BusinessWeek Mindanao (January 25-26, 2023)

P475-M projects

COTABATO City — As the Fiscal Year 2023 started, the Regional Bangsamoro Board of Investments (BBOI) approved the registration of three (3) investment projects in the region amounting to a total of P475,000,000.00 during the Board's Meeting on Jan. 19, held at BBOI Conference Room in this city. The three new investments include the Beauty of Life Beach Resort, KS Agricultural Products Trading, and Shahada Medical and Diagnostic Clinic. With a total projected cost of P295,150,000.00, the Beauty of Life Beach Resort is a tourismrelated facility and attraction and is 100% Filipino-owned and a sole proprietorship company located at Brgy. Kusiong, Datu Odin Sinsuat, Maguindanao.

Smuggled onions, fuel

ZAMBOANGA City — Naval forces in Western Mindanao and other government units intercepted suspected smuggled onions and fuel within the vicinity of a dry dock facility in Zamboanga’s west coast on Monday, Jan. 23.

Navy personnel together with Coast Guard, Philippine Army, Intelligence and Customs operatives intercepted a van loaded with an estimated 3,000 bags of smuggled red onions and found another 8,000 bags of approximately 44,000 kilos inside the vessel M/V Marisa.

Meanwhile, a Visit, Board, Search, and Seizure (VBSS) operation on a boat docked at the Zamboanga Varadero de Cawit (dry dock), also yielded hundreds of drums of smuggled petroleum products.

Agri loan condonation

A MEASURE proposing a one-time condonation of unpaid loan penalties and interests owed by farmers, fisherfolk and agrarian reform beneficiaries from various government agencies has hurdled second reading at the House of Representatives.

During Tuesday's plenary session, the chamber approved through voice voting House Bill 5702, or the proposed Agrarian and Agricultural Loan Restructuring and Condonation Act.

The bill aims to facilitate the reintegration into the financial and banking system of farmers, fisherfolks and agrarian reform beneficiaries who have unpaid loans and thus enabling them to avail of other credit facilities.

Investments in BARMM down by 54% in 2022

By BONG S. SARMIENTO MindaNews

GENERAL Santos City – Investments in the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM) plunged by at least half to P1.3 billion in 2022 from P2.8 billion the previous year, data from the Bangsamoro Board of Investments (BBOI) showed.

Mohammad Pasigan, BBOI chair, pointed out the investments registered last year also fell short by 36 percent from the P2 billion target for 2022.

Year-on-year, investments in the Bangsamoro region were down by almost 54 percent, with Pasigan attributing the decline “to different restrictions that were beyond our control.”

Fuel supply shortage to worsen blackouts

By MYRNA M. VELASCO Contributor

THE end of the long dark tunnel is certainly not coming yet for consumers in the offgrid areas, instead this is seen worsening starting February 1 this year, according to the Small Power Utilities Group (SPUG) of state-run National Power Corporation (NPC) which has been servicing these domains.

As announced by the National Electrification Administration (NEA), which is the agency exercising supervision over the electric cooperatives (ECs) – including those in the off-grid areas, there was already a notice issued by NPC that it “will implement the reduction of electricity service in SPUG areas due to fuel supply shortage and

the delay in universal charge for missionary electrification (UC-ME) subsidy payment.”

The curtailment of power service will mean longer brownout-hours or a fullblown power crisis that will torment consumers in these areas, which have been experiencing electricity service disruptions for a long time.

Pueblo taps online platform to make loan processing easier

CAGAYAN de Oro-based developer Pueblo de Oro Development Corp. (PDO) is tapping an online platform that will make processing of loan applications easier for homebuyers.

borrowers in loan applications with Matchmo’s network that include 21 local banks.

NTC-10 urges users to register their SIMs to avoid scams, threats

By GLACETENE KAYL N. DABA Contributor

DAVAO City — Former Sarangani Governor Miguel Rene Alcantara Dominguez has joined the 60-year-old Alsons Development and Investment Corporation (Alsons Dev) as its new director who will oversee the business strategy and operations of the premier property developer and real estate pioneer in Davao City.

The residential development arm of the ICCP Group signed a partnership agreement with Snapp Ventures, Inc. (SVI), owner and operator of the mortgage brokerage system Matchmo.

“With the partnership, Pueblo de Oro offers an additional option to buyers of our properties nationwide through Matchmo’s partner financing institutions,” PDO President and Chief Operating Officer Rhoel Alberto B. Nolido said in a statement.

WITH the rise of fraudulent scams and threats sent through text messages, the National Telecommunications Commission (NTC)-10 encourages nationwide users to register SIM cards before April 26, 2023.

Module (SIM) Registration Act, also known as RA 11934, took effect on December 27, 2022, and requires all mobile subscribers to register within 180 days after President Ferdinand "BongBong" R. Marcos, Jr. signed the bill into law.

lang nationwide," he said.

Abaday also mentioned that the DICT regulations state that if there are still a majority of users who aren’t able to register on or before April 26, then it is possible that there would be an extension for another 120 days.

Alsons Dev is the real estate

Matchmo is described as an online platform that digitalizes the process of home loan applications for home buyers and real estate professionals.

SVI will assist potential

Pueblo de Oro is known for developing affordable housing projects in highgrowth areas, including Cagayan de Oro; Malvar and Sto. Tomas in Batangas; San Fernando, Pampanga; and Mactan in Cebu.

"Ang purpose ug ang tinguha nato ani nga balaod kay para sa safety ug protection nato nga mga subscribers," Engr. Vixter Abaday of NTC-10 said.

The Subscriber Identity

"So as of now, naa'y figure nga out of 170 million subscribers as of January 12, 2023, naa'y 18.5 million ang nakarehistro pa, which is around 11% pa lang. So gamay pa gyud kaayo siya nga nakarehistro, 11% pa

He also responded to concerns about data privacy, the deactivation or loss of registered SIM cards, and the inability to access an internet connection.

BARMM/PAGE 7

FRESH FROM FARM. A worker cleans up freshly harvested carrots delivered at the Tambo public market in Iligan City Monday morning, January 23, 2023. MindaNews photo by BOBBY TIMONERA

SEA SHELL. A woman sells sea shells for P50 a plate along the road in Cotabato City. MindaNews file photo by FROILAN GALLARDO

ZAMBOANGA City – Police arrested a suspect and seized a shipment of some P1 million worth of smuggled cigarettes in Zamboanga del Sur province, a police official said Monday. Brig. Gen. Neil Alinsañgan, Police Regional Office-Zamboanga Peninsula (PRO-9) director, said Ajijul Sabtal, 30, was arrested around 10:55 p.m. Sunday in Barangay Boyugan West, Kumalarang town. Alinsañgan said personnel of the 2nd Zamboanga del Sur Provincial Mobile Force Company were conducting a checkpoint operation

when they flagged down a van driven by Sabtal along the highway in Boyugan West, Kumalarang. Upon inspection, Alinsañgan said the van was found to be loaded with 85 master cases of undocumented assorted cigarettes with an estimated worth of P1,035,000. The cigarettes came from Zamboanga City and to be delivered in Kumalarang, Zamboanga del Sur, he said. Alinsañgan said the suspect and contraband, including the vehicle, were brought to Kumalarang Municipal Police Station for proper disposition. (PNA)

BARMM gov’t hands over P21-M agri-fishery intervention

COTABATO City – The Bangsamoro agriculture office distributed Sunday over P21 million agri-fishery inputs and equipment to farmers’ cooperatives, including loans and Certificates of Land Ownership Award (CLOAs). As part of the 4th Bangsamoro Foundation Day (BFD), The Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries and Agrarian Reform (MAFAR) of

the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM) handed over rice transplanter, hand tractor, rice thresher, corn sheller, hammer, inbred palay seeds, insecticide and herbicides, assorted vegetable seeds and foliar fertilizers. The office also distributed a total of 1,509 CLOAs to 1,474 Agrarian Reform Beneficiaries (ARBs) in the provinces of Maguindanao, Basilan, Sulu and Tawi-Tawi covering 3,316 hectares. Together with the Cooperative and Social Enterprise Authority (CSEA), MAFAR also provided PHP100,000 loan each to farmers’ cooperatives under the Loans for Enhancement of Necessary

Development Strategies (MAFARLENDS). “We are given the opportunity to showcase what the ministries can offer to our clients and beneficiaries through these inputs, programs, grants, assistance, and services including CLOA land titles,” MAFAR Minister Mohammad Yacob said in a statement Monday. Yacob said MAFAR also handed over freezers to six cooperatives, fishing gears, tilapia fingerlings and other equipment to increase productivity of fisherfolk in the region. Likewise, each of the 38 farmers’ cooperatives received a P150,000 financial assistance from MAFAR to help them cushion the impact of the pandemic and armed conflicts. (PNA)

ERRATUM

In connection with the publication of EXTRA-JUDICIAL SETTLEMENT AMONG HEIRS WITH SALE, that late AQUILINO LADUA UBANAN, and EMILIA YANGWAS UBANAN published December 9, 16, & 23, 2022 the correct resident should be Taparak, not as published.

