BusinessWeek Mindanao (December 20-21, 2021) by Mindanao Daily News

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Agusan casualties BUTUAN City – Four persons were reported dead while seven others are missing as a landslide hit one of the villages in Sibagat, Agusan del Sur at the height of the onslaught of Typhoon Odette Thursday. Rolando Buag, head of the town’s Emergency Operations Center, said in an interview Friday that a family, composed of 11 persons, was on its way to an evacuation center when hit by a landslide in Purok 3 in Barangay Kioya. “At the height of the heavy rains last Thursday, the family decided to proceed to an evacuation center but along the way was hit by a landslide,” Buag said.

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Delinquent coops THE Power Sector Assets and Liabilities Management Corporation (PSALM) said it has been instructed by the Department of Finance (DoF) to stop taking on additional liabilities from delinquent electric cooperatives. “Finance Secretary Carlos G. Dominguez III said that PSALM should not incur more liabilities arising from nonpaying electric cooperatives. He stressed that PSALM’s mandate does not include subsidizing the energy requirements of ailing electric cooperatives,” PSALM said in a statement. Mr. Dominguez is the chairman of the PSALM Board of Directors, which is composed of the Secretaries of Energy, Budget and Management, Justice, and Trade and Industry, as well as the National Economic and Development Authority (NEDA) and the President of PSALM.

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'ODETTE'S' AFTERMATH

Oro cable firm keeps subscribers connected By MIKE BAÑOS, Editor-at-Large

Serbisyo caravan DAVAO City – Philippine Identification (PhilID) or the national ID registration was included in the recent “Serbisyo (Service) Caravan” initiated by the provincial government of Davao de Oro. Residents took advantage of the activity to register for the Philippine Identification System (PhilSys). “National ID registration was fit to be included in the Serbisyo Caravan so residents of the municipality would not go far and the registration was brought to them,” PhilSys said in a recent post, referring to the December 7 event.

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'ODETTE'S' WRATH. Residents make their way through a fallen electrical post on a major thoroughfare in Surigao City on Friday, a day after Typhon “Odette” made landfall. mindanews photo by ivy marie mangadlao

HEN people in most cities in Mindanao woke up in the aftermath of Typhoon Odette on December 17, they found they had neither mobile nor internet services in their gadgets and computers. This posed a major problem not only for LGUs and disaster response agencies unable to contact their personnel in the field, but perhaps even more to residents stressed out from their allnight vigil of the super typhoon as it wreaked destruction in its wake. Telecommunication and internet providers said they were working to restore services in the hard-hit areas, but gave no assurances as to when they can go back online. Globe Telecom said it had “started restoration efforts in areas where it is safe to do so.” Smart deployed emergency communication gear in Dinagat Islands, Surigao del Sur, Surigao del Norte, Bohol and Southern Leyte, while Dito Telecommunity said its services were also affected in Visayas and Mindanao. CONNECTED/PAGE 9

Humanitarian aid providers rush to Dinagat, Siargao, Surigao to bring relief goods By FROILAN GALLARDO, MindaNews

MILITARY authorities are being swamped with calls f rom humanitarian aid organizations for ships and planes that could deliver relief food and water to the typhoon-stricken Dinagat and Siargao islands, and the Surigao provinces in mainland Mindanao. Capt. Jonald Romoroso, spokesperson of the Butuanbased Army’s 402nd Infantry

Brigade said international aid agencies have asked them if there were available naval and air assets to bring food and water to these areas. Similar inquiries have also been received by the Army’s 4th Infantry Division in Cagayan de Oro according to their public affairs official, Maj. Francisco Garillo. “We are still waiting RELIEF/PAGE 9 CLEARING DEBRIS. A man, with saw in hand, helps in clearing out the debris amid the rubble of fallen houses in Surigao City on Friday, a day after Typhon “Odette” made landfall. mindanews photo by ivy marie mangadlao

Typhoon Odette leaves CDO, Iligan with zero casualty

TROPICAL storm Odette has left Cagayan de Oro and Iligan cities with zero casualty in its aftermath Friday, despite having a maximum sustained winds of 195 kph, and gustiness of up to 240 kph. During the online coronavirus disease 2019 briefer, Dr. Teodoro Yu Jr., medical officer of the City

Health Office took the time to thank the City Disaster Risk Reduction Management O f f i c e ( C DR R MO ) l e d by Nick Jabagat for its vigilant response and close coordination with rescuers and volunteers on the ground. Mayor Oscar Moreno said the local government was also thankful to partner organizations and agencies,

adding that despite the threat of property destruction and cost of lives, the unified team was able to survive. "The sun is up again, we are glad we can now look back at Odette, (we are) relieved and comforted with the thought we were spared," he said. M o r e n o , h o w e v e r, ZERO/PAGE 9

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Local 2 Food, medical aid, doctors Zambo City marks increase in number airlifted to Siargao Island of bus travelers

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UTUAN City – The airlifting of food and medical supplies has begun to help the distressed residents of Siargao Island in Surigao del Norte, one of the areas devastated by Typhoon Odette. In his Facebook post on Saturday, Surigao del Norte 1st District Rep. Francisco Jose Matugas said an airplane carrying five tons of food, including medical supplies, and a team of doctors has left Manila heading for the island. “We expect a regular delivery of five tons of food per day through air transport,” Matugas added. He also confirmed that

President Rodrigo Duterte would visit the severely-battered island on Saturday. As of press time, communication lines, power, and water were still out in most parts of Siargao and Surigao City. “We expect more satellite phones to be delivered to every town of Surigao del Norte in order to set up free 'Tawag Centers' for the residents to call their relatives outside of the province,” Matugas said. On December 17, Surigao del Norte Governor Francisco Matugas, in a statement, placed the typhoon's damage to the island at P20 billion. He was in San Isidro

town during the conduct of preemptive evacuation when "Odette" made its first landfall on the island. Nine of the 20 municipalities in Surigao del Norte are situated in Siargao Island: Burgos, Dapa, Del Carmen, General Luna, Pilar, San Benito, San Isidro, Santa Monica, and Socorro. “We are safe. We were stranded at the municipal building of San Isidro at 1 p.m. on December 16. The typhoon hit at 1:30 p.m. At 2 p.m., the strongest, probably category 4 typhoon battered San Isidro for two hours, which totally damaged buildings and other structures,” Matugas said. (PNA)

ZAMBOANGA City – The number of travelers from and to this city has notably increased following the easing of restrictions since it was placed under Alert Level 2 effective December 1. Movement of persons under Alert Level 2 is allowed except for restrictions based on age and comorbidities, as may be determined by local government units. Rafael Derick Evangelista III, the local integrated bus terminal (IBT) administrator, said Thursday the number of passengers they serve increased to 800 outbound and 1,000 inbound passengers daily this

month. He said the increase in the number of travelers is huge compared to some 200 inbound and outbound passengers during the time of the stricter Alert Levels 3 and 4 health protocol restrictions in the past few months. “Most of the time, the arriving buses are now full of passengers,” Evangelista said in an interview. He noted that the IBT was serving an average of 3,000 passengers, both inbound and outbound before the outbreak of the coronavirus disease 2019 (Covid-19) last year. Evangelista said he TRAVELERS/PAGE 11

