BusinessWeek Mindanao (October 31- November 2, 2022)

MINDANAO

Briefly

Social pendion

MEMBERS of senior citizen organizations are pushing for equal opportunities for the elderly in getting social pensions. In an interview Thursday, Benjamin Medina Sr., 80, president of the Office for Senior Citizens’ Affairs (OSCA) in Laguindingan, Misamis Oriental, said present social pension programs need to become inclusive. "Whether you are poor or a retiree from (the) government or private sector, everyone should be getting social pensions," he said.

Support for coffee infustry

DAVAO City – The Department of Agriculture's Philippine Rural Development Project (DA-PRDP) handed over P1.2 million in support funds to boost Davao Oriental province’s coffee industry. In a statement Thursday, DA-PRDP said the amount will fund the “Coffee Advancement for Productivity and Industry Development in the Province of Davao Oriental” convergence project under I-PLAN Subcomponent 1.2. “The I-PLAN subcomponent 1.2 provides support for training, research, and coordination for different priority commodities,” the DA-PRDP said.

Shift to corn

STO. TOMAS, Davao del Norte – The local chief executive here has called on the national government to help small-scale banana farmers address the onslaught of Fusarium wilt or Panama disease. In an interview Wednesday, Mayor Roland Dejesica said the Panama disease has reached alarming levels, forcing farmers to shift to corn and threatening the long term viability of the town's banana industry. According to Dejesica, Sto. Tomas town accounts for at least 70 percent of the total banana planted areas in Davao del Norte.

Despite protests, new coal project proceeds

By BONG S. SARMIENTO MindaNews

LAKE SEBU, South Cotabato

— In the remote mountain village of Ned, on the southern Philippine island of Mindanao, the arrival of heavy machinery signals that development is underway on a controversial, long-planned coal mine.

Villager Jimmy Batilaran Jr. said that at least 40 earthmoving machines, including dump trucks and backhoes, have been deployed to the mine’s development site since July.

“They operate even in the dead of the night,” he says. “Their dump trucks have been hauling at 1 in the morning, disturbing the community with the noise.”

Paeng leaves P111.4-M damage in N. Mindanao

THERE

million

Misamis Oriental.

The mine is being developed by Philippine conglomerate San Miguel Corp., which in 2010 purchased three companies holding mining contracts in the area: Daguma Agro Minerals Inc., Sultan Energy Philippines Corp., and Bonanza Energy Resources Inc.

The company estimates the mine can yield 180 million metric tons of

PBBM: Samal-Davao bridge to boost region's economy

Marcos made this remark after leading the lowering of a time capsule to signal the start of the bridge’s construction at

DAVAO City — Former

DAVAO City – President Ferdinand R. Marcos is confident that the PHP23billion Samal Island-Davao City Connector (SIDC) bridge

project will provide many economic opportunities to the Davao region by ensuring smoother mobility of people and goods once completed.

ROUSING WELCOME. The municipal government of Villanueva, Misamis Oriental led by Mayor Jennie-Uy Mendez (center) proudly presented the 25-member Villanueva Choral that bagged 3 major awards in the 2022 Busan Choral Festival and Competition held Oct. 19-21 in Busan, South Korea. The choral group, trained and honed by homegrown musician and conductor Ralph Ramos took the golden plaques in Pop, Acapela and Ethnic categories and was runnerup in the Grand Prix. Mayor Uy, together with her parents former congresswoman Juliette T. Uy and Atty. Julio Uy, feted the group with a homecoming celebration at the family-owned picturesque Julio’s Café in Mat-i, Claveria on Saturday, Oct. 29, 2022.

MISS BUAHANAN 2022. After two years haiatus due to Covid-19 restrictions, the Buahanan Festival in Camiguin Province is back. This year’s highlight, the search for Miss Buahanan 2022, is won by Irish Rain Sescon, runnerup Danielle McKaye Dela Cruz; 2nd runnerup Sophia Feen Angela Latar of Sagay, 3rd runnerup Rose Jane Israel of Mahinog. (photo by gerry lee gorit)

Sunday by the Regional Risk Reduction Management Council-10 (RDRRMC-10),

affected

the province was DAMAGE/PAGE 7

NorMin LGUs suspend classes due to TS Paeng

LOCAL government units (LGUs) in the Northern Mindanao region suspended classes on Friday due to the heavy rains brought by Tropical Storm Paeng. In Camiguin province, Governor Xavier Jesus Romualdo had to suspend even the scheduled activities for the day in their week-long Lanzones Festival. "Due to the heavy rainfall throughout the entire province, classes at all levels in Camiguin are now suspended," Romualdo said in a Facebook post. Mayor

Erick Cañosa of Gingoog City, Misamis Oriental province, and Mayor Azucena Huervas in Valencia City, Bukidnon province, also issued orders to suspend classes. "The tropical storm (Paeng) threatens the safety of our students in the 31 barangays, thus, the suspension of classes is deemed necessary," Huervas said in a memorandum order. Mabs Galvez, the focal person of the Office of the Civil Defense in Region 10, said local disaster risk reduction management

offices in every LGU are on standby and closely coordinating with the Regional Disaster Risk Reduction Management Council for the storm update. Based on initial reports at the operations center, Galvez said five LGUs in Bukidnon have issued class suspensions. "Preemptive evacuation of two families were done in Sitio Balbagon, Mambajao (Camiguin); and trips were canceled between Benoni port to Balingoan port (Misamis Oriental), vice-versa," she said. (PNA)

Cops, BOC seize P6.2-M smuggled cigarettes in Zambo Sur

ZAMBOANGA City – Authorities scored anew against smugglers with the seizure of P6.2 million worth of cigarettes and the arrest of three persons in Zamboanga del Sur, an

official said Friday. The contraband, consisting of 100 master cases and 3,900 reams of assorted brands of cigarettes worth P6.2 million, was seized in an intelligencedriven anti-smuggling

operation in Bag-ong Upper Tudela, Josefina, Zamboanga del Sur at about 5:53 p.m. on Thursday. Col. Richard Verceles, operations chief of the Area Police Command - Western