OUR APOLOGY

BWM: January 25, 2023

EXTRAJUDICIAL SETTLEMENT OF ESTATE

KNOW ALL MEN BY THES PRESENTS: That the late LUIS FACTURA LANCERO, JR., who died on February 14, 2008, in Kaiser Foundation Hospital, Los Angeles, California, U. S. A; died without any will or testament and without any outstanding debts in favor of any person or entity, that at the time of his death, left a certain real property, A PARCEL OF LAND with TCT No. T-44475, situated in the City of Cagayan de Oro, containing an area of SEVEN HUNDRED SEVENTY TWO (772) SQUARE METERS, more or less. Is the subject of EXTRAJUDICIAL SETTLEMENT OF ESTATE, made and entered into this 22nd day of DECEMBER 2021 by and among: LUIS LEY LANCERO, III, of legal age, formerly a Filipino and now a naturalized citizen of the United States of America, and with residence and postal address at 5631 Finnestera Drive, Tucson, Arizona, United States of America; MARICOR LEY LANCERO-STAMPLEMAN, of legal age, formerly a Filipino and now a naturalized citizen of the United States of America, and with residence and postal address at 2626 Highland Avenue, Santa Monica, California, 90405, United States of America;

MARIE LOUISE LEY LANCERO, of legal age, formerly a Filipino and now a naturalized citizen of the United States of America, and with residence and postal address at 6576 Quinton Lane, Tujunga, California 91042, United States of America;

MARIE ANN LEY LANCERO, of legal age, formerly a Filipino and now a naturalized citizen of the United States of America, and with residence and postal address at 1530 Harvard Street, Apartment # F, Santa Monica, California, 90404, United States of America;

MARIE SELLE LEY LANCERO, of legal age, formerly a Filipino and now a naturalized citizen of the United States of America, and with residence and postal address at 320 Raymond Drive, Benicia, California, United States of America; HOPE MARIE LEY LANCERO, of legal age, formerly a Filipino and now a naturalized citizen of the United States of America, and with residence and postal address at 432 Stanford Ave., Palo Alto, California, United States of America; Registered in the name of LUIS F. LANCERO, JR., married to Corazon Lai Lancero and residents of Long Beach, California, U.S.A.; ROLANDO F. LANCERO, married to Leticia Abuton and resident of Ozamiz City; LUZMIN L. CAAGBAY, married to Pastor Caagbay, and resident of Cagayan de Oro City; EPHRAIM F. LANCERO, married to Virginia Estabillo and resident of Tagum, Davao; PRECIOUSA L. ROA, married to Waldo A. Roa and resident of Cagayan de Oro. THAT said deceased co-owned the abovedescribed property together with his siblings, and owned one-fifth (1/5) of it; Filed by the heirs of LUIS FACTURA LANCERO. As per Doc. No. 331; Page No. 68; Book No. VIII; Series of 2021 under the Notarial Registry of ATTY. JESUS CARLO JOENIL A. QUIRAP. BWM: Jan 11, 18 & 25, 2023

Commodity prices seen to ease by mid-2023

GO Negosyo founder Joey Concepcion, also Private Sector Advisory Council (PSAC) jobs group lead, said commodity prices are seen to ease by middle of this year and inflation rate will slow down towards the end of 2023.

During the Laging Handa public briefing Monday, Concepcion said supply chain disruptions

in the global market remains a factor that affect commodity prices not only in the country but also other markets.

“I expect by middle of this year, we see lower prices, hopefully, lower— we’re seeing oil prices go down, We’re seeing wheat prices go down. Hopefully, sugar and the rest will all go down,” he said.

He added that the interest rate hikes of the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP) has helped in taming the further acceleration of inflation rate.

Concepcion said slowing down the inflation rate will also support economic growth this year.

Inflation in 2022 stood at 5.8 percent, still within the government’s target, but

Banks to face asset quality risks

BANKS in the Philippines and Southeast Asia could face pressure from growing asset quality risks due to higher interest rates, Fitch Ratings said.

Fitch said in a report dated Jan. 17 that it expects asset quality across banking systems in the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) region, including the Philippines, to weaken amid the policy tightening of central banks.

“The modest deterioration

in ASEAN banking-sector asset quality that we expect over 2023 will largely reflect the lagged effect of rate hikes in 2022. Rates will likely rise further this year in all six key regional banking markets, aggravating the impact,” it said.

“Moreover, if asset-quality deterioration is greater than we expect, it could dampen profit growth or delay the post-pandemic rebuilding of capital buffers that we currently anticipate for some

banks, for example, in the Philippines and Vietnam,” Fitch added.

The Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP) raised rates by a total of 350 basis points (bps) last year to tame inflation and slow the peso’s decline. This brought the policy rate to a 14-year high of 5.5%.

BSP Governor Felipe M. Medalla last week also said they could hike borrowing costs by 25 or 50 bps at their

BANKS/PAGE 7

December 2022 inflation recorded its 14-year high at 8.1 percent. Despite the high

inflation rate, Concepcion said domestic demand remains robust that support the economy.

can see demand coming back, growth coming back,” he added. (PNA)

CCAP backs hike in credit cards' monthly interest rate ceiling

THE Credit Card Association of the Philippines (CCAP) on Monday said the latest decision of the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP) to hike the maximum finance charge on cardholder’s unpaid outstanding balance from 2 percent to 3 percent is a winwin situation for the industry and consumers.

“CCAP backs the BSP in pursing various options using monetary tools to help many Filipinos, particularly the micro, small and medium enterprises, cope with rising consumer prices, boost consumption and tourism, and ultimately aid in the country’s economic recovery,” CCAP said in a statement. It explained that “with

the pandemic spurring the rapid adoption of consumers of new virtual payment technologies, credit cards serve as an effective, safe, and convenient payment tool that drives and contributes to the overall digitalization goal of the country.”

“Market-driven rates will help, not only in boosting competition in the industry, but in accelerating financial inclusion and creating a cashless society – which are aligned with the BSP’s goals,” the CCAP statement read.

CCAP, which is composed of 17 credit card issuers, added that it “continues to support the BSP’s mandate of maintaining monetary stability and the overall

Republic of the Philippines

soundness of the Philippine financial system.”

Despite the upward adjustment in the ceiling for unpaid credit card balance, the BSP, last week said it is maintaining the 1 percent cap on the monthly add-on rate charged on instalment loans as well as the P200 per transaction processing fee for the availment of credit card cash advances.

These changes, BSP Governor Felipe Medalla said, are in line with “developments in the macroeconomy and cushions the impact of inflationary pressure on banks’/credit card issuers’ ability to provide quality credit card services to their

REGIONAL TRIAL COURT OF MISAMIS ORIENTAL Office of the Clerk of Court 10th Judicial Region Cagayan de Oro City

SHERIFF'S NOTICE OF SALE

EJF FILE No. 2023-1294

Upon extra-judicial petition for sale under Act 3135 as amended filed by HOME DEVELOPMENT MUTUAL FUND, (PAG-IBIG), with principal office address at the Petron Mega Plaza Bldg. #358 Sen. Gil Puyat Ave., Makati City, against DAISYREL B. JAMERO, of legal age, Filipino, single and with postal address at Lot 6, Blk. 1, Bloomingdale Subd., Phase 4, Iponan, Cagayan de Oro City, or at No. 14, Tomas Saco St., Macasandig, Cagayan de Oro City, to satisfy the mortgaged indebtedness which as of August 15, 2022 amounts to SEVEN HUNDRED SEVENTY SEVEN THOUSAND ONE HUNDRED FORTY NINE PESOS & 12/100 (Php 777,149.12) inclusive of interests and other charges. That in case of foreclosure proceeding, the Mortgagor shall pay the foreclosure expenses and other monetary obligations, the undersigned sheriff will sell at public auction on February 17, 2023, at 10:00 o'clock in the morning to 4:00 o'clock in the afternoon or soon thereafter at the Hall of Justice, Goldridge Building, Macapagal Drive, Upper Carmen, Cagayan de Oro City, to the highest bidder, for CASH and in Philippine Currency, the herein described property, with all the improvements included thereon, to wit:

TCT No. T-137-2015003086

"A PARCEL OF LAND (Lot 6, Block 1, PCS-10-004466, CONS/SUBD. of Lots 24178-B-2-B-2, 24178-B-2-B-3, 24178-B-2-B-4, & 24178-B-2-B-5, all of PSD-10-054199) situated in Phase 4, Iponan, Cagayan de Oro City, Province of Misamis Oriental, Island of Mindanao, containing an area of Eighty (80) square meters, more or less."

