations across the country that are open daily where farmers can deliver their produce and avail of our support price and incentives,” Dansal said. “We assure the public that NFA is compliant with its mandate of maintaining a safe and sufficient buffer stock for any emergencies our countrymen may face anywhere in the country. We will never allow our stocks to rot or deteriorate beyond what is fit for human consumption. And we will continue supporting our farmers through our continuous procurement operations throughout the year,” Dansal said. (Cheryl Anya)
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Rama questions Labella’s creation of Sinulog Board
C
EBU CITY – Vice Mayor Michael Rama has opposed the creation of the Cebu City Sinulog Governing Board, saying it would result in the loss of the autonomy of the Sinulog Foundation, Inc. (SFI), which has been the main organizer of the Sinulog Festival for the past 38 years. Mayor Edgardo Labella issued an executive order creating the Cebu City Sinulog Governing Board, but Rama said he was not informed about it. “I have not been informed about the EO, and I don’t know how this can be reconciled,” said Rama, who was recently elected as SFI chairman. “With the governing body, what will happen to SFI? Who will be in charge of the marketing?” he asked. Labella said the Sinu-
Vice Mayor Michael Rama and Mayor Edgardo Labella FB pages. log Governing Board will oversee, review, and approve all resolutions and actions of the SFI and the Executive Committee. “There is an imperative need for the
creation of a board that will complement the function of the Sinulog Foundation that will focus on coordinating with the concerned agencies and entities to ensure
smooth implementation of core activities, thus assuring the success of the Sinulog Festival celebration,” part of the EO reads. Rama said he will meet
with the SFI Board of Trustees and the Executive Committee to discuss the “surprising” development. He said he will also speak with Labella to clarify the matter
as this will surely affect SFI’s preparations for next year’s Sinulog Festival which is celebrated every third week of January. “This needs to be clarified. What is their real intention in creating the governing board? Maybe they are thinking they can do better than us,” Rama said. The Sinulog Foundation was created as a private organization independent of the city government and free from politics. Rama said he was really worried that the SFI would lose its independence because of the direct authority of the governing board, headed by Labella, over the foundation. “The governing body is an added layer of bureaucracy. But I’m not here to quarrel. I’m here to stand for what I believe in,” he said. (Luel Galarpe)
Cebu City shortens business permit processing CEBU CITY - Local Mayor Edgardo Labella issued an executive order streamlining the processing and releasing of business and other permits in just one day after submission of complete and accurate requirements. The Business Permit and Licensing Office (BPLO) and the Treasurer’s Office (CTO) have been directed to process the payment, processing and releasing of final permits, clearances, and other licenses for which these offices are authorized to issue, within one day from submission of complete and accurate requirements. The EO 19-10 indicated that business establishments that have public health, safety or security concerns shall only be allowed to do business un-
der a provisional business permit, pending compliance with the requirements and full inspection and verification of the city’s inspection team. It also stated that the final business permits shall only be released upon presentation of the appropriate certificates of inspection from the appropriate offices and agencies concerned. Business permits will be issued upon compliance of the following initial requirements: filledout application form, assessment sheet with official receipt of payment, original barangay clearance with OR, DTI/SEC Certificate of Registration and Articles of Incorporation, certificate of property holdings, if lessor, Community Tax Certificates of Business and its employees, occupational tax or
professional tax of employees and notarized undertaking to comply with all other regulatory requirements within 60 days from receipt of business permit. Other regulatory requirements, such as the Fire Inspec-
tion Certificate and Sanitation permit shall be complied with within 60 calendar days from the issuance of the final business permit. An extension can be granted for valid and compelling reasons. Non-compliance of the necessary
regulatory requirements within the given period shall be ground for automatic revocation of the issued permit. The issuance of the EO is in line with Republic Act 11032 or the Act promoting ease of doing
business and efficient delivery of government services. President Rodrigo Duterte, in his State of the Nation Address in July, emphasized the need to hasten the processing of licenses and permits. (Luel Galarpe)
CEBU CITY - The City Veterinary Office has begun inspecting piggery farms in the upland area to reassure the public that it is safe from the African swine fever (ASF) scare. Dr. Jennifer Laurente, officer-in-charge of the Department of Veterinary Medicine and Fisheries (DVMF), led a team of inspectors in checking the status of the hog industry thriving in this city’s mountain villages. The team collected blood samples of the livestock to monitor the
health condition of the hogs in the pig farms here. “We visited the mountain barangays to monitor animal health in the area and to confirm that there is no ASF case in the city,” Laurente said. “The City Agriculture Office is also coordinating with our office with regards to the livestock industry in the highland area and collects blood samples to monitor if there is presence of the hog disease.” The ASF is limited to pigs, but may spread through pork and its
by-products from hog infected with the disease and eaten by pigs. Feeding the pigs with leftovers has been discouraged to prevent the spread of the disease through processed pork and pork products originating from infected pigs. Provincial Veterinary Officer Dr. Rose Vincoy said they beefed up surveillance and quarantine monitoring in all the ports in the province of Cebu to prevent the entry of hogs and pork products. This came following the imposition of Governor Gwendolyn Garcia
of a 100-day ban on the entry of hogs, pork, and its products due to the reported ASF cases in Luzon. Vincoy, however, said they have not received any confirmed report of ASF cases in Cebu. She was quoted as saying in a radio report that if hog raisers noticed more than 5 percent of mortality of their livestock, they should report the incident to authorities so that they can launch a probe right away and prevent further spread of the disease. (John Rey Saavedra)
Cebu City vet inspects upland hog farms
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