The Mindanao Examiner Regional Newspaper (November 28-December 4, 2022)

Marcos tells DENR to strictly enforce mining laws

Army Rangers move to Basilan

BASILAN - The Philippine Army has pulled out the 5th Scout Ranger Battalion from the southern province of Sulu and deployed it to Basilan province, a known stronghold of the Abu Sayyaf and Moro Islamic Liberation Front, security officials said.

Officials

Scout Ranger

America ready to defend Philippines

‘Marcos vows strong relations with U.S.’

Army to train Sulu ‘Bantay Dagat’ task force members

SULU - Close to 400 government militias in the southern Philippine province of Sulu are set to undergo military training as part of a security task force that will help protect marine environment and enforce coastal laws.

students, coffee farmers, and human rights defenders.

A proposed bill seek-

ing to establish a Bangsamoro Scholarship and Return Service Program, Continue on page 7 Continue on page 7

Cancer survivor tells story

CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY –

“Hala ka gwapa kaayo sila, gusto ko mugwapa, Dili ko gusto mo survive lang, gusto ko mo thrive pareha nila,” said Khessie Louise Lluch, as she saw a line of breast cancer survivors during a healing mass in Cebu several years ago.

In an episode of KonsulTayo, media and

Continue on page 6 Continue on page 6

The 11th Infantry Division will facilitate the training of the Task Force Continue on page 4 Continue on page 4

phthalates not only in toys, but also in baby care products.

The warning came on the heels of

Continue on page 5 Continue on page 5

Zambo teacher accused of hitting student

ZAMBOANGA CITY – A high school teacher here has been accused of hurt-

ing his 17-year old student and the victim’s family is reportedly mulling charges,

citing the trauma the teenager suffered.

Continue on page 6 Continue on page 6

A photo released by the Western Mindanao Command shows the 380 members of the Special CAFGU Active Auxiliary - Task Force Bantay Dagat in Sulu province.

said the 5th

under Lt. Continue on page 4 Continue on page 4 Members of the 5th Scout Rangers Battalion.

THE PHILIPPINES under President Ferdinand Marcos has aligned itself to the HE PHILIPPINES under President Ferdinand Marcos has itself to the United States, a far cry from the previous Duterte administration’s pro China United States, a far cry from the previous Duterte administration’s pro-China policy policy.

President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. with U.S. Vice President Kamala Harris.

A LATEST satellite photo of the southern Philippine island of Tumbagaan in Tawi-Tawi’s Languyan town shows the devastation of nickel mining activities there. The Google Maps photo accessed by The Mindanao Examiner shows about 90% of the island had been mined. But the different shades of colors of the island - which was once covered in thick vegetation - indicate fresh mining activities.

Karen Lluch

America ready to defend Philippines

‘Marcos vows strong relations with U.S.’

Continued from page 1 Continued from page 1

Marcos made this stand clear and firm following a meeting with U.S. Vice President Kamala Harris who was in the country recently. Both Marcos and Harris hailed the “strong and enduring” ties between the Philippines and the United States amid global headwinds.

Harris described the Philippines-U.S. relationship as a “long and enduring one.”

“The relationship between the Philippines and the United States is a long and enduring one. It is one relationship that is strong for so many reasons. It is the long-standing relationship in terms of the people-to-people ties,” Harris told Marcos. “The basis of our relationship is multifaceted. Our relationship

is based on mutual commitment to the economic prosperity of the region and our respective nations.”

Harris, the highest-ranking U.S. official to visit Puerto Princesa City in Palawan province near the contested islands being claimed by China.

She reaffirmed American commitments to the defense of the Philippines. “We must reiterate always that we stand with you in defense of international rules and norms as it relates to the South China Sea. An armed attack on the Philippines, armed forces, public vessels or aircraft in the South China Sea would invoke US Mutual Defense commitments,” Harris told the President.

“The basis of our re-

lationship is multifaceted. Our relationship is based on mutual commitment to the economic prosperity of the region and our respective nations,” she pointed out.

Harris was referring to the 1951 Manila Pact, between the U.S. and countries in the region including the Philippines and Thailand, that stipulates the collective defense principle under an attack.

Her trip to the Philippines was part of the Biden administration courting an increasingly vital strategic partner as tensions rise with China over Taiwan. Of Washington’s five treaty allies in the Indo-Pacific, the Philippines is closest to Taiwan and therefore central to U.S. plans to deter and respond to potential Chinese attack on the

self-administered island Beijing views as a wayward province, according to the Voice of America.

It also signals an effort to rebuild US–Philippines ties that were fractured under Marcos’ predecessor, Rodrigo Duterte, who sought closer relations with China during his six years in office. Relations also soured over allegations of human rights abuses under Manila’s draconian policies on drugs – with Duterte in 2016 calling then-President Barack Obama a “son of a whore” over warnings the then-Philippine leader would be questioned over his drug war.

Harris and Marcos discussed new projects including establishing additional defense sites around the Philippines, part of the Enhanced Defense Cooperation Agreement (EDCA) between the two countries. EDCA allows U.S. troops to use agreed locations in the Philippines for security exercises and joint military training on a rotational basis.

There are currently five EDCA locations and additional new ones have been identified, a senior administration official told reporters in a briefing. “This will allow for more security cooperation exercises, combined training activities, and it will allow us to respond to disaster relief and humanitarian assistance needs,” the official said, declining to provide details on those locations.

The EDCA was signed in 2014 but identification of sites has dragged on for years due to the pandemic and fraught ties under Duterte, said Charmaine Misalucha-Willoughby of the Foundation for the National Interest, a Philippine research group.

“Now that the alliance is back on track, it is high time for both sides to reinvigorate the bilateral relationship through EDCA,” Misalucha-Willoughby told VOA. “This is an especial-

ly welcome move and is perceived positively by the Filipino strategic community for its HADR (humanitarian and disaster relief) angle.”

During the Cold War, the Philippines hosted some of America's largest overseas bases that were instrumental in U.S. wars in Korea and Vietnam. Clark Air Base and Subic Bay Naval Base were transferred to Manila’s control in the 1990s but in recent years the allies have returned to increased military cooperation in response to Chinese military activities in the South China Sea, where the Philippines has rival claims.

