BusinessWeek Mindanao (November 7-8, 2022)

Facemask discretionary

WEARING face masks inside commercial establishments in Cagayan de Oro City will depend on the management's prerogative, according to the Cagayan de Oro Chamber of Commerce and Industry, Inc. (Oro Chamber).

During a radio interview on Saturday, Oro Chamber president Raymundo Talimio Jr. said the business community has yet to disseminate in full Executive Order (EO) No. 7 signed by President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. on October 28 regarding the optional wearing of masks.

"Even though there is already a mandate, big establishments like malls have rights to impose (internal) rules within their premises (since it's a private property)," Talimio said.

GSIS digital platform

THE Government Service Insurance System (GSIS) said Friday it is discontinuing the production of the Unified Multi-Purpose ID (UMID) cards as it migrates to digital platforms. In a media briefing here, GSISCagayan de Oro branch manager Erwin Casicas said the shift was due to the launching of the GSIS Touch, a digital application where most transactions can be done. "(In the meantime), we will have a temporary card in tandem with this GSIS touch, so the clients will have an alternative method other than using UMID," he said.

High collection

DAVAO City – The Bureau of Customs (BOC) - Port of Davao has exceeded its October 2022 revenue collection target by P67.6 million, an official said Friday. Erastus Sandino Austria, BOC-Davao district collector, said the agency managed to collect P3.38 billion in revenue, which is 1.9 percent higher than its target of P3.31 billion, posting a surplus of P65.7 million. Austria noted that the figure is also 19 percent higher than the P2.83 billion collection in October 2021.

Davao Region records PH’s highest inflation

By ANTONIO L. COLINA IV MindaNews

DAVAO City – The Davao Region posted an inflation rate of 9.8% in October, the highest among 17 regions in the country, according to a report released by the Philippines Statistics Authority (PSA) on Friday.

Based on the Summary Inflation Report Consumer Price Index, PSA said the inflation rate in the region further accelerated from 9.6% reported in September.

The region comprises the provinces of Davao del Oro, Davao del Norte, Davao del Sur, Davao Occidental, Davao Oriental, and Davao City.

The inflation rate for the whole country in October was 7.7%.

The PSA said the increase in inflation rate in the region was largely caused by the movement in the prices of alcoholic beverages and tobacco at 12.2% from 10.3%, and food and non-alcoholic beverages at 11.7% from 10.5% in September.

Mackie Macalipes, head of the City Economic Enterprise, told Davao City Disaster Radio (DCDR 87.5) on Friday that the opening of 24/7 Davao Food Terminal Complex in Barangay Daliao, Toril in Davao City last October 18 would help stabilize the prices of vegetables and

WITH the relaxed protocols on Covid 19 pandemic, the Mindanao Daily Group holds today its signature CSR narrative — the 9th Mindanao Business Leaders and Entrpreneur Awards at the posh Ayala Centrio Event Center, Tuesday, November 8, 2022, 3pm onwards.

On this day, outstanding business leaders and entrepreneurs

in Mindanao are acknowledged of their contributions to the progress of the region despite the health crisis brought about by Covid-19 pandemic for over two years.

They will be honored of their extraordinary resilience and dedicated service as frontrunners of development in Mindanao amid the many challenges in running

Price freeze still in effect in Zambo due to ‘Paeng’

By FRENCIE CARREON MindaNews

ZAMBOANGA CIty – Mayor John Dalipe implemented on Wednesday a 60-day price freeze on basic commodities in the city following the devastation wrought by

Typhoon “Paeng,” which displaced over 10,000 families and causing damage to infrastructure worth P121 million.

Claire Pesebre, DTI-ZC

The mayor gave his nod on the price freeze during an emergency meeting of the

Local Price Coordinating Council (LPCC), which he chairs, on All Souls’ Day.

“As local chief executive, I share the sentiments of my people. The aftermath brought by Typhoon ‘Paeng’

1st nat'l coco industry dev'tplan rolls out in DavOr

MATI City – The first-ever rollout of the Coconut Farmers and Industry Development Program (CFIDP) commenced here on Thursday. "This time around is the actual implementation of Year 1. We just started today because

half of the fund was given in July," Philippine Coconut Authority (PCA) administrator Benjamin Madrigal Jr. said in an interview. After the enactment of Republic Act 11524, or the “Coconut Farmers and Industry Trust Fund Act”, the

PCA as the government agency primarily tasked to develop the coconut industry, led the crafting of the CFIDP in collaboration with the Development Academy of the Philippines. Madrigal said the CFIDP serves as the basis

PNP chief installs new Caraga police director

BUTUAN City – The new director of the Police Regional Office in Caraga Region (PRO-13) assumed his post in a ceremony held Wednesday morning at Camp Col. Rafael C. Rodriguez in Barangay Libertad here.

