BusinessWeek Mindanao (August 18-19, 2021) by Mindanao Daily News

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Volume XII, No. 29

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Briefly Flywood revival THE MINDANAO Development Authority (MinDA) and the Development Bank of the Philippines (DBP) will enter into a partnership to revive the plywood and veneer industry in Mindanao. Mi n D A C h a i r m a n Emmanuel F. Piñol said in a social media post over the weekend that efforts to revive the industry will involve farmed, fastgrowing tree varieties. Mr. Piñol said that DBP President Emmanuel G. Herbosa and Director Jeannie N. Sandoval expressed their support for the industrial tree farming program.

Caraga development BUTUAN City – The Department of Transportation (DOTr) on Thursday formally unveiled major airport and seaport development projects that will further boost the connectivity of the Caraga Region. In a ceremony at the Butuan Airport, Transportation Secretary Arthur Tugade said these include the asphalt overlay of the airport's runway, the improvement of the terminal interior and exterior features, and the establishment of a Malasakit Hall at the airport. Tugade also officially opened the newlyimproved Cantilan Port situated in Cantilan town in Surigao del Sur.

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NEA extends P5.628-B worth of loans to ECs www.businessweekmindanao.com

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PRAYING FOR PROTECTION. Lumads belonging to the Bukidnon tribe hold their annual ritual in Baleteon, Brgy. Dalwangan, Malaybalay City on Sunday (Aug. 15, 2021). This part of the ritual shows them offering leaves of kilala (a sacred plant) dipped in pig's blood which they would later place on their doors as protection from death and diseases. They say this is akin to the Hebrew Passover rite on the eve of the Exodus. mindanews photo by aries sandino m. mordeno

More children admitted in Cag. de Oro hospitals

OV E RN M E N Trun National Electrification Administration (NEA) has extended P5.628 billion worth of loans to electric cooperatives (ECs) at the duration of the Duterte administration. According to NEA Administrator Edgardo R. Masongsong, the loans extended to the ECs had been via the agency’s Lending and Guarantee Program and these were granted between 2017 until June this year. Funneling of loans to the ECs had been among the accomplishments touted by the electrification agency at its recent 52nd anniversary – and that’s on top of the level of energization already logged LOANS/PAGE 7

By FROILAN GALLARDO, MindaNews

HEALTH authorities have raised the alarm that more children are now being admitted to hospitals in Cagayan de Oro City due to the coronavirus disease (COVID-19) compared to last year when the pandemic started.

Dr. Ted Yu, of the Cagayan de Oro City Health Office, said they have seen more children aged 12 and below or pediatric cases being admitted to hospitals due to COVID-19: 32 last week, 35 in July, and 16 in June when CHILDREN/PAGE 7

DBP pledges loan support for Mindanao tree farming THE Mindanao Development Authority (MinDA), with the financial support of its partner bank, the Development Bank of the Philippines (DBP), will initiate the revival of the Plywood and Veneer Industry in Mindanao, this time using fast-growing industrial trees. On Wednesday (Aug. 11), Secretary Emmanuel Piñol bared that two key officials of DBP expressed support for the Industrial Tree Farming Program pushed by MinDA.

“DBP President Emmanuel G. Herbosa and Director Jeannie Sandoval who joined me and the MinDA team in a series of activities, which started in Taraka, Lanao del Sur agreed with MinDA's proposal that the Industrial Tree Farming Industry of Mindanao should be boosted by organizing the stakeholders and establishing processing facilities to complete the value chain,” he said. SUPPORT/PAGE 7

ROADSIDE FRUIT STAND. A vendor sells avocado for P100 for 3 kilos at a roadside in Barangay Mambuaya, Cagayan de Oro City. photo by gerry lee gorit

LGUs must abide by NIATF guidelines By GERRY LEE GORIT, Reporter

THE Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board-10 (LTFRB-10) has maintained that local chief executives must abide by the laws set by the national government in the compliance of guidelines related to the

measures on the coronavirus pandemic. LT F R B - 1 0 r e g i o n a l director Aminoden Guro s ai d t h at t h e n at i on a l government, through the National Inter-agency Task Force (NIATF) has the final

say on what guidelines to follow, especially on the entry and exit of public utility vehicles that pass through areas with different levels of quarantine restrictions. He added that local government units should align their policies with that ABIDE/PAGE 7

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World Vision gives handwashing, learners kits to schools in Marawi MARAWI City - In support of the learning continuity of education in this City, the World Vision Philippines handed over learners and handwashing kits to its school beneficiaries. The child-focused nongovernment organization distributed more than 1,000 learners kits to Bae Inomba Blo Bacarat Central Elementary School (BIBCES) and Dulay Elementary School (ES). Containing information and education materials on child protection, bags, notebooks, pencils, and bullpens, these kits are seen to motivate the pupils to continue learning despite the pandemic. In support of the handwashing facilities, the organization also distributed rubbing alcohol, germicidal soap, and liquid soap to its school beneficiaries namely BIBBCES, Dulay ES, Sikap ES, Hadji Hassan ES, Tuca

ES, Cadayonan ES, and Abdulazis ES . “Kami sa [We in the] World Vision, we desire that all learners will have access to quality education. That is why we really try our best na makatulong para mapagaan ang [to help bridge the] gaps in the education system,” said World Vision Northern Mindanao program manager Liza Branal during the kick-off of Brigada Eskwela on Thursday. Branal also looked forward to the continuity of education citing the value of Bayanihan (collaboration) of the stakeholders. The organization also targets to turn over a total of six playgrounds and six handwashing facilities to different schools in the City. To date, these facilities have been opened in Cadayonan ES, Sikap ES and Hadji Hassan ES.

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WED-THU|AUGUST 18-19, 2021

BARMM to build P471.6-M worth school buildings

OTABATO City — The Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM) will soon start construction of some P472 million worth of 22 units classroom buildings. Minister Mohagher Iqbal of the Ministry of Basic, Higher, and Technical Education (MBHTE) said the projects were funded under Special Development Fund (SDF) 2020 and General Appropriations Act of the Bangsamoro (GAAB) 2021. Iqbal noted MBHTE’s Education Facilities Section “will be constructing a total of 22 units of two-story with 10-classroom school

BALINGASAG, MISAMIS ORIENTAL National Highway Balingasag, Barangay 4, Balingasag, Misamis Oriental Mobile Number/s: 0933-823-3161, 0933-823-3304 Tel. Number: 333-5161 CAGAYAN DE ORO P&J Lim Building, Tiano Kalambagohan St., Barangay 14, Cagayan de Oro City, Misamis Oriental Tel No. (08822) 727-829 / 231-6629 Telefax No. (088) 856-1947 Mobile No. 0933-823-3303 / 0943-708-7065 CAGAYAN DE ORO WAREHOUSE Warehouse 7, Bonbon Road, Kauswagan, Cagayan de Oro City, Misamis Oriental Mobile No. 0917-825-4149 / 0943-708-7065 CARMEN, CAGAYAN DE ORO Vamenta Blvd., fronting CEPALCO, Carmen, Cagayan de Oro City, Misamis Oriental Tel. No. (088) 233-2011 Mobile No. 0933-823-3159 CORRALES, CDO Corrales Ave., Barangay 29, Cagayan de Oro City, Misamis Oriental Telefax No. (088) 231-2055

buildings for the basic and higher education learners across the region.” The projects under SDF 2020 are 17 school buildings worth more than P375,143,953.26 for basic education learners that include two buildings for the special geographic areas in North Cotabato, four for Maguindanao, three for Lanao del Sur, one for Marawi City, two for Basilan, one for Lamitan City, two for Sulu, and two for Tawi-Tawi. Construction of said school building projects for basic education will begin on the fourth quarter of this year. The other five buildings are under the GAAB 2021 worth P96,521,190.77. These