Harris’ statement on mutual defense is the latest invocation of the commitments the U.S. ambassador to the Philippines, Thomas Hubbard, reiterated in his 1999 letter to the Philippine secretary of foreign affairs, and that Washington has regularly reaffirmed since 2019, said Aaron Connelly, research fellow at the International Institute for Strategic Studies in Singapore.

“The goal is to deter attacks on Philippine vessels,” Connelly told VOA. “It doesn’t apply to the Spratlys or Scarborough Shoal themselves, with the possible exception of Second Thomas Shoal in the Spratlys.”

In 1999 the Philippine government deliberately had Philippine naval vessel BRP Sierra Madre run aground on the shoal to assert Philippine sovereignty in the country's dispute over the Spratly islands.

Like many in the region, the Marcos government seeks to navigate the U.S.–China rivalry by adopting the "friend to all and an enemy to none" policy. “In many ways, this is still an exercise of an independent foreign policy, but whereas Duterte's definition was to be independent from the U.S. and to be dependent on China,

Marcos seems more adept at playing this game of hedging,” Misalucha-Willoughby said.

Long standing ally Long-standing Marcos, for his part, said with the “upheavals that we are seeing, the partnership between the Philippines and its long-standing ally “becomes even more important.”

“The situation is rapidly changing. We must evolve to be properly responsive to that situation. And so that is why it is very important that we continue to progress, that we continue to strengthen as we redefine those relationships,” Marcos pointed out.

“Your visit is a very strong symbol that these relationships remain strong, that these relationships remain important as indeed they do. The Filipino, I have said many times, I do not see a future for the Philippines that does not include the United States,” the President told Harris.

Harris arrived in the Philippines in what was the first visit in five years by a high-ranking US official since former President Donald Trump visited the country for the 2017 Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation Summit. She also held talks aimed at reinforcing the longtime security and economic relationship between Manila and Washington.

Duterte

In the past, Duterte had shown weakness in pursuing the country’s claims on the South China Sea or West Philippines Sea and held back against Chinese aggression and harassment of Filipino fishermen and Philippine Coast Guards, especially inside the territorial waters.

He even publicly declared that he loves Chinese President Xi Jinping and likened the country’s relations to Beijing to a flower that has started to bloom. (Mindanao Examiner, VOA)

President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. with U.S. Vice President Kamala Harris.

Army Rangers move to Basilan

Continued from page 1 Continued from page 1

Col. Eugenio Baquiran replaced the 68th Infantry Battalion whose members were deployed to Mindoro province in January this year. It saw action in Basilan against the Abu Sayyaf following its deployment in 2017.

The 5th Scout Ranger stayed in Sulu for over three years and had been successful in its campaign against the Abu Sayyaf in the province.

Maj. Gen. Ignatius Patrimonio, commander of Joint Task Force Sulu, lauded the members of the 5th Scout

Ranger and expressed his gratitude for their invaluable contribution to the accomplishment of the task force’s mission.

Marine Brig. Gen. Arturo Rojas, the Acting Commander of the Western Mindanao Command, also urged the 5th Scout Ranger to maintain the highest standard of soldiery as expected of the Scout Rangers.

“I enjoin the 5th Scout Ranger troopers to maintain the highest dignity of a soldier as they embark on a new journey and face new challenges in a new operational area. The Rangers will fill

the vacuum left by the 68th Infantry Battalion in order to keep the momentum going of the improving security condition in Basilan,” he said.

The deployment came following recent clashes between soldiers and former Moro Islamic Liberation Front rebels in Ungkaya Pukan town that killed three infantrymen and seven gunmen. The fighting sparked after gunmen attacked soldiers in the town, a known lair of the Moro Islamic Liberation Front which signed a peace deal with Manila in 2014. (Mindanao Examiner)

Army to train Sulu ‘Bantay Dagat’ task force members

Continued from page 1 Continued from page 1

Bantay Dagat which is composed of some 380 Special CAFGU Active Auxiliary members. They will conduct maritime patrol utilizing 95 motorboats, according to Army Lt. Col. Abdurasad Sirajan, a spokesman for the Western Mindanao Command.

This was also confirmed by Gov. Sakur Tan, saying the task force was jointly launched Saturday, November 19, by the provincial government and the 11th Infantry Division.

“The task force will work with the security forces to protect the integrity of the territorial waters and marine environment, monitor illegal

fishing, provide assistance in rescue operations, and enforce coastal laws,” he said.

Marine Brig. Gen. Arturo Rojas, the acting chief of the Western Mindanao, lauded the creation of the task

force. “The Western Mindanao Command witnessed the unity and cooperation shown by the local government officials and the citizens of Sulu to address the peace and development issues and concerns in the province.”

“Good governance greatly contributed to the gradual change of the province’s image from terrorism to tourism. The establishment of the Task Force Bantay Dagat is a very good initiative to sustain peace in Sulu. Together let us eliminate the lawless activities in Sulu waters,” he said.

The formal launching of the task force was also attended by senior defense and security officials led by Defense Senior Undersecretary Jose Faustino, Jr.; Department of Interior and Local Government Secretary Benjamin Abalos, Jr.; National Security Adviser Clarita Carlos; PNP Chief Gen. Rodolfo Azurin, Jr.; Philippine Coast Guard Chief Admiral Artemio Abu; Joint Task Force Sulu and 11th Infantry Division Commander Maj. Gen. Ignatius Patrimonio; Bangsamoro regional police chief, Brig. Gen. John Guyguyon; and local government officials.

Faustino said the Department of Defense will integrate the operations of the task force in its internal defense system to bring about a holistic approach in protecting Sulu. Tan also held a meeting with Faustino’s group and briefed them on the improved peace and order situation in the province. (Mindanao Examiner)

Marcos tells DENR to strictly enforce mining laws

Continued from page 1 Continued from page 1

Resources (DENR) to bolster its regulatory powers on small and largescale mining to ensure that standards are updated and that mining firms are strictly implementing their respective safety and health programs for workers.

Marcos made this instruction in a meeting with DENR officials in Malacañang last week.

“Gusto natin ma-legalize ang mga small-scale mining firms kasi madami sa kanila illegal, kaya walang protection ang mga minero. Gusto nating palakasin ang regulatory framework para maka-operate sila ng legal, upang mabigyan ang ating minero ng assistance at protection para sa ligtas nilang pagtatrabaho,” Marcos said.