Competitive Grant Assistance Program, December 13, here. DA-10 Regional Executive Director Carlene C. Collado led the awarding of the three regional winners who each received P150,000 and a certificate of recognition with Regional Technical

Director for Operations Carlota S. Madriaga. The three regional winners include Andre Paulo O. Paraguya (Impasugong, Bukidnon) – Bottled Fresh Milk Processing and Marketing; Gretchen G. Raiz (Tagoloan, Misamis Oriental) – Cacao Processing (Tablea and Cacao Spread); and Daryl Ann M. Gonzales (Malaybalay City, Bukidnon) – AgroTourism Venture through Farm Diversification. “It is the utmost desire of DA to encourage more youth to participate in the development of the agriculture sector,” shared Agriculture Secretary William D. Dar, in a video message, extending his wishes for their success in their respective endeavors. Meanwhile, Collado stressed the great need to encourage the youth to engage in crop production to ensure the country’s food security. “Your voice and engagement in agriculture can help us introduce to more youth the potential of agriculture and what it can offer in providing solutions to poverty, by growing enough food to feed the populace,” he added. Daryl Ann M. Gonzales, one of the shortlisted candidates for the national level competition is thankful to DA for said program and expressed, "Meron talagang pera sa agriculture. Sana meron pang YFCF version 2.0 para marami pang kabataan ang matulungan nitong proyekto (There is really money in agriculture. I hope that there will be YFCF version 2.0 so more youth will be aided with this project)." (DA-10/PIA-10)

DA Normin recognizes young agri-preneurs CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY--To encourage the youth to pursue agriculture, the Department of Agriculture – Regional Field Office (DA-RFO)-10 recognizes its Regional Winners for the Young Farmers Challenge Fund (YFCF): Kabataang Agribiz

In a simple ceremony, DA-10 recognizes the regional winners for YFCF: Kabataang Agribiz Competitive Grant Assistance Program. (DA-10)

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RVA Coaching and Refereeing Course Participants

Rebisco Volleyball Academy launched Coaches, referees express gratitude

O PLAY at an elite level in international competitions and ultimately score a podium finish has always been the country’s volleyball dream. But to become elite in any sport, the effort must begin in the grassroots. Thus Republic Biscuit Corporation (Rebisco), a committed supporter of Philippine volleyball, launched the Rebisco Volleyball Academy to train coaches and game officials on international coaches and refereeing standards to put them at par with their counterparts in other countries in Asia and the world. The snacks and biscuits company believes that the development and competitiveness of volleyball athletes are due to the quality of coaching and officiating in the schools. Thus, coaches and referees must learn concepts, skills, and modern, scientific approaches for the game consistent with international standards. The 5-day courses for volleyball coaches and referees had a pilot run in Naga City, Tacloban City, and Cagayan De Oro City last March and April. Four more courses were conducted in October and November in Numancia, Aklan; Dauis, Bohol; Infanta, Quezon and Morong, Rizal in response to LGU requests. Over 200 coaches and 200 referees benefited from the courses conducted by volleyball experts. They were conducted in person, endorsed by local government units, and approved by the IATF. Strict health and safety protocols were followed. Theory courses highlighting scientific research, game trends, new

philosophies, and concepts were shared with coaches who were oriented based on a unified system for volleyball coaches’ training worldwide. Coaches were also given the opportunity to exchange views and experiences with trainers and fellow coaches. Referees meanwhile participated in drills and oncourt activities that improved their technical abilities, perceptive responses, and judgment decisions. They were also given the most comprehensive interpretation of game rules. “We learned new skills, new tactics, and new rules that will help us a lot in handling our players and in refereeing the game. All that we learned from Day 1 to Day 5 we will take to heart and put into practice when we go back to our schools. We thank Rebisco for this opportunity. This is only the beginning,” said Coach Lutchina Tabuso of Timoteo Reyes Memorial School in Morong, Rizal. “We are happy that the Rebisco Volleyball Academy is now a reality. It is the fulfillment of a grassroots program approved by the Philippine Sports Commission that aims to, among other things, develop a pool of people with technical volleyball know-how who can teach and improve the level of competition in their respective areas,” explained Noric Ng, Business Unit Head of Rebisco. “The Academy will fire up volleyball enthusiasm in the provinces after the long hiatus from the pandemic. Ultimately, we hope to attain our long-term goal of being able to compete at a higher level locally and abroad,” Ng added.

Participants of Numancia, Aklan

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Show and tell you children Think a minute . . . Not long ago in America an exciting championship basketball game was played between New Rochelle and Yonkers High Schools. The New Rochelle team’s coach was Dan O’Brien. Yonkers was leading by one point with only a few seconds left to play. Then amazingly New Rochelle quickly brought the ball across the court for the final shot and a thrilling victory! But the crowd of fans was yelling and cheering so loudly that the referee could not hear the final buzzer. When he asked the timekeeper, the young man answered: “Sir, the buzzer actually sounded off just before New Rochelle made the last shot.” As the referee was giving Coach O’Brien the bad news, the young timekeeper came over and said to Coach O’Brien: “Dad, I’m really sorry. But the time ran out just before your team made the winning basket.” His father, Coach O’Brien, smiled with satisfaction and said: “That’s okay, son. You did the right thing, and I’m so proud of you for it.” This

THINK A MINUTE

JHAN TIAFAU HURST father had taught his son well: “Always be honest—no matter what it costs you or what you can get away with.” There’s a similar true story of another basketball team of teenagers who came from behind to win their championship game. Then just a few days later, their coach was watching a film of the game and saw that an ineligible player was on the court for only a few seconds of the game. He immediately called the sports league authorities and reported his own team’s mistake and violation, and he returned the championship trophy. At a press conference the coach said: “Some have said TELL/PAGE 11

MON-TUE|DECEMBER 20-21, 2021

Have you ever been in love?

"Have You Ever Been in Love" is a song by Canadian recording artist Celine Dion, recorded first for her seventh English studio album A New Day Has Come (2002) and was later included on her eight English studio album One Heart (2003). The song is a power ballad, written by Anders Bagge, Peer Åström, Tom Nichols, Daryl Hall and Laila Bagge, while production was handled by Bagge & Peer. This song inspired me for today's column. Far from typhoons, pandemics and other bad news.

