BusinessWeek Mindanao (April 13-14, 2022) by Mindanao Daily News

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Volume XII, No. 129 AS OF 6:00 PM APRIL 11, 2022 (MONDAY)

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Briefly Mindanao's high power cost ZAMBOANGA City – Manila Mayor and Aksyon Demokratiko standardbearer, Francisco “Isko Moreno” Domagoso, has vowed to address Mindanao's power supply problem, promising to lower costs under his administration. Lawyer Robbie Pierre Roco, Aksyon Demokratiko party vice president, said Friday Moreno will cut the tax for power and fuel by as much as 50 percent to bring down the cost of electricity. “In Mindanao, the power supply is the problem. Mayor Isko will not only solve this, but he will also provide dependable, reliable, and low-cost electricity,” Roco said in a press conference.

Price freeze DAVAO City – Following the declaration of a state of calamity late last week, the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) in Davao de Oro issued a price freeze advisory on various goods Monday. “The prices of basic necessities shall automatically be frozen at their prevailing prices or placed under automatic price control for the period of sixty 60 days unless sooner lifted,” DTIDavao de Oro said on its official Facebook Page. Among the products identified are canned goods, processed milk, coffee, instant noodles, salt, detergent, toilet and laundry soaps, bottled water, condiments, and batteries.

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MisOr eases restrictions on poultry products

ISAMISOriental's Provincial Veterinary Office ( Pro Ve t ) a n n ou n c e d Monday it has eased the restrictions on poultry products entering the pro v i n c e a s l ong a s these are pre-cooked or processed.

Dr. B enjamin Resma, the provincial veterinarian, said the changes were implemented based on the new executive order of Governor Yevgeny Vincente Emano, which made exemptions on the kind of poultry products that may be brought into the province. “Right now, we allow cooked, processed poultry and by poultry products. But fresh, live, especially eggs and fertilized duck eggs (balut), we still prohibit them from entering the province,” he said. The provincial government has previously implemented a full POULTRY/PAGE 10

HOLY WEEK. In this 2015 photo, members of the Lumadnong Magdudula sa Medina in Misamis Oriental perform the “Passion of the Christ”. The performance is an annual event during the Lenten Season but was stopped when the Covid-19 pandemic hit. This year, the group will perform in a radio broadcast, amid the easing of restrictions and health protocols in Northern Mindanao. pna file photo

ILO, Japan fund water NP deploys 1.2K cops to secure projects in Mindanao Holy Week activities in NorMin ELEVEN water sub-projects were completed in Mindanao following a three-year partnership between Japan and the International Labour Organization (ILO). “This may be the last of our 11 water system subprojects with the ILO, but the assistance of the people of Japan to the Bangsamoro region will not end here. We are determined to keep our active contributions going

until we see a very peaceful and progressive region that the Bangsamoro people truly deserve,” Japanese Ambassador Koshikawa Kazuhiko said in a statement. The program is the I L O - Jap a n Wat e r a n d Sanitation Project signed in 2019 and funded by Japan. Beneficiaries of the water project are estimated at nearly 12,000 households WATER/PAGE 10

T H E Po l i c e R e g i o n a l Office-10 (PRO-10) said Monday it has deployed 1,223 uniformed personnel to monitor the peace and order during the Holy Week obs er vance t hroug hout Northern Mindanao. Lt. Col. Michelle Olaivar, spokesperson of PRO-10, said the personnel will be safeguarding activities in 181 churches and 58 religious and pilgrimage sites region-wide.

Most of the deployment were in this city with 491 personnel, followed by the province of Misamis Oriental with 171, Olaivar said in an interview. With the recent easing of restrictions in most local government units in the region, PRO-10 is expecting an influx of locals and tourists visiting the region during the Lenten season. M a j . E v a n s Vi ñ a s ,

spokesperson of the Cagayan de Oro City Police Office (COCPO), said in a separate interview they will ensure not only to maintain peace and order but also to enforce existing health protocols. "Not only will we monitor pilgrimage sites but also resorts and beaches (during Easter Sunday) to ensure the public's safety," Viñas said. He said COCPO is tasked SECURE/PAGE 11

Ramadan work sked COTABATO City – Civil servants in the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM) are now allowed to go home from work at 3:30 p.m. from Monday to Friday. BARMM Chief Minister Ahod “Murad” Ebrahim on Monday also modified the working hours of officials and employees during the fasting month of Ramadan. Fasting from sunrise to dusk by able-bodied Muslims started on April 3 and will end on May 2.

PALM FRONDS. A vendor makes shapes various designs out of “lukay” (palm fronds) to be sold to churchgoers early morning on Palm Sunday, April 10, outside the St. Michael’s Cathedral in Iligan City as Christendom starts the Holy Week. mindanews photo by bobby timonera

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DOLE-10 hosts JobStart VisMin implementers training for youth employment

Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE)-10 Regional Director Albert Gutib commends the local chief executives, PESO managers, Asian Development Bank and the government of Canada for the program's effective strategy bridging government employment facilitation systems. (DOLE-10)

AGAYAN DE ORO CITY--The Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE)-10 initiated the conduct of VisayasMindanao cluster JobStart Philippines Program (JSP) implementers orientation and planning, March 30-April 1, here. The three-day training, attended by 36 VisMin focal persons, aims to improve the capacity of DOLE and Public Employment Service Office (PESO) technical staff for continuous program implementation by providing full-cycle employment facilitation services on registration; client assessment; life skills, technical skills training; and internship. DOLE-10 Regional Director Albert Gutib

commended the local chief executives, PESO managers, Asian Development Bank and the government of Canada for the program's effective strategy bridging government employment facilitation systems. Gutib revealed that JSP created wage jobs for the youth to help reduce poverty and income inequality in northern Mindanao with 60 partner employers benefiting more than 900 beneficiaries, 540 were women, with 161 who are permanently employed in their partner firms that are committed to youth employment. Meanwhile, the event culminated on 1 April 2022 with a strong commitment that forges strengthened implementation, after a cross-learning session at Pinegrove Mountain

Lodge, a JSP partner employer in Dahilayan, Bukidnon. Project recipients Manolo Fortich and Cagayan de Oro City alongside beneficiaries showcased testimonies, strategies and best practices among counterparts. Leo Jaraula, a graduate of BS Elementary Education from Northern Bukidnon State College in Manolo Fortich and is one of the beneficiaries who struggled from unemployment, shared his success story during the said session. “I was fortunate to hear about a program which offers life skills training and technical training and internship for unemployed youth. I was overwhelmed after hearing about the coordination of PESO

and DOLE to implement the JobStart Program in our municipality. This gave me the opportunity to land a job without having prior employment experiences.” Jaraula said. “As of the moment, I am working as an administrator at AVC Creativity Studio Digital Marketing Services and was able to fully utilize the lessons I learned from the trainings. Indeed, JSP is my gateway to become job ready,” he added. DOLE Assistant Secretary and Director of Bureau of Local Employment Dominique Rubia-Tutay recognized LGUs and PESOs' efforts in providing DOLE's employment facilitation system, as an outstanding opportunity for youth employment and career readiness for the labor force. (DOLE-10/PIA-10)

BUTUAN City – A remote tribal village in Nasipit, Agusan del Norte finally got its own electricity over the weekend after the Provincial Task Force to End Local Communist Armed Conflict (PTF-

ELCAC) partnered with other government agencies to secure solar lights. Residents of Sitio Baboy-Baboy, Barangay Camagong, Nasipit, also received a four-day training on basic solar

power installation to be able to maintain the lights themselves, PTF-ELCAC officials said. In a statement Monday, TESDA-ADN Director Rey Cueva said the residents VILLAGE/PAGE 11

Once NPA haven, AgNor's remotest village gets electricity

BG party-list urges heroic acts amidst pandemic THE Bisaya Gyud (BG) party-list joins the country’s commemoration on Saturday of the gallantry of soldiers who fought for freedom during World War II and urged Filipinos to demonstrate heroism in whatever way they can during this challenging time of the Covid-19 pandemic. First nominee Alelee

Aguilar-Andanar said BG honors the patriotism of the country’s fallen heroes. “Kinikilala po namin ang kanilang kabayanihan at sakripisyo para tayo ay mapalaya sa isa sa pinakadilim na yugto ng ating kasaysayan (We recognize their heroism and sacrifices to free us from the darkest period

of our history),” Andanar said in a news release. “Ngayong araw, ating sariwain ang kanilang katapangan na hindi masusukat ninuman, at kailangang pamarisan ng bawat Pilipino (On this day, let us remember their bravery that will never be matched and should be emulated by all Filipinos),” she added. Andanar hopes that the memory of Filipino fighters will serve as an inspiration as the country fights the ill effects of the pandemic and encourage everyone to do their heroic part and contribution of unity and cooperation to end the pandemic and other social ills. She said pushing for peace, food for all, education, and prosperous living are all trademarks of Filipinos. One month before the 2022 polls, Andanar likewise reminded voters to cast their ballots as a show of courage and support for the democracy that the previous generations have fought for. “Hindi man digmaan ang ating nilalabanan ngayon, kabayanihan naman ang ipaglaban ang kinabukasan ng ating susunod na henerasyon (We may not be fighting a war but it is heroism just the same to fight for HEROIC/PAGE 11

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Investors cash in Globe shares as Russia-Ukraine war continue INVESTORS chose to take profit on Globe Telecom, Inc. last week as the market’s overall negative sentiment amid Russia’s invasion of Ukraine dampened the telco’s data center joint venture and digital entertainment foray. A total of 313,295 Globe shares worth P767.28 million were traded from April 4 to 8, data from the Philippine Stock Exchange showed. Shares went down by 1.6% week on week, finishing at P2,480 apiece on Friday from its P2,520 closing on April 1. For the year, the stock fell by 24.3%. “The news of Globe Telecom’s joint venture with ST Telemedia and its parent company Ayala Corp. as well as the launching of KROMA Entertainment seems to have been taken well by market players over the week,” Globalinks Securities and Stocks, Inc. Head of Sales Trading Toby Allan C. Arce said in an e-mail interview on Friday. “Unfortunately, the positive developments were overshadowed by negative sentiments

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abroad causing investors to adopt to a ‘sell on news’ mentality and cash in on any gains made,” Mr. Arce said. He added that investors went back on the telecommunication stock “taking advantage of the dip” by Friday, however, it still underperformed compared with April 1’s closing. Last Monday, Globe unveiled its joint venture with the Singaporeheadquartered ST Telemedia Global Data Centres and Globe’s parent company Ayala Corp. to develop and build data centers in the Philippines, with a post-money valuation of around $350 million. Globe aims to address the “significant and growing demand for data center services in the country.” The Ayala-led telco remains to be the major shareholder in the venture with 50% ownership, followed by ST Telemedia (40%), and Ayala Corp. (10%). It will also recognize a P10.5-billion pre-tax gain from partial monetization of its current data business INVESTORS/PAGE 10

House continues to find ways to boost energy industry

HE House Committee on Energy, chaired by Pampanga 2nd District Representative Juan Miguel "Mikey" Macapagal Arroyo, has passed important laws to ensure adequate and affordable power and fuel in the country, while continuing to find ways to further improve the local industry and economy. In a statement on Sunday, Arroyo said aside from the proposed amendments to Republic Act (RA) 8479 or the “Downstream Oil Industry Deregulation Act of 1998”, his committee has tackled and approved several important pieces of legislation that will further develop, upgrade and modernize the local energy sector.