Outgoing PRO-13 director Brig. Gen. Romeo Caramat Jr. welcomed Philippine National Police (PNP) Chief Gen. Rodolfo Azurin Jr. and incoming PRO-13 director Brig. Gen. Pablo Labra II. Top officials of Caraga

Region witnessed the turnover ceremony on Wednesday led by Agusan del Norte Gov. Maria Angelica Rosedell Amante, Surigao del Sur Gov. Alexander Pimentel and Agusan del Norte First

POLICE/PAGE 7

for the use of the coco levy fund through various programs and projects that would consolidate the benefits and ensure increased income for coconut farmers and farm workers, alleviate them from poverty, and achieve social equality and competitiveness. "This is actually the coco levy fund. The law said that a minimum of P5 billion should be given to the coconut farmers through the implementing agencies identified," he explained. Under the law, the plan includes national programs for the social protection

of coconut farmers, farm workers, and their families, farmers’ organization and development, innovative research projects and their practical application, community-based enterprises and integrated processing of coconut and downstream products. Madrigal said the framework also provides directions for pre-implementation, coordination, implementation structures and mechanisms, financial and risk management, and monitoring and evaluation. He noted that as the kickoff area,

Republic of the Philippines

SUPREME COURT 10th Judicial Region

Davao Oriental is one of the biggest producers of coconut in the country. Records from the PCA show that this province has about 112,767 coconut farmers and 144,620 hectares of coconut plantation. About 68.2 percent of the coconut farmers owned less than two hectares of land. In a video message, Senator Cynthia Villar said more than PHP75 billion from the coco levy would be rightfully given to an estimated 2.5 million coconut

REGIONAL TRIAL COURT OF MISAMIS ORIENTAL Cagayan de Oro City OFFICE OF THE EXECUTIVE JUDGE

IN THE MATTER OF THE PETITION FOR NC-2022-238 COMMISSION AS NOTARY PUBLIC FOR AND IN THE CITY OF CAGAYAN DE ORO AND MUNICIPALITIES OF MISAMIS ORIENTAL, ATTY. ROSA LYNNE V. ALMONTE , X - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - /

IN THE MATTER OF THE PETITION FOR NC-2022-239 COMMISSION AS NOTARY PUBLIC FOR AND IN THE CITY OF CAGAYAN DE ORO AND MUNICIPALITIES OF MISAMIS ORIENTAL, ATTY. DIXIE GALE G. OLAPE, X - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -/

IN RE: PETITION FOR COMMISSION NC-2022-240 AS NOTARY PUBLIC ATTY. FRANCIS EDMUND D. ORTIZ, X - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -/

IN THE MATTER OF THE APPLICATION FOR NC-2022-241 NEW COMMISSION AS NOTARY PUBLIC FOR IN THE CITY OF CAGAYAN DE ORO AND PROVINCE OF MISAMIS ORIENTAL, ATTY. CHIT LEONELLE ISAIAH RARAN BAÑAS, X - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -/ ORDER

Atty. Rosa Lynne V. Almonte, Atty. Dixie Gale G. Olape, Atty. Francis Edmund D. Ortiz , and Atty. Chit Leonelle Isaiah Raran Bañas 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 November 15, 2022 , 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 26th day of October 2022, Cagayan de Oro City.

(SGD) ARTHUR L. ABUNDIENTE Executive Judge

PH factories continue to improve in October

THE condition of the domestic manufacturing sector improved in October 2022, according to the S&P Global Philippines Manufacturing Purchasing Managers’ Index (PMI) report on Wednesday.

S&P Global recorded a softer growth for Philippine factories last month at 52.6 from 52.9 in September.

S&P Global Market Intelligence economist Maryam Baluch said the continued improvement of the manufacturing score in October signaled growth in buying activities and employment among local producers.

“The latest PMI data revealed yet another round of expansion across the

Filipino manufacturing sector. Demand conditions continued to improve, resulting in a further rise in output and new business placed at good producers,” Baluch said.

Demand from abroad slowed down the manufacturing performance last month, as overseas orders logged its sharpest

contraction since the decline began in March this year.

As inflation gained pace in October, S&P Global said price pressures continued to burden Philippine-based manufacturers.

“Despite input costs increasing at a quicker rate, firms raised their charges at a slightly lower pace. The seasonally adjusted index

Stable supply of basic goods in Paeng-stricken areas assured

THE Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) said supply of basic commodities in areas hit by Severe Tropical Storm Paeng remains stable.

In a statement Wednesday, DTI Secretary Alfredo Pascual said the agency is closely coordinating with manufacturers and retailers of basic necessities to ensure timely replenishment of inventories, especially in calamity-stricken areas.

“The prices and supply of basic necessities and prime commodities are generally stable based on the latest nationwide situational

report,” he said.

Pascual said the agency intensifies its market monitoring to ensure adequate supply of goods in areas affected by the tropical cyclone and to check if retailers adhere to the price freeze in areas placed under state of calamity.

“We remind businesses and traders to comply with the price freeze on basic necessities in areas under state of calamity,” he added.

Under the Republic Act 7581, or the Price Act, prevailing prices of basic goods should be maintained

for 60 days once the area is declared under a state of calamity.

Basic necessities include canned fish, locally manufactured instant noodles, bottled water, bread, processed milk, coffee, candles, laundry soap, detergent and salt.

Likewise, the Department of Energy (DOE) reminded that a price freeze for household liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) and kerosene is being implemented in local government units (LGUs) under state of calamity.

At the start of the month, oil firms implemented a price rollback on LPG by P3.50 to P3.55 per kilogram.

This should reflect a decrease of P38.50 to P39.05 for a regular 11-kilogram LPG cylinder.

“During the price freeze, rollback of prices will be implemented, while price increases are strictly prohibited within the 15day period from date of LGU's declaration of state of calamity,” DOE said.

fell for the second month in a row, to signal the softest uptick in output charges since February,” the report said.

Baluch said manufacturing firms remained optimistic in the next 12 months as the industry continued to grow, but supply-side constraints and rising global inflation still weighed on the domestic

manufacturing sector.