Falling in love with someone can feel exciting, even exhilarating. But over time, these feelings may settle into something that feels a little different. This love might seem mellow or calm. You might find yourself thinking “I love them” instead of “I’m in love with them.” This t ransfor mat ion doesn’t necessarily mean there’s anything wrong with your relationship. Loving someone instead of feeling “in love” with them simply illustrates how feelings of love evolve over the course of a relationship, especially a long-term relationship. Love - a real life drama sometimes that unfolds anytime, yet no one can explain. Ask yourself how or why love happens and you might get plenty of ideas but seldom a satisfying explanation. You might get a nervous giggle or a quick chuckle, a sleepless night or a never-ending palpitation

of the heart, a red face, and appetitlessness. Worldwide innumerable lyricists wrote and are still writing being inspired by this phenomenon of love. And yes, back to Celine Delon: almost every composition tells us about love. Love, the inexplicable emotion that overpowers kings and queens and turns people either into philanthropists or misanthropes. Love, the first state of passionate affairs, that told us love stories like "Romeo and Juliet", Antony and Cleopatra" or "King Edward and Mrs. Simpson". Naranasan mo na bang umibig? The former Archbishop Fulton Sheet said a long time ago, "Love is the perfection of justice". A r i s t ot e l e s , t h e Gre e k philosopher added, "Even there is justice you also need friendship". Saint Augustus remarked in those days, "Do what you like. If you love God, you'll do nothing wrong".

We l l , I g u e s s t h e re is something more than romance, changing kisses or gilic tasks or giving a bouquet of roses. There should be something more than looking for "the best way to win a man's heart through his stomach" - and out come only the empty dishes. Love is in between two but also in the midst of many taking responsibility for a child, for a family, for a company or for an institution, for a public task or a new planted tree. Love can destroy agonizing bitterness which we easily develop against our enemies or people, who liked to be close to us but being disrespectful at the same time. As frustrated and hopeful as you may feel right now, with God's love your life can be happier than you dreamed possible. The time after the coming of Jesus Christ is not LOVE/PAGE 11

Muntinlupa, as an independent municipality, turned 104 years yesterday (Dec. 19) and Muntinlupa officials are expected to mark the event today with a very subdued celebration. On December 19, 1917, Governor General Francis Burton Harrison signed the proclamation separating Muntinlupa from Taguig, and making the latter an independent municipality. Since then, Muntinlupa marched, slowly at first, but later rapidly transformed its elf f rom a 5t h class municipality into a highly urbanized city. Muntinlupa achieved cityhood in March 1, 1995. L i k e m o s t L G Us , Muntinlupa was heavily affected by the COVID 19 pandemic. But thanks to an effective whole-of-

community response, led by Mayor Jaime R. Fresnedi, Muntinlupa is getting back on its feet. At its peak, COVID active cases reached 27,596 and resulted in 579 fatalities. But more than the casualties, the pandemic wreaked havoc on Muntinlupa’s thriving business, causing massive unemployment. As of today, Muntinlupa has vaccinated 412,397 individuals, 111.46 percent more than target, effectively reducing active cases to only 7. Fresnedi acknowledges the invaluable participation of practically the whole community in achieving this. Very noteworthy are the contributions of the barangays, the police, the medical front-liners (led by the City Health Office), the National Covid 19 Vaccine Operations Center, and

private establishments, like SM Center Muntinlupa, Festival Supermall, Ayala Malls South Park, Alabang Town Center, PLDT and Globe. The Department of Labor and Employment also pitched in by providing emergenc y employment opportunities thru its TUPAD program. Surprisingly, despite pandemic conditions, Muntinlupa managed to continue with its “build, build, build” thrust. Despite the challenging period, the city government managed to complete the BALAI Muntinlupa Housing Project i n L a ke v i e w, B ar ang ay Putatan. BALAI Muntinlupa consists of 35 buildings with 668 housing units earmarked for employees and officials of the city government. The city government also

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Muntinlupa @ 104

How can I help you? IN my new favorite medical drama series "New A ms te rd am”, t h e m ai n character Dr. Max Goodwin, assumed the job of running the New Amsterdam Hospital and started bringing back humanity, decency, and purpose in the workplace by asking everyone a basic question: "How can I help you?" He believes that his job as the hospital head, is not to order around but to help make the lives of the doctors and staff better within the hospital, so they can attend to and serve their patients well. In the later episodes, one can see how his mindset slowly rubbed into the other characters. That question basically sums up the central theme of the show, which endeared them to the audience, like me. How can I help you? A basic and simple question yet needs to be asked more often. Sadly, people can be so mean, harsh, selfish, and self-centered. We easily judge others based on their religion,

political affiliation, gender, sexuality, social standing, and age. We bash and shame in social media people who don’t share our opinions, beliefs, and preference. We doubt and put color on the goodness of those who are reaching out yet we are quick to turn our backs on those who are in need. We are motivated by our own agenda and interests over the betterment of the majority. That’s why I like watching New Amsterdam because the show and the characters prove that people can be selfless as they are selfish. We can be kind and compassionate as we are mean and cruel. We can be understanding and appreciative as we are judgmental. We can be servant leaders as we are self-serving. That we can all be better individuals if only our mindset is how to help others. Come to think of it, it is not something monumental or earth-shaking to ask someone, how can I help

you? We don’t need to be super rich, super intellectual, super powerful, or super moral to do this. In our own small, ordinary and humble ways, we can do and be a Dr Max. We are all given the opportunity, even the simplest ones, to ask with all sincerity, that simple question: how can I help you? We may not be able to solve the whole problem for them. But we can do things and gestures that will make things feel a little better. This pandemic just gave us that opportunity. Many of our fellow Filipinos are suffering f i n an c i a l ly, phy s i c a l ly, mentally, and emotionally due to the uncertainties and hardships brought about by this health crisis. And we can help out a thousand ways. It should not always be about money. Some are afraid to ask questions because they may not have the financial means to help. But you may be surprised that there are those who only need somebody who will listen to them, provide

IGNACIO BUNYE completed the following: one 4-storey building at the Poblacion National High School (NHA Southville 3), one 4- storey building at Lakeview Senior High School and the extension of the Muntinlupa Student Center for Life Skills in Laguerta, Barangay Tunasan. A long list of infrastructure projects – mostly school buildings and the muchMUNTINLUPA/PAGE 11

MINDFUL

JAY LEDESMA them the right information, give them words of assurance and encouragement and even a simple smile or extend an extra hand. Help is not always in the form of cash. We can make things better for each other at home. Instead of spending time on social media, children can ask how they can help with household chores. Or when they see their parents struggling in digital technology, they can always volunteer to teach and show them. When we see our children having a hard time in their assignments or projects, or are stressed from HELP/PAGE 11

Banking&Finance 5 Banking sector still ‘generally safe’ Advertising and Editorial E-mail : businessweekmindanao@gmail.com Contact nos. : 0917-7121424 • 0947-8935776