DIVISORIA, CDO A. Velez St., Barangay 9, Cagayan de Oro City, Misamis Oriental Telefax No. (088) 856-1947 Mobile No. 0917-841-4000 / 0933-823-3164 GINGOOG CITY G/F Wyne Militante Bldg., Lugod St., Barangay 22, Gingoog City, Misamis Oriental Telefax No. (088) 861-0104 Mobile No. 0933-823-3168 LAPASAN, CDO National Highway (FICCO Bldg.), Lapasan, Cagayan de Oro City, Misamis Oriental Tel. No. (088) 231-6739 Mobile No. 0933-823-3160 PUERTO, CDO Purok 6, Puerto, Cagayan de Oro City, Misamis Oriental Tel. No. (088) 859-0574 Mobile No. 0943-708-7537 CAMIGUIN B. Aranas St., Poblacion, Mambajao, Camiguin Telefax No. (088) 387-0491 Mobile No. 0943-708-7539

include school building in REMACADEMY in Maguindanao, Unda Memorial National Agricultural School, Balabagan Trade School, and Lanao Agricultural College all in Lanao del Sur, and Lapak Agricultural School in Sulu. “Selection of these school beneficiaries went under thorough validation of the School-Based Assessment 2020-2021,”

Iqbal added. Meanwhile, the MBHTE turned over on August 12, a one-story four classroom building to Sultan Kudarat National High School in Sultan Kudarat, Maguindanao, and in Dinganin-Buldon National High School in Buldon, Maguindanao. The buildings were funded under the 2018 Basic Education Facilities Fund (BEFF) 2018. BUILD/PAGE 7

MANdate Initiative to Address PARDO in this New Normal By JUNELYN N. ADIS, T-III Jasaan Central School Jasaan, Misamis Oriental

“Education must continue”, is DepEd’s battle cry amid this new normal brought by COVID 19 Pandemic. School year 20202021, has just ended, and this implies that education really continue. The MANdate is written that way to emphasize the acronym MAN. The word mandate is an authoritative positive command that should be done and M-A-N stands for Module-hatud Aiders Network. It is an initiative introduced and enforced in the action research entitlled MANdate Initiative to Address Pupils-At-Risk of Dropping Out (PARDO) in Grade Six Jovial of Jasaan Central School, District of Jasaan, Jasaan, Misamis Oriental that aims to solve the problem that has been observed by the

researcher in her advisory class in this new normal setting of schooling – Distance Learning Modality via Self-Learning Modules (SLMs). The situation, there was an average of eleven (11) or 75% out of 43 parents, who were not able to get/return their child’s SLMs in all subject areas, as scheduled in the first five weeks of quarter 1, delayed for about 3 to 4 weeks and, resulted to these circumstances: delay of answering the learning tasks/activities of the lesson intended for a particular week. The accumulated numbers of SLMs for 3 to 4 weeks resulted to learners’ laziness in answering or doing the activities, and the assessments . The subject teachers were delayed in checking the assessments, and the performance tasks as well as computing their grades, and worst, there are eleven (11) PARDO in the class in the first quarter. MANdate initiative is being mobilized by the barangay frontliners, the District ALS coordinator who volunteered to do the delivery and the pickingup of the modules. As to locating the addresses of the concerns, the researcher asks the learners and parents who are members in Grade Six Jovial’s FB Messenger Group Chat. It is a school-tohome and home-to-school delivery of SLMs that should be done only to those parents of valid reasons why they are delayed in getting and returning it/can not get it regularly. With MANdate initiative the 11 PARDO Grade Six Jovial was addressed, and resolved the following circumstances: delay of answering the learning tasks/ activities of the lesson intended for a particular week; laziness in answering/doing the activities, and the assessments therein of accumulated SLMs: and the delayed checking assessments/ written tests, and the performance tasks as well as computing their grades. It has been observed that with this MANdate the 75% picked-up/returned SLMs as scheduled raises to 95 to 100 % in the second quarter to fourth. By the end of the school year 2020-2021, 100% of Grade Six Jovial pupils graduated, no one is left behind. If ever same problem or situation arises next school year if face to face classes is not yet possible, the said initiave is to be applied again.

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WED-THU|AUGUST 18-19, 2021

CorporateWorld

7-Eleven starts vaccinating employees nationwide

HILIPPINE Seven Corporation (PSC), the exclusive licensor of 7-Eleven in the Philippines, has started to vaccinate its employees and their dependents against the coronavirus disease 2019 (Covid-19) for free, supporting the government’s inoculation efforts and fast-tracking the country’s economic recovery. “Our participation in this vaccine program is in line with the country’s efforts in addressing the challenges of this pandemic. It will likewise provide a strong impetus for national economic recovery,

from which we will all benefit,” PSC president and chief executive officer Jose Victor Paterno said in a statement Monday. As its vaccination drive began on July 28, PSC has partnered with AC Health (Ayala Healthcare Holdings) to administer the jabs in 18 vaccination sites nationwide. It purchased 80,000 AstraZeneca vaccines as part of the Go Negosyo private sector coalition. The vaccines are currently available and optional for all PSC employees who include its 3,100 corporate employees,

and over 8,500 PSC front-liners in its corporate-owned and franchise stores, franchisees, third-party service providers, and selected suppliers. “As part of our commitment to serve over 3,000 communities nationwide, we have taken the lead in procuring the vaccines to ensure the health and safety of our employees. Vaccinating our employees also serves to reassure our customers that they are in a safe space when shopping at a 7-Eleven store,” Paterno said. PSC has pledged to donate 50 percent of the vaccines to the government’s inoculation

efforts. But since a number of employees have already received the jabs through their respective local government units (LGUs), any excess dose beyond the initial 50-percent pledge will also be donated to the government. PSC is also a part of the Ingat Angat Bakuna Lahat, a private-sector-backed campaign that aims to restart the economy by empowering the public to resume their activities safely and promoting vaccination uptake. Besides the vaccination drive, PSC is strongly

committed to keeping its employees and customers safe by ensuring that all its stores comply with the minimum health standards and safety protocols. Wearing face masks and face shields, frequent hand washing, physical distancing, and regular disinfection of frequently touched surfaces is standard in all its stores and offices. 7-Eleven stores limit the number of customers allowed inside to implement physical distancing protocols properly as it also encourages its customers to continue using contactless payment options. (PR)

profit down Hyundai sales dip; demand AgriNurture despite higher sales for commercial vehicles up HYUNDAI Asia Resources, Inc. (HARI) sales in the seven months to July declined 18% from the same period last year, while commercial vehicle sales remained strong amid growing business

logistics requirements. The local distributor of the global brand sold 7,008 vehicles for the Januaryto-July period from 8,542 a year earlier. On a month-on-month comparison, Hyundai’s

total July sales had inched up 4.1% to 845 units from 812 in June. “The growth in sales was brought about by Commercial Vehicles (CV), which saw a remarkable increase of

