BusinessWeek Mindanao (December 28-29, 2022)

Sub-standard

THE Department of Trade and Industry in Region 10 has warned vendors to ensure they have the necessary licenses issued by proper authorities, and the products they are selling are not sub-standards. “We give due process to the violators. We give them an opportunity to explain,” said Julie Nieva, information officer of the DTI Region 10, said.

According to Nieva, the products that are not supported by licenses issued by the Bureau of Philippine Standards will be confiscated and destroyed to avoid being resold or used.

Energy efficient

KIDAPAWAN City – The city government has topped the 2022 Energy Efficiency Excellence Award for the City Government category organized by the Department of Energy (DOE). The award aims to promote the implementation of energy management systems and best practices on energy efficiency in all designated establishments, including local and government facilities. Mayor Jose Paolo Evangelista said Friday the recognition reflects the local governments "commitment to serve better with less expense from government funds.

Hot cigars seized

ZAMBOANGA City – Authorities have arrested three persons and seized more than P1.1 million worth of smuggled cigarettes in Dumingag town, Zamboanga del Sur province on Friday.

The police identified the three arrested persons as Radzmer Ainami, 18, driver and a resident of Ipil town, Zamboanga Sibugay province; and his two truckmen, AlSharif Ammad, 27, and Mohhamad Nul Kasidi, 26, both residents of Barangay Kampung Islam, here.

Col. Richard Verceles, operations chief of the Area Police Command-Western Mindanao, said the three were accosted around 10:30 p.m. Friday along the national highway in Purok 2, Barangay Guitran in Dumingag.

Customs seize P20-M imported red onions

IMPORTED red onions, estimated to be worth P20 million, were recently seized by the Bureau of Customs (BOC) and its intelligence branch at the Mindanao Container Terminal (MCT) subport in Tagoloan, Misamis Oriental.

The seizure occurred at a time when the price of red onions in the local market has reached as high as P500 per kilo during the Christmas season.

In an interview Monday, lawyer Justin Roman Geli, chief of the Customs Intelligence and

Investigation Service (CIIS) in Northern Mindanao, said contraband from China was wrongfully declared as bread and pastries.

“Examination of Alerted Shipment consigned to Asterzenmed Inc. with Bill of Lading (BL) nos.

River overflows, inundates Oroquieta’s commercial district

By FROILAN GALLARDO MindaNews

BARMM okays P85

.3-B budget for 2023

By BONG S. SARMIENTO MindaNews

KORONADAL City – Of the P85.3 billion approved budget in the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM) for 2023, the biggest chunk was allotted to education.

BARMM Interim Chief Minister Ahod Ebrahim signed on December 22 Parliament Bill No. 54 or the 2023 Bangsamoro Expenditure Program (BEP), which is up by almost seven percent from the P79.8 billion budget for 2022.

“The BEP 2023 is inspired

by many things; our collective experiences, recent economic changes, and just recently, tragedies that struck at the very core of our homeland. These factors have been thoroughly considered in this process, and I am optimistic that the roadmap for next year is clear and responsive to the needs of the Bangsamoro,” Ebrahim said in a report released by the Bangsamoro Information Office. Parliament Bill No. 54 was approved on third and final reading by the Bangsamoro Transition Authority (BTA) on Tuesday, December 20,

with 44 affirmative votes, zero negative vote and no abstention. The top 10 ministries and offices with the biggest budget allocations are the following: 1) Ministry of Basic, Higher and Technical Education – P27.2 billion; 2) Ministry of Public Works –P16.4 billion; 3) Office of the Chief Minister – P5.9 billion; 4) Ministry of Health – P5.8 billion; 5) Bangsamoro Transition Authority – P3.9 billion; 6) Ministry of Social Services and Development–P3.07 billion; 7) Ministry

FLOOD waters overflowed the banks of Layawan River, spreading a wide path of destruction in the commercial district of Oroquieta City on Tuesday.

“The river rose by more than four feet and resulted in the closing down of

the commercial district of Oroquieta City,” Misamis Occidental Governor Henry Oaminal was quoted by the Philippine Information Agency as saying.

Oaminal said the flood waters in Layawan River continued to overflow its banks for the second straight

FLOOD. The poblacion of Aloran municipality, Misamis Occidental is inundated in flood waters on Tuesday, December 27. Photo: PIA-MisOcc

CHRISTMAS PHOTO. A random shot via mobile phone captures two mallgoers taking a break from their shopping spree on Christmas morning, December 25. Photo taken by CAROLYN O. ARGUILLAS

6 dead as NorMin hit by flood on Christmas eve

BALINGOAN, Misamis

Oriental – The province of Misamis Occidental recorded six casualties on Monday as flooding incidents continued to affect different parts of Northern Mindanao region, displacing more than 40,000 people.

The 1st Provincial Mobile Force Company (PMFC) and Oroquieta City Disaster Risk Reduction Management Office (DRRMO) conducted the latest retrieval operation in Purok 3, Barangay Mialen after the victims' house was buried in a landslide.

The fatalities were identified as Elenita

Calamian, 43, and her father, Mario Sambiog, 70.

The landslide was caused by continuous rains since Dec. 24, which the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA) refers to as "shear line" event.

Data from the Office of the Civil Defense-Region 10 (Northern Mindanao), and the Regional DRRM Council (RDRRMC-10) recorded four other deaths, two injured, and three missing in Misamis Occidental.

The provincial government, through the Provincial DRRMO

(PDRRMO) has continued with its response operations to flooded towns where public infrastructure were damaged and houses were submerged in flood water.

Governor Henry Oaminal has activated supporting units in charge of relief operations for the families sheltered in evacuation centers, in coordination with the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD).

"Today's rainfall (Dec. 26) has slowed but the water flowing (downstream to lowlands) from the hinterlands is still strong,"

he said in a media briefing.

Oaminal said the PDRRMO and allied units are on the field for immediate response.

The RDRRMC-10 recorded 7,540 individuals, or 1,769 families evacuated in Misamis Occidental as of Monday.

Of the 11 LGUs affected, the town of Jimenez has the highest number of evacuees with 5,741 individuals or 1,327 families.

