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Duterte threatens Facebook
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ILIPINO LEADER Rodrigo Duterte has threatened Facebook after the social media giant took down dozens of fake accounts related to him and his daughter, Sara Duterte – the mayor of Davao City, and also being linked to the military and police. READ STORY ON PAGE 3
Misuari’s biography surfaces FORMER REBEL Chieftain Nur Misuari’s colorful life is now on paperback. In a book originally published eight years ago by Tom Stern entitled “Nur Misuari: An Authorized Biography,” the 294-page publication detailed the former Libyan firebrand’s rise to power - beginning with Misuari’s childhood
and his early political career with the author narrating the political and intellectual maturity of an eventual leader of the secessionist group Moro National Liberation Front or MNLF. Stern’s biographical account of Misuari comes at a crucial point when Moro history needs to be revisited and the lives of Continue on page 2
President Rodrigo Duterte (PCOO)
Sulu taps community to promote peace
Security forces lauded for daring rescue mission PAGADIAN CITY – Military and police commanders Continue on page 2
A military photo released to the regional newspaper Mindanao Examiner shows Rex Triplitt together with army commanders following his rescue in Zamboanga del Norte’s Sirawai town.
WELL-RESPECTED Sulu Gov. Sakur Tan led the signing of the so-called “Parjanjian Indanan or the “Indanan People Peace Covenant” in an effort to harness the community’s participation and empowerment to achieve long-lasting peace in the southern province. Tan signed the covenant with Indanan municipal officials and witnessed by senior military and police officials led by Lt. Gen. Corleto Vinluan Jr., chief of the Western Continue on page 7
Sulu Gov. Sakur Tan signs the “Parjanjian Indanan” or the “Indanan People Peace Covenant” in an effort to harness the community’s participation and empowerment to achieve long-lasting peace in the town. (Photo from the Office of the Governor)
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Misuari’s biography surfaces
President Rodrigo Duterte and Nur Misuari Continued from page 1 its key personalities call for reappraisal. Twenty-three chapters comprise the book’s contents, along with five appendices that present important documents that defined Misuari’s political career, such as the Tripoli Peace Agreement and the 1996 Peace Agreement between the MNLF and the Philippine government. The author also narrates Misuari’s role in the onset of negotiations with Manila, the break between the MNLF and the Moro Islamic Liberation Front, and the changed political atmosphere following the rise to power of President Corazon Aquino. Misuari’s relations with the succeeding presidents, most importantly with President Fidel Ramos, form the content of the subsequent chapters. And Chapter 1 sets the tone for the biography by recounting Misuari’s acceptance of the UNESCO (United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization) Peace Prize in Dakar in 1998. But Chapter 16 presents a radical turn in Misuari’s trajectory as he became a government official in his capacity as governor of the Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao. The last two chapters present the author’s view regarding the future not just of Misuari, but of the larger peace process in Mindanao. Stern, who is a California-based medical doctor and a visiting fellow at the Hoover Institution on War, Revolution and Peace at Stanford University, said he consulted key personalities who worked with (and against) Misuari at the height of his career from Ramos, Imelda Marcos, and Sultan Esmail Dalus Kiram II. Kindle edition of the biography sells for $8. Influential Moro Misuari is also among 500 of the world’s
most influential Muslims for 2020. He is included in the prestigious book “The Muslim 500 – World’s 500 most influential Muslims 2020” alongside religious scholars and heads of state that make up this 283-page, full color prints. In its introductory, “The Muslim 500 – World’s 500 most influential Muslims 2020” says: “Nur Misuari is a revolutionary leader of the Bangsamoro. He began his campaign for better treatment of the people of Mindanao by the Manila government through the Mindanao Independence Movement (MIM) in the 1970s, which later became the Moro National Liberation Front (MNLF).” “Under Misuari’s leadership the MNLF challenged the government until the Tripoli Agreement was negotiated in 1976. Misuari and members of the MNLF were charged in connection to the deadly 20-day attack in Zamboanga city in September 2013, which left nearly 200 people dead, but in 2016, Misuari was granted a temporary suspension of his arrest and asked for his help in the peace