The Mindanao Examiner Regional Newspaper (February 13-19, 2023)

Deployment of domestic workers in Kuwait suspended

PAGADIAN CITY – The Philippines has suspended the deployment of “first-time” or newly-hired domestic workers bound for Kuwait following the rape and murder of a 35-year old Filipina maid, Jullebee Rarana last month.

This was confirmed Jullebee Ranara

P

by Migrant Workers Undersecretary Maria Anthonette Allones, according to Sen. Raffy Tulfo, chairman of the Committee on Migrant Workers.

Tulfo also called for an immediate deployment ban of Filipino workers bound for Kuwait, citing Continue on page 6 Continue on page 6

COFFEE LOVERS in the Philippines may now enjoy the best and the most expensive coffee in the world - Kopi Luwak - but not as pricey as every connoisseur thinks.

Kopi Luwak is a coffee that consists of partially digested coffee cherries,

which have been eaten and defecated by the Asian palm civet. The cherries are fermented as they pass through a civet’s intestines, and after being defecated with other fecal matter, they are collected.

of United States Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin III in Zamboanga City where

members

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with the Philippines

CHINA HAS warned countries in Asia to be vigilant about the US "using" them, after

American forces secured access to a further four military bases in the Philippines.

Marcos favors bill on consumption tax for ‘super rich’

especially those involved in heinous crimes, to surrender peacefully or face

PRESIDENT FERDINAND Marcos Jr. has backed the proposed measure filed by Albay Rep. Joey Salceda that calls for the imposition of wealth taxes on so-called “super-rich” individuals to address

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Marcos

access to five military bases in the Continue on page 5 Continue on page 5 President Ferdinand

the consequences of their criminal acts.

A Philippine

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of the Special Operations Task Force 511.2 in the region following the recent visit of U.S. Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin III. (Photo by Al Jacinto)

Children’s group pushes for

better mental well-

being

CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY

– The nongovernmental group Save the Children Philippines has expressed grave concern for the health and well-being of millions of learners, following the escalation

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A group of children play in the river in Cotabato City in southern Philippines. (Photo by Al Jacinto)

ets

volatile

province

southern Philippines in this photo taken December 17, 2009. The United States has newly deployed

among students

U.S deploy troops in Mindanao

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511.2 (SOTF 511.2) were newly deployed.

Austin, accompanied by U.S. Embassy and American military officials, met with senior Filipino security commanders led by the Chief of Staff of the Philippine armed forces Gen. Andres Centino and Lt. Gen. Roy Galido, chief of the Western Mindanao Command.

No reporters were allowed to cover Austin’s visit, but a statement released by the Western Mindanao Command said the U.S. Defense chief had a conference with Filipino officials which focused on strengthening mutual cooperation and establishing a good relationship

between the Philippine military and the SOTF 511.2.

It said Austin also reaffirmed Washington’s commitment to support its allies in their campaigns against terrorism and in sustaining peace in their respective areas of responsibility.

Filipino forces continue to battle several Muslim extremist groups allied with the Islamic State and the communist rebellion in many parts of the region of Mindanao.

American soldiers had in the past assisted Philippine troops in the battalion level and provided intelligence and counterterrorism training to Filipino infantrymen,

especially in the restive provinces of Basilan, Sulu and Tawi-Tawi, including in Maguindanao, a stronghold of the Moro Islamic Liberation Front and Dawlah Islamiya and other IS groups harboring foreign terrorists.

Before flying back to Manila, Austin also inspected the headquarters of SOTF 511.2 located inside Western Mindanao Command and met with American soldiers.

Galido said he welcomed the visit of Austin and vowed close cooperation with the U.S. in an effort to defeat terrorism and insurgency in the South. “Team WestMinCom is grateful and fortunate enough to be vis-

ited by the US Secretary of Defense. This shows how strong is our working relationship and how committed our most powerful ally is to help us in addressing our security issues here in the southern part of the Philippines.”

“As the commander of the most diverse unified command of the Armed forces of the Philippines, I am deeply elated by their gestures of support in our campaign against terrorism and insurgency in our area of operation,” he said.

Austin visited the Philippines to ensure U.S. access to four more locations under an Enhanced Defense Cooperation Agreement dating to 2014, allowing the Pentagon to deploy or rotate American troops to a total of nine bases throughout the country.

He also had a meeting with President Ferdinand Marcos Jr, promising to help the Philippines modernize its defense capabilities as well as increase the interoperability of American and Filipino military forces.

“From defense perspective, we will continue to work together with our great partners and to build and modernize your capabilities as well as increase our interoperabili-

ty,” Austin said.

Marcos said he sees the future of the Philippines and the Asia-Pacific tied up with the United States because of the Philippines’ and the region’s strong and historic partnership with the US.

“And again, I have always said that it seems to me that the future of the Philippines and, for that matter, the Asia Pacific will always have to involve the United States simply because those partnerships are so strong and so historically embedded in our common psyches that can only be an advantage to both our countries,” Marcos said.

“So thank you once again for coming to visit with us and to give us the opportunity to discuss with you and through you, the American government, our own outlook on this situation as it stands at the present,” he added.

Marcos thanked Austin for visiting the Philippines amid a very complicated situation in the region to exchange some ideas, thoughts and information with him on the current situation in the Asia-Pacific.

The Philippines, Marcos said, can only navigate properly in this environment with the help of

its partners and allies in the international sphere. “As we traverse these rather troubled waters — geopolitical waters, the economic waters — that we are facing, I again put great importance on those partnerships, specifically with the United States… all partnerships and alliances that we are able to make with our friends around the world,” Marcos said.

Both countries also announced plans to accelerate the full implementation of the EDCA and the substantial completion of the projects in the existing agreed locations.

The EDCA is a key pillar of the U.S.-Philippine Alliance, which supports combined training, exercises, and interoperability between our forces. Expansion of the EDCA will make the alliance stronger and more resilient, and will accelerate modernization of our combined military capabilities.