232.1% in July versus the previous month, offsetting the slight decline in Light Commercial Vehicles, which dropped by -12.1%,” the company said in a report on Monday. DEMAND/PAGE 7

AGRINURTURE, Inc. (ANI) recorded a 74.8% decline in its net profit to P82 million for the second quarter despite higher revenues. The listed firm said in a stock exchange disclosure on Monday that its net revenue during the quarter rose 14.9% to

P1.11 billion. Cost of sales also increased 19.4% to P943.12 million. For the first half, the company’s net profit dropped to P122.07 million from P356.99 million a year ago. Net revenue for the six-month period rose 29% PROFIT/PAGE 7

Opinion

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Courageous compassion Think a minute… In 2007 an amazing woman was nominated for the Nobel Peace Prize, but sadly then died at the age of 98. Her name was Irena Sendler from Warsaw, Poland. During World War II Irena worked as a plumbing and sewer specialist in the Jewish ghetto of Warsaw. But her real purpose and mission was to try to save as many Jews as possible from the Nazis who were starting to mass murder thousands, and ultimately six million, Jews in the Holocaust. Irena smuggled babies out of the ghetto in the bottom of her toolbox; and for the larger kids she had a burlap sack in the back of her truck. By the end of the war Irena had smuggled out and saved approximately 2,500 babies and children! She also helped rescue 500 adults. When Irena was eventually caught by the Nazis, they broke both her legs and arms. But she wisely kept a record of the names of all the children she had saved in a glass jar which she buried in her back yard. After the war was over she tried

THINK A MINUTE

JHAN TIAFAU HURST to locate any parents who may have survived to reunite them with their children whom she had rescued. Of course, most of the parents had been murdered in the Nazi death camps; so Irena placed these orphan children into foster families who adopted them. Irena Sendler conquered evil with compassion and courage. Throughout her life she told people: “Keep bringing light to the world… and never stop repairing broken hearts and lives.” There are people all around us—in our workplace, s c h o o l , n e i g hb or h o o d , village, or even in our own family—who are hurting COMPASSION/PAGE 7

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WED-THU|AUGUST 18-19, 2021

God’s Book, the Holiest

The holiest of books i s n ot on e w r it t e n by evangelists or wellknown prophets but one authored by God Himself, evolving through billion of years, shown in the beauty of the universe. Neither is it written in words nor in any language and is opened 24 hours a d ay, h a s n o l ite r a c y requirement and can well be understood using not one but five senses. That book is said to b e a m a n i f e s t at i on of t h e Un s e e n u s i n g t h e great void as its pages and t he four elements of t h e Un ive rs e a s it s alphabets, namely, fire, water, earth and wind. It is called the book of nature written through t he ages t hat cont ains all the mysteries of life and the laws that must be obeyed irrespective of race, color, belief, gender and class. The 250 million stars in the cosmos can well sp e a k of t h at e l e m e nt called fire that touches us through the glorious sun. Every time the sun proclaims a new day, that bursting of the light in the horizon shows that darkness defeats the light. In the same breath that truth always prevails over lies, righteousness over diabolic acts, love over hate, the just over the unjust, and life over death. But we also read in that book that even the darkness has some good in it because it shows us the stars. From the element called water we have learned that flowing is

the essence of life as to stagnate means diseases, sorrows and death. For it to flow, it must seek a lowly path as it gains more p ower b e falling down. In t h e 7 0 ’s , du r i n g the height of the First Quarter Storm, we always heard the adage, “Let not a single drop of rain go out to the sea without ser ving the people.” There is also that cl e ans i ng an d h e a l i ng power of water. It has been said that sometimes the passions of the heart emit so much heat which only dies down through the cooling effect of the water we drink. From the lowly earth grows the mig hty tree and the beautiful flower. It may cont ain a l l t he rot but e ven the wis e, t h e p ow e r f u l a n d t h e beautiful have to return to the earth as their f i n a l d e s t i ny. S u c h i s the destiny of form. But life is eternal and every human being is life that much be connected to the formless, the Unmanifested, the Being. Fe el t hat B eing inside you and you will feel the peace and stillness that is shown by the beautiful flower and the trees. Feel t h at s t i l l n e s s , s e e t h e radiance of nature and be one with Life. The message is resoundingly clear: man has to continuously move on to seek his destiny but on ly b e b e i ng hu mbl e can he be exalted. Once he flaunts his arrogance in utter disregard of the book of nature, he dictates his own death sentence.

He cannot continuously arrogate upon himself the false belief that he has been bestowed dominion o v e r G o d ’s c r e a t i o n . On the contrar y, there i s n ow t h e i n c re a s i ng c on s c i ou s n e s s of bi o equality recognizing the right to life of all God’s creation. Often disregarded, e ven t he uns e en w ind has its own stor y to tell as its fundamental role is only recognized in its absence. How can one live without air to breathe yet it is always taken for granted? Like our love ones whom we have more often than not, taken for granted, yet so integral to us that we cannot live, in fact, without them. The b o ok of nature presents laws which are ver y easy to understand but have been violated all these years. It says that everything is interconnected. When forests are denuded, soil erodes forming silts which are carried by the rivers to the sea, destroying the coral reefs which are the habitats of fish and other marine life. This scenario gives credence to that saying that what evil deeds man does in the uplands are felt by those in the coastal communities. The worsening ecological disasters are t he c onc re te e v i d e nc e of w hy it h a s b e c om e imperative for us to now give high reverence to that book as indeed, there is no such thing as free meal in nature. Just pause for a while and reflect on the laws

KIM'S DREAM

ORLAN R. RAVANERA of nature that we have wantonly violated and in effect, have mocked the book God Himself has written. Ever y page of t h at h oly b o ok h a s been torn and burned by homo Sapiens with utter disregard to its sanctity as creation is a reflection of the creator. Now, let us well understand that there is no free meal in nature: all will boomerang to our own destruction in terms of ecological disasters and in our inability to sustain life on earth. God have merc y on u s Ho m o S a p i e n s f o r desecrating the holiest of books. Again, feel the life within all of us and learn from the great stillness, the spaciousness of the vast universe. Only then, can we be one with life as we connect deep within with the B e i n g c a l l e d G o d ! As Jesus said, “the kingdom o f G o d i s w i t h i n u s .” Thou art that awareness, that consciousness, be unfettered from the dominion of the egoic mind that is manifested contemporaneously in collective insanity called materialism and consumerism. That is the only counter vailing force against COVID-19!