Marcos expressed the need to enhance social protection and security for workers in the mining industry. “We might be able to access financing, they might be able to access social protection,” Marcos told DENR officials.

“Ang kawawa diyan ‘yung mga miners. They’re really not… they have no safety. Ang daming namamatay,” Marcos lamented, referring to miners who do not have the proper training or inadequate safety measures inside the mines.

On small-scale mining, there are bills that the President may certify as urgent, including the amendment to Republic Act 7076 to incentivize small-scale mining (SSM), to provide social assistance and labor protection as well as government assistance programs.

Under RA 7076, or the Act Creating A People’s Small-Scale Mining Program, SSM pertains to mining activities that rely heavily on manual labor using simple implementations and methods. The law also defines small-scale mining as an activity that does not use explosives or heavy mining equipment.

“I think for now the need is for the regulatory capabilities, especially the small scale,” Marcos said.

Southern Philippines

In Southern Philippines, destructive mining practices both by smallscale and large-scale miners continue unabated. In Zamboanga Peninsula, open-pit mining has become a practice by commercial miners.

In Tawi-Tawi province, Languyan town shows the devastation of nickel mining activities there. Environmentalists said nickel mining activities have

also destroyed the environment on Tumbagaan Island and other sites in Tawi-Tawi. Mining money was also being used in the past to bankroll political campaigns in the Muslim autonomous region comprising the provinces of Tawi-Tawi, Basilan, Sulu, Lanao del Sur and Maguindanao.

As early as 2016, the Regional Legislative Assembly of the previous and now defunct Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (ARMM) had asked the DENR to issue an order stopping all destructive mining activities in the Muslim autonomous region.

In September 2019, the BARMM said it suspended all nickel mining operations in Tawi-Tawi to pave the way for a review of the region’s mining policy. But details of the review were not made public.

Second largest nickel Second-largest nickel producer

The Philippines is the world’s second-largest nickel ore producer in 2018 after Indonesia, with both Southeast Asian nations as the top two suppliers to biggest buyer China. And latest available industry data showed that 2.34 million wet metric tonnes (wmt) of high-grade ore, or nearly 90% of 2.66-million wmt of the high-grade material the Philippines exported to China in the first half of 2018 came from Tawi-Tawi.

Tawi-Tawi accounted for 27% of overall nickel ore exports, totalling 15.8-million wmt, to China during the six-month period.

Destructive

In 2016, ARMM Assemblyman Hanibal Tulawie, then chairman of the Committee on Environment and Ecology, said that a resolution was passed asking the DENR to immediately issue a “cease-and-desist” order on all mining companies operating in Tawi-Tawi and also in Basilan, Sulu, Lanao del Sur and Maguindanao provinces after he received numerous complaints from the public and

environmentalists who are opposed to destructive mining methods.

Photos of nickel mining operations in Tumbagaan Island posted on Facebook also showed huge trucks and barges hauling off red soil, which was allegedly being shipped to China where it is processed. There were previous reports indicating that Tumbagaan Island was totally devastated because of mining explorations and the nickel mining activities there and also in Panglima Sugala town.

What happened? What

Then President Rodrigo Duterte, who was made aware of the mining devastation on the island, has ordered a stop to all mining operations in Tawi-Tawi. Then Cabinet Secretary Karlo Nograles said Duterte was very much concerned about reports that Tumbagaan Island has been completely devastated by mining activities. “The island has, at this point, been mined out. And while rehabilitation efforts are under way, the president is issuing a directive to stop any and all mining,” he said.

Duterte ordered authorities to step up rehabilitation by planting trees in areas devastated by nickel mining. But surprisingly, Duterte did not order an investigation into the mining in Tawi-Tawi or who were or groups behind environmental destruction, and why it was not acted upon by DENR, particularly the Mines and Geosciences Bureau. Environmentalists said nickel mining activities have destroyed the environment on Tumbagaan Island and other sites in Tawi-Tawi.

The DENR earlier expressed commitment to review mining laws, including small-scale mining, to ensure that standards are updated and that the provision of the implementing rules and regulations takes full advantage of remote sensing and innovation in artificial intelligence. (Mindanao Examiner)

A provincial government photo shows Sulu Gov. Sakur Tan with National Security Adviser Clarita Carlos and other defense and security officials during the Nov. 19, 2022 launching of the Task Force Bantay Dagat.

Gov. Sakur Tan with DILG Sec. Benjamin Abalos Jr.

Gov. Sakur Tan with Defense Senior Undersecretary Jose Fausino Jr and security officials

Bantay Dagat Members

President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. tasked the DENR to bolster its regulatory powers on small and large-scale mining to ensure that standards are updated and that mining firms are strictly implementing their respective safety and health programs for workers.

Group alarmed over toxic plasticizers in toy, baby care products

tellectual disability, and reproductive health disorders such as genital abnormalities and undescended testicles for baby boys and reduced sperm counts and testosterone levels in adult males.

Perseverance, resiliency keep Muslim woman going on

MARAWI CITY - When you think resiliency, you think Filipino, and no community embodies that better than the displaced residents of Marawi City.

From having to crawl through dead bodies to escape the rebel siege in 2017, to rebuilding their life from scratch, the will to live and determination to survive burns bright in our Maranao brothers and sisters.

Unlike most people, Omaima Macapaar’s struggles began long before the siege. As a single mother, she had a sevenyear-old child to provide for, a mentally unstable sibling to cater to, and a 115-year-old mother to take care of.

Her livelihood consisted of dumpster diving at waste yards and scavenging old bottles to resell at 25 cents. Life was something straight out of a tragic telenovela for Omaima, but little did she know that things were only going to take a turn for the worst on May 23, 2017.

who they were and if they were who she’d been praying for so long.

“Kayo na ba makatulong sa aking kahirapan? Kayo ba yung darating na lagi kong nagsasamba na sino kaya ang darating na mabigyan ako ng makatulong sa akin?” she cried.

body stung with the pain of a thousand needles, they couldn’t even ask for help in fear that instead of aid, they would be met with fear and her family - should she leave them behind - would be ostracized.

Continued from page 1 Continued from page 1

the group’s detection of phthalates in toy and baby care products that it bought from retailers and submitted to a private laboratory for analysis.