The U.S. said it has allocated over $82 million toward infrastructure investments at the existing five sites under the EDCA, and is proud that these investments are supporting economic growth and job creation in local communities. (Mindanao Examiner)

Police warn rogue cops

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Brig. Gen. Warren De Leon, chief of the Philippine National Police - Integrity Monitoring and Enforcement Group (IMEG), has ordered an intensified campaign against erring policemen.

“We are continuously conducting our internal cleansing efforts with a stronger emphasis on ensuring the standard of discipline and conduct is observed. This campaign has long been sought and just like what our Chief, PNP said, na hindi tayo magsasawa na bantayan

ang hanay ng kapulisan,”

De Leon said.

His warning came following the recent arrest of a cop, Cpl. Derick Tanduyan, who was implicated in the murder of Pat. Hariz Jhub Adayo in May last year.

De Leon said the 31-year old Tanduyanassigned with the Magsaysay Municipal Police Station in Davao del Sur province - was arrested by IMEG members inside the Police Regional Office 11 headquarters in Davao City following the issuance of arrest warrant by

Judge Marivic Daray, of the Regional Trial Court, Branch 18, in Digos City.

“This warrant was in relation to the killing of Patrolman Hariz Jhun Adayo in May 2022, who was shot dead by a motorcycle riding suspect. As a result of the investigation conducted by the Special Investigation Task Group Adayo, it was later identified that one of the perpetrators was PCpl Tanduyan as averred by several witnesses,” De Leon said.

De Leon did not say why Adayo was killed. (Mindanao Examiner)

A Philippine military photo shows U.S. Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin III visiting Western Mindanao Command in Zamboanga City.

A U.S. military ship, escorted by a small gunboat, was spotted off the southern Philippines in this photo taken in October 2005. (Photo by Al Jacinto)

DOH willing to give info on COVID procurements

ZAMBOANGA CITY - The Department of Health (DOH) said it is committed to uphold accountability and transparency in the COVID-19 vaccine procurements after lawmakers told the agency to waive the existing non-disclosure agreements (NDA) on the medicines so that the Commission on Audit could begin its scrutiny.

During the initial public hearing held by the Senate Committee on Accountability of Public Officers and Investigations (Blue Ribbon Committee), DOH Officer-In-Charge

Maria Rosario Vergeire emphasized that the COVID-19 vaccine procurement portfolio is extensive, requiring a broad range of highly-specialized skills exclusively carried by specific government agencies.

She said they are always willing to provide the needed information on vaccine procurement, in response to issues surrounding its alleged refusal to provide the information to Congress and the Commission on Audit (COA) due to the NDA.

Vergeire said the DOH has, in fact, been very proactive in requesting for the conduct of a special audit for the COVID-19 vaccine procurements, as evidenced by official DOH correspondences to COA as early as 2021.

Despite the NDAs posing a potential hurdle to full disclosure, Vergeire said the DOH and NTF will comply with all COA audit requirements, adding, the DOH explained that disclosing information covered by the confidentiality agreements without explicit consent from the manufacturers has legal as well as public health repercussions.

Such disclosure, she said, may result in manufacturers’ loss of confidence, which may, in turn, harm the country’s future prospects to be prioritized or even to secure life-saving vaccines and other

Children’s group pushes for better mental wellbeing among students

products for Filipinos.

“As such, the DOH, as early as 2021, has coordinated with vaccine manufacturers to secure their consent to disclose information and enable procurement audits free from legal liability. Of the manufacturers engaged by the GOP, AstraZeneca and Pfizer have given their consent for DOH to disclose information under specific terms,” Vergeire said.

Waive the NDA

Senator Risa Hontiveros has repeatedly called on the DOH to waive the NDA in the name of transparency, saying the NDAs with private manufacturers have outlived their purpose.

“At this point, COVID vaccine NDAs are useless and have outlived their purpose dahil tapos na ang isyu ng price competition. It is now simply a violation of the public's right to know how our money was spent. NDAs should no longer stand in the way of accountability and transparency," she said.

The senator said the fact that the DOH submission of documents only covered the loan agreements with Asian Development Bank (ADB), the World Bank, and those with limited permissions from select vaccine manufacturers like Pfizer and AstraZeneca.

“What about the agreements with other vaccine manufacturers, like Sinovac? Bulto bultong bakuna pa naman mula sa Sinovac ang binili ng nakaraang administrasyon para sa national vaccination program. Paano magsasagawa ng complete audit ang COA kung patuloy na magtatago ang mga kompanya sa likod ng NDA clause ng kontrata?

If we allow this to happen now, it is precedent-setting. Baka sa susunod na pandemya mauulit na naman ito, at posibleng maabuso,” she said.

Hontiveros also said that this non-compliance of foreign vaccine manu-

facturers with the country's government processes is alarming.

“There is too much unnecessary secrecy surrounding this. Hindi naman dapat ituring na state secret ang presyo ng bakuna dahil pera ng bayan ang ginamit para ipambili nito. Pinipilay lang ng mga NDA na ito ang mandato ng COA na usisain kung nakasulit ba tayo sa bilyun-bilyong pisong inilabas natin noong panahon ng pandemya,” Hontiveros said. Wastage

Hontiveros said that after some 44 million vaccine wastage, it is high time the real cost is disclosed to the public. “Pwede bang i-undermine ng pribadong sektor ang ating konstitusyon dahil lang mayroon silang NDA sa government contracts? Of course not. Panahon na para makipagtulungan ang mga vaccine manufacturers sa audit ng COA,” she said.

“I stand by my call to completely release all information with regards to the COVID-19 vaccine procurement to the public. I have been saying this for over a year. There is no reason for this to be done behind closed doors. We deserve to know how every centavo was spent, lalo na ngayong panahon ng resesyon. Managot ang dapat managot, at huwag magtago sa likod ng NDA,” she added.

Vergeire reiterated their commitment to ensure that vaccine wastage is minimized and taxpayer money is well-spent and accounted for following recent reports that millions of doses of vaccine stocks have expired.

