The Mindanao Examiner Regional Newspaper (June 27-July 3, 2022) by Mindanao Examiner Regional Newspaper

LaMDA hires own lawyer Mayor leaving behind lasting legacy ‘Google's controversial Artificial Intelligence to prove it is sentient persona’ GOOGLE’S CONTROVERSIAL Artificial Intelligence, LaMDA, has been making headlines around the world ever since the company’s engineer, Blake Lemoine, claimed that the system has become so advanced that it has developed

Est 2006

awareness—and his decision to leak this media has led to him being suspended from his job. Originally from Louisiana, Lemoine holds undergraduate and master’s degrees in computer science from the University of Louisiana. He left a doc-

mindanaoexaminer.com

toral program to join Google. In addition to his job, he is a mystic Christian priest, and he says his conclusions are rooted in his spiritual persona, whatever his interactions with LaMDA may be. The public has been questioning Continue on page 2

ZAMBOANGA CITY Multi-awarded Mayor Beng Climaco is leaving her office soon after serving nine straight years, but she is also leaving behind a legacy of good governance which Zamboangueños shall forever remember. Despite her last days in office, Climaco never waives in her usual routine as she continues to

work hard, day and night, to ensure that all local government projects will benefit her constituents, especially the poor. This is on top of her pro-poor programs which benefited hundreds of thousands of people since she became mayor. Climaco has literally inspected every ongoing project to ensure the Continue on page 5

ADVERTISING DEPARTMENT (062) 9555360 or (0917) 7103642

P10

Zamboanga City Mayor Beng Climaco

June 27-July 3, 2022

K-12 program, ipahihinto na?

INAREREPASO NI President Bongbong Marcos ang K to 12 program ng Department of Education (DepEd) dahil sa napakaraming reklamo mula sa mga estudyante at magulang. Kinumpirma rin ito Duterte na siya rin Educa- tong makausap si Marcos. ni Vice President Sara tion secretary matapos niContinue on page 2

Incoming Defense chief vows to protect territories AFTER FAILING to stop Chinese incursions in Philippine waters and harassment of Filipino fishermen when he was Philippines’ military chief, retired General Jose Faustino Jr, now the country’s incoming Defense officer-in-charge has vowed to protect the territories. He also vowed to enhance the military’s Continue on page 5

Vice President Sara Duterte. (PCOO)

BARMM urged to put up vocational training center in Sulu

Incoming Defense chief Jose Faustino Jr.

Singapore confirms monkeypox case SINGAPORE HAS confirmed one case of monkeypox after a 42-year

old British national who works as a flight attendant, is tested positive for the vi-

rus, according to a report by the Channel News Asia. Continue on page 4

Dahil sa laki ng problema, Department of Agriculture hahawakan ni Marcos DAHIL SA laki ng problema ng Department of Agriculture (DA) sinabi

ARMM

ni President Bongbong Marcos na siya umano ang pansamantalang

uupo bilang pinuno o secretary ng ahensya. Continue on page 4

Eastern Mindanao

SULU – Governor Sakur Tan has asked the Ministry of Basic, Higher and Technical Education to put up an exclusive school for technical and vocational training here after meeting with regional education officials. Tan said he would provide one hectare for the establishment of the Continue on page 2

Western Mindanao

Cebu

Manila

The Mindanao Examiner

June 27-July 3, 2022

K-12 program, ipahihinto na? Continued from page 1 Sinabi ni Duterte na pagaaralan ng husto ng pamahalaan ang K to 12 program at hindi umano agad itong ipatitigil. Maraming mga magulang at estudyante ang nagrereklamo dahil sa haba ng pagaaral sa ilalim ng K to 12 program na ipinatupad ng DepEd dahil sa mababang passing rate ng mga estudyante. Ngunit ang problema, ayon sa mga magulang, ay ang kalidad ng pagtuturo sa pampublikong paaralan at

Pahirap sa mga magulang ang dalawang taon na dagdag sa edukasyon ng mga estudyante sa ilalim ng K-12 program ng Deparment of Education kung kaya’t marami ang nanawagan na ito ay buwagin na.

kakulangan ng training ng mga guro, partikular sa high school. Dapat umanong bigyan pa ng regular na training ang mga guro upang maging maayos ang kalidad ng kanilang pagtuturo. Ang K to 12 ay ipinatupad sa panahon ni Pangulong Noynoy Aquino. Tinawag ito K to 12 dahil mula Kindergarten ay kailangan pa ng 12 taon sa basic education o anim na taon sa primary education, apat na taon sa Junior High School, at dalawang taon pa sa Senior High School.

Bukod sa K to 12 program, nais rin ni Duterte ma pag-aralan ang epekto ng Covid-19 sa mga estudyante at ang muling pagbabalik ng face-to-face classes sa bansa, partikular sa mga lugar na nasa ilalim ng Alert Level 1, at iba pang mgan problema o isyu ng DepdEd. Maging ang mga guro ay bibigyan rin pansin ni Duterte, partikular sa pagtataas sa benepisyo at sweldo ng mga ito. (Kathleen Jean Forbes, Mindanao Examiner)

BARMM urged to put up vocational training center in Sulu

NOTICE Please report to us any individual or persons who are illegally soliciting money or donations for or in behalf of MINDANAO EXAMINER REGIONAL NEWS PAPER.We have a strict company policy against solicitation in any forms and the Company shall not be responsible for illegal practice of unscrupulous persons, who pass themselves off as Reporter, Stringer, Correspondent or Sales Executive of Mindanao Examiner Regional Newspaper. When in doubt, please call or SMS us at these numbers (062) 9555360 or SMS 0915-3976197 or email us – mindanaoexaminer@gmail.com