Prospective buyers/bidders may investigate for themselves the herein described property and encumbrances thereon, if any there be.

All sealed bids must be submitted to the undersigned on the above stated time and date.

In the event the auction date falls on a HOLIDAY, it shall be on the next working day without further notice and publication.

January 12, 2023, Cagayan de Oro City.

MA. TERESITA

“We

opinion

The Imperative Call of the Times

E-mail : businessweekmindanao@gmail.com Contact nos. : 0917-7121424 • 0947-8935776

Let Us All Now Follow Jesus’ Pronouncement to “DENY THYSELF”

That “self” in the biblical pronouncement by Jesus Christ Himself to be outrightly “denied” is NEVER our true self as that “little me” is a fictitious one. Yet, such narrative of one’s self, rooted in one’s ego, is the one that is being collectively followed without let-up that is intensely reigning in the mindset of humanity, now suffering from collective insanity. That egoic self has transformed the homo sapiens into the most flawed of all of God’s creation. It has been the opinion of great contemporaneous spiritual leaders that the species called the Homo Sapiens (human being) is the most flawed of all of God’s creation having killed its own kind of about 200 million human beings in one century alone (19th hundred) out of two world wars, the cleansing of Hitler and Pol Pot, Stalinism, Maoism and the Vietnam War, among others. Humanity continues to suffer from collective insanity advancing unbridled materialism and consumerism amidst spiritual denigration where the instant pursuit of wealth, fame and power is the priority based on a flawed dictum called “survival of the fittest.” Worse, the homo sapiens has put the earth in a cataclysmic state as the present development paradigm is sacrificing mother Earth to the altar of greed and power.

That egoic self that is giving so much veneration to the profit motive, to the instant pursuit of wealth, fame and power has already captured the mindset of all governments, all institutions,

all religions and all universities. That “little me” is so self-centered, focusing on brandishing narratives on how great the egoic leaders are, how great are their beliefs and ideologies and are willing to kill those whose beliefs are different from theirs. Don’t you know that historically, wars came about because of opposing religious belief, i.e.,” my religion is right and yours is false, so I have to kill you.”

That fictitious self is even killing mother earth. Even former US President Donald Trump was so egoic that he categorically is a climate change denier himself. Why is this so? Well, the US 19 fossil fuel corporations are profiting some 16 trillion dollars annually or 10 million dollars every minute out of the non-stop usage of coal and fossil fuels. Noam Chomsky, described by New York Times as “the most important intellectual alive, described that the plight of human civilization as “racing towards the precipice.” The doomsday clock of Mother Earth was set to at two and a half minutes before midnight. The cause: the disbelief in the scientific consensus over climate change by all governments, the mainstream media and religious groups.” Indeed, the conscious refusal of the dominant players –governments, corporations and the media – to act with purpose helps to answer the questions, “where is the human outcry for earth’s life-support? Why have we failed to seize control of our survival?” That veneration to that self is not being denied, contrary to Christ’s teaching.

Pope Francis in his Encyclical Letter – which was back by al the major faiths – referred to climate change as “a sin against God.” Recently, Queen Elizabeth was so furious blaming governments’ inaction against climate change stating that “there should be legal action against governments for the crime of omission to protect the right to life of their populations. Apparent is the ongoing political and media efforts to suppress climate change as a crisis: by denial, by underreporting solutions to it.”

Indeed, it is an unprecedented crime against humanity as the contemporaneous development paradigm called neo-liberal capitalism being advanced by corporate globalization continuously sacrifices Mother Earth and humanity to the altar of greed and profit. We are now in the 23rd year of the 21st century but we do not know whether we will reach the 22nd century which is only 77 years from now. Every day, a thousand hectares of the 386-meter high iceberg are melting in the Arctic and the Antarctic that is giving rise to the ocean level. The Philippines now has some 7,100 islands but according to environmentalists, there will just be 3,000 islands fifty years from now. Some 100 species of flora and fauna are becoming extinct everyday due to climate change as billions have already become extinct. This is especially true in our country which has been considered by FAO as the richest on earth with regards to biodiversity but have been erased from the

KIM’S

Think a minute… Years ago I visited someone in prison. I was deeply saddened as I watched all those people locked up, living their life inside a little room. tragically, although many of us have never been convicted of a crime, we still live our entire lives locked inside a prison. Saddest of all, we are the ones who build the walls that hold us inside, so we are not free to live our life to the fullest. We become our own worst enemy—through our own wrong thinking about ourselves. Someone said: “When you lose your confidence, you lose the battle.”

In zoos a baby elephant is tied with a strong steel chain to a large post. At first, the young elephant pulls and tries to break free from the chain; but finally it gives up and stops trying. After that, only a thin rope is needed to tie that huge, powerful elephant down and stop it from moving anywhere. For the rest of its life that elephant believes the lie that it is too weak to break that thin little rope, so it never even tries again!

Sadly, in a similar way, if

JHAN TIAFAU HURST

I let myself believe I cannot go any farther in life, even though it is not true, then I won’t. That is the destructive power of believing the lies of my own wrong thinking about myself. The enemy I am fighting is in my own mind.

But it can happen the other way too. “Nearly every man wastes part of his life trying to show abilities he does not have to get other people’s approval he cannot keep.” A popular T.V. program in the U.S. is American Idol. It lets ordinary people show their singing talent. The problem is some of them have no singing talent at all! Yet they believe they do! Remember: “You can’t put in what God left out.” So don’t waste your life trying

IN THE gospel, Christ shows us how he always tried to pass unnoticed while doing a lot of good. In one instance, he told a leper whose leprosy he cleansed miraculously, not to tell anybody about the cure but only to the priest. (cfr. Mk 1, 40-45) The cleansed leper, of course, could not help it but proclaim to the four winds what happened to him.

That episode is teaching us that if we want to be truly Christian, we have to do a lot of good, with God’s help and our all-out effort, doing it without attracting unnecessary attention. It can only show how our intentions are pure, that is to say, that what we do is simply to give glory to God from whom all good things come, and not to ourselves.

Why did Christ behave in that way? I believe the answer lies in the fact that Christ wants to be known both as God and man, and as our Redeemer, not out of idle curiosity or for merely practical purposes, but really

out of faith.

Our usual problem is that our belief in Christ is often corrupted by merely human motives. It’s not faith, but some mixture of idle curiosity and other practical purposes that make us follow him.

And when these idle curiosity and practical purposes would already have their fill, or worse, are not met as expected, then that belief in Christ falls apart. The apostles themselves were not exempt from this phenomenon. Many times, Christ would lament over their lack of faith.

Same with the crowd. Those who welcomed him at his entry to Jerusalem were also those who shouted, “Crucify him” a little later.

Christ wants us to approach him with faith. He wants us to consider the spiritual and supernatural character of his life that should also be reflected in ours. He does not want us to get stuck with his merely material, natural and human aspects.

By learning how to pass unnoticed while doing a lot of good certainly would show how pure our intentions would be. Yes, we have to be most careful in handling our intentions. They play a strategic role in our life, for how and where we direct them would determine whether we want to be with God or simply with our own selves.

Our intentions express who and where in the end we want to be. Do we choose God, or do we simply choose ourselves, or the world in general? It’s actually a choice between good and evil.

Even if we are not aware, or refuse to be aware, of this choice, which is usually the case, the choice between God and us, between good and evil is always made with every human act we do.

