The Mindanao Examiner Regional Newspaper (November 7-13, 2022)

BARMM told to improve Sulu has new police director coordination with LGUs in times of disaster, emergency MAGUINDANAO - The President said there is a need for improved coordination between the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM) and local governments,

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particularly in times of disaster and emergency, following the devastation left behind by the deadly storm Nalgae.

“I think that is something that we can improve on, the coordination

mindanaoexaminer.com

between the LGUs and BARMM and then ‘yung procedures. I know that you are just drawing up your procedures now. But you can see kung bakit this is so important,” Continue on page 5

SULU – The Philippine National Police has named Col. Narciso Paragas as acting provincial director here, replacing Col. Jaime Mojica, who retired from the service.

Paragas has vowed Continue on page 5

Sulu Gov. Sakur Tan with acting provincial police director Col. Narciso Paragas (left). Also in the photo are Col. Jaime Mojica, who retired from the service, and Brig. Gen. Pablo Labra II, the Deputy Director for Administration of the regional police office. (Provincial government photo)

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November 7-13, 2022

Planet killer!

‘Asteroid found hiding in sun’s glare may one day hit Earth’

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STRONOMERS HAVE discovered a giant asteroid hiding in the glare of the sun that might one day cross paths with Earth The 0.9-mile- potentially hazardous as- omers have dubbed it a wide (1.5 kilometers) teroid spotted in the past “planet killer” because Continue on page 2 asteroid is the largest eight years and astron-

U.S. releases P53M to support project for disaster risk and response

Representatives of NDRRMC member agencies join USAID Mission Director Ryan Washburn and Undersecretary Raymundo Ferrer to kick off the second phase of the Early Warning and Decision Support Capacity Enhancement project.

THE UNITED States Agency for International Development (USAID) said it is providing P53 million ($900,000) for the second phase of an information management system project to enhance the Philippines’ capacity to identify disaster risks and support disaster response operations.

USAID Philippines Mission Director Ryan Continue on page 6

Asteroids in the inner system are notoriously hard to detect because of the glare of the sun.

(Image credit: DOE/FNAL/DECam/CTIO/NOIRLab/NSF/AURA/J. da Silva/Spaceengine)

Beauty cream contaminated with Mercury

Marcos declares state of calamity in 4 regions Australia, partners bolster warCAGAYAN DE ORO CITY - The toxics watchdog group EcoWaste Coalition said it has detected Mercury in another

PRESIDENT FERDINAND Marcos has placed the following ar-

eas - Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM), Re-

gion IV-A (Calabarzon), Bicol Region and Western Continue on page 2

Oxfam calls for support for Philippines OXFAM PILIPINAS has called on the global community for better support for countries like the Philippines which is Continue on page 6 A man waits for food aid in Zamboanga City. Tens of thousands of people fled their homes due to flash floods brought about

by Typhoon Nalgae. (Photo by Al Jacinto)

ARMM

Eastern Mindanao

unauthorized beauty cream that promises “to turn your skin white and fair.”

Continue on page 5

fare skills in Sulu Sea exercise ROYAL AUSTRALIAN Navy ships from five nations, including HMA Ships Hobart and Stalwart, completed exercise “Sama-Sama Lumbas” in the Sulu Sea. The Royal Australian Navy guided-missile destroyer Hobart and auxiliary oiler replenishment ship Stalwart operated Continue on page 5

Western Mindanao

Photo: Australian Navy

Cebu

Manila

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The Mindanao Examiner

November 7-13, 2022

Planet killer!

‘Asteroid found hiding in sun’s glare may one day hit Earth’

Continued from page 1 the effects of its impact would be felt across multiple continents. The asteroid, named 2022 AP7, managed to avoid detection for so long because it orbits in the region between Earth and Venus.

To spot space rocks in this area, astronomers have to look in the direction of the sun, and that is notoriously difficult due to the sun's luminosity.

For example, flagship telescopes such as the James Webb Space Telescope and the Hubble Space Telescope never look toward the sun, as the star's brightness would fry their sensitive optics.

Because of that, astronomers have only a limited understanding of the nature of asteroids lurking in this region, and sometimes, surprises may happen.

In 2013, a much smaller asteroid, only 66 feet wide (20 m), arrived from the direction of the sun completely without

warning. That asteroid exploded above the city of Chelyabinsk in southeastern Russia, shattering windows on thousands of buildings.

"Only about 25 asteroids with orbits completely within Earth's orbit have been discovered to date because of the difficulty of observing near the glare of the sun," Scott S. Sheppard, an astronomer at the Earth and Planets Laboratory of the Carnegie Institution for Science and the lead author of the paper describing the new discovery, said in a statement.

The discovery of 2022 AP7, which would be much more damaging than Chelyabinsk if it were to hit Earth, was only possible thanks to the supersentive Dark Energy Camera (DEC) at the Cerro Tololo Inter-American Observatory in Chile, which scans the sky during twilight hours when these asteroids can be detected within two 10-minute periods each

day.

"So far we have found two large near-Earth asteroids that are about 1 kilometer [0.6 miles] across, a size that we call planet killers," Sheppard said.

Because the inner solar system asteroids are so hard to detect, they are underrepresented in models of the overall solar system space rock population. However, Sheppard believes that only a few unknown “planet killers” are left in this difficult-to-observe region.

The good news is that most of these unknown asteroids likely follow orbits that keep them safely away from Earth.

“There are likely only a few (Near Earth Asteroids) with similar sizes left to find, and these large undiscovered asteroids likely have orbits that keep them interior to the orbits of Earth and Venus most of the time,” Sheppard said.

In addition to the potentially threatening 2022 AP7, astronomers discov-

ered two other smaller space rocks in DEC observations, one of which is the closest to the sun ever seen. Because of its close proximity to the star at the center of the solar system, this asteroid, named 2021 PH27, experiences the largest effects of general relativity among all solar system objects, the scientists said in the statement. According to Albert Einstein's general theory of relativity, massive objects warp spacetime, which can affect the motion of other objects in their vicinity. These effects, which are very minor, can be observed as irregularities in the orbits of planets and asteroids that cannot be explained

by Newtonian physics.

