Smart, fintech startup ink deal for ‘buy now, pay later’

SMART Communications, Inc. signed a partnership deal with a Silicon Valley-based financial technology (fintech) startup company to provide its subscribers with a “buy now, pay later” service. In a press release on Wednesday, PLDT, Inc.’s wireless unit said the partnership with Plentina will enable Smart subscribers to take out micro-consumer loans to pay for their load.

“We welcome Plentina as one of our direct distribution partners. Our tie-up with Plentina provides a financial service that caters to the broader base of prepaid customers,” said Alex O. Caeg, senior vice-president and head of the PLDT-Smart consumer sales group. The company also has plans to extend the “buy now, pay later” services to its retail and device partners to help subscribers in availing gadgets.

“We also hope to extend this service to our retail and device partners so that they can offer more convenient and flexible modes of payment for customers who may want to purchase mobile phones or other gadgets from Smart,” said Mr. Caeg.

To be able to avail of the loan for their prepaid load, Smart and Talk ’N Text subscribers will need to download the Plentina application, register and pass the credit scoring.

“They won’t get stressed out even when they don’t have available cash. You might not have the money now, but then you can load up your Smart mobile phone using credit through Plentina and pay later according to your preferred schedule,” said Earl Martin Valencia, chief business companies na nagbubuo, ‘yong mga gumagawa ay mabubuhay ulit,” he said. The trade chief added this project will also support the

Toyota’s mobility solutions that was launched last year. Moreover, Gutierrez said TMP’s Toyota Mobility Light Commercial Vehicle (LCV) will be the new-generation Tamaraw, which is the first Asian utility vehicle introduced in the 1970s.

Role of Psychology in Curriculum and Instruction

By: Jobelle Jalagna Tingcang Teacher 3, Tambo Central School Iligan City Division

Understanding how students learn and retain knowledge is significantly important in crafting a curriculum. Knowledge in psychology or educational psychology in particular contributes to appropriate decision making in curriculum regarding selection and organization of appropriate objectives, learning experiences and methods of evaluation as well as decisions regarding the scope of the curriculum. Psychology provides educators, curriculum experts and educational leaders information about the teaching and learning process which would help learners achieve optimum level of learning because how they learned and retained information will be considered greatly in developing the curriculum. In fact, curriculum design, development and delivery could not be effectively undertaken without psychological considerations. For instance, the manner on how content is arranged, organized and presented to learners including the level of its difficulty is anchored on psychological basis such as the learning theories of behavioral learning, cognitive and developmental learning and humanistic learning etc.

That explains why kindergarten students learn best when teachers use visual objects, realia, manipulatives and incorporating games and play in the process of teaching and learning. On the contrary, delivering lesson content for High School will not be suited to be taught in the elementary level because principles of learning, characteristic of growth and development and personality factors are one of the psychological forces that influence curriculum decisions and these can be best understood through different learning theories. from page 1 agreed to provide technical assistance and advisory services for infrastructure projects and to support project implementation through project management, supervision, monitoring and evaluation.

Acknowledging the implications of psychology to curriculum and instruction contributes to a better understanding of the aims of education by defining them, making them clearer; by limiting them, showing us what can be done and what cannot; and by suggesting new features that should be made parts of them. Furthermore, it put emphasis on organizing of ideas which would help improve the learning process and promote educational success for all students. Thus, it could be concluded that psychology is the unifying element in the learning process. It forms the basis for the methods, materials, and activities of learning, and it provides the impetus for many curriculum decisions.

Minda...

“We share the vision of MinDA that there will only be sustainable development in Mindanao if there’s peace and stability. The vision that MinDA has is the vision that UNOPs and the UN system would like really to support,” Marenco said in a press briefing.

One of the major plans for the partnership, he said, is the setup of a project preparation facility (PPF), a rolling fund for local government units (LGUs), state universities and colleges, and other Mindanao partners.

“What we are creating is a financial vehicle, we are investing PPF to the Philippines level. The pledges of support in terms of finances are coming next starting with small financing to several partners,” Marenco said, adding that there is no exact amount determined yet for its allocation.

Following the signing, the UNOPs and MinDA team will formulate the guidelines for availing the facility seen to take place by next year.