We need to realize then that we have to take utmost care of our intention, making it as explicit as possible, and honing it to get engaged with its proper and ultimate object who is God.

ORLAN R. RAVANERA

face of the earth as we have lost the 17 million hectares of dipterocarp forest in just a century due to massive illegal logging. Don’t you know that the number of flora and fauna found in just 5,000 hectareMt. Kitanglad Range is far greater compared to those found in one billion-hectare continent of North America?

Worse through the Anthropocene, with the Greek roots meaning “human-made” (anthropo) and “new” (cene), Gaia (Mother Earth) is now facing its 6th extinction, that is, if this species will continue its collective insanity through the egoic chattering mind. But the wind of change is now hovering through the looming of an awakening consciousness. Human BEING is more than form but an eternal formless Being that is pure consciousness that has been there prior to being a form (body). It is the teaching of all major religions that there is someone coming to liberate us and all the while, we have been waiting. The truth is, what we have been waiting for is really that consciousness that is inherent in every one of us, our spiritual awakening – the Stillness that is our essential nature. Feel that stillness

ROY CIMAGALA

We should try our best to shun being simply casual or cavalier about this responsibility. We can easily play around with it, since intentions are almost invariably hidden from public knowledge. We are urged to be most sincere in directing our intentions properly.

We can easily fall into hypocrisy and deception, doing what can appear good externally but is not internally, since we could refuse giving glory to God, which is the proper intention to have, and instead feed and stir our vanity, pride, greed, lust, etc./PN

JOEL ESCOL Feature Editor

DANTE M. SUDARIA President/CEO

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Isuzu on ‘wait-and-see’ mode over bringing in electric vehicles

ISUZU Philippines Corp. is taking a “wait-and-see” stance on introducing electric vehicles (EVs) into the local market, a company official said, citing factors such as support infrastructure and regulation.

Isuzu Philippines Assistant Division Head for Sales Robert D. Carlos said the company is supportive of EVs being launched in the country but wishes to see further developments that will help increase consumer adoption such as the installation of more charging stations.

“We support EVs. But for now, we are observing. We are ‘wait-and-see’ for now. Creating a law is one thing. Implementation is another thing. We need to see

if there is infrastructure being laid out, like the charging stations,” Mr. Carlos said on the sidelines of a company event in Manila City last week.

According to Mr. Carlos, Isuzu Philippines has been receiving inquiries from customers on EVs, particularly in the truck segment.

“For our clients, there are inquiries for trucks,” Mr. Carlos said, adding that no figures are involved in the queries. “They are just asking if there are any plans for EVs in case the government really imposes and they are forced to get EVs for trucks.”

Mr. Carlos disclosed that the automaker is already preparing for EVs and its

introduction to the Philippine market.

“Isuzu is already preparing for EVs. The implementation in the Philippines is just the question. We want to check that the Philippines is ready for EVs. Not only infrastructure but government support as well like incentives and tax,” Mr. Carlos said.

Mr. Carlos said this as President Ferdinand R. Marcos, Jr. signed Executive Order (EO) No. 12 on Jan. 13, which temporarily reduced the most favored nation tariff rates on completely built-up units of imported EVs and imported parts and components for five years.

The EO imposes zero tariff for imported EVs across segments such as passenger

cars, buses, minibuses, vans, trucks, motorcycles, tricycles, scooters and bicycles for five years. However, the EO excluded hybrid-type EVs. The EO also reduced the tariff on certain imported EV parts and components to one percent from five percent for five years.

The law is expected to complement Republic Act No. 11697 or the EV Industry Development Act (EVIDA), which mandates the government and companies to meet a 5% quota on their vehicle fleets.

In a separate statement, Electric Vehicle Association of the Philippines (EVAP) President Edmund A. Araga said that EO 12 would help

ISUZU/PAGE 7

Chinese e-vehicle firm investing P25-B in PH

A CHINESE electric vehicle company is registering with the Fiscal Incentives Review Board for three projects worth PHP25 billion, Trade Undersecretary Ceferino Rodolfo said Saturday.

Rodolfo declined to name the firm but said the projects of the Chinese company will involve leasing of e-vehicles, putting up charging stations, and starting an all-e-vehicle transportation network vehicle service

(TNVS).

He said the company is planning to import 20,000 e-vehicles, 10,000 units each for its leasing business and TNVS, and 1,000 charging stations.

“They want to create an electric vehicle ecosystem here,” Rodolfo, also the Board of Investments (BOI) managing head, said in a press briefing.

Executive Order No. 12 that removes tariff on imported e-vehicles and

TEACHERS AND EDUCATION

By Louie J. Moreno ADAS VI, Division Office Ozamis City

For the World Teachers’ Day today, the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) is focusing on the crucial role played by teachers in the transformation of education.

Among the challenges is attracting the brightest young minds to pursue a career in teaching.

This can be made easier, if they can see that those already in the profession are getting proper compensation for their work.

Around the world, the COVID-19 pandemic has been a challenge for educators.

In the past two years when many countries went into lockdown to keep out an invisible deadly enemy, among the top concerns was the consequent serious disruption in formal education.

In the Philippines, the government opted for

blended education modes in an effort to prevent learners from being left behind, despite the challenges that the approach posed in terms of the required gadgets, connectivity and skills needed by learners and educators alike in virtual classrooms

In addition to blended learning, teachers perform other functions, for which they get only modest remuneration.

Last May, they were again deputized for poll duty in the general elections.

With COVID still posing a threat, the Philippines has resumed face-to-face classes at all levels.

Full in-person classes begin next month, with no solution in sight for one of the major problems amid the continuing pandemic: the lack of classrooms to accommodate all students while observing physical distancing.

lowers tariff for e-vehicle parts and components for a five-year period is a welcome policy for the Chinese company.

Rodolfo explained that the projects are qualified for fiscal incentives under the Tier II of the Strategic Investment Priority Plan, which gives tax perks on investments in energy efficiency and establishment and operation of e-vehicle infrastructure like charging stations.

Meanwhile, another Chinese e-vehicle manufacturer is searching for a location in the

Philippines for its assembly plant, Rodolfo shared.

He said the company is the biggest e-vehicle assembler in the world.

Rodolfo said the investments of Chinese e-vehicle firms are offshoots of the visit of President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. to China early this year.

He pointed out that the Philippines is a good investment hub for e-vehicle assembly since the country has the GEMS, or the resources of green metals, electronics, market, and software development. (PNA)

2023 SHS National Achievement Test Preparedness

By ARACELI B. MELLIZA SST III Lumbia National High School

GRADE 12 students from public and private schools will be taking the National Achievement Test by the end of the month.

In a memorandum released on Janaury 5, Educationa Undersecretary Epimaco Densing said the exit assessment which was designed to be progressive in nature, will be administered on January 30 and 31.

DepEd has to identify and articulate indicators and targets for measuring performance in the development of plans and policies. The test results will serve as data and evidence in improving the implementation of the curriculum as well as evidence-based decision

making.

The test items will measure varying levels of skills through a multiple choice paper-based format. It is designed to determine if graduating learners are meeting the learning standard in the senior high school curriculum.

The NAT result will also give insight into the percentage of Grade 12 students who have the minimum level of proficiency in the fourth stage of the senior high school core areas.

The test will cover 21st century skills and the primary learning topics in senior high school including languages, humanities, communication, mathematics, science, social science and philosophy.

Pilipinas Shell eyes up to 60 stations in 2023

PILIPINAS Shell Petroleum Corp. is targeting to put up between 40 and 60 new service stations each year until 2025, its top official said last week.

“For our stations, we have over 1,100 stations at the end of mid-last year and we will continue to grow that by 40 to 60 sites year on year until 2025,” Pilipinas Shell Petroleum President Lorelie Q. Osial told reporters.

To achieve its target expansion, Ms. Osial said the company is planning to have five import-range terminals, with its fifth terminal expected to be put up this year.

“We have committed to having five import-range terminals, we broke ground for the fourth one last year and we are looking forward to announce the fifth one. We will announce it in 2023,” she said.

Ms. Osial said the investment cost for the target expansion would be “a lot” but declined to disclose specific figures.

“[What] I can only disclose right now is the 40-60 [service stations]. It’s 40-60 per year until 2025,” she said.

She said the full effect of Russia’s war on Ukraine on the Philippines’ oil prices remains to be seen but described the ongoing conflict as a big disruptor, causing volatility.