“Our investigation shows that phthalates in toys and child care articles, including products typically used by babies, remain to be a threat to human health despite existing restrictions on their uses,” said Aileen Lucero, National Coordinator, EcoWaste Coalition.

“Strengthened and expanded regulations, including chemical ingredient transparency, are needed to protect fetuses and children from phthalates and other EDCs in products and the environment,” she added.

Dr. Geminn Louis Apostol, environmental health specialist at Ateneo School of Medicine and Public Health, said the endocrine system plays a critical role in regulating every aspect of human growth, development and overall health.

“Exposure to phthalates and other EDCs even in tiny amounts can disrupt the essential functions of the endocrine system and lead to hormonal imbalances, which may result in reduced intellectual capacity, reproductive disorders, weakened immune system, and other behavioral and health issues,” said Apostol.

Phthalates are synthetic chemicals, often called plasticizers, used to make plastic such as polyvinyl chloride pliable and soft. Found in a wide range of consumer and household products, phthalates are able to leach out from the materials containing them and get ingested, inhaled, or absorbed by the skin.

Studies in animals and humans have linked phthalate exposure to a wide range of health problems, including asthma and allergic illnesses, cardiovascular diseases, cancers, neurodevelopmental disorders such as attention deficits, learning difficulties and in-

In 2011, the Department of Health (DOH) issued Administrative Order No. 2009-0005-A making it "unlawful for any person to manufacture for sale, offer for sale, distribute in commerce, or import into the country any children’s toy that contains concentrations of more than 0.1 percent of di-(2-ethylhexyl) phthalate, dibutyl phthalate (DBP) or benzyl butyl phthalate.”

Diisononyl phthalate (DINP), diisodecyl phthalate (DIDP) and di-n-octyl phthalate (DnOP) in concentrations exceeding 0.1 percent in toys that can be placed in a child’s mouth are further banned by the said regulation.

Of the seven products sent by the EcoWaste Coalition to SGS (a global testing company) for phthalate analysis, five products had DEHP ranging from 0.325 to 17.1 percent, three had DINP ranging from 0.879 percent to 23 percent, and three had DBP ranging from 0.051 percent to 0.188 percent. The items were analyzed using gas chromatography –mass spectrometry (GC-MS).

Specifically, the plastic head of a doll tested with 17.1 percent DEHP and 0.051 percent DBP; a pair of toy boxing gloves had 15.5 percent DEHP, 0.879 percent DINP and 0.188 percent DBP; and a mini soft basketball had 0.0853 percent DBP.

As for the baby care products, the plastic lining of a reusable panty for babies was found to contain 14.3 percent DEHP; a baby diaper changing mat had 8.62 percent DINP and 0.325 percent DEHP; a baby bib had 8.67 percent DEHP; and a baby inflatable chair tested with 23 percent DINP.

To prevent children’s exposure to phthalates in toy and baby care products, the EcoWaste Coalition advises consumers to: Steer clear of products made of PVC, vinyl or plastic marked #3; refrain from buying soft and squeaky plastic toys unless certified phthalate-free; avoid plastic products with a strong chemical smell; purchase duly authorized and labeled products from licensed distributors, wholesalers and retailers and look for reliable phthalate-free marks on the product label. (Mindanao Examiner)

She shared that while they did not know who kept donating to them after the siege, she was thankful they at least had something to fill their stomachs. But their string of bad luck was not going to run out soon. Just as things started to gain a semblance of normalcy, the COVID-19 pandemic hit the country, driving them all the way down to rock bottom. Still, despite everything, Omaima never gave up hope. She would find little plants on the road and revive them in order to sell, she would make masks out of her damaged clothes and sell them to her neighbors –anything to make a buck for her family.

Neighbors would support her by buying whatever she was selling, but at the end of the day, even that was not enough to make ends meet. More often than not, they had to go through a couple of days without anything to eat, and on days when they could, it was hardly enough for three square meals.

Their neighbors would sometimes step in and give them food if and when they heard, but it was always an unspoken fact that they could not keep doing that forever.

One faithful day, however, while she was planting flowers to sell to neighbors and passers-by, three young adults came to her, asking if they could see her home and if they could interview her. Rightfully so, she asked

But she was met with vague answers telling her to keep praying and help will soon be on its way. Little did she know that those three strangers were representatives from IOM-KoICA who were scouting for potential beneficiaries.

They were pointed in her direction by her neighbors who witnessed how she has been working herself to the ground for years. Word eventually got out about the IOM and how they were looking to give some residents livelihood programs but as they became general knowledge, Omaima started hearing whispers going around that she might not get chosen because she wasn’t on the barrio’s radar.

As much as she wanted to do something about it, she was caught between a rock and a hard place – she still had a family to support after all, and had no time to go play nice with barangay politicians. So with bats in her stomach, she continued to pray and held on to her faith even tighter. Unfortunately, just when she thought things couldn't get any worse, they did.

Omaima caught COVID during the pandemic. They hardly had enough money to get by as things were, but now she had to worry about getting tested and medication? No way, they quite literally could not afford to go through that. The only logical solution – at least, to her – was to hide it and hide it.

She confined herself to their home, not telling a soul, suffering in silence as her child watched – helpless – from the sidelines. She could hardly breathe, and her

She pulled her child aside, telling them to leave while they can, that whatever happens to her, they need to get to their relatives and continue to live. All she got back was a litany of no's and don’t leave me falling from their lips as they begged her to continue fighting, to keep on living for them. Her child’s cries pleading her not to leave them grounding her to the present. ‘Yun ang nagagamot ko sa sarili ko, yung tunog ng salita ng anak ko,” she said.

Just as she started getting better, she received a call from IOM-KoICA telling her that she was one of the lucky recipients of the livelihood program and that their training will be starting soon.

From then on, everything was a whirlwind - from undergoing dressmaking classes and training seminars under TESDA to receiving the sewing machines and starting her business, Omaima finally has a stable source of income that won’t endanger her health nor that of her family. Now she runs a dressmaking business that not only provides for her family but even enables her to offer help to her relatives in need.