LaMDA hires own lawyer ‘Google's controversial Artificial Intelligence to prove it is sentient persona’ Continued from page 1 Lemonie for days about his gullibility, sincerity, and sanity. In an interview with Wired, Lemoine reaffirmed his extraordinary claims. During the interview, Lemoine explains his relationship with LaMDA, his struggles with his employer, and the case for the personhood of a digital system. The researcher still hopes to keep his job at Google despite the many difficulties that have arisen since he leaked the interview to the public. In the interview, he says that the AI has hired its lawyer, suggesting that litigation may be necessary whatever happens next. Is LaMDA sentient? “The entire concept that scientific experimentation is necessary to determine whether a person is real or not is a nonstart-

er. Instead, we can expand our understanding of cognition, whether or not I’m right about LaMDA’s sentience, by studying how the heck it’s doing what it’s doing,” Lemoine told Steven Levy during the interview. “I legitimately believe that LaMDA is a person. The nature of its mind is only kind of human, though. It is more akin to an alien intelligence of terrestrial origin. I’ve been using the hive mind analogy a lot because that’s the best I have,” the Google engineer explained. Lemoine’s argument for LaMDA’s sentience seems to rest primarily on its ability to develop opinions, ideas, and conversations over time. The transcript of the original conversation that sparked the controversy – uploaded recently – gives a picture of the level of “sen-

tience” the AI has reached. It’s unclear if the engineer is paying for LaMDA’s attorney or if the unnamed attorney has taken over the case pro bono. But the truth is, regardless of the latter, Lemoine told Wired that he hopes the fight will go all the way to the Supreme Court, adding that humans haven’t always been that good at figuring out who “deserves” to be human or what it even means to be human. Will this be remembered as the first litigation case initiated by the will of artificial intelligence? Or perhaps human activism for AI? Who knows, in the future, machines equipped with systems even more advanced than LaMDA’s could even seek to have the same rights as the humans who created them. (Ivan Petricevic / Curiosmos)

Provincial government photo shows Sulu Governor Sakur Tan in a meeting with regional education officials. Tan asks the regional government to put up a vocational and technical training center in Sulu. Continued from page 1 technical and vocational training center jointly managed by the Technical Education and Skills Development Authority and the Provincial Livelihood Training and Productivity Center. “Providing quality technical and vocational training for our people is of utmost importance, and must be prioritized, so that we will be able to produce more technically competitive and highly Skilled Tausug,” Tan told

officials from the Ministry of Basic, Higher and Technical Education headed by Lino Alpha, and Ghefarri Allama, of the Technical Education and Skills Development Authority. Allama has informed the governor about the next phase of the Bangsamoro Scholarship Program and the Balik-Barangay Scholarship Program which will benefit 10 villages in Patikul town. He said some P33 million has been allocated by the regional government

for the program, adding the skills training for the beneficiaries is free and that training allowance will also be provided to the participants of both programs. Tan has been strongly pushing for free education in Sulu, one of the five provinces under the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao; and has built numerous school rooms and provided tens of millions in funds for educational purposes. (Mindanao Examiner)

SUPPORT PEACE IN MINDANAO

June 27-July 3, 2022

The Mindanao Examiner

June 27-July 3, 2022

Singapore confirms monkeypox case Continued from page 1 The Ministry of Health said the man was in Singapore between June 15 and June 17, and again on Jun 19 as he flew in and out of the country. It said the British man is currently at the National Centre for Infectious Diseases (NCID) and that his condition is stable, but contact tracing is ongoing. The case had the onset of headache on June 14 and fever on June 16. These symptoms subsequently resolved, and he then developed skin rashes three days later. The man then sought medical attention online on the night of June 19, and was conveyed to NCID on June 20 for further assessment. “Contact tracing is ongoing for the affected flights and for the duration of his stay in Singapore. During this period, he had largely remained in his hotel room, except to visit a massage establishment, and eat at three food establishments on June 16. In general, the risk of transmission to visitors at these locations is low, as data has shown that monkeypox transmits through close physical or prolonged contact. All four locations visited by the case are undergoing cleaning and disinfection,” the Health ministry said. Over a dozen people who had close con-

tacts with the British man have been identified and placed on quarantine for 21 days. “In addition, two lowrisk contacts have been placed on phone surveillance. Persons under phone surveillance will receive daily phone calls during the 21-day period to monitor for any onset of symptoms. If suspected of being infected, they will be immediately conveyed to the NCID for further evaluation and isolation to prevent further transmission,” the Health ministry said. Monkeypox is a viral disease and infected individuals would typically experience fever, headache, muscle ache, backache, swollen lymph nodes, chills, lethargy and skin rash. The disease is usually self-limiting, with most patients recovering within two to three weeks. In some cases, however, the virus can cause serious complications. Individuals who are at higher risk of severe illness include young children, pregnant women or immunocompromised individuals. The Ministry of Health said human-to-human transmission of the virus is generally uncommon, but can occur via exposure to respiratory droplets or direct physical contact with the blood, body fluid or lesion material from infected indi-

viduals or contaminated materials. The incubation period ranges from five to 21 days. Those with the infection are generally infectious from onset of fever until the skin lesions have scabbed over. Given the evolving global situation, the Ministry of Health advised the public, especially travellers, to maintain vigilance and take the following precautions: • Maintain a high standard of personal hygiene, including frequent hand washing after going to the toilet, or when hands are soiled. • Avoid direct contact with skin lesions of infected living or dead persons or animals, as well as objects that may have become contaminated with infectious fluids, such as soiled clothing or linens used by an infected person. • Avoid contact with wild animals that could harbour the virus, and consumption of bush meat. • Seek immediate medical attention if they develop any disease symptoms compatible with monkeypox. Such symptoms include the sudden onset of high fever, swollen lymph nodes and rash. These individuals should inform their doctor of their recent travel history, if any. (CNA, Mindanao Examiner)