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INANCIAL transaction crimes rose especially during the pandemic as more people turned to digital platforms due to movement restrictions, but a monetary executive said affected accounts are less than 1 percent of the total. Melchor Plabasan, Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP) Technology Risk and Innovation Supervision Department director, said the banking sector remains “generally safe”. “So far, we have been checking the number of accounts that have been compromised not only with this incident but some of the

phishing incidents and it’s still way, way below 1 percent relative to the total size of the market,” he said in a virtual briefing on Thursday. Plabasan said “the chances of you becoming a victim of this incident are very minimal.” “But then, again, we are working with the industry to ensure that the losses will be reimbursed and industry will continuously upgrade their security system,” he said. Recently, around 700 BDO Unibank accounts were victims of hacking incidents and some of the funds were transferred to several Union Bank of the Philippines (Unionbank)

accounts. Plabasan said they have identified six persons of interest for the crime, and they have submitted the information to the National Bureau of Investigation (NBI). He said they have also discovered that some of the proceeds from the fraudulent transactions were transferred to other banks. “We are also expanding the scope of our investigation because we have surveillance showing that there may be other institutions, other than, of course, Unionbank, which have been used to funnel the stolen funds. So, we also want to get

to the bottom of that particular issue or concern,” he added. The BSP has been pushing for wider use of digital payments, and targets to increase its share to half of the total transactions by 2023. Asked if there are plans to change the processes in using InstaPay and PESONet to prevent these from being used for any fraudulent transactions, BSP Governor Benjamin Diokno said the central bank is in close coordination with other supervisory institutions in establishing industry-wide solutions to address cyber threats. InstaPay and PESONet are

BSP to collaborate with Islamic body THE BANGKO SENTRAL ng Pilipinas (BSP) will collaborate with an international Islamic banking standard-setting body for the promotion of these kinds of financial services in the country. The central bank signed a memorandum of agreement with the Accounting and Auditing Organization for Islamic Financial Institutions (AOOIFI), it said in a statement on Wednesday. “[The agreement] covers the possible adoption of relevant

AAOIFI standards by the local Islamic banking and finance industry, and cooperation in the areas of capacity building and technical assistance,” BSP Governor Benjamin E. Diokno said in a statement. The AAOIFI is a nonprofit body that develops, maintains, and promotes standards on Shari’ah, accounting, auditing, governance, and ethics for Islamic financial institutions. It has members from over 45 countries that

include central banks and regulatory authorities, financial institutions, accounting and auditing companies, and legal firms. “As banking system supervisor, the BSP recognizes the importance of establishing formal ties with AAOIFI as this strengthens the BSP initiatives on Islamic banking and finance in the country,” Mr. Diokno said. The BSP is also an associate member of the Islamic Financial Services Board, an international

body that issues prudential standards for the Islamic financial services industry, particularly in the areas of banking, capital markets and insurance. Republic Act No. 11439 signed in August 2019 provided for the regulation and organization of Islamic banks in the country. Under the law, the BSP will be the regulatory body in charge of authorizing Islamic banks or banking units in the market. In December 2019, the BSP issued Circular BSP/PAGE 11

the two electronic fund transfer services regulated by the central bank. Diokno said the BSP is also fast-tracking reforms regarding the adoption of a fraud management system and information sharing for fraud investigation. “We will continue to engage the industry and the Philippine Payments Management Incorporation to explore other countermeasures, such as temporary holding of funds and standardized approach to fraud resolutions, to prevent these platforms to be used for fraudulent activities,” he added. (PNA)

Body vs ‘dirty money’ suggests crime prevention plan for property sector THE ANTI-MONEY Laundering Council (AMLC) has laid out a plan against money laundering and terrorist financing that covered nonfinancial institutions such as property developers and brokers can adopt. “This outline shall not, however, be taken as the only format acceptable as there is no one-size-fitsall approach given the

different risks and business models,” the council said in an advisory. “[They] may supplement the policies and procedures required in this outline with their own relevant policies and procedures on various lines of businesses, which address specific areas and risks,” it added. A program focused on preventing “dirty money,” CRIME/PAGE 11

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Lacson: PMA Virtues My Guide in Navigating PH's Challenges

ORT DEL PILAR, Baguio City - The values of Courage, Integrity and Loyalty will be the guide of Sen. Panfilo "Ping" M. Lacson in addressing the challenges facing the country, should he be elected President in 2022. Lacson said these virtues, which he learned as a member of the PMA Matatag Class of 1971, are muchneeded in facing the "unprecedented" and humongous problems. "These virtues are much-warranted in today’s unprecedented challenges: the long-term impact of the pandemic, the ballooning national debt, the biggest dip of our economy, the maritime disputes in the West Philippine Sea, as well as the undeniable climate crisis," he said during his speech at the 50th anniversary of the PMA Class 1971 here. It was at the PMA

that Lacson learned not just the three virtues of Courage, Integrity and Loyalty - but he also developed his brand of leadership by example and his personal motto, "What is right must be kept right, what is wrong must be set right." He noted that the members of the Matatag Class of 1971 are at the forefront of many key points of our nation's history.

"Living up to our class moniker, our class fought and bled in many battles - we stood at the forefront of armed rebellions and peaceful revolutions that set the course of our nation’s history. Even in our second careers as elected or appointed public officials, as well as in private enterprises, within us is our ironclad commitment to the virtues taught to us

by our beloved Alma Mater," he said. Now, he said the PMA figures to play a major role in the Philippines' “digital renaissance” in the next three years. He cited the first National Cyber Defense Academy and the largest intelligent network through Project Lightning in Baguio City as major examples. "This breakthrough technology is our way

to revolutionize our connectivity landscape which already addresses the speed, cost, and efficiency requirements to literally connect everything," he said, adding he was impressed with Baguio’s Smart City Command Center which he toured Friday. He said the command center is the realization of Baguio City Mayor Benjamin Magalong’s vision of operationalizing digital governance to unlock even more socioeconomic opportunities in the city. "Imagine if this can be replicated all over the country. Initially 146 cities, wow, you can just imagine. It’s all digital. This is a dream come true. Sana sooner than later ma-implement ni Mayor Benjie (I hope Mayor Magalong can implement this sooner than later)," Lacson said after seeing the command center in

action on Friday. Also, Lacson said he and his "mistahs" must pace themselves with the thriving digital economy "that is bound to change not only our defense system, but literally every single aspect of our nation's well-being." "Indeed, what we are bound to do, as leaders in various sectors of our country, is to stay the course and keep in pace with pivotal transformations in our society – akin to that of the meaningful governance reforms of Baguio City Mayor and fellow cavalier, Benjie Magalong," he said. "Only if we institute the much-needed reforms of our society in line with the demands of our time can we live up to the legacy of being 'Matatag': strong, unbowed and unyielding," he added. Lacson is running for President under Partido Reporma.