Republic of the Philippines

REGIONAL TRIAL COURT OF MISAMIS ORIENTAL 10TH Judicial Region Branch 17 Cagayan de Oro City

OFFICE OF THE PROVINCIAL SHERIFF NOTICE OF EXTRA-JUDICIAL SALE EJF-2022-1233

Upon extra-judicial petition for sale under Act No. 3135 filed by PHILIPPINE SAVINGS BANK , mortgagee, with principal office and place of business at PSBank Center, 777 Paseo de Roxas corner Sedeño Street, Makati City, against BONIFACIO T. LUNA , mortgagor, residing at Zone 4, Bayabas Boundary, Cagayan de Oro City, and Block 26, Lot 8, Westwoods Village, Canitoan, Cagayan de Oro City, Misamis Oriental, to satisfy the mortgage indebtedness which as of September 6, 2022, amounts to ONE MILLION FIFTY SEVEN THOUSAND ELEVEN PESOS & 23/100 (Php 1, 057,011.23), plus accruing interest, penalty and other charges, form the said date up to the date of foreclosure sale, publication, other foreclosure expenses, attorney’s fees and such other additional sums as are due form the mortgagor, the undersigned or her duly authorized deputy will sell at public auction on November 24, 2022 at 10:00 A.M. or soon thereafter at the Office of the Clerk of Court, Regional Trial Court, Branch 17, Hall of Justice, Goldridge Bldg., Mastersons Ave., Cor. PN Roa Ave., Upper Carmen, Cagayan de Oro City to the highest bidder, for cash or manager’s check and in Philippine Currency the following property with all improvements, to wit:

TRANSFER CERTIFICATE OF TITLE NO. 137-2018003453

LOT NO. : 8

BLOCK NO. : 26 PLAN NO. : PCS-10-004587

PORTION OF : BLOCK 27, PSD-10-040101; BLOCK 26, PSD-10-042128 LOT 7-A-1, PSD-10-062039

LOCATION : CANITOAN, CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY, ISLAND OF : MINDANAO

AREA : ONE HUNDRED TWENTY (120) SQUARE METERS, MORE OR LESS BOUNDARIES :Line 1-2 SW Lot 6, Block 26, PCS-10-004587 x x x . . . .

DESRIPTION OF CORNERS : ALL CORNERS ARE “PS” CYL. CONC. MONS. 15X50 CMS.

All sealed bids must be submitted to the undersigned on the above-stated date, time and place. In the event the public auction should not take place on the said date for whatever reason, the public auction will proceed on the next working day, without further notice, posting and publication.

Prospective buyers may investigate for themselves the title herein-above described and encumbrances thereon, if any there be.

October 10, 2022, Cagayan de Oro City.

BWM: Oct. 19,26, & Nov. 2, 2022

Mindanao, said a team of policemen and Bureau of Customs personnel flagged down a truck with three people on board at a checkpoint established after they received information about the shipment of illicit goods. Verceles

(SGD) FE O. BONTUYAN-BULARON Sheriff IV

said the truck, driven by Joselito Naparota, 37, was found to be loaded with cigarettes. Naparota and his two companions, Alejandro Naparota, 43, and Mohammad Hasan Julhani, 29, failed to present any documents

about their cargo. The confiscation of the smuggled cigarettes was the fourth in the region this week. The first involved P5.2 million worth of cigarettes seized in Barangay Sinunuc here on Sunday, and the second, worth P1.7 million seized in Barangay Kasanyangan, also in this city on Wednesday. Also on Wednesday, about P103,500 worth of smuggled cigarettes was confiscated in Labangan, Zamboanga del Sur. (PNA)

Banking & finance

Economists cite gains, add'l measures for PH credit rating

FITCH Ratings' affirmation of its investment-grade rating on the Philippines is seen to attract foreign investments even as economists cited the need for more fiscal measures.

On Thursday, Fitch Ratings retained the country's “BBB” rating with negative outlook as it sees domestic demand to remain strong and may provide for a 6.8 percent domestic output this year, among others.

The outlook reflects risks on “growth prospects, fiscal adjustment path and external buffers.”

Luis Limlingan, head of sales of equities firm Regina Capital Development Corporation, told the

Philippine News Agency (PNA) on Friday that the rating retention could at least prompt investors to look into the Philippines direction.

“As to the gravity of the inflows into our economy, in general, would still be a bit challenging to quantify,” he said.

Michael Ricafort, Rizal Commercial Banking Corporation, said the ratings affirmation, which was made for the third consecutive year, “would still help attract more foreign investments into the country from a bigger roster of international investors.”

“It would also help attract more credit/loans to the

country/government at a relatively lower cost and more favorable terms since a better credit rating lowers the country’s risk profile/risk premium amid the country’s improved economic and credit fundamentals,” he said in a message to the PNA.

Ricafort noted that the ratings outlook “highlights the need to further bring down/improve the country’s debt-to-Gross Domestic Product ratio from 62.1 percent to below the international threshold of 60 percent in the coming years through continued fiscal/tax reform measures to increase government revenues through intensified tax collections and also reduce

government expenditures.”

He said the administration’s rightsizing bid is one way to help decrease government expenditures.

The reduction in government spending will address the budget gap, lessen the need to borrow funds “and temper the growth in the government’s outstanding debt to prevent an actual credit rating downgrade from happening,” Ricafort said.

“On top of (these), antiwastage/anti-leakage/anticorruption (measures) will further reduce government expenditures to help further improve the country’s fiscal performance,” he added. (PNA)

Gov’t posts P179.8-Bbudget gap in September

LOWER year-on-year growth of spending against revenues resulted in the drop in the government’s budget gap in September 2022 to P179.8 billion from year-ago’s P180.9 billion.

Data released by the Bureau of the Treasury (BTr) on Wednesday showed that total

expenditures in the ninth month this year reached P468.6 billion, up 13.63 percent compared to the P412.4 billion posted in the same period in 2021.

However, revenue collections posted a higher expansion of 24.79 percent to P288.8 billion over year-ago’s P231.4 billion.