She said while the DOH noted that vaccine wastage is inevitable, the DOH continues to implement strategies to reduce the occurrence of wastage by employing effective supply chain management and boosting vaccination rates amid low vaccine uptake. (Mindanao Examiner)

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Continued from page 1 of suicide cases and attempts among students in 2021, as reported by the Department of Education (DepEd).

During the Senate hearing of the Committee on Basic Education on January 31, DepEd Assistant Secretary Dexter Galban said they recorded a total of 404 learners who committed suicide, and that 2,147 learners had attempted suicide.

“Save the Children Philippines is alarmed at this report. It shows that we are failing to protect our children right in our homes and schools. Our future generation is crying for help and we need to do something about it. Let’s work together to bring this issue to light and let us work together as a society, (including media), as a nation, and as resilient Filipinos, in finding ways to ensure that mental health issues among learners are addressed,” it said in a statement sent to The Mindanao Examiner.

The group said the country’s mental health crisis is a public health concern that requires an urgent whole-community approach response. “The

gravity of the issue cannot be overlooked as the suicide rates may even increase in the coming years, if left unaddressed. To protect an entire generation from violence and untimely deaths, we need the national agencies and local governments to immediately act and work together to prevent years of progress from being reversed,” it said.

Save the Children Philippines said children from all backgrounds and identities have the right to mental health, adding, they deserve to live and learn in a safe and nurturing environment that will allow the children to develop their social and emotional skills, increase their space for play and interaction with peers, and provide them access to high quality mental health care and psychosocial support services.

Now more than ever, it said the inequalities experienced by learners - that were exposed and exacerbated by the COVID-19 pandemic - should be put to an immediate end. Learners should not face stressors and challenges alone.

“We have to be there

for and with them in these trying times, and respond to their issues effectively to build back better for and with children,” the group said.

Save the Children Philippines also urged the Department of Health (DOH), the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD), and the DepEd to be at the forefront in curbing its impact.

“We also call the DOH to prioritize the integration of mental health care into primary care by increasing the availability and accessibility of mental health services, and training primary care professionals on the promotion, prevention, care and protection. We call on the DSWD to complement social welfare programs with child-friendly community-based mental health programs that address not only individual mental health and psychosocial needs but the overall psychosocial needs of the family unit as well,” it said.

There was no immediate statement from the DOH, DSWD and DepEd on the concerns raised by Save the Children Philippines. (Mindanao Examiner)

Number of Sayyafs dwindle in Sulu

SULU – The Philippine military said the number of Abu Sayyaf members continues to dwindle in Sulu as the provincial government strongly pursues peace and development efforts in the province, once a stronghold of the extremist group. Just recently, two Abu Sayyaf members surrendered to the military authorities in Patikul town, according to Maj. Gen. Ignatius Patrimonio, commander of Joint Task Force Sulu. Patromonio identified the duo only by their alias Hadjang, 50; and Nadz, 20. He said the two men surrendered to the 6th Special Forces Battalion under Lt. Col. Harold Nemeño in the village of Buhanginan in Patikul town. “The two Abu Sayyaf members surrendered to the military in Sulu. They also surrendered one M16 rifle and one.45-caliber pistol,” he said. Army Lt. Gen. Roy Galido, chief of the Western Mindanao Command, lauded the surrender of the two Abu Sayyaf fighters. “We at-

tribute this success to the collaborative efforts of Joint Task Force Sulu, the provincial government of Sulu, our partners and stakeholders, and the peace-loving people of Sulu.” “The employment of the whole-of-nationapproach has brought our campaign against terrorism to a greater height. Rest assured that we will continue to intensify our efforts to bring lasting peace and progress in Sulu and the rest of the

provinces in our area of operation,” Galido said. Dozens of Abu Sayyaf terrorists had surrendered since last year and were provided financial aid by the provincial and municipal governments, including a livelihood package from the national government as part of a program to lure Muslim extremists to return to the fold of the law and live peacefully with their families and become responsible citizens.

(Mindanao Examiner)

A photo released by the Western Mindanao Command shows the two Abu Sayyaf terrorists following their surrender in Sulu's Patikul town.

DOH Officer-In-Charge Maria Rosario Vergeire and Senator Risa Hontiveros

China warns the U.S. is 'using' Asian countries as Washington seals crucial military deal with the Philippines

Continued from page 1 Continued from page 1 Philippines, and would be given access to four more locations under the 2014 Enhanced Defense Cooperation Agreement (EDCA), US Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin and Philippines Defence Secretary Carlito Galvez said during a recent joint news conference at the Philippines' military headquarters in Manila.

Mr Austin has led efforts to reinforce regional security partnerships and update the arming and positioning of American and allied forces in Asia in the face of China's increasing military strength and its assertiveness regarding its claims to Taiwan and increasing parts of the South China Sea.

Speaking from the Philippines, Mr Austin referred to the decision as a "big deal" as he and his counterpart reaffirmed their commitment to bolstering their alliance.

U.S. Embassy accepting applications for College Prep Program

THE U.S. Embassy in the Philippines is inviting senior high school (grade 11) students to join its College Prep Program, a personalized mentorship and support initiative for young Filipinos interested in applying to colleges and universities in the United States.

The College Prep Program offers extensive advising and resources for prospective students, including an in-person summer application boot camp, Scholastic Aptitude Test and American College Test training, and guidance on selecting college programs and scholarships.

Filipino senior high school students with excellent grades, active participation in extracurricular activities, leadership potential, and a family income of less than P1.25 million per year are eligible to apply to this 18-month virtual program. In-

terested participants must submit their application on or before February 10, 2023 through the following link: https://educationusaph.org/CollegePrepProgram-Application.

The College Prep Program was launched in 2022 with a cohort of 11 students. To date, two out of the 11 students have received full scholarships to their top college choice while others have been accepted to American colleges under partial scholarships. Among them is scholar Carl Audric Guia, who recently received admission and a full tuition scholarship to his top-choice school, the University of Notre Dame.