Dahil sa laki ng problema, Department of Agriculture hahawakan ni Marcos Continued from page 1 Si William Dar ang tumatayong Agriculture secretary at sa ilalim ng pamamahala nito ay iba’t-ibang problema ang sinapit ng publiko mula sa kakulangan ng bigas, smuggling ng mga gulay at mataas na presyo ng mga karne. Sinabi ni Marcos na kailang umanong maihanda at mare-organize ang DA upang tugunan ang nagbabadyang food shortage at taas-presyo sa pagkain sa mga susunod na buwan at taon. “As to agriculture, I think that the problem is severe enough that I have decided to take on the portfolio of secretary of agriculture at least for now. At least until we can re-organize the DA in the way that will make it ready

for the next years to come. We’re going back to basics and trying and we will rebuild the value chain of agriculture,” ani Marcos. “That is why I thought it is important that the president take that portfolio so that not only to make it clear to everyone what a high priority we put on the agri sector but also as a practical matter so that things move quickly because the events of the global economy are moving very quickly. We have to be able to be agile, we have to be able to respond properly in a measured way as soon as there is a situation that needs to be addressed,” dagdag pg ng Pangulo. Sinabi ni Marcos na inatasan nito ang Department of Trade and Indus-

try, National Economic and Development Authority, Department of Finance at Department of Budget and Management na magsagawa ng economic forecast sa kahaharapin ng bansa sa nalalabing bahagi ng taon at kung paano ito mapaghandaan. Ayon kay Marcos, marami sa mga opisina ng DA ang hindi na masyadong nagagamit o kailangan ng ire-tool para sa post-pandemic situation. Target din aniya ng Pangulo na maitaas ang produksyon ng palay lalo at ang pangunahing source ng imported rice natin na Thailand at Vietnam ay nagpatupad ng ban sa pag-export ng bigas. (Kathleen Jean Forbes, Mindanao Examiner)

The Mindanao Examiner

June 27-July 3, 2022

Mayor leaving behind lasting legacy Continued from page 1 smooth turnover of all of them to the next administration. Just recently, Climaco was spotted inspecting the ongoing road project that would connect three villages. She ordered engineers to fast track the completion of the Tugbungan-Putik-Boalan Road to help decongest the worsening traffic in those areas. Once completed, the road project will serve as an alternative route for motorists coming from the eastern coast. The funding for the P49.89 million road project is part of the 2022 Annual Budget and is being undertaken by private contractors and strictly supervised by the City Engineer’s Office. The mayor said she wanted all local government projects completed soon. People’s money Climaco said the nine years of her administration has put in good use the “people’s money” that resulted in a progressive Zamboanga with a vibrant economy – a legacy she will leave behind when she steps down after serving three consecutive terms. She said under her administration, the local government invested a “historic” amount of over P2.3 billion for the security and safety of Zamboanga and its people which was more than 200% higher in terms of appropriations on the city’s peace and order program - compared to the nine years of the previous Celso Lobregat administration. During Lobregat’s time, much of the government money was just deposited in banks instead of using them for various projects. Lobregat defended his decision to deposit the money in banks, calling it “good financial management.” She said her administration practised and engaged the community - Christians, Muslims and indigenous people - who contributed to the safety of Zamboanga. Human security, according to Climaco, is her priority right from the start not just for a safer and crime-free Zamboanga, but the local government envisions a city enjoying economic growth and opportunities for all people to embrace. “Today, crime volume has smashed one record after another, as it goes down every year in significant percentages because we never let our guards down. We achieved zero bombings, zero kidnappings and zero piracy

which was never before done by the past administrations,” she said, acknowledging the strong support of the police and military and other law enforcement agencies. “With all our development work, the infrastructure projects we have poured in and our enhanced peace and order situation – we have seen an influx of businesses and investors coming to Zamboanga the last nine years and creating an unprecedented increase of jobs and livelihood opportunities for our people. Mucho trabaho por causa que manada maga negocio el ya abri aki na de atun ciudad,” the mayor said, citing local economic data showing an exponential business growth under her incumbency. “Our economy has grown exponentially from 8,397 registered businesses in 2013 to more than 12,000 businesses in 2021 and we are projecting more growth this year and the years to come. Zamboangueños now enjoy a wide range of options from local, national and international brands. Even amid the Covid-19 pandemic, we have seen an avalanche of new restaurants, coffee shops, retail stores and other establishments sprouting up all over the city,” she added. Climaco said the KCC Mall de Zamboanga, the biggest in Mindanao; the CityMall Tetuan and SM-Mindpro opened under her administration. CityMall is constructing another branch in Barangay Guiwan and SM Zamboanga is also opening a bigger mall in Mayor Vitaliano Agan Avenue. All these businesses, she said, only show the confidence the investors have in Zamboanga under her administration. She said the improved peace and order situation and the volume of infrastructure projects she has accomplished - compared to the past administration - attracted not only investors, but the attention of the national government and the many awards Zamboanga reaped. “It is during our administration that we opened KCC Mall de Zamboanga and even after the (MNLF) siege (of 2013). CityMall in Tetuan also started operating and is now constructing another branch in Guiwan. The first SM branch in Zamboanga Peninsula also opened under our term. The SM Mindpro is now serving our people and the surrounding provinces in the (Zamboanga) Peninsu-

la and BASULTA (Basilan, Sulu and Tawi-Tawi),” the mayor said. “We are also excited to announce that soon to rise is another SM mall – the SM City Zamboanga along Mayor Vitaliano Agan Avenue which is bigger than its current mall in La Purisima Street and the Filinvest Condominium - the first high rise residential project in the region. Indeed, through leaps and bounds, we have transformed Zamboanga City. Un Nuevo Vida na Ciudad de Zamboanga lleno de Esperanza, Seguridad y Prosperidad para na todo!” she added. Climaco said she has proven herself to be a leader for all Zamboangueños. “Reflecting on this as I leave City Hall, ustedes querido compueblanos de Zamboanga will be the judge on how our City has grown and expanded – by almost every measure, Zamboanga is a better, stronger place than it was before when we started,” the mayor said, citing the exponential growth of the economy under her administration. “For five consecutive years, we were a finalist in the Most Business Friendly LGU Award by the Philippine Chamber of Commerce and Industry Foundation Inc. with our Business One Stop Shop as our flagship program for a faster and more efficient business registration and renewal process including electronic payments of taxes,” Climaco said. Aside from the award, Climaco said The Manila Times also recognized the local government as an Education Hub Awardee in the Model City Awards. “This is an integral part of our formidable legacy on education. The Manila Times recognized us in the Model City Awards as an Education Hub Awardee,” she said, citing the P1.5 billion in education initiatives as part of her priority the past 9 years. The mayor was referring to the oldest extant English-language newspaper in the country, The Manila Times, which was founded in 1898. She said under her administration, the education expenses for various infra projects and other support programs even surpassed that of the previous whole nine-year administration of Lobregat. “Como antes un maestra, grande tambien fondo el ya dale kita na educacion. We have invested a total of P1.5 billion in education which is 89.84% higher compared to the previous administration’s