From selling bottles at 25 cents apiece to earning up to P5,000 a day, it was hard for her not to sob as she recounts her story. Before IOM-KoICA, she never would have thought she could get her hands on a hundred-peso bill, much less that she would be earning thousands by the week. Teary-eyed and overflowing - literally - with gratitude, Omaima tells us never to lose hope; that as long as we keep that little ember of hope alive, the fire can still anew. (Pamela Joyce Fumero)

owing - literally - with gratitude, Omaima tells us never to lose hope; that as long as we keep that little ember of hope alive, the fire can still anew. (Pamela Joyce Fumero)

SUPPORT PEACE IN MINDANAO

Out-of-school youths receive solar-powered vending carts

DE ORO CITY

Senate Spouses Foundation namigay ng donasyon sa typhoon victims

MAGUINDANAO - Namigay ng mga relief packages sa mga calamity survivors na nakatira sa Maguindanao del Norte ang Senate Spouses Foundation, Inc. (SSFI).

Isinagawa ang donasyon sa kampo mismo ng 6th Infantry Division sa bayan ng Datu Odin Sinsuat kamakailan lamang. Ang myembro ng SSFI ay mga maybahay ng mga senador ng bansa kung saan pinangunahan ni Audrey Tan-Zubiri –Presidente ng SSFI, Elvira Tootsy Angara – Secretary ng SSFI at Kathryna Yu Pimentel – Treasurer ng SSFI.

“Nakapaloob sa mga package na ito ang hygiene kits, relief packs at shelter materials. Naway sa simulaing ito manatili tayong matatag sa anumang pagsubok na ating hinaharap,” ani Zubiri.

Tinanggap naman ng mga mayors ng ubatibang bayan sa Maguindanao del Norte at Cotabato City ang mga relief goods. Nakapaloob dito ay 500 hygiene kits, 236 corrugated roof at 500 DSWD relief goods.

Nagpasalamat naman si Maj. Gen. Roy Galido, commander ng 6th Infantry Division, sa mga donasyon. Pinuri naman

at pinasalamatan rin nina Bangsamoro Parliamentary Members Rasul Esmael, Suharto Ambolodto, Maguindanao Del Norte Governor Ainee Sinsuat, Datu Odin Sinsuat Mayor Lester Sinsuat, Datu Blah Sinsuat Mayor Marshall Sinsuat, Cotabato City Mayor Bruce Matabalao at Matanog Mayor Sohria Bansil Guro kasama ang iba pang mga organisasyon ang naturang humanitarian mission.

Ang kampo ay nagsilbing centralized hub ng relief goods na kinabibilangan ng mga food at non-food items mula sa mga donasyon ng iba’tibang organisasyon at sangay ng gobyerno, ayon pa kay Galido.

“Ito ang inatas sa atin ng Commander-in-Chief at Pangulo ng bansa, President Ferdinand Romualdez Marcos Jr., at ating siniguro na mapupunta ito sa mga nangangailangang pamilya sa tulong na rin ng mga ahensya ng gobyerno,” dagdag pa nito. (Rhoderick Benez)

Zambo teacher accused of hitting student

Continued from page 1 Continued from page 1

The Grade 9 student said he was hit in the head by his teacher after asking permission to go home due to the pain in his stomach. The victim said without any warning, the teacher suddenly hit him in the head in front of his classmates and another teacher inside the classroom.

The incident occurred November 22 inside the Zamboanga City High School Main Campus.

“I was just asking permission to go home because my stomach was

really hurting, then my teacher suddenly hit me in the head, in front of my adviser and classmates. I was shocked and traumatized by his action and I just left the classroom,” he told The Mindanao Examiner.

The student said his adviser did not do anything.

The victim’s mother condemned the physical abuse his son suffered in the hands of his teacher and is mulling charges against him. “Teachers are not supposed to inflict pain or hurt their students.

This is totally wrong,” she said.

The victim alleged that other students also suffered the same humiliating incident from the same teacher.

Corporal punishment is the most widespread form of violence against children. It is any punishment in which physical force is used and intended to cause some degree of pain or discomfort. It is a violation of children’s rights to respect for human dignity and physical integrity. (Mindanao Examiner)

CAGAYAN

- The Department of Science and Technology (DOST)-10 and the United States Agency for International Development (USAID) turned over four solar-powered vending carts to out-of-school youths here.

The donation is part of the “Build Back Vending Cart” project and benefitted out-of-school youths under the USAID Opportunity 2.0 program who were graduates of the design thinking and entrepreneurial boot camp organized by USAID and the Economic Development Council of the Philippine Business for Education.

In addition to the training, beneficiaries also underwent a food safety seminar to guide them on the safe and proper way to

prepare their products.

“Ang nakadawat ani kay ang mga out-ofschool youth nga gusto magnegosyo. Kani dako nga tabang sa ila para mapirmanente nila ilang negosyo ug naa na sila'y steady nga pingabuhian at least bahala ginagmay basta kanunay nga income nga makatabang sa pang-adlaw-adlaw nila nga panginahanglan,” said DOST-10 Assistant Regional Director for Technical Operations Engr. Romela Ratilla.

The cart is compliant with health safety protocols and is equipped with a solar panel that can generate 100 watts, a hand washing area, a food preparation area, a drinking water outlet, and a bicycle, amounting P70,000.

For their part, EDC

youth development coordinator Kotie Bax reminded the youth beneficiaries to be focused on their goals in life, have positive habits in life, and make God part of their business to help them become successful in their endeavors.

She also urged the youth beneficiaries to spread the word to fellow out-ofschool youths about the program so that they too can avail of it.

The DOST-10 also urged the youth to participate in wealth creation by starting to think about business. It said the outof-school youths should not lose hope and should strive hard to change their way of life since there are many opportunities and programs that the government and USAID are offering.

(JAKA)

Cancer survivor tells story

Continued from page 1 Continued from page 1 health forum, Khessie, or popularly known as “Karen” Lluch, a breast cancer survivor and one of the original founders of “Thrive CDO Breast Cancer Awareness Advocacy Group,” shared how she navigated her journey when she first found out she had cancer in 2011.

“In 2012, I finished my treatment for breast cancer, it was in 2011 that I had breast cancer stage 2A. I had my treatment in May to October of 2011, and from May to October 2011, I was alone,” she said.

For sure, she had her family and friends who loved and cared for her, but she was looking for that missing piece: a support system that could relate to and guide her on what she was going through.