Meanwhile, in Misamis

Oriental province, Gingoog City has the most number of evacuees among eight local government units (LGUs) affected by the flood, with 34,156 individuals, or 7,089 families.

In an interview, Gingoog City Mayor Erick Cañosa said their City DRRMO recorded damage worth more than P100 million.

"Initial estimated damages in fisheries are around P15 to P18 million; we had damaged crops

amounting to P25 to P30 million," he said.

Cañosa also said infrastructure damage amounted to P50 to P75 million.

DSWD-10, in partnership with OCD-10, has initially distributed 6,600 food packs to affected families in Gingoog City.

The RDRRMC-10 also reported evacuees from LGUs in the provinces of Camiguin, Bukidnon, and Iligan City. (PNA)

DSWD-13 sends food packs to flood-hit MisOr province

BUTUAN City – The Department of Social Welfare and Development in the Caraga Region (DSWD13) sent augmentation support to residents badlyhit by floods in the Region 10 province of Misamis

Oriental. In a statement Tuesday, DSWD-13 said 1,700 family food packs (FFPs) were delivered to the Don Restituto Baol Central School in Gingoog City on Monday afternoon. “This is in response to the request

NOTICE TO THE PUBLIC

-The MDN Publishing Corporation-

for augmentation made by the DSWD-Northern Mindanao, DSWD-13 said. Gingoog City is one of the most affected areas by heavy rains brought about by the shear line in Region 10, the agency said. “The DSWD-13 is also prepared for the possible augmentation support in its area of responsibility based on the reported number of evacuees,” it added. On Monday, the DSWD-13 sent some 1,078 FFPs to affected families in General Luna, Siargao Island, Surigao del Norte. The agency’s quick response teams have been activated and are monitoring the situations in the provinces and municipalities in the region. “DSWD Regional Director MariFlor Dollaga has also advised the teams from satellite offices in the region to provide updates through the Disaster Response Operations Monitoring and Information Center to swiftly provide a timely response when needed,” the DSWD-13 said. As of Monday afternoon, the DSWD-13 said it has prepositioned 21,954 FFPs amounting to P9,2 million at regional warehouses. A P5 million standby fund is also available to replenish the goods as the need arises, it said. (PNA)

BSP cites framework reforms vis-a-vis climate change

BANGKO Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP) Governor Felipe Medalla cited the importance of reassessing the regulatory framework to encourage additional lending towards climate change mitigation, as he stressed the impact of climate change on the economy.

In his speech during the launch of the BSP Sustainable Central Banking (SCB) Strategy at the central bank main office in Manila on Thursday, Medalla said climate change could affect the supply of food, among others, and this, in turn, impacts on inflation.

He said the central bank needs to help

prevent the occurrence of second-round effects or the resulting impact of supply constraints, among others, before this becomes permanent.

This, he said, is where the regulatory framework review is needed to ensure that banks’ capitalization is commensurate to the risks they will face once they lend to vulnerable sectors or projects.

“Even just from the point of view of our standard regulatory approach we have to make some modifications on how we define credit risks, default risks, and all the financial risks,” Medalla said.

“Climate action is a whole of society undertaking and

the central bank, the BSP, could only do so much but it will do what it needs. But because we can only do so much that’s why we call on everyone’s support to have implement the sustainable central banking program and of course the rest of the society outside central banking must contribute as well," he added.

BSP Deputy Governor Chuchi Fonacier, meanwhile, said the 11-point SCB Strategy is aimed at ensuring a more sustainable future in the financial system.

“Besides being sound and stable, our desire is to have banks and financial institutions that are mindful of the environment and the

pressing issues and threats of climate change to price and financial stability,” she said, noting that the BSP vows to be the role mode for regulated institutions.

She said the central bank, under the SCB Strategy, “will foster environmentally responsible and sustainable policies and work practices.”

She said the BSP will also integrate environmental, social, and governance (ESG) principles in the central bank’s key functions and operations.

“The 11-point SCB Strategy embodies the BSP’s roles as an enabler, mobilizer, and doer in advocating sustainability throughout the financial system,” she added. (PNA)

Peso seen to move sideways on massive holiday spending

THE PESO is expected to move sideways this week on the further increase of holiday spending, especially as trading reaches the tailend of the season.

The local unit closed at P55.3 per dollar on Monday, stronger by twenty centavos from its P55.53 finish on Friday, Bankers Association of the Philippines data showed.

However, week on week, the peso strengthened by

41 centavos from its P55.56 close on Dec. 16.

Dollars exchanged jumped to $1.02 billion on Friday from the $774.2 million recorded on Thursday.

A trader said in a Viber message that the peso weakened on Friday against Thursday’s strong dollar close after a positive revision in US gross domestic product (GDP) data.

“Initially, [dollar-peso rate] was even higher to reflect [Thursday’s] broad dollar strength following US GDP data,” the trader said.

According to a report by Bloomberg, the US government revised its GDP estimate for July to September to 3.2% on Thursday, from the previous estimate of 2.9%. This came after an upward revision of consumer spending and business investment.

For this week, Rizal Commercial Banking Corp. Chief Economist Michael L. Ricafort said in a Viber message that

the peso would still be affected by the increased holiday spending, resulting in increased conversion of remittances to pesos.

“The long Christmas holiday weekend may still lead to accelerated holidayrelated spending that could also lead to some seasonal increase in the conversion of remittances to pesos … in preparation for the long New Year holiday weekend,” Mr. Ricafort said.

Mr. Ricafort expects the peso to move between P54.90 and P55.40 for this week, while the trader gives a slightly higher forecast of P55 to P55.50 per dollar.

Maybank lowers PHL GDP forecast for 2023

THE Philippine economy may grow slower than initially expected in 2023, according to Maybank Investment Banking Group.

In a report, Maybank lowered its Philippine gross domestic product (GDP) forecast for next year to 5.5%, from the 6.2% forecast it gave in August. This is below the Development Budget Coordination Committee’s (DBCC) 6-7% target for 2023.

For this year, Maybank upwardly revised its Philippine growth forecast to 7.3%, from 6.5% previously. This is within the government’s 6.5-7.5% full-year target range.

The Philippine economy is expected to surpass the full-year target after GDP growth averaged 7.7% as of end-September.