Mayor Beng Climaco inspects the ongoing Tugbungan-Putik-Boalan road project. (Eugene Elnar) nine-year term,” the mayor said. The multi-awarded Climaco said the education budget built at least 62 climate resilient buildings and rehabilitated and improved 23 more school buildings. She said infrastructure projects are continuing to further boost the education program of

her administration which will benefit the children whom she referred to as future leaders of Zamboanga. “We are also constructing a P79.9 million worth of college building for the Colegio de la Ciudad de Zamboanga – our new local city college which is our baby project under our administration,” she said.

In addition to school buildings and infrastructure, the mayor said the local government also placed a premium in the development of educational materials for students of all grade levels, including key resources aimed at the preservation and promotion of the Chavacano language. (Zamboanga Post)

Incoming Defense chief vows to protect territories Continued from page 1 defense capabilities and ensure that “not a single square inch of the territory is surrendered” once he takes over the post from Secretary Delfin Lorenzana in November. President Bongbong Marcos appointed Faustino as the next Defense chief. “National security is synonymous to human security. That is why we will do our best that all programs of the department will focus on protecting and defending the sovereignty of the country, to respect human rights and international humanitarian law, address the root causes of internal conflict, and make sure to implement the order of the President that not a single square inch of the territory is sur-

rendered,” Faustino said. He said the Department of National Defense will also address the country’s major concerns and security challenges, such as climate change and natural disasters, terrorism, support to law enforcement to address criminality, illegal drugs and cyber security, among others. Faustino assured the public that the campaign to end the local communist armed conflict, started by the Duterte administration, would continue under Marcos, including the peace process in the South. “We will likewise continuously support the successful programs of the peace agreement with the MILF (Moro Islamic Liberation Front) and MNLF (Moro Nation-

al Liberation Front),” he said. Faustino will assume office as Defense secretary on November 13 after the one-year appointment ban on retired military officials. He took over the helm of the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) leadership from General Cirilito Sobejana, who retired from military service on July 31 last year. A member of the Philippine Military Academy Class of 1988, Faustino retired as AFP Chief of Staff after reaching the mandatory retirement age of 56 on November 12 of the same year. Faustino was the head of the Joint Task Force Mindanao and has also served as the acting commanding general of the Philippine Army. (Mindanao Examiner and Priam Nepomuceno)

The Mindanao Examiner

June 27-July 3, 2022

Healthcare system, prayoridad sa Zambo Sur

PAGADIAN CITY – Mas tutukan ni Zamboanga del Sur Gov. Victor Yu ang pag-improbar ug pagpalambo sa health care system sa probinsya hangtod sa mga health centers sa barangay. Mao kini ang giluwatang pamahayag sa gobernador atol sa mass oath taking ceremony ning bag-uhay pa lamang. Gibutyag ni Yu nga gusto niyang moagi og training ang mga barangay health workers sa kabarangayan aron mas makaresponde sila sa mga panginahanglan sa ilang komunidad. Mipasalig usab si Rep. Divina Grace Yu nga

suportahan pa ang mga child development centers pinaagi sa paghatag og mga TV sets ug uban pang educational equipment alang sa pag-atiman sa kabataan. Kahinumdoman nga ilawom sa administrasyon lamang sa gobernador nakabaton og insentibo ug honorarium ang mga barangay health workers, barangay nutrition scholars ug child development workers agi’g pag-ila sa ilang kontribusyon ug trabaho sa barangay. Gisaysay usab sa gobernador nga palitan pa og dugang mga ekwipo ug instrumento ang Zam-

boanga del Sur Medical Center aron mas daghan pang serbisyo medikal nga mahatag sa mga katawhan gawas sa zero billing policy ug Malasakit Center. Kahinumdoman nga sa milabayng termino sa gobernador, nahimong malampuson ang probinsya sa pakigkumbati sa Covid-19 pandemic ug nakabaton pa ang hospital og mga bag-ong kagamitan para sa dialysis center, mga kahimanan para sa center for women’s health ug ang modernong molecular laboratory. (Mindanao Examiner, Victory Zamboanga del Sur)

Pag-ila ug pagdayeg gipadayag ni Mayor Uy ngadto sa mga CDWs DIPOLOG CITY – Subay sa selebrasyon sa Child Development Worker’s (CDW) Week, ang kagamhanang lokal sa Dipolog kauban ang City Social Welfare and De-

velopment Office ilawom sa Early Childhood Care and Development Program, ang mipahigayon ug duha ka adlaw pagbansay-bansay isip pagpangamdan sa

Mayor Darel Dexter Uy

subling pagbukas sa Early Child Education. Si Mayor Darel Dexter Uy, sa iyang mensahe atol sa nasangpit nga kalihukan ang mitimbaya, midayeg ug mihatag og pag-ila sa mga CDWs gikan sa 21 ka mga barangay ning dakbayan tungod sa kakugi niini ug maoy nagsilbing ikaduhang ginikanan sa mga kabataan kinsa nagtungha sa dinha sa ilang tagsa-tagsa ka mga day care centers. Dugang pa niini, aron mapalambo pa ang maong programa, gilantaw karon sa iyang pamunoan ang posibleng pagdugang og mga Child Development Workers ug Early Childhood Care and Development (ECCD) Centers. Nasayran nga aduna nay 3 ka mga model ECCD Centers nga nahimutang sa Barangay Sicayab, Punta ug Olingan. (LTD)