Effective Use of Technology Benefits Millions of Kids

by: Marionne Victoria M. Buna

We are aware that learning occurs most effectively when education is tailored to each child's needs and strengths, when each student's progress is monitored, and when immediate feedback is given. In order to guide students through arithmetic tasks in a personalized, dynamic manner based on what the student is ready to learn and their starting learning level, adaptive technology was deployed. Students with the lowest beginning performance made significant progress after three months. This demonstrates how technology has the ability to improve learning results, particularly for pupils who are falling behind their peers.

Moreover, technology already supports instructors, students, and the learning process in general in a significant way. It can assist teachers in better controlling the classroom and presenting various challenges to various kids. Additionally, technology enables smooth communication between teachers, parents, and pupils. Effective use of technology benefits

millions of kids, while millions more in the underdeveloped countries do not. Innovative answers to educational problems are emerging everywhere in a profession that is evolving at dizzying rates. Making technology a driver of equity and inclusion rather than a factor in increased opportunity inequality is our challenge. In order to support the appropriate and successful use of educational technologies to enhance learning, we are collaborating with partners across the globe.

Furthermore, building systems that provide learning to millions of children every day in thousands of schools is necessary for providing high-quality education. Effective policy design, strong political commitment, and implementation capacity are necessary for successful education changes. Of course, this is really difficult. Many nations fail to employ resources effectively, and frequently, greater education investment does not result in more learning or better human capital. Working at all

For the first nine months this year, the budget deficit went down by 11.09 percent year-on-year to P1.012 trillion over P1.139 trillion in the same period last year.

The latest budget deficit level of the country is 20.47 percent lower than the P1.273 trillion programmed for the

first three quarters of this year.

The improvement was traced to the jumps in the revenue collections of both the Bureau of Internal Revenue (BIR), which collects around 70 percent of total collections for the government, and the Bureau of Customs (BOC).

Revenues of the BIR last September grew by 12.58 percent to P173.6 billion and the BOC by 37.72 percent to P79.3 billion.

Bank exec eyes 2.8M downloads on lifestyle, payment application

AN official of the Bank of the Philippine Island (BPI) forecasts 2.8 million downloads on its latest lifestyle and payment app, Vybe, until the end of the year.

In a virtual briefing on Wednesday, BPI Digital Partnerships and Ecosystems head Frederick Faustino said downloading of the app is currently available exclusively for BPI online users.

“We expect at least half of our 5.6 million app users to download the app because there are several value propositions that we see in the app. Apart from having the payment wallet for our BPI clients, it also houses our reward program,” Faustino said.

Vybe app.

For next year, Faustino is optimistic that even non-BPI depositors will download the app, which gives users rewards every time he uses the app for payments.

He said an individual can download the app as long as he has a mobile phone number and will use his name for proper verification.

Faustino said the latest app is intended for micropayments, with amounts ranging from P200 to P500 per transaction.

Maximum amount that can be stored in the mobile wallet is P30,000.

levels of the system is necessary to overcome these obstacles.

At the national level, officials must entice the top specialists to create and carry out programs that are grounded in fact and tailored to each nation. Regional and Division Offices must have the resources and ability to help schools and monitor student progress. At the school level, principals must be taught and equipped to manage and lead schools, overseeing everything from resource allocation to teacher development.

Lastly, the benefits of investing in education require patience and perseverance by their very nature. In actuality, it will take a generation to fully appreciate the advantages of excellent teachers, efficient technology use, enhanced management of education systems, and engaged and prepared students. However, international history reveals that all nations with quickly accelerated development and affluence share the trait of taking education seriously and making wise investments.

As of endSeptember this year, BIR collections inched up by 12.29 percent to P1.73 trillion and BOC’s by 35.89 percent to P638.5 billion.

BIR’s collection goal for January to September this year is P1.767 trillion, making its total collections in the nine-month period this year lower by 1.99 percent.

On the other hand, the BOC exceeded by 17.76 percent its collection goal for the period amounting to P542.2 billion. (PNA)

He said that for one, BPI clients who have credit cards issued by the bank can check for their rewards through the

“The thinking is that if you’ll just want to use or keep it as a wallet, you will not put as much money. Most likely you will put your money in your BPI deposit account,” he added. (PNA)

2RC0000831068, TIN No. 463-826-272-000 – VAT. Reg., and with Business Permit No. 2020-04015. Tel. Nos.: (088)856-3344, (088) 810-100, 0923-4320687, 0917-7121424

MIKE

NELSON CONSTANTINO Editor-in-Chief

MIKE BAÑOS Motoring Editor

CRIS DIAZ Contributing Editors

ATTY. MARIO T. JUNI Cell No: 09352379999 Juni

Member: Philippine Press Institute

Oro Chamber

Day Dreaming

Think a minute… Someone said: “If you have more memories than dreams, then you’ve lost your passion for living.” Imagine if we lived our dreams with our eyes wide open. The problem is not that most people aim too high and miss, it is that they aim too low and hit. We usually get what we aim for. A highly successful man said: “You have to think anyway, so why not think big!”

Our dreams should not put us to sleep, but should wake us up to all our possibilities in life. A great leader put it this way: “The prize goes to the person who sees the future the quickest, and the best way to predict the future is to invent it.”

So if you and I can set our goals, then concentrate on reaching them, we can begin to live our life on purpose instead of by chance. But to make our dreams come true, we must live by three rules. First, start right now. Second, do your very best. Third, there are no exceptions to the first two rules.

The former world record holder in the mile run, Jim Ryan, said: “Dreams are what get you started, but discipline is what keeps you going all the way.”

Many times we see promising new businesses start up with success, but after awhile they fail and go out of business. They did not pay their debts. They lowered the standards

THINK A MINUTE

Any law student who wishes to pass the bar must put in the inner recesses of his thoughts that in this country, no one is above the law and that all must bow to its majesty. This is so because ours is “a government of laws and not of men.”

In fact, all political law books are unequivocal in their declara tion of the supremacy of the rule of law and that “a republican government is a responsible government whose officials hold and discharge their positions as a public trust and shall at all times be accountable to the people they are sworn to serve.”