RA 8479 removed government control on the pricing of petroleum products allowing market forces to dictate oil prices. The Committee on Energy is one of the largest in the House of Representatives, as it has 65 members including the chairperson and nine vice chairpersons. The committee has general and exclusive jurisdiction over all matters relating to the exploration, development, exploitation, utilization or conservation of energy resources; entities involved in power generation, transmission and distribution; and supply of all forms of energy and energy fuels. Records from the committee showed that as of Dec. 15, 2021, the committee conducted a total of 44

virtual meetings during the 18th Congress, including 14 technical working group meetings, seven pre-bicameral meetings and two bicameral conference committee meetings despite the limitations caused by the pandemic. “A total of 15 committee reports were filed which are of national significance,” Arroyo said. Arroyo, together with Senator Sherwin Gatchalian, also co-chaired the Joint Congressional Energy Commission (JCEC) meeting and briefing on the “power supply and demand outlook” last year to get an update on the status of implementation of several landmark laws such as Republic Act 11285 or Energy Efficiency and Conservation ENERGY/PAGE 10

Vitarich ramps up bird flu safety measures FARM products manufacturer Vitarich Corp. said that it is implementing programs to ensure that its facilities will not be affected by avian influenza or bird flu amid the recent outbreak of the virus. “At Vitarich, we are committed to making sure our farms and facilities remain avian influenzafree. We recognize there are fears that the disease might extend to chickens

and potentially disrupt our local food supply,” Senior Vice-President Reynaldo D. Ortega said in a statement on Thursday. “As such, Vitarich has further heightened the implementation of our standards and is coordinating closely with appropriate authorities and experts,” added Mr. Ortega, who is the general manager of the poultry, food and feed sales division.

In March, the Department of Agriculture suspended the movement of domestic and captured wild birds and poultry products as a precaution against the virus. Vitarich said its farms are undergoing monitoring, testing, and enforcement of biosecurity standards regularly. “These procedures guarantee well-sanitized and enclosed surroundings that prevent contamination

and ensure a well-stocked inventory and continuous supply of fresh chickens for our country,” the company said. “We take pride in the implementation of these regular stringent measures to ensure the highest freshness, cleanliness, safety, and quality of our products at all times,” it indeed. Vitarich operates in three primary industry VITARICH/PAGE 10

Republic of the Philippines REGIONAL TRIAL COURT OF MIASAMIS ORIENTAL 10TH Judicial Region Cagayan de Oro City OFFICE OF THE PROVINCIAL SHERIFF NOTICE OF EXTRA-JUDICIAL SALE EJF-2022-1097 Upon extra-judicial petition for sale under Act 3135 as amended by Act 4118 filed by BANK OF THE PHILIPPINE ISLANDS ( SUCCESSOR-IN-INTEREST OF BPI FAMILY SAVINGS BANK, INC), as mortgagee, against SPS. JAMES BRACERO AND MARINELA BRACERO REPRESENTED BY MARINELA P. BRACERO AS ATTY-IN-FACT, as mortgagor, to which the indebtedness as March 2, 2022, amount of FIVE MILLION FIVE HUNDRED FOUR THOUSAND FIVE HUNDRED SIXTY-THREE &22/100 (P5,504,563.22) Philippine Currency, inclusive of interest and penalty charges, attorney’s fees and expenses of foreclosure, the undersigned will SELL TO PUBLIC AUCTION on MAY 17, 2022 at 10:00 o’clock in the morning at the entrance door Regional Trial Court Branch-23, Goldbridge Bldg., Mastersons-Macapagal, Upper Carmen, Cagayan de Oro City, to the highest bidder for cash or manager’s checks and in Philippine Currency, the following described properties, to wit; TRANSFER CERTIFICATE TITLE NO. 137-2012002850 A PARCEL OF LAND (Lot 14, block 6, Pcs-10-003908 consolidation Subd Lot: 18076-A, Lot 18076-B & Lot 18076-d all of (LRC) Psd-201690 as surveyed for: Robinsons Homes Inc. (RICHMOND HILLS SUBDIVISION) LAND USE: (RESIDENTIAL) LOCATION: COGON (NOW CAMAMAN-AN), CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY, ISLAND OF MINDANAO. BOUNDARIES: S 1-2 BY LOT 2063, CAD 237, CAGAYAN CADASTRE W 2-3 BY LOT 13, BLOCK 6, PCS-10-003908 N 3-4 BY ROAD LOT 8, PCS-10-003908 E 4-1 BY LOT 15, BLOCK 6, PCS-10-003908 BEGINNING FROM A POINT MARKED “1”ON PLAN, BEING S.74 DEG. 39’E., 751.35 M. FROM BBM NO. 1 CAD-237, CAGAYAN CADASTRE,THENCE: 1-2 S. 88 DEG. 04’W., 10.00 M. 2-3 N. 01 DEG. 56’W., 15.04 M. 3-4 N.88 DEG. 04’E., 10.00 M. 4-1S.01 DEG.56’E., 15.04M. Containing an area of ONE HUNDRED FIFTY (150) sq. meters more or less. All sealed bids must be submitted to the undersigned on the above-stated date, time and place. In the event auction sale cannot take place for whatever legal reason, the same will proceed on the following working day, without further notice, posting and publication. Prospective buyer/bidders may investigate for themselves the title herein above described and encumbrances thereon, if any there be. Done April 1, 2022, in the City of Cagayan de Oro Philippines. BWM: April 13, 20 & 27, 2022

(SGD) ATTY. DICK CARLO J. CABANLAS Clerk of Court VI

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THE way Isko Moreno holds his campaign sorties, he may result to becoming the dark horse in the race for Malacanang post. In the latest report of False Asia, Isko Moreno Domagoso is fast catching up with the make-up ratings of Bongbong Marcos and VP Leni Robrero. With a few winks before D-Day, the likelihood of having the youngest leader the PH ever had will happen after May 9 national election. The silent majority will likely rule over the fake numbers created by false surveys done in haste to satisfy the well-oiled machinery of the Marcos camp and the pink resources of Jesse Robredo’s widow. Popular TV host Willie Revillame personally pushed for a young leader, referring to Isko Moreno to led this country of 118 million people. Even retired UP Prof. Clarita Carlos appreciated the kind of governance of Manila Mayor Isko Moreno

School in session Think a minute… These are the names of some of the most famous lawyers in U.S. history. Only one of them dropped out of law school. See if you can guess which one? J o h n Ja y b e c a m e a successful lawyer and later the first Chief Justice of the Supreme Court, the highest judge in the land. William Wirt was barely 20-years-old when he passed his law exams in Virginia. He later became the United States Attorney General. Remember, one of these famous lawyers was a law school dropout. Roger Taney started as a lawyer and worked his way up to become the first U.S. Secretary of the Treasury and then the Chief Justice of the Supreme Court. Daniel Webster became a lawyer in Boston where he built a great legal record and reputation. He then became a highly respected Senator and was later appointed Secretary of State. Salmon Chase became well known as a defense attorney helping slaves. Later he became a U.S. Senator and

THINK A MINUTE

JHAN TIAFAU HURST then the Chief Justice of the Supreme Court. Abraham Lincoln, the 16th president of the Un ite d St ate s , a c tu a l ly started as a lawyer, which helped prepare him for his exceptionally wise and diplomatic leadership that kept the States of America united through its terribly divisive and devastating Civil War. Clarence Darrow became possibly the most famous lawyer of all, particularly for his case of the Scopes or so-called Monkey trial of 1925. Of these seven successful and famous lawyers, which one do you think was the SESSION/PAGE 11

Zamora became the head of government of the small territory between France and Spain in May 2019 aged 39. Costa Rica: Carlos Alvarado, a journalist and former labour minister won elections to become president in May 2018 aged 38. New Zealand: Jacinda Ardern was 37 years old when she was sworn in as prime minister in October 2017. Ireland: Leo Varadkar became Ireland’s youngest prime minister in June 2017 aged 38. He now shares power as deputy leader of a coalition government and is due to be premier again next year. France: The investment banker Emmanuel Macron became France’s youngest president in May 2017 at 39. Other notable young leaders include Chad’s Mahamat Idriss Deby Itno, also 37, who took over after the death of his father in April and the leader of the military junta in Mali, Assimi Goita,

UNRUFFLED

RUFFY MAGBANUA 38.