Do not test Sara’s patience VICE President Leni Robredo is having a morbid fear. She cannot stand another six years of a Duterte administration. Obviously, she is referring to Davao City Mayor Inday Sara Duterte who is leading in all Presidential surveys. The same anxiety disorder c o u l d d e s c r i b e Ma n i l a Mayor Isko Moreno when he told CNN Philippines' "The Source’" that he will not vote for someone who will simply inherit his or her position from a family member during the 2022 national elections. To quote h i m ve r b at i m , he s ai d, “Basta hindi ako boboto ng nagmamana lang ng pwesto. Kasi ang pwesto hindi minamana, hindi nililipat-lipat." I do not know where this anxiety is coming from. When Pulse Asia first came out last year with a survey that had Inday Sara on top of the list, she issued a statement not to include her name in the surveys. On the heels of that survey, early this year exJust ice Antonio C ar pio with his co-convenors Fr.

Albert Alejo of Ateneo, Bro. Armin Luistro of De la Salle, lawyer Howard Calleja, and American j ou r n a l i s t Mar i a R e s s a organized 1Sambayan Coalition. During its launch on March 18, Carpio cannot hide the same phobia when he s a i d t h at May or In d ay Sara, under the criteria of 1Sambayan, cannot qualify for President. B u t h a v e n’ t t h e y noticed? Mayor Inday Sara has not even come out wit h any st atement that would undermine the ambitions of those who are hankering for power. Those snide remarks speak of cowardice. Why don’t they just run? Why resort to attacks and innuendos? Sara shou ld b e caref ul, I t h i n k s ome f re a k s i n the opposition managed to stick a GPS (global positioning system) device on her luggage they were even tracking her down wherever she goes. The Dutertes may seem like they have inexhaustible patience but do not test their limits. Yorme

committed the mistake of blaming “politics” behind the gathering of a mob that rushed to a vaccination site when clearly it could h a v e b e e n a v o i d e d . It was a super-spreader catastrophe. Do not give me that crap that it was whipped by the rumor of “walang bakuna, walang ayuda”. It was a sheer case of neglect. One can only ask the question of why such a chaotic event did not happen in other places in the National Capital Region? President Rodrigo R. Duterte played their game of hitting below the belt and the reactions range from childish to hilarious. S o stop t hos e jibb er ish talks at the expense of the Digong for you might get what you deserve. For her part, the Presidential daughter remains composed civil and refused to be dragged into the murk of politics. She is beyond the childish i r rel e v anc e of V P L e n i Robredo and the confused Yorme who thinks that the Philippines is a monarchy.

LETTERS FROM DAVAO

JUN LEDESMA The last time I heard of her, she plans to set up a medical oxygen production complex in Davao City to respond to emergencies not only in her city and the Davao region but for others who might be in need in the future. But even as she is busy, do not test her patience for t his iron lady f rom the south can dish out the most color f u l l angu age that could hit one right in the solar plexus. Mind you the only thing she did not inherit from her father is the litany of expletives but she can weave a searing repartee that the likes of L e n i m i g ht f e e l l i k e a thunderbolt. Go ask exSpeaker Bebot Alvarez.

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WED-THU|AUGUST 18-19, 2021

DREAM DESKS FROM OUR HOME

FTER more than a year of working from home, it’s time to indulge yourself by creating a working space that’s both decorative and

functional. And most likely, the desk will be the centerpiece of one’s home office in terms of design and activity. The good news is that whether you’re working

Glass, wood, and metal blend in beautifully in this this modern contemporary designed white Havana Computer Desk.

from home, having an online class, starting a new business or hobby, or simply browsing the net, Our Home has stylish selections that combine comfort, functionality and designs that you’ll love. And it offers some tips when choosing your dream desk. · Choose a desk that’s right for your needs and that suits your space and style. Consider your workflow and activities to make sure that you can use your desk comfortably and productively. Also, consider your overall house design in choosing your desk. If your place is more traditional, the classic Hambu Writing Desk would be a perfect fit; while the white Havana Computer Desk will compliment contemporary spaces.

Learning interventions By FRANZELLE MAE G. LIGNES Teacher I Cogon Elementary School El Salvador City Division

IN this time of module system of learning, we need to individualize our approaches to each student. That means we need to follow up their progress in their residences. In the ideal envisioned distance learning approach, parents would have an active role. They would facilitate and guide their children through the modular lessons that would be sent to students undergoing remote learning. However, this loomed as a big challenge to students who do not have anyone to facilitate learning at home. There are parents who are "no-read, no-write." They are sending their children to school because they don’t want their children to be like them. Who would teach the students now at home? This kind of modular learning is really difficult. Not all parents are capable of guiding their children. But the Department of Education (DepEd) has a solution for this. For learners without available learning facilitators at home, subject teachers or a cluster learning facilitator may conduct home visits following social distancing protocols. The assigned learning facilitators may

also communicate to students through text messages, phone calls, and other available forms of communication. Parents who might be uncomfortable with continuing their role of teacher this fall can find solace in this fact: authentic teachable moments happen outside the classroom all the time. If your student or child had to rapidly transition to an athome learning environment as a struggling reader, an English language learner, or one with dyslexia, there are many ways that the support they were receiving in school can transfer to their home. Creating authentic learning experiences such as having your child help prepare meals, shop, and participate in outings to parks or museums can improve literacy. Simply engaging in conversation in the language spoken at home around shared experiences, explaining your thinking, and asking openended questions so your child can share their thoughts, facilitates a deeper level of communication. This builds metacognition, which is key for comprehension and reading success.

Arnis sports during pandemic JOHANA MARIE L. OBREGON TEACHER I Misamis Occidental NHS Oroquieta City

THE Philippine Eskrima Kali Arnis Federation (Pekaf ) is brewing a major online arnis tournament in the country this year. Continuing support in the development of grassroots sports development program especially in time of the pandemic is evident by the holding of virtual competitions. A sparring competition would not be featured in their planned tournament due to the COVID-19 restrictions prohibiting physical or face-to-face sports activities. Instead, they are planning to feature the anyo (form) competition. Since we cannot hold sparring or combat [mcompetition because of COVID IATF reestrictions, we will hold dance form/sayaw or anyo. The large arnis community in the country will come alive with their planned national online tournament. I’m sure arnis eskrimadors will be excited. Hopefully, this will materialize. So, as early as now, they have to start preparing or practicing. These programs have already helped 40,000 Filipino youths to stay active amid the COVID-19 pandemic since it kicked off

last year. Virtual tournaments will continue to be popular in 2021 and 2022. After next year, the regular mass-based events will surely return. The trend of virtual sports competitions will likely stay given the current situation today. We have to plan ahead. We just have to make the necessary adjustments to meet the unique necessities and circumstances in our current situation. The COVID-19 pandemic has brought to a halt almost all that was considered normal before. Big businesses closed, the economy spiraled and everything was in chaos. From the ordinary farmer to corporate bigwigs, to educators and even athletes, no one was spared from the scourge that would be known as COVID-19. The pandemic has also shut down gyms and sporting venues and has restricted public movement and activities. Everyone was advised to stay at home. This has become a huge problem for athletes, coaches, and trainers, who are left idle as the pandemic raged to its second year.