“In October of 2011, I was in Cebu for radiation treatment, because there was no radiation machine here in Cagayan de Oro. It was also in SM North Wing Cebu where so many breast cancer survivors gather for a healing mass,” she said.

From there, she realized she wanted to be like them, beautiful and thriving despite cancer. “That is the reason Thrive atong ngalan kay to encourage and give hope nga kung i-empower nato atong selves, and help other women empower themselves with knowledge, we can help the community to thrive,” she said.

It is Thrive’s 10th year,

and the advocacy remains, Lluch said, adding Thrive CDO is a breast cancer advocacy group for breast cancer patients and survivors that can help with treatment options, explain what is happening in their bodies, and advise where to get help.

Catch it early Catch it

“Breast cancer cannot be prevented but when we say that we want to prevent it, we want to catch it early. So how do we catch it early? First is really breast checkup. If one is 30 or older and the risk is high, there is a need to go to a doctor. You will not die of cancer, you will die of the expenses,” she said, adding “that is why for those who are afraid to get checked because of expenses to go to the Northern Mindanao Medical Center instead.”

“Ang NMMC, gwapo ilahang cancer center, daghan ilang improvements didto. For the public, mahadlok man gyud mu adto og private, I am saying that now, adto mo sa NMMC, naay PCSO and DSWD nga makatabang,” she said.

The Republic Act 11215 on Cancer, signed by then President Duterte and took effect in 2019, is a law that establishes a national cancer control program and appropriates funds for it.

Lluch said those who have cancer will not be afraid anymore because the government is here to help. “Cancer is our enemy, but we can do something about it,” she said, adding, anyone

who is a cancer survivor can apply for a Persons with Disability identification card because cancer is forever.

Cancer changes people Cancer

“Yes, it has changed me a lot,” said Lluch. In 2010 and 2011, Lluch just wanted to live a quiet life that consisted only of herself, her son, and her friends and family, but the Lord had other plans. “I would never have expected that I would continue this kind of life, being in public for this matter. But the Lord said you do public service in this way, in this manner, and share your time,” she said.

“I could have been bitter about it because [maka pobre gyud ang cancer] cancer can really make you poor. Treatment will leave you poor, which is why I am very passionate about government programs,” she said. “What changed me was not cancer but meeting other survivors.”

She emphasizing that the notion of doing this together really pushed for the advocacy to start and sustain up to this day. “It is really those people who advocate for it; we can do this together,” she said.

Cancer is not a death sentence, but it is just a word, so empower yourself. “A good attitude covers 50% of your treatment; if your treatment is okay and access it financially, you know where to go, you have one-fourth covered, and the rest is up to God. Continue to pray, have hope, and thrive,” she advised.

(Jasper Marie Rucat)

Top lawmakers meet in support of continued peace and development in BARMM

'Electoral Code a priority as BARMM 2025 Elections near'

LAWMAKERS FROM both the Upper and Lower Houses recently met with Bangsamoro Parliament Members to conduct the first organizational meeting for the Philippine Congress-Bangsamoro Parliament Forum in Pasay City.

The key legislators and ministers of the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM) discussed priority laws and projects to further develop gains in infrastructure and peace in the region.

Senate President Juan Miguel Zubiri and House Speaker Martin Romualdez led the discussions, which revolved around important regional laws such as the Bangsamoro Electoral Code, Bangsamoro Local Government Code, Bangsamoro Revenue Code, and the Bangsamoro Law for Indigenous Peoples.

With the first BARMM Elections slated for May 12, 2025, the Bangsamoro Electoral Code, as well as other tangential laws and initiatives relating to infrastructure and security, were prioritized.

“We have made significant progress, particularly in terms of peace and order, since

the BARMM was established in 2019. We want to maintain, or even improve, that momentum, so we can look forward to a clean and honest election in 2025,” said Bangsamoro Parliament Member Atty. Sha Elijah Dumama-Alba, who is also the Bangsamoro Transition Authority’s (BTA) Floor Leader.

According to documents provided by the BTA, The Bangamoro Electoral Code will enable the Commission on Elections (COMELEC) to establish the Bangsamoro Electoral Office.

As an autonomous region, the BARMM has its own parliamentary system of legislation, which assigns seats to parties with the most votes. The BEC also empowers the COMELEC to define the powers and responsibilities of the BEO, specifically on how it will handle processes and challenges that are unique to the region’s political system.

Zubiri, who is a principal author of the Bangsamoro Organic Law that officially established the BARMM, thanked all the lawmakers and ministers who attended in a Facebook post: “Maraming salamat po kina Speaker Martin Romual-

dez, Speaker Pangalian Balindong, at lahat ng mga kasama nating mambabatas mula sa Senado, Kamara, at Bangsamoro Parliament! At salamat din kina Chief Minister Ahod Ebrahim, Sec. Amenah Pangandaman, Sec. Carlito Galvez, at Minister Mohagher Iqbal na nakasama rin natin sa forum. Tuloy-tuloy po ang ating pagtutulungan, para sa tuloy-tuloy na pag-asenso ng BARMM,” Zubiri wrote.

Also in attendance were Bangsamoro Chief Minister Ahod Ebrahim, BTA Speaker Pangalian Balindong; MPs Jose Lorena, Raissa Jajurie, Eduard Guerra, Ubaida Pacasem, Omar Yasser Sema, Abdulkarim Misuari, Lanang Ali Jr., and Marjanie Macasalong; Senators Loren Legarda and Robinhood Padilla; House Majority Leader Manuel Jose Dalipe; Representatives Rex Gatchalian, Yasser Alonto Balindong, Joey Salceda, and Maximo Dalog, Jr.; Department of Budget and Managemen Secretary Amenah Pangandaman and BARMM Minister Mohagher Iqbal, who are co-chairs of the Inter-governmental Relations Body (IGRB).

BARMM-BTA files 8 new bills

Continued from page 1 Continued from page 1

which would aid qualified students from the region who wish to pursue education and training in any state universities and colleges in the country, has been refiled by Member of the Parliament Amilbahar Mawallil.

After completing their studies at state universities and colleges, the scholar will be absorbed into the Bangsamoro government and will receive an appropriate civil service rank, salary, and other benefits.