Of young monarchs, the emir of Qatar, Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al-Thani, 41. Bhutan’s King Jigme Khesar Namgyel Wangchuck rose to the throne in 2006 when he was just 26. The global trend of having young leaders belonging to Gen-X is the “in” thing these days of tik-tok, global pandemic and war in Ukraine. Wit h Isko More no’s landmark tagline “God first”, who knows the PH will join the ranks of countries being steered by Gen-X leaders. (ruffy44_ph2000@yahoo.com)

AGAW LUPA, AGAW TUBIG, AGAW BUHAY KIM'S DREAM

ORLAN R. RAVANERA

Oro Chamber

saying she liked people who had served as local executives. To justify this prognosis, here is a quick look of countries now managed by a set of young blood. Canada has Justin Trudeau, 51; Ukraine’s Volodymyr Zelenskyy is only 44. 34-year-old Sanna Marin is the world's youngest sitting prime minister after being selected by Finland's Social Democratic Party. Other countries across the world have leaders in their 30s, such as North Korea's Kim Jong Un who is only 35. Kosovo: Another woman leader, Vjosa Osmani, was elected president in April aged 38. Georgia: Prime Minister Irakli Garibashvili was the same age when he came to power in February. El Salvador: Controversial populist President Nayib Bukele is 40, having been elected at 37. Andorra: Former justice m i n i s t e r X av i e r E s p ot

Until now, no justice on the killing of Datu Sumael, Datu Alim & 93 IP leaders

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Isko Moreno: dark horse in the making

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Deepak Chopra, my favorite new age philosopher said that life and death are not enemies but are entwined aspects of one life. Such was beautifully expressed by the great Bengali poet, Rabindranath Tagore when he wrote, “The night kissed the fading day with a whisper, “I am death, your mother, from me you will get new birth.” I could not help but be poetic in the face of the deaths of my two friends, chieftains of the Indigenous Peoples (IPs) who were always attending every time I called for a meeting of the Chieftains of the Indigenous Peoples to narrate how oppressed

the IPs are, Datu Winefredo Sumael and Datu Raffy Saway Alim. They would always join me in my sorties around Mindanao to meet different tribes to hear how their lands are being land-grabbed including the violations of their water rights. All of their narratives have been documented. reported to concerned agencies and even published in my columns. Datu Sumael and Datu Alim could not join me anymore. They were killed on December 13, 2020 at Purok 9, Prakatahan, Pualas, Don Carlos, Bukidnon. A day before that, on Dec. 12 at 10 am, we had a long talk as they reported to me how their sugar cane that they planted in their farms were being harvested by a corporation with the support of armed men. I told them to take pictures to be presented during our national virtual meeting on December 15, 2020 entitled, “ Indigenous Peoples: A Cooperative Liberating Force Against Poverty and Oppression.” It

was so shocking to me when I received a phone call at about 6pm the following day informing me that the two chieftains could not anymore attend the Dec. 15 meeting as they were shot to death. I got a confidential report that an influential powerful official had ordered their killing, even paying a hundred thousand pesos to the killer. For what? For telling the truth? Thus, as my tribute to the two killed chieftains, I composed a poem entitled, Veritas Liberabit Vos (the truth shall set us free). It goes something like this: “My name is Veritas, so simple is my language, mankind runs after me because I am a precious possession. But to the rule of the oppressor, I am a threat, thus I have to be killed. But there will always be lovers who will search for me because they could not live without my presence. The killers do not know that in the silence of my grave, my noble cause is gaining strength. One day, I will burst out in the open to liberate

the poor and the oppressed Indigenous Peoples.” Indeed, indigenous lands have become battlegrounds of conflict against powerful forces that aim to grab IPs’ lands and resources to advance political and economic interest in support of agenda that is driven by corporate greed. Dispossession and displacement of IP communities from their ancestral lands continue unabated despite the recognition of IP rights by the IPRA Law as well as International Human Rights Laws. Series of violence that haunts the IPs for years with some 93 precious lives lost in the course of the plight of the IPs. May I share a summary of the issues and cases of the IPs in Bukidnon. In 2016, at Sumilao, Bukidnon, a powerful rancher enclosed some 5,000 hectares of tribal lands in San Vicente. This was correspondingly protested by Bae Merlita Mayantao, the lady datu of JUSTICE/PAGE 11

HAPPY EASTER! To die is to live! We are always shocked when in the middle of our surroundings, somebody passes away. Our usual questions are: "Why die so young? Why he, why she? A natural reaction, indeed. When Jesus finally gave up His spirit on the cross after three hours of bitter agony, the Pharisees said: "Finally, that impostor has gone. He deserved to die that kind of death!" Let's remember: After the waving of the tree branches by the Jewish crowd and Hosannas of Palm Sunday, the arrest of Jesus betrayed by Judas in the Garden of Olives, the imprisonment and

humiliation of Holy Thursday night, the carrying of the cross, crucifixion, and death at Good Friday, - Jesus Christ rose from the tomb on Easter Sunday - glorious and will never and die again! For Jesus, dying was not the end of everything. It was the beginning of a new life. Symbolically we see the Easter Resurrection of our Lord depicted in various ways, which always point to life after death. Especially in parts of the world where deep winter lets all plants and trees "sleep" for a couple of months, people enjoy the spirit of the new shoots that come out of a big trunk of a

tree. Eggs were usually symbols used in springtime long before Christianity came into existence. The eggs symbolize life, which its causing it to grow. Since Easter usually occurs at spring time (March or April), which is already summer in the Philippines, this egg-symbol was still in use among the pagans of early times when Christian were celebrating Easter. A blessed Easter to all of you, my dear readers. Walk this day with great confidence in your heart, mind and soul. And, enjoy your egg hunting with your loved ones...!

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KLAUS DORING

+++ Email: doringklaus@gmail. com or follow me on Facebook, Linkedin or Twitter or visit www.germanexpatinthephilippines.blogspot.com or www. klausdoringsclassicalmusic. blogspot.com.

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Banking&Finance

Tax reforms boost PH's position in Asia

AME-changing reforms instituted by the Duterte administration elevated the country among the leaders in Asia and allowed it to have the financial capacity to weather the virus-induced pandemic. These reforms include the enactment of the Corporate Recovery and Tax Incentives for Enterprises (CREATE) Act, amendments to the Retail Trade Liberalization Act (RTLA), Public Service

Act (PSA), and Foreign Investment Act (FIA). “Had we not pursued them on time, the impact of the pandemic would have been worse. Our 2020 GDP (gross domestic product) would have plunged deeper by 13.3 percent instead of 9.6 percent. This just only proves that in any battle or emergency, preparation is always the best strategy,” Finance Secretary Carlos Dominguez III said in his speech during the Philippine economic

briefing on Tuesday. For one, the CREATE law, which became in effect on April 11, 2021, reduced corporate income tax (CIT) from 30 percent to 25 percent for large corporations and to 20 percent for small and medium enterprises that have net taxable income not higher than PHP5 million. It provides fiscal relief to both domestic and foreign investors doing businesses in the country, a move seen to encourage

businessmen to put up domestic operations in a bid to boost economic activities and help in the continued recovery of the economy. Dominguez said tax reforms pushed by the current administration allowed the government to increase revenues and implement more needed infrastructure and social protection programs. He said the Tax Reform for Acceleration and Inclusion (TRAIN) Act, signed into law on Dec. 19,

Cebu exec eyes fixed interest rates for small lending firms A MEMBER of the Cebu Provincial Board (PB) on Monday filed a proposed ordinance that will regulate interest rates and fees of small-time lending companies offering loans but eventually pushed household owners and small-scale entrepreneurs into “debt traps”. Glenn Anthony Soco, Cebu’s 6th district PB member and chair of the committee on commerce, wanted a ceiling on nominal interest rates at 6 percent per month of 0.2 percent per day, and an effective interest rate of 15 percent per month or 0.5 percent per day for late payment and for failure to pay. Apart from the interest limit, Soco said a cap on penalties for late payment or non-payment at 5 percent per month on outstanding scheduled amount due should be put in place, as well as a total cost cap of 100 percent of total amount borrowed regardless of time the loan has been outstanding. Soco said the province’s

law-making body is informed about lending companies offering loans imposing sky-high interest rates and unreasonable terms through “5-6” schemes, daily payment of interests, confiscation of automated teller machine (ATM) cards for payroll and even pension cards. “These practices are not sanctioned by law and are thus illegal,” Soco said in his proposed measure filed on Monday for first reading. Citing the effect of the coronavirus disease 2019 (Covid-19) pandemic and the Typhoon Odette, Soco said Cebuanos are now struggling due to loss of jobs while lending firms are taking advantage of the situation. “Aside from that, inflation and skyrocketing prices of oil caused citizens to hold on to offers for immediate cash in order to address the significant increase on prices of goods and services,” he said. Soco said the circulars issued by the Securities and Exchange Commission

Game-based learning strategy for kindergarten learners By MIRLA MAY D. LAPUT Teacher I Tawantawan Integrated School Initao South District Division of Misamis Oriental

IN the business world, gamification is used in customer loyalty programs f or c re d it c a rd s a n d memberships. Spend money and invest time in the business’s app and products to earn discounts and status upgrades. Everyone benefits at their own pace. In education, gamification is intended to transform traditional lessons into an enhanced learning experience where students choose to explore and practice content – earning badges and status benefits. These may seem extrinsic but the true rewards come from the students’ internal drive to study content, gain depth of understanding and master material that leads

to badges, achievements and status. In a classroom with limited device use, make t i m e f or g a m e - b a s e d le ar ning ac t ivit ies by focusing more on nondigital games such as board games with educational value, creating learning stations (one of which is playing a device-based game) and playing team games, letting students play in pairs or groups. Many teachers struggle to smoothly incorporate games into lessons due to time and logistical issues yet see game-based learning as a way to engage students and appeal to diverse learning styles. Research has continuously shown such advantages.

(SEC) implementing Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP) Circular No. 1133, series of 2021 that imposes a ceiling on interest rates and other fees charged by lending companies, financing companies, and other

online lending platforms. The SEC exercises regulatory and supervisory authority over financial companies and lending companies, pursuant to Republic Act No. 8556, or the Financing Company INTEREST/PAGE 11

Fostering sensitivity among colleagues JIM B. AGCOPRA Teacher III Tawantawan Integrated School District: Initao South Division: Misamis Oriental

How you say something counts for just as much as what you say. Tone does matter. When confronted with a difficult situation, always say less than you think. Holding your tongue in a difficult situation will make it easier for you in the long run because it will create confidence among others in your ability to handle a similar situation. On the other hand, humor can bring people together, but it can also tear people apart. Before you tease or joke with a person, make sure you know how they are going to take it. Everyone is different in this aspect. Consider another person's feelings before you poke fun. In a workplace that glorifies strength and power, highly sensitive people like you may falsely assume the ability to experience things more intensely is a weakness

or personal failing. If you or someone you know is highly sensitive, you likely make an exceptional team member. You have a rare ability to take people’s feelings into account and think through different parts of complex decisions. For example, when your colleagues on your team are scrutinizing how a new policy might affect each department in your organization, you can spot the hidden benefits and downsides. You also thrive in and contribute to supportive, collaborative atmospheres. Keep in mind, though, that this can all go wrong if you’re the one left making final decisions. Use your gifts of assembling input and analysis, then consider gathering others’ opinions as you bring your teammates into the fold for the final call.