negotiations in Mindanao.” The “The Muslim 500 – World’s 500 most influential Muslims 2020” print sells for $29.95 while the digital copy is $4.95. According to its publisher, the Royal Islamic Strategic Studies Center, the publication is part of an annual series that provides a window into the movers and shakers of the Muslim world. It highlights people who are influential as Muslims, that is, people whose influence is derived from their practice of Islam or from the fact that they are Muslim. It gives valuable insight into the different ways that Muslims impact the world, and also shows the diversity of how people are living as Muslims today, The Royal Islamic Strategic Studies Center is an independent research entity affiliated with the Royal Aal al-Bayt Institute for Islamic Thought which is an international Islamic non-governmental, independent institute headquartered in Amman, Jordan. “The selection of people for this publication in no way means that we endorse their views; rather we are simply trying to measure their influence. The influence can be of a religious scholar directly addressing Muslims and influencing their beliefs, ideas and behaviour, or it can be of a ruler shaping the socio-economic factors within which people live their lives, or of artists shaping popular culture,” the publisher said. (Mindanao Examiner)
‘Final victory’
Gov. Nancy Catamco (Photo from her Facebook page) KIDAPAWAN CITY – The Supreme Court has dismissed charges filed against North Cotabato Gov. Nancy Catamco over what she claimed as trumped-up charges filed against her in the Sandiganbayan. Catamco branded the decision as “a final victory.” In Catamco vs. Sandiganbayan, G.R. Nos. 243560-62/G.R. Nos. 243261-63, July 28, 2020, penned by Justice Caguioa, “the High Court unanimously granted the Petition of Governor Nancy A. Catamco to set aside the assailed Resolution of Sandiganbayan denying her motion to dismiss and thereby ordering the Sandiganbayan to DIS-
MISS the three (3) criminal cases filed against her (SB-18-CRM-0337 to 0339) for violation of her constitutional right to speedy disposition of cases.” In legal parlance, the dismissal of cases on the ground of failure to prosecute or predicated on the clear right of the accused to speedy trial is equivalent to an acquittal that would bar further prosecution of the governor for the same offense. Hence, the rule on double jeopardy has now set in which is an important constitutional protection that would totally exonerate her from all charges or criminal liability. The Supreme Court decision is a slam dunk win for Catamco that would solidify her strong governorship in North Cotabato. With full confidence in victory, Catamco said she now has undivided attention to making the province a better place to live in offering a new and more inclusive flagship, “Masaganang Cotabato, Dumaki, kuyog ta.” The Philippine News Agency also quoted Catamco as saying following the decision. “Justice has triumphed as the trumped-up case filed against me years ago has just been trashed by no less than the Supreme Court of the Philippines,” Catamco said. “I’m ecstatic and overjoyed by this development as my case has even contributed to the rich annals of jurisprudence, especially in the meaning and concept of the right to speedy disposition of cases. I feel grateful for this gift,” she added. (With a report from Rhoderick Beñez)
Security forces lauded for daring rescue mission Continued from page 1 lauded security forces who recovered a Filipino farmer kidnapped by the Abu Sayyaf following a firefight with his guards in the southern province of Zamboanga del Norte. Lt. Gen. Corleto Vinluan, chief of the Western Mindanao Command, said the 64-year old Rex Susulan Triplitt (previously reported by the police as Triplet) was “rescued” last week by members of the 42nd Infantry Battalion in the village called Pisa Itom in Sirawai town following a clash with five gunmen. There were no casualties on both sides. He said soldiers were sent to the area following reports that Triplitt was being held by gunmen in the village. “While conducting combat operations against the perpetrators of Rex Triplitt, troops of the 42nd Infantry Battalion encountered five armed men (and a firefight ensued),” Vinluan said, adding, “we are happy to inform the public that our operating troops successfully rescued abducted farmer, Rex Triplitt.” “Based on the initial report from the ground, the five (gunmen) are members of the Sulu-based Daesh Inspired Abu Sayyaf kidnap-for-ransom group under Injam Yadah,” said Brig. Gen. Leonel Nicolas, commander of the 102nd Infantry Brigade. But Maj. Gen. Generoso Ponio, commander of the 1st Infantry Division and head of the anti-terror