Tangere releases voters' Lifestyle opinion survey results House Tour - sexy, heist thriller ONE in every two Filipinos believe that should Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos, Jr. or Vice President Leni Robrero win the presidency, it will mark the return of traditional politics in the Philippines. Furthermore, there is a growing sentiment of hopelessness among Filipinos and a big number of them are thinking of leaving the Philippines for a better country if either of the frontrunners win in the coming elections. These were some key insights from the non-commissioned nationwide survey conducted by Tangere, an award-winning team that provides realtime actionable market insights, for both the private and public sector, by leveraging on technology, big data analytics & its 600K-strong Ka-Tangere online community. "More than half of the respondents at 52 percent, believe that the existence of Marcos-Leni and/or Liberal Party can be considered as a comeback to traditional politics. This belief is driven by NCR residents and those who voted for Roxas in 2016," Martin Peñaflor, CEO and Founder of Tangere, said. Peñaflor pointed out that of the 1,200 respondents from National Capital Region,

Luzon, Visayas, and Mindanao, it showed a significant number of the respondents, or two in five, do not expect improvement in their lives if either Marcos or Robredo wins in the elections. "This is turning to be a cynical election," Peñaflor described the findings of their survey. "We have two leading candidates that are seen by many as traditional politicians where the poorest don't believe inequality will be addressed and where many of the voters feel like even if their candidate is elected, it is still better to leave the country." The survey showed that nearly two of five Filipinos, particularly those in the Class E income bracket or the less fortunate, are driving the disbelief that BBM and/or Leni can reduce inequality. "It is ironic the poorest sector of the economy distrustful of the election early frontrunners considering that both supposedly champion the poor," Peñaflor said. "A surprising 51 percent of the respondents agree that Leni and BBM are more focused on fighting each other and are looking for alternative leaders who will champion their interest as shown in the research

A celebrity house tour is one of the most entertaining vlog contents that is sure to gain a lot of views. But opening one’s doors to strangers, albeit virtually, is taking a risk of attracting danger. Roman Perez Jr., the director of much talkedabout erotic thrillers like “Adan” (2018), “The Housemaid” (2021) and “Taya” (2021), is back with a sexy, heist thriller movie, “House Tour”. Starring a good-looking bunch of actors, namely Diego Loyzaga, Sunshine Guimary, Mark Anthony Fernandez, Marco Gomez, Rafa Siguion-Reyna, and Cindy Miranda, it is premiering and exclusively streaming on Vivamax starting October 22, 2021. Gabby (Sunshine Guimary), an awardwinning actress, and her husband Franco (Rafa Siguion-Reyna), a former Olympian, live in a Santorini-inspired, resort-like home that has a million-dollar view of Taal volcano. As famous vloggers, they indulge their viewers with a very detailed house tour vlog which is posted on their digital channel called the C Zone. Franco proudly shares that a lot of the pieces in their house actually came from other countries. Unfortunately, Gabby and Franco’s lavish lifestyle and all the ins and outs of their posh house are duly noted by a group of robbers led by Markus (Mark Anthony Fernandez). And

with a single social media post from Gabby indicating that she’s away for an entire week to do a shoot, Markus and his brother Raims (Diego Loyzaga), along with Raims’ girlfriend, Ely (Cindy Miranda), and Buddy (Marco Gomez), invade the couple’s residence. The robbers make themselves at home, but Franco returns. Their encounter is inevitable, and as the two parties try to get rid of each other, secrets about the masters of the house and the invaders unfold. Everyone feels at home. But who will kill and be killed at home? In this house tour, it’s not enough to like what you see, you must survive what goes on. As the movie tagline goes, “Like and SURVIVE.” The lead stars of “House Tour” have all been visible on Vivamax this year. Cindy Miranda was captivating in “Nerisa”. Diego Loyzaga showed a gamut of emotions in “Death of a Girlfriend”.

Sunshine Guimary was entertaining in her launching movie, “Kaka”. There was no holding back for Marco Gomez in the sexy movie, “Silab”. Mark Anthony Fernandez starred in the horror movie, “Biyernes Santo”. Rafa Siguion-Reyna plays the evil black dwende, Markadan, in the series “Puto” that’s also streaming on Vivamax. Having them all together in “House Tour” is sure to be an interesting watch. To stream “House Tour” on Vivamax, go to web. vivamax.net, or download the app and subscribe via Google Play Store and App Store. Watch all you can on Vivamax for only P149/ month and P399 for 3 months for bigger savings. A 3-day access to Vivamax at a hot price of P29 is also available. Take advantage of this special treat! And for only P499, you can get the new VIVAMAX PLUS. This special feature gives you a chance to stream your chosen movie

one week in advance from its regular playdate! For payment thru website, you may choose from EC Pay, 7 Eleven, All Day, All Day, Pay Mongo, GrabPay, GCash, or PayMaya. For payment thru app, you may choose from Globe, Smart, GCash, Paypal, Visa, or Mastercard. For payment thru Ecommerce, you may choose from Lazada, Shopee, Comworks, Clickstore, or Paymaya. For payment thru authorized outlets, you may choose from Load Manna, Comworks, Cebuana Lhuillier, Palawan Express, and Load Central. VivaMax’s cable partners are SkyCable, Cable Link, Wesfardell Connect, Fiber, BCTVI, Cebu Cable, Zenergy HD, Cotabato Cable Television Network Corporation, and Concepcion Pay TV Network, Inc. “House Tour” will also be streaming on Vivamax Middle East! To our dear fellow Pinoys in UAE, Saudi Arabia, Kuwait, Oman, Bahrain, and Qatar, watch all you can for only AED35/month. In Europe, Vivamax can be streamed for only 8 GBP/month. Aside from Hong Kong, Japan, Malaysia, and Singapore, Vivamax will also be available in Indonesia, Thailand, South Korea, Taiwan, Brunei, Macao, Vietnam, Maldives, Australia, and New Zealand starting October 1, 2021. Vivamax, atin ‘to!

