The Mindanao Examiner Regional Newspaper (January 16-22, 2023)

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Bangsamoro Parliament seeks to create eight municipalities in the BARMM Special Geographic Area

COTABATO CITY — The Government of the Day has filed bills proposing the creation of eight distinct and independent municipalities in the BARMM Special Geographic Area, separating them from their mother municipalities. The eight municipalities will be Continue on page 5 Continue on page 5

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Touch

Peace now reigns in Sulu

SULU – Security officials said the Abu Sayyaf is now a spent force following the continued surrender of its mem-

bers in this southern Filipino province where the military and local governments and other stakeholders are closely

working hand-in-hand for peace and progress.

Just recently, the Western Mindanao Command

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Western Mindanao Command vows support to AFP Chief Centino

Asia Mai, a youth leader who pursued

RESIDENT

Marcos Jr vowed to build a strong case against Phil- RESIDENT FERDINAND Marcos Jr. vowed to build a strong case against Philippine National Police (PNP) officials involved in the illegal trade or in ca- National Police (PNP) officials involved in the trade or in cahoots with drug traffickers as he orders a probe starting with senior officers hoots with traffickers as he orders a probe with senior officers.

President Ferdinand Marcos with General Andres Centino.

President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. (OPS)

Marcos runs after NARCO COPS

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Marcos’ warning came as Interior Secretary Benjamin Abalos called on all police generals and colonels to tender their courtesy resignation as investigation begins.

Abalos said that the courtesy resignation of all senior officials is also an essential part of the government’s efforts to win back the trust and confidence of the people in the PNP and the fight against illegal drugs.

The President said it was part of his campaign pledge to carry out a different approach to the country’s drug problem, as he stressed his government’s efforts to cleanse the ranks of the PNP.

“We approach it in an entirely differently way. Alam naman natin na ‘yung problema sa drugs hindi mangyayari

‘yan kung hindi kasabwat ‘yung mga iba diyan sa police,” he said.

“Kailangan natin tingnan nang mabuti sino ba talaga ang kasabwat diyan, sino ba talaga ang involved, at sino’ng hindi na talaga pwedeng mag-serbisyo dahil associated na sila sa mga drug lord,” he added.

Marcos said the PNP has not reached the stage of filing cases against those involved in the illegal drug trade, saying it is still in the initial phase of organizing a commission that will review the background of police officials.

The commission, Marcos said, will look into the records of all the officers as the administration slowly reinstates those who are cleared of any drug links and build cases against those found involved in the drug trade.

“So tiyakin natin kung magkakaso tayo ipapanalo talaga natin at makukulong talaga kung sino man ang mga napatunayan na kasabwat dito sa drug trade,” the President said.

Duterte

It was unclear why the previous Duterte administration failed to weed out police officers suspected of having links to the illegal drug trade, but its deadly drug war only targeted small time drug pushers.

Duterte’s war on drugs also caught the attention of Washington and the UN Special Rapporteur, including local and international human rights groups, accusing the previous president Rodrigo of committing extrajudicial killings (EJKs) and crimes against humanity.

UN Special Rapporteur Morris Tidball-Binz,

a forensic doctor, will visit the country this year, according to the International Coalition for Human Rights in the Philippines (ICHRP).

ICHRP Chairperson Peter Murphy said as Special Rapporteur on extrajudicial, summary, and arbitrary executions, Tidball-Binz’s visit would be an important next step in the process of seeking justice for the thousands of victims of extrajudicial killings under the previous Duterte government, as well as the current Marcos government.”

As reported by Investigate PH, in which Philippine forensic expert Dr. Rachel Fortun served as one of the expert witnesses, thousands of extrajudicial and arbitrary killings allegedly took place under Duterte.

The PNP admit to over 6,600 such killings. But despite the abundant evidence that these killings took place, only 25 police officers have been charged so far in relation to the war on drugs, according to Justice Jesus Remulla’s report to member states of the Human Rights Council last November 14.

Other targets of alleged EJKs under Duterte’s war on dissent were human rights defenders, journalists, lawyers, indigenous leaders, peasants, and labor leaders.

“Given this recent announcement, we reiterate our call to the Marcos administration for open, transparent, and thorough investigation of these crimes, and justice for all victims and their families. This means investigation and prosecution of all perpetrators of such crimes, and an

end to the state of impunity which has allowed so many members of the police force to avoid prosecution so far,” Murphy said.

“ICHRP also echoes the call of at least ten Human Rights Council member states to the Philippine government to re-join the International Criminal Court and cooperate with the ICC’s ongoing investigation into the crime against humanity of murder during the so-called war on drugs,” he added.

(Mindanao Examiner)

Youth leader successful with her mushrooms business

Continued from page 1 Continued from page 1 mushroom business, would have laughed if you told her six years ago that she would lead not one but two projects to insurmountable success, but in four years with Plan International’s USAID-funded Marawi Response Project (MRP), she found an advocacy she believes in and a voice to speak out. When she was adopted as a youth leader, Mai was more than happy to just be another background character on the sidelines, nodding along to her peers’ suggestions, but MRP forced her out of her comfort zone. From group discussions to project pitch meetings, she spoke with trembling hands that steadied with the realization of just how powerful her voice was and the difference getting heard made.

This realization, along with the fact that her heart bled for service, led her to start her own youth group, the Guinaopan Youth Action Group (GYAO), which is made up of other passionately involved youths in their community who want to promote mushroom farming as an alternative way for farmers in Ditsaan Ramain to make

a living. Seeing their mission as well as their commitment to serving the community, MRP gave them a helping hand by providing them with technical skills training along with food processing equipment for their “Mushroom for Change” movement.

Producing and selling mushroom patties, mushroom crackers, and chicharon, as well as other mushroom by-products like shortbread, GYAO’s Mushroom for Change has brought employment to both women and outof-school youth in their community.