Luckily, both, 2021 PH27 and the third asteroid,

named 2021 LJ4, follow orbits that don't intersect with that of Earth.

Astronomers currently monitor over 2,200 potentially hazardous asteroids, space rocks that orbit dangerously close to Earth and are wider than 0.6 miles (1 km).

Such asteroids are of the greatest concern as they would cause widespread destruction, potentially affecting the entire planet. However, even much smaller asteroids would cause a lot of trouble if they were to fall into densely populated areas.

For example, an asteroid only 160 feet wide (50 m) would cause damage over the entire city of London if it were to explode above the city's center.

Fortunately, astronomers are able to calcu-

late asteroid trajectories for centuries into the future and there are currently no known space rocks that should have us worried. And by the time such a rock appears, the global space community hopes to have tools in their hands to protect the planet.

In September, NASA's Double Asteroid Redirection Test (DART) mission successfully changed the trajectory of the 525-footwide (160 m) asteroid moonlet Dimorphos which orbits around its 2,560-foot-wide (780 m) parent rock, Didymos.

The success of this firstof-its-kind experiment suggests that as long as we know early enough, we may be able to keep pesky asteroids at bay. (By Tereza Pultarova / Space.com)

Marcos declares state of calamity in 4 regions

President Bongbong Marcos (PCOO)

Continued from page 1 Visayas under a state of calamity for six months in response to the devastation brought by Severe Tropical Storm Nalgae.

The Proclamation No. 84 also directed all concerned government departments and agencies to continue the implementation of rescue, relief, and rehabilitation measures in areas affected

by Nalgae.

“All departments and other concerned government agencies are also directed to coordinate with the LGUs to provide or augment the basic services and facilities of affected areas,” read the proclamation signed for the President by Executive Secretary Lucas Bersamin.

According to the issuance, the President may include other areas in the declaration of a state of calamity if warranted, taking into consideration the continuing damage assessment in affected areas based on the recommendation of the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (NDRRMC) and the conditions provided by law.

Nalgae’s onslaught from October 26 to 29 resulted in deaths, property destruction, damage to agriculture and infrastructure, as well as disruption in the livelihood of thousands of people across multiple regions.

More than 1.4 million people from BARMM, Calabarzon (Cavite, La-

guna, Batangas, Rizal and Quezon), Bicol Region, and Western Visayas were adversely affected by the weather disturbance.

The NDRRMC, through a resolution, made a recommendation to the President to declare a state of calamity covering those regions to hasten rescue, relief, and rehabilitation efforts by both the public and private sectors.

The declaration will also allow the government to effectively control prices of basic necessities and prime commodities and enable both the national and local governments to utilize their funds for rescue, recovery, and rehabilitation measures. (Mindanao Examiner)

November 7-13, 2022

The Mindanao Examiner

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The Mindanao Examiner - Region

November 7-13, 2022

Bangsamoro government displays resolve to expedite passage of electoral code: Galvez 2025 elections and provide parameters for the regular parliament elections.

Among the most urgent laws that the BTA must pass before the end of the transition period is the Bangsamoro Electoral Code of 2022, which will prescribe the structural,

organizational, and procedural rules for the election of regional officials.

The proposed measure seeks to guarantee that elections are fair, open, and reflective of the true will of the electorate in the region. The rules committee is also calling for

position papers in order to solicit feedback on the proposed code.

The BTA is the interim government of the region during the transition period.

(LTAIS-Public Information, Publication, and Media Relations Division)

BTA legislators propose establishment of Bangsamoro Veteran Mujahideen Affairs Office Secretary Carlito Galvez Jr., Presidential Adviser on Peace, Reconciliation and Unity.

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OTABATO CITY — Secretary Carlito Galvez Jr., Presidential Adviser on Peace, Reconciliation and Unity, said that the Bangsamoro government has shown “moral conviction” to uphold their commitment to the President of enacting the proposed electoral code in the first quarter of 2023.

Galvez expressed his con- to the country,” said Duma- on the enactment of the code in keeping with the commitfidence that the electoral code ma-Alba. would be passed on schedule, The electoral code, ac- ment of Ebrahim to have it giving the Commission on cording to Deputy Speaker approved by the first quarter Elections, regional political Atty. Omar Sema, is “at the very of 2023. While expediting the parties and other stakeholders core of the democratic pro- passage of the proposed measufficient time to prepare for cess that ensures our people sure, the Parliament wants to the 2025 synchronized elec- will freely exercise their fun- ensure that the electoral code tions. damental right to suffrage, to would be free of any constituBARMM Chief Minister vote, and to be voted upon, as tional flaws.

Ahod Balawag Ebrahim has guaranteed by the 1987 ConstiThe Parliament’s Rules vowed to President Ferdinand tution.”

Committee has started holdMarcos Jr. and the BangsamThe proposed measure, ing the public consultations oro constituents that the pas- he said, must pave the way for with experts and resource persage of the electoral and local genuine, credible, free, honest, sons from the Commission on governance codes would be open, and orderly elections. Elections, the Philippine Nahastened for the Bangsamoro He also said that the Bangsam- tional Police, and Bangsamoro Transition Authority (BTA) to oro Parliament will ensure that district representatives uphold its mandate under the the proposed law will be free of The committee’s chair, Bangsamoro Organic Law. Dumama-Alba, emphasized constitutional infirmities.

The Moro Islamic LiberaThe first regular election the importance of holding tion Front-led interim govern- for the Bangsamoro govern- public consultations to refine ment in the region must enact ment under the Bangsamoro the draft electoral code. Acthe remaining priority codes, Organic Law will be held and cording to Dumama-Alba, the such as electoral, local gover- synchronized with the 2025 electoral code that will govnance, revenue, and indige- national elections. ern the region’s parliamentary nous peoples’ rights during the “By 2025, we expect to elections is new in the Philiptransition period. engage in political activity in pines.