"I started to take an interest in studying in the United States when I was in the 10th grade, but as a public high school student, I did not have a lot of opportunities to become familiar with the application

process,” Guia said. "The College Prep Program came at the right time—I met hands-on advisers who helped me choose best-fit colleges, prepare for standardized tests, edit essays, and much more."

EducationUSA is a U.S. Department of State network of over 430 international student advising centers in more than 175 countries and territories. The network promotes U.S. higher education to students worldwide, offering accurate, comprehensive, and current information about educational opportunities at accredited postsecondary institutions in the United States. EducationUSA also provides services to the U.S. higher education community to help institutional leaders meet their recruitment and campus internationalization goals.

(Mindanao Examiner)

PDEA vows stronger campaign vs. illegal drugs

CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY

- The Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA) has vowed to intensify its campaign as part of its continuing drive against illegal drugs in the country.

PDEA said it also strengthened the implementation of its anti-illegal drugs strategies, particularly focusing on suppressing supply by intensifying the conduct of intelligence-driven and high-impact operations,

arrest of top-level drug personalities, enhancing inter-agency collaboration and strengthening efforts in drug entry points to deter smuggling.

It said some the government’s intensified anti-narcotics campaign has resulted in the seizure of some P30.9 billion worth of illegal drugs last year. And through more than 37,000 operations conducted by PDEA and other law enforcement units, a total of

53,002 drug personalities were arrested.

PDEA said it is also working for drug demand reduction by conducting National Anti-Drug Advocacy Campaign, forging close coordination with Anti-Drug Abuse Councils, supporting community-based drug rehabilitation programs, and intensifying information dissemination to promote a stigma-free campaign.

(Mindanao Examiner)

People's Republic of China continues to advance its illegitimate claims in the West Philippine Sea," he added.

China said greater US access to Philippines' military bases undermined regional peace and stability.

The announcement from the Philippines follows Mr Austin's announcement with South Korean leaders that the US would be sending more fighter jets and bombers, and his January 11 declaration with Japanese counterparts that the US would be shifting its deployment there to make for a more nimble fighting force.

There have been other announcements from the Biden administration on arms, exercises and pacts, including a 2021 decision to provide nuclear-powered submarines to Australia.

"Our alliance makes both of our democracies more secure and helps uphold a freeand-open Indo-Pacific," said Mr Austin, whose visit follows one by US Vice-President Kamala Harris in November, which included a stop at Palawan Island in the South China Sea.

Mr Austin said discussions included actions to address "destabilising activities in the waters surrounding the Philippines", and strengthening "mutual capacities to resist armed attack".

"That's just part of our efforts to modernise our alliance. And these efforts are especially important as the

China's threat to the international order was "unprecedented", US and Japanese diplomats and defence chiefs said after that deal.

"This behaviour is of serious concern to the alliance and the entire international community, and represents the greatest strategic challenge in the Indo-Pacific region and beyond."

Mr Austin thanked President Ferdinand Marcos Jr, whom he briefly met in Manila, for allowing the US military to broaden its presence in the Philippines, Washington's oldest treaty ally in Asia.

The Philippine Constitution prohibits the permanent basing of foreign troops as well as their involvement in local combat.

However, the EDCA allows US access to Philippines' military bases for joint training, pre-positioning of equipment and the building of facilities such as runways, fuel storage and military housing, but not for a permanent presence.

The United States has announced it is allocating more than $US82 million ($115.85 million) for infrastructure at the bases.

The country used to host two of the largest US Navy and Air Force bases outside the American mainland. Those bases were shut down in the early 1990s, after the Philippines Senate rejected an extension, but American forces later returned for largescale combat exercises with Filipino troops.

Ties between the United States and its former colony were soured under the previous president, Rodrigo Duterte, who made overtures towards China and was known for anti-US rhetoric and threats to downgrade military ties.

Mr. Marcos Jr. has met President Joe Biden twice since the son of former dictator — who was also called Ferdinand Marcos — won a landslide victory in an election last year and reiterated he could not see a future for his country without its longtime treaty ally.

"I have always said, it seems to me, the future of the Philippines — and, for that matter, the Asia-Pacific — will always have to involve the United States," Mr Marcos told Mr Austin. (ABC/wires)

Philippine tourism official says welcome Chinese tourists back

MANILA - Cynthia Lirio, secretary general of the Philippine Travel Agencies Association (PTAA), told Xinhua in a recent interview that the Philippines welcomes Chinese tourists and is looking forward to receiving tour groups from the world's second-largest economy.

"Huan Ying Zhong

Guo You Ke (Welcome Chinese tourists). Welcome to the Philippines, our Chinese community and friends," said Lirio, both in Chinese and English.

As one of the world's largest outbound tourism markets before the COVID-19 pandemic, China recently resumed outbound group tours, signifying huge potential growth in neighboring countries' tourism revenue, including that of the Philippines.

Lirio said the return of Chinese tourists could boost the recovery of her country's vital tourism sector, which has long been hampered by the pandemic.

"It's really a big help for our community by Chinese people coming here, because they contribute a lot of revenue and a lot in tourism. Together with local government units, our (central) government and also our association, we're helping each other to give all the details we have to people who come back for the tourism purposes," said Lirio.

As a key economic driver, the tourism industry's contribution to the Philippines' gross domestic product stood at 12.7 percent in 2019.

Lirio expects Chinese tourist arrivals to increase

rapidly this year, citing the diversity of the nation's tourist resources.

"Actually, the Philippines has a lot of characteristics, it has beautiful places for tourists to visit. We have beautiful white sand beaches, a lot of resorts and bio-diversified places," she added.

Over 1.74 million Chinese tourists visited the Philippines in 2019, an increase of 38.58 percent from 2018. Chinese tourists spent more than 2.3 billion U.S. dollars while vacationing in the country, official data showed.

Philippine Tourism Secretary Christina Frasco said the government's target for 2023 is to lure some 4.8 million international visitors, with the Chinese tourist market remaining on its priority list. (Yan Jie, Yang Yunqi / Xinhua)

Be aware of cancer, DOH tells public

CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY -

The Department of Health here has advised the public to watch out for potential symptoms of cancer and cardiovascular diseases and urged citizens to undergo regular medical check-up.