Under Mai’s leadership, they have received grants for a community peace program, Project Peace Harvest, which aims to address food insecurity and malnutrition-related illnesses by enhancing holistic transformation among madrasah and toril students through capacity-building on basic backyard gardening.

In their fight against food insecurity, Project Peace Harvest established a community pantry outside Lanao People’s Parth back in 2021. A little while later, they mobilized the pantry, stopping

over at Buayaan in Ditsa-an Ramain town and in Papandayan and Kurmatan-Matampay here.

“I didn’t even realize that I would learn to love what I am doing after engaging in different communities, bringing the banner of employment and inspiring young people and putting the thought of positive change and community resiliency,” Mai said during the MRP’s commencement program recently.

While providing livelihood opportunities and income-generating social enterprises through its agriculture initiatives, GYAO learned how to expand its networks and build its own support system. Together with other youth organizations in the Ranao Provinces, they are making tremendous social impacts in their communities.

“Let us change the perception of many people about youth as just being young people na may gatas pa sa labi [who still have milk on their lips] because we are able to have the agency to speak up and be heard as well as we are not recognized as agents of change.” (Pamela Joyce Fumero)

Former President Rodrigo Duterte (OPS)

Bangsamoro Parliament OKs bills extending availability of 2022 Budget, Special Development Fund

COTABATO CITY - The Bangsamoro Parliament has approved two legislative measures seeking to extend the availability of the Bangsamoro budget as well as the 2020 and 2021 Special Development Fund, on third and final reading.

According to Archt. Eduard Guerra, chairman of the Com-

mittee on Finance, Budget, and Management, extending the budget’s availability will allow for the implementation of several projects and programs in the region.

Under Parliament Bill No. 127, which extended the availability of 2020 and 2021 Special Development Fund, Section 3 of

the Bangsamoro Appropriations Act is amended, stating that the appropriations in the said measure will be available for release and disbursement until December 31, 2023.

Appropriations for infrastructure capital outlays are also valid for obligation under the approved measure until the end of

Bangsamoro Parliament approves P85.3 billion 2023 BARMM budget

COTABATO CITY - Prioritizing education, health, infrastructure, and social services, the Bangsamoro Parliament, on December 20, approved BTA Bill No. 54, or the Bangsamoro Expenditure Program for 2023, amounting to P85.3 billion.

The 2023 BARMM budget was approved on third and final reading with 44 affirmative votes, zero negative votes, and zero abstentions.

Prior to budget approval, the Committee on Finance, Budget, and Management deliberated the proposed budgets of all the ministries and agencies since it was filed in September.

“The CFBM truly underwent marathon hearings and scrutinized the proposed budgets of all ministries and offices to ensure that the budget is for the Bangsamoro people,” said CFBM Chair MP Eduard Guerra.

“Following this approval, we will move forward with the implementation of all projects and programs in the provinces of the region, including the Special Geographic Area,” he added.

The budget increased to P85.3 billion in 2023 from P79.8 billion in 2022.

The Bangsamoro Government allocated P70.1 billion for all of the ministries, agencies, and offices, while P15.2 billion is allotted for Special Purpose Funds.

Following its passage in second reading, the budget was swiftly approved by Parliament members.

The top 10 ministries and offices with the biggest budget allocation are as follows:

Ministry of Basic, Higher, and Technical Education – P27.2 billion;

Ministry of Public Works – P16.4 billion;

Office of the Chief Minister – P5.9 billion;

Ministry of Health – P5.8 billion;

Bangsamoro Transition Authority – P3.9 billion;

Ministry of Social Services – P3.07 billion; Ministry of Interior and Local Government –P2.04 billion;

Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries, and Agrarian Reform – P1.5 billion;

Ministry of Environment, Natural Resources, and Energy – P666 million; and Ministry of Transportation and Communications – P539 million.

EDUCATION

The education sector in the region has received the highest budget allocation for next year, totaling P27.2 billion.

The proposed budget, in line with BARMM’s enhanced priority agenda, aims to improve access to quality and holistic education by strengthening the education system.

This includes investing in human resource development, skills training, learning continuity programs, and advancing science, technology, and innovation through the madaris system.

The budget is also allocated for the Ministry of Basic, Higher, and Technical Education’s support to operations, including the management and supervision of field operations, curriculum, learning delivery, and assessment; school-based management and operations; higher education services; access to higher and modern education scholarships; management support to education; Bangsamoro education; Bangsamoro School Sports; and inclusive education programs.

INFRASTRUCTURE

The Bangsamoro government is also keen on developing a reliable and resilient infrastructure system for land, sea, and air transportation, communications, commercial, social, industrial, environmental, and other strategic infrastructure to spur regional growth.

As the engineering and construction arm of the Bangsamoro government, the Ministry of Public Works allocated a P16.4 billion budget for 2023.

The funds will be used to support its operations in road network and other public infrastructure facilities programs, such as road network development, bridge construction, flood management, water supply, port rehabilitation, and other infrastructure programs.

HEALTH

As part of its drive for social protection and Universal Health Care, the Bangsamoro government earmarked P5.8 billion for health services.

This will help the Ministry of Health improve the responsiveness and timeliness of social protection in order to reduce vulnerability to economic, social, and environmental shocks and disasters.

Furthermore, this will improve equitable access to high-quality, low-cost healthcare services, protect against health-related financial risks, and improve disease preparedness, prevention, and management strategies.

SOCIAL SERVICES

The Ministry of Social Services and Development has been allocated P3 billion for next year to provide a balanced and responsive approach to social welfare in which the rights, needs, and interests of all citizens within its jurisdiction are protected and addressed at all times, whether natural or human-induced, that affect their well-being and participation in community affairs.

Women, children, senior citizens, differently-abled individuals, indigenous cultural communities, internally displaced persons, and those similarly situated by analogy will be prioritized.