“Anecdotal evidence noted shipping delays, bad weather, and congestion continued to hamper production. Moreover, currency weakness and global price rises in energy and materials resulted in the rate of input price inflation regaining momentum,” she added. (PNA)

Jesien N. Dadios Instructional Manager Alternative Learning System Naawan District

Allocation of Program Support Funds for Calendar Year 2022, all Regions, except BARMM shall receive the Program Support Funds (PSF). The budget breakdown is determined by Department of Education allocated budget for the ALS program, as reflected in the General Appropriations Act (GAA), approved eligible activities, and allowable expenses. Further, the PSF allocated per Region Office shall be based on the programmed and priority activities identified by the Executive Committee (Execom) Member in charge of the ALS Program or the budget proposal of ALS related programs and activities submitted by the ALS Regional Focal Persons. The PSF may be further downloaded to the Schools Division Offices or

to the School Level by the Regional Offices as may be deemed necessary by the ALS Regional Focal Person, provided such downloading is duly approved by the Regional Director. The allocation of the PSF for succeeding school years shall be released through a memorandum, as applicable.

The Program Support Funds shall have three (3) components: First, Support to Operations; second, Regional/ Division Trainings of ALS Teachers; and third, Reproduction of Learning Materials for the Regional/ Division Trainings. The modality and training design of Regional/Division Trainings of ALS Teachers and other capability building activities shall be subject to the consultation with and quality assurance of

the National Educators Academy of the Philippines (NEAP) on the different training modalities to be adopted during and after the pandemic. During the pandemic, the modality for the conduct of capability building activities, trainings, and workshops shall depend on the COVID-19 Alert Level System set by the national and local InterAgency Task Force for the Management of Emerging and Infectious Diseases (IATFI, as well as the most recent DepEd rules and/or polices.

The ALS operation will be supported by these principles, and student performance will also increase. The work of ALS teachers will be aided, particularly when it comes to instructing students in community learning centers.

LGUs that declared state of calamity due to Paeng include the provinces of Aklan, Albay, and Cavite; Cotabato City, Zamboanga City, the City of San Pablo in Laguna, and the City Sto.Tomas in Batangas; municipalities of Pigcawayan in Cotabato, Upi in Maguindanao, Tibiao in Antique, and Amulung in Cagayan; and the entire Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao. (PNA)

ABOITIZ Power Corp. reported a 65% increase in thirdquarter net income to P9.2 billion largely due to the two units of its coal-fired power plant in Bataan that started contributing to the company.

“We have seen peak energy demand continue picking up in Luzon and Visayas during this past quarter, exceeding pre-pandemic levels. Our new capacities have been delivering much-needed energy to the grid during its commissioning period,” Emmanuel V. Rubio, president and chief executive officer of AboitizPower, said in a regulatory filing on Wednesday.

Aside from the fresh contributions from GNPower

Dinginin Ltd. Co.’s units 1 and 2, the energy arm of the Aboitiz group also cited higher water inflows and gains from commodity hedges for the profit rise.

Including one-off gains, the company also reported a consolidated net income of P9.6 billion, 72% higher than a year ago.

The company said it booked non-recurring gains of P310 million in the third quarter, in contrast to the P41-million nonrecurring losses recorded in the same quarter last year.

JANUARY-SEPTEMBER

PERFORMANCE For the ninemonth period, the company reported a core net income of P18.3 billion, 16.6% higher than

the P15.7 billion booked in the same period last year.

With one-off gains, its consolidated net income climbed by 24.2% to P19.5 billion from P15.7 billion in the same period last year.

As of September, AboitizPower said it recorded non-recurring gains of P1.2 billion, driven by the appreciation of the US dollar, compared with P36 million in non-recurring losses recorded a year ago.

Its generation and retail supply business recorded a 20.7% increase in earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation, and amortization (EBITDA) to P39 billion from P32.3 billion in 2021.

AboitizPower’s core net income up 65% on Dinginin power plant’s contribution

EVEN though she wasn't competing, 18-yearold Chezka Galias and a 12th grader at ABCCA looks dazzling while making her appearance at the CDO Toy Show cosplay competition at Limketkai Center in Cagayan de Oro City last October 30. PHOTO BY HAROLD LAGUNSAD

Implementing guidelines on the release , receipt, utilization, monitoring and reporting of program support funds for Alternative Learning System for calendar year 2022 and years thereafter.

HAVE MY SAY

On flood mitigation in CDO

ROCKINGHAM, North Carolina—It’s been several days since my hubby Ronnie and I returned to hearth and home for his recovery and small steps aside, it feels great to be back in one’s own humble abode, coughs and colds notwithstanding.

As we continue on our respective roads to recovery, I sift through my Facebook feed and what do I see but disturbing news about the successive floods that struck Cagayan de Oro City in the past few days. First in Bugo and Cugman where there were supposedly three casualties (all seniors) last Sunday (Oct. 16) and then followed by Barangays Tablon, Cugman, FS Catanico and Gusa last Wednesday (Oct. 19).

Hundreds of families were displaced of course (a conservative estimate I think based on what I heard from sources) and traffic congestion flared up in the affected areas as the City Disaster Risk Reduction Management (CDRRMD) and other related agencies really worked overtime to rescue families and house them in either classrooms or barangay halls.

As is the case there will always be a lot of finger pointing and blaming but at its core is

the collective impatience and demand by a growing number of Kagay-anons for better flood mitigation measures, something which Cagayan de Oro City Mayor Rolando ‘Klarex’ Uy mentioned in his recent ‘100 days’ report at the City Hall quadrangle.

The multi-million peso mega-dike (flood control) project being implemented by the national government in Cagayan de Oro City had yet to be completed which is seen to help greatly in controlling the floods that usually hit the city in the later part of the year. I can only hope along with city residents that things won’t get worse in the days to come unless something else is happening that’s affecting the city’s capacity to stem the floodwaters.