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Connected... from page 1

Fiber internet provider Converge ICT Solutions said its network operations in Iloilo, Capiz, Cebu, Cagayan de Oro and Davao were down as of Friday afternoon. Its business centers in Mandaue City, Roxas City, Iloilo City and Cagayan de Oro City were temporarily closed, the company reported. But many lucky residents of Cagayan de Oro, and some towns in nearby Misamis Oriental and Bukidnon, however, found they could still use their internet linked to the pioneer cable television company in this capital city of Northern Mindanao. So how did a relatively small player in the telecoms industry keep its services humming when all the major telcos and internet service providers left most of Mindanao and the Visayas in the dark? How they did it “Paras at’s cable and internet services are still up in most areas. Good we have at least four providers; with two down, we are still in business,” said Engr. Elpidio M. Paras, founder and CEO of the multiple service operator (MSO) which maintains cable and internet companies in Cagayan de Oro, Misamis Oriental towns from Balingasag in the east coast to Libertad in the west, the Bukidnon town of Manolo Fortich, and the cities of Malaybalay and Valencia. “Now we know that disaster can still strike us even if the last major event was a decade ago; the important thing is we are prepared and equipped for these challenges,” Paras noted. When Odette struck Cagayan de Oro on Thursday, 16 December 2021, Parasat had four companies providing internet for a total of five circuits. Thus, even when the two major domestic and one of its foreign suppliers went down due to multiple fiber cuts in their networks brought by Typhoon Odette, Parasat still retained three circuits; one from its remaining domestic supplier and two from its remaining foreign supplier. “We were lucky not all of the circuits were down so we had two circuits that became congested and somewhat slowed our service last Friday (Dec 17) because only about 40% of our capacity was left. We’re oversubscribed, so we’re only using about half of the capacity we contracted for and that’s a major expense,” he explained. Due in a large part to the redundancy provided by these remaining circuits, Parasat subscribers in Cagayan de Oro, Misamis Oriental municipalities from Tagoloan to Jasaan in the east, and from Opol to Libertad to the west, as well as in Manolo Fortich, Malaybalay and Valencia, where able to communicate with their loved ones and other associates through their Para Fiber internet through the long hours cellphone and internet services of the major

telcos were down. “ 9 5 p e r c e nt o f t h e subscribers in these areas retained internet services during the post-Odette aftermath,” Paras noted. Kudos from subscribers “After the storm, it’s like we’re still at it, because we have no water, no cellphone signal, and electricity is offand-on,” wrote Gina CuerdoAmador of Manolo Fortich on her FB timeline. “Good thing our internet (Parasat) is not dependent on those utilities. “I had to use the Parasat internet of Rey and Linda Trinidad just outside the gate since their ground area was flooded,” said Eduardo Pelaez, president of the Cagayan de Oro Hotel and Restaurant Association (COHARA). “The internet connection a l l ow e d m e t o h o s t a scheduled Zoom meeting yesterday afternoon! Thank you Parasat for being there when all my providers: Smart - Globe - PLDT Home Fibre conked out the whole day.” “Welcome back, ICT. Pero kudos to Parasat for their resilience in sustaining connectivity when everything was down. What a legend!” quipped Jonathan Arvin Adolfo, former executive director of the Cagayan de Oro ICT Business Council. “Thank you Parasat,” wrote subscriber Faye Enteria. “Ikaw ra gyud nang pabilin pinakakusgan. Down tanan after the Typhoon Odette aftermath .We appreciate your good ,efficient internet connection.” Building it better However, Paras said they are not resting on their laurels but continuing to upgrade their system to make it even better. “ We w e r e l u c k y i n the sense that we did not expect this major event to happen, but we already had redundancy in mind because we were apprehensive that if one of the major telcos went down, we should really have a back-up, that’s why we have the other providers.” Par a s at a l re a d y h a s redundancy loops in its fiber network in Cagayan de Oro although the fiber cables to the east and west coasts of Misamis Oriental are still point-to-point. With its Japanese partner, it has already built a fiber loop that extends to Caraga Region, Surigao, going to Davao(for the eastern part of the loop, and goes back to Cagayan when it reaches Davao via Buda (the Bukidnon-Davao Road). “This loop is already live. If we have a fiber cut in Surigao, they will still be live provided there are no further cuts along the way. Because the signals will pass through Davao, and onwards to Agusan Sur, and Surigao Sur and Norte, but obviously the infra in Surigao is now really down,” Paras detailed. Another advantage Parasat has over others internet service providers is that it has teams that can immediately restore as long as the weather is not really bad and the roads are not blocked.

The National Broadband Dream Over the long term, the Department of Information and Communications Technology (DICT) national broadband infrastructure system remains a plan with little budget. “We have to convince our lawmakers and the incoming administration to fast track that national broadband deployment because it’s going to be a major backbone that the government will control, and that will redound to much cheaper internet and broadband,” Paras noted. “With more circuits, the more resilient our system can b e in coping wit h calamities like Typhoon Odette. It’s important we have multiple redundancy, thus it’s very important for us that the government has an infrastructure it would subsidize and help bring down the costs of bringing internet and broadband to unserved and underserved areas,” he added. Paras cited the DICT’s Free WiFi program, although beset with some issues, has better deployments in the regions because it caters to the local players who know the local situation on the ground better, and whom they can monitor. So far, Parasat already has rolled out Free Wi-Fi to Misamis Oriental and Bukidnon to underserved areas like Cabanglasan, San Fernando, Damulog, and Kadingilan (Bukidnon), and satellite campuses of state universities and colleges through its two contracts with DICT.

Relief...

from page 1 for orders if we can deploy military trucks to Surigao City. We heard the highway from Butuan to Surigao City is already cleared of landslides and is passable,” Garillo said. Romorosa said a Philippine Air Force C130 bringing food and water is scheduled to land at the Surigao City airport Saturday afternoon. He said two Philippine Navy ships have also arrived in Surigao City to bring supplies of food, water and medicines to Dinagat and Siargao Island. In Cagayan de Oro City, t h e n o n - g ov e r n m e nt a l organization Balay Mindanaw is sending a team of responders bringing food and water filtration systems

to Dinagat Island on Sunday. Balay Mindanaw’s Chair Emeritus, Charlito Manlupig, said the SkyHydrant filtration system donated by Disaster Aid Australia could turn filthy water into potable and safe drinking water. “These are the systems that people in Dinagat Island need most,” Manlupig said. He said the team would wait for any available Navy or Coast Guard ship that could take them to Dinagat Island. Dinagat Governor Arlene Bag-ao who sent a team out of the island to seek help is asking for food, water, medicines and other basic goods as well as assistance in the restoration of electricity and telecommunications. Romoros o s aid t he y attempted to land in Dinagat Island last Friday to give Governor Bag-ao a satellite phone and communications equipment but bad weather prevented them from landing. Romoroso who was able to fly to Siargao last Friday described the situation in the tourist-famous island as “ total destruction.” “Most of the rooftops of the houses and government buildings were blown off. Sometimes you wonder how people can survive the onslaught, “ he said. He said they landed i n Si arg a o and g ave a satellite phone and radio communications to Surigao del Norte Francisco Matugas. Matugas cited initial reports of two deaths and estimated the damages in the island, his hometown, at 20 billion pesos. In D av a o C i t y, t h e Matina Community Pantry is proceeding to Lingig in Surigao del Sur, another typhoon-stricken area, to bring relief goods.