Marenco said they are targeting two areas for the initiative – the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM) and other areas in Mindanao.

“We have a situation in BARMM that is very specific. Sixty-five percent of the whole support of the UN system is focused on BARMM but this is a transitional stage, and they need additional support not only from the national level but development partners as well,” he said.

For MinDA’s part, Acosta said they will look into the needs of the LGUs in terms of the project and match it to the provider.

“That is the task of MinDA to harmonize, integrate, and that no one is left behind. With the partnership with UNOPS, it will become more efficient since MinDA, as a government agency has limitations,” she said. (PNA) from page 1

Cigars...

At least 5,142 reams of smuggled cigarettes with an estimated street value of P2,982,360 was seized from a 10-wheeler wing van truck passing through the Sirawan checkpoint.

Arrested was the truck’s driver, identified as Webster Niebre, 28, of Midsayap, North Cotabato.

Niebre is facing charges in violation of Republic Act 4712 or An Act Amending Certain Sections of the Tariff and Customs Code of the Philippines. (PNA)

EXTRA-JUDICIAL SETTLEMENT WITH DEED OF ABSOLUTE SALE

Sports... from page 1 from page 1 which precipitated the recordhigh inflation rate of 8.7 percent in January this year.

Cane, a former weightlifter who competed in national championships, recently inspected the sports complex with the contractors and said that the facilities meet international standards.

During the inspection, contractors informed the governor that some areas still need updating, such as the track oval where water would remain stagnant.

Service providers have promised to look into the problem and find a solution.

Cane has made it clear that the provincial government would not approve the project unless all construction defects were fixed and all specifications were met on time and in accordance with the work schedule.

When construction of the sports complex first began, Adolph Edward “Eddiebong” Plaza, of the province’s 2nd congressional district, was the governor.

Construction was slightly delayed due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

Cane claimed that the sports complex could host international events if it received high enough ratings from independent evaluators.

The construction of the sports complex was completed in 1994 when the late Democrito O. Plaza , father of Adolph Edward, was the province’s governor.

Upgrading its facilities to Olympic standards did not push through after a failed bid to host the Palarong Pambansa, a national sports event for elementary and high school athletes.

ERC...

According to ERC Chairperson Monalisa C. Dimalanta, the regulatory body has been working group with its counterpart agency on this, and “we are waiting for the list of 4Ps from DSWD because that will be our starting point.”

Under Republic Act 11552 or the Extended Lifeline Subsidy Act, the list of beneficiaries shall be based on the Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program (4Ps) of the government.

The 4P list is under the tutelage of the DWSD, while the PSA has been updating “poverty threshold” on a per province and per district level across local governments.

The validation of qualified customer-beneficiaries shall also be done with the help of the servicing distribution utilities (DUs), such as that of Manila Electric Company (Meralco) and other private DUs as well as electric cooperatives.

Republic of the Philippines Department of Transportation LAND TRANSPORTATION FRANCHISING & REGULATORY BOARD

Apart from condominium occupants, the other group of end-users that must be purged from the current list are those residing in posh villages and gated communities.

The law stretching the lifeline rate subsidy until 2050 specifically stipulated that “in order to provide assistance to electricity consumers, especially those living below the poverty line, and to achieve a more equitable distribution of the lifeline subsidy, a socialized pricing mechanism called a ‘lifeline rate’ for qualified marginalized endusers shall be set by the ERC.”

The determination of the subsidy rates to be extended to the qualified marginalized end-users had been vested as an authority to be exercised by the ERC, being the regulator of the restructured power industry.

As provided in the law, “the level of consumption, subsidy and rate shall be determined by the ERC after due notice and hearing.”

On establishing the database of Filipino consumers that may be eligible to avail of the extended lifeline rate discounts, the law decreed that the ERC “shall primarily use data from the PSA in the determination of the level of consumption.”

In the initial implementation of lifeline rate subsidy under Section 73 of the Electric Power Industry Reform Act (EPIRA), the tariff discounts ranged from 25 to 75-percent depending on the magnitude of power usage of the marginalized end-user or poor household customer, and the consumption range considered is zero to 100 kilowatt-hours.

Hero... from page 4 do you want to become forever?

Where do you want to live for all eternity: with God or without Him? In Heaven or in Hell?