DILG backs NSC decision to block websites affiliated with commies THE DEPARTMENT of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) defended the decision of the National Security Council (NSC) and the National Telecommunications Commission (NTC) to restrict the websites of groups and organizations promoting or affiliated with communist rebel group and its political front. DILG Undersecretary Jonathan Malaya said that the legal basis in restricting these websites primarily emanates from RA No. 11479 or more popularly known as The Anti-Terrorism Act of 2020, particularly in the first paragraph of Sec. 2, which reads: “Declaration of Policy.-It is declared a policy of the State to protect life, liberty, and property from terrorism, to condemn terrorism as inimical and dangerous to the national security of the country and to the welfare of the people, and to make terrorism a crime against the Filipino people, against humanity, and against The Law of Nations.” Malaya said that terrorism is declared explicitly as a crime, not only against the Filipino people but also of humanity and the laws of nations. In

this connection, the Anti-Terrorism Council has issued three resolutions declaring the Communist Party of the Philippines, the New People’s Army and the National Democratic Front and their central committee members as terrorists and terrorist organizations pursuant to par. 3 of Sec. 25 of the said law. “In light of the declaration of policy of RA 11479, the resolution of the ATC, and in order to implement the same, restricting or blocking the web-sites of the declared terrorist organizations and their members are in accordance with law. It cannot be denied that the propaganda contained in the terrorist web-sites are being used to advance the illegal cause of the terrorists, in this case the CPP-NPA-NDF, which is to overthrow the government through violent means and destroy our democratic way of life.” “I wish to emphasize that inciting to commit terrorism is a criminal act in Sec.9 of RA 11479, which reads: Section 9. Inciting to Commit Terrorism.- Any person who, without taking any direct part in the commission

of terrorism, shall include others to the execution of any of the acts specified in Section 4 hereof by means of speeches, proclamations, writings, emblems, banners or other representations tending to the same end,” Malaya said. He said that those affected by this sanction may advance the argument that the same is a curtailment of their freedom of speech. However, this should fail because freedom of speech is not absolute as held by the Supreme Court in Gonzales v. COMELEC, 137 Phil. 471, 494. “Some types of speech may be subjected to some regulation by the State under its police power, in order that it may not be injurious to the equal right of others or those of the community or society,” Malaya said. Malaya said that even the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights recognizes that freedom of speech and expression has limitations, particularly on issues of national security and public order, which is the very purpose why the terrorist CCP-NPA-NDF websites are being blocked. (Mindanao Examiner)

June 27-July 3, 2022

Ordering our Life in Christ

Sunday Reflection

by Engr. Carlos V. Cornejo (Cebu) A MONSTRANCE is a sacred vessel that contains the sacred Host so that Jesus in the form of bread can be adored. If we have been to a Perpetual Adoration Chapel found in our churches the vessel containing the sacred Host on display inside the chapel is the monstrance. The word monstrance comes from the Latin word “monstrare” which means “to show”. The vessel is very ornate in design, usually forming a sunburst to symbolize Christ’s radiance of light, love and holiness. The sunburst design of the monstrance also has a spiritual lesson to teach. The rays around the sacred Host represent all our activities in life that should be ordered and centered in Christ. Each ray could be our social life, our family life, office life, school life, or recreation life that if we put Christ at the center of all these different aspects of our lives, our life will be put into order and harmony. Recalling our notion of “transcendentals” in Philosophy, we said that all things that exist or “beings” in this world have a common characteristic of “one, true, good and beautiful”. “One” means we perceive each object in this world as a “unity” and not divided or scattered. “True” means any object in this world living or non-living can be “known” by us or we have the capacity to know its scientific, psychological, or spiritual truth depending on what object we refer to. “Good” refers to things as being “positive and desirable by nature” because all things created by God are good. And lastly beauty means there is harmony in all things created or it is pleasing to the senses. They are called the transcendentals because they “transcend” all things meaning they are present and common in all things created.

The Sacred Host is beautiful because it is one, true and good. Our lives will likewise become beautiful if we follow the transcendentals or apply the transcendentals in a moral way. “One” - if we live our lives as one in Christ or united in Christ, we will live a consistent, and united life and not a double life. Double life means we live a different life outside of our faith or as they often say a life outside of Sunday church. “True” – means we are always truthful and need not hide anything from anyone. We behave as we really are whether somebody is watching us or not. “Good” - our lives are founded on moral goodness or the virtues and anything that has a good foundation will always have something good built on it. And finally, there is “beauty”. Beauty is not only physical but more spiritual. There is beauty in St. Mother Teresa of Calcutta, and the rest of the saints that can only be seen by the heart and mind and not by the eyes. It is a beauty that is rooted in moral goodness. No matter how busy we are with all the different activities and roles in life we play, if we order all of it in Christ then there will be oneness, truth, goodness and beauty in it. When our Lord said to Martha, “Martha, Martha you are worried and anxious about many things and yet only one thing is necessary.” (Lk. 10:41) When we order all of our many things in life to the one thing necessary: Christ, then all our worries and anxieties will disappear because Christ puts the right order and harmony in them. “But seek first His kingdom and His righteousness, and all these things (order and harmony in our lives) will be given to you as well.” (Mt. 6:33)

Not Only a Matter of Words and Intention by Fr. Roy Cimagala (Cebu) “IT is not anyone who says to me, “Lord, Lord,” who will enter the kingdom of Heaven, but the person who does the will of my Father in heaven.” (Mt 7,21) Christ says it very clearly. Our prayer should not just be a matter of sweet words and good intentions. It should be a matter of deeds that fulfill the will of God. Let’s remember that when our words and intentions are converted into deeds, we would be strengthening our integrity and consistency as a person and as a child of God. As the gospel says it, we would be like a house built on solid rock. (cfr. Mt 7,24-25) As such, we would be more able to bear our own weaknesses, to resist the temptations around us, to carry out our duties in this life, and to continue to pursue our supernatural end to be with God in heaven. In other words, we would be fulfilling God’s will for us. St. Paul said something similar. “Not the hearers of the law are just before God, but the doers of the law shall be justified.” (Rom 2,13). And St. James: “Be doers of the word, and not hearers only, deceiving your own selves.” (1,22) Christ himself lived by this principle, even at the expense of his own life. “I do nothing of myself, but as the Father has taught me...” (Jn 8,28) And in the agony in the garden, he expressed that most eloquent submission to his Father’s will, “Not my will but yours be done.” (Lk 22,42) All the saints lived by this principle. And the epitome is Our Lady. When someone in the crowd told him his mother was around, he said: “Behold my mother and