Dr. Tristan Jediah Labitad there is a need to encourage people to switch to a healthy and proactive way of life to prevent cardiovascular diseases. “Dapat magpa-check up gyud ta. I think high time na karon nga atong health-seeking behavior atong i-increase, bag-ohon nato atong pamatasan sa pag-atiman sa atong panglawas," he said.

“Sometimes man gud,

ang uban because of their poor health-seeking behavior, dili na sila magpa-check up kay maunhan ug kahadlok, kabalaka, ug kaguol. Imbes unta sa early detection pa lang, makita na, ma-prevent ang pag-worsen sa kaso nimo, mao gyud unta na dapat atong buhaton,” he added. Since cancer treatments and chemotherapy pose a financial burden on families and individuals, Labitad also encouraged the public to take part in free government facilities and support programs for people diagnosed with cancer or with possible cancer risks.

The DOH also has implemented the “Cancer

Assistance Fund” or CAF which aims to provide support for patients living with cancer and for cancer survivors.

The implementation of the CAF shall cover outpatient and inpatient services including but not limited to diagnostics, therapeutic procedures, medicines, treatment and management services, and other care-related components of cancer.

The CAF is designed to complement existing financial support mechanisms in both public and private facilities.

The eight identified priority cancer types eligible to be financed by the CAF include breast cancer, childhood cancer, gynecologic cancer, liver cancer, adult blood cancers, head and neck cancers, lung cancer, and prostate, renal, and urinary bladder cancers.

To avail of the CAF, patients or carers must submit the requirements to identified access sites where CAF services are made available. Required documents including prescriptions, treatment protocols, and medical abstracts shall first undergo evaluation prior to approval and availment of services. (Glacetene Kayl N. Daba, Mindanao Examiner)

FOR SALE

175 scholars finish

Sulu technical courses

SULU – Some 175 beneficiaries of the Sulu Provincial Livelihood and Productivity Training Center (PLPTC) have finished various courses and received P10,000 each from Gov. Sakur Tan to jumpstart the practice of the skills they acquired in the process.

The PLPTC said 50 beneficiaries graduated from Dressmaking, 25 completed their Electrical Installation Maintenance

course, and 75 others finished their Cookery course. They also received training kits under the Bangsamoro Scholarship Program.

Tan, in his speech, pointed out the importance of a skilled human resource in the development and progress of a nation.

PLPTC Provincial Director Nurunisah Tan led the distribution of Certificate of Completion to the

graduates and the awarding of outstanding scholar. She also thanked PLPTC partners - the Ministry of Basic, Higher and Technical Education, the Technical Education and Skills Development Authority, the National Commission on Muslim Filipinos and the Provincial Government for supporting the PLPTC livelihood and technical programs. (Mindanao Examiner)

Marcos favors bill on consumption tax for ‘super rich’

Continued from page 1 Continued from page 1 economic inequality.

Marcos said the current tax imposed on luxury goods only covers very specific items, with demand remaining unaffected despite changes in the situation based on recent studies.“For the rest of us, who are not necessarily consumers of luxury goods ay ramdam natin kapag bumagsak ang ekonomiya, ngunit kung titingnan ninyo, ‘yung mga luxury items, ‘yung mga magagarang kotse, ‘yung mga designer na damit at saka mga bag, hindi nagbabago ang presyo niyan dahil may kaya ang mga bumibili. So palagay ko naman, it’s reasonable that we will tax the consumption side of those who are consuming luxury items,” Marcos said.

According to Salceda, principal author of House Bill No. 6993, the government can collect some P15.5

billion annually if the luxury taxes are raised from 20 percent to 25 percent.

These non-essential goods include luxury watches, luxury cars, private jets, sale of residential properties above P100million, beverages priced at over P20,000 and leather goods costing above P50,000.

Salceda’s proposal pushes for imposing tax on non-essential goods on top of all other taxes being collected by the government. The country’s tax system is flawed because it hasn’t taxed the rich, Salceda said in the bill’s explanatory note, as he stressed this “failure exacerbates inequality and promotes the concentration offinancial resources crucial to the economy in the hands of very few individuals.”The imposition of wealth taxes based on the net worth of the super-rich individuals will address this socio eco-

nomic condition, Salceda said.

Marcos said optimizing tax collection, which entails maximizing digitization efforts, means more projects that will benefit more Filipinos. “Kasama na diyan ‘yung mga bagong sistema, kasama na diyan ‘yung digitalization na ginagawa at ang mas masigasig napaghabol sa mga businesses at para matiyak naman na ‘yung buwis na kailangan bayaran ay nababayaran lahat,” the President said.“Kami naman sa panig– sa Executive ay sinasabi namin asahan naman ninyo na kung ano man ang makolekta galing sa taong-bayan, galing sa mga negosyo ay asahan naman ninyo ito’y talagang mapupunta para sa ikabubuti ng ating ekonomiya, para sa pagpaganda ng buhay ng ating mgakababayan,” he added. (Mindanao Examiner)

Deployment of domestic workers in Kuwait suspended

Rarana’s killing by her employer’s 17-year old son, who is now in jail.

Tulfo, who presided over the public inquiry on the Jullebee case, said it is time that the Philippines should take a firm stand against violators of bilateral agreements. “We can enter into bilateral agreements but our terms should be clear and un-

equivocal. If there are violators to such agreements, we have to prioritize the welfare of our overseas Filipino workers (OFWs) and act at the soonest possible time. Make these violators accountable and liable without concession and pursuant to our laws and international conventions,” he said.

Tulfo said they had received complaints and

calls for assistance from other OFWs in Kuwait. “We have almost two million OFWs all over the world and about 100,000 to 120,000 migrant workers are still working in Kuwait. Let us not wait until one or more of them would come home wounded, beaten black and blue or a corpse like what happened to Jullebee,” he said. (Voltaire F. Domingo)

Powerful 2.2 diesel engine, manual transmission, 2-inch lift, Robinson suspension, 20-inch Black Rhino rims, thick tires, only 85,000 mileage.