It has already enacted which we will elect our leadShe noted that the pasthree codes: administrative, ers in the regular Bangsamoro sage of such legislation is crucivil service, and education. government as well as our con- cial because BARMM has a On October 21, the Bang- stituents to local government parliamentary form of governsamoro Parliament concluded units,” said Deputy Floor Lead- ment, which is not the case for the rest of the country, adding the first of a series of public er Atty. Raissa Jajurie. consultations on the region’s She explained that Par- the rationale for holding pubproposed electoral law, which liament wants to ensure that lic consultations is to facilitate outlines the structural, organi- “this political exercise, as well wider participation in legislazational, and procedural rules as those that will follow it, re- tion and policy-making profor regional officials’ elections. flects the choice of the people cesses.

She also stated that it To help improve the pro- in the Bangsamoro and helps posed electoral code, experts define the parliamentary sys- would provide the government with a better opportuniand resource persons from tem that we have chosen.” the Commission on Elections, The BTA’s Rules Commit- ty to take the most beneficial the Philippine National Police, tee will proceed to Basilan, stance for the Bangsamoro BARMM’s district representa- Sulu, and Tawi-Tawi for the people.

“The conduct of public tives, election watchdogs, civ- next round of public consultail society organizations, and tions, followed by Maguindan- consultations as part of the other key stakeholders shared ao, Lanao del Sur, and Special legislative requirement is imtheir inputs, comments, and Geographic Areas. portant as it engenders transrecommendations for the draft The Bangsamoro peace parency and accountability in code. process entails the comple- the process of legislation and Bangsamoro Parliament tion of two tracks—normal- provides space for stakeholdFloor Leader Atty. Sha Elijah ization and political. The po- ers and the public in general Dumama-Alba stressed that litical track is the setting up of to participate,” she said, notthe code reflects the unique- the autonomous government, ing that they are adhering to ness of elections in the Bang- while the normalization track their commitment to enact the samoro region, which has a is the decommissioning of for- code by the timeline.

Deputy Speaker Atty. parliamentary form of govern- mer combatants.

Parliament to expedite passage Nabil Tan stated that getting ment. of electoral code expert insights and engaging “It’s going to be novel in Dumama-Alba has vowed with all sectors of the commuthe Philippines that’s why our fellow Filipinos should also to expedite the passage of a bill nity is necessary because they keep track, if it’s going to be seeking to establish an elector- will be active participants in the election. He added that the beneficial to the Bangsamoro al code for the region.

The BTA is doubling down code would set the tone for the it might also be advantageous

COTABATO CITY — The Bangsamoro Parliament is pushing for the establishment of an office that will provide assistance to underprivileged veteran mujahideen in the region.

A Bangsamoro Veteran Mujahideen Affairs Office will be established under a proposed measure refiled by the Government of the Day to provide financial, medical, social, and other assistance to Moro Islamic Liberation Front and Moro National Liberation Front veterans who have rendered revolutionary services in the protracted wars for self-determination “between the Bangsamoro people and the National Government” for at least 20 years.

Parliament Bill No. 44, also known as the “Bangsamoro Mujahideen Act of 2022,” prioritizes underprivileged veteran mujahideen who could not work due to old age, a lack of required education, or other employment requirements, and must be at least 55 years old at the time the proposed measure is enacted.

Once approved, qualified beneficiaries will receive a monthly allowance, free medical assistance from any Ministry

The Bangsamoro Parliament’s Committee on Finance, Budget, and Management Sub-Committee B, chaired by Deputy Speaker Atty. Paisalin Tago, scrutinizes the Ministry of Health’s proposed P5.69B budget.

of Health-supervised facility, health centers, or hospitals, and will be excluded from any Bangsamoro government taxes, fees, and other charges.

The BVMAO’s operation will be supervised and controlled by the Ministry of Public Order and Safety, with three divisions, including processing

and validation, benefit availment, and monitoring evaluation.

PB No. 44 has entered second reading and was referred to the Rules and Finance and Budget Management committees.

(LTAIS-Public Information, Publication, and Media Relations Division)

Bangsamoro lawmakers push for bill declaring May 2 as Battle of Bayang Day COTABATO CITY — A measure declaring May 2 of every year as “Battle of Bayang Day” has entered on second reading in the Bangsamoro Parliament.

Bill No. 40, originally introduced by now-Congressman Ziaur-Rahman Alonto Adiong while he was a member of the first BTA Parliament, has been refiled by the Government of the Day. The proposed bill honors the valor of the Meranao warriors in defending their homeland and religion during the Moro-American war.

The American expeditionary forces stormed Kota Pandapatan in Bayang, Lanao del Sur, on May 2, 1902, sparking the first battle between the Moro and the American army.

“We seek the approval of this measure to place this special day permanently in the consciousness of the peo-

ple, and remind citizens of the legacy of their ancestors, and to immortalize pivotal local events that helped transform the Bangsamoro society in general,” MP Marjanie Macasalong said during his sponsorship speech.

Once approved, the Ministry of Public Order and Safety, the Bangsamoro Commission on the Preservation of Cultural Heritage, and other concerned agencies of the BARMM will ensure that the special day is

properly observed.

In addition, the BCPCH, in coordination with the Ministry of Basic, Technical, and Higher Education, will monitor the annual activities prepared and implemented by BARMM government agencies, schools, colleges, and universities.

The proposed legislation was referred to the Committee on Rules for further deliberation. (LTAIS-Public Information, Publication, and Media Relations Division)

The Mindanao Examiner

November 7-13, 2022

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NPA lider, napaslang sa Sultan Kudarat

BARMM told to improve coordination with LGUs in times of disaster, emergency Continued from page 1 President Bongbong Marcos said during a situation briefing recently with BARMM officials.

Marcos noted that better response coordination is vital in order to address the needs of those affected by the calamity while at the same time reducing the impacts of disasters.

“Kaya ko kayo laging minamadali tungkol diyan because para pag may mga ganito eh alam natin kaagad ‘yung gagawin, alam ninyo ‘yung coordination ninyo sa LGU,” he pointed out, stressing the need for joint operations

to maximize government resources.