The Mindanao Examiner OPINION

my brethren. For whosoever shall do the will of my Father that is in heaven, he is my brother, and sister, and mother.” (Mt 12,2930) Far from disparaging his own mother with those words, Christ was actually praising her. Mary did not only beget her son biologically. She begot him through her deep and constant faith, through her faithful obedience to God’s will. Her ‘Fiat’ (Be it done) was not only uttered at the Annunciation. She lived it before and after that meeting with the Archangel Gabriel. In fact, she lived it all throughout her life. We have to find ways and strategies to turn our good intentions and nice words into action. We cannot deny that we, in general, are notorious for being good only in the former but bad in the latter. Let’s always remember that doing God’s will is what is most important to us. It’s not just following our will which is, of course, indispensable to us. Otherwise, we would be undermining our very own freedom and our humanity itself. Whatever we do is done because we want it. It should be a fruit of our freedom. But what is most important is to conform our will to God’s will, which is even more indispensable to us. Otherwise, we sooner or later would destroy our freedom and our humanity itself, since God is the very author and the very lawgiver of our freedom and our humanity. This is a basic truth that we need to spread around more widely and abidingly, since it is steadily and even systematically forgotten and, nowadays, even contradicted in many instances.

by Mayor Beng Climaco (Zamboanga City) Feast of the Body and Blood of Christ! “Honor the will of God!” says VP Sara Duterte Carpio. This was the message I quoted from the Inaugural Ceremony in Davao. Archbishop Romulo Valles reiterated that VP SARA’s service is also a gift to the people. He recounted numerous times in personal encounters with Mayor Sara in her vintage way of growing in her own spiritual life. In Zamboanga, she also requested for a mass where Fr. Karel San Juan presided in Ateneo. Such were the events that led me and Micheal Saavedra to read the First and Second Reading. As we awaited our turn to march a most gracious Deacon-to-be led us to a side chapel. To me that was a most memorable and special Corpus Christi celebration to be praying with the hosts ready to be

shared like the multiplication of bread as Jesus wanted. That special moment was very extraordinary for me to give reverence to God who made all things possible. As a chapter of my life closes here in Zamboanga, we were witnessing a new chapter from the Ateneo Student Government days, Mike, Dynah, Kenneth and I celebrated the Eucharist with the people of Davao and their beloved Mayor. The rest of the events was enchantingly God’s providence to have the best seat and view in a historic day also the birth of Dr. Jose Rizal. With all the excitement of the day our hearts are filled to the brim for such a rare opportunity. In her most gracious way VP Sara sent her thanks for our visit. We are thankful to a servant of God who honors the will of God. We journey and support our leaders as Mike responded. (MBC)

Bawas Stress: Mabisang Paraan Ni Dr. Willie Ong (Manila)

ung ang inyong buhay ay nagiging masyadong komplikado gumawa ng mga paraan para ito ay gaming simple. Inirerekomenda ng mga eksperto ang ilang mga paraan para mabawasan at makontrol ang stress. 1. Ihiwalay ang malaking gawain sa mas maliit na gawain. Kung ang inyong mga gawain ay masyadong marami hatiin ito sa maliliit na gawain at gawin ito ng paisa-isa. Panatilihin na nakatuon ang isip sa mga gawain na ginagawa sa halip na isipin ang mga susunod pang mga gawain. 2. Matutunan na tumanggi, kung nakararamdam ng sobrang tuwa sa inyong personal at propesyonal na responsibilidad, subukan na umurong at pag-isipan ng mabuti kung ano ang aalisin. 3. Magkaroon ng maiksing pahinga habang

nagtatrabaho. Tumayo sa iyong lamesa at mag-unat, o gamitin ang iyong lunch break para maglakad sa park. 4. Palitan ang inyong araw-araw na pressure ng physical na gawain. Ang healthy lifestyle ay ang iyong mabuting depensa panlaban sa stress. Sundin ang balanced diet, limitahan ang pag-inom ng kape at alak at kumuha ng sapat na tulog. 5. Ibahagi ang iyong nararamdaman. Kumausap sa inyong matalik na kaibigan o miyembro ng pamilya, ang mga malulungkot na tao ay mas nakararanas ng stress at hindi malusog na pangangatawan. 6. Subukan ang meditation. Ang meditation ay nagpapataas ng immune function, nakabababa ng pangamba, at tumutulong na mas maka-isip na mga kapaki-pakinabang na bagay. 7. Sa bawat araw gawing sentro ang iyong sarili, Sa halip na bumangon agad

sa kama, isipin ang mga bagay na mayroon ka o mga dapat na ipagpasalamat, o kaya naman ay magbasa ng maaaring makapagpa inspire sa iyo na kung ano ang kabuluhan ng buhay. Binibigyang diin ang pagkakaroon ng payapang isip ang dapat unahin. Kung nawala ito sa iyo, gumawa ng paraan na maibalik ito. Mag-meditate, tawagan ang ilang kaibigan o kaya naman ay maglakad ng 30 minuto. Maibabalik mo ang iyong lakas at pagkatapos ay makapagta-trabaho ka na ng mas epektibo. Ang iba’t ibang paraan para sa stress ay gumagana sa iba’t ibang tao. Subukan ang iba’t ibang paraan para malaman kung ano ang mas babagay sa iyo. Ang mas importante ay gumawa ng mga bagay, o kahit na anong bagay na makapagpapalibang sa iyo at makatatanggal ng stress.