Joint Task Force ZamPeLan, said Triplitt managed to escape during the fighting and sought help from villagers. “Our troops were acting on information of the presence of five fully-armed men and one unarmed individual, believed to be Mr. Triplitt, in their community. When the five engaged with the operating troops, Mr. Triplitt found an opportunity to hide and ask for help,” he said. Brig. Gen. Jesus Cambay Jr., the regional police chief, said right after Triplitt’s abduction, he mobilized the Task Group “Triple S-B” under Task Force Pink Panther to conduct coastal and riverine patrolling and coordinated with the Coast Guard and military counterparts to ensure the kidnappers will not escape with their captive. “For continuous 14 days of hot pursuit, victim’s abductors felt the pressure since all routes of escape have been sealed off by our police and military. When they encountered our operating troops, they got no option but to abandon the victim and ran for their safety. We lauded the efforts of our joint security forces that led to a mission accomplished,” Cambay said. Four masked gunmen seized Triplitt on September 16 after stopping him and his family while returning home on a motorcycle in a village in the outskirts of Sirawai town. The kidnappers, armed with rifles and handguns and all clad in camouflage uniform, abducted the
farmer, but his wife and son managed to run away and sought help from villagers or authorities. The Western Mindanao Command also released a statement from Triplitt, who narrated how he escaped from the kidnappers. “Habang naglalakad kami, ako at yung mga rebelde, una tatlo tapos ako at yung dalawa sa likod, biglang may bumaril, tapos nagbarilan na. Nagtago ako tapos pinakinggan ko, ang barilan huminto sandali tapos volume na naman ang fire, dumapa ako. Pagkatapos narinig ko, may nagsalita ng Tagalog. Sabi niya sir dito, positive dito Sir. Nagsalita ako, sabi ko Sir hindi ako, kidnap victim po ako. Doon na, ang mga military, pagtingin nila sa mukha ko, positive daw, ako daw yung nire-rescue. Hinawakan ako ng military at sabi niya Tay huwag ka munang tumayo. Sumigaw siya ng covering fire, at nagbarilan na ulit, dinala na nila ako palayo at kino-cover talaga nila ako,” Triplitt said. He also thanked the soldiers and the police and all those who were involved in recovering him alive. “Salamat talaga sa Philippine Army, nasagip ang buhay ko. Salamat talaga sa gobyerno dahil nabuhay ako ngayon dahil sa kanilang operation, na-rescue nila ako. Maraming salamat po sa inyong lahat, Philippine Army, police at sa lahat ng tropa ng gobyerno. Mabuhay po kayong lahat,” he said. (Mindanao Examiner)
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Duterte threatens Facebook
shared information about this with our industry colleagues and with researchers,” he added. Gleicher also said that the discovery of the network in China was due to Facebook’s independent investigation and proactive efforts in exposing such operations. Another network was also recently tracked down by Facebook, this time in the Philippines, with ties to the police and military units in the country. The posts focused on “domestic audiences,” written in English and Filipino. A total of 57 accounts, 31 pages, and 20 Instagram accounts were removed due to CIB. Facebook also noted that the network’s operations accelerated between 2019 and 2020. “They posted primarily in Filipino and English about local news and events, including domestic politics, the military’s activity against terrorism, the
investigation of the local network was due to the concerns raised by civil society groups in the country and online news site Rappler. He also maintained that the accounts engaged in deceptive methods. “So for both of them, the central use of fake accounts, as you know, is a necessary condition for us to determine something is CIB. But that doesn’t mean it’s the only deceptive (practice) they engaged in,” Gleicher said. “So we regularly see these networks using pages that don’t fully disclose who’s behind them. The patterns of engagements that they may have with these accounts aren’t just the fact that they’re fake, but it’s how they use the accounts to boost their contents,” he added. Reaction Duterte, in his recent public address, strongly criticized Facebook for its actions. “Itong Facebook naman, I just — from what I have learned in the past days na pati ‘yung advocacy ng gobyerno tinatanggal. So what’s the purpose of you being here if government itself — ? Facebook, listen to me. We allow you to operate here hoping that you could help us also. Now, if government cannot espouse or advocate something which is for the good of the people, then what is your purpose here in my country?” “Tapos iyong Left, ini-encourage kayo, then you believe in the left and to the point of almost make a sweeping move to iyong sa health — website ng health, military, we are fighting a war,” he said.