KLAUS DORING

Do you always count the days up to the next legal holiday without being on duty? Or do you start as early as September longing for Christmas? And do you wish the weeks or months to hopefully pass by like an assault up to the next possible salary increase?

Many times we are really in too much of a hurry while feeling uncomfortable if we notice how time flies. We have no time for someone or something, or even for ourselves.

One reason we are so harried and

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

Learn from yesterday, live for today, hope for tomorrow

hurried is that we make yesterday and tomorrow our business, when all that legitimately concerns us is today. If we really have too much to do, there are some items on the agenda which God did not put there. Let us submit the list to Him and ask Him to indicate which items we must delete. There is always time to do the will of God. If we are too busy to do that, we are too busy. I love the thoughts of author Elisabeth Elliot (1926-2015).

When I was still a teenager, I was longing for the time to be a grown up already. Later, I enjoyed listening to my grandmother's stories such as "Once Upon A Time" or ``When I Was Young" from her "yesterday's life".

After a couple

of years, especially while observing that time really flies like a rocket to the moon, I always have the same question in my mind: Are the present hours and days less valuable?

These days between Christmas and New Year, between yesterday and tomorrow, I used to slow down and to relax. I even ignore my cellphone most of the time. I hide at a secret place to unwind.

The next turn of the year is soon around the corner. For most of us it's the time to come to our senses. The future prospects smile at us already. What might the New Year 2023 bring us? Another hectic schedule of course! But hopefully also happiness, joy and health. Hopefully more peace.

Is life in the future easier, nicer, more charming and more fulfilling compared to the present? Many of us retreat into the past and forget their present existence. A possible topsy-turvy world of a golden youth tries to let us forget that also the past have had its share of disappointments, pains, tears, darkness, as well as desperate days. Dreamy and sleepy days - yes, lost days, irretrievable time... .

I am glad and happy being able to live a wonderful life as an expatriate here in the Philippines since 1999 - together with my family and some very good friends. It hasn't been easy during the first years. Now we stand on our own feet, because we worked hard and adjusted very well.

The pitfall traps to PH modernization

I was recently invited to speak at the “Think Asia” global forum entitled “A dialogue amongst leading think tanks in Asia for the 21st century 2022: Asia in a Complex World” held on Nov. 2, 2022.

The introduction to the forum explained, “’Think Asia’ seeks to affect policy development and public discourse through dialogue among leading Asian think tanks. The initial dialogue will be held on Nov, 2nd 2022

in Singapore. It will be jointly organized by China Forum (CF) of Tsinghua University, Academy of Contemporary China and World Studies (ACCWS) from China, and East Asian Institute (EAI) of National University of Singapore (NUS). Many leading organizations from all over Asia will also contribute their voices to this dialogue.”

The briefer explained, “Since the turn of the century,

Asia has seen some of the most dynamic economies and the strongest growth in the world. In an increasingly volatile world, Asia’s regional security and pace of development has remained generally stable; however, sustained global instability and regional divisions remain significant challenges. How can Asia navigate this situation, maintaining peace while pursuing prosperity? Think

tanks have a critical role to play in developing new ideas to support decision makers, as they face new challenges.

“The initial dialogue is the first forum to occur after the 20th National Congress of the Communist Party of China, providing a valuable opportunity to obtain early review of China’s new direction.

DANTE

ALLAN MARIO MEDIANTE Vice President for Corporate Affairs

JOE FELICILDA Vice President for Administration

RUFINO T. MAGBANUA Vice President for Business Development NECART HALASAN Vice President for Operations

ROSE MARY D. SUDARIA, P h D Vice President for Finance

MIKE BAÑOS Vice President for Digital

SUSAN'S NOTES

SUSAN PALMES-DENNIS

PHIL-CHINA WATCH

Herman Tiu Laurel

Banking & finance

New fiscal measures vs. rise in debt needed: economist

NEW fiscal reform measures are needed to help address the rise in government liabilities, the recent of which are mostly due to pandemic-related financing, an economist said.

On Thursday, the Bureau of the Treasury (BTr) reported the rise in the national government’s outstanding debt to record-high P13.517 trillion as of September 2022.

In a report, Rizal Commercial Banking Corporation (RCBC) chief economist Michael Ricafort attributed the jump in government debt partly to the issuance of around P118 billion worth of United States dollar-denominated bonds and the impact of weakening of the local currency against the greenback.

Ricafort said with the rise in government debt since 2020 due mainly to the pandemic, the current government “may still need to further intensify tax revenue collections based on existing tax laws, come up with new taxes/tax reform measures, increase tax rates, among others,

to further boost structural sources of government revenues.”

He said new taxes such as those for digital transactions “are based on principles of fairness.”

“New taxes and higher tax rates need to be fair, equitable, and progressive, especially targeted to those that can afford them or those from the higher income brackets or at least prevent adding burden to the poor, most vulnerable sectors, and/or those hit hard by the pandemic,” he added.

Aside from new measures that are targeted to increase government revenues, Ricafort said the administration also needs to “adopt more disciplined spending through fiscal reform measures such as right-sizing the government, anti-corruption/antileakage/anti-wastage measures” to help lessen the government’s budget gap and address its liabilities.

He said the intensified tax collections from existing tax laws may not be enough and would inevitably require new FISCAL/PAGE 7

THE Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas on Friday said the elevated inflation rate has seen to persist towards the end of the year due to upside risks but will likely decelerate in 2023.

“Inflation is projected to remain elevated for the rest of 2022 but will likely decelerate in 2023 due to easing global oil and non-oil prices, negative base effects from transport

fare adjustments in 2022, and as the impact of BSP’s cumulative policy rate adjustments take hold on the economy,” BSP said in a press statement.