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Compact drop-leaf Jacob Desk is easy to fold and easy to keep after a day's work. Perfect for smaller rooms or condos. Republic of the Philippines 10th Judicial Region REGIONAL TRAIL COURT OF MISAMIS Branch 17 Cagayan de Oro City

ELEUTERIO T. LAID, ADELAIDA L. MAG-AWAY, SEVERINO T. LAID, ERLINDA L. BACULIO and MISCELLANEOUS CASE SANTIAGO LAID, JR. NO. R-CDO-21 -01546-LR Petitioners, -versus- For: RESTORATION/REVIVAL REGISTRY OF DEEDS OF of CANCELLED TRANSFER MISAMIS ORIENTAL CERTIFICATE OF TITLE No. Respondent. T-895 x----------------------------------------------------/ ORDER Notice is hereby given that a verified petition for Restoration/Revival of Cancelled Transfer Certificate of Title No. T-895 is filed before this Court by petitioners Eleuterio T. Laid, Adela L. Mag-away, Severino T. Laid, Erlina L. Baculio and Santiago Laid, Jr. praying to wit: “WHEREFORE, after due notice and hearing, an Order be issued directing the Registry of Deeds of Misamis Oriental to restore or revive TCT No. T-895 in the name of Santiago Laid, Sr. Married to Brejulia Tamola resident of Opol, Misamis Oriental; Other just and equitable reliefs are likewise prayed for.” The petition avers, to wit: “Petitioners are the children and only legal heirs of the late spouses Santigao Laid, Sr. and Brejulia Tamola who passed away in the year 1988 and 1997 respectively in Opol, Misamis Oriental. The late spouses owned a parcel of agricultural land in Opol, Misamis Oriental, particularly described as follows: “A parcel of land (Lot No. 7805 of the cadastral survey of Cagayan situated in the barrio of Opol, Municipality of Cagayan. Bounded on the NE., by lot 7802; by lot 7804: on the SW., by lots 3260 and 7865: and on the NW by lots 7864, 7808, 7809, and 7810. Containing an area of Eighty One Thousand Seven Hundred and Thirty Four (81,734) square meters, more or less, covered by Transfer Certificate of Title No. T-895 of the Registry of Deeds of Misamis Oriental.” Sometime in early 1996, petitioners who were all actual tillers of the aforecited parcel of land were offered by the Municipal Agrarian Reform Office (MARO) of Opol, Misamis Oriental to partition the land among five of them children and only legal heirs of the late Santiago Laid, Sr. and Brejulia Tamola Laid and be issued individual certificate of title in their respective names, with less or no cost at all, because the processing will be done by the DAR under the Comprehensive Agrarian Reform Program of the government implemented by RA 6657. Innocent as they are of the restriction and limitation imposed on the certificate of title to be issued by the Department of Agrarian Reform (DAR) which is Certificate of Land Ownership Award (CLOA), petitioners readily accepted the offer of MARO Virginia Sy. These CLOA’s/TCT’s were awarded 10 petitioners sometimes on the month of September 1997. A month thereafter their widowed mother Brejulia Tamola Laid passed away, on October 16, 1997. On or about that time after the death of their mother, petitioners planned to sell one of the lots to cover for the expenses of their mother’s burial but they were told by the buyer that they cannot sell the lot within the period of ten (10) years from the date of issuance August 1997. Shocked and bewildered, they blamed the MARO who was instrumental of it all; and a petition was then filed with the Department of Agrarian Reform Adjudiction Board (DARAB) - Misamis Oriental for cancellation of titles and subdivision plan, docketed as DARAB Case No. X (06) 1506 filed on January 3, 2001 and the respondents were Virginia Sy, MARO and the Registry of Deeds of Misamis Oriental. On July 23, 2001, the Provincial Adjudicator decided the petition in favor of the petitioners, dispositive portion is quoted, thus; “Wherefore, premises considered, Decision is hereby rendered ordering the Registry of Deeds of Misamis Oriental to cancel all the CLOAs issued in favour of the petitioners which are as follow : CLOA No. 00376569, bearing TCT No. C-8774; CLOA No. 00376570, bearing TCT No. C-8774; CLOA No. 00376571, bearing TCT No. C-8775; CLOA No. 00376572, bearing TCT No. C-8776; CLOA No. 00376573, bearing TCT No. C-8777. It is further ordered that the said Registry of Deeds shall restore TCT No T-895.” The decision became final and executory on August 7, 2001. An Entry of Final Judgment was issued on November 14, 2001. With the death of their counsel, Atty. Eleazar Espino, petitioners have not made follow up and verification with the Registry of Deeds for the execution of decision, particularly the restoration of TCT No. T-895 which is mother title of this five cancelled CLOAs, not until recently. In their Petition for Cancellation with the DARAB, petitioners made known their intention to partition the land under the provisions of the Civil Code of the Philippines and Rule 74 of the Rules of Court, xxx” Finding the petition to be sufficient in form and substance, the Court sets the petition for hearing on July 14, 2021 at 2:00 o’clock in the afternoon. Persons whose interest are effected of this Petition may appear on said date and place and show cause why the Petition should not be GRANTED. Petitioners are directed to cause the publication of this Order in the newspaper of general circulation in the City of Cagayan de Oro and Province of Misamis Oriental at their expense; and to cause the posting of the copy of the Order and the petition with die annexes in three (3) conspicuous places required by law at least thirty (30) days from the date of hearing thereof. Let copies of the petition and its annexes be furnished to the adjoining owners of the land, the Office of the Solicitor General, the Office of the Register of Deeds of Misamis Oriental and DARAB 10 in Cagayan de Oro City. SO ORDERED. Done this 15th day of April, 2021 at Cagayan de Oro City, Philippines.

BWM: August 4, 11 & 18, 2021

ANA CANDIDA N. CASIÑO Judge

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WED-THU|AUGUST 18-19, 2021

DBP pledges loan support for Mindanao tree farming DAVAO CITY - The Mindanao Development Authority (MinDA), with the financial support of its partner bank, the Development Bank of the Philippines (DBP), will initiate the revival of the Plywood and Veneer Industry in Mindanao, this time using fast-growing industrial trees. On Wednesday (Aug. 11), Secretary Emmanuel Piñol bared that two key officials of DBP expressed support for the Industrial Tree Farming Program pushed by MinDA. “DBP President Emmanuel G. Herbosa and Director Jeannie Sandoval who joined

me and the MinDA team in a series of activities, which started in Taraka, Lanao del Sur agreed with MinDA's proposal that the Industrial Tree Farming Industry of Mindanao should be boosted by organizing the stakeholders and establishing processing facilities to complete the value chain,” he said. Piñol said the discussion on the key role of tree farming in Mindanao's Greening and Economic Recovery Programs started when he pointed out to Herbosa and Sandoval that the chocolate drink “sikwate’ they were having in the

roadside came from Cacao trees that were vigorously growing under Falcata trees. Herbosa, according to him was impressed with MinDA's current thrust of building industries and undertaking the complete value chain in its production programs for food and other commodities. “The Cacao under the Falcata Project, along with the "Sikwatihan sa Lasang," are projects of Naawan Mayor Dennis Roa,” the MinDA chief added. Falcata is a fast-growing tree species planted in many mountainous areas of Mindanao, especially in

the Caraga Region and had provided poor rural families with sources of income. The logs exported to China are processed into plywood and veneer and sold back to the Philippines, depriving the farmers of added value for their trees. Piñol said MinDA has initiated moves to support the Tree Farming Industry by organizing the Mindanao Industrial Tree Farming Development Council, similar to what it did with the Bamboo Industry. “At the height of the logging operations, Mindanao was known for its quality

plywood produced by such companies as Sta. Clara and others. Later, the tree industry shifted to growing Falcata for the country's largest paper mill, the Paper Industries Corp. of the Philippines (PICOP) in Bislig City, Surigao del Sur. PICOP had shut down its operations several years ago due to mismanagement,” he said. MinDA is set to convene Industrial Tree Farming stakeholders in a virtual convention before the end of this month to organize the Mindanao Industrial Tree Farming Development Council (MITFDC).