As part of his legislative agenda, MP Mawallil also introduced Parliament Bill No. 62, also known as the Bangsamoro Coffee Industry Development Act of 2022, which proposes to create a Bangsamoro Coffee Research and Development Institute to promote, develop, and oversee the coffee industry in the region.

The institution will be based at Mindanao State University in Sulu’s capital town of Jolo.

In another measure, PB No. 63, also known as Conflict

Sensitive Planning in the Bangsamoro Act of 2022, covers all provincial, city, and municipal governments and barangays in the region, as well as the Ministry of Interior and Local Government and all other concerned ministries, agencies, and instrumentalities preparing the Comprehensive Development Plan, Contingency Plan, and Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Plan.

He also proposed to establish a Bangsamoro Museum, which will be the repository of artifacts, works of art, and textual and iconographic records relevant to the cultural memory of the Bangsamoro.

Another proposed bill introduced would declare March 18 a special non-working public holiday to commemorate the Jabidah incident. Once approved, the day will be observed by all government agencies, high schools, colleges, and universities, including the Police Regional Office in the region.

In an effort to promote and protect the rights of human rights defenders in the re-

gion, he also refiled PB No. 66, also known as the Bangsamoro Human Rights Defenders Protection Act of 2022.

To ensure that human rights violations committed during the armed conflict in Mindanao are properly documented, Deputy Speaker Laisa Alamia proposed Parliament Bill No. 21, also known as the Bangsamoro Armed Conflict Human Rights Violations Documentation Act.

Meanwhile, all constituent local government units in the Bangsamoro region will allocate a minimum of 2,000 square meters of land for every thousand people within their respective jurisdictions, as proposed under PB No. 67, also known as the Bangsamoro Public Cemetery Act of 2022.

The proposed legislative measures were co-authored by MPs Engr. Baintan Ampatuan, Atty. Rasol Mitmug Jr., Atty. Suharto Ambolodto, Rasul Ismael, Engr. Don Mustapha Loong, and Bassir Uto. (LTAIS-Public Information, Publication, and Media Relations Division)

The Philippines current food production (Part 1)

By Jeoffrey Maitem (Davao City)

THE PHILIPPINES, a Southeast Asian agricultural country, used to be one of the leading producers of rice across the region. Even other neighboring countries like Vietnam came to the Philippines before to learn about methods used by Filipino farmers.

But with the central government no direct control on the production of rice for many years, the country was left behind by other neighboring countries, relying yearly on imported goods, making the country known globally as the number one importer of agricultural products, particularly rice.

While the central government has assured that the Philippine agriculture sector remains capable of producing enough rice and other locally produced food to cater the needs of its 111 million people across the country, the government still picked importation as an option to combat the food crisis.

Despite challenges like the pandemic, Russia-Ukraine invasion, or surge in the price of fuel and destructive storms annually, the Philippines is expected to reach 19.50 million metric tons of paddy, locally known as palay, this year, or about 12.724 MMT of rice. That figure is a little bit lower compared to last year’s production that reached about 19.96 million metric tons.

In the agriculture ministry’s demand outlook released two months ago, the country needs about 17.364MMT rice, the country’s staple food for 15.137MMT annual demand and buffer. According to Zamzamin Ampatuan, the undersecretary of the Department of Agriculture, farmers can produce locally grown crops like rice but it’s not enough to cover the needs of the entire people.

For example, there were supplies of corn in the country from local farmers but due to big demand for agricultural feed production, the country imported the raw materials.For cattle production, the country has supplies but factories producing processed foods like corned beef and hotdogs sourced out their tons of requirements abroad.

According to Mr. Ampatuan, the country can never get rid of importation despite the country having adequate supply. His reason? Locally produced food is not adequate yearly. This is the reason why its experts, according to him, are finding solutions – by research and implementing programs – to increase the food production in the country, particularly the rice, Filipinos staple food.

Mr. Ampatuan, explaining the current situation, said that if the government will not make drastic moves to reform the agricultural system, the country will forever rely on importation of food. Worst of all, it will result in a food crisis.

The current food market demand current In the Philippines, globally ranked 64th of the 113 countries in terms of food security, the most in demand food is rice. It’s the people’s staple food. A big chunk of the supply comes from farmers. According to the Department of Agriculture, the country is importing about 8 to 10 percent of its demand yearly.

This year, nationwide, the Philippines needs around 17.364MMT rice. Of the total demand, 15.137MMT is for annual usage.

Data from the Department of Agriculture cited the country imports 8-10 percent of the country’s total demand to India and Vietnam. From these two nations usually the Philippines gets the buffer supplies. But according to Ampatuan, they are searching for other prospects that will be the source of rice imports.

Another in demand is corn. It’s much needed in the Philippines although there is supply but not adequate. While the country’s production this year reached 7.9 million MT, Mr. Ampatuan said the nation is one hundred percent dependent on imports for this raw material as it is being used as main material for the feed production for livestock like chicken.

The poultry industry, for instance, is dependent on importation of corn.

Records from the Philippine Statistic Authority, as cited by Ampatuan, showed the country’s corn imports reached 1.7 million MT as of October this year.

On livestock production, another in demand food in the market is the broiler. Currently, the supply for the year is 1.82 million metric tons (MT)—1.65 million MT of which are locally produced. The Philippines usually sourced out the remaining supplies abroad particularly from Brazil, United States and in Canada.

According to Ampatuan, the public is not particular with brands of chicken produced as there were small players nationwide. However, institutional consumers like five-star hotels and food chains, prefer imported products.

On the other hand, the demand for pork meat this year is about 1.79 million MT—about 0.10 million MT higher than the country’s total supply. So far, the country has imported 0.29 million MT of pork this year. In general, the country gets a big chunk of the lacking supplies from Spain, Canada and Brazil.

For cattle production, Mr. Ampatuan cited 61.54 thousand metric tons, liveweight, were produced as of September this year, a slight increase of 0.9 percent compared to last year’s same period production of 60.99 thousand metric tons, liveweight.

Ampatuan explained there were adequate supplies of beef in the market nationwide but manufacturers of corned beef, hotdogs, and steaks, mostly rely their raw materials from India, Brazil, Australian and United States.