According to Maybank, the Philippines’ GDP expansion will be the second fastest in the region and above the Association of Southeast Asian Nations-5 (ASEAN) average for this year and in 2023.

Maybank gave a 4.7% GDP growth forecast for ASEAN-5 in 2023, slower

than the 5.9% projection this year. Vietnam and Malaysia are expected to post the fastest growth at 8% this year, while Vietnam’s 6% expansion will be the fastest in 2023.

“ASEAN-5 GDP growth (+4.7% in 2023) will likely be higher than China’s (+4%) for a second consecutive year. ASEAN will be cushioned by the reopening tailwinds, while China’s shift from ‘zero COVID’ will be slow and incremental,” Maybank said.

Maybank said ASEAN is seen as a “defensive harbor” amid the rising interest rates in the United States and a possible global recession.

It noted ASEAN economies may “partially decouple” from a US recession and emerge as a bright spot, citing resilient intra-ASEAN trade and continued recovery in accommodations, food services, construction and air travel sectors.

“The reconfiguration of manufacturing supply chains away from China to ASEAN has increased FDI (foreign direct investment)

Thai bank to buy stake in PH financing firm

THAILAND-BASED Bank of Ayudhya Public Co. Ltd. is set to acquire a 75% stake in consumer financing firm HC Consumer Finance Philippines, Inc. (HCCFP) as part of its expansion efforts in Southeast Asia.

“The deal size is about P17 billion, about 6% of the bank’s total adjusted capital as of Dec. 31, 2021. The impact of the acquisition on the bank’s capital should be manageable,” it added.

TD No. 0303401 Residential Building (106 square meters) Binaliwan Mahinog, Camiguin

That the above-mentioned parcels of land are free from all liens and encumbrances and Not tenanted by whomsoever persons;

That parties agree to publish this instrument in a newspaper for general circulation for Three (3) consecutive weeks.

That the property being embraced with a title, this instrument shall be registered under the provisions of P.D 1529 as registered property;

IN WITNESS WHEREOF, We have hereunto set our hands this AUG 26 2022, at Mambajao, Camiguin Province, Philippines.

OFFICE OF THE MUNICIPAL

NOTICE TO THE PUBLIC

CCE-0001-2022 (R.A. 10172) 13 December 2022

In compliance with the publication requirement & pursuant to OCRG Memorandum Circular No. 2013-1 Guidelines in the Implementation of Administrative Order No. 1 Series of 2012 (IRR on R.A. No. 10172). Notice is hereby served to the public that SAADODIN PUNDA MACABANDO has filed with this office, a petition for correction of entry in sex/gender from FEMALE to MALE in his Certificate of Live Birth. He was born on 09 October 1989 at Mulondo, Lanao del Sur and whose parents are SAHIRA MAUNA PUNDA and MACABANDO RAKIIN HADJI SARIP.

Any person adversely affected by said petition may file his/her written opposition with this Office. (SGD) RAISALAM D. MARANGIT Municipal Civil Registrar BWM: Dec. 21 & 28, 2022

“The proposal is in line with the Thailandbased bank’s strategy to increase its geographic diversification in regional markets that present growth opportunities,” S&P Global Ratings said in a bulletin on Tuesday.

S&P said the acquisition is also in line with Bank of Ayudhya’s strategy to “seek opportunities in the retail space, where it has some expertise.”

“We believe Bank of Ayudhya has built capital and provisioning buffers that will help it mitigate the risks associated with the proposed acquisitions,” it added.

The Thai bank plans to fund the acquisitions internally, according to the bulletin.

As of Sept. 30, the bank’s capital adequacy ratio was 17.62% and its provision coverage ratio of 177.5% was higher than the Thai industry average.

The bank has also maintained a lower nonperforming loans (NPL) ratio of 2.38% versus the industry average of 2.77% as of end-September.

“We also expect the Bank of Ayudhya to align underwriting standards of these companies with its own practices,” S&P added.

Bank of Ayudhya also announced that it was acquiring a majority stake in Home Credit Indonesia PT (HCI).

“The Indonesian and Philippine markets present a good growth opportunity for BAY, given their large

Republic of the Philippines

Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao Province of Lanao del Sur MUNICIPALITY OF MULONDO

CIVIL REGISTRAR

Think a minute… In the year 1830, Joe moved into a small community in Massachusetts, U.S.A. Even though Joe was a kind, honest and good citizen, from the day he moved to town he was rejected and ridiculed. Wherever he went people laughed at him, and when they saw him walking their direction they would quickly cross to the other side of the street. Even the windows of his house were regularly broken by men throwing rocks in the night.

Joe continued to go his quiet way and ignore the insults. But one day as he was walking down Main Street he heard footsteps behind him. When he turned around to look, a group of men attacked him. Joe fought back, but they overpowered him and dragged him off to jail. These men lied and told the authorities it was Joe who started the fight by attacking them. But Joe refused to pay any penalty since he knew he had done nothing wrong, so they locked him in jail.

From his jail cell, Joe began to write letters to his family, telling them the truth of how the town was unfairly judging him. His son then sent the letters to a local newspaper, and soon newspapers across the

nation were printing Joe’s story of persecution. The pressure from public opinion finally forced the town leaders to set Joe free.

Interestingly, years later Joe lived to see two U.S. Presidents and men all over America do the exact same thing for which Joe had been wrongly judged and persecuted. You see, during that time in America, people believed that all respectable men were clean-shaven, and Joe Palmer had dared to wear a beard!

It is so true: “You cannot judge a book by its cover.”

Unfortunately, some people’s beliefs go only skin deep. They just follow what others tell them is right and wrong, instead of thinking for themselves and looking deeper for what is really true and important in

Kim’s

Our

opinion

Mayor Raymon Gamboa & Vice Mayor Joel Padsing.Sr.

Rodrigo Roa Duterte in 2019 which has already over-ruled PP 134.