Giving financial assistance in the procurement and provision of transistor radio sets for radio-based instruction learning modality JUDY MARIE F. CABRERA MAYOR ALFONSO TAN HIGH SCHOOL Kimat, Tangub City

THE Department of E duc at ion (D epE d) has made use of radio-based instruction (RBI) mainly as one of the options to reach learners in the Alternative Learning System (ALS) program. Primarily used as a form of distance learning to teach learners who are unable to attend face-toface lessons or who are in remote areas, radio-based instruction enables them to continue their education despite these challenges. Through the years, radio-based instruction has

reached out of school youth (OSY), persons deprived of liberty (PDL), persons with disabilities (PWD), working students, indigenous peoples (IP), farmers, and others who are unable to attend day-to-day classes. As a response to the disruption of classes brought about by the COVID-19 pandemic, DepEd launched the use of Blended Learning Delivery modalities. This was stipulated in D epE d Order (D O) 12, s. 2020 Adoption of the

Basic Education Learning Continuity Plan for School Year 2020-2021 in Light of the COVID 19 Public Health Emergency pages 31 to 32. DO 12 defined learning deliver y mo dalities and classified them as (a) faceto-face learning, (b) distance learning and (c) blended learning. Blended learning is defined as a learning delivery that combines faceto-face with any or a mix of online distance learning (ODL), modular distance learning (MDL), and TV/ radio-bas ed Instr uc tion

(TV/RBI). The Distance Learning Deliver y Modalities ( D L DM ) f r a m e w o r k a s discussed in DMCI Memo 1 6 2 , s . 2 0 2 0 Su g g e s t e d Strategies in Implementing Distance Learning Delivery Modalities is in support of D O 1 2 , s . 2 0 2 0 an d clarified that blended distance learning is any combination also of ODL, MDL, TVI, and RBI where t he appropr iate pr inte d or digitized self-learning modules are available for all learners.

The Learners in the Distance Learning JOCEL DALAPO BERNADOS School Head KALIPAY NATIONAL HIGH SCHOOL

The buzzing news on TV, the internet, and even on radios about Covid-19 is already deafening. We have heard many stories about increasing cases, deaths, and now on vaccinations and new COVID-19 variants. While it is true that we all have a fair share of the effects of this pandemic in our lives, we should also remember how this pandemic brought so much inconvenience to our learners. This pandemic has given massive inequalities in access to technology, such as to students who can’t afford to have gadgets, who experience unstable or even no access to the internet connection. Online platforms, blended learning, and modular are the three basic modalities of learning but the most applicable and easy for far-flung areas is through the modular distance learning approach. It’s quite hard for the students to learn effectively with the modules only but this is the only urgent response to ensure continuity of education. As educators, we know their predicaments and the challenges they have gone through. Students who opted

to or left with no choice but only the use of modules are encouraging independent study. This, not only helps learners selfdiscipline but also the acquisition of better self-study habits. It helps develop a sense of responsibility in finishing their tasks. They learn how to learn; they are empowered to learn. They can learn at their own pace. While modular distance learning gives many benefits to our learners, it may not be true at all especially for those students who are visual and auditory. Many students need assistance and guidance in understanding and answering the modules. Let’s give it already, not all students have the capability to learn in an instant. This concern paved a way for the teachers to do an increased preparation for each student; with instructional resources, tracking and monitoring of students, and many other things. They have done the extra mile and take the challenges head-on; they make things happen for the students. Even if you are the best teacher, no matter how many years you are in the teaching profession,

you have not experienced a kind of challenge like this. With the challenge the educators take on this time, there is no better way than to help our learners with our utmost dedication. Our learners are eager to learn. They may have different views on how they learn but their faces beam with happiness as they finished this school year. We are all affected by this pandemic, but a hopeful nation will always do what’s best for its people. As one family in the field of academe, we carry our own torch and slowly light the candle of the disappearing hope for our learners. We can always be adaptive to the changing time and responsive to the needs but our students may not without our help; a must that we all should know. Teachers, the learners in distance learning need us more than ever. How can you know they really do? Visit them at their humble abodes and you will know. With the new school year that is coming, let’s increase our hope and faith that the year ahead will be filled with positivity from our students and commitment from our teachers.

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WED-THU|AUGUST 18-19, 2021

Loans... from page 1

by the power utilities in their respective service areas. NEA similarly stated that it sustained its profitability in the last five years with capacity to pay up to P3.175billion worth of advances to the national government, primarily relating to foreign loan obligations. For that specific account, the electrification agency emphasized that it would still have remaining balance of P428 million that it is scheduling to settle within the year. In the last four years, NEA also paid P329.5 million worth of corporate taxes and remitted P411.712 million in dividends to the national government. In terms of electrification, NEA highlighted that the ECs have already energized 78 provinces; 90 cities; 1,387 municipalities; 36,080 barangays; 125,123 sitios and 14.25 million customers. “From 2017 to May 2021, a total of 2.465 million additional consumers were connected within the coverage areas of the 21 ECs,” the agency stressed. NEA indicated earlier though that electrification of all sitios in the country may hit some snags in the last year of the Duterte administration; if budget allocation for such undertaking will not be increased via the State’s General Appropriations Act. The role of the ECs is critical to spurring economic growth in the countryside; as this is a commodity that will serve as backbone to industrial as well as business activities in these domains. As asserted by Energy Secretary Alfonso G. Cusi, “t h e c r e at i o n o f N E A revolutionized countryside economic development,” with him emphasizing in the past, “only our urban areas were advantageously positioned for progress.” He added that “through t he NEA, t he nat iona l government gained access to remote rural areas, and EXTRAJUDICIAL SETTLEMENT OF ESTATE OF RIZALINO N. JACUTIN AND PASTORA M. JACUTIN KNOW ALL MEN BY THESE PRESENTS: That the late RIZALINO N. JACUTIN who died in Cagayan de Oro City without issue and intestate on 10 June 1978 while PASTORA M. JACUTIN also without issue and intestate on 22 March 2001 both the deceased at the time of their death left three parcel of land with Original Certificate of Title No. P-758 Situated Tablon, Cagayan de Oro City, containing an area of 106,036 square meters, more or less, 2nd Parcel of land with Original Certificate of Title No. P-57, Homestead Patent No. V-3494 situated in Libona, Bukidnon, containing an area of 55,710 square meters, more or less, 3rd Parcel of land with Tax Declaration No. G-032198 situated in Tablon, Cagayan de Oro City, containing an area of 349 square meters, more or less, and has been the subject of an EXTRAJUDICIAL SETTLEMENT OF ESTATE OF RIZALINO N. JACUTIN AND PASTORA M. JACUTIN, filed by the heirs of RIZALINO N. JACUTIN and PASTORA M. JACUTIN, per DOC #311; PAGE #63; BOOK #21; Series of 2021 under the Notarial Registry of ATTY. ROBERT W. RAYPON. BWM: Aug. 18, 25 & Sep. 1, 2021

we were able to tip the scales in their favor by providing them access to electric power services, which boosted their local economies – especially agricultural and industrial sectors.”