Dr. Tristan Jediah Labitad of the Department of Health (DOH)-10 advises the public to be on the lookout for potential symptoms of cancer and cardiovascular diseases during Talakayan sa PIA held at SM City CDO Uptown in Cagayan de Oro City.

Provincial government photo shows the closing exercises of the Sulu Provincial Livelihood and Productivity Training Center livelihood and technical courses that benefited 175 scholars.

Metrobank extends loans to Aboitiz Equity Ventures subsidiaries

Reflection

by Mayor Beng Climaco (Zamboanga City)

“So that your faith might rest not onhuman wisdom but on the power of God.” The Second Reading reminds us that everything emanates from God.

It is with this Recognition of Faith in God that made me “Rise-up” to share our experience of Peace, Security and Development in the DENR Multi- stakeholders Forum in CDO. I have been invited when TP was undergoing treatment, in fact in the midst of confusion because of TP’s worsening state CENRO Jim Salvador was communicating with me for confirmation.

MANILA - Metropolitan Bank & Trust Co. (Metrobank) recently extended a total of P20.5 billion in loans to two strategic business units of Aboitiz Equity Ventures (AEV).

Therma Luzon, Inc., which is under the Group’s power business subsidiary Aboitiz Power, tapped Metrobank for a P15 billion loan to support its refinancing and general corporate requirements. It signed a 10-year loan with Metrobank, maturing in 2032, to primarily finance a

portion of its remaining IPPA related obligations to government-run Power Sector Assets and Liabilities Management Corp.

Meanwhile, LIMA Land, Inc., which is part of the Group’s infrastructure business subsidiary Aboitiz InfraCapital, was provided a P5.5 billion loan by the Bank to bankroll the expansion of its real estate business in the LIMA Estate ecozone.

To commemorate the partnerships, Metrobank handed Therma Luzon a custom-made artwork

OPINION

titled Power. Power is intended to be a symbol of progress and AEV through Therma Luzon is a strong advocate of empowering Filipinos. This sculpture represents power to the people.

For LIMA Land, Metrobank gave a custom-made sculpture, forged to symbolize the company’s pursuit for building infrastructures to promote growth and expansion aimed to improve the condition of the modern Filipino. (Mindanao Examiner)

Benefits of Kindness

by Engr. Carlos Cornejo (Cebu City)

THIS IS from the article of Lynn Alison in Newsmax in April 2021 with some added personal comments. Kindness not only makes us feel good but makes our health good too. A research at the University of Sussex, England, found that areas of the brain literally lit up with bonus oxygen when subjects helped out someone. That’s the emotional high we get when we render kindness to someone, and here’s the five ways being kind can enhance our well-being as well:

1. Being kind releases feel-good hormones. It boosts your serotonin levels which increase feelings of satisfaction and well-being, according to Quiet Revolution. It also releases oxytocin, the “love hormone,” according to Cedars Sinai. It is the hormone that helps us form social bonds and is released when we are physically intimate. Oxytocin also helps lower blood pressure and can support cardiovascular health. Being kind makes you happy and others happy. We should heed St. Mother Teresa’s advice, “Be kind and merciful. Let no one come to you without coming away better and happier.”

2. It increases lifespan. According to author and researcher Christine Carter, Ph.D.: “People who volunteer tend to experience fewer aches and pain. Giving help to others protects overall health twice as much as aspirin protects against heart disease. People who are 55 and older who volunteer for two or more organizations have an impressive 44% lower likelihood of dying earlier. This is a stronger effect than exercising four times a week.”

3. Kindness creates more energy. Carter, a sociologist, and senior fellow at UC Berkeley’s Greater Good Science Center, says that half the participants in one study reported they felt stronger and more energetic after helping others. “Many also reported feeling calmer and less depressed,” she said. This reminds me of the remark made by the late U.S. Bishop Fulton Sheen, whose process of sainthood is underway, when he said, “Love gives me energy (referring to his love for God and people).” Bishop Sheen would still be able to give a number of homilies in a day when he has already done many other duties as a bishop.

4. Being kind lowers anxiety. A University of

British Columbia study on happiness found that a group of highly anxious people who performed at least six acts of kindness each week for a month showed significant improvement in positive moods, relationship satisfaction, and social avoidance over the four weeks of the study. Two big benefits here: cure anxiety and overcoming shyness in dealing with others. Amazing things happen when we focus on the needs of others instead of just concentrating on ours. Love indeed is the answer to our many problems.

5. Kindness prevents illness. Inflammation in the body is responsible for all sorts of illnesses. According to Quiet Revolution, a study of adults aged 57 to 85 found that “volunteering manifested the strongest association with lower levels of inflammation.”

The virtue of kindness is defined as an action that makes life easier or more comfortable for others. In this article by Ms. Alison, her definition of kindness can be equated to compassion for others. Kindness and compassion are all about caring for others. But we should not confuse kindness with love. Love is a higher virtue and kindness is just one manifestation of it. Kindness is love, but not all acts of love are kindness.

ove by definition is to seek what is best for others. But sometimes what is best for others might hurt them such as correcting them or disciplining them for their wrongdoing. That’s the time we apply love instead of kindness. Or more specifically the so-called “tough love”.

A parent who does not reprimand his or her child for playing computer games the whole day and as a result neglects his school work, with the excuse that the parent does not want to inconvenience the child (supposedly an act of kindness), is not truly loving the child because the parent is not doing what is best for him. In 1 Corinthians 13 we read, “Love is patient, is kind…” but it also rejoices in the good (by correcting others). Sometimes we have to correct loved ones, to help them avoid greater suffering in the future. And oftentimes this is how God treats us, because He wants us to have the greatest good: to be holy, to become saints. (ECC)

This one is my first Public Speaking engagement as a widow. I am thankful for DENR for giving a venue for our voices to be heard and for Dir. Apple, Jasmine, my scriptwriter; Garnette, Dynah, and Christian. I reviewed, and edited the talk and told myself to give it my be stand offered it to God! With my heels on (thanks to my husband for the gift, ) we shared the hope of environmental protection as a collective responsibility for our children.