Zero...

from page 1 lamented that disinformation online circulated anew, where old photographs of destroyed houses and dead people from the previous storm, "Sendong." "There were intens e moments, still in the end we were spared by the Almighty. And to think, it's the 10th anniversary of Sendong," he said. "Sendong" left a historic mark in the city and Iligan City because despite having only a maximum sustained winds of 95 kph, and being smaller than Odette, it caused at least 2,500 deaths,

especially in nearby river communities. Meanwhile, the Cagayan de Oro City Social Welfare and Development (CSWD) was able to record 12,877 individuals or 3,270 families in 49 evacuation sites as of 9 p.m., Thursday, as a result of the forced evacuation implemented by the local government in flood-prone areas. Many of the areas with massive evacuation were the same villages hit by weather disturbances in the past, most notable among them were Sendong, Pablo, and Vinta. The Department of Social Welfare and Development Region 10 said it has prepared its standby funds and stockpile assistance consisting of family food packs valuing PHP80.6 million for utilization, while the health department has prepared its medicines and personnel support for rollout. Returning home Meanwhile, in Iligan City, Mayor Celso Regencia ordered the return of evacuees Friday after Odette left the Northern Mindanao Region. He said in an advisory that the Iligan CSWD and other concerned offices in cooperation with the Barangay Risk Reduction and Management Committees were directed to assist families returning to their homes. On Thursday, some 987 families or 3,481 individuals evacuated as the water levels in Mandulog and Iligan rivers rose due to continuous heavy rains brought by the typhoon. The first to impose forced evacuation was the council of Barangay Hinaplanon, the area in Iligan that was badly hit by typhoon Sendong.

9 Iligan-CSWD officerin-charge Jec Sacan said the families temporarily staying in identified evacuation centers come from 24 barangays that were affected by Odette. Sacan said the families were immediately given ready-to-eat food packs by the city government. Police Maj. Z andrex Panolong, public information officer of the Iligan City Police Office, said they have received a report of a drowning incident but their rescue team has yet to verify which barangay it happened. "As of 5:00 p.m. today (Dec. 16), there has been no report of destructions of lives and properties. We, however, continue our monitoring and our rescue team is on standby together with our partners," Panolong said. At 5:00 p.m., one lane of a bridge in Barangay Tubod was closed for the motorists because of the overflowing of floodwater. Alex Paña, the Maintenance Supervisor of Mercy Community Hospital in Barangay Tubod, said they sought help from the City Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office (CDRRMO) because the flood water was overflowing to their hospital room. "We needed to evacuate around 20 patients to the ot her bui lding (of t he hospital) while waiting for the (Iligan) CDRRMO to help us make a hole of the concrete fence to divert the water or else our patients in the rehabilitation will also get flooded. They are afraid of water," Paña said in a phone interview. (PNA)

NATIONAL CATEGORY

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LGU City Gov’t Category

LEGISLATIVE CATEGORY

LGU Provincial CATEGORY

CIVIL SERVICE CATEGORY

LGU Barangay Level

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Tell...

from page 4

that we should have kept quiet about it, because it was only a few seconds and it would not have changed the fact that we won. But we always must do what is honest and right. I told my team that people forget the scores of games, but they do not forget what you’re made of as a man.” You can be sure that every young man on that team will always remember the honest, courageous character of their coach and want to follow his strong example. The greatest honor and responsibility we have is to raise and teach the next generation well. It is up to us whether our children will become brave, honest, loving leaders and parents. In fact, it is never too late to ask Jesus to change your heart and character. Only He can help you become the true example this next generation desperately needs to follow. Just think a minute.

Muntinlupa... from page 4

awaited aquatic center - are expected to be unveiled during the next few months. The efforts of the city government have not gone unnoticed. The Department of Trade and Industr y recently ranked Muntinlupa as The Most Resilient Highly Urbanized City and the 5th Most Competitive in Infrastructure. This is the second year in a row that Muntinlupa topped the Most Resilient category. Annually, the DTI through the National Competitiveness Council conducts the Cities and Municipalities Competitiveness Index which ranks local government EXTRA JUDICIAL SETTLEMENT OF ESTATE KNOW ALL MEN BY THESE PRESENTS: That the late SEVERINO OMAC ECHEM JR., died intestate on November 14, 2018 in Cagayan de Oro City, the deceased at the time of his death left behind his petition differential with the Philippine National Police; That to the best knowledge and information of the parties hereto, the deceased left no debts; and has been the subject of an EXTRA JUDICIAL SETTLEMENT OF ESTATE, filed by the heirs of SEVERINO OMAC ECHEM JR., per DOC #107; PAGE #22; BOOK #216; Series of 2021 under the Notarial Registry of ATTY. EMMANUEL A. GAABUCAYAN. BWM: Dec 13, 20 & 27, 2021

EXTRAJUDICIAL PARTITION KNOW ALL MEN BY THESE PRESENTS: That the late MARK IAN M. APAL, died intestate in the place of Northern Mindanao Medical Center, Capitol Compound, Cagayan de Oro City, Misamis Oriental, Philippines, leaving a Condominium Unit covered by Condominium Certificate of Title No. 107-2016003879, (LA GUARDIA FLATS 2) THIRD FLOOR, STUDIO TYPE, UNIT NO. 309, containing an area of TWENTY TWO (22.00) SQUARE METERS, MORE OR LESS, and has been the subject of an EXTRAJUDICIAL PARTITION, filed by the heirs of MARK IAN M. APAL, per DOC #121; PAGE #25; BOOK #XXXVI; Series of 2021 under the Notarial Registry of ATTY. DEXTER BAQUIANO PRECIOSO. BWM: December 6, 13 & 20, 2021

units in the country on four convergent pillars namely: Economic Dynamism, Government Efficiency, Infrastructure, and Resilience. For its exemplar y performance in nutrition program management, the National Nutrition Council (NNC) - NCR conferred the Green Banner Award to Muntinlupa City, the highest citation given by the regional agency to local government units. The NNC also conferred seven other related awards to Muntinlupa. In another front, Muntinlupa bagged awards in the first-ever GCash Digital Excellence Awards. GCash lauded the initiatives of the City Government in pioneering the use of digital financial products to improve the delivery of services for its constituents. Muntinlupa City won the Excellence in Digital Public Aid Distribution and Excellence in Digital Advancement for the Youth (together with Muntinlupa Science High School). Last August, Muntinlupa partnered with GCash for a contactless mode of financial aid distribution to city residents who were affected by the COVID-19 pandemic. The local government utilized the digital platform of GCash to reduce physical contact among beneficiaries and minimize the risk of further COVID-19 transmission. Cash aid beneficiaries were enjoined to create their GCash accounts thru the in-app sign-in feature and register their details in a local database. At the top of the current Mu nt i n lup a l e a d e rsh ip structure are Mayor Jaime R. Fresnedi and Representative Rozzano Rufino Biazon, of the lone congressional district of Muntinlupa. The Muntinlupa City Council is currently composed of the following: Vice Mayor Artemio “Temy” Simundac (Presiding Officer) District 1 Councilors Louisito Arciaga, Paty Katy Boncayao, Allan Rey Camilon, Raul Corro (Majority Floor Leader), Alexson Diaz, Valentino Niefes, Ivee Rhea Tadefa, Stephanie Teves District 2 Councilors - Dhesiree Arevalo, Mark Lester Baes, Francis Ian Bagatsing, Arlene Hilapo, Cornelio Eliot Martinez, Marissa Rongavilla, Mamerto Sevilla, Jr. ABC President - Walter Arcilla