But such warning from the Mayor himself has been totally disregarded to the detriment of the children, many of whom have already developed phobia and are panicking. The blasting of cannons at dawn from 3am to 7am has created so much phobia to the community especially to the children who are shouting in fear and some decided not to go to school anymore. The non-stop firing of guns and the blasting of cannons are continuously instilling fear and havoc to the children as they would recall that horrible incident which happened on March 25, 2016 when three children were victims of the blasting of an UXO (Unidentified Explosive Ordnance). There is no greater painful site on earth than to see the father of the two of the dead three victim children shouting in tears while gathering the blasted organs of his dead children while the dogs were also running for the blasted parts of the body.

Having been organized into The Kibaritan Farmers Higaonon Tribe Agricultural Cooperative, these victims of massive oppression are now shouting, “Our land is not for war but for food!

KAMI PO AY TAO, HINDI BASURA.” Except for the honorable Mayor and ViceMayor of Kalilangan, no one seems to listen -thus,

amidst so much despair, they have discovered some shocking and unbelievable information that the DENR under the then Secretaryship of Sec. Cimatu, a former AFP General and Sec. Lorenzana, the then Secretary of the DND had come -up with a Memorandum of Agreement, as narrated by Atty. Ban Michael Pacuribot, Chief Legal Officer of DENR Region 10 and CENDRO Felicisimo Escuadro, that Sitio Kibaritan was the subject of a Relocation Survey done by three geodetic firms that have been paid 20 million pesos. Backed-up by an information from the DENR Regional Office that there are no occupants in Sitio Kibaritan, which is a great lie, border markers (MUHON) were hiddenly established that included the 195-hectare Sitio into a military reservation. KAYA

PALA ANG LAKAS NG LOOB NG MILITARY NA SIRAIN ANG MGA PANANIM NG MGA MAGSASAKA! Is the MOA appropriate? Is the MOA legally-binding when such has not included the participation of important stakeholders like the Local Government Unit of Kalilangan and the DAR as the putting-up of border markers must be done with transparency in consultation with stakeholders to attest that the area is classified as A&D and to certify that there are occupants

there who have already acquired prior rights? These are some of the questions which are being raised by the concerned cooperative and the affected farmers.

But darkness cannot defeat the light. Amazingly, no less than the Mayor and Vice Mayor of Kalilangan, Bukidnon have heard the cry of the poor and oppressed in Kibaritan. The Sangguniang Bayan, the August Legislative Body of the municipality, is now coming-up with two resolutions APPEALING TO THE AFP NOT TO CONTINUE TREATING KIBARITAN AS A MILITARY RESERVATION BY STOPPING THE BLASTERING OF CANNONS AND FIRING OF GUNS AND TO STOP DESTROYING THE CROPS OF THE FARMERS AS SUCH IS A GROSS VIOLATION OF THE FARMERS’ HUMAN RIGHTS TO FOOD AND LIVELIHOOD. Indeed, damaging the farmers’ crops is contrary to the Constitutional provision

INDEED, a day of great joy! The Son of God, the perfect image that God has of himself and the image after whom we are patterned, is finally born to be with us and to give us “the way, the truth and the life” that is proper to us.

We should have no doubt about who we really are. That God has to become man to save us from our state of exile and alienation due to our sin, can only mean that we are meant to be God’s image and likeness, sharers of his divine life and nature. We need to start to level up, leaving behind the gaps about our true identity and dignity.

This can happen if we allow Christ to be born in us. That’s what he likes to do in the first place. He is just waiting for us to correspond properly to his desire. Yes, Christ wants to be born in us. That, in a nutshell, is the meaning of Christmas. All the festivities and merrymaking associated with this day should point us to this happy truth. We have to correspond to it

and act on it as best that we can.

Let’s hope that the beautiful decorations we have everywhere, especially the Christmas crèche, Christmas tree, lanterns, the Santa Clauses, etc., lead us to this realization, instead of being distractions or, worse, a sweet poison to our soul.

Let’s hope that when we look at the Child Jesus in the belen, we get moved to thank him for wanting to be born in us, and to promise him that we will do our part to welcome and receive him in the best way we can.

Christ wants to be born in us because he is our savior who comes to re-make us after we have fallen into sin. Let’s remember that we are children of God, made in his image and likeness.

Christ wants to be born in us so he can start and continue with his work of redemption which takes place in the whole span of our earthly life. He wants to grow and live with us, experience what we experience so he can guide

us. But do we welcome him? Are we willing to have Christ in us, to work in us and with us? Do we actively cooperate in his redemptive work in us? Are we willing to be another Christ, “alter Christus,” as we ought to be, so we can recover and enrich the dignity God intended for us?

We have to convince ourselves that it is very doable for us to allow Christ to be born in us. This is no fantasy. On the part of God, he is already giving us everything that we need for this wonderful divine will of his to Let us get our mind and heart to be engaged with him, knowing him more, increasingly developing the ability to know his will and ways, being docile to his promptings that we can discern in our consciences. And from there, let’s make Christ reign and rule over all our other faculties— emotions, passions, appetites, urges, instincts, etc. be carried out.

On our part, it is also very doable, because all

we have to do is to be open to this divine will and act on it as best that we can. Christ can be born in us by allowing him to enter first into our mind and heart which are the proper places for him to be with us.

Let us get our mind and heart to be engaged with him, knowing him more, increasingly developing the ability to know his will and ways, being docile to his promptings that we can discern in our consciences. And from there, let’s make Christ reign and rule over all our other faculties—emotions, passions, appetites, urges, instincts, etc.

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Firm Salute to

Farmers in Sitio Kibaritan, Malinao, Kalilangan, Bukidnon are now living in hunger and in extreme poverty as their farms planted with various crops such as corn, rootcrops, vegetables, sugarcane, etc. Have either been tractored, buck-hoed or griddered by military men as instructed by military superiors. The non-stop destruction of their farms is based on the contention of the AFP that Kibaritan is part of the 42,000ha. military reservation by virtue of Presidential Proclamation 134. But such military declaration has been belied by no less than the lawyer-mayor of Kalilangan Bukidnon , Mayor Raymon Charl Gamboa, as he categorically declared that Kibaritan has never been a part of military reservation as the present occupants have been tilling their farm lands for more than 40, 50, or 60 years already when their grandparents began tilling their land since the fifties. As pointed out by the honorable Mayor, “Kibaritan has been classified as alienable & disposable and the present occupants have already acquired prior rights. It is so dangerous to convert the Sitio into military reservation as it is already a community with a Chapel, an Elementary School and a Day-care Center.” What is applicable is Executive Order 75 signed by Pres.