2017, is targeted to make taxation in the country simpler and more efficient to encourage investments and lift the lives of the people. Among others, it exempted from paying income taxes people earning below PHP250,000 annually, which covers around 99 percent of taxpayers. To counter the impact of lower income tax collections, TRAIN imposed excise taxes on sweetened beverages, a measure aimed at reducing cases of people having diabetes, which later on will be a cost to the

government once they go to public hospitals to seek medical intervention; and mandated the nationwide fuel marking program to address oil smuggling. Dominguez said excise tax collection from sweetened beverages amounts to around PHP104 million a day. He added while these reforms materialized during the current administration, “the success of the tax reform measures cannot be attributed exclusively to the current efforts.” “All in all, TRAIN and the other enacted packages REFORMS/PAGE 11

Advocating fair treatment among learners in the new normal JASMIN B. BENEDICTO Teacher III Tawantawan Integrated School Initao, South District

In school, one of the most common dilemmas in a classroom setting is of pupils misunderstanding their teachers; that their te achers are favor ing classmate A over classmate B. This is a common cause of pupils having envy from another classmate. Now, here then plays the vital role of a teacher on how he or she will handle situations like this. Of course, the only cure for this is that as teachers, we should and we shall treat our pupils fairly and squarely. At all times, we shall never show that we like and we love pupil A over pupil B or that we show hatred or dislike between the two. The effect of this to our pupils will surely be visible in the classroom, like, if pupil B feels that he or she is being dislike, this will probably resort to non-participation of pupil B in any classroom discussion even to extracurricular activities. Thus at all times, we should treat them all equally. If situation calls for example that we, teachers,

might over mentioned a certain pupil only because he does good in the class, and that we even praise and appreciate him, also, do that to all of your pupils as well. We should never compare pupil A from pupil B and the like. As teachers, let us be reminded that each of our pupil is unique in their own little ways. Certainly, if we find one pupil as weak and slow learner, let us never condemned those in front of the class, instead let us encourage them to do their best next time around, or if we want to focus on him, call their attention secretly and not in front of class as this might create mockery and bullying inside the classroom. As teachers, let us all be sensitive to the feelings and needs of our school children, our pupils. Yes, we are here to give them the best quality education they ought to deserve but let us not forget of the other functions we have to perform, and that is being and standing as their second mothers and second fathers in the school.

The effectiveness of DAP-ELLN in improving the reading skills of Grade I learners By CHARESSE ANN P. ROXAS Teacher I Tawantawan Integrated School Initao South District Division of Misamis Oriental

DAP-ELLN aims to gain understanding and enhance knowledge on the following topics: oral language in the mother tongue, socio-emotional learning skills development and learning, numeracy development and learning, value of engaging community members in children’s learning and development, different formative assessments i.e. classroom-based with corresponding interventions, multifactored assessment tools, inclusive child-centered technique, provide a

better understanding of kindergarten teaching through an understanding of the content of the kindergarten teacher’s guides, emphasize the importance of developmentally appropriate practice in kindergarten, demonstrate the blocks of time approach used in kindergarten and inform of the different topics and experiences that the kindergarten teachers will undergo for the rest of the training. The following topics are explored: principles of child growth and

development; how do children grow, develop and learn; developing thinking skills: foundations of literacy of learning; emerging literacy games and activities; instruction essentials for emerging readers; reading and language arts; vocabular y and comprehension; literature-based experiences using graphic organizers; developing thinking skills; operations on whole numbers; the concept of number; place value and the decimal system, etc.

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WED-THU|APRIL 13-14, 2022

A Summit For Everyone

ITH the introduction of their first property in the popular tourist city of Tagaytay in Luzon in 2009, home grown Filipino hotel chain, Summit Hotels has now grown to eight hotels, covering Luzon, Visayas and Mindanao, and counting. The successful run of Summit Ridge Tagaytay and its role to promote

Tagaytay as a leisure and MICE destination, inspired its owning company, Robinsons Hotels & Resorts to expand to Cebu, Tacloban, Manila, General Santos and Naga. Today, there are seven Summit Hotels and one Grand Summit Hotel in the growing chain's portfolio, with a total of over one thousand keys. "Summit Hotels and the

Grand Summit Hotels will cater to a discerning travel market with travel restrictions being lowered,"said Ms. Joy De Mesa, Group Director of Sales and Marketing, Robinsons Hotels & Resorts. "Our properties and facilities are ideal for both the leisure and meetings market. We are there to help cities develop themselves into MICE destinations," added De Mesa referring to the meetings, incentives, conventions and exhibition markets. Summit Hotels have excellent meetings, events

and conference facilities with ballrooms for 450 persons in Summit Ridge Tagaytay; 500 in Summit Galleria Hotel, Cebu; 300 in Summit Hotel Naga; 600 in Summit Hotel Tacloban and 700 at the Grand Summit Hotel in General Santos. With the leisure market, Summit Hotels have positioned themselves in the mid market in highly urbanized cities and several notches higher in the provincial cities, catering to the demands of the market with reasonable pricing. "With excellent

facilities and amenities, true Filipino hospitality, top safety and health measures in placed, great dining experience and high standards of service, Summit Hotels and Grand Summit Hotels partner local governments and our tourism leaders to offer an ideal destination, wherever we are located," explained De Mesa. Gearing up for more hybrid events with the lowering of the pandemic alerts, Summit Hotels' meeting packages with snacks and meals starts as low as P900 per person. Live packages with hotel accommodation are also

available. Popular wedding packages are priced as low as P75,000.00 for 100 guests. Summit Hotels are managed by Robinsons Hotels & Resorts, a business unit of Gokongwei led group, JG Summit which is a prominent player in the tourism and travel sector. Cebu Pacific Air, the leading airline in the Philippines and NUSTAR Resort and Casino are part of the JG Group. For bookings and other inquiries, visit Robinsons Hotels and Resorts, and Summit Hotels, or contact RHR Happy to Care Hotlines: 0917-8887788, 09988887788, and 8397-0111 or email reservations@ summithotels.ph

Cebu Pacific and Singapore Tourism Board strengthen partnership to encourage Juans to visit Singapore THE Philippines’ leading airline, Cebu Pacific (CEB), is proud to renew its partnership with the Singapore Tourism Board (STB) Singapore recently reopened its borders for all fully vaccinated Filipinos, making it easier for tourists to enjoy a convenient, quarantine-free vacation. Since 1 Apr 2022, vaccinated travellers to Singapore enjoy a simplified travel process (see Annex A), requiring only proof of vaccination, a predeparture Covid-19 test, and an online SG Arrival Card. “STB is excited to collaborate with CEB and would like to thank them for this opportunity to bring more visitors from Philippines to Singapore. Through this partnership, Filipino travellers can look forward to attractive

promotions and campaigns to warmly welcome them back to Singapore,” said Juliana Kua, Assistant Chief Executive, International Group, Singapore Tourism Board. CEB currently flies daily between Manila and Singapore, providing passengers with a lot of options to experience Singapore’s various offerings – whether to explore its famous culinary scene, engage in thrill-seeking activities, or go shopping. Juans from the Visayas and Mindanao may also conveniently connect via Manila – with flights between Cebu and Manila running up to 18x daily, and Davao and Manila up to 8x daily. “We are very happy to firm up our collaboration with the Singapore Tourism Board (STB) following the

easing of travel restrictions in and out the Philippines. We believe this partnership is very timely as it’ll surely contribute to the recovery of both the industry, as well as our respective countries,” said Candice Iyog, Vice President for Marketing and Customer Experience at Cebu Pacific. Through this partnership, everyJuan can expect enticing content on what to do in Singapore, matched with year-round seat sales and great deals suited for both firsttime and repeat travelers. CEB has achieved a 7-star safety rating from airlineratings.com for its COVID-19 compliance. It continues to implement a multilayered approach to safety as it endeavors to restore the public’s trust and confidence in air travel.

NAAWAN CENTRAL SWIMMING TEAM Joy De Mesa, Group Director of Sales and Marketing, Robinsons Hotels and Resorts

Improving the reading comprehension skills of Grade III learners through reading remediation using short reading selections By ANA ROBE B. QUINCE Teacher I Tawantawan Integrated School Initao South District Division of Misamis Oriental

TECHINCALLY, a passage is simply a portion or section of a written work, either fiction or non-fiction. Some hold that a passage can be as short as a sentence but most consist of at least one paragraph and usually several. Some passages incorporate excerpts from multiple sources and may lack a central idea of their own. However in most instances, a passage presents a carefully curated exdcerpt that can be perceived as containing some sort of greater meaning. This g re ate r me an i ng may present as a thesis or claim

in a non-fiction passage or a contained story in a fiction piece. In fact, all reading passages revolve around a central idea that serves as a foundation from which to test a battery of core reading skills. And from that essential aspect, I draw a more figurative definition of passage in the tradition of the great explorers. Passage in the physical sense involves the action or process of passing from one place, condition or stage to another. Isn’t this what occurs in a mental sense as well within the structure of a typical passage?

By GUILLERMO P. GLABAN, Teacher I Naawan Central School Naawan, Misamis Oriental

They say that every child is a dreamer. Each one of them has aspirations in their heart even how young and innocent they are. Naawan Central Swimming Team started as dreamers who were once just ordinary children gathered together in one team to represent NCS and bring pride to the school. Their dreams which become a stepping stone of their journey as competitive swimmers was later on realized and even supported by the school and the local government. The team started with just their visions of the future and the trust that their skills could someday enable them to succeed in the field of swimming. Later on, Justin Timothy D. Ilogon, a pupil who was able to compete nationally in the Palarong Pambansa 2017 held in Vigan, Ilocos Sur, rose to fame and greatly influenced his co-students. His steps inspired a lot to not limit themselves in dreaming big because one day, it will lead you to success. It costs hardwork and endless

trainings to hone their skills yet it never hindered these students to pursue their passion in swimming. It taught them to be resourceful and disciplined, not minding the difficulties along the way but continued to push forward until they reached their goals. This dedication of the students was seen by their advisers and the school in general. It moved them to the point of going all out in supporting these young dreamers in achieving their goals. The school coordinated with different organizations and finally was able to secure support from the local government of Naawan, Misamis Oriental. Indeed, the government did not turn a blind eye to this promising career that awaits our young dreamers. They have also seen the great possibility of our students succeeding in the field of swimming. Mayor Dennis Roa, after witnessing this event even supported by providing trainers to help our swimming team be on the right track and be trained

accordingly. Since then, their skills were improved and were even encouraged to explore more of what they can still give. As of now, the numbers of aspiring swimmers are increasing since it started. Many students were now engaged in the swimming team. A lot has happened and all we can see now are these hardworking students who do not only excel in academics but also in extracurricular activities such

as swimming. It taught them not only to dream but to develop a positive attitude while achieving their dreams. They have become independent, disciplined, organized and most importantly, positiveminded individuals. Truly we can say that our support to the students will enable them to be better in their current interests and eventually will make them grow as better individuals therefore having better future.