Family and community welfare, child and youth welfare, women’s welfare, older persons’ and persons with disabilities’ welfare, disaster risk reduction, and emergency assistance programs are some of the MOH’s operations for 2023.(LTAIS-Public Information, Publication, and Media Relations Division)

December 2023.

Meanwhile, approved Parliament Bill No. 128, filed by the Government of the Day, extended the availability of the General Appropriations Act of the Bangsamoro until December 31, 2023, except for personnel services and general administration, as well as support under maintenance and other operating expenses.

Following the passage of the proposed bill, the amount appropriated as the share of the constituent local government units on the income taxes collected within the region is available for disbursement until December of next year.

All unreleased appropriations will lapse after the end of their validity period, while unexpended or undisbursed funds will revert to the Bangsamoro Treasury under a Special Fund

for reappropriation.

Appropriations for infrastructure capital outlays for this year’s fiscal year will only be available until December 31, 2023, and construction, inspection, and payment must be made until June 30, 2024.

MOOE and other capital outlay item appropriations are also available until the end of the month next year. Appropriations for personnel services are valid for obligation and disbursement only until December 31, 2022.

The Ministry of Finance, Budget, and Management is also authorized to issue the necessary guidelines for the effective implementation of the said measure.

A report on the said releases, obligations, and disbursements must also be submitted to the Parliament and to the chairperson of the Committee on Finance, Budget, and Management. (LTAIS-Public Information, Publication, and Media Relations Division)

MP Mawallil refiles six bills in the Parliament

lobok Cave Preservation Act of 2022, seeks to declare the Balobok Cave, located in Barangay Lakit-Lakit, Bongao, Tawi-Tawi, as a regional heritage zone.

MP Mawallil said that this is to preserve, protect, promote, and develop the cave, as it is found to be one of the earliest human settlements in Southeast Asia, dating back to 8,000 years ago.

COTABATO CITY — Member of the Parliament Amilbahar Mawallil has reintroduced six legislative measures aimed at expanding and improving the region’s airport and terminal building infrastructure, establishing a seaweed industry development authority, and making dialysis treatment available at no cost to indigent patients.

Other measures include declaring the Balobok cave in Bongao, Tawi-Tawi as a regional heritage zone, memorializing the top 90 and top 300 core members of the Moro National Liberation Front, and promoting clean water throughout the region.

The first of the six bills introduced is Parliament Bill No. 84, which mandates the Bangsamoro Commission for the Preservation of the Cultural Heritage (BCPCH) to produce and publish the official names of the MNLF’s Top 90 and Top 300 core members.

The BCPCH should build a regional monument to honor the ideals and bravery shown by the core members who fought for the Bangsamoro struggle.

The top 90 were composed of different ethnolinguistic groups of the region who questioned the socio-political landscape in Mindanao and aimed to fight social injustices towards the Bangsamoro people.

“The top 90 and top 300 core members, the unsung champions of the Bangsamoro struggle, should be given proper recognition for the bravery they have manifested in continuous-

ly fighting for our rights,” said Mawallil.

BTA Bill No. 85, or the BARMM Airport Terminal Infrastructure Modernization Act of 2022, promotes the modernization and development of all airport terminal building facilities in the Bangsamoro region.

According to the proposed measure, the Bangsamoro government will provide adequate and suitable airport facilities through its continuous repair, maintenance, and development.

Once approved, the respective airport operators must submit a master plan for the longterm development of all airport passenger terminal infrastructure and facilities within BARMM to support the modernization of existing airport facilities.

“This bill seeks to ensure an integrated manner of operating regional airport terminals and to avoid conflicting policies and programs on airport maintenance, operation, and development,” MP Mawallil said.

MP Mawallil also proposes the establishment of the Seaweed Industry Development Authority, which will develop an integrated development framework for the region’s seaweed industry.

He said the Bangsamoro government must be able to manage and improve seaweed culture and wild harvest techniques and output so that the relevant socio-economic benefits are “not lost and that the quality of the fresh or processed seaweed is maintained.”

BTA Bill No. 87, or the Ba-

A “regional heritage zone” refers to historical, anthropological, archeological, and artistic geographic areas that are culturally significant to the Bangsamoro region.

In addition, MP Mawallil reintroduced BTA Bill No. 88, also known as the BARMM Dialysis Center Act of 2022, which would require all public hospitals in the region to establish dialysis units.

The dialysis units should have enough machines, equipment, paraphernalia, and supplies, as well as sufficient medical and other personnel, such as nephrologists, dialysis nurses, dialysis technicians, and operating room nurses, for both peritoneal and hemodialysis.

The Ministry of Health must ensure that indigent patients, as identified by the Ministry of Social Services and Development, receive free dialysis treatments in all regional government hospitals.

Lastly, BTA Bill No. 89, also known as the Safe Drinking Water Act of 2022, aims to preserve and restore water resources while also ensuring access to safe drinking water.

According to the proposed measure, the Bangsamoro government should develop an effective water quality management system aimed at protecting human health, preventing drinking water health hazards, and protecting, preserving, and reviving the region’s fresh, brackish, and marine waters. (LTAIS-Public Information, Publication, and Media Relations Division)

Member of the Parliament Amilbahar Mawallil

SUPPORT PEACE IN MINDANAO

SEC to implement digital registration, payments

solicitation is unauthorized. Mao dayon nang mu-come in na dayon ang investment scam kay dili man registered sa SEC,” Radaza said.

Most investment opportunities right now are digitized, including the transfer of money, through online, according to Radaza,

Continued from page 1 Continued from page 1

composed of barangays that petitioned and voted to join the Bangsamoro region during the plebiscite in 2019. The Special Geographic Area is composed of 63 villages in the towns of Aleosan, Carmen, Kabacan, Midsayap, Pikit, and Pigcawayan.

Filed by the Government of the Day, the proposed measures will create the municipalities of Pahamudin, Kadayangan, Kabalukan, Northern Kabacan, Kapalawan, Malmar, Tugunan, and Ligawasan.