Current Food Trade Between PH and other countries

In the second quarter of this year, the country’s agricultural trade was recorded at USD 6.95 billion. Data from the government’s Philippine Statistics Authority released October 2022 which I obtained from research indicated the total agricultural trade recorded an annual increment of 30.9 percent compared to last year’s the same period of 33.7 percent.

For the second quarter of the current year, agricultural exports were recorded at USD 2.12 billion (30.4%). The import was around USD 4.84 billion (69.6%).

Among the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) member countries partner of the Philippines, Malaysia is leading, with agricultural exports with USD 158.58 million or a share of 47.1 percent to the total agricultural exports. Overall, exports in ASEAN were recorded at USD 336.56 million in this year’s second quarter.

Taking the next spot with Malaysia is Indonesia with USD 66. 32 million; Thailand, USD 34.05 million; Singapore with USD 32.20 million; and Vietnam, USD 19. 48 million.

Agricultural products usually exported to ASEAN countries were animal or vegetable fats and oils and their cleavage products; prepared edible fats; animal or vegetable waxes that were recorded at USD 180.39 million; tobacco and manufactured tobacco substitutes, USD 69.75 million; and miscellaneous edible preparations, USD 16.48 million.

On the other hand, among European Union member countries, the Netherlands was reported as the country’s top major trading partner.

Data from the government’s central statistical authority, the total agricultural goods exported in EU member countries reached USD 494.18 million, with Netherlands as the top buyer with commodities spent for the Philippines at USD 274.60 million.

Second to the Netherlands was Spain, USD 54. 94 million; Italy, USD 52. 05 million; Germany with USD 40.16 revenue; UK and Northern Ireland having USD 32. 85 million; France, USD 13.15 million and other member countries with USD 26.43 million.

Photo Courtesy of CMCT

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

NHA eyes hundreds of housing units in Cebu

NHA General Manager Joeben Tai who was recently in Cebu led the ocular inspection of housing projects. Among the projects he visited were the Southpark Residences in Cebu City and the Naga Permanent Housing Project.

The Southpark Residences, a P1.6 billion medium-rise condominium-type housing project for government employees in the up-

lands of Cebu City’s Pulangbato village, is also open for overseas Filipino workers. The project will consist of three medium-rise buildings that could generate 850 housing units with a floor area of 42 square meters each.

Tai also inspected the Naga Permanent Housing Project which is intended for landslide victims in the villages of Inoburan and Tina-an in Naga City. The project will generate 192

housing units, measuring 26 square meters each.

He then inspected three other BBM housing sites in Cebu City – the Cebu BRT Resettlement Housing Project in the village of Tejero which is intended for informal settler (ISF) families, particularly those who were affected by the Cebu Bus Rapid Transit Project of the Department of Transportation. A total of 57 housing units will be con-

structed for ISFs, according to Tai.

He also inspected the housing projects in Toledo Heights located in the village of Luray in Toledo City and the Tender Homes Phase 1 in the village of Tejero in Cebu City, which are for ISFs living in danger zones such as waterways, railways, and calamity-prone

areas. At least 120 housing units will be built at Toledo Heights Phase 1 and 60 at the Tender Homes Phase 1.

While in Cebu, Tai also distributed cash aid to over 2,000 families in Lapu-Lapu City, Carcar City and Naga City. Each family beneficiary received cash assistance of P10,000 as part of the

Dialysis centers for Cebu-run hospitals

Supplies and Equipment.

The notice of award was signed between Garcia and Jona Brigida Navarro, proprietor and general manager of Medtronix on November 21.

Medtronix will supply 15 dialysis machines and other medical supplies for dialysis treatment each to the provincial hospitals. The proposed dialysis treatment is pegged at P1,850.

CEBU – The Carcar City Provincial Hospital and Danao Provincial Hospital will soon have its own dialysis center following the notice of award issued by the Provincial Economic Enterprise

Council

The Provincial Board is set to pass a resolution authorizing Governor Gwendolyn Garcia to enter into a contract with Medtronix Medical

It will also provide two dialysis technicians to each of these centers. The project is a serious manifestation of Garcia to improve the healthcare infrastructure in Capitol-run hospitals. (EEV)

NHA’s Emergency Housing Assistance Program which aims to provide quick response cash assistance to qualified low-income and marginalized families affected by natural or manmade calamities.

The program has distributed a total of P2.419 billion since August 1. (Cebu Examiner)

Consortium bags ‘waste -to-energy’ project

CEBU – The Cebu Provincial Government awarded the Waste-To-Energy project to a consortium - Waste Management Incorporated which is a local company; and Harvest Waste B.V., a company based in Amsterdam, Netherlands.

Governor Gwen Garcia who chairs the Economic Enterprise Council (EEC) signed the Notice of Award, which was received by Atty. Javier Flores who represented the consortium, on Monday November 21. Also present were Generoso Dungo and Harvest Waste B.V. Regional Director Luuk Rietvelt.

The consortium's proposal to undertake the WTE Project was submitted to the Province's EEC last year and was subject-

ed to a Swiss challenge. EEC decided to award the project after it went through the proper process and no challengers came forward.

The WTE technology that Gov. Garcia's administration has envisioned turns waste into electricity in a controlled manner which helps prevent filling up landfills and avoid

further emission of carbon dioxide and other harmful greenhouse gases emitted by waste landfills.

The next step will be to negotiate on the details of the contract between the Cebu Provincial Government and the consortium scheduled for their next meeting on December 5. (EEV)

Gov. Gwendolyn Garcia during a meeting. Garcia wants to put up dialysis centers in provincial hospitals in Carcar and Danao. (Photo by CC)

Gov. Gwendolyn Garcia and representatives of the consortium Waste Management Incorporated which is a local company; and Harvest Waste B.V., a company based in Amsterdam, Netherlands. (Photo by CC)

CEBU The National Housing Authority has started inspecting areas where EBU – The National has started areas where to build hundreds of housing units for various beneficiaries as part of the to build hundreds of units for various beneficiaries as part of the government project dubbed “Build Better More” or BBM which is also the government dubbed “Build Better More” or BBM which is also the acronym of President Bongbong Marcos acronym of President Marcos.

A sample of the NHA housing project in the country.

A total of 2,000 families whose houses were damaged and destroyed by Super Typhoon Odette in December 2021 received cash assistance from the National Housing Authority General Manager Joeben Tai in Cebu.

(EEC) to the equipment.