“I noticed na yung BARMM saka yung LGU, wala kayong joint operation. You have to have joint operation to maximize all of your assets.

There is only so much, kaya kailangan naka-focus. The different areas, siyempre mayroong lugar mas maraming tao ang BARMM, mayroong lugar mas maraming tao ang LGU, so i-join ninyo ang forces ninyo para ma-maximize natin. Kailangan gandahan natin yung coordination,” he said.

Marcos earlier ex-

pressed disappointment over the reported high death toll in Maguindanao province.

According to Maguindanao Governor Mariam Mangudadatu, at least 61 deaths had been recorded so far in the province, with 17 still missing following the onslaught of the typhoon.

Marcos was in Maguindanao to lead government aid distribution efforts and assure families affected by the typhoon that a wide range of assistance is in place to help them get back on their feet. (Mindanao Examiner)

Australia, partners bolster warfare skills in Sulu Sea exercise Continued from page 1 with ships from the Philippine Navy, US Navy, Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force (JMSDF) and Royal Navy, and a variety of aircraft.

The exercise comprised surface warfare and anti-submarine warfare serials, a search-and-rescue exercise and replenishments at sea. Hobart Commanding Officer Commander Andrew Pepper said it strengthened practical cooperation and enhanced interoperability.

“We are all now a more effective, stronger team which has combined our knowledge and capabilities towards a common goal,” Pepper said.

A key goal of the exercise was to facilitate replenishment at sea with the Philippine Navy guided-missile frigate BRP José Rizal. Stalwart Commanding Officer Commander Steve McCracken said Stalwart and the Sea Training Group combined to support the replenishment.

A gunnery exercise also demonstrated regional capability and coordination, as ships sailing in formation fired closerange guns at a floating target. Boatswains Mate Seaman Louie Ford said it was extremely rewarding to fire a Typhoon Mk 25 gun from a console inside Hobart.

The ships participated in Exercise Sama-Sama Lumbas as part of a routine regional presence deployment. (Fatima Bahti / NavalToday.com)

Sulu has new police director Continued from page 1 to protect and sustain the gains on security, social stability in Sulu, which is a part of the Bangsamoro autonomous region. “Sa ating mga Mayor, ako po bibisita sa inyong mga lugar at laging nakikipag ugnayan sa inyong opisina para sa seguridad ng bayan ng Sulu,” he said.

He also thanked Governor Sakur Tan putting his trust and confidence in him to lead the provincial police force and the opportunity to be of service to the Tausug.

Tan has praised the

performance of Mojica and thanked him for his commendable accomplishment during his tenure. “Maganda ang performance ni Gen. Mojica, kaya kung hindi mo malagpasan, Sana mapantayan mo” Tan told Paragas, adding “maganda ang sitwasyon natin ngayon, Sana hindi ito masira.”

The formal turnover of command held recently was also witnessed by Brig. Gen. Pablo Labra II, the Deputy Director for Administration of the regional police office.

Labra also thanked

Mojica for his years of service in the police force.

“My gratitude for your years of service, you work hard, your performance speaks for itself,” he said.

He also gave a piece of advice to Paragas, saying: “Leadership is not about taking charge, it’s about taking care of those under your charge.”

In addition, Labra reminded Paragas to always respect the civilian authority and the people of Sulu, and maintain the status of his office as the “No. 1 and Best Provincial Police Office.” (Mindanao Examiner)

KIDAPAWAN CITY – Napatay ng mga sundalo sa ilalim ng 603rd Infantry Brigade ang isang lider ng New People’s Army sa bayan ng Senator Ninoy Aquino sa Sultan Kudarat province.

Nakilala ang napaslang na si Emmanuel Fernandez matapos ng 10 minutong sagupaan sa pinagsanib na puwersa ng 7th, 37th, 57th Infantry Battalions at ng 63rd Division Reconnaissance Company sa Barangay Buenaflores kamakailan lamang.

Sinabi ni Col. Michael Santos, commander ng

603rd Infantry Brigade, na si Fernandez ang Secretary ng Far South Mindanao Region ng NPA, at may mga multiple warrants of arrest ito sa ibat-ibang kasong criminal.

“Nabawi ng ating mga sundalo ang mga armas ng teroristang lider ng NPA kinabibilangan ng isang .45 caliber pistol na may isang magazine at anim na rounds ng bala at M16 rifle na may isang magazine at 20 rounds na bala,” ani Santos.

Ayon kay Santos, may kasong arson, destructive arson, murder, frustrated Murder, multiple attempt-

ed murder, rebellion at robbery si Fernandez.

Pinuri naman ni Maj. Gen. Roy Galido, commander ng Joint Task Force Central at 6th Infantry Division, ang mga tropa sa pagkakapaslang sa lider ng NPA. “Malaking kawalan sa NPA ang pagkamatay ni Emmanuel Fernandez.

Hindi lamang ito makakadagdag sa vacuum ng kanilang pamumuno, pinapahina din nito ang moral ng kanilang mga miyembro na patuloy ang pagtakas laban sa tropa ng gobyerno,” wika ni Galido.

(Mindanao Examiner)

Beauty cream contaminated with Mercury Continued from page 1 Purchased from a local online vendor for P299, plus P38 shipment fee, Armena Gold Beauty was found to contain 10,750 parts per million (ppm) of mercury as per X-Ray Fluorescence (XRF) screening conducted by the group. This exceeds the one ppm maximum limit for mercury in cosmetics under the ASEAN Cosmetic Directive and the Minamata Convention on Mercury.

“Our discovery of this unauthorized cosmetic adulterated with toxic mercury points to the need to intensify market monitoring and law enforcement to cleanse the market, including online shopping platforms, of such health-damaging skincare products,” said Aileen Lucero, National Coordinator, EcoWaste Coalition.

To avoid exposure to mercury via cosmetic products, the EcoWaste Coalition is urging consumers to be aware of unauthorized and adulterated cosmetics in the market, stay away from chemical whiteners, spurn colorism, and take satisfaction in natural skin tone.