PBBM keen on more ecozone developments

THE Philippine Economic Zone Authority (PEZA) is optimistic on approving ecozone projects in the coming years as President Ferdinand R. Marcos targets ecozone development as a catalyst for growth in the country.

This year, PEZA told the Philippine News Agency that the agency approved a total of 29 ecozone projects amounting to P96.21 billion, 11 of which were registered during the first six months of the Marcos administration.

These 11 ecozones from July to December accounted for 94 percent of the total investment approvals for ecozone development this year, with total project costs

of P90.65 billion.

The PEZA said the largest investment for an ecozone development this year amounted to P81.65 billion, which is a mixedused special economic zone for manufacturing and tourism in Pangasinan.

Of the total approved ecozone projects this year, 13 were information technology (IT) parks and centers, 12 were manufacturing ecozones, two in tourism, one in agroindustrial and one in mixeduse for manufacturing and tourism ecozone.

“Part of the priorities of this administration is to build more economic zones outside Metro Manila,” said PEZA deputy director

general Aleem Siddiqui Guiapal in a recent press conference.

Most of the ecozone projects registered in 2022 will be located in Calabarzon (Cavite, Laguna, Batangas, Rizal and Quezon provinces), with eight ecozone development.

This is followed by the National Capital Region and Central Luzon with three ecozone projects each; three projects in Central Visayas; two each in Ilocos Region, Soccskargen Region and Caraga Region; and one each in Western Visayas, Eastern Visayas, Northern Mindanao and Davao Region.

Guiapal said PEZA launched its “3E strategies”

Toyota hits record November output, but shortages loom

TOYOTA Motor Corp. said its global output hit a record for November, thanks in part to solid consumer demand, though it warned of an uncertain outlook due to a persistent shortage of semiconductors and spikes in Covid cases in China.

The output for vehicles reflects solid demand in areas such as North America, and a rebound from a year earlier when Covid infections in Southeast Asia disrupted supply chains. The auto industry is still dogged by shortages of chips and other

car parts, while it will also face challenges stemming from the rapid spread of Covid cases across China.

In early November, Toyota cut its global production target for the fiscal year through March while sticking with a conservative profit outlook because of chip shortages.

Toyota’s domestic output for November declined 3.3% from a year earlier to 266,174 units, while overseas output was up 3.8% to 566,930 units, according to the statement.

Including vehicles

assembled by subsidiaries Daihatsu Motor Co. and Hino Motors Ltd., output and sales totaled 982,552 units and 884,112 units, respectively.

Toyota shares edged up 0.3% in Tokyo, paring the decline this year 13%.

Separately, Nissan Motor Co. said global output declined 23% from a year earlier to 248,961 units in November, while sales slid 26%. Honda Motor Co.’s global production fell 12% to 325,996 units last month, the first year-onyear decline in six months.

Teachers, stakeholders receive recognition through NEXUS awards

By Consesa D. Ebdao Teacher III Esperanza National High School

Due to their invaluable support given to the school in its various programs and activities, the teaching and nonteaching personnel as well as the stakeholders of Esperanza National High School and Senior High School were recognized through the First NEXUS Awards on December 12, 2021 at the school SBM room.

The program is pursuant to DepEd Order No. 9, series of 2002 otherwise known as Establishing the Program on Awards and Incentives for Service Excellence (PRAISE) in the Department of Education which primarily aims to encourage, recognize and reward employees, individually or in groups, for suggestions, innovative ideas, inventions, discoveries, superior accomplishments, heroic deeds, exemplary behavior, extraordinary acts or service in the public interest and other personal efforts contributing to efficiency, economy and improvement in government operations which lead to organizational productivity.

Mayor Lilibeth Lagbas, Former Mayor Danilo Lagbas, Jr, Municipal Councilor Ernido A. Durano, and Ms. Mary Fern Ongsoyco graced the program.

Teachers were given the moment to be appreciated and valued as they walk through the red carpet at the start of the program. Their contributions were also recognized as they receive their plaques and certificates.

In his message, Mr. Rechie A.

Lazalita, school principal, highlighted the role of the personnel in various awards that the school received.

“I cannot stand on my own. The school cannot stand on its own. Your insurmountable effort brought the school to greater heights. The awards that the school bagged became possible because of our collaborative effort,” he explained.

Mr. Lazalita also recognized the support of various stakeholders who became the school partners in various school undertakings.

“Without our partners, our tasks would be a lot heavier. We thank them as they let us feel that we are not alone in our journey in learning continuity amidst the threats caused by this pandemic because of their support,” he further said.

In the message of Mayor Lilibeth Lagbas, she congratulated Esperanza National High School and Senior High School for the different awards that it garnered. She also congratulated the teaching and non-teaching staff who work tirelessly just to deliver quality education.

“You, our teachers, are our modern-day heroes. You give light to our community amidst the darkness caused by the pandemic. I congratulate and thank you for working beyond borders,” the mayor said.

Councilor Ernido Durano in his message also emphasized the role of effective leadership of Sir

Rechie Lazalita in all programs and initiatives of the school.

“Your school leader cannot do his task alone. Effective leadership needs utmost collaboration of the members of the group.”

Ms. Mary Fern Ongsoyco thanked the school for giving her the opportunity to share her skills to the learners through her Brigada Pagbasa initiative.

“Despite my age, I try to give back to the community. I thank the school for this opportunity as it allowed me to exercise the value of service to my fellow youth.

Awards and recognition were then given to the school’s major stakeholders such as Hon. Lilibeth Magno-Lagbas, RN, municipal mayor; Hon. Ernido A. Durano, municipal councilor; Hon. Lendilo Pabellan, barangay captain; and Ms. Mary Fern Ongsoyco, Brigada Pagbasa partner. Their enduring support to the school’s activities and projects were acknowledged to promote a culture of gratitude.