Remember, Jesus makes it crystal clear that we all live forever since God created us in His likeness as living, eternal souls. The only person worthy of being your hero whom you worship and follow is your Creator, Savior, and Lord.

Won’t you ask Jesus to forgive you for living your wrong, sinful way? You must also ask Him to take full charge of your heart and daily way of living. It is the only way you can start becoming more like Him in your character for the rest of this life, and your eternal life after you die. Just think a minute…

Toyota... from page 5

“There is a rising demand for LCVs and TMP sees this as an opportunity to provide a more suitable and affordable option for Filipino entrepreneurs. Localization of the model will also allow TMP to respond to the specific conversion requirements/ specialized needs of Philippine customers,” he said.

He added the introduction of the Toyota Mobility LCV will help sustain the local automotive manufacturing, especially with the termination of local production by other original equipment manufacturers. (PNA)

Importance of Research in Education

By: Maribelle Dapanas Barabag

Uncovering solutions to issues arising in the school context and addressing learning gaps brought about by emerging trends and development in education, should compel educators to conduct and cultivate the culture of research in all public schools in the Philippines. The rapid changes in society brought about by globalization, industrialization, climate change, pandemic, and many other global and local issues deliberately affect the teaching and learning process which calls for responsive and immediate action. The conduct of research would be of great significance as teachers continue to observe and pay attention to our students in our continuous quest for investigation and/ or experimentation anchored on facts and ethics that will

Republic of the Philippines

Department of Transportation LAND TRANSPORTATION FRANCHISING & REGULATORY BOARD Regional Office No.10, Apovel, Bulua, Cagayan de Oro City WELITA CAPANGPANGAN, CASE NO. R10-EV-TH Applicant. 2021-01-191

NOTICE OF HEARING

APPLICANT request for the Extension of Validity of the Certificate of Public Convenience to operate TRUCK FOR HIRE (TH) SERVICE on the route: within CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY and from the said place to ANY POINT REGION 10, accessible to motor vehicle traffic and Vice Versa and with the use of One (01) unit/s. This application shall be considered by this Board on March 02, 2023 at 10:00 A.M. at this Board on which date Applicant shall formally submit his/her/its evidence.

The Applicant shall publish said notice at least Ten (10) Days prior to the date of hearing once in a newspaper of general/ local circulation.

Party(ies) opposed to the approval/ granting of the application must file his/her/its written opposition with supporting documents, unless this Board deems it necessary to require additional documentary evidence and/or his/ her/its oral testimony(s).

Toyota... from page 5 officer and co-founder of Plentina.

As of end-2021, Smart

BWM: Feb 10, 17 & 24, 2023 services approximately 96% of the country’s cities and municipalities with its combined 2G, 3G, 4G LTE, and 5G network.

Teachers’ financial literacy and opportunity

By: Lorijane T. Gumahin Teacher III Balingasag Central School

Balingasag Central District

Division of Misamis Oriental Financial literacy, according to Garman and Forgue (2016), is the ability to comprehend the concepts and jargon necessary for successfully managing personal financial difficulties. On the other hand, personal financial knowledge was considered by Jacob, Hudson, and Bush (2016) as ideas of personal financial management abilities and knowledge. They have taken into account that having knowledge means being aware of the circumstances, customs, laws, and standards necessary to carry out financial responsibilities. The phrase "financial" refers to a broad variety of daily tasks involving money, including budgeting, checking accounts, managing credit cards, buying insurance, and investing (Jacob, 2016).

It is essential to have a thorough awareness of the fundamentals of financial literacy. It gives people a benefit in managing their budgets prudently and effectively.

The habit of teachers obtaining loans from public provide relevant answers to questions, solutions to problems, revisions of practices as well as application of new strategies. In fact, teachers can improve the way they teach, how their students learn, how their school runs, and other areas by engaging in research. Since research follows ethical protocols, the Department of Education can remind teachers and school administrators to adhere to research methods strictly. By issuing a research procedure and utilizing research outputs, school administrators and teachers can use research findings to enhance learning outcomes, teaching practices, and school administration. This can also help dispel the notion that research is conducted not only for compliance and promotion but also for the advancement of new learning opportunities.