Children... from page 1

the current surge started in the city. “This is alarming. A year ago the number of children who got sick with COVID-19 was negligible,” Yu said during the daily press briefing here. Dr. Gina Itchon, head of the research and development u n i t a t t h e No r t h e r n Mindanao Medical Center, said the likelihood that the virus afflicts children aged 12 and below was “very unlikely” a year ago “but now we are seeing more children getting sick and in serious condition.” She said an 11-year-old child died of COVID-19 early this month, an indication that children have become vulnerable to the disease. One of the patients who was found positive with the Delta variant, said to spread faster and causing more severe illness, was only 10 years old, the CHO said. Cagayan de Oro has 21 confirmed Delta variant cases with one death reported in Barangay Canitoan. Itchon said monitoring the COVID-19 cases involving children is now the priority of her department. “We should come up with a recommendation after evaluating the cases,” she said. Itchon noted that the Department of Health is conducting vaccine trials for children but have not placed them as priority.

Support...

from page 1 Piñol said the discussion on the key role of tree farming in Mindanao's Greening and Economic Recovery Programs started when he pointed out to Herbosa and Sandoval that the chocolate drink “sikwate’ they were having in the roadside came from Cacao trees that were vigorously growing under Falcata trees. Herbosa, according to him was impressed with MinDA's current thrust of building industries and undertaking the complete value chain in its production programs for food and other commodities. “The Cacao under the Falcata Project, along with the "Sikwatihan sa Lasang," are projects of Naawan Mayor

Dennis Roa,” the MinDA chief added. Falcata is a fast-growing tree species planted in many mountainous areas of Mindanao, especially in the Caraga Region and had provided poor rural families with sources of income. The logs exported to China are processed into plywood and veneer and sold back to the Philippines, depriving the farmers of added value for their trees. Piñol said MinDA has initiated moves to support the Tree Farming Industry by organizing the Mindanao Industrial Tree Farming D e v e l opm e nt C ou n c i l , similar to what it did with the Bamboo Industry. “At the height of the logging operations, Mindanao was known for its quality plywood produced by such companies as Sta. Clara and others. Later, the tree industry shifted to growing Falcata for the country's largest pap er mill, the Paper Industries Corp. of the Philippines (PICOP) in Bislig City, Surigao del Sur. PICOP had shut down its operations several years ago due to mismanagement,” he said. MinDA is set to convene Industrial Tree Farming stakeholders in a virtual convention before the end of this month to organize the Mindanao Industrial Tree Farming Development Council (MITFDC).

issued by the Department of Transportation (DOTr).” G u r o s a i d n at i o n a l guidelines must prevail over local ones. Guidelines from the national task force must not be surpassed by policies from local governments, he said.

from page 1

from page 3

Abide...

of the national government. One instance is on some local governments’ policy to allow vehicles carrying passengers into their jurisdiction. He said essential workers, front liners, and authorized persons outside residence (APORs) should be allowed to travel, whether on board private vehicles or public transport. Guro cited interagency task force resolution 98A, which states APORS, e s p e c i a l l y g ov e r n m e nt employees, should be “allowed unimpeded travel to their place of destination, and shall not be required to undergo mandatory testing and/or quarantine protocols” of the LGU of destination. He that under the Omnibus Gu i d e l i n e s , ro a d, r ai l, maritime and aviation sectors of public transportation “shall be allowed to operate at such capacity and protocols in accordance with guidelines

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Compassion... from page 4

and need our compassion and courage to help them. God has placed you there to be His heart and hands extended to them to help change their life—and to f ig ht against injust ice, abuse, neglect, rejection and discouragement with His powerful weapons of grace and truth. Nothing can truly heal and change hearts except God’s real love and light which only Jesus Christ can give. Won’t you ask Him to take full charge of your heart, so He can begin filling you with His compassion and courage to comfort and help those you know are suffering? Just think a minute.

Build... from page 2

Eight f lood-resilient school building projects worth P10.8 million were also turned over on August 4 by the MBHTE to Andavit Pr imar y S cho ol, Pandi Primary School, Sugadol Primary School, and Penditen Primary School, all in Datu Salibo, Maguindanao.

Demand...

Hyundai tr ucks, the company said, is being used by last mile logistics providers and government agencies. As of July, commercial vehicle sales went up more than 446% to 852 units year on year. In contrast, segments that make up a bigger share of the company’s sales declined during the same period. Light commercial vehicle sales dropped 26.7% to 3,177 units, while passenger car sales fell 26.5% to 2,979 units. Month on month, light commercial vehicle sales dropped 12.1% to 340 units in July, while passenger car sales inched up 3.8% to 412 units. Imported vehicle sales in the first half of 2021 went up by 55% to 30,153 units compared with the figure

in the same six months last year, the Association of Vehicle Importers and Distributors, Inc. (AVID) said. The industry group accounts for 21 members carrying 26 global brands. HARI last month launched its trucks and buses dealership showroom in Cebu. The 2,000-square-meter space is owned and operated by Hyundai Cebu, Inc. (HCI), one of HARI’s commercial vehicle dealerships.

to P2.31 billion compared with the P1.79 billion in the previous year. Costs of sales also climbed 36% to P1.98 billion. From the total net revenue, Philippine operations reached P1.07 billion, up 5.7%, while revenue from foreign operations improved 58.7% to P1.25 billion. “For the first six months of 2021, Philippine operations contributed 46% while sales from foreign operations accounted for 54% of consolidated sales,” ANI said. ANI said its export sales for the first half rose 9% to P883.1 million resulting from the stable selling prices of banana and coconut juice in the international market, continuous supply

of raw materials, and higher demand especially in the Chinese market. “Local distribution sales posted a decrease of 4.5% to P177.52 million for the six months from P185.87 million for the same period in 2020. Sales decreased significantly especially during the start of the enhanced community quarantine,” ANI said. In effort to improve operations, the company launched its own e-commerce platform via its ANI Express website and mobile application, which allows customers to order the company’s products and delivered to them. “ The group is also launching new products such as plant-based meat, nondairy ice cream, and big chill healthy drinks in cans for local and export distribution which are expected to start to record double digit growth for the rest of the coming quarters,” ANI said. “Consolidated operating expenses for the first two quarters of 2021 amounted to P156.14 million down from P222.37 million for the same period last year, due to the pandemic issue where the retail and franchise and Hong Kong operations of the group were shut down since the start of implementation for a lockdown,” it added.