Parliament Bill (PB) No. 129 seeks to create the Municipality of Pahamudin.

Under the proposed measure, Pahamudin will be composed of the barangays of Balacayon, Buricain, Datu Binasing, Datu Mantil, Kadilingan, Lower Pangangkalan, Libungan Torreta, Matilac, Patot, Upper Pangangkalan, Lower Baquer, and Simsiman, which all originated from the Municipality of Pigcawayan in North Cotabato.

The seat of government for the Municipality of Pahamudin will be established in Barangay Libungan Torreta.

A municipality of Kadayangan will also be created, with the barangays of Central Labas, Kapinpilan, Malingao, Mudseng, Sambulawan, Tugal, and Tumbras from Midsayap in North Cotabato, as its components.

According to PB No. 130, Barangay Kapinpilan will become the Municipal-

ity of Kadayangan’s seat of government.

Barangays such as Damatulan, Kadigasan, Kadingilan, Kudarangan, Nabalawag, and Olandang from Midsayap, Barangay Macasendeg from Pikit, and Barangay Dungguan from Aleosan, North Cotabato, will also be constituted into one municipality, also known as the Municipality of Kabalukan, as proposed under PB No. 131.

The government seat for the Municipality of Kabalukan will be located in Barangay Nabalawag.

Another municipality, which will be called Northern Kabacan, as proposed under PB No. 132, will be created and composed of the barangays Buluan, Nangaan, Sanggadong, Simbuhay, Simone, Pedtad, and Tamped from the municipality of Kabacan in North Cotabato.

Its seat of government will be in Barangay Pedtad.

Under PB No. 133, barangays from Carmen, North Cotabato, such as Kibayao, Kitulaan, Langogan, Manarapan, Nasapian, Pebpoloan, and Tupig, will be merged into one municipality known as the Municipality of Kapalawan.

Barangay Kitulaan will be its seat of government.

PB No. 134 is proposing the creation of the municipality of Malmar. It is composed of the barangays of Balungis, Batulawan, Fort Pikit, Gokotan, Nabundas, Nalapaan, and Nunguan from Pikit, North Cotabato.

The seat of govern-

ment will be in Barangay Gokotan.

Composed of seven barangays such as Balong, Bualan, Lagunde, Macabual, Manaulanan, Pamalian, and Panicupan from Aleosan, North Cotabato, a municipality of Ligawasan will be established under PB No. 135.

The seat of government for the Municipality of Tugunan is in Barangay Manaulanan.

Lastly, constituting the municipality of Ligawasan are the barangays Bagoinged, Barungis, Bulol, Buliok, Gli-Gli, Kabasalan, and Rajamuda from Pikit, North Cotabato.

Its seat of government will be in Bagoinged.

Under the proposed measures, the creation of the eight municipalities will be approved by a majority of the votes cast by eligible voters in a plebiscite to be held in the barangays that make up the municipalities.

The plebiscite will be conducted and supervised by the Commission on Elections, through the Bangsamoro Electoral Office.

The BARMM Chief Minister will appoint the first mayor, vice mayor, and eight members of the Sangguniang Bayan of the new municipalities.

The Bangsamoro government will also appropriate and provide financial assistance for the administration and operation of the municipalities. (LTAIS-Public Information, Publication, and Media Relations Division)

Western Mindanao Command vows support to AFP Chief Centino

- The Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) here said it will do away with physical transactions in favor of online transactions starting next month.

Jesher M. Radaza, SEC regional supervising administrative officer, said: “This coming February ang SEC, dili na siya mudawat og payment sa filing fee, tanan nga payments will be done online. So magbayad ta sa atong filing fee, pinaagi sa PayMaya or Gcash, ug sa Landbank offices.”

Radaza said the SEC – which regulates the capital market - is always innovating in terms of sys-

tems for registrations and investigations. “It means that the SEC will register all individuals who will solicit public investments, and it will also be authorized to grant legal personalities in accordance with the provisions of the revised corporation code,” he said.

He said in addition to registering as a corporation, the company will also need to get another application from the SEC if it wants to ask the public for money. “Dili siya pwede nga kay corporation na, diretso na sila mag-solicit og investments. So kailangan sila magkuha og secondary license, otherwise, their

He said there is a mobile application where one can invest, provided the site or the entity is registered with the SEC.

“We have to check with the SEC. We have to investigate. Sometimes there are investment opportunities we think are opportunities, but money will disappear because it is not registered. Those who created the site are investment scammers. We need to be careful when we invest," he said.

“Bisan gali og wala'y kwarta, ma-scam gihapon, kay if you don't have money unya naa kay gadget, ignon gihapon ka sa scammer nga why not pawn your gadget, para makakwarta ka, para maka-invest ka, so tanan vulnerable,” Radaza said. (Jasper Marie Rucat)

President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. named Centino to the top military post replacing Lt. Gen. Bartolome Bacarro.

Centino, appointed by then President Rodrigo Duterte, previously served as the Chief of Staff from November 12, 2021, to August 8, 2022 until Marcos replaced him and named Bacarro as Chief of Staff. Centino’s relief affected the morale not only of the officers but soldiers as well, citing his remarkable records and accomplishments.

Centino officially took over the post on Saturday, January 7, the same day Bacarro vowed

out of military service. In his assumption speech, Centino said: “As I take on the responsibility as Chief of Staff, I reiterate what I have focused on in the past to comply with the urgent tasks at hand. While significant gains have been achieved in our security campaigns, there remain critical tasks to be carried out that need to be fully complied. We must ensure that all our resources are employed to definitively address all the current and emerging threats.”

Brig. Gen. Arturo Rojas, chief of the Western Mindanao Command, expressed his full support for the appointment of Centino as the 59th Chief of Staff of the Armed Forces of the Philippines.