From 2011 to date, the group has discovered close to 100 skin whitening products with mercury content, including 11 new products purchased online in 2022 and confirmed to contain mercury in tests conducted in South Korea courtesy of the Soon Chun Hyang University and the Wonjin Institute of Occupational and Environmental Health.

As written on the label, the product in question was manufactured by Armena Gold Cosmetics in June 2022 in clear contravention of the Minamata Convention, which decided a global ban by 2020 on the manufacture, import or export of cosmetics with mercury content above one ppm, including skin lightening creams and soaps. While the country of manufacture is not indicated on the label, the product is allegedly “made in Pakistan” as mentioned in the online product listing.

Other important labeling information not provided in the label are the name and address of the product importer or distributor, the product’s ingredients, net weight, directions for safe use, and precautionary statements.

“The lack of market authorization, the inadequate labeling information, and the exaggerated product claims are cosmetic red flags to watch out for,” said Lucero, citing the Armena Gold's inflated assertions that it offers one solution to

10 problems, including “stain and spots, dark neck, dark fingers, black heads, dark elbow, wrinkles and freckles, side effect of makeup, dark feet, pimples, dark circles.”

A potent neurotoxin, mercury can harm multiple organs of the body, particularly the developing brain of the fetus even at extremely low concentrations.

Adverse effects of mercury use in cosmetics include skin rashes, discoloration and scarring and reduced dermal resistance to bacterial and fungal infections.

Repeated applications of such products onto the skin can cause damage to the kidneys, the brain and the central nervous system.

Mercury is among the “10 chemicals of public health concern” as identified by the World Health Organization. Because of its adverse health effects, mercury and its compounds are included in the “list of substances which must not form part of the composition of cosmetic products” under the ASEAN Cosmetic Directive.

There was no immediate reaction from the manufacturer of the beauty cream. (Mindanao Examiner)

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The Mindanao Examiner

November 7-13, 2022

Oxfam calls for support for Philippines Continued from page 1 extremely climate-vulnerable while not being prepared enough for the disasters to come.

The call came following the onslaught of Severe Tropical Storm “Paeng” (Nalgae), which affected 2.2 million people and displaced half a million of them.

Over 100 people were reported dead while more than 60 are still missing. The numbers, including damage to property and agriculture, are expected to go up as the reports come in.

It also coincided with the release of the Oxfam report “Climate Finance in Asia: Assessing the state of climate finance in one of the world’s most climate vulnerable regions.” “’The Philippines, like many other Asian countries, ranks really high in terms of climate vulnerability and really low when it comes to climate readiness, according to our ‘Climate Finance in Asia’ report. Even though we are working on measures to improve our preparedness, every time we are hit by extreme weather events such as ‘Paeng,’ we have to deal with further loss, making it even harder to be ready for the climate crisis,” said Oxfam Pilipinas Country Director Lot Felizco.

Felizco said the Philippines and other climate-vulnerable countries in Asia continue to grapple with the problem of having to face the effects of a climate emergency that more developed countries have caused and benefited from.

“This is why we are calling for better and sufficient climate finance that would allow countries like the Philippines to adequately face the effects of climate change,” Felizco said.

According to the report, the Philippines ranked 10th among the 18 Asian countries (excluding Singapore, Korea and Japan) in terms of vulnerability and preparedness to climate change.

The ranking, based on the Notre-Dame Global Adaptation Initiative Index, also shows the Philippines ranking 113 globally out of 182 countries for 2020. This means it is highly vulnerable but is not as prepared as countries like Singapore or Japan, which rank 6th and 19th respectively.

“There is much to be done so countries like the Philippines can catch up with others that are fortunately not as highly vulnerable and at the same time better prepared,” said Felizco. “Climate finance and support from players who contribute the most to climate change are important in correcting injustice and saving the lives of millions of people, especially those in the poorest communities and in marginalized groups.”

The Climate Finance in Asia report showed that while Asian countries have seen an annual 28% rise in climate finance to $20.5 billion in 2020, this increase hides problems that are being mirrored across the world and are likely to cause tensions at the UN climate summit in Egypt later this month.

“Asia is being devastated by climate-driven disaster after disaster, taking lives and costing billions. Pakistan underwater. China and India are baked by 50-degree heat waves. Bangladeshis leaving farmland made unusable by saltwater. The Philippines was hit by worsening typhoons,” said Sunil Acharya, Oxfam’s Asia Regional Policy and Cam-

paigns Coordinator.

In December 2021, when Super Typhoon Odette (Rai) ravaged the Philippines, it killed more than 400 people and resulted in $336 million in losses to agricultural goods, $75 million worth of fishing boats and gear, and $565 million in damage to homes, roads and utility lines.

“This is becoming an irreversible humanitarian crisis across Asia where half the population already live below the poverty-line. People are nearing the limits of what they can do to cope. They need more help, not debt, and more say in how it happens,” Acharya said.

Debt The Philippines is 5th among Asian countries surveyed in the Oxfam report that received the highest amount of climate finance. However, the $7.8 billion received from 2013 to 2020 is mostly from debt instruments. Of the annual average of $972 million worth of climate finance received by the Philippines, more than half or $528 million are from concessional debt instruments while $364 million are from non-concessional debt instruments.

“We are forced to look rather cynically at the climate financing of the multinational institutions because the majority of their money is winding up as Asian foreign debt. It’s difficult for Asian countries to maintain health and education budgets when they’re taking on more debt to pay for climate damage that they did little to cause,” Acharya said.

Asia’s biggest bilateral climate finance contributors from 2013-20 are Japan ($28.2 billion), Germany ($11.2 billion), France ($6 billion) and the US ($1.1 billion). 70% of Japan’s contribution can be considered as “grant equivalent”, against only 41% for Germany and 44% for France.

Asia’s biggest multilateral climate finance providers are the World Bank Group which committed over $30 billion from 2013-20, and the Asian Development Bank ($17.6 billion). However, when factoring in loans, the World Bank Group had a “grant equivalent” spend of just $7.6 billion while the ADB was just $2.1 billion.

The Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank (AIIB) has a “grant equivalent” of zero – meaning its entire $4.1 billion funding came close to market-rate loans, of which more than 80% went into big transport and energy projects.

“Asia’s climate finance providers and governments need to reassess climate finance in a way that is genuinely pro-poor, locally-led, and targeted to help women and girls who are shouldering the bulk of climate risk and harm,” Acharya said. "Climate finance must be transparent, easily trackable and spent in ways in which people who are most affected are able to genuinely participate in decision making processes.”

The report also explores the voluntary South-South climate finance flows into Asia, noting that China spent $84 billion into 13 of the 18 Asian countries studied in the same time period. The biggest recipients were Pakistan ($31.4 billion), Indonesia ($10.8 billion), Bangladesh ($10.4 billion) and Philippines ($9.9 billion). The report estimates that more than $35 billion of this went to “climate relevant” mitigation objectives. (Mindanao Examiner)

Undiscliplined motorcycle riders use the pedestrian walk along Nunez Road in Zamboanga City. Motorcycles are prohibited from using the sidewalks. (Mindanao Examiner)

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U.S. releases P53M to support project for disaster risk and response Continued from page 1 Washburn and National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (NDRRMC) Executive Director and Office of Civil Defense (OCD) Administrator Undersecretary Raymundo Ferrer made the announcement during the recent launch of phase two of the Early Warning and Decision Support Capacity Enhancement project.

The initial phase of the project, implemented from 2019 to 2021 in partnership with the University of Hawaii’s Pacific Disaster Center, introduced PhilAWARE (AWARE: All-hazards Warning, Analysis and Risk Evaluation), a customized data platform that collects complex information on disaster risks, vulnerabilities, and other real-time data to assist disaster response operations.

The OCD Operations Center used the PhilAWARE system to support monitoring and response efforts during the passage of Super Typhoon Karding in the Philippines in Sep-

tember. The system was also used to establish the flight path that allowed President Ferdinand Marcos, Jr. and other officials to conduct damage assessment in affected areas shortly after the storm had passed.

In the second phase of this project, the OCD will further develop data sharing and processing, rollout pilot systems in regional offices, and provide more training to deepen the integration of PhilAWARE within the NDRRMC and reflect a whole of government approach to enhance digitization, data sharing, and reporting.

“Information and communication management is among the most challenging aspects in disaster response. We are proud of our latest collaboration with the OCD and the Pacific Disaster Center on the PhilAWARE information management platform,” said Washburn.

“The U.S. government, through USAID, remains steadfast in our commitment to boost the

Philippine government’s capacity to improve disaster preparedness and management systems for the benefit of the Filipino people,” he added.

Washburn noted the timeliness of the project in light of recent disasters in the country, including the Abra Earthquake, Tropical Depression Agaton and Super Typhoon Karding.

In September, the World Risk Index Report 2022 ranked the Philippines with the highest natural disaster risk among 193 countries.

“I commend the enduring partnership among our NDRRMC agencies alongside USAID to build safer climate change adaptation practices in the Philippines,” said Ferrer.

Since 2010, the U.S. government, through USAID, has provided more than Php 21.1 billion (over $359 million) in disaster relief and recovery aid and has boosted the disaster risk reduction capacity of more than 100 cities and municipalities in the Philippines. (Mindanao Examiner)

7

The Mindanao Examiner

November 7-13, 2022 OPINION

The Virtue of Loyalty

by Engr. Carlos Cornejo (Cebu) LOYALTY is fulfilling a promise made by way of oath, or allegiance to a person or institution. It is under the virtue of justice. For loyalty to be virtuous, it must serve what is good. Blind loyalty is not a virtue but a vice. It is a misplaced loyalty which is adherence to a person, group or institution that is not holding the right values or principles. It is the loyalty practiced by a thief to his fellow thieves not to expose the wrong doing of his ‘workmates’ not because he really cares for his workmates but to protect their interest in maintaining their profitable criminal undertaking.

If you are a soldier and you know your country is fighting an unjust war then you have the duty to give up fighting for that country. Our loyalty should go beyond a person or country because a person or a country, which is still composed of persons, can make mistakes. Our loyalty is always to right values and principles in the same way that we should be loyal to the constitution if it is founded on right values and principles rather than to a political party or a president.

Perhaps the societal institution whose loyalty is in crisis right now is marriage. In the U.S., 6 out of 10 marriages end up in divorce. In the Philippines, it’s 4 out of 10. Although we don’t have divorce in our country, nevertheless marriage is in trouble in our beloved homeland. I give lectures on preparing singles for marriage and I would often point out that marriages will not last if the parties entering into it are just there because of their attraction for one another. Make no mistake about it, I’m not saying they should

not get attracted to one another.

But it should not stay on that level. Attraction is based on feelings and feelings are not a good foundation for most things, especially marriage. Man and woman entering into marriage should go beyond feelings of attraction for one another. They should truly fall in love. The kind of love which is a decision, a choice. The kind of love whose essence is sacrifice, meaning they should love one another even if the feeling of attraction is not there anymore. Or couples should sacrifice for one another because love is sacrifice. Christ sacrificed Himself for the Church, His Bride, in order to redeem her.

This story can illustrate what sacrificial love is. There was a guy who was about to get married but was not sure if his future partner would make him happy. So, he asked his dad who has a successful marriage with his mom. “Dad, I’m going to marry this girl and she is my best friend, but I’m not so sure if she will make me happy.” The dad replied, “If you are going to get married thinking that way, then you should not get married. You enter into marriage with a goal of making your partner happy and not to make yourself happy.”

One must not get married with the intention of getting and receiving something from it. Instead, one should enter marriage intending to offer something to it. And that something is love, sacrifice and service because that is what couples pledged for each other, “For richer, for poorer. In sickness and in health. In good times and in bad, till death do us part.”