Republic of the Philippines Department of Transportation LAND TRANSPORTATION FRANCHISING & REGULATORY BOARD Regional Office No.10, Apovel, Bulua, Cagayan de Oro City

NORTHMIN VRB CORP. Rep. by: WILIAM JUDE L. VALDEHUEZA Applicant/Petitioner CASE NO. R10-EV-TH 2021-08-2326

HAJAR TAXI Rep. by: MUSTAPHA M. GANDAROSA CASE NO. R10-EV-CC-TH 2021-04-1550

Profit... from page 3

NOTICE OF HEARING

APPLICANT/ PETITIONER requests the authority to extend the Validity of the Certificate of Public Convenience to operate TH FREIGHT SERVICE on the route: CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY AND FROM SAID PLACE TO ANY POINT IN REGION X AND VICE VERSA and with the use of ONE (01) unit/s. This application/petition shall be considered by this Board on August 24, 2021 at 10:00 A.M. at this Board on which date Applicant/Petitioner shall formally submit his/her/its evidence. The Applicant(s)/Petitioner(s) shall publish said notice at least Five (05) Days prior to the date of hearing once in a newspaper of general/ local circulation. Party(s) opposed to the approval/granting of the application/petition must file his/her/its written opposition with supporting documents, unless this Board deems it necessary to require additional documentary evidence and/or his/her/ its oral testimony(s). WITNESS, AMINODEN D. GURO, Regional Director, LTFRB-Region X, this 16th day of August 2021 at Cagayan de Oro City, Philippines.

APPLICANT(s)/ PETITIONER(s) request/s authority to Extend the Validity of a Certificate of Public Convenience with Consolidation of Case/s to operate AIRCON TAXI SERVICE on the route: CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY TO ANY POINT IN REGION X and vice versa with the use of SIX (6) unit/s. This application/petition shall be considered by this Board on August 25, 2021 at 10:00 A.M. at this board on which date Applicant(s)/ Petitioner(s) shall formally submit his/her/their evidence. The Applicant(s)/Petitioner(s) shall publish said notice at least FIVE (5) DAYS prior to the date of hearing once in a newspaper of local circulation. Party(s) opposed to the approval/granting of the application/petition must file his/her/their written opposition with supporting documents, unless this Board deems it necessary to require additional documentary evidence and/or his/her/ their oral testimony(s). WITNESS, AMINODEN D. GURO, Regional Director, LTFRB-Region X, this 16th day of August 2021 at Cagayan de Oro City, Philippines.

(Sgd.) ATTY. MOHAMAD FAHDEL S. PIMPING HEARING OFFICER

BWM: Aug. 18, 2021

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Real Estate Investment Trust offerings can help spark PH economic recovery

By MIKE BAÑOS

INANCE Secretary Carlos Dominguez III is confident the growing roster of Real Estate Investment Trust (REIT) offerings will propel the growth of the Philippines’ property sector beyond the pandemic--and serve as a catalyst for the country's quick and strong economic recovery. Dominguez said the REIT has proven to be the ideal tool for raising the billions of pesos required to power property development in the country while at the same time opening attractive and dependable investment opportunities for the average Filipino. “Credit must go to Secretary of Finance Carlos G. Dominguez for his foresight in pushing forward with the revisions to the old rules that enabled the REIT market to get started,” said Guillermo D. Luchangco, Chairman and CEO of the ICCP Group of Companies, including Science Park of the Philippines, Inc., Manila Exposition Complex, Inc. and Pueblo de Oro Development Corporation, as well as Chairman of Investment & Capital Corporation of the Philippines (ICCP). “I agree with Secretary Dominguez that REITs will help to propel the growth of the Philippine property sector and will thus give a further boost to the country’s economy,” Luchangco noted. “ What is equally important

is that it allows the small or retail Filipino investor to now participate in the booming property industry which has already been prospering for a number of years. Dominguez has been a prime mover for the implementation of Republic Act (RA) No. 9856 (the REIT) Law since he assumed the finance portfolio in 2016. When the REIT Law was passed in 2009, no company found its terms attractive, owing to what property players have listed as obstacles for the REIT to flourish in this country--friction costs, minimum public ownership requirements, and taxes. “However, the amended IRR has removed the main obstacles and thus encouraged developers to undertake IPOs of REITs in the Philippines. Another feature of the amended IRR is that it ensures that all shareholders proceeds from REIT offerings will be retained within the domestic economy and used to drive the country’s growth.” The REIT law, with its amended IRR, now allows both small and large investors to own real estate assets, presenting an alternative and secure investment instrument for middle-income families and overseas Filipino workers (OFWs). “In the past, only the bigger companies that could mount property projects could enjoy this success, while the small investor had no way of investing in it via the stock

exchange,” Luchangco said. “With the introduction of the new rules and regulations for the implementation of the REIT law, the large property developers are encouraged to take advantage of the incentives offered to them to list their assets on the Philippine Stock Exchange, thereby giving the small

Nati said. “This was a long awaited "news" to see an enhancement of the real estate industry. This will also align the Philippine real estate with the "best practices" in other countries like Singapore, for example.” Established in 2009 by Nati and Filipino Lawyer Jose D. Leviste III, IDC is a

Land Incorporated in the Philippine Stock Exchange (PSE) amid the COVID-19 pandemic underscores the confidence of investors in the economy’s solid recovery from the impact of the global contagion. “I wish Filinvest the best and thank its board, officers, and staff for their confidence

Risk Factors to consider in investing in REITs

investors the opportunity to buy shares and participate in the profits being generated by the industry,” he added. Meantime, Italian architect Romolo Valentino Nati, Chairman and CEO of the Filipino-Italian joint venture Italpinas Development Corporation, is similarly optimistic. “I think that REIT will have a dramatic positive impact on the real estate industry in the Philippines,”

design driven developer of sustainable properties focused on emerging cities in the Philippines that’s committed to sustainable developments in harmony with the environment to bring value to investors, end-users, and the community through elegant architectural solutions and a trademark contemporary Italian aesthetic. As with the previous REIT offerings, Dominguez said the latest to be listed by Filinvest

in the strength of our economy. This REIT offering will be among the catalysts for our quick and strong economic recovery,” said Dominguez during the listing ceremony for the Filinvest REIT Corporation (FILREIT) at the PSE. Dominguez noted that FILREIT’s portfolio of "Grade A" office and commercial properties located in strategic areas and catering primarily to the business process

outsourcing (BPO) and information technology (IT) sectors will “surely provide attractive dividend yields for investors.” Filinvest has also acquired a well-earned reputation for sustainable and green buildings, which should inspire other developers and set the standard for ecofriendly designs that will help achieve the country’s climate ambition of reducing greenhouse gas emissions, said Dominguez, who is chairperson-designate of the Climate Change Commission (CCC). “With this REIT offering, I encourage Filinvest to further expand its portfolio of sustainable property developments, especially outside the Metro Manila area,” Dominguez said. Nati shares the finance secretary’s optimism that green architecture will benefit from the amended REIT, believing the real estate industry will spontaneously gravitate towards sustainable developments, and real estate green products will soon become the norm. “So if REIT will revitalize real estate, green products will also benefit from it. As we say, the high tide lifts all the boats," Nati stressed. Besides its Primavera Residences and Primavera City seven-tower mixed-use green building projects in Pueblo de Oro Business Park, Uptown Cagayan de Oro City, IDC has also branched out to Sto. Tomas, Batangas with its Miramonti Green Residences.