“Team WestMinCom welcomes our new Chief of Staff and we express our full support in all of his endeavors. We belong to one Team AFP and we are focused on fulfilling our mandate of protecting the people and defending the territorial integrity and national sovereignty,” Rojas said.

“Rest assured that we, the men and women of Western Mindanao Command, will continue to perform our sworn duties and give our best efforts for peace and progress here in Mindanao,” he added.

Centino graduated from the Philippine Military Academy with a Bachelor of Science, cum laude, degree in 1988.

(Mindanao Examiner)

Continued from page 1 Continued from page 1 following his appointment as Armed Forces Chief of Staff.

CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY

SEC's Jesher M. Radaza.

Bangsamoro Parliament seeks to create eight municipalities in the

UPD-CS develops automated environmentally-sustainable campus

system that reports real-time data on air quality via the Airtoday.ph website. The system was also initially designed to record and display air quality data on other areas outside the UPD, including the Lung Center of the Philippines and EDSA Muñoz. “Picking up from this initiative, nagkakaroon ng other initiatives pa towards a smart campus and environmental sustainability,” Dr. Cayetano said.

QUEZON CITY - Communities across the Philippines could become more environmentally sustainable, thanks to the University of the Philippines -Diliman College of Science (UPD-CS) spearheading the use of automated environmental monitoring technology and regular environmental testing procedures for possible deployment nationwide.

At thebehest of UPD Chancellor Fidel Nemenzo, who prioritized the protection and preservation of UPD's natural environment in his vision for the campus, the UPD-CS led other colleges and institutions in the University in setting up sophisticated sensors for keeping an eye on the environment around the clock.

The Chancellor appointed the multi-sectoral Task Force on EnvironmentalSustainability (TFES) to create environmental action points for a possiblemodel for a green campus, which could then serve as the prototype for greenspaces nationwide.

Real-timeenvironmental monitoring Two key action points determined by the expert team are the deployment in the UPD-CS' National Science Complex (NSC) of the AirboxSensesystem for real-time air quality reporting to the general public, and the establishment of an air and water quality monitoring network with the DilimanEnvironmental Management Office.

The AirboxSense was co-developed by UP and foreign university partners with funding from the Asia-India Science, Technology, and InnovationCooperation (AISTC). “Air quality monitoring using AirboxSense in the NSC started in August 2022. It’s an initiative between the Philippines, Malaysia, and India to put up these monitoring devices for air quality control,” explained Dr. Mylene Cayetano, a professor at the UPD-CS’ Institute of Environmental Science and Meteorology (IESM), a member of the UPD TFES, and the Philippine Principal Investigator

for the AISTIC. Tocomplement the AirboxSense data, the IESM undertakes regular monitoring of theUniversity’s various creeks and streams: water samples are collected at leastonce a month and analyzed in the laboratory to assess factors such as thepresence of excessive nutrients and suspended solids, irregular pH, andalkalinity, among other parameters. Towards asolar-powered campus TheUPD-CS also aims to lessen its ecological footprint through solar powerinstallations throughout the NSC. By considering the optimal size and placementof solar panels, Dr. Cayetano and her colleagues were able to determine thebest ways to address the campus' energy needs. Solar panels can save energy forthe UPD-CS by lessening the dependency on fossil fuels during the daytime.

“Together with UPD-CS scientists Dr. Lillian Jennifer Rodriguez and Jelaine Gan, we calculated the area ng lahat ng rooftop ng CS buildings. We determined the surface area of the rooftops facing south. Then we proposed how many solar panels we need to install in CS para hindi na tayo dependent on fossil fuels, and eventually we will transform it into an efficient campus,” said Dr. Cayetano. “UPD-CS Dean Giovanni Tapang presented this idea to Chancellor Fidel, and it aligns with the Chancellor’s initiative to make UPD an environmentally-sustainable campus,” she added.

Deployment beyond UP UP

Going beyond the confines of the University, the UPD-CS, and the IESM collaborated with the Rotary Club of Makati on a

She cited the UPD Electrical and Electronics Engineering Institute for helping automate the AirboxSense through the UP Center for Air Research program. Dr.Cayetano also highlighted the Robust Optical Aerosol Monitor developed by Dr. Len Herald Lim of the Institute of Chemistry, which could be deployed outsideUPD in the future.

Aiming for nationwide for nationwide deployment Dr. Cayetano believes that these projects are of nationwide significance: the information they gather and the data they record will greatly help organizations and institutions across the country in finding solutions to environmental issues. “These[information and data] will eventually tell the numbers. Nasaan na tayo? Nasaan‘yung baseline? Ano ‘yung emissions natin noong walang activities dahil sa pandemic? Ano naman ‘yung increase ng emissions noong nagkaroon ng activities such as face-to-face classes and the opening of the UPD campus and offices? By knowing these, we know where to stand. By knowing those numbers, we will know how to manage the impacts on the environment of such activities,” Dr. Cayetano explained.

Through these and other initiatives, UPD’s TFES is spearheading the creation of tailor-fit approaches to environmental challenges that can be implemented outside the campus. Data collected from these initiatives can also be used by local governments and other decision-makers in managing localized environmental activities, according to Dr. Cayetano. (Mindanao Examiner)

Milkfish harvest hailed, Norwegian-type fish cage promoted

Continued from page 1 Continued from page 1

Aquatic Resources in Zamboanga Peninsula, some 1.645 tons of milkfish were partially harvested from two Norwegian marine fish cages in Sindangan town recently. The agency monitored and documented the harvest in the coastal village of R.G. Macias and said the cages were stocked on June 21 last year by the Sindangan Fisherfolk Association, the beneficiary of the project.

The BFAR said the success of this project not only provided a very sustainable form of livelihood for the beneficiaries, it also provided a very viable and profitable means for Sindangan fishermen to invest in a fish cage venture in their town.