Truly, they all deserve the awards especially that they competently performed in the different schoolrelated activities and competitions which gave the school various honors such as such third place for Division Brigada Pagbasa (Small School-SHS), fourth place for Division BE-LCP via SBM (Non-Implementing School Category), and fifth place for National Festival of Talents-STEMazing.

to attract more investments in ecozones. These include engaging new markets, expansion of existing markets and emerging markets, especially engaging with the Gulf countries for halal hubs and Islamic financing. Rationalizing requirements

To boost investment approvals and ecozone development in PEZA, the investment promotion agency said it will push for amendments to the PEZA law, which is already a 27-year-old legislation.

Part of the proposal of PEZA is the rationalization of requirements for ecozone proclamation.

"We want rationalization of requirements for ecozone development because it's only PEZA that goes through a Presidential proclamation process. In the case of AFAB (Authority of the Freeport Area of Bataan), TIEZA (Tourism infrastructure and Enterprise Zone Authority), they can designate areas as ecozones without having to go through Presidential proclamations," PEZA

officer-in-charge director general Tereso Panga earlier said.

Since its inception in 1995, PEZA has established 421 ecozones across the country that were approved through Presidential proclamations. Of the total, 300 are IT parks and centers, 78 manufacturing ecozones, 23 agroindustrial ecozones, 17 tourism ecozones and three medical tourism ecozones.

Around 4,346 locators have invested inside these PEZA zones in the past 27 years. (PNA)

Alsons to issue rest of first-tranche debt in 2023

ALSONS Consolidated Resources, Inc. is targeting to issue next year what remains of its first-tranche short-term commercial papers, an official of the listed holding firm said.

“We have one year to issue all or some remaining from the first tranche. Our commercial paper (CP) program is valid for three years,” Philip Edward B. Sagun, Alsons’ deputy chief financial officer, said.

In its regulatory filing on Friday, the Alcantara-led company said that it listed P620 million from the first tranche of the company’s P3 billion commercial papers with the Philippine Dealing and Exchange Corp.

For its first tranche, the company is targeting to list

around P1.14 billion out of the entire P3-billion debt program, the company said.

In August, Alsons’ board of directors approved the issuance of short-term commercial papers, which the company is targeting to issue in one or more tranches.

Proceeds from the issuance of the debt papers will be used for the company’s general working and capital purposes as part of its goal to expand its renewable energy portfolio by providing “clean, reliable, affordable and renewable energy” to Mindanao and certain areas in the Visayas.

“In the coming years, renewable energy will comprise at least half of

Alsons’ energy portfolio. The steadfast support of partners like you has helped make all this possible, while allowing us as well to provide investors with an attractive alternative investment outlet thru our CP issuances,” Nicasio I. Alcantara, chairman and president of Alsons, said in a media release.

Alsons is targeting to expand its portfolio in five years with eight run-ofriver hydroelectric power facilities in the pipeline. Its 14.5-megawatt (MW) Siguil hydropower plant is expected to begin operations in 2023.

To date, the company has four power plants in Mindanao with a combined capacity of 468 MW.

Vitarich expands capacity in Mindanao as warehouse opens

VITARICH Corp. has opened a 9,000-squaremeter (sq.m.) warehouse in Panacan, Davao City to further serve the growing demand in Mindanao, the firm said on Wednesday.

“This warehouse is a necessary investment which we believe will set us up for further growth as we strengthen our presence in Mindanao and serve the growing demand,” Vitarich President and Chief Executive Officer Ricardo Manuel M. Sarmiento said in a disclosure.

The new warehouse is the company’s largest and will be able to store 6,600 metric tons (MT) of raw

materials and finished goods. It will sit in its feed mill complex with 6,000 sq.m. allotted for storage and 3,000 sq.m. for loading, unloading, and parking.

The facility expanded Vitarich’s inventory capacity in Mindanao by 47% to 11,900 MT.

“With increased capacity, we can ship main commodities in bulk to manage our risks related to raw materials and ensure that we continue to scale up and support food security at all times,” Mr. Sarmiento said.

By the end of the third quarter, Mindanao accounted for P3.4 billion

or 40% of the company’s total revenues.

Meanwhile, its feeds segment showed a compound annual growth rate of 15% from 2016 to 2021.

Over the past years, the company has been upgrading and expanding its facilities including a modernized plant in Bulacan, enhancements to management systems, and other investments in technologies and capabilities that enable end-to-end processes.

Vitarich is a poultry integrator and manufacturer of animal feeds and food products in the Philippines.

MINDANAO

CREDIBLE RELIABLE IN-DEPTH

Editor: GILBERT Y. CHAO

BARMM empowers imams, asatidz as partners in preventing violent extremism

On Saturday, Dec. 24, some 450 imams, asatidz, and members of the Bangsamoro Islamic Armed Forces – Moro Islamic Liberation Front (BIAF-MILF) were convened in Camp Darapanan in Sultan Kudarat for a capacity development program which involved discussions on the programs on peace, security, and public safety, and the Muslim perspective in Preventing and Countering Violent Extremism (PCVE).

The program was organized by the Bangsamoro Task Force on Ending Local Armed Conflict (BTFELAC) which is the regional government’s initiative in addressing armed conflict in the region – a counterpart to the National Task Force to End Local Communist Armed Conflict (NTF-ELCAC).

According to Interior and Local Government Minister Naguib Sinarimbo,

the program’s framework is “community resiliency” which aims to involve community leaders in helping counter violent extremism. For instance, the Islamic teachers can include in their lectures the solutions in preventing such violence.

“Nya nin mana na sekitanu a native sa dalpa na sekitanu mismo i manguna sa kakontra sa nyaba a gabproblema sa dunya, dikena bu siya sa Pilipinas inya a problema, violent extremism anya,” Sinarimbo said in vernacular.

[This means that, we, as natives of our communities, will lead in countering this global problem. Violent extremism is a problem not only in the Philippines.]

For Senior Minister Abdulraof Macacua, violent extremism is never the answer in resolving conflict.

“Amayka niya resolution na conflict ay through

dialogue, umengka embityalan na embityalan. Dikena nya bu solution sa problema I kambunwa ataw a kapangimatay,” Macacua said.

[If conflict can be resolved through a dialogue, discuss if you must. Warfare or killing people is not the only solution to a problem.]