draft of the pending anti-terrorism bill, criticism of communism, youth activists and the opposition, criticism of the Communist Party of the Philippines and its military wing the New People’s Army, and the National Democratic Front of the Philippines,” Gleicher said. “We are attributing this network to the Philippine military and the Philippine police. In particular, we found links between, behind this network connected to both of these organizations and individuals associated with those organizations,” he added. Gleicher said that the
Duterte questioned Facebook’s presence in the Philippines and explained the government’s advocacies, especially in protecting the Filipinos against insurgency. “You know, Facebook, insurgency is about overturning government. What would be the point — I said before, in my eyes — what would be the point of allowing you to continue if you cannot help us? We are not advocating mass destruction, we are not advocating mass massacre. It’s a fight of ideas. And apparently from the drift of your statement or your position is that it cannot be used as
Nathaniel Gleicher, Facebook’s cyber security policy chief. (Photo from his Twitter account) Facebook said it shut down over 100 accounts for allegedly violating its policies. A recent report by the Asian Journal also quoted Nathaniel Gleicher, Facebook’s cyber security policy chief, as saying that some of the accounts were traced to individuals from the Chinese province of Fujian. Gleicher noted that a total of 155 accounts, 11 Pages, nine groups and six Instagram accounts were engaged in “coordinated inauthentic behavior (CIB)” with their posts centered on global news and matters in the Philippines, the rest of Southeast Asia, and the United States. The posts were written in Chinese, English, and Filipino. The report further said that Philippine-related content was about supporting Duterte and his daughter’s presidential campaign in 2022, while the U.S.-related content was supportive of and against presidential candidates Pete Buttigieg, Joe Biden and Donald Trump. The content, it added, related to the Southeast Asian region was about China’s interests in the South China Sea and Hong Kong. “They focus most of their activities on Southeast Asia. They posted in Chinese, in Filipino, and in English about global news and current events, including Beijing’s interest in the South China Sea, Hong Kong, contents supportive of President Duterte and Sara Duterte’s potential run in the 2022 presidential elections, criticism of Rappler, issues relevant to overseas Filipino Workers, praise and some criticism of China,” Gleicher said. “We are attributing this to individuals operating from the Fujian province of China. In addition, it’s worth noting, as often when we conduct one of these takedowns, we’ve
a platform for any… It is so convoluted. I cannot understand it.” “But ito na lang, tell me kung bakit hindi ko magamit para sa kapakanan ng taong-bayan? If government cannot use it for the good of the people, then we have to talk. We have to talk sense. If we are promoting the cause of the rebellion which is already — which or rather which was already here before you came, and so many thousands of my soldiers and civilians dying, then if you cannot reconcile the idea of what your purpose is or was, then we have to talk. I don’t know what I will do, but we have to talk,” he said. The President warned Facebook that it cannot prevent him from espousing the objectives of government. “You cannot lay down a policy for my government. I allow you to operate here. You cannot bar or prevent me from espousing the objectives of government. No government in this wide world espouses killing or execution or whatnot. But you know that there is a left there — the Left is the National Democratic Front and that’s the — then they have the ’s Army as an organ of that. So, kung hindi tayo magkaintindihan diyan, mag-usap tayo ulit. Is there life after Facebook? I don’t know. Pero mag-usap tayo,” he said. Duterte said his job is to protect government interest. “It’s not even anybody’s job, akin iyan. To protect government interest always. If you cannot help me protect government interest, then let us talk. We may or we may not find the solution. If we cannot, then I’m sorry,” he said. Stand for Truth But Infrawatch PH, a public policy thinktank, called on Facebook to pushback against the veiled threats of Duterte to ban the popular social media network in the Philippines. “Today, Facebook and Mark Zuckerberg have the historic opportunity to stand for the public good. They should not be cowed by the threats of the President on how to run their own social media compa-