OPINION

Give without expecting any return

by Fr. Roy Cimagala (Cebu) CHRIST somehow makes us understand that we have to learn to give ourselves to others without expecting any return by telling a host who invited him to invite those who would be unable to return the invitation. (cfr. Lk 14,12-14) “When you hold a lunch or a dinner,” he said, “do not invite your friends or your brothers or sisters or your relatives or your wealthy neighbors, in case they may invite you back and you have repayment. Rather, when you hold a banquet, invite the poor, the crippled, the lame, the blind; blessed indeed will you be because of their inability to repay you. For you will be repaid at the resurrection of the righteous.”

It’s not that we should not care for our friends and relatives, since Christ told us to love everyone. But we should give special or preferential treatment to those who are in greater need, for this would clearly show the kind of charity we are living, the charity that would merit to “be repaid at the resurrection of the righteous.”

In this regard, we have to exert special effort because given our wounded human condition, prone to fall into self-indulgence and the like, we always tend to invite and to deal only with those who can give us some worldly honor, glory and pleasure. And we can do this in the most subtle ways by appearing as if we are being very magnanimous when, in fact, we are indulging in our pride, vanity and conceit.

To be able to live by this indication, we should make sure that whatever we do should be done with utmost rectitude of intention. That means that everything

should be done for the glory of God. As a Latin maxim would put it, “Deo omnis gloria!”

St. Paul expressed it this way: “Whether you eat or drink or whatever you do, do it all for the glory of God.” (1 Cor 10,31) Such motive never undermines our true joy. On the contrary, it heightens our joy and sense of fulfilment, and affirms our true dignity. We have to be wary of the deceptive thought that giving glory to God in all that we do detracts from our true joy.

We have to give all the glory to God because being the Creator, God is the standard for everything. And more than the standard, he is, in fact, the very substance of what is good, true and beautiful, what is fair and just, what is perfection itself.

Nothing is good, true and beautiful, nothing is fair and just, nothing is perfect if it is not done with God and for God. In short, we need to refer all our acts to God. We have to make this affirmation very clear in our mind and do everything to make that ideal a reality.

And so, a lot depends on our intention, because our intention is the very expression of who and where in the end we want to be. Do we choose God, or do we simply choose ourselves, or the world, in general? It’s actually a choice between good and evil.

We need to realize then that we have to take care of our intention, making it as explicit as possible, and honing it to get engaged with its proper and ultimate object, who is God. We should try our best to shun being simply casual or cavalier about this responsibility.

Mobile lab to detect ASF, Avian flu now in Bukidnon BUKIDNON – The Department of Science and Technology (DOST) said a mobile laboratory equipped with state-ofthe-art animal health diagnostic technologies designed and created by a local veterinary research and diagnostics company BioAssets Corp. is now ready for use in Bukidnon province.

The DOST officially launched and turned over the laboratory to the Central Mindanao University (CMU) in Maramag town.

The mobile laboratory can detect African swine fever and other zoonotic flu viruses.

The mobile bio-containment laboratory, the first of its kind in the country, will initially serve hog and poultry breeders in Bukidnon,

and it can serve an estimated 5-10 farms per day that require diagnostic tests for livestock, according to Dr. Homer Pantua, President and Co-founder of BioAssets Corp.

Pantua explained that the test is equivalent to pooling and testing 150-250 samples in one location, thus, the establishment of the said mobile laboratory will support rapid response to potential outbreaks and improve disease surveillance, allowing farmers and veterinarians to craft mitigation strategies, preventive and control measures as needed.

Bukidnon province has the highest production of 137.28 thousand metric tons of live weight in 2021, according to sta-

tistics. In its 22 municipalities, there are currently 16,007 backyard hog raisers and 71 commercial hog raisers. A total of 251 poultry farms were also recorded to be operating in the province in December 2021.

“With a significant number of hog and poultry raisers in Bukidnon, the first-ever mobile laboratory must be made available in the area to support disease diagnostics,” Pantua said.

CMU President Dr. Jesus Antonio Derije lauded the BioAssets Corp. and DOST for working together to support the university's College of Veterinary Medicine in fulfilling its commitment to bring innovative tools to resource-limited areas.

(Mindanao Examiner)

Camiguin Island reopens tourism industry CAMIGUIN - This island province has finally reopened its tourism industry with the launching of the 2nd Camiguin Dive Festival which runs the whole month of November.

Camiguin is located in the Bohol Sea, about 10 kilometers off the northern coast of Mindanao.

The Department of Tourism and the local government in partnership with stakeholders also invited interested

divers to join the 2nd Camiguin Dive Festival Underwater Photo Contest.

The festival program also includes Dive Spotter’s Training, Dive Familiarization Tours, Dive Awareness Seminar, Discover Scuba Diving Activity and the NorthMin Dive Photo Exhibit.

DOT Northern Mindanao Regional Director Marie Elaine Unchuan expressed her gratitude to DOT Sec. Christina Garcia Frasco, Dive Champion Undersecretary

Shalimar Tamano, Gov. Xavier Jesus Romualdo, and other stakeholders for supporting the DOT’s initiatives in promoting the Dive Tourism of the province.

“Now that we have reopened tourism again, aim to reclaim Camiguin’s place as one of the most amazing dive destinations in the country and I am happy to see you all here again to share this memorable moment with us,” said Unchuan.

(Mindanao Examiner)

BDO Network Bank opens first branch in Camiguin CAMIGUIN – A BDO Network Bank, the community bank of BDO Unibank, recently opened a branch in Mambajao town here to better serve the island-province.

Mambajao is the largest of the five municipalities of Camiguin, which is among the country’s top tourist destinations. Residents and business owners in Camiguin no longer need to travel long hours just to do their banking activities in Cagayan de Oro City.

Mambajao Mayor

Yñigo Jesus Romualdo lauded the opening of the bank, saying the presence of BDO Network Bank in the island’s main economic hub, is a big boost for the continuous development of its local economy.

Camiguin Gov. Xavier Jesus Romualdo hopes the Mambajao branch will just be one of the several the bank will put up in the island. “We would like to thank BDO for coming here to Camiguin.