“Macroeconomic

EXTRA-JUDICIAL SETTLEMENT OF THE ESTATE OF THE DECEASED NORMA P. MERMEJO WITH DEED OF ABSOLUTE SALE.

KNOW ALL MEN BY THESE PRESENTS: That the late, NORMA PAREL MERMEJO who died intestate on December 1, 1997 at Carmen, Cagayan de Oro City, and left a certain parcel of land, with an improvement therein, the said property is co-owned with her spouse APOLIO S. MERMEJO acquired from the PAGLAUM SETTLERS ASSOCIATION, INC., Identified as , A PARCEL OF LAND with TCT No. T-124003 of the Register of Deeds for the City of Cagayan de Oro, situated in the Barrio of Carmen, City of Cagayan de Oro, Island of Mindanao, containing an area of SIXTY SIX (66) SQUARE METERS, more or less, registered in the name of PAGLAUM SETTLERS ASSOCIATION INC. And has been the subject of EXTRA-JUDICIAL SETTLEMENT OF THE ESTATE OF THE DECEASED NORMA P. MERMEJO WITH DEED OF ABSOLUTE SALE. NOW, THEREFORE, for and in consideration of the foregoing premises, invoking the provision of Section 1, Rule 74 of the Rules of Court, the parties hereto mutually agree, stipulate and covenant to adjudicate the afore-described property among themselves, and give the ownership, title, and possession of the whole property to Cindy Easther P. Mermejo. All heirs waive their share over the afore-described property Cindy Easther P. Mermejo, filed by the heirs of NORMA P. MERMEJO.

As per Doc. No. 342; Page No. 70; Book No. XIII; Series of 2022 under the Notarial Registry of ATTY. JESUS CARLO JOENIL A QUIRAP.

BWM: Jan 11, 18 & 25, 2023

conditions are still changing. Volatility is determined by market conditions [and] geopolitics. [I] can’t accurately guess the future,” she said.

Meanwhile, Ms. Osial said that the company continues to be interested in the renewable energy (RE) sector.

“You have seen that we also entered the renewable space. We signed joint ventures last year on solar, so we continue to progress,” she said.

According to the group’s website, Shell Overseas Investments B.V. in 2022 partnered with Emerging Power, Inc. in a joint venture that aims to contribute 1 gigawatt (GW) to the country’s energy system by 2028 by using alternative sources of energy.

In November 2022, Shell Overseas partnered with Alternergy Holdings Corp. to assess the feasibility of an offshore wind project in Calavite Passage for a potential capacity of 1 GW.

Aside from renewables, Ms. Osial said that the Shell group, through Shell Energy Philippines Inc., remains interested in the country’s liquefied natural gas (LNG) industry.

Shell Energy Philippines’ LNG project is one of the six

EXTRAJUDICIAL SETTLEMENT OF ESTATE

KNOW ALL MEN BY THES PRESENTS: That the late LUZMIN LANCERO CAAGBAY, who died on November 1, 2015 in Madonna and Child Hospital, J.V. Seriña St., Carmen, Cagayan de Oro, Misamis Oriental, died without any will or testament and without any outstanding debts in favor of any person or entity, that at the time of her death, left a certain real property, A PARCEL OF LAND with TCT No. T-44475, situated in the City of Cagayan de Oro, containing an area of SEVEN HUNDRED SEVENTY TWO (772) SQUARE METERS, more or less. Is the subject of EXTRAJUDICIAL SETTLEMENT OF ESTATE, AGREEMENT made and entered into this 22nd day of DECEMBER 2021 by and among: MARILOU LANCERO CAAGBAYBERZA, of legal age, Filipino, and with residence and postal address at P-9 Dabong-dabong, Valencia City, Bukidnon; JUNE LANCERO CAAGBAY-STARKE, of legal age, Filipino, and with residence and postal address at Bahnhofstr. 51, 63500 Seligenstadt, Hessen, Germany. Registered in the name of LUIS F. LANCERO, JR., married to Corazon Lai Lancero and residents of Long Beach, California, U.S.A.; ROLANDO F. LANCERO, married to Leticia Abuton and resident of Ozamiz City; LUZMIN L. CAAGBAY, married to Pastor Caagbay, and resident of Cagayan de Oro City; EPHRAIM F. LANCERO, married to Virginia Estabillo and resident of Tagum, Davao; PRECIOUSA L. ROA, married to Waldo A. Roa and resident of Cagayan de Oro. THAT said deceased co-owned the abovedescribed property together with his siblings, and owned one-fifth (1/5) of it; Filed by the heirs of LUZMIN LANCERO CAAGBAY, as per Doc. No. 330; Page No. 67; Book No. VIII; Series of 2021 under the Notarial Registry of ATTY. JESUS CARLO JOENIL A. QUIRAP.

Jan 11, 18 & 25, 2023

MINDANAO FEATURE

CREDIBLE RELIABLE IN-DEPTH

Editor: GILBERT Y. CHAO

Pag-IBIG releases record-high P118B home loans in 2022: Over 100,000 members with new homes

Pag-IBIG Fund released a record-high P117.85 billion in home loans to finance the housing units of 105,212 members in 2022, its top officials announced January 18 (Wednesday).

For 2022, the amount of home loans released by the agency increased by 21% or P20.57 billion compared to the P97.28 billion released in 2021. With the amount, Pag-IBIG financed the acquisition and construction of 105,212 homes for its members, or an increase of 11% from the 94,533 homes financed in 2021.

“We are happy to report that Pag-IBIG Fund has once again set a new record-high in home loan releases in 2022. This is very good news because as the amount of home loans we release increases, so does the number of Filipinos who now have homes of their own. PagIBIG Fund’s performance is a testament to our united

and unwavering efforts to resolve the country’s housing backlog, in line with the objective of President Ferdinand Marcos, Jr. under the Pambansang Pabahay Para sa Pilipino Program,” said Secretary Jose Rizalino L. Acuzar, who heads the Department of Human Settlements and Urban Development (DHSUD) and the 11-member Pag- IBIG Fund Board of Trustees.

Pag-IBIG Fund Chief Executive Officer Marilene C. Acosta, meanwhile, noted that the 105,212 housing units financed in year 2022 is also a record-high, and marks the first time that the agency has financed more than 100,000 housing units in a single year. She further stated that out of the total housing units financed by

Republic of the Philippines SUPREME COURT 10th Judicial Region REGIONAL TRIAL COURT OF MISAMIS ORIENTAL Cagayan de Oro City OFFICE OF THE EXECUTIVE JUDGE

PETITION FOR RENEWAL OF APPOINTMENT NC-2023-100 AS NOTARY PUBLIC FOR THE CITY OF CAGAYAN DE ORO AND THE PROVINCE OF MISAMIS ORIENTAL, ATTY. RAUL MANUEL P. PAAYAS, X-----------------------------------------------------------------/

IN RE: PETITION FOR COMISSION NC-2023-101 AS NOTARY PUBLIC IN THE CITIES OF CAGAYAN DE ORO AND EL SALVADOR AND IN THE PROVINCE OF MISAMIS ORIENTAL, ATTY. SHANNON MAE O. CANOY, X-----------------------------------------------------------------/

IN RE: PETITION FOR RENEWAL OF APPOINTMENT NC-2023-102 AS NOTARY PUBLIC FOR AND IN THE MUNICIPALITIES OF MISAMIS ORIENTAL AND THE CITY OF CAGAYAN DE ORO, ATTY. KATHERINE D. LEYSON-GALERA, X-----------------------------------------------------------------/

IN RE: PETITION FOR REAPPOINTMENT AS NC-2023-103 NOTARY PUBLIC,

ATTY. MARIO PAUL A. LABIS, X-------------------------------------------------------- / RE: PETITION FOR RENEWAL OF COMMISSION NC-2023-104 AS NOTARY PUBLIC, ATTY. MARC DAVID M. EVANGELISTA X----------------------------------------------------- /

ORDER

Atty. Raul Manuel P. Paayas, Atty. Shannon Mae O. Canoy, Atty. Katherine D. Leyson-Galera, Atty. Mario Paul A. Labis, and Atty. Marc David M. Evangelista filed the above verified petitions for commission as Notaries Public.