February 2 was our Fiesta in Sta. Maria: Our Lord’s Presentation and our Lady’s Purification. I was able to join the early morning procession before my flight. Arrived CDO with Christian welcoming me in the airport. After orientation at the Conference venue, we attended the mass in Xavier University CDO. Here in CDO I recalled meeting TP (my husband Trifonio Salazar) years past where he took me on a long ride holding my hand, which took on our life together.

Here in Xavier, God gave me the opportunity to receive the William Masterson Award with Sec. Dinky Soliman with Fr. Bobby Yap, SJ. as University President. The call of Surrendering and consecrating our lives to God was preached.

After mass was Holy Hour and Confession where I met Fr. JR Orbeta, SJ, who gave me a tight hug, since I recall he was a scholastic in Zamboanga City.

A beautiful moment of prayer where I reflected on TP’s words: “MAHAL TAYO NG DIOS!” This took away the pain as I prayed for EVERYONE who expressed their love in our bereavement. May God nourish you all with love. Some travel amidst costly tickets, sharing generously and praying. I took

time to thank the priests as well. Gracias contodo.

The next day, the Lord openedpossibilities for us of things to come amidst our loss. We emphasized investments on security to protect the family and usher in development. After the talk, we attended noon mass.

It was my Mom’s death Anniversary. The blessing of Throats done, praying to St. Blaise. Our journey took us to the Abbey of Transfiguration: Benedictine Monks. Along the way I took a nap, to wake up in Malaybalay. We entered the Monastery just as the bell rang, in time for Vespers. The afternoon prayers in chant were so uplifting that tears rolled my eyes. The reverential bows in every Glory Be to the Father, Son and Holy Spirit was an honor to the Holy Trinity. What a sacred sojourn and solace. We went to offer and surrender to Our Lady of Montserrat: La Moreneta with Jesus for our Lives. Just like the offering of St. Ignatius to Mary in Montserrat.

We stretched our hands to Maryand Jesus and bowed our hands, surrendering our life. As we explored the premises, the moon was beaming beautifully above the sky. “I am the light of the world, says the Lord; whoever follows me will have the light of life.” Jn 8:12 The moon was the Light of Christ present in our journey as darkness crept in dusk. It was a providential sign of God’s presence. We headed back to CDO this time with a growing landscape of development.

The next day we headed home. The trip took me to Luzon, and Visayas for stop overs and back to Mindanao. We need to be the Salt to bring meaning to life despite loss from Jobs, relationships and significant parting. The desire to stand-up is inspired by Jesus who will help us take that step to give our best and share our message. In every restful sleep and awakening was a prayer of surrender and gratitude to God who is Light for us to bring hope to others.

Gracias a Dios y Sagrada Familia! We end with today’s Gospel to continue to do good - Summum Bonum! “Just so, your light must shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your heavenly Father.”(MBC)

Organic Kopi Luwak or Civet coffee isn’t really pricey

Continued from page 1 Continued from page 1

In Manila, a kilogram of Civet coffee sells for as high as P15,000 and over $500 dollars abroad.

But Kopi Luwak can now be enjoyed by every coffee lover for as low as P150 for a 16 oz. cup that comes with a drip bag, ground organic Civet coffee beans, two packets of

brown sugar and a stirrer in a beautiful Kraft paper bag – thanks to the Mindanao Civet Coffee seller in Zamboanga City.

The new market player in the coffee business, although small, is now offering affordable organic Kopi Luwak – sourced and picked by farmers from the highlands of Mindanao, cleaned and dried and roasted to perfection to give coffee lovers that distinct aroma of Civet coffee berries – chocolaty and nutty and smooth bodied brewed drink.

Mindanao Civet Coffee, which started as a backyard reseller of coffee beans, now offers organic Kopi Luwak in 250 grams ground Civet coffee and 250 grams Civet coffee beans – all medium roasted to perfection.

Kopi Luwak is also available now in 3rd Cup Café at LM Metro Hotel in Zamboanga City, and resellers in Luzon, Cebu and other parts of Mindanao. The Mindanao Civet Coffee is a favorite among travellers and tourists and coffee connoisseurs. And for those who want the perfect gift for all occasions, Kopi Luwak is the best choice.

And those who are interested to resell or perhaps enjoy a daily hot cup or cold brew of Kopi Luwak may call the Mindanao Civet Coffee at this mobile number 0915-3976197. (AJC)

Present in the loan signing were (from left): Liza Montelibano, Aboitiz Power Chief Finance Officer; Veronica So, Aboitiz Group Treasurer; Manuel Lozano, AEV outgoing Chief Finance Officer; Mary Mylene Caparas, Metrobank Head of Institutional Banking Sector; and Rose Tiamson, Metrobank Head of Large Corporates Division, Corporate Banking Group.

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

February

Across

MAF Trading Zamboanga 062-9555360 / 0917-7103642

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4.

47.

Answer to last week’s crossword: Weekly

Sudoku:Answer to last week:

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Environmentalists oppose gas plants

EBU CITY

CEnvironmentalists have opposed the planned construction of EBU CITY – Environmentalists have the construction of a 450-megawatt Liquefied Natural Gas (LNG) plant in Cebu and Naga cities a Natural Gas (LNG) in Cebu and cities citing its hazards to human health its hazards to human health.

The Philippine Movement for Climate Justice called on government agencies to reject the proposal by Terra Movers Development Corp. and USbased Westfield Resources; and Aboitiz Power to build the project.

It said the LNG power generation is associated with elevated methane and nitrogen oxide emissions during the combustion process that are associated with a number of respiratory diseases.

Teody Navea, PMCJ-Cebu chapter convener, said the project proposes to build a 300-megawatt LNG in Cebu City and a 150-megawatt LNG in Naga. He said the group assailed the power plant's lack of social acceptability.