This is a big boost for us because it validates that

we are on the right track.

We are looking forward to the strong engagement of BDO Network Bank with the communities here,” he said.

The newest BDO Network Bank branch is one of the 55 branches the Bank is planning to open nationwide before the end of 2022. Part of its goal is to reach and give the farmers, fisherfolk, and micro businesses, the opportunity to improve their lives and grow their businesses.

(Mindanao Examiner)

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The Mindanao Examiner

November 7-13, 2022

Pictures in the News

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

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The Mindanao Examiner

November 7-13, 2022 Across :

MAF Trading Zamboanga

1. Card game 4. Kidney, e.g.

9. Health farm 12. Crude mineral 13. Stanza 14. Tail motion 15. Python’s kin 16. Turn into gas 18. Meantime 20. Puppy’s bite 21. Braying beast 22. Forewarning 25. Main dishes 29. Actor ___ Martin 30. Broadcast 31. Burst forth 33. Always, in verse 34. Cloudless 36. Eminent conductor 38. ___ over heels 39. Flower wreath 40. Cutting tool 42. Cold-blooded animal 46. Count 49. Dejected 50. Armed conflict 51. Pub missiles 52. Vane dir.

53. Storm center 54. ___ potato 55. Twice five

062-9555360 / 0917-7103642

Answer to last week’s crossword:

Down : 1. Mongolian desert 2. Wrinkle remover 3. Uncluttered 4. Supervisor 5. Rewriter 6. Metric weight 7. Cleopatra’s snake 8. Sign gas 9. Flea market (2 wds.)

10. Butter portion 11. Develop 17. Civil disturbance 19. Lobe location 23. Perpetually 24. Infamous fiddler 25. Apiece 26. Egyptian river

27. Prize 28. Addition result 29. Most precipitous 32. Artist’s board 35. Eden dweller 37. Occupy a chair 41. Unites 42. Unusual 43. Common contraction 44. Bowling alley 45. Paradise 46. Flock female 47. Aye’s opposite 48. Uncooked

Weekly Sudoku:

Answer to last week:

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

Reynold Toribio Graphics/Video Editor

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November 7-13, 2022

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November 7-13, 2022

Filling out eArrival Card not mandatory C

Mactan Cebu International Airport

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 connoisseur thinks.

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 lover 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 backyard reseller of coffee beans, now offers organic Kopi Luwak in

ARMM

250 grams ground Civet coffee and 250 grams Civet coffee beans – all medium roasted 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 want 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

EBU - Filling out the Electronic Arrival Card (eArrival Card) will no longer be mandatory for travelers as a prerequisite to boarding, Malacañang said, adding that lanes will be set up at the country’s gateways for those complying with the government requirement.

“The overarching di“Hindi na ito manda- hours prior to their departory; lanes will be set up in ture from their country of rection of the Marcos administration is to allow airports for this system,” origin.

During a press briefing, our country to convey an Office of the Press Secretary Officer-in-Charge Under- Tourism Secretary Chris- openness and a readiness secretary Cheloy Valecar- tina Frasco said it was ap- to the world to receive proved during the Cabinet tourists and investments ia-Garafil said.

The Marcos adminis- meeting that filling out an so that we would give our tration will implement the e-Arrival Card would not be fellow Filipinos an opeArrival Card scan-and- made mandatory as a pre- portunity to regain all the livelihood and losses that go system in the country’s requisite to boarding.

It means travelers can were incurred during the airports to ensure ease of travel for incoming travel- fill out the e-Arrival Card pandemic,” she said.

The tourism chief ers and, at the same time, at their own convenience – protect the public from prior to departure or upon expressed optimism that arrival. the lifting of all of the reCOVID-19.

The Department of According to Frasco, strictions by the Marcos Health (DOH) earlier an- special lanes will be set up administration would renounced that starting this by the DOH in coordination dound to the benefit of month, the Bureau of Quar- with the Bureau of Quaran- millions of Filipinos with antine (BOQ) will require all tine for those who have not the reinvigoration of the inbound travelers to have had the opportunity to fill tourism industry. (Cebu Examiner) an e-Arrival Card within 72 out the e-Arrival Card.

Finally, Cebu-Baguio flights!

CEBU – Good for travelers and holidaymakers! Flag carrier Philippine Airlines (PAL) said it will launch services between Baguio City and Cebu beginning December 16.

This was also confirmed by PAL president Stanley Ng, who said: “This will be PAL's comeback to the very first destination (it) served nearly 82 years ago, so we are happy to be flying back to where it all started.”

Ng lauded aviation authorities for upgrading the Loakan Airport, saying PAL will work with the government to ensure the new services will be a success.

He said the four weekly flights are scheduled as follows: Flight PR 2230 Cebu-Baguio - every Monday, Wednesday, Friday and Sunday at 8:50 a.m., arriving at Baguio Loakan Airport at 10:50 a.m. And PR 2231 Baguio-Cebu every Monday, Wednes-

Western Mindanao

The Airbus A321ceo is the most efficient single-aisle jetliner ever built.

Its stretched fuselage – measuring 146 feet or 23 feet longer than the A320 – makes the A321 the longest and widest (12 feet, 1 inch) among all single-aisle aircraft, accommodating more seats and cargo.

day, Friday and Sunday departing at 11:10 a.m., arriving in Cebu at 1 p.m.

PAL Express officer-in-charge Rabbi Ang also said the direct flights will enable those in Central Visayas to fly to Northern Luzon in two hours.

This omits the hassle of booking multiple connecting trips by land or air.

Ang said the direct service is also seen to further boost domestic tourism, especially during the holiday season. PAL will

Cebu

be using a De Havilland Dash 8 Series 400 Next Generation aircraft for the new route, he said.

PAL’s first flight as a newly incorporated airline was a Manila-Baguio service flown out of Neilson Airport on March 15, 1941. The Beechcraft Model 18 plane had five passengers to Baguio City.

From Cebu, PAL also operates to other cities across the country, as well as to Tokyo, Japan.

(Cebu Examiner)

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