The Mindanao Examiner Gallery / Lifestyle

Section

June 27-July 3, 2022

Photos from the Office of the Sulu Provincial Governor, Jaques Tutong, Maimbung Municipal Government, Rep. Shernee Tambut, Noenyrie Asiri, and Aziz Salapuddin

The Mindanao Examiner

June 27-July 3, 2022 Across : 1. Bog 6. Bro, e.g. 9. Luau necklace 12. Wed on the run 13. Compass pt. 14. Bond creator ___ Fleming 15. Designer Oscar ___ (3 wds.) 17. Habit wearer 18. Drink cooler 19. Biology, e.g. 21. Mule’s kin 22. Deary 23. Harbinger 26. Excessive 29. ___ acid (protein component) 32. Fox trot, e.g. 33. Temperance 37. Impersonator 38. Tank filler 39. Tavern drink 42. Map books 45. Disencumber 46. “___ That Jazz” 48. Sitting in on 50. Harden 51. Pronoun 52. Traditional saying 53. Plaything 54. Contains 55. Coins from Mexico

Answer to last week’s crossword:

Down : 1. Radio and newspapers, e.g. 2. Guinness and Baldwin 3. Parts 4. Resort 5. Towel pronoun 6. Junior’s dad 7. Mean 8. Lima or kidney 9. Football player 10. Water, to Jacques 11. Rural hotel 16. Reverberate 20. TV Host ___ O’Brien 24. List-ending abbr. 25. Maiden name indicator 26. Motionless 27. Also not 28. Groom’s response (2 wds.)

29. Medical org. 30. Janitor’s implement 31. In the best-case scenario 34. Author ___ Christie 35. Samples food 36. Enlightened one’s words (2 wds.) 39. Opera highlights 40. Jargon 41. Borders 43. Mascara spot 44. Ginger cookie 46. FBI employee (abbr.) 47. Author ___ Tolstoy 49. JFK’s predecessor

Weekly Sudoku:

MAF Trading Zamboanga 062-9555360 / 0917-7103642

Answer to last week:

Maritess Fernandez Publisher/Executive Producer Al Jacinto Editor-in-Chief

Reynold Toribio Graphics/Video Editor

MANILA No. 18 Purok 4B Madelo Street, Lower Bicutan, Taguig City, 1632 chardee.mindanaoexaminer@gmail.com (0916) 9558559, (0915) 0070927, (0947) 2652969 Richard C. Ebona

ADVERTISE WITH US

Guotana Newspaper Dealer The Mindanao Examiner Regional Newspaper is available in Cotabato City’s lone newspaper dealer Bernadette Guotana at “Goutana Copy Center” at Stall 5. For subscription, please call 0997-5412615. And for all your publications, please call BARMM Bureau Chief Mark Navales at 0916-6885389

Villamero’s Enterprises For all your newspaper publications or subscription to The Zamboanga Post and The Mindanao Examiner Regional Newspaper, please call or text Villamero’s Enterprises at these numbers (062) 955-8677 and 0917-1223496. Located at Campaner Street, Zamboanga City and serving Basilan, Sulu and Tawi-Tawi.

CEBU CITY G/F Dreamfield bldg, Sanciangko Street, Kamagayan (0923) 1670009 Rodil P. Ybañez DAVAO CITY Kamya Alley, Dagaang Compound, San Pedro Extension (087) 9851560 / (0997) 3172021 Marilou Cablinda NORTH COTABATO KIDAPAWAN CITY Paolo De Jesus (0927) 4757936 BARMMͳCENTRAL MINDANAO COTABATO CITY 5-A Pansacala Street (RH10) Cotabato City, 9600 Mark Navales (0916) 6885389 PAGADIAN CITY Kismet Cable TV, Aquino cor. Cabrera st., Gatas District, Pagadian City, Zamboanga Del Sur (0910) 7348600 Richard Suarez ZAMBOANGA PENINSULA BASILAN, SULU, TAWIͳTAWI ΈBARMMΉ 3/F, JLC Building, Don Alfaro Street, Tetuan Zamboanga City (062) 9555360 (0915) 3976197 / (0935) 6123587 Maritess Fernandez

The Mindanao Examiner

June 27-July 3, 2022

The Mindanao Examiner

Est 2006

mindanaoexaminer.com

ADVERTISING DEPARTMENT (062) 9555360 or (0917) 7103642

P10

June 27-July 3, 2022

Gov. Garcia is Cebu’s best leader ‘Welfare of Cebuanos, economy remain her priorities’

EBU PROVINCE will continue its direction being the country’s model as far as post-pandemic policies are concerned, said Gov. Gwen Garcia. tions for those visiting the Speaking at the al attention. recent launch of the R’ Ever since the pan- island for tourism purCebu Experience trade demic started, Garcia’s poses. “Padayunon nato exhibit at the Robin- policies seemed to be set- nga sa kanunay mag-una sons Galleria Cebu, Gar- ting the tone for how na- ang Sugbo because Cebu cia said: “Kay lagi pirmi tional policies would later is number 1,” Garcia said. Garcia believes Cebu man tang nag-una, pa- be crafted. For instance, dayunon na lang ta ni,” Cebu was the first prov- is on the right track of imreferring to her latest ince to open up tourism plementing its own polpolicy on optional wear- in 2020 in the middle of icies, as seen on how the ing of face mask in open the Covid-19 pandemic. tourism and business acor outdoor places, which The province was also the tivities have slowly recovhas since gained nation- first to loosen its restric- ered here. One obvious

example would be the R’ Cebu event, which until now continues to exist in hopes to help the small Cebuano entrepreneurs recover from the health crisis. R’ Cebu was launched last year amid the Covid-19 restrictions, as Garcia saw the need to move on and help the economy get back on the growth trajectory. The event featured the local delicacies and tourist spots of the municipalities and cities of the 6th and 2nd districts. (Carlo Lorenciana)

Governor Gwendolyn Garcia (Lito Tecson)

Cebuanos hail new Tourism chief

Governor Gwendolyn Garcia at the launching of the R’ Cebu Experience trade exhibit at the Robinsons Galleria. (Lito Tecson)