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WED-THU|APRIL 13-14, 2022

Mamabajao MAO urges locals, farmers to avail gov't programs thru RSBSA By REXCELLE L. TOLENTINO

CAMIGUIN--To be prioritized in availing farming programs and benefiting assistance from the government, especially from the Department of Agriculture (DA), Mambajao Municipal Agriculture Office (MAO) urges local farmers and fisherfolk to register for the Registry System for Basic Sectors in Agriculture (RSBSA). Municipal Agriculturist Teddy Galaga of MAOMambajao said locals, animal owners, farmers, and fisherfolks can avail the government programs and services through MAO and the Provincial Veterinary Office (PVO), during the FMR Camiguin program Deeds Not Words, April 5. As MAO conducts animal mass vaccination twice a year for livestock animals and anti-rabies for domesticated dogs, Galaga urges local animal owners to join the ongoing program by visiting and registering at MAO or PVO. The first semester of the mass vaccination takes place in February to April; the second semester will continue from July to September. “Kaduha gyud ni siya himuon [ang pagpabakuna], by semester. Mu-reach out gyud ta. House-tohouse approach atong pagpabakuna,” Galaga said. (This [vaccination] is biannual, by semester. We reach out to animal owners. Our vaccination uses a house-to-house approach) Animal Dispersal Program is also available for local farmers, which provides free livestock to those interested in raising them. Letter of intent addressed to Mayor Yñigo Jesus Romualdo and his confirmation will only be required. As of now, 3 carabaos and 1 cow have been approved for dispersal. DEED OF EXTRA-JUDICIAL SETTLEMENT WITH SALE KNOW ALL MEN BY THESE PRESENTS: That the late MAYONITA ZAMBRANO who died intestate on September 19, 1994 at J.R Borja Memorial City Hospital, Cagayan de Oro City; without leaving any Last Will and Testament the said decdent at the time of her demise, left behind personal properties and real properties with all the structures and improvements thereon registered under her name with Tax Declaration No. 0808000803943 situated in the Barrio of Inobulan Salay Misamis Oriental, Island of Mindanao, containing an area of ONE THOUSAND THREE HUNDRED SIXTY TWO (1362) square meters, more or less, and has been the subject of an DEED OF EXTRA-JUDICIAL SETTLEMENT WITH SALE, filed by the heirs of MAYONITA ZAMBRANO, in favor of ABNER P. ZAMBRANO AND VIRGINIA R. ZAMBRANO, per DOC #455; PAGE #91; BOOK #XXXVII; Series of 2022 under the Notarial Registry of ATTY. CONCHITO J. OCLARIT. BWM: April 13, 20 & 27, 2022

MAO is also currently strengthening poultry and piggery certification by urging commercial businesses who violate and lack necessary permits to comply and submit their certifications. This includes Environmental Compliance Certificate (commercial level only),

barangay certification, locational clearance, building permit, MAO certification, and business permit. Alongside these livestock driven programs are also programs that local farmers and land use of Mamabajao are supported and protected

with. Currently, MAO is conducting Due Tagging within production areas in Mambajao, identifying Strategic Agriculture and Fisheries Development Zones (SAFDZ) vital in comprehensive land use plans and objectives on implementing the system that will account for the

remaining suitable areas for agriculture in the municipality. “Ang usa sa mandates sa MAO is to protect prime agricultural lands. Absolutely, there is no conversion of rice areas. Kay kita Camiguin, kita ang pinakataas og rice per capita consumption sa

whole Region 10 at 118.8 kilos per person per year.” (One of MAO’s mandates is to protect prime agricultural lands. Absolutely, there is no conversion of rice areas. Camiguin currently has the highest rice per capita consumption in Region 10 FARMERS/PAGE 9

In its opening salvo two years after the pandemic, the Cagayan de Oro Talent Center returns with a bang as it celebrated its 20th anniversary with a ramp show at Limketkai Event Center last Sunday, April 3. Among the new models who were featured are (from left) Izza Escueta, Princess Alegato and Mishy Lastima. photos by booker escueta

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WED-THU|APRIL 13-14, 2022

Republic of the Philippines REGIONAL TRIAL COURT OF MISAMIS ORIENTAL 10TH Judicial Region Branch 39 Cagayan de Oro City @RTC1CDO039@judiciary.gov.ph 09173218984(incoming calls) IN THE MATTER OF THE PETITION FOR JUDICIAL RECOGNITION OF FOREIGN JUDGEMENT/DECREE AND CANCELLATION/ CORRECTION OF ENTRY IN THE CIVIL REGISTRY OF CAGAYAN DE ORO AS TO THE MARRIAGE STATUS OF LEANDRO LOU ECHEM,

SPECIAL PROCEEDING NO. R-CDO-22-00355-SP

LEANDRO LOU ECHEM, REPRESENTED BY THIS ATTORNEY-IN-FACT, MARIA EZPERANZA ECHEM Petitioner, -versus-

(Emphasis added). Excerpt of the said law is herein attached and marked as Exhibit “F” TO “F-1” (with submarkings); 12. That Petitioner, who is already a Canadian Citizen at the time of divorce, herein filed the instant petition for recognition of the above foreign judgment or decree of divorce duly obtained by his wife pursuant Rule 108 of the Rules of Court; 13. That in the case of Gerbert R. Corpuz vs. Daisylyn Tirol Sto. Tomas et.al. It ruled that the recognition of the foreign divorce decree may be made in a Rule 108 proceeding itself, as the object of special proceedings (such as that in Rule 108 of the Rules of Court) is precisely to establish the status or right of a party or a particular fact. Moreover, Rule 108 of the Rules of Court can serve as the appropriate adversarial proceeding by which the applicability of the foreign judgment can be measured and tested in terms of jurisdictional infirmities, want of notice to the party. Collusion, fraud, or clear mistake of law or fact. 14. In the instant case both of the spouses at the time the above divorce was already alien it being that they were already a Canadian Citizen at the time of Divorce is obtained by Respondent. At any rate, Petitioner being a alien himself, is definitely allowed considering that we follow the Nationality Rule in the Philippines as enunciated by Article 15 of the New Civil Code. Thus, if divorce is allowed in the country of the alien, like the petitioner in this case, divorce should likewise be honored here in the Philippines. Hence, Petitioner who is registered as married in the civil registry of the Philippines ought to be declared single. WITNESSES

BETH SHEVA ECHEM and OFFICE OF THE LOCAL CIVIL REGISTRY, TAGOLOAN, MISAMIS ORIENTAL, Respondents. X-------------------------------------------------/

The following will be the witnesses to be presented for the Petitioner and the summary of their testimonies:

SUMMONS BY PUBLICATION TO: - BETH SHEVA ECHEM – 867 Old Road, Gusa, Cagayan de City GREETINGS: WHEREAS, this Court issued an Order dated 24 March 2022, allowing petitioner to serve Summons by Publication upon respondents Beth Sheva Echem; WHEREAS, quoted hereunder is Petitioner’s Amended Petition, to wit: PETITION PETITIONER, through undersigned counsel and unto this Honorable Court, most respectfully allege: 1.

That petitioner Leandro Lou R. Echem, is a Canadian citizen, divorced and a resident of New Westminster, British Columbia and is represented by her mother, Maria Esperanza R. Echem, who is her attorney-in-fact for the purpose of filing this case, and who is likewise of legal age, Filipino and resident of Kauswagan, Cagayan de Oro City, who can be served with the court processes and notices thereof;

That respondent Beth Sheva Echem is the former wife of the petitioner and is a Canadian Citizen and resident of New Westminster, British Columbia, Canada. She may be served summons by publication and other modes in accordance with the Rules of Court;

That Respondent Office of the Local Civil Registrar, Tagoloan Misamis Oriental, is a public agency incharge with the registration of status of persons and is located in Jacinto St, Tagoloan Municipal Hall, Tagoloan, Misamis Oriental, where it may be served with summons, notices and other processes of the Honorable Court;

That Petitioner and private respondent then got married on December 23,1999 at Tagoloan, Misamis Oriental, Philippines;

That during their marriage they were able to sire three children, namely: Isabella Echem, Andrea Echem, Enrique Echem;

In 2002, Respondent went to Vancouver, Canada for work;

In 2006, Petitioner and the children (only Enrique and Andrea at that time) followed Respondent in Canada and later their Canadian Citizenship was approved on 29 March 2012. A copy of the Certificate of Canadian Citizenship of Petitioner is herein attached as EXHIBIT “B”

That subsequently, when respondent Beth Sheva committed adultery serious problem plague their marriage which caused the same to break down. Respondent Beth Sheva Echem, to free herself of the marital ties, she then sought and filed Divorce in 2016 which was later duly approved and granted by the Supreme Court of British Columbiaon30 July 2018 where all the marital arrangement as to custody and property was settled; Attached are copies of authentic divorce decree and Certificate of Divorce Exhibit “D” to “D-4”- Final Order issued by the Supreme Court of British Columbia, before the Honorable Madam Justice Warren dated 30July 2018 Exhibit “E”- Certificate of Divorce issued by the Supreme Court of British Columbia, Canada dated 30 August 2018

10. That aliens may obtain divorces abroad, which may be recognized in the Philippines, provided they are valid according to their national law; 11. That under Divorce Act (Canada) R.S.C., 1985, C3 (2ND Supp.) An Act Respecting Divorce and Corrollary Relief, paragraph 8 sub. Par. 1 thereof provides: “A court of competent jurisdiction may, on application by either or both spouses, grant a divorce to the spouse or spouses on the ground that there has been a breakdown of their marriage”