When these words are ver balized in classrooms of law colleges and courts of law with all eloquence, one cannot help but be awed. Even more awe some are statements, such as, “let justice be done till heavens fall,” as boldly written on the wall behind a judge’s seat in a courtroom or those words por trayed on the wall conspicuously seen as one enters the Integrated Bar of the Philippines’ Building, “No master but law, no guide but honour, and no aim but justice.”

Against the backdrop of the enforcement of environmental laws, all of these legal pronounce ments, however eloquent in prose and style, are just empty rhetori

cal statements, “full of sound and fury, signifying nothing.” For in truth, while our country has the most comprehensive of laws in Asia as far as the environ ment is concerned, it is the most delinquent in law enforcement. Because of this, we have already lost our ecological integrity and based on the UN’s pronounce ment, “the Philippines is the 4th hardest hit country in the world by climate change.

This is Res Ipsa Loquitor, as the Philippines now faces an alarming environmental crisis and unless soon averted, will lead to our accelerating drive towards ecological disasters.

Look at what we have done to our forest ecosystem. De spite all the laws protecting the dipterocarp species and all the biodiversities of flora and fauna which are endemic only in the Philippines, the 17 million hectares of dipterocarp forest is almost gone that saw the massacre with impunity of billions of life forms that once lived in the forest.

From 1971 to 1988 alone, the loggers have harvested some 3.88 million hectares of virgin forests and have not at all complied with the terms and conditions of their contract of reforestation. In fact, the logging industry, despite amassing forty-eight billion dollars from1970 to 1988, had only contributed from 0.5% to 1.3% to the government revenue, based on the report of the Asian Development Bank.

It is a fact that the loggers have raked so much wealth and power to form a strong cabal of vested interest that has al lowed them to fragrantly violate forestry laws. One DENR top official once said that “loggers are more powerful than the government.” Please read the book of PCIJ’s distinguished

journalist, Ms. Marites Vitug, “Power from the Forest,” to erase any opinion to the contrary. The shameless loggers con tinue to mock forestry laws as manifested in their illegal cut ting of trees in the watersheds of Cagayan de Oro, Bukidnon and Lake Lanao, flagrantly violating the following laws: 1) the prohibition to cut trees in slopes that are of 50% gradient; (2) prohibition to cut in areas which are 1,000 meters above sea level and (3) prohibition to cut dipterocarp species.

A satellite map of CD0Lanao watershed revealed that today only 2,000 hectares of forest remain from 37,000 three decades ago with loggers carry ing recycled or xeroxed permits or without permit at all. As the loggers have sacrificed our dipterocarp forest to the altar of greed and profit, some 200,000 hectares in Mt. Kalatungan and Mt. Kitnglad Ramges are totally denuded. One inch of rainfull from these vast denuded areas means one meter of flood upon reaching the 200-ha. urban center of Cagayan de Oro. Ten inches means ten-meter high flood as what happened when Typhoon Sendong hit Cagayan de Oro on Dec. 17,2011 when some 3,000 people died.

All the massive hydraulic flush and open pit mining opera tions in the uplands of Cagayan de Oro up to Iligan City being done two decades ago were all illegal as these were highly inju rious, not only to the critical bal ance of nature but to human life itself. These illegal activities have not only destroyed 25-million Peso irrigation projects but have tremendously destroyed critical marine life, not to mention the vulnerability of the people of Cagayan de Oro to fatal flush floods as Iponan River is being

literally erased. The operation itself is so risky that 30 people have already died, including a former Barangay Captain. Yet, no law enforcement had been done despite the fact that laws are apparently and grossly violated.

Indeed, greed has no limit as far as logging and mining are concerned, even if their con tinued operations would mean death to many just to continue their massive raking.

We cannot allow anymore the fragrant mockery of exist ing environmental laws that wantonly belie the supremacy of the Law. The rule of law must prevail because the struggle for the environment is first and foremost a struggle to protect the very basic right of the people to a “balanced and healthful ecol ogy, in accord with the rhythm and harmony of nature,” as enshrined in Art. II, Sec. 17 of the Philippine Constitution.

It has become imperative to stop these inter-generational crimes that put to jeopardy the right of the future generations for ecological integrity. Let us be reminded of the truism that we have not inherited the earth from our parents but we owe the earth’s resources to our children. But at the rate that we have abused nature and have allowed the violation of these laws, we have robbed our children of their inheritance. Indeed, the environment is only ours to protect for the coming generations.

Certainly, we cannot move on to the future if we do not amend with past sins of environment neglect, accept the present reality of environmental crisis and face the challenge of rectifying it. For after-all, ours is a “government of laws and not of men.”

If Everything Goes Wrong

Sometimes, it seems that ev erything goes wrong, despite our best efforts to make things right.We can do everything in our power to make something work, but life might have dif ferent plans. Many of us feel as though we have no control over our lives, and while that might hold some truth to some extent, we do have the power to control how we react to situations

things to remember is that you have some control of the situation. Even if you aren’t in complete control of the situa tion, one thing you can always control is your attitude and reaction. Focus on managing what is within your control.

Many cannot get used to the idea that there are many things that aren’t within your control. You can’t change the past, another person’s behavior, or a loved one’s health issues.

JHAN TIAFAU HURST

of their product and service. They did not keep up-to-date and competitive. It is like some of us who diet and lose weight, but then later gain all of it back. Why? We simply did not discipline ourselves to permanently change our daily habits, thinking and lifestyle.

So are you living by the 3 C’s: Commit, Concentrate, and Complete? Do you have a dream and goal that you will commit to, concentrate on every day, and then complete? Something that at the end of your life you do not want to look back and wish you had done or lived differently. You can start now! Ask Jesus to help you know the right, best dreams and goals for your life. He will also help you with the discipline and willpower you need to truly live your dreams with your eyes wide open. Just think a minute…

So are all of us. You wake up in the morning and open your eyes. One mishap follows the other. And then the radio plays Jason Collett too: "When everything goes wrong". Ac cept it, stay calm, and most important, stay motivated dur ing these tough times. Maybe easier said than done. I also had to learn it first and to pull myself up on it every time.