It said the Norwegian fish cage technology uses high-density polyethylene composites and serves to address several issues at once. It

said this technology is highly productive in terms of sheer harvest volume compared to the traditional bamboo fish cage and it is sustainable since it no longer requires indigenous materials, aside from being highly durable.

Norwegian fish cages can also be deployed in areas where wave action makes it impossible to operate traditional bamboo fish cages, and this technology

can be replicated in other coastal communities in the country.

Another popular Norwegian fish cage uses a circular frame made of polyvinyl chloride or steel pipes and around this frame, which is held by floaters and anchors, a net cage 7 to 10 meters deep is hung and stocks are released and raised inside it. (Mindanao Examiner)

Peace now reigns in Sulu

Continued from page 1 Continued from page 1 announced the surrender of 21 extremists in Patikul town.

Marine Brig. Gen. Arturo Rojas, the acting chief of the Western Mindanao Command, said among those who surrendered were senior Abu Sayyaf and local ISIS leaders Majid Said and Jamiri Jauhari. They also handed over seven M14 and three M16 automatic rifles.

“We are hopeful that the Abu Sayyaf Group in Sulu will soon be defeated and peace and order in the province of Sulu will be fully restored,” he said

Rojas said the military and the local government provided financial assistance to the extremists who are now in

a temporary relocation site.

“I’m very happy with this development. We were anticipating this already because of the well-integrated civil and military strategy of the campaign plan. Moreover, because of the whole of nation approach, we are able to get the support of the populace towards the government side and we have continuously drained the ASG of the much-needed support to them. Also, we were able to isolate them and stopped their recruitment efforts,” he said.

were convinced to lay down their arms,” he added.

Rojas said the successful surrender of the extremists was a result of the collaborative efforts of the 32nd and 45th Infantry Battalions, the 6th Special Forces Battalion, the Sulu Provincial Police Office, and the police and military intelligence in Sulu.

creeks and streams.

“I commend once again our dedicated soldiers for their unyielding commitment to the mission. I know this was a long process of confidence building efforts before they

Sulu now has become even more peaceful and progressive because of the various pro-peace programs implemented by Gov. Sakur Tan and his municipal mayors. Beach resorts and restaurants, and hotels and pension houses have sprung over the years with the business sector largely attributing this to the improved peace and order.

(Mindanao Examiner)

The AirboxSense is one of several automated air quality sensors deployed within the National Science Complex by the IESM. UPD-CS scientists are looking at the feasibility of rolling out similar initiatives nationwide. (Eunice Jean Patron)

Aside from deploying automated air quality sensors, the UPD-CS also developed water testing procedures to regularly monitor the University’s

Building bridges of ‘hope and opportunities’

products sometimes ended up falling into the water and getting lost.

Thankfully, with the help of CFSI, funded by Australia’s Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade and the involvement of the Marawi COVID Recovery Project, Samer’s local government was able to build a hanging bridge and finally connect the two communities.

Shark fins seized at Zambo airport

LANAO DEL SUR - From the stigma of constant armed conflict to opening its gates and embracing the opportunity to show the world the natural wonders it has to offer, the municipality of Butig in Lanao del Sur province has had, and overcome, more than its fair share of problems throughout the years.

While the local government and non-government organizations are working towards ending the stigma once and for all, some community-based problems get left on the back burner. But make no mistake! It’s not because they are deemed less important, but simply because they are in farther and remote areas where government agencies can’t reach as easily as they wish they could.

This used to be the case for Samer and Caloyan-Tambo, two far-flung villages of Butig. Separated by one or two rivers, depending on which route you take, the villages were in constant trade and communication, but never truly connecting. That is until

the non-government organization Community and Family Services International (CFSI) came into their lives.

Samer Punong Barangay Mangontawar Amatonding Jr. explained how most of the residents in Caloyan-Tambo are farmers and more often than not, they had to either transport their produce via horseback and cross two rivers, or if they were in a hurry and didn’t want to go to round-about way, tie their products to a zipline and zip it over the river to Samer.

Both ways of transportation had their drawbacks. The former meant longer travel time and a higher travel fee because they had to transfer their products from the horse onto a motorcycle before making it to the main market.

Sometimes, a lot of their products get either bruised to the point where they would be rendered unmarketable, or worse, lost. The latter on the other hand, while saving time and money, ran the risk of the river rising - especially during the rainy season - and their

Now with a stable and safe means of transportation between the villages, the bridge serves not only as a more efficient route that saves residents’ resources but a symbol of a brighter future for its constituents.

Amatonding Jr. shared that there were doubts along the way. “Sabi nila hindi daw pwede, yung parang, malayo daw baka hindi namin matapos pero Alhamdulillah, natapos namin yung proyekto,” he said.

He even shared that they plan on adding railings to the bridge to further stabilize it and make it safer for motorcycles to pass by for easier access. Amantonding Jr. also expressed his gratitude to CFSI for making Samer's residents’ lives easier. He likewise encouraged the citizens of Samer to treat the bridge as a community heirloom to be passed down to future generations.

As the people of Butig slowly eradicate the stigma surrounding their town, the lives of its residents slowly become easier. If and when their goal of making people see Butig as the hidden gem it truly is becomes successful, their new bridge is only the first step towards its journey towards a better economy. (Pamela Joyce Fumero)

NPA rebels told to surrender, live peacefully

Continued from page 1 Continued from page 1 peacefully with their families.

The calls were made by Lt. Gen. Greg Almerol, chief of the Eastern Mindanao Command based in Davao City, after he reported that eight senior members of the New People’s Army have surrendered in Bukidnon province, a known hotbed of insurgency in Mindanao.

Almerol said the rebels surrendered recently to the members of the 1st Special Forces Battalion.

He identified the rebels as Noel Sinanday, a squad leader; Rady Kinoyog, a political instructor; Jertolui Hilario, a political guide; Jilmar Dahinlay, a squad 1 team leader; Nickboy Sinanday, a squad 3 team leader; Roselyn Omandam, a platoon medic; Maricel Colawing, a squad 1 medic; and Jenelyn Palta, a squad 3 medic.