WHEREFORE, premise considered, it is most respectfully prayed that divorce judgment/ decree obtained by private respondent Beth Sheva Echem with her marriage with the Petitioner, Leandro Lou Echem be judicially recognized and that on order be issued directing the public respondent Civil Registrar of Cagayan de Oro City and Civil Registrar General to annotate the divorce/ dissolution of status in the Marriage Certificate and/or to have the status of single of petitioner Leandro Lou Echem. OTHER RELIEFS and remedies that are just and equitable under the foregoing premises are likewise prayed for. RESPECTFULLY SUBMITTED Done this 17th day of February 2022, Cagayan de Oro City, Philippines (Signed) ATTY. ROWELL B. VALLEDOR Counsel for the Petitioner Roll of Attorneys No. 67069 IBP O.R. No. 038478-Lifetime PTR No. 5225056 A, dated 01/03/22, CDOC TIN-933-656-901 MCLE Compliance No. VI-0028987, Valid April 14, 2022 MCLE Compliance No. VII-004532, Valid April 14, 2025 rowellvalledor@yahoo.com CP# 09171563827 Office Address: 123 Montalban St., Cagayan de City WITNESS THE HONORABLE, MARITES FILOMENA B. RANA BERNALES, Presiding Judge of this Court this 28th day of March 2022 at Cagayan de Oro City, Philippines. BWM: April 6, 13 & 20, 2022

ATTY. KATHRYN A. GALARRITA-NADUMA Clerk of Court V

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WED-THU|APRIL 13-14, 2022

Energy...

Farmers...

Act and RA 9513 or the Renewable Energy Act. A r roy o s a i d du r i n g the 18th C ongress, the committee identified eight priority legislative measures and nine laws to be subject of legislative oversight function of the committee. The priority legislative measures include the creation of the Philippine Energy Research and Policy Institute; establishing the Regulatory Framework for the Liquefied Petroleum Gas Industry; Electric Vehicle Indust r y D e velopment; Energy Advocacy Council Office; Use of Microgrid Systems; Waste-to-Energy Technology; Downstream Na t u r a l G a s I n d u s t r y Development; and Strengthening the Energy Regulatory Commission. Records from the chamber showed that in 2021 alone, 46 measures were referred to the committee, including 28 bills and 18 resolutions. The committee acted on 44 bills of national significance. In the whole 18th Congress, a total of 187 measures, including 131 bills and 56 resolutions were referred to the committee. Meanwhile, the House ratified a number of proposed measures, among them House Bill 8203 which promotes the use of Microgrid Systems to a c c el e r ate t he tot a l electrification of unserved and u nde rs er ve d are as nationwide. Un d e r d e l i b e r a t i o n a r e s e v e r a l i mp o r t a nt measures such as the proposed amendments to the Downstream Oil Industry Deregulation Act; installation of underground cables and wires; conversion of the National Electrification Administration to National Electrification Authority; government assistance to distribution utilities and electricity end-users as well as several resolutions to help electric cooperatives and consumers. Arroyo said all of these measures were carefully studied, debated and acted upon by the House Committee on Energy with the Filipino consumers as the top consideration. (PR)

at 118.8 kilos per person per year.) The annual consumption of Camiguin is 523 metric tons per year, with only an annual

DEED OF EXTRA-JUDICIAL SETTLEMENT WITH SALE

K N O W A LL MEN BY THESE PRESENTS:

KN OW AL L M EN BY TH ESE PRESENTS:

That the late PETRONIO ZAMBRANO who died intestate on December 20, 1960 without leaving any Last Will and Testament, at Salay, Misamis Oriental, the said decedent at the time of his demise, left behind personal properties and real properties with Tax Declaration No. 0808000803956 situated in the Barrio of Inobulan Salay Misamis Oriental, Island of Mindanao, containing an area of TWO HUNDRED SEVENTY TWO (272) square meters more or less, and has been the subject of an DEED OF EXTRA-JUDICIAL SETTLEMENT WITH SALE, filed by the heirs of PETRONIO ZAMBRANO, in favor of ABNER P. ZAMBRANO AND VIRGINIA R. ZAMBRANO, per DOC #456; PAGE #92; BOOK #XXXVII; Series of 2022 under the Notarial Registry of ATTY. CONCHITO J. OCLARIT. BWM: April 13, 20 & 27, 2022

from page 3

from page 7

production of 459 metric tons, lacking 64 metric tons to feed everyone. In lieu of this concern, MAO is encouraging farmers to grow corn as an alternative for rice in their rice and corn program. Free seeds from DA has

already granted 24 farmers with 28 sacks of corn, 145 farmers with 60 bags of insect variety rice, with 120 sacks of fertilizer, and aplan rice variety is also being reintroduced. (RLT/PIA-10/ Camiguin)

DIRECTORY

Former rebels, AFP, PNP, and NEDA take part in the Peace Concert to condemn the rebel groups' founding anniversary celebration. (VPSB/PIA-10)

Ex-rebels urge youth to be vigilant in joining organizations, unions CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY—Three former rebels (FRs) reminded the youths to be more vigilant in joining an organization or union as they might be manipulated to become part of a revolutionary government. During the joint AFPPNP Peace Concert recently at Kiosko Kagawasan in Cagayan de Oro, former rebel ‘Ka Lala’ narrated how they were deceived by the CPP-NPA-NDF (Communist Party of the Philippines-New People’s Army-National Democratic Front) to join in the non-state armed group. “Sa atong mga kabatanonan, kinahanglan atong sutaon kung ang atong gi-apilan nga organisasyon dili mahimong babag diha sa paningkamot nga muuswag ang atong kahimtang ug kaugmaon. Kaming tulo ka kanhi rebelde nga ani-a karon, nakaamgo mi nga giilad mi. Biktima mi sa pagpanglimbong sa CPPNPA-NDF nga kalihukan,” she said. (Our young people need to assess the ins and outs of the organization. We, as former rebels realized we have been deceived. We are victims of the CPP-NPANDF’s lies and tricks)

In condemnation of the CPP-NPA-NDF's 53rd founding anniversary, the three former rebels attended the AFP-PNP Peace Concert in support of the government's efforts to end insurgency and expose the terrorists' mass recruitment tactics. Another ex-rebel named ‘Ka Jao’ explained that there are two main working committees of the terrorists namely the White Area Committee (WAC) and the Red Area Committee (RAC). He clarified that the ‘White Area Committee’ members are the recruiters and fund-raisers who immerse themselves in churches, universities, construction, and business companies, including women's sector. They tackle issues such as tuition fees, salaries of common workers, and farmland problems to provoke people and incite rebellion, especially among students, laborers, farmers, and other vulnerable sectors. Meanwhile, the three FRs shared that their lives were in chaos and miserable during those times they were in the

mountains fighting for a rotten cause. “We are here to help the government. We urge our youths to be cautious in the strategies used by the CPP-NPA-NDF because their recruiters pose as a legal organization but in reality, they are an underground organization whose members support the terrorists’ cause,” Ka Jao said. (JAKA/PIA-10) EXTRA JUDICIAL PARTITION KNOW ALL MEN BY THESE PRESENTS:

That the late PETRONIO ZAMBRANO who died intestate on December 20, 1960 without leaving any Last Will and Testament, at Salay, Misamis Oriental, the said decedent at the time of his demise, left behind personal properties and real properties with Tax Declaration No. 0808000808604 situated in the Barrio of Inobulan Salay Misamis Oriental, Island of Mindanao, containing an area of ONE THOUSAND TWO HUNDRED SIXTY FIVE (1,265) square meters more or less, and has been the subject of an DEED OF EXTRA-JUDICIAL SETTLEMENT WITH SALE, filed by the heirs of PETRONIO ZAMBRANO, in favor of ABNER P. ZAMBRANO AND VIRGINIA R. ZAMBRANO, per DOC #454; PAGE #91; BOOK #XXXVII; Series of 2022 under the Notarial Registry of ATTY. CONCHITO J. OCLARIT.

That the late ALEXES DOMO QUIÑONEZ, who died intestate sometime on April 10, 2021 at Polymedic Plaza Hospital, Kauswagan, Cagayan de Oro City, that during his lifetime, the late ALEXES DOMO QUIÑONEZ was the registered owner of (1) one-unit motor vehicle and more particularly described as follows; Make: ISUZU; MV File No.: 038600000096356; Plate No.: RCD-491; Chassis No.: UBS69GW-7101032; Engine No.: 4JG2-575176; Body Type: WAGON, and has been the subject of an DEED OF EXTRAJUDICIAL SETTLEMENT OF MOTOR VEHICLE WITH DEED OF ABSOLUTE SALE, filed by the heirs of DEED OF EXTRA-JUDICIAL SETTLEMENT OF MOTOR VEHICLE WITH DEED OF ABSOLUTE SALE, in favor of ANTONIO C. ESTRERA, per DOC #275; PAGE #55; BOOK #31; Series of 2022 under the Notarial Registry of ATTY. ROLAND E. COLLADO.

That the late LEO RENATO R. MABULAY who died sometime on May 18, 2009, during his lifetime was co-owner of that certain parcels of land with A. Transfer Certificate of Title No. T-34015, situated at Kauswagan, Cagayan de Oro City, containing an area of THREE HUNDRED THIRTY THREE (333) Square Meters, more or less, B. Transfer Certificate of Title No. T-62911 situated at Bayabas, Cagayan de Oro City, containing an area of FIVE HUNDRED THIRTY SEVEN (537) Square Meters, more or less, C. Transfer Certificate of Title No. T-45588 situated at Kauswagan, Cagayan de Oro City, containing an area of SIX HUNDRED THIRTY (630) Square Meters, more or less, D. Transfer Certificate of Title No. T-45589 situated Kauswagan, Cagayan de Oro City, containing an area of SIX HUNDRED THIRTY ONE (631), E. Transfer Certificate of Title No. T-85094 situated at Bayabas, Cagayan de Oro City, containing an area of NINE THOUSAND NINE HUNDRED SEVENTY (9,970) Square Meters, more or less, F. Transfer Certificate of Title NO. T-43883 Situated at Indahag, Cagayan de Oro City, containing an area of FORTY EIGHT THOUSAND SEVEN HUNDRED SEVENTY TWO (48,772) Square Meters, more or less, G. Transfer Certificate of Title NO. T-80745 situated at Lot 2672 of Cadastral Survey of Cagayan, containing an area of TWENTY ONE THOUSAND EIGHT HUNDRED EIGHT (21,808) Square Meters, more or less, H. Tax Declaration G-049867 situated at Indahag, Cagayan de Oro City, containing an area of FIFTY FIVE THOUSAND SEVEN HUNDRED EIGHTY FIVE (55,785) Square Meters, more or less, I. Transfer Certificate of Title No. T-43883 situated at Indahag, Cagayan de Oro City, containing an area of ONE THOUSAND FIVE HUNDRED THIRTY SIX (1,536) Square Meters, more or less, and has been the subject of an EXTRA JUDICIAL PARTITION, filed by the heirs of LEO RENATO R. MABULAY, per DOC #137; PAGE #28; BOOK #71; Series of 2014 under the Notarial Registry of ATTY. ROBERTO Y. MABULAY.