Of course, sometimes life’s rough patches feel like they’re going to last forever. Keep in mind: whether you’re deal ing with work-related issues, family problems, or stressful situations, very few problems last for a lifetime. So remind yourself, that things won’t be this bad forever.

When things are going wrong, it’s hard to recognize what is going right. It’s easy to screen out the good things and only focus on the bad things. Remind yourself that some things are going right. Purposely look for the positive, even if it is something very small.

One of the most important

Asking for help can be hard sometimes. I tried to avoid it as long as I could. Big mistake. Asking for help is one of the best ways to deal with tough situations. Tell people what you need specifically if they offer to help. Don’t be afraid to call on friends and family and ask them for help, whether you need emotional support or practical help. The present flood victims in Germany and its surroundings are so very thankful for this.

A lack of confidence in handling tough times can add to stress. It happened to me, when Covid-19 changed my life and my business. One of the best things to remember is that you can handle tough situations. Even though you might feel angry, hurt, disap pointed, or sad, it won’t kill you. You can get through it.

No matter how bad a situa tion is, it’s almost certain that something good will come out of it. At the very least, it’s likely that you will learn a life lesson. Perhaps you learn not to repeat the same mistake in the future or maybe you move on from a bad situation and find something better. Look for the one good thing that can result when bad things happen.

Don’t waste time trying to force others to change or trying to make things be different if it isn’t within your control. In vesting time and energy into trying to do things you can’t will cause you to feel helpless and exhausted. Acceptance is one of the best ways to establish resilience.

Remember this: one of the things to remember when you’re facing difficulties, is that you’ve handled problems in the past. Don’t overlook past difficulties that you’ve dealt with success fully. Remind yourself of all the past problems you’ve overcome and you’ll gain confidence in dealing with the current issues.

Besides everything: think about yourself too. When ev erything seems to be going wrong, take care of yourself. Get plenty of rest, get some exercise, eat healthy, and spend some time doing leisure activi ties. When you’re taking better care of yourself you’ll be better equipped to deal with your problems.

Everything is temporary, even everything which goes wrong. Happiness is a result of your approach to life, not what happens to you.

Sometimes we need to take one step, then another. Even if they're just baby steps, keep moving. Rather than focusing

on the worst case, think instead of what else is possible. Look for the lesson. Challenging situations can often teach us what we have left to learn. Keep a positive attitude by remaining focused on solu tions, skills, and strengths. Start small. Spend time with the people who support you. Maybe, together with the light at the end of the tunnel: choose one big goal to work on in order to make a lasting change.

"If anything can go wrong, it will..." This tongue-in-cheek principle, known as Murphy's Law, is cited by economists, sports teams, and big politi cians. Human nature somehow guarantees that nothing turns out quite the way it's supposed to.

Email: doringklaus@gmail. com or follow me on Facebook, LinkedIn or Twitter or visit my www.germanexpatinthephilip pines.blogspot.com or www. klausdoringsclassicalmusic. blogspot.com

KLAUS DORING

KIM'S DREAM

ORLAN R. RAVANERA

corpWorLd

PAL targets net zero carbon emission by 2050

PAL targets net zero carbon emission by 2050

FLAG carrier Philippine Airlines (PAL) announced Friday it is eyeing to achieve net zero carbon emission by 2050.

The airline is investing in an all-out carbon reduction program as part of a multiyear commitment to combat climate change.

This initiative, PAL said, "comes at a crucial time for the international aviation industry, which is seeking to further lessen

its environmental impact in response to the global scientific community’s clarion call against irreversible climate change."

It added that this initiative will be holistic and comprehensive, covering both flight and ground operations.

The process began by shifting to renewable energy for the electricity supply of its major offices, and working on the potential use of sustainable aviation fuel to power its fleet.

PAL has tapped a Filipino

scientist to help the firm achieve the net zero carbon emission goal.

Through the guidance of an expert, PAL aims to conduct comprehensive assessments of its overall greenhouse gas emissions and move toward full decarbonization.

“Being the country’s flag carrier, we recognize that our essential role in bridging our country and the rest of the world goes hand in hand with the need for climate action across international

borders,” said PAL president Stanley Ng in a statement.

The airline targets to develop the following: a roadmap for its own net zero emissions strategy; emissions scenarios projected until 2050 using internationally accepted models and relevant standards; science and evidence-based targets for the entire PAL community.

PAL said it has been implementing fuel efficiency initiatives such as singleengine taxiing and reduced acceleration altitude. (PNA)

Energy firms told to deliver projects on time

THE Department of Energy (DOE) on Friday urged companies to complete their generation and transmission projects on time to ensure adequate supply and delivery of power to consumers.

During the Virtual Energy Investment Forum, DOE Director Irma Exconde said delays in the completion of liquefied natural gas (LNG) projects and transmission

projects, as well as non-compliance with the agency’s policy on the maintenance schedule of power plants, remain a challenge to the country’s power supply.

These challenges are on top of the depleting reserves of the Malampaya gas field and the continued high fuel prices in the global market, especially coal, which has the largest share in power capacity and generation mix.

For instance, Exconde said, the Luzon grid may experience 17 yellow alerts and three red alerts next year if the 1,200-megawatt (MW) Ilijan gas power plant would not resume its operation in time for the summer period.

A yellow alert is declared when reserves fall below ideal levels, while a red alert is when reserves breach their maintaining level of 4

PH gets 4 investment leads in SoKor investment mission

AT least four big companies from South Korea are interested to invest in the country in the coming months following the recent investment mission of the Philippine Economic Zone Authority (PEZA) and Aboitiz InfraCapital in Seoul.

PEZA officer-in-charge

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

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.

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

RA Form No. 10. 1 (LCRO)

Deputy Director General for Finance and Administration Aleem Siddiqui Guiapal told the Philippine News Agency in a Viber message Wednesday that these companies are in the sectors of electric vehicles and manufacturing.