Almerol said the rebels belonged to the Platun IPAD, Sub-Regional Committee 5 of the North Central Mindanao

Regional Committee. “They yielded through the efforts of the 1st Special Forces Battalion, under the 403rd Infantry Brigade of the 4th Infantry Division in Bukidnon province,” he said.

The rebels, according to Almerol, also led soldiers in retrieving three AK47 rifles, three M16A1 rifles, an M14 rifle, one improvised explosive device, several magazines, various ammunition, and assorted medical supplies.

Almerol said the death of Communist Party of the Philippines Founder Jose Maria Sison last year has increased the demoralization among the NPA, which convinced the rebels to surrender peacefully.

“The loss of their highest leader has critically affected the morale of the communist terrorist group. Without Sison’s direction and leadership, the CPP-NPA will suffer. That is why their remnants are yielding, even as 2023 has just started because they know the disaster the communist terrorist group is heading,” Al-

merol said.

He was referring to the 83-year communist chieftain who died on December 17 in The Netherlands after a two-week confinement in a hospital. Despite his death, communist rebel leaders vow to continue to wage war.

“With this situation, we expect more of their comrades to surface and lay down their arms. Thus, we are reiterating our call for them to surrender without hesitation as the freedom and benefits of the Enhanced Comprehensive Local Integration are waiting upon their return,” Almerol said.

Just this month, three NPA rebels - Maximo Vibas Sr., a squad Leader, and his partner Jennifer Gagbo; and Nelboy Yubos – also surrendered to the 29th Infantry Battalion in the village of Comagascas in Agusan del Norte's Cabadbaran City. They were all members of Sentro de Grabidad 16, Guerilla Front 16, Northeastern Mindanao Regional Committee. (Mindanao Examiner)

ZAMBOANGA CITY - The Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (BFAR) warned travellers and traders against transporting marine products which are included or prohibited under the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species (CITES).

The BFAR came out with this warning following the recent seizure of 31.6 pounds of dried shark fins worth over P100,000 at the Zamboanga International Airport. The shark fins were bound for Manila when it was intercepted.

The agency did not identify the owner of the shark fins, but said these were confiscated by personnel from

the BFAR's Regional Fisheries Inspection and Quarantine Unit.

The shark fins, contained in two sacks, were discovered during a random inspection of fishery products conducted by BFAR Quarantine Officer, Remelyn Atilano and Richard Orquijo, local government fishery enforcer. The BFAR said the seized shark fins were those of Rhyncobatus spp. (Wedgefish) and Carcharinus falciformis (Silky Shark), species that are prohibited under the CIES.

The BFAR cited Section 102 (b) of the Amended Philippine Fisheries Code as saying that: “It shall be unlawful to fish, take, catch, gather,

sell, purchase, possess, transport, export, forward or ship out aquatic species listed in the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of wild fauna and flora Appendices II and III.”

Shark fins have high monetary and cultural value. They are used in a popular dish called shark fin soup, which is a symbol of status in Chinese culture. The approximate price range for US Shark Fins is between US$ 2.61 and US$ 6.31 per kilogram or between US$ 1.18 and US$ 2.86 per pound. The price in Europe is EUR 2.61 per kg. The average price for a ton is US$ 2608.81 in New York and Washington. (Mindanao Examiner)

Touch of an angel: Dying Chinese folk doctor

granted final wish to perform acupuncture on sick daughter

just hours before passing away

ment needles into his daughter’s hand properly.

Yang had become critically ill hours earlier after catching Covid-19.

Knowing he was dying, the moment he felt a little better and less weak, he insisted on treating his youngest daughter who was also infected with Covid, reported the Bailu Video.

Aware of the situation, the woman could not stop crying while being treated. She agreed to receive the treatment to give her a final, lasting memory of him. The old man died four hours later.

you’ll always be a child,” another person said, putting himself in the old man’s shoes.

A third person was commenting on the acupuncturist’s professionalism: “He remained professional until the last moments of his life.”

Yang was a folk acupuncturist in northern China’s Shanxi province for 60 years, and was reported by local newspapers to have effectively treated paralysis and polio.

Continued from page 1 Continued from page 1

daughter just hours before he died has touched countless people on mainland social media.

What became a viral Douyin video of the event was posted by a granddaughter of 83-year-old acupuncturist, Yang Zhenya. It was filmed on December 28 just hours before he died.

Despite suffering from weakness, the cancer-stricken and bedridden old man managed to insert the treat-

Not wanting his children to see him in pain, suffering Yang covered half of his face with a quilt before he passed away, Wang, his granddaughter, said in her post.

The video was shared by several media outlets in China and moved many online to tears.

“The most selfless love in the world is a parent’s love. They always give everything without expecting anything in return,” said one comment on Douyin.

“As long as I’m alive,

Yang was also considered the family acupuncturist, treating his children and grandchildren anytime they became ill.

He raised his children on his own after his wife died at a young age, and also looked after his grandchildren while their parents were busy at work.

In his final moments, Yang, in tears, told his family that he wished he had more time to spend with them.

“His children were all grandpa thought about,” his granddaughter Wang told the Bailu Video. (Fran Lu, South China Morning Post)

Elderly Yang spent decades treating an array of ailments with his acupuncture skills. ( Photo: Weibo)

Butig towns’s newest hanging bridge stands as a proud symbol of hope and a promise of more opportunities for the residents of Samer and Caloyan-Tambo. (Jason Casas)

Policemen guard a shipment of shark fins after the Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources seized them at the Zamboanga International Airport recently.

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

Scammed!

‘Zambo couple duped by cooperative’

Mari Santos said she paid the money to Annalie Diaz, who allegedly works with the Helping Hand Credit and Savings Cooperative, through her GCash account number 09668533963. She said Diaz, upon receiving the money, immediately blocked her cell phone number.