ny. His threats stifle democratic ideals, limit innovation and reward bad behavior.” “A distinction should be made between legitimate government activities and state-sponsored coordinated inauthentic behavior within Facebook. Legitimate government activities within Facebook have not been removed, and continue to provide information and services to the public. What had been removed are digital assets that had undertaken CIB and other violations of FB’s terms of service,” said Terry Ridon, Infrawatch PH convenor. Ridon said if Duterte makes good on his threats, the country will “really
the last four years. Even if Facebook removed digital assets which violated its terms of service, there are still countless more accounts, pages and groups operating within Facebook which convey government views on different topics,” he said. Threat to democracy Ridon said banning Facebook ultimately threatens the country’s democratic ideals and families. “Banning Facebook dismantles the last semblance of direct democracy in the country: of ordinary people, even if trolls, debating endlessly in posts about politics, in posts about memes, in posts about their favorite celebrities. Facebook
look like a province of China,” referring to tarpaulin banners installed in various parts of Metro Manila on July 12, 2018. “In China, Facebook remains banned as Beijing seeks to curtail free speech and democratic discourse. The language of the President appears to be gearing towards the same end, unless Facebook can be arm-twisted into submission. Facebook should out rightly reject any arm-twisting by the President,” he said. Double-edged threat Ridon, however, warned that Duterte should tread carefully in attempts to emasculate Facebook. “The President should be warned that closing Facebook will dismantle a very significant portion of the President’s own political base, through the millions of FB accounts, pages and groups supporting government in
is democratic dialogue in action, despite fake news, trolls and disagreeable positions. Banning it deprives the public of an outlet for their frustrations or support of government,” he explained. Ridon also said that banning Facebook deprives Filipino families an affordable avenue for communication and entertainment. “Facebook and its services have provided Filipino families the means to talk to each other despite the distance, and despite the coronavirus. It has entertained the public with almost daily viral memes and videos. It has allowed online businesses to thrive during the pandemic. This is the entire spectrum of activity which the President will dismantle just because the hawks in government are crying like babies over the removal of their digital assets,” he added. (Mindanao Examiner)
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Sulu Pictures in the News Sulu provincial government at work. This is where your taxes go. (Photos from the Office of the Provincial Governor, Task Force Covid-19, and Jolo Municipal Government)
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Sulu taps community to promote peace Continued from page 1 Mindanao Command; and Brig. Gen. Samuel Rodriguez, the regional police chief; and Brig. Gen. Bernade Balba, who heads the Special Action Force. The governor reiterated his all-out support for the peace and development effort in the town and asked villagers to support the government efforts. Tan also held a covenant meeting with Parang Mayor Alkhadar Loong where government officials denounced the Abu Sayyaf atrocities and propounded initiatives to strengthen and institutionalize public safety, security, and well-being in the municipality. Corleto and other security officials also witnessed the covenant which also empowered the religious sector to promote mutual respect and peaceful co-existence. During the signing of the covenant, local and military officials activated the Municipal Task Force in Ending Local Armed Conflict (MTF-ELAC). “The activation of the MTF-ELAC substantially proves that the government is serious in accelerating the peace process here in Parang, Sulu. It shows that the different sectors are also working together to sustain security and normalcy in the area,” Vinluan said. Government officials also activated the Municipal Peace Action Operations and Monitoring Center and the Islamic Religious Council of Parang to address the socio-cultural, security, and development issues and to sustain and tap the development potentials of town. Other stakeholders and officials who signed and took part in the commitment were Col. Ignatius Patrimonio, commander of the 1102nd Infantry Brigade; and his deputy, Col. Taharudin Ampatuan; Lt. Col. Jooney Jay Businos, commander of the 2nd Special Forces Battalion; Lt. Col. Jeff Uy, Sulu police chief; Capt. Rico Tagure, commander of the 4th Special Forces Company; Maj. Mohamad Hussin Tapsi, the municipal police chief; Awaljaman Tahil, president of the Association of Barangay Chairmen; and Muslim religious leader, Imam Ka-