Finding the petitions to be sufficient in form and substance let the same be set for summary hearing on February 01, 2023, at 2:00 o’clock in the afternoon before the sala of this Court. Interested persons or party may file a verified opposition in writing which should be received by the Court before the scheduled hearing why the petitions should not be granted.

Further, let this Order be published at the expense of the petitioners at least once in a newspaper of general circulation in the Province of Misamis Oriental. Likewise, let a notice to the public of the hearing be posted in conspicuous places at the Hall of Justice of Cagayan de Oro City and the bulletin board of this Court.

Let a copy of this Order be furnished the Chapter President of the Integrated Bar of the Philippines, Misamis Oriental. SO ORDERED.

In CHAMBERS this 16th day of January 2023, Cagayan de Oro City.

(SGD) ARTHUR L. ABUNDIENTE Executive Judge

EXTRAJUDICIAL

SETTLEMENT OF ESTATE

KNOW ALL MEN BY THES PRESENTS: That the late EPHRAIM FACTURA LANCERO, who died on December 31, 2020 in PFLUGERVILLE, TEXAS, 78660, died without any will or testament and without any outstanding debts in favor of any person or entity, that at the time of his death, left a certain real property, A PARCEL OF LAND with TCT No. T-44475, situated in the City of Cagayan de Oro, containing an area of SEVEN HUNDRED SEVENTY TWO (772) SQUARE METERS, more or less. Is the subject of EXTRAJUDICIAL SETTLEMENT OF ESTATE, made and entered into this 29th day of NOVEMBER 2021 by and among: VIRGINIA E. LANCERO, of legal age, widow, formerly a Filipino and now a naturalized citizen of the United States of America, and with residence and postal address at 16304 Malden Dr, Pflugerville, TX 78660; JEFFREY EPHRAIM E. LANCERO, of legal age, married to Gretchen Lynn Lancero, formerly a Filipino and now a naturalized citizen of the United States of America, and with residence and postal address at 5539 Celebration St., Sacramento, CA 95835; SHARON LEE E. LANCERO-CHESHIRE, of legal age, married to Neil Robert Cheshire, formerly a Filipino and now a naturalized citizen of the United States of America, and with residence and postal address at 17409 Cameron Rd., Unit A, Pflugerville, TX 78660; Registered in the name of LUIS F. LANCERO, JR., married to Corazon Lai Lancero and residents of Long Beach, California, U.S.A.; ROLANDO F. LANCERO, married to Leticia Abuton and resident of Ozamiz City; LUZMIN L. CAAGBAY, married to Pastor Caagbay, and resident of Cagayan de Oro City; EPHRAIM F. LANCERO, married to Virginia Estabillo and resident of Tagum, Davao; PRECIOUSA L. ROA, married to Waldo A. Roa and resident of Cagayan de Oro. THAT said deceased co-owned the abovedescribed property together with his siblings, and owned one-fifth (1/5) of it; Filed by the heirs of EPHRAIM FACTURA LANCERO, As per Doc. No. 203; Page No. 42; Book No. VIII; Series of 2021 under the Notarial Registry of ATTY. JESUS CARLO JOENIL A. QUIRAP.

18 & 25, 2023

EXTRA JUDICIAL PARTITION OF THE ESTATE OF THE LATE SPS. MIGUEL ABONITALLA AND LIBERTY O. ABONITALLA

NOTICE hereby given that SPS. MIGUEL ABONITALLA and LIBERTY O. ABONITALLA, who died on June 17, 1994 and October 2, 2012 in Cag. De Oro. The deceased, Sps. Miguel Abonitalla and Liberty O. Abonitalla, at the time of their death owned a parcel of land, with Transfer certificate of Title TCT- T-3060 and Tax Dec. No. G-059614, situated in the Poblacion, Municipality of Cagayan, Province of Misamis Oriental, containing an area of TWO HUNDRED SEVENTY EIGHT (278) SQUARE METERS.

Is the subject of EXTRA JUDICIAL PARTITION OF THE ESTATE OF THE LATE SPS. MIGUEL ABONITALLA AND LIBERTY O. ABONITALLA, made and executed by and among the heirs, namely: NESTOR O. ABONITALLA, of legal age, Filipino citizen, married and a resident of Pilot de Lara Road, Tomas-Saco, Macasandig, Cagayan de Oro City, Misamis Oriental; VIRGINIA O. ABONITALLA, of legal age, Filipino citizen, single and a resident of Nazareth, Cagayan de Oro City; SONIA O. ABONITALLA, of legal age, Filipino citizen, single and a resident of Nazareth, Cagayan de Oro City; GILBERT O. ABONITALLA, of legal age, Filipino citizen, single and a resident of Pilot de Lara Road, Tomas-Saco St., Macasandig, Cagayan de Oro City; MARIVIC A. TABOR, of legal age, Filipino citizen, married and a resident of Nazareth, Cagayan de Oro City; SARAH A. HIPONA, of legal age, Filipino Citizen, married and a resident of Macasandig, Cagayan de Oro City; HEIRS OF AMPARO CECILIA A. RAMBUYON: JOSE IMMANUEL MIGUEL RAMBUYON, of legal age, Filipino citizen, single and a resident of B43-Lot11, Xavier Heights Subd.,Upper Balulang, Cagayan de Oro City; CELINE HADASSAH RAMBUYON, of legal age, Filipino citizen, single and a resident of B43-Lot11, Xavier Heights Subd.,Upper Balulang, Cagayan de Oro City, herein referred to as the HEIRS, filed by the heirs of SPS. MIGUEL ABONITALLA and LIBERTY O. ABONITALLA. As per Doc. No.15; Page No. 03; Book No. 18; Series of 2021 under the Notarial Registry of ATTY. ISIDRO Q. LICO.

the agency last year, 18,657 or 18% were socialized housing units which are now owned by members from the minimum-wage and low-income sectors.

“We at Pag-IBIG Fund have always strived to provide our members – the Filipino workers, the means to have their own homes through affordable shelter financing. That is why we take great pride in achieving a record- high number of housing units financed in 2022 because it means that we have empowered even more Filipinos in gaining their own homes. And, as we embark on yet another year, our members can continue to rely on Pag- IBIG Fund to provide them the most affordable home loan in the market, so that they too can achieve their dream of homeownership. That is the Lingkod Pag-IBIG pledge,” Acosta added.

EXTRAJUDICIAL SETTLEMENT OF ESTATE

KNOW ALL MEN BY THES PRESENTS: That the late R OLANDO FACTURA LANCERO, who died on July 23, 1998 in Faith Hospital, Ozamiz City, Misamis Occidental, died without any will or testament and without any outstanding debts in favor of any person or entity, that at the time of his death, left a certain real property, A PARCEL OF LAND with TCT No. T-44475, situated in the City of Cagayan de Oro, containing an area of SEVEN HUNDRED SEVENTY TWO (772) SQUARE METERS, more or less. Is the subject of EXTRAJUDICIAL SETTLEMENT OF ESTATE, made and entered into this 22nd day of DECEMBER 2021 by and among: ROLANDO ANTONINO ABUTON LANCERO, of legal age, formerly a Filipino and now a naturalized citizen of the United States of America, and with residence and postal address at 3 Morningside Drive, Old Bridge, NJ 08857, United States of America; MARIA THERESE VERONICA ABUTON LANCEROALEGRES, of legal age, formerly a Filipino and now a naturalized citizen of the United States of America, and with residence and postal address at 223 Elmwood Ave., Union, NJ 07083, United States of America; RONALDO DARIO MARTIN ABUTON LANCERO, of legal age, formerly a Filipino and now a naturalized citizen of the United States of America, and with residence and postal address at 159 Byrd St., Oceanside, NY 11572, United States of America; Registered in the name of LUIS F. LANCERO, JR., married to Corazon Lai Lancero and residents of Long Beach, California, U.S.A.; ROLANDO F. LANCERO, married to Leticia Abuton and resident of Ozamiz City; LUZMIN L. CAAGBAY, married to Pastor CAAGBAY, and resident of Cagayan de Oro City; EPHRAIM F. LANCERO, married to Virginia Estabillo and resident of Tagum, Davao; PRECIOUSA L. ROA, married to Waldo A. Roa and resident of Cagayan de Oro. THAT said deceased co-owned the abovedescribed property together with his siblings, and owned one-fifth (1/5) of it; Filed by the heirs of ROLANDO FACTURA LANCERO. As per Doc. No. 329; Page No. 67; Book No. VIII; Series of 2021 under the Notarial Registry of ATTY. JESUS CARLO JOENIL A. QUIRAP.