The central bank said that although the projected outlook is that risks remain on the upside until next year, they “are seen to be broadly balanced for 2024.” Earlier the Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA)

reported another surge in the domestic inflation rate last October when it climbed to 7.7 percent, the highest since December 2008.

Last month’s inflation rate was a little short of a 1 percent jump from September’s 6.9 percent, and 4 percent higher than last year’s, bringing the average inflation to date to 5.4 percent, further exceeding the government’s

2-4 percent target band.

The latest inflation print remains within the central bank’s 7.1-7.9 percent projection.

“The potential impact of higher global non-oil prices, additional transport fare hikes, increased food prices owing to weather disturbances, and a sharp rise in sugar prices, are the

BSP: Inflation likely to decelerate in 2023 Metrobank posts 45% jump in Q3 net income

GROWTH in loans and interest income boosted Metropolitan Bank & Trust Company’s (Metrobank) net income in the third quarter of 2022 to P23.4 billion, up 45 percent year on year.

The bank said Thursday its earnings

from July to September rose by 77 percent annually to P7.8 billion. It said net interest income jumped by 10 percent to P62.1 billion while the net interest margin improved by 3.5 percent.

Total loans rose by 12 percent year on year

to P1.4 trillion due mainly to the 15 percent expansion in corporate and commercial loans and the 22 percent rise in credit card receivables.

During the same period, non-interest income remains stable due to the 15 percent increase in charges.

The operating cost amounted to P44.5 billion, with the cost-toincome ratio improved to 54.4 percent from last year’s 59 percent.

Non-performing loans (NPLs) accounted for 2.1 percent of total loans,

MINDANAO

CREDIBLE RELIABLE IN-DEPTH

Transforming Mindanao Agri towards a food-secure future

By Mike Baños

Some of the Philippines’ best and brightest minds proposed a package of solutions to direct the island towards a “food-secure future” during the third plenary of the Mindanao Food Congress held October 28, 2022 at a local hotel.

University of Science and Technology of Southern Philippines (USTP) President Ambrosio B. Cultura II PhD set the tone for the morning’s presentations by proposing the optimization of the Science & Technology Park as a “driver for the metropolization” of Metro Cagayan de Oro.

Driver for Metropolization

In his presentation on the Role of Science and Technology Parks in Food Innovation and Sustainability, Dr Cultura stressed the need for instantaneous and collaborative action to achieve zero hunger.

He shared with the audience USTP’s strategy to establish a vibrant innovation ecosystem in region 10, and USTP’s plan to establish three S&T parks: AGILA, AGROPOLIS and Villanueva, with

seven component centers using the quadruple helix approach of collaboration.

Pagtanaw 2050

For her part, Acd Rhodora V. Azanza PhD, Professor Emeritus, UP Diliman, and National Academy of Science and Technology President, presented Pagtanaw 2050’ Science, Technology and Innovation Foresight, a living document of the Philippine- focused Science, Technology, and Innovation (STI) Foresight and Strategic Plan.

Pagtanaw 2050 contains NAST’s recommendation on how the Philippines should move into the future given old and new challenges (poverty, pandemic, climate change, 4th Ind and regional politics), and the increasing population 144M by 2050. It provides information on coastal and marine resources, and the most important conditions that the country should attain.

ACD Azanza said PAGTANAW 2050 identifies the uncertainties, risks, and shocks and black swans that may arise during the implementation of the STI inputs for the national development

agenda, intended to benefit 144 million Filipinos by the year 2050.

She invited Local Chief Executives, leaders in government and the private sector, and academe, to utilize PAGTANAW 2050 as provided in a Memorandum No. 61 S 2022 of the Office of the President. “Approving the 2022 Strategic Investment Priority Plan”.

The main goal of the document is to chart a strategic path by anticipating the factors that will influence the development of the Philippines’ scientific capital in the years leading up to 2050.

Among the objectives of Pagtanaw 2050 as presented by Acd Azanza are: Develop the Philippines’ scientific capital in the years leading to 2050; Chart Strategic Science, Technology and Innovation ( STI ) pathways; Mobilize vigilance on cooperative action plans; Identify emerging paths and source areas for development in S&T; anticipate potential impacts to society (economic, social and environmental); and

Highlight emerging opportunities and threats.

Among the Major Disruptive Sciences and Technologies that we should see, detect, sense, and know more about include Basic Sciences, Mathematics and Statistics, Biotechnology, Neuroscience, Nanotechnology and New Materials, Big Data, Artificial Intelligence, Sensorization and the Internet of Things, Circular Economy, Conflict and Disruptions, Dynamics of technological change, and Impact studies esp. on Inequality.

The document also suggests significant drivers of change and enablers, and provides insights and reflections on plausible STI development paths that will impact on the aspirations of the Filipino people and development of the nation towards 2050.

Its 12 key operational areas include the Blue Economy, Governance, Business and Trade, Digital Technology/ Information and Communications Technology, Science Education and Talent Retention,

Food Security and Nutrition, Health System, Energy, Water, Environment and Climate Change; Shelter, Transportation,

and Infrastructure; and Space Exploration.

Azanza stressed how the Philippines is at the center of the center of marine biodiversity in the world, thus the overarching need to protect our marine and coastal resources.

Labor Market Intel

Meantime, Ms. Melissa Dominique C. Guino, Project Research officer. Philippine Chamber of Commerce and Industry-Human Resources Development Foundation Inc. (PCCI-HRDF) shared the results of the study on Labor Market Intelligence Report (LMI) on the fruits and vegetable processing sector.