“We are optimistic that PEZA has at least four big

EXTRAJUDICIAL SETTLEMENT OF ESTATE OF DECEASED VALENTIN E. ACENAS

KNOW ALL MEN BY THESE PRESENTS:

That VALENTIN E. ACENAS died intestate on April 17, 2020, at St. Luke’s Medical Center 279 E. Rodriguez Sr., Avenue Quezon City, Philippines, during her lifetime she left a parcel of land with TCT No. T-99234, situated in the Barrio of Carmen, City of Cagayan de Oro, Island of Mindanao, containing an area of SIXTY (60) SQUARE METERS, more or less, A parcel of land with TCT No. T-99235 situated in the Barrio of Carmen, City of Cagayan de Oro, Island of Mindanao, containing an area of SIXTY (60) SQUARE METERS, more or less, A parcel of land with TCT No. T-99236, situated in the Barrio of Carmen, City of Cagayan de Oro, Island of Mindanao, containing an area of SIXTY (60) SQUARE METERS, and has been subject of an EXTRAJUDICIAL SETTLEMENT OF ESTATE OF DECEASED VALENTIN E. ACENAS, filed by the heirs of VALENTIN E. ACENAS, per DOC#21; PAGE#5; BOOK#6; Series of 2021 under Notarial Registry of JENNEVIEVE JANE R. MAGLINAO.

BWM: Oct. 17,24, &

Republic of the Philippines

Local Civil Registry Office

Province of Lanao del Norte

Municipality of Kapatagan

NOTICE OF PUBLICATION

In compliance with Section 7 of R.A. No. 10172, a notice is hereby served to the public that ZETER ANTIOLA PATALINGHUG , has filed with this Office a Petition for Correction of Clerical Error to correct the SEX from FEMALE to MALE in the Certificate of Live Birth of ZETER ANTIOLA PATALINGHUG who was born on December 29, 1968 at KAPATAGAN, LANAO DEL NORTE and whose parents are JOSE PATALINGHUG and MAXINA ANTIOLA.

Any person adversely affected by said petition may file his written opposition with this Office not later than 15 days.

(SGD) IVY R. TONGCO, LPT, J.D. Municipal Civil Registrar

companies of (investment) lead(s) of new locators and one potential joint collaboration on waste management with South Korea,” he said.

Guiapal, who is also the manager for PEZA’s Promotions and Public Relations Group, added that the South Korean firms have yet to finalize the amount of their possible investments here.

Last Oct. 19, PEZA, Aboitiz

/PAGE

DEED OF EXTRAJUDICIAL SETTLEMENT

KNOW ALL MEN BY THESE PRESENTS:

That the late, F ELOMENA CESPON who died intestate on November 26, 2008 at Villanueva Misamis Oriental, that the deceased died intestate without any Last Will or Testament, and outstanding debts or accounts, during her lifetime she left A parcel of Land with Oct BLG. P-28889, Lot No. 3062, PLS-923, (Lot 1799-C, Csd-10-012110 D) situated at Barrio Kalingagan, Villanueva, Misamis Oriental, containing an area of Twenty Two Thousand Four Hundred Twenty Two (22, 422) sq. m. more or less, and has been subject of an DEED OF EXTRAJUDICIAL SETTLEMENT, filed by the heirs of FELOMENA CESPON, per DOC#461; PAGE#92;BOOK#17; Series of 2017 under the Notarial Registry of CATHLYN E. VALDEHUESAALFANTE.

BWM: Oct. 17,24, & 31, 2022

RA Form No. 10. 1 (LCRO)

percent of peak demand. Rotational brownouts are implemented during red alerts.

Earlier, the power generation unit of San Miguel Corp. said the company targets to run the Ilijan power plant by February 2023.

“I wish to highlight the importance of having strict

FIRMS/PAGE 11

EXTRAJUDICIAL SETTLEMENT BETWEEN HEIRS WITH DEEDS OF ABSOLUTE SALE

KNOW ALL MEN BY THESE PRESENTS:

That the late IRMA T. TAGOCON, who died on October 17, 2019 at Cagayan de Oro Polymedic Medical Plaza, Cagayan de Oro City, without any will, that the said deceased at the time of her death left a real property with Transfer Certificate of Title No. T-17924 situated in the Barrio of Salimbalan, Municipality of Baungon, Province of Bukidnon, Island of Mindanao, containing an area of TWENTY THREE THOUSAND EIGHT HUNDRED SEVENTY ONE (23,871) Square Meters, more or less and has been the subject of an EXTRAJUDICIAL SETTLEMENT BETWEEN HEIRS WITH DEEDS OF ABSOLUTE SALE, that for and in consideration of ONE HUNDRED THOUSAND PESOS (Php100,000.00) Philippine Currency, that the HEIRS/VENDORS received in their full SATISFACTION, HEREIN HEIRS/VENDORS do hereby absolutely and completely SELL, TRANSFER and CONVEY, as they actually SOLD, TRANSFERRED and CONVEYED a portion of the above-described parcel of land with an area of 3,284 Square Meters, more or less unto and in favor JEROME COURVOISIER N. FORTALEZA (single), JAN MICHAEL N. FORTALEZA (married), IRIS JADE FORTALEZA MADERAL (married) and JUCY MAE N. FORTALEZA (single), all of legal age, all Filipinos, and all residents of Terry Hills Subd., Bulua, Cagayan de Oro City, Philippines, herein after called as the VENDEES, their heirs, interest, assignees, executors, administrators and/or to any person acting legally in their behalves free from liens and encumbrances whatsoever nature, filed by the heirs of IRMA T. TAGOCON, per DOC #239; PAGE #48; BOOK #CLXXIX; Series of 2022 under the Notarial Registry of ATTY. JORGE B. MAGDAONG, JR. BWM: Oct. 17,24, & 31, 2022

Republic of the Philippines Local Civil Registry Office

Province of Lanao del Norte Municipality of Kapatagan

NOTICE OF PUBLICATION

In compliance with Section 7 of R.A. No. 10172, a notice is hereby served to the public that FLORIDA DAMAYO FISCO , has filed with this Office a petition for Correction of Clerical Error to correct the Date of Birth from JUNE 18, 1953 to MAY 30, 1953 in the Certificate of Live Birth of FE FLORANTE DAMAYO who was born on MAY 30, 1953 at KAPATAGAN, LANAO DEL NORTE and whose parents are GENARO DAMAYO and CATALINA NINI.