hal Tiplahan. Lt. Gen. Cirilito Sobejana, of the Philippine Army, praised Tan and other provincial and municipal officials in pursuing the government’s peace programs. “Peace calls for commitment, involvement, and integration of efforts. We let synergy work out and bring a breakthrough in our security and development campaign. With our headway, this convergence will continue to substantiate our peace efforts and ameliorate our gains. I thank and urge our committed partners who ardently share this common goal towards transformation for peace and progress in Sulu and the entire Mindanao,” he said. Sulu has previously declared the Abu Sayyaf and its supporters as “persona non grata.” Help Me Sakur President Rodrigo Duterte has previously sought Tan to help him talk peace, but at the same time ordered security forces to crush the Abu Sayyaf, blamed for the August twin suicide bombings in the capital town of Jolo that killed over a dozen soldiers and civilians, and left scores of innocent people injured. “Ikaw ‘yung — I address you because ikaw ‘yung nire-respeto ko. You have a colorful life. Kung sa patay, dapat patay ka na sa dinaanan mo sa buhay, and yet you are still here around. Why don’t you try to help me within the next few months last term just to talk about peace? It need not really be a — an arrangement, just talk about peace,” Duterte told Tan during his recent visit in Sulu. “Mahirap kasi because ang bomba hindi kasi namimili eh. Iyan ang problema. At kung ang pinatay mo inosente, there will always be a time that you will have to answer for the killing of an innocent human being. Maski anong klaseng relihiyon. Allah says about revenge; Allah says about you know, the giving, the taking of life; and Allah says that there is also a time to answer for all of these things,” he added. He also appealed to everybody to support the government’s peace efforts, however, Duterte warned that “if we cannot really
agree, then we fight and we fight hard hanggang magkaubusan na. Maybe by that time, kung ubos na ang lahat, wala ng giyera. Sa pagka ngayon, hindi ko mapigil ang mga sundalo ko kasi may mission sila and the mission is to crush the insurgents. And the insurgents, ang mission nila is for the greater glory of Allah.” “So ang hinihingi ko lang sa inyo na even as you fight, think about peace. Because if I will say to you that this is 2020, 2021 aalis na ako. Ang ibig mong sabihin 2023, 2024, 2025, hanggang 2050 ganoon pa rin? Hindi na lang sa relihiyon na ipagpa — magpakamatay ka. It’s about your generation. How about the flowering of the Moro na kagaya ng ibang lugar, Dubai? When will the Moro Filipino ever taste all these luxuries? But only when the leader also, be he a Muslim or a Christian, shall govern according to the will of Allah, of God. Iyan lang,” he said. In the meantime, Duterte said “we fight and sa pagka-ngayon, sabi ko I cannot offer anything because I have also my mandate. I do not only order, I impose duties na gawin ninyo ito. But if in God’s time, maybe — kailan ‘yon? — we will have a time to talk and to ponder about peace at ‘yung mga anak ninyo. Biruin mo naman palakihin mo, hindi mo nga padapuan ng lamok, but only to die walking there on the streets kasama mo. And you know ‘yung give and take na vengeance, if it is hatred, it cannot be stopped anymore, hardly. So it is [an] impossible dream. It is an unreachable star. But it behooves upon us, tayong mga leader, even to try and even to talk as we wage war.” “Ako, I do not find anything reprehensible in talking to my enemy across the table and at the same time ordering my soldiers to fight. That’s the only way for us to move forward at this time. But I hope — I hope that Allah will someday give the light to the minds of everybody.” Aside from Tan, Duterte also spoke to Nur Misuari, chairman of the Moro National Liberation Front, to support the government’s peace efforts. (Mindanao Examiner)
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Cebu launches ‘Sugbo Negosyo’ for micro traders
C
EBU CITY – The provincial government of Cebu recently launched the “Sugbo Negosyo” as part of its post-Covid assistance program for micro entrepreneurs affected by the coronavirus pandemic. The provincial gov- Department of Trade Commerce and Industry ernment signed a tri- and Industry (DTI)-Ce- (MCCI) to mark the start partite memorandum bu provincial office and of the program’s roll-out. of agreement with the the Mandaue Chamber of Speaking during the
Cebu Mayor Gwendolyn Garcia