The study identified possible human resource development interventions and improvements within the fruits and vegetables processing (F&V P) sector to serve as baseline data. It contains inputs from various stakeholders in the government, industry and academe in seven study areas.

Among the findings of the study are opportunities in the sector against the backdrop of

the Industrial Revolution 4.0, and an overview of skills demands and possible career development pathways in F&V P.

Additional areas to be looked into are Employee-Employer relationships, Skills gap and Improvement which includes food safety, IT, among others; and Moving forward strategies for the F&V P sector.

The study further recommends the formulation of an HR Training Plan; Improved Student Internship program; and Training on food safety standards, warehousing and logistics, among others.

Agri Innovations in India

Not the least, Mr. Nishikant Singh, First secretary, Economic and Commerce, Embassy of India Manila presented Success Stories of Agri Innovations in India which the Mindanao agriculture sector could adopt.

He described agriculture in India as an ever evolving landscape with many learnings such as digital technology in agriculture which encompasses the value chain system with increasing efficiency including

fruits in the local markets as the local retailers could get their supply at a lower price.

According to the City Information Office, “All fruits and vegetables from neighboring regions will be directed through the DFTC before reaching the retail markets” such as Agdao, Bankerohan, Buhangin, Piapi, Matina Crossing, Calinan, Toril, Sasa, and Tibungco,” making it easier for the local government to monitor prices.

According to the agency, clothing and footwear reported a slight increase in October at 4.7% as against 4.4% in September; furnishings, household equipment, and routine household maintenance at 6.5% from 5.9%; and health at 5.3% from 5% in the region.

However, the cost of housing, water, electricity, gas, and other fuels decreased from 9.3% to 8.4% last month in the region.

Zamboanga Peninsula’s inflation rate posted the second highest inflation rate in the country at 9.0% in October, although it improved from 9.6% recorded in September.

Meanwhile, the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao and Region 12 reported the lowest inflation in the country at 6.5% last month while Northern Mindanao and Caraga reported 7.2% and 7.8%, respectively.

the coronavirus.

In fact, MDN has to do its mission courageously without fear or favor — in all of its stories including the devastating sweep of Covid-19 pandemic, it being the biggest story in this generation.

The financial impact on businesses including the newspaper industry was not a walk in the park.

And for most community newspapers, MDN included, the struggle to survive is unprecedented, devastating, ravaging.

Notably, there was a record in the drop of advertisements that triggered the economic slowdown in the print industry.

The decrease in advertising was swift, as businesses had tightened their spending and operational cost, hence the result was a pain in the neck for publishers and owners of the print industry.

That being said, an extinction-level had hit hard for community newspapers as the PH economy struggles hard in this era of staggering fuel costs brought about by Russia-Ukraine war, high-tension inflation rates, floods triggered by typhoons and scores of hardships coming in many ways to mankind.

Just like any other businesses, the print industry is in a precarious position, with more smaller news outlets in the country are into the verge of closing down permanently.

beef, poultry products, cooking oil, candles, laundry soap and detergents, firewood, charcoal, and drugs classified as essential by the Department of Health (DOH).

Dalipe stressed that business establishments that are noncompliant shall be charged under R.A. 7581 for profiteering. The same law punishes anyone for hoarding, especially of essential commodities.

The Price Act distinguishes essential necessities from basic commodities. The former include flour, dairy products not falling under basic necessities, onions, garlic, vinegar, patis, soy sauce, toilet soap, fertilizer, pesticides and herbicides, poultry, livestock and fishery feeds and veterinary products, paper, school supplies, nipa shingles, sawali, cement, clinker, GI sheets, hollow blocks, plywood, plyboard, construction nails, batteries, electrical supplies, light bulbs, steel wire, all drugs not classified as essential drugs by the Department of Health, and such other goods as may be included under the mechanism established by the Price Act.

Meanwhile, Dr. Elmeir Jade Apolinario, head of the City Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office, said over 10,000 families, or about 60,000 individuals, from 50 barangays have been affected by the typhoon.

The hardest hit barangays, he said, are Ayala, Tulungatong, Tugbungan, Tumaga, and Putik.

rating,” he said. The share of the government’s debt to total output of the country is around 62.1 percent as of endJune this year, already lower after hitting a 17-year high of 63.5 percent in the previous quarter. (PNA)

District Rep. Jose Aquino.

In his message, Caramat thanked the local government units (LGUs), the Armed Forces of the Philippines, the private sector, and the communities for their full support of the campaigns of PRO-13 against criminality and terrorism.

“During those days, we have our ups and downs. But with the support and cooperation of everyone, we emerged victorious with all the battles we face, putting trust in each other and taking inspiration in realizing our mission of providing only the best police service that the people truly deserved,” Caramat said.

He also recognized the support and achievements of all officers and personnel of PRO-13 during his stint as regional director for a period of two years and 42 days.

lower than the industry’s rate of 3.6 percent in August, the bank said.

Metrobank president Fabian S. Dee traced these developments to the company’s decision to “take on opportunities as the economy reopened while keeping our balance sheet strong and improving efficiency level.”

“Our position of strength and substantial reserves will enable us to continue supporting our customers as they navigate the impact of the global external headwinds,” he added. (PNA)

Power...

from page 6

And More

More strategies and ideas were put forth in the Panel Discussion Moderated by Mr. John Carlo B. Tria, Past President, Davao City Chamber of Commerce and Industry, Inc.

Among those proposed were Investment promotion activities for S&T parks; Harnessing further the blue economy in Mindanao; Effectiveness of Apps in faroff areas, the “mental-inertia concept” and its comparative and competitive advantages.