Any person adversely affected by said petition may file his written opposition with this Office not later than 15 days.

(SGD) IVY R. TONGCO, LPT, J.D. Municipal Civil Registrar

E-vehicle roadmap set for 2023

THE Department of Energy (DOE) said the government aims to issue the Comprehensive Roadmap for the Electric Vehicle Industry (CREVI) by first quarter of next year.

In a statement Friday, DOE said it is in close coordination with the Department of Transportation and the Department of Trade and Industry for the development of the blueprint which aims to promote the use of e-vehicles in the country.

“This will provide an annual work plan to accelerate the development, commercialization, and utilization of EVs in the country,” the DOE said.

During the 10th Philippine Electric Vehicle Summit at SMX

R.A.10172 Form No. (LCRO)

Convention Center in Pasay City from Oct. 20 to 21, DOE Secretary Raphael Lotilla said the government was putting in place policies that would further develop the local e-vehicle industry.

Lotilla said that aside from the issuance of the CREVI in 2023, the government has released the implementing rules and regulations (IRR) of the Republic Act 11697, or the Electric Vehicle Industry Development Act (EVIDA).

He said the country has around 9,000 registered e-vehicles and 300 charging stations nationwide.

He added the utilization of e-vehicles will be an alternative fuel for the transport sector amid the volatile oil prices in the world market. (PNA)

NOTICE FOR PUBLICATION

In compliance with Section 7 of R.A. No. 10172, a notice is hereby served to the public that JOEY SALVO YANA has filed this Office a petition for (complete name of the petitioner) Correction of Clerical Error in the Certificate of Live Birth. From FEMALE to MALE, who was born on March 19, 1984 at Gitagum, Misamis Oriental And whose parents are Fermo Y. Yana (father) and Ligaya U. Salvo (mother).

Any person adversely affected by said petition may file his written opposition with this Office not later than _____________________.

(SGD) FRANCIS Y. MIGALBIO Municipal Civil Registrar

BWM: Oct. 24, & 31, 2022

RA Form No. 10.1 (LCRO)

Republic of the Philippines Local Civil Registry Office Province: Misamis Oriental City/Municipality:Medina

NOTICE FOR PUBLICATION

In compliance with Section 5 of R.A. Act No. 9048 a notice is hereby served to the public that JOSELITO NAVARRO NAPONE has filed with this office (complete name of petitioner)

a petition for change of first name from DOMINADOR to JOSELITO (first name to be changed) (new first name to be adopted) in the birth certificate of DOMINADOR NAVARRO NAPONE who was born (complete name of document owner) on FEBRUARY 03, 1963 at Medina, Misamis Oriental and whose parents (complete date of birth) ( place of birth) are TOMAS ABALOS NAPONE and HERMANITA GO NAVARRO (name of father) (name of mother)

Any person adversely affected by said petition may file his written opposition with this Office not later than NOVEMBER 03, 2022

BWM: Oct. 24, & 31, 2022

(SGD)FRIETCHIE V. REYES Municipal Civil Registrar

OFFICE OF THE MUNICIPAL CIVIL REGISTRAR

NOTICE OF PUBLICATION

PETITION NO. CCE- 2022-3

In the compliance with the section 5 of R.A. 10172 a notice is hereby served to the public that NAHLA GUBAR PANGANDAMAN has filed with this office a petition to the clerical error in the entry of the child DAY GENDER SEX from Male to FEMALE in the certificate of live birth of NAHLA GUBAR PANGANDAMAN who was born on May 20, 1999 in Masiu Lanao Del Sur and whose parents are NORMILA MIMBANTAS GUBAR AND PUKHAWIYAG SAMPORNA PANGANDAMAN. Any person adversely affected by said petition may file his written opposition with this office not later than AUGUST 20, 2022

(SGD) AMRON D. MACABANGKIT Municipal Civil Registrar BWM: Oct. 24, & 31, 2022

BWM: Oct. 26, Nov. 2, 2022

Republic of the Philippines AUTONOMOUS REGION IN MUSLIM MINDANAO Province of Lanao Del Sur MUNICIPALITY OF MASIU

Editor: GILBERT Y. CHAO

Indian Envoy pays homage to Cagayan de Oro’s Oldest Store

By Mike Baños

During the recently concluded Mindanao Food Congress, an official from the Indian Embassy in Manila made it a point to find time to visit Cagayan de Oro’s oldest store.

“I saw a tourism video of Cagayan de Oro which started with a picture of Wadhu’s Quality Store and decided I would visit it the next time I came to the city since I had a very tight schedule previously,” said Mr. Nishikant Singh, the First Secretary for Economics and Commerce.

On October 28 the envoy finally visited the store accompanied by two delegates from the India Business Forum, Mr. Devadatta R. Sirdeshphande, President and General Manager of Bioseed Research Philippines, Inc. and Jigar Y. Gauswami, ‘Jiyo’ Sales & Marketing Director of Riddhi & Zarana Enterprises Corp.

The visitors had a grand time chatting with the owners Penelope "Penny" Laplap-Dharamdas, wife of the late Wadhu “Dodong”Jr., his only sibling Linda DharamdasChauhan, and the third generation

grandsons of the founder, Haresh and Wadhu John III.

First on the agenda for the visitors was a picture with the store’s iconic 1931 NCR cash register, bought by the store’s founder by mail order from Sears & Roebuck in the United States 86 years ago. During World War II, the owner wrapped it in grease and buried it in his backyard. After the war, he dug it up and it still serves the same store now run by his grandsons.

That cash register is the living testimony of the traditions that has made Wadhu’s Quality Store Cagayan de Oro’s oldest surviving retail store, a tradition established by the store’s patriarch and carried on by the third generation who now runs it.

Eighty six years ago, Wadhumal Dharamdas Uttamchandani set up in Cagayan de Misamis (as Cagayan de Oro was then known) Wadhu’s Home of Quality near Plaza Divisoria, the town’s social and commercial center.