BWM: April 13, 20 & 27, 2022

BWM: Mar. 30, Apr. 6 & 13, 2022

DEED OF EXTRA-JUDICIAL SETTLEMENT OF MOTOR VEHICLE WITH DEED OF ABSOLUTE SALE K N O W A LL M E N B Y T H E S E PRESENTS:

A PUBLIC SERVICE BY:

Water... from page 1

in remote areas of Lanao del Sur, North Cotabato and Maguindanao. “Despite the challenges brought by the pandemic, what matters is the immeasurable and lasting impact of the project to the people. The project not only provided potable water but also a decent source of income during the pandemic,” Mr. Koshikawa said. On April 5, a level II ground source electric water pump system in Tenorio, Datu Odin Sinsuat, Maguindanao was turned over to the local government. T h i s s u b - proj e c t i n Tenorio also includes a treatment facility and four tap-stands. The facility serves around 70 households of mostly indigenous families, retired military personnel and other residents.

Poultry... from page 1

of poultry products from the affected areas after the detection of bird flu in Luzon, particularly in Pampanga and Bulacan. Resma said the avian virus can be “killed” if the poultry products are well-cooked.

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WED-THU|APRIL 13-14, 2022

He also clarified that poultry suppliers of live or processed cooked products from the areas that are not affected by the bird flu may still transport their supply inside the province as long as they have the necessary documents. For live ducks and chickens, the suppliers must secure a shipping permit. For dressed chickens, a certificate from the National Meat Inspection Service must be presented; for the processed cooked products, the suppliers must present a license to operate from the Food and Drug Administration (FDA). Border control, testing Resma said the provincial government will continuously implement strict border re st r i c t i ons , e sp e c i a l ly since the bird flu virus has already entered Mindanao, particularly in Tacurong City in Sultan Kudarat and the Davao del Sur town of Magsaysay. "The avian influenza is getting closer and closer in the province of Bukidnon and Misamis Oriental. However, we are doing our best to prevent the bird flu from entering the province," Resma said during the flag-raising ceremony at the Provincial Capitol here. With intensive monitoring,

Mr. Samir Muhammad a Pakistan citizen, desire to apply as a General Manager in our Company SAMI JAPAN SURPLUS CORPORATION located at Iponan, Zone 2, Cagayan de Oro City, Misamis Oriental QUALIFICATION: • Valid driver’s license. • Physically fit, has a good work ethic. • Ages 30-45 years old. Male only. SALARY RANGE: Php 20-40K Monthly. Any local person in Cagayan de Oro City who is competent, able and willing to perform the job/ position may file an objection at the DOLE-RO within Thirty (30) days after publication.

he assured that the chicken supply in Misamis Oriental and the city remains safe. As of Monday, the whole chicken prices from the two markets in this city range from PHP165 to PHP180, while medium-sized eggs would range from PHP5 to PHP6 apiece. (With a report from Nef Luczon/PNA)

Vitarich... from page 3

segments: feeds, foods, and farms. The company sells its feed products to various distributors, dealers and end users nationwide. Its farm products are day-old chicks and pullets while its food products composed of chicken and dory fish are sold to hotels, restaurants, institutional clients, and supermarkets as well as to wet markets.

Investors... from page 3

center unit together with the revaluation of carrying value of Globe’s retained interest. Separately, Globe officially launched on Wednesday its digital entertainment arm, KROMA Entertainment. Formerly Sphere Enter t ainment, Glob e’s media and entertainment leg first launched back in

2016 with film and T V production, and live concert/ event management. KROMA added other projects such as digital magazine, artist and talent agency, and production house. KROMA Entertainment Chief Executive Officer Ian Monsod said in a briefing that the entertainment company’s goal is to be the “leading digital entertainment player” in the country. Howe ve r, t h e s e developments were overshadowed by Russia’s invasion of Ukraine that pushed domestic inflation to a six-month high of 4% amid soaring global oil prices. The market’s sentiment was also dampened by the fresh waves of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) new infections in other countries. In a Viber message, Diversified Securities, Inc. E qu it y Trad e r An ice to K. Pangan said that the announcements had given Globe a positive outlook, however, the stock and the market are dependent on c ur rent e vents and inflationary pressures’ impact on global growth. “Aside from this are the uncertainties in the local election plus the possible surge of a new variant after the World Health Organization

warned of it in the next two months,” he said. “ B a s i c a l l y, t h e [ S T Telemedia] joint venture and the KROMA launch are good news for Globe. Unfortunately, those just got overshadowed [by the market’s overall negative sentiment],” Mr. Arce said. “ T h e p e rc e nt a g e of d i s p o s abl e i n c om e for stock investments will likely decline,” Mr. Arce said. “In relation to Globe, with more and more people returning to the office and the potential resumption of face-to-face learning, spending for faster mobile and fixed internet plans may dwindle and eat into the company’s bottom line in the long run,” he added. With the uncertainties

posing on the stock market, Mr. Pangan said that the stock may be “bearish” in the short term, noting that the stock market will depend on how the conflict unfolds in the future, the Fed’s rate hikes, and the demand and supply strains. Mr. Arce expects Globe to post P4.6 billion in net income in the first quarter and P5 billion in the second quarter to end the year with a net profit of “around P20.2 billion.” M r. A r c e s a i d t h at investors might opt to cash out amid the shorter trading week due to the Holy Week holidays. He put his support and resistance levels for Globe at P 2 , 2 2 0 and P 2 , 6 8 0 , respectively.

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Session... from page 4

law school dropout? It was Clarence Darrow: the one name which is so often associated with the practice of law. Clarence Darrow attended law school for only one year and then dropped out to study law on his own. But what is more amazing is those other six successful lawyers could not drop out because they never even went to law school! They all studied law on their own. Actually, for every one of us the school of life is always in session. We are designed never to stop learning our Creator’s laws and ways of life. In fact, the word disciple means a “lifelong learner” or “lifetime student” of Jesus, the Maker and Master of life. Once and for all, won’t you ask Him to become the Maker and Master Teacher of your completely new life with Him today? Just think a minute.

Justice... from page 4

the Manobo Tribe. At dawn, while members of the tribe of Merlita Mayantao were having coffee, they were indiscriminately shot. Three were killed, including a son of Bae Mayantao, while three wounded. Several of the assailants are still at large who are known members of the rancher’s security group. In Talakag, Bukidnon, Datu Fred Sinahon shared that George Amihan was hacked to death, Anastacio Susina was shot to death and Alfonso Sinhon was mauled to death then cut into pieces. After which, all their lands, abaca, falcata, and lauan were stolen. Bae Saluday Endrita Pocol, head claimant of Unified Ancestral Domain in Talakag, Bukidnon narrated, “…agencies of government such as DENR and DAR are now entering their domain ERRATUM In connection with the publication of EXTRAJUDICIAL SETTLEMENT OF ESTATE AMONG HEIRS, late ROSELLER DELA TORRE PALER, published march 25, April 1 & 8, 2022 the correct date of death should be February 12, 2022 not as published. OUR APOLOGY BWM: April 13, 2022

DEED OF EXTRAJUDICIAL SETTLEMENT WITH SPECIAL POWER OF ATTORNEY KNOW ALL MEN BY THESE PRESENTS: That the late RUBEN C. CLARITO who died on September 21, 2020 in Cagayan de Oro City without any will and testament; That said Ruben C. Clarito, at the time of his death, has accounts/deposits with Land Bank Carmen Branch, Cagayan de Oro City with Account Number SA 31461488-90; that the deceased left no debts in any financial institutions or creditor, whether natural or juridical person; and has been the subject of an DEED OF EXTRAJUDICIAL SETTLEMENT WITH SPECIAL POWER OF ATTORNEY, made and executed by among OLIVIA C. CLARITO, MONYEEN GAY C. CLARITO, GLEN OLIVER C. CLARITO, OWEN NEIL C. CLARITO and IVA GRENIA C. CLARITO, per DOC #222; PAGE #45; BOOK #80; Series of 2022 under the Notarial Registry of ATTY. RAUL M. LLACUNA. BWM: Mar. 30, Apr. 6 & 13, 2022

and are issuing titles in cahoots with local officials without any respect to the IPRA Law, in utter disregard to their rights and dignity. They are always under threat and their fences have been destroyed. They cannot anymore bear the pains and abuses and in fact, many have been killed.” Datu Modesto Pocol, Jr. representative of the Higaonon-ManoboTalaanditg Tribe said that they filed a case against Mayor Factura of Talakag, Bukidnon. On 4 January 2020, Mayor Factura allegedly harassed their tribe and disposed all their materials, files, and sacred objects in their tribal building. In 2006, the ancestral land of Datu Ben Anoos was allegedly transformed by an LGU into a water system to supply the water needs of the municipality. However, until now the tribe is still not properly remunerated by the LGU. In San Fernando, Bukidnon, Bae Leah was known to fight for the water rights of her tribe. She was killed in 2019. Eleven IPs who fought against the entry of transnational corporation that aimed to convert their lands into plantations were ambushed and killed. In Quezon, Bukidnon, since 2017, thousands of families from the Manobo Pu lang iyon Indigenous Cultural Community have been living in tents along the highway. They are devoid of livelihood, homes and basic services. They drink water from the river and eat kamote once a day. Children are malnourished, some of them are tied up to keep them away from cars plying the highways. One thousand one hundred eleven hectares that have been certified by no less than Sec. Allen Capuyan and signed by six NCIP Administrators as the tribe’s ancestral domain have been transformed into massive plantations by the Kiantig Development Corporation which is owned and managed by the Incumbent Mayor of Quezon, Bukidnon Hon. Pablo Lorenzo. When that certification was presented, it was just torn into pieces by the armed guards. Six months had passed since then, until now the thousands of families are still living under shattered tents in so much hunger and poverty. As narrated by the chieftains, the secretary of the six unified tribe was killed, Mr. Renato Anglao in 2016 for his continuing resistance when their ancestral domain

was transformed into massive plantation since 2012. The killing of Datu Sumael and Datu Alim is just a “tip of the iceberg” as AGAW LUPA, AGAW TUBIG, AGAW BUHAY continues without let-up. Indeed, there is no greater grandeur sight in the world than these two datus and all the chieftains who have bravely fought to protect their rights, fired with a great purpose, dominated by one unwavering aim – to liberate the poor and oppressed IPs from so much poverty and oppression, even sacrificing their precious lives so that their tribes will live with dignity. To them, my firm salute and warm embrace. Until now, no killer has been arrested. We pray to MAGBABAYA that justice be done till heavens fall! SILA PO AY TAO HINDI BASURA!