event launch at the Capitol Social Hall, Governor Gwendolyn Garcia reiterated the need for Cebu to start rebuilding the economy, which has been badly hit by the health crisis. Garcia expressed hope that the Capitol’s micro-business aid program will spur economic recovery moving forward. She said the program may become a model for other areas in the country to follow when it comes to helping their small entrepreneurs. “Should this program succeed, we can continue this and could possibly add more funds to the program,” she added. MCCI’s established entrepreneurs will provide mentoring to the beneficiaries of the busi-
Cebu flattens pandemic curve CEBU CITY – Although the local government has managed to flatten the coronavirus pandemic here, Mayor Edgardo Labella said they welcomed the decision of President Rodrigo Duterte to place the capital city under the modified general community quarantine (MGCQ) for another month. Duterte announced that the “rest of the country” would be placed under MGCQ. It included this city and Cebu province as a whole. “After a month of being under less stringent quarantine measures, I am glad to say that Cebu City was able to keep virus
transmission down,” Labella said. He also issued Executive Order (EO) 94 reiterating the guidelines for residents, workers, businesses, public transport, government facilities, and other establishments under the MGCQ status. The EO prohibits residents from roaming around except when reporting for work or buying necessities. “Only one member of the household is allowed to go out in accessing essential goods and services and should always carry the quarantine pass issued by the city government,” the mayor said. He said residents who
are below 21 years old and 60 years old and above as well as those with immunodeficiency and comorbidities are required to remain in their homes. The EO also listed down “negative activities” which are not allowed due to the impossibility of avoiding mass gathering and imposing physical distancing and these are cockfighting and cockpit operation, holding of concerts, and operation of beer houses and amusement parks. But the local government allowed religious services, work conferences, and sporting events but with a 50-percent limit in attendance. “The virus is
still in our midst. This is not the time to let our guard down. We carry on with the policies that have kept us safe: going out only for essential activities, wearing a mask and face shield, observing physical distancing, and regularly washing or sanitizing hands,” Labella said. The mayor attributed the flattening of the pandemic curve to the cooperation of the residents, who followed the minimum health and safety protocols. The Department of Health said there are only 380 active cases in the region and zero deaths. (John Rey Saavedra)
ness capital grant which will be given in kind and not in cash. And MCCI president Steven Yu assured the commitment of the business sector when it comes to providing the much-needed mentoring to make the program successful. The program gives entrepreneur beneficiaries as much as P50,000 worth of starting capital. The program has three categories, namely “Negosyong Padayonon” for Category A, “Produktong Sugbuanon” for Category B, and “Mga Serbisyo ug Ginagmay’ng Patigayon” for Category C. Beneficiaries of Category A will be aided with capital worth P50,000 in the form of goods, equipment or raw materials. And P20,000 capital is allotted for Category B, and P10,000 for Category C. “Negosyong Padayonon” intends to repurpose, uplift, or enhance established micro-enterprises heavily affected by the pandemic. While “Produktong Sugbuanon” is aimed at both new and existing micro-entrepreneurs engaged in manufacturing or processing, while “Mga Serbisyo ug
Ginagmay’ng Patigayon” is for new and existing micro-entrepreneurs engaged in trading or services. The program recipients will claim the goods, equipment or raw materials from partner-suppliers through a digital coupon system. The coupon is unique with its quick response code to ensure validity. Potential beneficiaries should have entrepreneurial skills and ensure the most likelihood of success in their endeavor. Garcia said she wants not to limit the program to the lower 20-percent income group, but rather open it to right applicants whichever walk of life they are from. She said the Capitol has allocated P100 million for the program to be released through the 17 provincial board members worth P5 million each, and P15 million through the Office of the Vice Governor. To ensure the applicant is a bonafide resident of Cebu province, a voter’s identification card is recommended to be included in the eligibility criteria. (Carlo Lorenciana)
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