These restrictions included the requirements set by various BARMM ministries, time constraints and lack of manpower in the BBOI, he said.

“We need more personnel for investments and a more efficient structure conducive to facilitating investments in the BARMM,” Pasigan said in a statement.

For 2022, the investments registered with the BBOI included the Pagana Kutawato Corporation (P100 million), Hanabana Construction and Equipment Corporation (P96 million), Usman Banana Farm (P278 million), Nama Concrete Philippines Corp. (P341 million), Mt. Kalatungan Agri-Ventures, Inc. (P223 million), Austrian Trade and Investments Group, Inc. (P170 million) and Kaltimex Rural Energy Corporation (P76 million).

These investments generated at least 1,052 jobs, the BBOI said.

Over the past years, agriculture has become the major investment haven in the Bangsamoro region due to its ideal agro-climactic conditions and fertile lands, Pasigan said.

However, for 2022, other investments in infrastructure, manufacturing and energy pushed through as investors realized their viability in the Bangsamoro region, he added.

Pasigan said his office had exerted more efforts in promoting investments by conducting BARMMwide Strategic Investment Priorities Plan consultations and even went out of its way to attract investors through business coaching and investment facilitation.

According to him, the BARMM “should not take the plunge in investment as something negative.”

“We should see this as a challenge,” Pasigan said.

He encouraged domestic and foreign investors to put up business in the BARMM, citing the more stable peace and order situation in the region headed by Interim Chief Minister Ahod Ebrahim.

The BARMM covers the provinces of Maguindanao del Norte, Maguindanao del Sur, Basilan, Sulu and TawiTawi, the cities of Marawi, Lamitan and Cotabato, and 63 villages from six towns in North Cotabato known as the Bangsamoro Special Geographic Area.

The creation of the Bangsamoro region is the key component of the Comprehensive Agreement on the Bangsamoro, which the government and the Moro Islamic Liberation Front forged in 2014 after 17 years of peace negotiations.

The BARMM was created in January 2019 following a plebiscite that ratified Republic Act 11054 or the Organic Law for the BARMM.

The UCME, in particular, refers to a separate line item in the electric bills being collected from all ratepayers and that in turn is funneled as cost subsidy to the electricity service being extended to the SPUG areas.

The subsidy mechanism for these off-grid jurisdictions is highly necessary because electricity rates in these areas typically hover at staggering P14 to more than P20 per kilowatt hour.

NPC, for its part, is hamstrung with delayed cost recoveries for UCME that have been pending with the Energy Regulatory Commission (ERC) for years already – hence, the government-run power company is now practically incapacitated when it comes to required funding for the purchase of fuels that it will utilize on running the thermal plants serving the power needs of SPUG areas.

NEA conveyed that during a ‘consultative meeting’ among relevant energy agencies, “NPC apprised the attendees that they already have a crisis management and communication plan which was approved by the National Power Board to address the supply curtailment and the delay in UCME subsidy payment.”

While contingency measures are being sorted, NPC President Fernando Martin Roxas indicated that their company is already availing of P5.0 billion loan, which is solely intended for its required fuel purchases.

The bad news on that proposed remedy, however, is that: the loan release may only be expected by May this year – which is three months away from when power supply curtailment already needs to be resorted to by February.

The option pleaded to by NPC, NEA noted, is on the possibility that the electric cooperatives would be advancing the payments needed for fuel procurements.

Relative to that development, NEA Administrator Antonio Mariano Almeda has directed Atty. Omar Mayo, deputy administrator for technical services of the agency, “to coordinate with NPC regarding the advance payment of the ECs as part of the short-term solution to the problem.”

Additionally, the NEA chief “asked the ECs to meet with their respective local government officials to aid in the advance payment,” and for the ECs “to inform their member-consumerowners about the looming power crisis.”

"Ang kining mga telcos nato ang ga-collect lang kanang pwede mu-handle sa atong data, ang mga telcos lang gyud. So wala'y lain gitagaan og authority, any person or even another government agency nga mu-handle sa inyong data or mu-collect sa inyong data. So it's only the telcos nga pwede mu-collect ug mag-store sa atong data," he said adding that there are corresponding penalties of offenses given to those who violate the regulations together with the Data Privacy Act of 2012.

As for any loss or changes of SIM information, Abaday said users need to inform the NTC or telcos for immediate action.

Despite difficulties encountered, NTC continues to urge users to register before April 26 in order to avoid heavy traffic on websites and deactivation of SIM cards for existing subscribers.

the impact of rising interest rates, soaring inflation and slowing global demand on the economy’s recovery.

clients.”

BSP, in November 2022, imposed the ceiling on the monthly interest rate on credit cards to lessen the impact of the pandemic on consumers and boost lending activities to help both the consumers and the industry. It, however, said that with interest rates rising now as part of central banks’ response partly to the elevated inflation rates globally, it is necessary to also hike the interest rate ceiling to “help banks/credit card issuers cover higher costs related to the efficient handling of consumer transactions, including prompt and timely dispute resolution, as well as the retention of competent personnel.” “It will also make funding available for long-term investments that will institutionalize process improvements, strengthen cybersecurity and Information Technology systems, and nurture innovation in these financial institutions that will lead to better customer experience,” the BSP said. (PNA)

and beyond. And when love is in one’s heart, time and space have no meaning for love transcends everything. Not even death can have power over that supreme force in the universe as the beloved is always carried in one’s heart, in one’s inner consciousness – forever!

In denying oneself , a human being will now know who truly he is, CONSCIOUSNESS who is rooted with the Unseen Formless Being. It will on by then that Jesus pronouncement will be understood, “That the kingdom of heaven is within us.” Feel the Stillness and Spaciousness deep within to know who truly you are. Then, you will know who truly you are being eternal and being life itself. Thus be rooted with the Unseen Being and feel that oneness with all of God’s creation which is true love. Debunk thyself and be liberated from suffering. As the Great Buddha Himself has said, self means DUKHA or suffering.

another state of the art dealership in San Pablo City, Laguna only last November. With this latest development, Suzuki Philippines is optimistic that the new dealership will boost the company’s momentum in 2023. A firm highly recognized in the automotive industry, Suzuki Philippines specializes in the distribution of compact vehicles all over the country.

ERRATUM

In connection with the publication of EXTRA-JUDICIAL SETTLEMENT AMONG HEIRS WITH SALE, that late AQUILINO LADUA UBANAN, and EMILIA YANGWAS UBANAN published December 9, 16, & 23, 2022 the correct middle name should be LEONOR NALDO VILLASTIQUE, not as published.

OUR APOLOGY

BWM: January 25, 2023

EXTRA-JUDICIAL SETTLEMENT

OF THE ESTATE OF THE LATE LUZ J. DUNQUE WITH WAIVER

AND TRANSFER OF RIGHTS

boost the local adoption of EVs.

first policy meeting for this year on Feb. 16.

Fitch said asset quality risks from higher interest rates will vary, as differences in the scale and pace of monetary tightening are one of the important factors in determining the likelihood of loan deterioration in these banking systems.

“We expect further, albeit mostly milder, rate hikes in all ASEAN markets in 2023. The Philippines is likely to remain a regional outlier in terms of the scale of its rate hikes, reflecting greater inflationary pressure in that economy compared with markets like Indonesia, Malaysia and Thailand. The impact of tightening could be more severe in banking systems where leverage has increased sharply in recent years,” it said.

“We expect system leverage to rise in Thailand and Vietnam in 2023. However, we expect it to fall in Malaysia, the Philippines and Singapore in 2023, which will continue the trend from 2022,” the credit rater added.

It said scenarios where adverse economic developments cause asset quality to deteriorate could also affect sovereign credit profiles, especially those with negative outlooks like the Philippines.

It added that any changes in a country’s credit ratings would affect the Issuer Default Ratings of banks, whose ratings are driven by expectations of sovereign support.

Fitch affirmed the Philippines’ “BBB” investment grade rating and kept its “negative” outlook in October 2022, amid concerns over

trying to succeed at something you were not made to do. There’s a saying: “The best psychologist is the one inside you.” But that is only true if the One Who created you is the One living inside you. Only He can help you know and become the person He designed you to be. So won’t you ask Jesus to help you break out of the prison of your wrong thinking and sinful living? If you ask Him to forgive and free you, He can help you to start seeing and being all that He created you to be. Just think a minute…

“Finally, our EV industry will totally roll out in line with EO 12 as it opens a very good opportunity for those interested EV enthusiasts and advocates to own one. Consumers will experience [a] wide array of models to choose from depending on their preferences,” Mr. Araga said.