Republic of the Philippines Department of Transportation LAND TRANSPORTATION FRANCHISING & REGULATORY BOARD Regional Office No.10, Apovel, Bulua, Cagayan de Oro City ALBERT & HELEN MONICA CASE NO. R10-EV-TX ARBOLADORA, 2023-02-123 Applicant.

NOTICE OF HEARING

APPLICANT request for the Extension of Validity of the Certificate of Public Convenience to operate TAXI SERVICE on the route: WIHIN CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY TO ANY POINT IN REGION 10 and Vice Versa and with the use of TEN (10) unit/s. This application shall be considered by this Board on March 02, 2023 at 10:00 A.M. at this Board on which date Applicant shall formally submit his/her/its evidence.

The Applicant shall publish said notice at least Ten (10) Days prior to the date of hearing once in a newspaper of general/ local circulation.

Party(ies) opposed to the approval/ granting of the application must file his/her/its written opposition with supporting documents, unless this Board deems it necessary to require additional documentary evidence and/or his/ her/its oral testimony(s).

WITNESS, AMINODEN D. GURO, Regional Director, LTFRB-Region X, this 16th day of February 2023 at Cagayan de Oro City, Philippines.

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

BWM : Feb 17, 2023

: Feb 17, 2023 and commercial lending institutions is very common. The ability to obtain loans aided instructors in meeting their financial needs. However, taking out many loans has a significant negative impact on the teachers' financial situation.

On the other hand, the fact that teachers are taking out loans from public and private lending institutions demonstrates that these organizations have more faith in and confidence in the ability of the teachers to make their payments. Having loans does not indicate a lack of financial knowledge; rather, it is a financial tactic to address real financial requirements. Teachers are regarded as valuable clientele by several financial institutions. The ability to repay debts is a requirement for taking out loans and receiving approval from the financial institution. Not everyone has the opportunity to enjoy the privilege of being a teacher.

MAYBE YOU DON’T KNOW

By Marizel Ursabia Obsioma

I don’t know if this true, But I know this is for you. For all the things that now you show, I want to say ‘THANK YOU’. Maybe you don’t know, How much I feel for you, But actions speak more than words you know, That it can’t be measured by just saying ‘I LOVE YOU’.

Please let me know, If you feel the same way too. If not, please let me go, And teach me to ‘FORGET YOU’.

MUNICIPALITY OF MULONDO LANAO DEL SUR, BARMM PHILIPPINES, 9702 OFFICE OF THE MUNICIPAL CIVIL REGISTRAR

NOTICE TO THE PUBLIC

CCE-0001-2023 (R.A. 10172)

13 February 2023

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 AROMAI BAWANGUN LONTO-BAGUINDA has filed with this office, a petition for correction of entry in sex/gender from MALE to FEMALE in the Certificate of Live Birth of AROMAI BAWANGUN LONTO who was born on 21 January 1982 at Mulondo, Lanao del Sur and whose parents are RANGCASNANG DIRAO BAWANGUN and DIMASANGCAI LANTOD LONTO.

Any person adversely affected by said petition may file his/her written opposition with this Office on or before 27 February 2023.

(SGD) RAISALAM D. MARANGIT Municipal Civil Registrar

BWM: Feb 17 & 24, 2023

Publication Notice Republic of the Philippines Province of Misamis Oriental Municipality of Initao -o0o-

NOTICE OF PUBLICATION

Petition No. CCE – 0004 – 2023

February 7, 2023

In Compliance with the publication requirement and pursuant to OCRG Memorandum Circular No. 2013-1 Guidelines in the Implementation of the Administrative Order No. 1 Series of 2012 (IRR on R.A.10172), Notice is hereby served to the public that DARMIL B. NALE has filed with this Office, a petition for change of first name from “ ” to “ ” and correction of entry in sex from “FEMALE” to “MALE” or correction of entry in the date of birth from “ ” to “ ” in the certificate of live birth of DARMIL BAGARES NALE at Initao, Misamis Oriental and whose parents are ARTIMAS G. NALE and DAISY L. BAGARES. Any person adversely affected by said petition may file his written opposition with this Office not later than February 28, 2023.

(SGD)

Registrar BWM: Feb 10 & 17, 2023