SK President- Kenichi Takagi, Jr. T he 9 Mu nt i n lup a barangays are headed, as follows: Tunasan - Kap. Walter Arcilla; Poblacion Kap. Allen Ampaya; Putatan - Kap. Danilo Teves; Bayanan - Kap. Adorado San Pedro; Alabang - Kap. Christine May Abas; Ayala Alabang - OIC Kap. Marcus Lester Suntay; Cupang - Kap. Rainier Bulos; Buli - Kap. Ronaldo Loresca; Sucat - Kap. Rafael Sevilla. Note: You may wish to share the foregoing via Facebook, Twitter or Viber.

Love... from page 4

a time of fear but of love. If you realize this, you'll be able to experience all kinds of love that life has in store. Hopefully, maybe one day in future, you'll be able to love even your enemy or adversary of your fellow creature who tries to squander your last respect. Have you ever been in love - You could touch the moonlight - When your heart's shooting stars -You're holding heaven in your arms - Have you ever been so in love? +++ Email: doringklaus@gmail. com or follow me on Facebook, Twitter or LinkedIn or visit my www.germanexpainthephilippines.blogspot.com or www. klausdoringsclassicalmusic. blogspot.com.

Help... from page 4

their work, as parents, do we ask our children how we can help them? It’s not necessarily by giving them advice or suggestions. Sometimes they just need us to be their sounding board or they just need a nice hot meal. Or sometimes they just need a tight embrace. The idea is how we can ease up each other’s concerns. As business leaders, our role is not just to give targets and ask for results from our people. We also need to ask how we can help them so they can do their jobs effectively and deliver. And vise versa, staff members should also ask their bosses, as well as their colleagues, from time to time, how they can help them? One agency leader that I know will always ask her sales team how she can help with their backroom concerns. She believes that one of her roles as a leader is to remove all the obstacles that can defocus her people from their selling activities.

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During this time when we are still fully adjusting to the new normal, any help from each other will be appreciated and go a long way. Asking this question should be foremost in the mind of everyone connected in the service industry or working in government agencies, especially our elected officials. They are, after all, placed in their position to help others. How ideal it would be that instead of making people go through all the bureaucracy and red tapes, these service and government personnel will ask “how can I help make things easier for these people?” When I was renewing my driver's license, I noticed that the old man ahead of me was confused with all the documents he is holding. It was music to the ears when I heard one of the counter personnel ask him, “Unsa man ang problema Lolo? Unsaon ko pagtabang kanimo (What’s your problem sir? How can I help you)?" Ins te a d of t h i n k i ng about how their programs can enrich and benefit them and their families, how we wish all those running for election next year will ask “how can my program really help improve the plight of my constituents?” How many of them will go out after being elected, to sincerely ask their constituents “As your elected official, how can I help make life better for you? Imagine the ripple effect that asking this question can create. If we just helped one person, and that person will help somebody, and that somebody will help another one. Often, when we see people stressed, sad, or in pain, our usual tendency is to ask them “how are you feeling? Are you okay? What’s wrong?” Or we immediately give advice or suggestions. I believe it would make a whale of a difference when instead of asking these questions or giving advice, we start asking “how can I help you?” Let’s be mindful also that people can be proud and not ask for help but it doesn’t mean they don’t need it. Sometimes, they just need to be asked. It’s just a few days to Christmas… the season of being extra kind, generous, and giving. Think about asking that question. Think about the person who needs it

most. Ask it with all sincerity and without expecting any return. Do it because you want to make things for that person a little better. How can I help you? If only we can ask this more often. If only every one of us can ask someone this question, what a better universe this would be! A blessed and happy Christmas to all!!!

Travelers... from page 2

exp ects the numb er of passengers to further increase as trips from the city to Olutanga, Zamboanga Sibugay, and vice-versa; and from here to Cagayan de Oro City vice-versa, have also resumed on December 11 and December 14, respectively. He added that buses serving the ZamboangaBacolod and ZamboangaCebu routes are also making the necessary preparations to resume operation. A l s o s e t t o re s u m e operation are buses serving the Zamboanga to Sirawai and Siocon towns in Zamboanga del Norte. Currently, there are 18 trips, both inbound and outbound, from the city to Pagadian City; 14 inbound and outb ound t r ips to Dipolog City; five inbound and outb ound t r ips to Cagayan de Oro City; and, one outbound and an inbound trip to Olutanga daily. Un d e r A l e r t L e v e l 2, the requirements for inbound passengers include vaccination cards for fullyvaccinated individuals; the Safe, Swift, and Smart Passage (S-Pass); and any governmentissued identification card (ID). Inbound passengers who are partially vaccinated are required to present negative swab test results before allowed entry. Previously, all inbound passengers are required to present negative swab test results, the S-Pass, ID, and a travel order. (PNA)

Crime... from page 5

terrorist financing and other financial crimes should be a priority for these companies, it added. The AMLC said their crime prevention programs should include institutional risk assessment and management, corporate

governance, compliance management, internal controls and audits, as well as hiring policies and procedures. These companies should also improve due diligence in customer identification and risk profiling, and beneficial ownership. Procedures related to preventive measures for specific transactions, politically exposed persons, and reporting of covered and suspicious transactions should also be included in their crime prevention program. The country’s amended Anti-Money Laundering Act included real estate brokers and developers as covered institutions after findings that some criminals had parked illicit funds in the property sector. Last week, the AMLC released guidelines on the m an a g e m e nt , s a l e an d turnover of assets that had been frozen or became the subject of civil forfeiture cases. The global money laundering watchdog in October said the Philippines had improved in terms of enforcing measures against financial crimes, but was kept under the gray list. Local authorities seek to get the Philippines out of the list of countries under a tighter watch for financial crimes by January 2023.

BSP...

from page 5

1 0 6 9 , w h i c h p r ov i d e d t he g u i d el i ne s for t he establishment of Islamic banks and banking units, and BSP Circular 1070, which outlined the Shari’ah governance framework. Islamic banks that operate under Shari’ah principles do not implement “riba” or interest. These lenders can issue Shari’ah-compliant funding instruments such as “sukuk” upon approval by the Monetary Board. Central bank officials have said a number of players have expressed interest in setting up Islamic banks and banking units in the country. However, no applications have been filed yet due to the pandemic. Currently, Al-Amanah Islamic Bank is the only lender operating under Shari’ah principles in the country.

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