“This (EO) will pave [the] way on supporting the EVIDA law, which makes the industry a promising one,” he added.

Separately, EVAP Chairman and Philippine Parts Maker Association President Ferdinand I. Raquelsantos said that the temporary tariff reduction is expected to “generally” lower the prices of passenger car EVs by 20%.

oneness with all things and you become Spiritus Luminus (enlightened spirit) and be transformed into homo pacem (men and women for peace). Such can be done by following Jesus’ pronouncement to “DENY THYSELF.”

There is now an ongoing shift toward collective consciousness and spirituality of all people of the world that must now heal the wounds of GAIA and those of Her children, damaged all these years through false religions and western development materialistic and consumerist paradigm that sacrificed the people and the ecosystems to the altar of greed and profit, controlled by the egoic mind. Free yourself from over thinking. Feel life deep within and connect with the Innermost Being called God! Indeed, time is just an illusion. What matters is the Now. Time doesn’t exist at all for life continues here

“With this exemption on tariff, the prices of passenger car EVs will generally be reduced by 20%, making it very competitive to internal combustion engine-powered vehicles,” Mr. Raquelsantos said.

“EVs will become more affordable and its proliferation will be much wider,” he added.

LNG terminals approved by the Department of Energy.

Data provided by the department show that the company’s proposed LNG floating storage and regasification unit (FSRU) in Tabangao, Batangas City is targeted to start operating by October 2023.

The terminal project has a capacity of three million tons per annum (MTPA), with a construction cost of around P2.47 billion.

“It is in progress. These are big projects. We are working with different agencies to put it forward and progress it further,” Ms. Osial said.

NOTICE is hereby given that LATE LUZ J. DUNQUE who died on July 14, 1997 at Cagayan de Oro City without any will; That said deceased at the time of her death, left a parcel of land with Tax Declaration No. G-031924 and Property Index No. 164-02-045-06-010 with an area of 349 sq.m. more or less, located at Barangay Tablon, Cagayan de Oro City, Island of Mindanao. Is the subject of EXTRA-JUDICIAL SETTLEMENT OF THE ESTATE OF THE LATE LUZ J. DUNQUE WITH WAIVER AND TRANSFER OF RIGHTS, made and entered into by and among the legal heirs of the LATE LUZ J. DUNQUE, namely; 1. GREGORIO J. DUNQUE JR., of legal age, Filipino, married and with residence address at Purok 3, Tablon, Cagayan de Oro City, hereinafter referred to as HEIR; 2. LUCITA D. LIGASPI, of legal age, Filipino, married and with residence address at Purok 3, Tablon, Cagayan de Oro City, hereinafter referred to as HEIR; 3. ELEANOR D. TALLE, of legal age, Filipino, married and with residence address at Purok 3, Tablon, Cagayan de Oro City, hereinafter referred to as HEIR; 4. RUSSEL D. JOMOC, of legal age, Filipino, married and with residence address at Purok 3, Tablon, Cagayan de Oro City, hereinafter referred to as HEIR; 5. LIBERTY J. DUNQUE, of legal age, Filipino, married and with residence address at Purok 3, Tablon, Cagayan de Oro City, hereinafter referred to as HEIR; 6. FAUSTO J. DUNQUE, of legal age, Filipino, married and with residence address at Purok 3, Tablon, Cagayan de Oro City, hereinafter referred to as HEIR; and 7. LYNDON J. DUNQUE, of legal age, Filipino, married and with residence address at Purok 3, Tablon, Cagayan de Oro City, hereinafter referred to as HEIR; That portion of the said lot with an area of 90 square meter more or less will be given and transfer to GREGORIO DUNQUE. The said portion of the said parcel of land is hereby designated as Lot 19150-D-4 based in the Sketch Plan by Geodetic Engr. Analie L. Baal. That portion of the said lot with an area of 50 square meter more or less will be given and transfer to DOLLY D. APAO. 'The said portion of the said parcel of land is hereby designated as Lot 19150-D-1 based in the Sketch Plan by Geodetic Engr. Analie L. Baal. That portion of the said lot with an area of 85 square meter more or less will be given and transfer to LUCITA D. LEGASPI. The said portion of the said parcel of land is hereby designated as Lot 19150-D-2 based in the Sketch Plan by Geodetic Engr. Analie L. Baal. That portion of the said lot with an area of 90 square meter more or less will be given and transfer to FAUSTO J. DUNQUE. The said portion of the said parcel of land is hereby designated as Lot 19150-D-2 based in the Sketch Plan by Geodetic Engr. Analie L. Baal, filed by the heirs of LATE LUZ J. DUNQUE. As per Doc. No. 486; Page No. 98; Book No. 08; Series of 2018 under the Notarial Registry of ATTY. OWEN S. MARCIAL.

BWM: Jan 18, 25 & Feb 1, 2023

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Suzuki Philippines opens improved dealership in Butuan

By MARK FRANCISCO

BUTUAN CITY –

Suzuki Philippines – the pioneer in compact vehicles distribution nationwide – opened last January 20 the new and improved Suzuki Auto Butuan.

Located in barangay Baan, Suzuki Auto Butuan now offers complete offerings such as sales, service and spare parts.

The opening of Suzuki Auto Butuan last Thursday culminated more than two years of construction as Suzuki Philippines navigated the challenges of the pandemic when the Butuan dealership renovation broke ground last February 2020, a mere month before Covid-19 struck.

The new auto house is now a 3s dealership, boasting a capability to display and

accommodate seven units. It is also expected to be within reach to existing and potential patrons in the area and neighboring provinces of Agusan del Norte, Surigao del Norte, Dinagat Islands and Surigao del Sur with a higher quality of integrated service. Suzuki Auto Butuan is owned and managed by Grand Canyon Multi Holdings Inc., which currently manages 11 Suzuki dealerships strategically positioned in progressive cities nationwide.

Despite being affected by the pandemic (as with every business elsewhere in the world), Suzuki Philippines has kept its aggressive momentum across the Philippines and opening new dealerships every now and then. Prior to the Butuan opening, Suzuki Philippines

Discovery World kicks off Lunar New Year with feng shui expert Melvin Sua for its Davao project

By MARK FRANCISCO

DISCOVERY World – which is investing heavily in Davao City by developing an 11-hectare P7-billion modern community project with its flagship Elize Point – launched the Lunar New Year celebration last January 18 with a talk by feng shui expert Melvin Sua attended by no less than former President Rodrigo Duterte himself and his long time aide Sen. Christopher Lawrence Go.

The event, which was held at West Empire Chinese Restaurant and Seafood Garden in Lanang, was also an avenue for

MELVIN SUA

Discovery World to tout its township with talks by CEO/president John Tiu, Discovery Hospitality senior vice president Cathy Nepomuceno and vice president/investor relations officer Mary Jean Codiñera.

Sua’s keen personal interest in metaphysics and healing arts led him to pursue the study of feng shui. He uses all the feng shui systems to provide property prospecting, compatibility analysis, date selection, among others.

Sua’s geomancy indeed bodes well for the ambitious vision of Discovery World which

is being flaunted as the first luxury real estate project of its kind, pushing the region’s potential by integrating residential lots and mixed use spaces.

Its flagship project Elize Point which is located in Matina, is perched atop and a hill and is the peak of lush green living and the height of life well lived.

Embracing its residents with a plethora of flora,

Elize Point is a pocket of nature at the heart of the city.

Sitting across a view of the Davao Gulf and picturesque mountains, Elize Point is the region’s most coveted residential address. Featured amenities include clubhouse and function hall, mini-theater, great lawn, an overlooking infinity pool, playground, jogging and bicycle paths, exercise trails, airconditioned basketball and multipurpose court, fitness gym area and ecoboardwalk.

One Davao Townships Corporation – which is 100 percent owned by Discovery World – is the developer of Elize Point.

FENG shui geomancer

Melvin Sua (right) hobnobs with guests which include former President Rodrigo Duterte (second from left facing camera in the roundtable) and Sen. Christopher Lawrence Go (to Sua’s right).