Meanwhile, Chief Minister Ahod Ebrahim emphasized

in his speech that because of the dialogues and peace agreements between the MILF and the national government, BARMM was established, which ended the long history of armed conflicts.

Ebrahim also stressed that the struggle or jihad to uplift the lives of the Bangsamoro people will continue.

“Nya tanu den sa stage a pedtatabangay tanu sa national government. Dikena inya nya nin mana na tinelenan tanu den su jihad. Kagina jihad anya na taman sa kapatay na di mawa,” said Ebrahim.

[We are already in the stage of working together with the national government. But this does not end our jihad. Our jihad will continue until the end of our lives.]

Also part of Saturday’s activity was the distribution of financial assistance to the participants. Each of them received Php9,000, which was funded by the national government, according to Minister Sinarimbo. (Johanie Mae Kusain/BIO)

DURING the recently held Misamis Oriental provincial youth assembly, El Salvador City represented here by Zairah Ayonayon won in the trash to class competition. MISAMIS ORIENTAL PROVINCIAL INFORMATION OFFICE

COTABATO CITY – The Bangsamoro Government is engaging imams (Muslim religious leaders) and asatidz (Islamic teachers) as its partners in preventing violent extremism in the region.

Onions... from page 1

nos. SITTARCD1460239 and SITTARCD145254 with container numbers TLLU1127887 and OTPU6548034 declared as Bread and Pastries found positive to contain undeclared onions,” a report from the CIIS said.

Geli said the two container vans were loaded with about 50,000 kilos of red onions. It arrived at the MCT on Dec. 21 and seized on the same day.

“We have already requested for an issuance of warrant seizure and detention of the shipment,” he said.

BOC-10 said District Collector Alexandra Lumontad has issued a prelodgement control order against the imported cargo following a joint request from the CIIS and the Customs’ Enforcement and Security Service.

Lumontad issued a stern warning against unscrupulous individuals attempting to defraud the government of lawful revenues.

“Even during the holiday season, we will not wane our guards against agricultural smuggling, which affects our revenue collection for not only the government coffers but also our local farming industry,” he said.

Warrants of Seizure and Detention were issued against the shipments for misdeclaration in violation of the Customs Modernization and Tariff Act and Department of Agriculture regulations. (PNA)

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day since Christmas Day as torrential rains continue to batter Misamis Occidental.

In Misamis Oriental, local officials find it prudent not to send home more than 7,185 families or 38,410 individuals who have sought shelter in various evacuation camps in Gingoog City.

“We are constantly monitoring the weather and we think there will be more rains in the coming days,” said Fernando Vincent Dy Jr., head of the Misamis Oriental Provincial Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office.

The Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA) said the shear line, or the point where warm and cold air meet, will continue to dump more rains over Palawan, Visayas and Mindanao in the following days.

Oaminal said the death toll in the Misamis Occidental floods has climb to seven even as heavy rains continue to batter Oroquieta City and four municipalities – Aloran, Jimenez, Tudela and Clarin.

“All of our flood control system has collapsed. We did not expect so much rain,” the governor said.

Oaminal said the only

good news is that the highway linking Ozamiz and Oroquieta cities is now passable to all types of vehicles as of 8 a.m. Tuesday.

Shaina Nagtalon, of the Philippine Information Agency in Misamis Occidental, said communication is down in Oroquieta City and the towns of Aloran, Clarin, Tudela, and Jimenez.

In Gingoog City, an 18-yearold farmer was reported to have drowned on Christmas Day and two more dead were reported drowned in Bukidnon.

Gilbert Conde, Office of Civil Defense assistant director, said this brings the number of fatalities in Region 10 to 10.

Conde said the number of evacuees in Region 10 totaled to 14,456 families or 67,733 individuals.

He said 2,130 families or 9,216 individuals were from Oroquieta City and the municipalities of Aloran, Jimenez, Tudela, and Clarin.

Dy said Gingoog City has the biggest number of evacuees with 7,815 families or 38,410 individuals staying in Lugod gym and various evacuation centers.

He said local officials found it prudent not to send the evacuees back home because of the bad weather.

“We think the weather would still be bad until the New Year. It is better to hold the families than rescuing them again,” Dy said.

Meanwhile, the local government of Cagayan de Oro sent a relief convoy of seven vehicles, including an ambulance, for Misamis Occidental.

Cagayan de Oro information officer Ivy Guantero said the convoy vehicles are bringing food packs consisting of rice, noodles, water, and sardines.

Okays... from page 1

of the Interior and Local Government – P2.04 billion; Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries and Agrarian Reform – P1.5 billion; 9)

Ministry of Environment, Natural Resources and Energy – P666 million; and 10) Ministry of Transportation and Communications – P539 million.

The Bangsamoro government’s main source of revenue is the block grant, which is stipulated in Republic Act 11054 or the Organic Law for the BARMM, popularly known as the Bangsamoro Organic Law (BOL).

The annual block grant is automatically appropriated in the national government’s General Appropriations Act and released directly to the Bangsamoro government.

The amount is equal to five percent of the net national internal revenue tax collection of the Bureau of Internal Revenue and the Bureau of Customs in the third fiscal year preceding the current fiscal year.

The Bangsamoro government, which is seated in Cotabato City, is composed of at least 28 ministries and offices.

Public Works Minister and Member of Parliament Eduard Guera, BTA Committee on Finance, Budget and Management

chair, said the proposed government expenditure program “underwent rigid scrutiny and deliberation.”

“Following the approval (by the Chief Minister), we will move forward with the implementation of all projects and programs in the provinces of the region, including the Special Geographic Area (SGA),” he said.

The SGA refers to 63 villages from six North Cotabato towns that opted to ratify BOL during the plebiscite in 2019.

On the same day the expenditure law was approved, several bills were filed that will create eight municipalities in the SGA, which will constitute the covered areas into distinct and independent municipalities.

The Bangsamoro region also comprises the provinces of Maguindanao del Norte, Maguindanao del Sur, Basilan, Sulu and Tawi-Tawi and the cities of Marawi, Lamitan and Cotabato.

Lowers... from page 3

investment) significantly. The pandemic shock, development of the Electric Vehicle industries and US Chips Act have reinforced these shifts. Indonesia, Malaysia, Vietnam, and Singapore are big beneficiaries of the supply chain shifts to ASEAN,” Maybank said.