“The younger people are more techy. The current farmers are aging. We need technology to modernize agriculture and promote food security. This means that we need to inspire our young people to be innovative farmers,” Mr. Tria noted.

their business interests if only to survive the health crisis that had scared mankind on a global scale.

On the part of Mindanao Daily Group, the pandemic years had been painted with gloomy landscapes, yet the will to survive was there, ever present and always on a positive outlook that all these challenges shall come to pass in a matter of time.

And indeed, the MDN Group, nothwithstanding the many downside of things, had this CSR event revived primarily aimed at sending a strong message to all and sundry that business life in the fastlane is alive and kicking.

Supporting this landmark event are Mindanao Daily’s partners ever willing to engage to make this CSR undertaking a venue of recognizing the many efforts of Mindanao business in bringing the economy back to life.

The Mindanao Daily Group had been on the edge on the survival cliff over the pandemic years, yet it struggled to stay fit and strong, even to the extent of creating a digital platform called MDNN - the Mindanao Daily News Network.

With a journalism mantra of providing the reading public with an eye on engaging Truth, Justice and Progress, Mindanao Daily Group will definitely stay the course, no matter what.

After all, Mindanao Daily Group has survived the test of time after years of lockdowns, quarantines and strict health protocols.

Survival measures include the reduction of print days downsized into few pages, followed by staff furloughs and limited the number of issues to stay afloat in an industry so severely affected by Covid-19 pandemic.

Unlike a struggling daily in town that folded unceremoniously, MDN’s survival instinct has remained intact, strong and solid as ever to withstand the health crisis never imagined to hit hard on the economy so badly on a global scale.

This is the story of a regional newspaper that knows no fear, nor daunt under the weight of

Already about 1,800 newspapers had closed down permanently worldwide following the number of people buying print editions had dropped significantly.

As the journalism industry attempts to adapt to the new normal, people now get their news online, social media being the easiest and most convenient source of information these days of pandemic lockdowns. This is the primarily context why the MDNN came into being.

The fight for survival is real for community newspapers like MDN to stay afloat amid the many economic challenges ahead as the year 2022 is about to end.

Yet for 10 solid years, the Mindanao Daily Group has proved its worth as Mindanao’s only regional newspaper and one way to say thank you is this CSR offering aptly dedicated to honor the outstanding men and women of Mindanao Business. (ruffy44_ ph2000@yahoo.com)

“Home-based tagging is ongoing, and figures of affected families are expected to go up to 35,000, translating to 100,000 individuals,” Apolinario said. He pointed out that not all are in the 42 identified evacuation sites.

Typhoon Paeng’s damage to Zamboanga City so far totaled at P121 million pesos in infrastructure, P1.86 million in agricultural crops, 44.4 hectares of rice fields and vegetable farms.

“It was the men and women of PNP Caraga who did the job. All of the accomplishments are the results of your efforts and sacrifices. You have done an excellent job making PRO-13 the home of the brave, friendly, peacecentered police force. You deserve all the recognition,” Caramat said.

Labra also showed gratitude for the trust and confidence given to him by Azurin and Interior and Local Government Sec. Benjamin Abalos Jr. for giving him the opportunity to lead the police force in the Caraga Region.

“I am also thankful to the local government leaders and community stakeholders of this region for giving me this chance. I will not put this to waste, as I have always done, I am giving my full attention and commitment to serve the people of PRO-13,” Labra said.

The company attributed the rise to fresh contributions from GNPower’s two units, higher availability of the GNPower Mariveles Energy Center Ltd. Co. facility, higher water inflows and gains from commodity hedges.

AboitizPower’s distribution businesses recorded an EBITDA of P4.8 billion, 21.3% lower than the P6.1 billion recorded in the corresponding period last year.

Further, nine-month electricity sales stood at 21,892 gigawatthours (GWh) versus the 18,442 GWh sold last year.

“We remain focused on our objective to grow our renewable energy portfolio, with our latest foray into wind power taking us closer to our targets. At the same time, we are ensuring our existing facilities continue to meet the Philippines’ baseload needs,” Mr. Rubio said.

Not the least, also recommended to transform Mindanao agriculture towards a food-secure future were Institutionalizing Inclusive Innovation collaboration for value adding and food manufacturing through S&T Parks; Harnessing Talent and Tools in Science and Technology to Innovate towards a Prosperous, Archipelagic, Maritime Nation by 2050; Utilizing the LMI reports to identify specific initiatives to promote upskilling of human resource in the food and vegetables processing sector; and learning from the success stories of Agri Innovations in India. (with a report from Engr. Romela N Ratilla, ARD, DOST-10)

AFFIDAVIT OF SELFADJUDICATION

will go from one problem to another, this is why the resolution passed through the ZCLPCC is a step to ensure our people that the administration is proactive in assisting them in their recovery,” Dalipe told MindaNews.

The LPCC cited section 6 of Republic Act No. 7581, or The Price Act, as amended by R.A. No. 10623, which provides that “unless otherwise declared by the President, prices of basic commodities in an area shall automatically be frozen at their prevailing price or placed under automatic price control whenever, among others, the area is declared under a state of calamity or emergency.”

The Sangguniang Panlungsod passed on October 29 Resolution No. 1533, which placed the city in a state of calamity.