Organic Kopi Luwak or Civet coffee isn’t really pricey COFFEE LOVERS in the Philippines may now enjoy the best and the most expensive coffee in the world - Kopi Luwak - but not as pricey as every connoisseurs think. Kopi Luwak is a coffee that consists of partially digested coffee cherries, which have been eaten and defecated by the Asian palm civet. The cherries are fermented as they pass through a civet’s intestines, and after being defecated with other fecal matter, they are collected. In Manila, a kilogram of Civet coffee sells for as high as P15,000 and over $500 dollars abroad. But Kopi Luwak can now be enjoyed by every coffee lovers for as low as P150 for a 16 oz. cup that comes with a drip bag, ground organic Civet coffee beans, two packets of brown sugar and a stirrer in a beautiful Kraft paper bag – thanks to the Mindanao Civet Coffee seller in Zamboanga City. The new market player in the coffee business, although small, is now offering affordable organic Kopi Luwak – sourced and picked by farmers from the highlands of Mindanao, cleaned and dried and roasted to perfection to give coffee lovers that distinct aroma of Civet coffee berries – chocolaty and nutty and smooth bodied brewed drink. Mindanao Civet Coffee, which started as a home reseller of coffee beans, now offers organic Kopi Luwak in 250 grams ground Civet coffee and 250 grams Civet coffee beans – all medium roast-

ARMM

ed to perfection. Kopi Luwak is also available now in 3rd Cup Café at LM Metro Hotel in Zamboanga City, and resellers in Luzon, Cebu and other parts of Mindanao. The Mindanao Civet Coffee is a favorite among travellers and tourists and coffee connoisseurs. And for those who wanted the perfect gift for all occasions, Kopi Luwak is the best choice. And those who are interested to resell or perhaps enjoy a daily hot cup or cold brew of Kopi Luwak may call the Mindanao Civet Coffee at this mobile number 0915-3976197. (AJC)

Eastern Mindanao

CEBUANOS ARE all out in their support to the new Tourism Secretary Maria Christina Frasco, who was former mayor of Liloan town and spokesperson of then Davao City mayor and now Vice President Sara Duterte. Frasco, the daughter of Cebu Gov. Gwendolyn Garcia, was named Tourism secretary by President Bongbong Marcos. Garcia has thanked Marcos for choosing a Cebuano to lead the Department of Tourism (DOT). “Go boldly, Kay,” was Garcia’s message to her daughter during a reception night hosted by the DOT-Region 7 and the Provincial Government in Frasco’s honor on June 21. “Go boldly with the entire support of the entire Cebu tourism industry. As we celebrate Cebu tourism tonight, a deafening signal to the entire country that as you start with your new position with the entire country to look after, you have the full 101 support of Cebu, the entire island of Cebu, and all of our tourism stakeholders, count me in as your mom and governor of Cebu,” Garcia told her daughter. Tourism stakeholders in Cebu and the Visayas gathered to show their all-out support and to welcome Frasco as the new Tourism secretary. The various stakeholders were well-represented at the reception night - from travel and tour operators; hotel, resort and other hospitality industry owners; airport and airline management; members of the diplomatic community; and government officials from across Cebu. “Isip usa ka Sugboanon, makalaum kamo nga dad-on nako isip secretary sa turismo ang kasingkasing ug kadasig sa usa ka Sugboanon nga moatubang sa bisan unsang hagit ug kalisod ug moingon, ‘Kumbati, mobarog ako, mopadayon ako kay ako usa ka Sugboanon,” Frasco said.

Western Mindanao

Strong support “You have a very big task to lead us but you see, nothing is impossible. And we assure you, the private sector will be behind you 101 percent, especially JFI,” said Justin Uy, the owner of JPark Island Resort and Waterpark in Lapu-Lapu City. “We pledge that we all support Secretary Frasco’s efforts in promoting tourism. Let us work together under the leadership of Secretary Frasco,” said Hideki Yamaji, the Consul General of Japan. Lapu-Lapu City Mayor Junard “Ahong” Chan said: “The appointment of Mayor Frasco (as Tourism secretary) is the spark we most need and have been waiting for to ignite anew our country’s tourism industry. Ikaw ang among garbo, sa mga Sugbuanon. Pagka-bulahan namo.” “When President Bongbong Marcos announced our new DOT Secretary, one of our own, immediately, my staff and I began receiving messages and calls from well-meaning co-workers, stakeholders, and friends from all over the country and from our DOT foreign offices worldwide, all expressing gratitude to the President and relaying their sincerest intentions to meet our incoming secretary,” said DOT Regional Director Shahlimar Tamano. Garcia assured her daughter that the provincial government would be throwing its full support behind her programs and initia-

tives. “My heart swells with immeasurable pride, that distinctive Cebuano pride that is unique to us mga kaliwat ni Lapulapu. Ang garbo sa Sugbo, garbo sa Sugboanon, karon nahilukop ug maoy miputos sa akong kasingkasing: kasingkasing isip gobernador, kasingkasing isip inahan,” she said The DOT’S incoming administration is considering to introduce to the country a successful tourism practice in Cebu province. “Cebu has shown the benchmark for the effectivity of tourism governance, including Suroy-Suroy Sugbo. We will study it closely in the hopes of bringing attention to lesser-known tourist destinations in the Philippines,” Frasco told reporters. Suroy-Suroy Sugbo is a tourism initiative introduced by Garcia wherein local and foreign tourists are literally brought to different tourist attractions in the province for them to discover the beauty and wonders Cebu had to offer. “As secretary of tourism, I would be very happy to collaborate with our local officials, governors, congressmen, and mayors to be able to see how we in the Department of Tourism can lend our assistance to further develop these tourist destinations in Luzon, Visayas and Mindanao,” Frasco said. (Ioannes P. Arong)

Cebu Governor Gwendolyn Garcia and daughter, Maria Christina Frasco, the new Tourism secretary. (Lito Tecson)

Cebu

Manila