A full reopening of China’s economy may also partly offset a slowdown in the United States and Europe, and boost ASEAN’s economic outlook, Maybank said.

China is ASEAN’s largest export market and accounted for 22% of foreign visitor arrivals before the pandemic.

However, Maybank noted energy demand and prices may surge when China reopens, which may fuel global inflation and prompt central banks to further tighten.

“A China reopening will benefit commodity exporters such as Indonesia and Malaysia, but hurt energy importers, including the Philippines and Thailand, and to a lesser extent, Vietnam and Singapore,” it added.

Meanwhile, Maybank raised its Philippine inflation forecast to 4.3% in 2023, from 3.9% previously. For this year, it also hiked its average inflation forecast to 5.7% from 5.3% previously.

In the first 11 months of the year, inflation averaged 5.6%, faster than the 4% in the same period a year ago but still below the BSP’s full-year forecast of 5.8%.

“There are encouraging signs that headline and core inflation may have peaked in some ASEAN countries. The respite will provide some breathing room to central banks to moderate the pace of tightening and rate hikes in 2023,” Maybank said.

The Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP) earlier this

month raised borrowing costs by 50 basis points (bps) to 5.5%, bringing the policy rate to the highest since November 2008.

Maybank said the policy rate is expected to remain at 5.5% in 2023, before dropping to 4.25% in 2024.

The BSP recently gave signals of further tightening in 2023 in an attempt to rein in inflation.

Firm... from page 3

numbers of young people, who are often unbanked. This is in stark contrast to Thailand’s aging demographics and high household indebtedness,” S&P said.

“Interest margins in Indonesia and the Philippines are also significantly higher than in Thailand. However, BAY would have to contend with greater inherent volatility and risks associated with point-of-sale lending in emerging markets, as reflected in the high non performing loan ratios of HCI and HCCFP,” it added.

Cover... from page 4

town was a perfect example of “the blind leading the blind.” Fortunately, Joe knew better. He knew that the beard on his face was not the real person he was in his heart and character.

“Don’t let other people rent space in your head.” Never

let others rob you of your freedom to think for yourself, and choose what you believe is the true way to live. In fact, it is not just your right, it is your responsibility. We all are made in God’s likeness with a conscience and mind to think and a will to choose. So won’t you take the time now to think through all the evidence of Jesus’ life, teaching, miracles, death and resurrection, and see that it clearly makes the best sense to live your Maker’s way. Just think a minute…

Poor... from page 4

that, “No person shall be deprived of life, liberty and property without due process of law.”

It is so amazing for the Honorable Mayor of Kalilangan, Mayor Gamboa and Vice Mayor Padsing, Sr. to exemplify what is declared in Art. XI, Sec. 1 of the 1987 Constitution which categorically states that, “Public office is a public trust. Public officers and employees, must at all times, be accountable to the people, serve them with utmost responsibility, loyalty and efficiency; act with patriotism and justice and lead modest lives.” We salute you Mayor and Vice-Mayor for underscoring the truism that “Public, Office and Trust carry great weight and imply sense of duty and moral responsibility. It is always a great privilege to hold an office, more so a public office and to render service

Republic of the Philippines Regional Trial Court of Misamis Oriental 10th Judicial Region Branch 38 Cagayan de Oro City Email Add: rtclcdo038@judiciary.gov.ph Globe Landline:088 3167228

honestly and fairly without fear or favor. The greater or higher is the office, the greater is the responsibility. The word office is synonymous with duty, with act of worship.” With the exemplary performance of the honorable Mayor and Vice Mayor who prior to their being elected to their respective present posts have served for many years as responsible public servants who have manifested how their amazing services have touched the lives of the poor, drawing those in the margins into the mainstream of development processes. Indeed, they have trailblazed the roadmap of service to make life better to those in need.

To Mayor Raymon Charl Gamboa and Vice-Mayor Joel L. Padsing, Sr. there is no greater grandeur sight in the world than amazing public servants, fired with a great purpose, dominated by one unwavering aim – to serve the people especially the poor and the oppressed. Their lives of service is a light amidst the darkness as the present issues of corruption continue to affect the civil service. Several reasons for these issues still exist because of the deeply rooted problems like nepotism, cronyism, militarization, political patronage as well as lack of transparency and accountability. To the honorable Mayor and ViceMayor, our firm salute and warm embrace!

IN THE MATTER OF

SPEC. PROC. NO. R-CDO-22JUDICIAL RECOGNITION OF 03866-SP FOREIGN DIVORCE OF THE MARRIAGE OF GERARDO P. SABAL III AND GENE HANS L. VELEZ RENDERED BY THE COURT FOR PRINCE GEORGE'S COUNTY, MARYLAND,

GERARDO P. SABAL III Petitioner, -versusTHE LOCAL CIVIL REGISTRAR OF THE MUNICIPALITY OF JASAAN, MISAMIS ORIENTAL AND GENE HANS L. VELEZ, Respondents. ----------------------------------------/

ORDER

Before this Court is a Petition for Judicial Recognition of Foreign Divorce in the Office of the Local Civil Registrar of the Municipality of Jasaan, Misamis Oriental.

IT IS HEREBY ORDERED that said Petition be set for hearing on February 16, 2023, at 9:00 in the morning at the Session Hall of this Court, on which date, time and place, all persons who may have any opposition to the petition herein sought, may appear to show cause why said petition should not be granted.

Let this Order be published in a newspaper of general circulation in the Province of Misamis Oriental once a week for three (3) consecutive weeks prior to the date of hearing.

Likewise, let copies of this Order, with Petition attached, be posted by the petitioner on the bulletin boards of the Court, the City Hall of Cagayan de Oro City and the Provincial Capitol of Misamis Oriental for at least ten (10) days prior to date of hearing.

Furnish copies of this Order and the Petition to the Offices of the Solicitor General, Provincial Prosecutor of Misamis Oriental and the Local Civil Registrar of the Municipality of Misamis Oriental. SO ORDERED.

December 2, 2022, Cagayan de Oro City.

Dec. 21, 28, 2022 & Jan. 04, 2023