Councilor Joel Garganera, chairperson of the Cebu City Council's Committee on Environment, Natural Resources

and Energy, said they will address the matter raised by the group once they receive a copy of the petition.

Aboitiz Power is eyeing a partnership with a Japanese firm JERA for the development of the 150-megawatt LNG power plant to be located adjacent to its existing diesel-fired power facility in Naga.

Aboitiz Power Corp. is yet to issue a statement on the matter. But in May 2022, its president, Emmanuel Rubio, said the company is considering LNG for Naga, a shift from coal to clean fuel in producing electric power.

Last year, SMC Global Power Holdings, the power arm of San Miguel Corporation (SMC), said it will be investing in a 600-megawatt LNG power plant on Mactan Island in Cebu to provide baseload power to the grid.

Located specifically in Lapu-Lapu City, the project will

cost between $1.5 and $1.7 million per MW, for a total of $900 million to $1.2 billion. The power plant will be built in a leased 26.16-hectare area leased from Keppel Cebu Shipyard Land, Inc. and the National Development Company.

Construction of the plant would take around five years beginning in the third quarter of the year while testing and commissioning is scheduled for the fourth quarter of 2023. Commercial operations are slated for the second quarter of 2024.

“The project aims to help augment demand for reliable and affordable power supply. Other than being able to provide electricity to households and businesses, it will be contributing to national development,” SMC Global Power subsidiary Converge Power Generation Corporation (CPGC) said in its filing with the Department of

New fuel system to boost Cebu

air traffic

to the aircraft. The new hydrant has a systemized fuel inventory management and fewer ground support equipment movements.

GMCAC director Rafael Aboitiz said airport officials saw a significant increase in the MCIA’s air traffic, prompting them to develop a system to enable a faster turnaround of more aircraft without sacrificing safety and efficiency in airport operations.

SMC Global Power Holdings, the power arm of San Miguel Corporation (SMC), will be investing in a 600-megawatt LNG power plant on Mactan Island in Cebu to provide baseload power to the grid. (Power Philippines)

Environment and Natural Resources.

Data from the Department of Energy’s (DOE) Power Development Plan shows that the country’s power demand will grow five percent a year and will reach 49,287MW by 2040.

“The 600 MW additional ca-

pacity will support the program of the DOE in ensuring stable power supply for the Philippines,” CPGC added.

SMC Global Power is also working on a 300MW LNG combined cycle power plant in San Carlos City, Negros Occidental, which is currently facing envi-

ronmental and economic concerns from local stakeholders and energy advocacy groups. The diversified conglomerate is also working on another 600MW LNG plant project in Tabango, Leyte worth Php41.5 billion. (John Rey Saavedra, Cebu Examiner)

LGUs told to draft PUV route plans

CEBU CITY – Governor Gwendolyn Garcia ordered all local governments to complete their detailed route network plan for the modern public utility vehicles plying the routes to and from different localities.

In an executive order, Garcia instructed all municipalities and cities to submit a draft Local Public Transport Route Plan (LPTRP) within 45 days.

CEBU CITY – The installation of a fuel hydrant system (FHS) at the Mactan-Cebu International Airport (MCIA) will speed up aircraft turnaround and increase air traffic in Cebu, according to MCIA General Manager and CEO Julius Neri Jr.

Neri said the new system for delivering fuel to the aircraft will help position the province as the premier tourist destination in central Philippines and transit hub in the country in time for the reopening of the

economy, “The FHS is a milestone for the MCIA as it enables us to turn around more aircraft faster. The resulting efficiencies and increased capacity are very timely as our soon-to-be-finished second runway will certainly benefit from it as well,” he said.

The GMR Megawide Cebu Airport Corp. (GMCAC) said the commissioning of the FHS ensures safe and efficient operations at the airport, allowing for an increased fuel delivery rate

“With the FHS, fuel delivery rates to the aircraft (have) increased considerably with reduced ground support movement and increased availability of aircraft stands,” Aboitiz said, citing the MCIA as “the second busiest gateway in the country.”

Neri also told the Philippine News Agency that the FHS was set up through funds from GMCAC. However, no figures were released. He said Petron provided the fuel storage facility as it will be the one to provide the fuel supply for the serviced aircraft.

(John Rey Saavedra)

Within the period, 170 modern PUVs have been allowed to ply the routes to and from Liloan, Consolacion and Mandaue in the north and Talisay City, Minglanilla, and Naga City in the south, after Garcia endorsed the special permits issued by Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB)-Central Visayas.

“They have 45 days. That is the short-term solution because we are faced with a possible crisis. The long-term solution would be, we have already scheduled by the first of February for three days, we will call

all the city and municipal planning officers of all the LGUs of Cebu together with their chiefs or heads of traffic and enforcement division, to undergo a 30day seminar to be conducted by the LTFRB,” Garcia said.

The seminar, she said, will provide the planning officers and traffic officers with the technical perspective for the drafting of LPTRP that will address the transport needs of the respective localities.

LTFRB-7 regional director Eduardo Montealto Jr. said an LPTRP is a plan passed by an LGU’s Sanggunian (council) detailing the route network, mode and required number of units per mode for delivering land transport service, which was set as the minimum requirement prescribed for the issuance of PUV franchises.

According to Garcia, the provincial government will ensure the planning and traffic officers could come up with the transport route network

CebuGov.GwendolynGarcia

plan of their respective localities within the 45-day window given to the 170 modern PUVs now operating under special permits.

“Mismo kada LGU mocome sa ila mga rota but di na kay ana ra nagtuyok-tuyok necessarily mo-connect gyud na sa sunod that is why there has to be the provincial government nga maoy mo-integrate ani tanan and of course with the guidance of LTFRB,” Garcia said. (John Rey Saavedra)

Mactan-Cebu International Airport Authority General Manager and CEO Julius Neri Jr. (left) gestures as he listens to an official during the ceremonial switch-on of a new fuel hydrant system at the airport grounds. (MCIA-GMCAC)