Basic necessities, according to the local office of the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI), include rice, corn, root crops, processed milk, coffee, sugar, water in bottles and jars, bread, salt, fresh eggs, fresh vegetables and fruits, canned fish and other marine products, locally manufactured instant noodles, fresh and dried fish and other marine products, fresh pork,

farmers in the country. "Every year, there is a P5 billion or more budget will be allocated if the implementing agencies will follow their mandate as stipulated in the CFIDP," said Villar, the primary author of the Coconut Farmers and Industry Trust Fund Act (CFITF). She described the CFITF as a historic “game changer” that would change the country's coconut industry. Villar also urged the coconut farmers to enroll in the National Coconut Farmers Registry System, which will be assisted by the PCA. On the other hand, Basilio Adlawan Jr., federation president of the Small Coconut Farmers of Governor Generoso, said the launch of the CFIDP in the province was "a great milestone" that their forefathers had long been waiting for. "More or less, four decades and finally the coco levy fund is here and within grasp," he said. Adlawan said the enactment of the law would pave the way for the efficient use of the multi-billion-peso coconut levy to uplift the livelihood of millions of farmers and sustain the development of the country's coconut industry. (PNA)

He said under his leadership, he will prioritize the fight against illegal drugs and other forms of criminalities, strengthen the support programs and services for the personnel of PRO-13, and boost the partnership with the LGUs and communities under the Malasakit, Kaayusan, Kapayapaan, and Kaunlaran (MKK=K) program of the PNP.

He also assured that PRO13, under his command and leadership, will adhere to the rule of law in all its activities and operations.

Azurin, in his message, was grateful to the presence of the LGU officials and the community leaders during the ceremony.

“We truly appreciate the presence of LGU officials and the community leaders who are our partners in promoting peace and security in our area,” Azurin said. (PNA)

Last month, AboitizPower through its subsidiary Aboitiz Renewables, Inc., inked a joint venture agreement with Mainstream Renewable Power for the development of a 90-megawatt (MW) onshore wind project in Libmanan, Camarines Sur.

AboitizPower plans to grow its portfolio to 4,600 MW of sustainably sourced energy by 2030. The company and its partners currently own a total net sellable capacity of 1,248 MW.

I, SUSAN SORIA JURADO , of legal age, Filipino, widow, and residing at Block 11, Lot 7 & 8, Vista Verde Village, Pueblo de Oro, Cagayan de Oro City, after having sworn to in accordance with law, jointly depose and state, That: I am the sole heir of the late WILLIAM MACASARTE JURADO passed away on May 09, 2017, left the following properties with TCT No. 137-2012000408 situated in Malanang, Opol, Misamis Oriental, containing an area of 120 SQ. M. and has been the subject of an AFFIDAVIT OF SELF-ADJUDICATION, filed by the heirs of WILLIAM MACASARTE JURADO, per DOC #36; PAGE #08; BOOK #IX; Series of 2020 under the Notarial Registry of ATTY. KATHLENE F. GONZALES-JAPUZ.

BWM: Oct. 24,31, & Nov. 7, 2022

farm machinery and automation, remote satellite data, traceability technologies and digital services.

The agency, however, noted that “the impact of a weakerthan-expected global economic recovery is the primary downside risk to the outlook.”

For example, 100 drones were deployed to farmers (kisan) so that they need not venture to the fields to monitor the health of their crops. There is also a website or app for farmers named “M’ Kisan” which provides easy access to vital information over mobile phones.

EXTRAJUDICIAL SETTLEMENT OF THE ESTATE OF FELIX UDTHAN ECHAVEZ WITH SPECIAL POWER OF ATTORNEY

tax/fiscal reform measures to curb additional borrowings by the government.

“Thus, tax reform and other fiscal reform measures, alongside faster economic growth, for the coming months/years would help ease the national government’s debt-to-GDP (gross domestic product) ratio to below the international threshold of 60 percent in the coming years and would help maintain/support the country’s relatively favorable credit ratings of 1-3 notched above the minimum investment grade

It said these current developments are to be reviewed by its policy-making Monetary Board (MB) during its rate-setting meeting on November 17 to check its impact on monetary policy.

“The BSP remains prepared to take all further monetary policy actions necessary to bring inflation back to the target over the medium term. The BSP also continues to strongly urge the timely implementation of non-monetary government interventions to mitigate the impact of persistent supply-side pressures on inflation,” it added. (PNA)

He described the benefits of digital agriculture such as its focus on predictive analysis and optimization of available resources, considering how land is finite, thus the need to emphasized the equation of minimizing input and maximizing output.

Congress participants were encouraged to learn more about digital agriculture in India by visiting these websites: IBEF India Brand Equity Foundation; Invest India; Digital India; and Startup India.

KNOW ALL MEN BY THESE PRESENTS: That the late FELIX UDTHAN ECHAVEZ , died intestate on August 19, 2018, without a will of testament, and at the time of his death, left A parcel of land with Original Certificate Title No. (P-41528) 159-2017000416, located at Purok Gumamela, Barangay Sta. Cruz, Rosario, Agusan del Sur, containing an area of Two Hundred Seventy Four (274) square meters, more or less, That we, LILIBETH N. ECHAVEZ, JONATHAN N. ECHAVEZ, SHANNA MAE N. ECHAVEZ, and JOVANY N. ECHAVEZ, are the legal heirs of the late FELIX UDTHAN ECHAVEZ, and has been the subject of EXTRAJUDICIAL SETTLEMENT OF THE ESTATE OF FELIX UDTHAN ECHAVEZ WITH SPECIAL POWER OF ATTORNEY, filed by the heirs of FELIX UDTHAN ECHAVEZ, per DOC#362; PAGE#73; BOOK#88; Series of 2022 under the Notarial Registry of ATTY. ALFREDO J. CARMEL.

Oct. 24,31, & Nov. 7, 2022