Interest... from page 5

Act of 1998, and Republic Act 9474, or the Lending Company Regulation Act of 2007. However, SEC’s authority is only limited to duly-registered financial companies and lending companies as defined in their specific special laws, thus Soco’s measure to authorize the provincial government, through PB, to regulate the imposition of interest rates and other fees against unregistered entities or persons extending loans. Soco said the people should be protected against “unscrupulous transactions and opportunistic individuals preying on desperate and unsuspecting Cebuanos”. “The practice of these lending facilities/individuals, especially those considered as “fly-by-night” must be stopped in order to protect Cebuanos from these illegal, onerous, oppressive and uns cr upu lous f inancia l a c t i v it i e s d e s i g n e d by exploitative individuals/ bu s i n e s s e s pre y i n g on innocent and desperate citizens,” he added. (PNA)

Reforms... from page 5

of the tax reform program enabled the government to raise PHP504.6 billion in incremental revenues during the first four years of implementation,” he said. The Finance chief said that through these tax reforms and improved tax administration, the government increased its revenue effort to 16.1 percent of GDP in 2019 from 15.1

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percent in 2015. “ T h i s w a s ou r b e s t performance in more than two decades,” he said. Dominguez said tax reforms and fiscal discipline allowed the government to reduce the proportion of debt to the economy’s annual output to a record low of 39.6 percent in 2019 from 42.7 in 2015. This resulted in several upgrades on the country’s credit ratings to BBB and as much as AAA, the latter of which was given by Lianhe Credit Rating Co. Ltd. “As a result, we were able to bring down our borrowing costs and raise bond issuances with very tight spreads in the international markets. This high credit rating also spilled over in the low borrowing costs for the private sector,” Dominguez said. He said proven fiscal discipline by the current administration made development partners and lenders support the government’s infrastructure programs through loan and grants provisions. Dominguez said the government was able to get 28 highly concessional loan agreements for projects under the Build, Build, Build (BBB) program. One of these projects is the Metro Manila Subway project, which is being financed with the help of the Japanese government. “This administration was able to raise infrastructure spending to above 5 percent of GDP, double the level recorded by the previous four administrations,” he said. And while government debt increased during the pandemic, resulting in the rise of the deficit to GDP ratio from 3.4 percent in 2019 to 7.6 percent in 2020 and 8.6 percent in 2021, Dominguez said “we had set out a clear strategy for financing our deficit.” “We prioritized domestic borrowings followed by official development assistance and then, and lastly, international capital markets. We determined this plan as the most prudent approach, ensuring sustainability in our debt service,” he said. Dominguez said the debtto-GDP ratio rose from a record-low 39.6 percent in 2019 to 54.6 percent in 2020

and 60.5 percent in 2021. “Ne ver t heless, t his ratio remains eminently manageable. The fact that the Philippines was able to maintain all its historic high credit ratings throughout the crisis amidst downgrades am ong ou r p e e r s i s a testament to our excellent record of prudent spending and fiscal discipline,” he said. He added disruption caused by the pandemic on the government’s revenue collection “is only temporary”, adding that “deficit and borrowings will begin to decline for the year.” “A s t h e p a n d e m i c subsides, the Philippine economy is now well on its way to rapid recovery. Our risk management strategy culminated in full-year growth of 5.6 percent in 2021, exceeding target and market expectations. This year, we expect our economy to grow by 7-9 percent,” he added. (PNA)

Heroic... from page 2

the next generation),” she said. In the May 9 polls, each voter will choose one partylist. The law states that each party that gets two percent of the national votes will be entitled to one seat each and an additional seat for every 2 percent of the vote thereafter until a party has three seats. This means that a party can win a maximum of three seats if it surpasses six percent of the national vote. Like the other members of the House of Representatives, each party-list representative has a term of three years. (PR)

Village... from page 2

installed the solar lights Sunday following the April 4-7 training, benefiting at least 36 Higaonon families in the village. Cueva said the lack of access to electricity remains one of the basic challenges in far-flung areas such as Sitio Baboy-Baboy, which the military described as under the influence of the communist New People's Army (NPA). In a phone interview, Sitio Baboy-Baboy tribal

leader Doven Talja said the community has also received several projects through the PTF-ELCAC's Poverty Reduction, Livelihood, and Employment Cluster (PRLEC). "We thank the government for the projects initiated in our community, the latest of which is the solar light project to illuminate our houses," Talja said in vernacular. The Higaonon elder said for the past decades, their village's development was hampered by the presence of the NPA rebels. “After we abandoned the communist movement and returned to the government, developments, through the different programs and services of the agencies started to arrive in our community,” Talja added. In a statement, the Army's 23rd Infantr y Battalion (23IB) said the residents of Sitio Baboy-Baboy are among the 278 members of the Underground Mass Organization who surrendered to the government on Nov. 20, 2020. The Army unit also underscored the importance of PRLEC's development initiatives in remote communities, noting that the solar project was a convergence initiative led by the Technical Education and Skills Development Authority in Agusan del Norte and the 23IB. (PNA)

Secure... from page 1

to monitor 25 churches and two pilgrimage sites in the city. The city government here has also issued guidelines for Holy Week activities, which include that those visiting pilgrimage sites aged 18 and above must be fully vaccinated. The public is also expected to observe barangay ordinances that restrict minors from public areas. Meanwhile, the province of Camiguin has reminded visitors to the island's popular "Panaad" pilgrimage sites and churches to bring their vaccination card and secure a hotel booking confirmation. Camiguin provincial planning officer Nykolsha Mae Rayos said tourists also need to register for a "Clean Camiguin QR" account and accomplish a health declaration form. (PNA)

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AboitizPower seals first Green Energy Option Program deal

ITA Tropic Ice Company, Inc., an ice manufacturing company located in Malabon City, has recently switched to Advent Energy Inc., a retail business unit

of AboitizPower, upon successful completion of the Green Energy Option Program (GEOP) switching process. Vita Tropic is AboitizPower’s first GEOP customer and the

partnership commenced on March 26, 2022. GEOP, a salient point of the Renewable Energy Act of 2008, is a voluntary policy mechanism that provides electricity end-users with

an average peak demand of at least 100 kW for the past 12 months, the option to switch to renewable energy sources and choose their own renewable energy supplier. “As responsible citizens, we must ensure that in everything that we do, we do it with utmost regard to what effects it has on our environment, which is why we are very proud to be one of the first GEOP customers in the country today. We’re happy to be partners with AboitizPower, a leader in the Philippine power industry. Through

concrete solutions that use the best practices, our partnership built on trust and shared values give us the power to create meaningful impacts to build a better world for a cleaner and more sustainable future,” said David Co, Vita Tropic Ice Company Inc., Business Development. AboitizPower has already received GEOP permits from the Department of Energy (DOE) for its retail companies, namely Advent Energy Inc., Aboitiz Energy Solutions Inc. (AESI), and Prism Energy Inc. With the

WITH its extensive renewable energy portfolio, AboitizPower makes it easier for end-users to switch to green energy options. In this photo is AboitizPower subsidiary Hedcor's run-of-river hydropower plant located in Tuba, Benguet.

DOE-issued permit, these entities are authorized to enter into a supply contract with qualified GEOP customers. “We at AboitizPower fully support GEOP as we believe it’s a key driver of renewable energy growth in the Philippines. This gives more customers the option and opportunity to join the movement towards a sustainable energy transition. We’ve been looking forward to the implementation of GEOP and now that it’s finally happening, we’re confident that we have the ability and expertise to serve the needs of the GEOP market,” said Juan Alejandro Aboitiz, AboitizPower Senior Vice President for Commercial Operations.

BF METROSPORT CHARITY EVENT: WITH A GENEROUS HEART REACHES OUT TO THE NEIGHBORHOOD OF RAMONAL VILLAGE

HE franchise program of this platform is mainly football, and it cooperates with wellknown American law firms. It integrates the principles probability, statistics, mathematics, etc., making the football game not only a game, but also a high-yield investment behavior comparable to funds and stocks. The platform adopts the world’s latest popular “hedge fund + welfare field+ different levels of commission “model,

simultaneous operations in dozens of countries around the world. Provides bilingual versions in Chinese and English, and supports the recharge and withdrawal of digital currencies such as Bitcoin and Ethereum. Simple Hedge funds are betting on teams that are clearly strong and weak, and whoever continues to be strong will chase those who are weak. These issues hardly need to be considered, because we

only need the final score of the football game to be different from the score we bet on, we can get a profit. High winning rate Hedge funds choose to bet on strong and weak teams. The strong team is in

excellent condition, the scores given are very reasonable the record is clear, there are no other accidents and the goal must be scored. This type of betting usually occurs only 2 or 3 times a month, regardless of whether you win or lose.

Never force it. "Due to the opportunity that the platform has offered to members that gave a good and positive impact into their lives the BF FOOTBALL CDOC Chapter aims to help and share their

blessings through charity program held at Ramonal Village Camaman-an CDO on the 10th day of April 2022. To those who wish to join this growing team, you may contact us at telegram @ SuperLegitBF. "