Santos said she phoned Diaz many times and sent text messages but all were left answered. She also called up the telephone number, 032-540 3248, of the cooperative, but it was incorrect.

Even the address of the cooperative at 37 Leon Kilat Street was non-existent after Santos used Google Maps to check its location. The office address is in the middle of a junction road in Cebu City. The cooperative’s Facebook

page was created in December 2021, but its metadata shows the location of its creator was in Mandaluyong City.

Santos said she discovered the cooperative on Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/ profile.php?id=100076512076466

- and was able to chat with a certain John John, who claimed to be working with the Helping Hand Credit and Savings Cooperative, and offered her a P20,000 loan payable in one year.

The man even communicated with Lacastesantos using his Facebook page - https:// www.facebook.com/anthony.

martinezdubois - and instructed her to pay the P1,000 advance interest to Diaz or Reamy Mae Manio through her GCash number 0993-4283035.

“John John also blocked

my number and cannot be reached. I was scammed and we just borrowed the money to pay for the advance interest this cooperative is asking from us so they can release our P20,000 loan,” said Santos, who sought the help of the Mindanao Examiner to warn the public about this modus operandi.

The Cooperative Development Authority (CDA) in Cebu City said the Helping Hand Credit and Savings Cooperative is not a registered cooperative. “It does not exist in our database. The Helping Hand Credit and Savings Cooperative is registered with us,” the head of the CDA’s registry section told the Mindanao Examiner by phone.

Santos said she reported the matter to the police. (Cebu Examiner)

Top Visayas cops to tender courtesy resignation

gio Osmeña Sr. here to “express our all-out support”.

He said he sees no problem with the approach, saying doing so will “really enhance the image and credibility of the Philippine National Police (PNP). “It will improve our operations at the grassroots level and enhance the good image not only of the PNP but also the entire country,” he said.

Bureau of Customs vow to deliver Balikbayan boxes

CEBU CITY – The Bureau of Customs here said it is completing the delivery of 185 Balikbayan boxes to families of overseas Filipino workers (OFWs) free of charge after the packages were abandoned in warehouses, mostly in Manila.

CEBU CITY – Police officials in Central Visayas have thrown their support to the call of Interior Secretary Benjamin Abalos Jr for generals and colonels to tender their courtesy resignation as part of a massive drive to weed out those involved in the illegal drug trade.

Brig. Gen. Jerry Bearis, director of the Police Regional Office-Region 7 (PRO-7), said he got the commitment of full-fledged colonels and generals in the region to co-

operate with the Marcos administration’s new strategy in the war on drugs.

“This is a very nice approach for us to cleanse our ranks. This intensifies and renews our commitment to win (the war) against the proliferation of illegal drugs,” Bearis said.

He said shortly after he learned of Abalos’ announcement calling them to tender their courtesy resignation, he gathered the police colonels and generals at the Camp Ser-

Abalos, whose video was posted on social media announcing his call for courtesy resignation, said he was doing it to protect the police operatives who are lower in ranks against high-ranked officials holding sensitive positions. However, Abalos said the resignations of only those who are involved in illegal drugs will be dealt with in consonance with the existing procedures.

When asked if there are police officials in the region who are involved in illegal drugs, Bearis said the PRO-7 is strengthening its counter-intelligence operations to deal with them. (John Rey Saavedra)

Mario David Luminarias Jr., BOC-Cebu’s acting deputy collector for operations, said the boxes arrived in Cebu late last month and are being distributed to the consignees in the cities of Cebu, Lapu-Lapu, Cordova, Dumaguete and Bohol province.

Luminarias said the packages which were loaded onto two 20-footer container vans were mostly from Dubai.

He said last October, Customs Commissioner Yogi Filemon Ruiz instructed his personnel to consolidate the abandoned boxes in various warehouses and ordered their delivery to the consignees in Luzon, Visayas and Mindanao free of charge.

“In the spirit of Christ-

mas, the Bureau of Customs doesn’t collect any fee at all. I think it’s the instruction of President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. to deliver it free of charge, including the duties and taxes if there are taxable items. Our thoughts are for the OFWs who want their families to be happy,” Luminarias told the Philippine News Agency.

The BOC, he added, has shouldered the cost of delivery in coordination with cargo handlers.

Luminarias said the subports of Mactan, Dumaguete and the customs office at the Panglao International Airport in Bohol were tasked to complete the delivery of the packages soon.

Mactan subport Collector Gerardo Campo said they have completed the distribution for the recipients in Lapu-Lapu City and the town of Cordova. “We can’t imagine their (consignees') feelings when they received their packages,” Campo told the

PNA.

Apparently, some of the consignees were no longer expecting to receive their balikbayan boxes after much delay, as they noted schemes by unscrupulous consolidators abroad who would just collect the freight fees even without a clear agreement with local forwarders with regard to the delivery.

Ruiz offered a long-term solution by pushing for policy measures to thwart such schemes through a collaboration with the Department of Trade and Industry’s Fair Trade Enforcement Bureau.

Luminarias said the BOC under Ruiz has created the Balikbayan Box OneStop-Shop as an offshoot of the inter-agency agreement with the DTI and the Department of Migrant Workers to put in place collaborative measures to stop the illicit activities of “balikbayan” box consolidators abroad.

(John Rey Saavedra)

CEBU CITY - A couple who runs a small printing job in Zamboanga City has

EBU CITY - A couple who runs a small in has sought the help of the police and this newspaper after they were duped into the of the and this newspaper after were into paying P1,000 as an advance interest to a P20,000 loan offered by a coopera- paying P1,000 as an advance interest to a P20,000 loan offered a cooperative allegedly based in Cebu City tive based in Cebu City.

Police Regional Office (PRO)-Central Visayas director Brig. Gen. Jerry Bearis answers questions from the local media at the Philippine Information Agency regional office in Cebu City. (John Rey Saavedra)