Mr. Wadhu arrived in the Philippines in 1924 as a 12-year old boy from Poona (now called

those days, and the nearby public market ensured the fledgling store flourished until World War II exploded.

His late son, Wadhu “Dodong” Jr. related how his father survived the war by bartering his goods for food and clothing. He married Trinidad Babiera Valmores of Balingasag, Misamis Oriental in 1943 and had two children, Wadhu Jr. and Linda.

In 1946, Mr. Wadhu (as he was fondly called by friends and customers) reopened at a new location in Plaza Divisoria just across the public market, but moved to the next block after two years, when its present name Wadhu’s Quality Store was first seen.

The store moved to its present site in the corner of J.R. Borja and Pabayo streets when Mayor Justiniano R. Borja moved the city public market to the Cogon area in 1958. He didn’t want to be too close to the Cogon market where competition would be fierce, but

Pune) in the western Indian state of Maharashtra.

He was employed at the Indian Bazaar owned by his uncle Nebhraj Ramchand Buhdrani in Zamboanga City for 12 years where he gained his basic knowledge and business savvy in the retail trade. In 1936, he felt he had enough seed money, contacts and experience to establish his own store in Iligan, but eventually decided on Cagayan instead.

His thatched roof store featuring items bought by mail order from Sears & Roebuck was set amidst stores run by Japanese nationals near the Heroes de Cagayan monument. Divisoria was the Escolta of Cagayan in

likewise didn’t want to be too far from the former site in Divisoria and his regular customers.

In 1973, the elder Wadhu felt the younger generation was ready to take the reins of the business and turned over the store’s management to Dodong.

And not too soon. By 1975, retails giants Ororama and Gaisano came into the picture, forcing other stores to fold up due to the intense competition.

But the indomitable little store welcomed competition believing it was the only way to serve the public with better service and cheaper prices.

Thus, when more people from

The 1990s brought even stiffer competition from malls like SM City and Limketkai Mall which featured a wide variety of stores and merchandise and attractive amenities like national food chains and cinemas all under one roof.

But Wadhu’s Quality Store kept its loyal clientele and even added more thanks to its personalized service. While most of the sales clerks in big malls are hired on a casual basis, they were no match for better paid and motivated sales

“Everyone is equally served and each person is attended to no matter how small their needs are,” the late Wadhu Jr. used to stress. “We train our sales people never to look down on anyone and treat them as regular adult customers regardless of age, gender or appearance.”

Some years ago, a ruggedly dressed barefoot gentleman wanted to buy an expensive watch. Sensing the sales clerk was at a loss on how to deal with him,

Wadhus House of Quality circa 1936

1st Secretary NIshikant Singh (2nd row, right) with the Dharamdas Family and the store's iconic 1931 NCR cash register.

Wadhu John III shows the visitors how to operate their iconic 1931 NCR cash register.

Mr. Wadhu Dharamdas Uttamchandani

Butuan, Surigao, Bukidnon and Iligan began coming to Cagayan, Wadhu’s still multiplied its customers despite stiff competition from the bigger stores.

staff of smaller stores who have better experience and training, not to mention knowing the customers on a first name basis.

New... from page 1

of coal. But some tribal communities, environment groups and the local Catholic Church oppose the project, citing concerns over the environment, food security and displacement of Indigenous peoples in the area.

The arrival of heavy equipment in Ned comes after South Cotabato, the province where most of the deposits lie, endorsed the project in December 2021.

South Cotabato environment and natural resources officer Siegfred Flaviano described San Miguel’s current operations as being in the “pre-scraping” or clearing stage.

Tension cracks

The combined mining areas of the three companies cover some 17,000 hectares (42,000 acres) in an area known to locals as the Daguma Mountain Range.

Most of the concession falls within Ned, a village of around 41,800 hectares (103,300 acres) that is currently home to corporate coffee plantations and other cash crops cultivated by tribal communities such as corn, peanut and sweet potato.

In endorsing the mining contracts, South Cotabato’s provincial board said the project “will foremost address the hazards caused by the persistent spontaneous combustion resulting to the activity called ‘burning ground’ that causes significant lung and health problems and ‘tension cracks’ that destroy roads and cause landslides.”

Tension cracks, which form when part of a slope shears off due to underlying instability, have long been an issue in the area, leading government geologists to push for relocation of homes and other infrastructure, and also to call for the extraction of impermeable layers of coal as potential solution.

However, campaigners say mining will cause more problems than it might solve.

“The company will be mining ‘brown coal’ — the dirtiest kind of coal there is,” said Cerilo Casicas, a Catholic bishop who is among those leading the campaign to stop the coal mining project.

During the Oct. 5 launch of a petition against the mine, Casicas said the project “will critically impact the ecology and farming activities downstream.”

Casicas pointed out that the coal mining area lies within two areas of recognized significance for the region’s water security: the 116,451-hectare (287,757-acre) Kabulnan River Watershed and Forest Reserve, and the 102,350-ha (252,912 acre) Allah Valley Watershed Forest Reservation.

Any damage to these rivers, especially the Allah which is one of the island’s biggest river systems and a major source of irrigation, could affect “millions of people across Mindanao,” campaigners say.

The T’boli-Manobo S’daf Claimants Organization (TAMASCO), an Indigenous community based in the village of Ned, has opposed the proposed coal project in their ancestral domain for more than a decade.

“We disapprove of these coal projects for they contradict our indigenous worldview, which treats nature as a sacred source of life,” TAMASCO chief Datu Dande Danyan said in a press statement. “We do not need these projects, which only use up the natural resources which we should be taking care of.”

Tribal lives have already been lost in the struggle to protect their lands.

In December 2017, the Philippine armed forces killed tribal chieftain Datu Victor Danyan and six other tribal members in the village. The victims’ relatives said they were massacred, while the military said they were communist supporters and died during a legitimate tactical operation.

Apparently in recognition of the

struggle of TAMASCO as well as the environmental impact of the coal mining project, the South Cotabato government specifically excluded the TAMASCO area and all other formally recognized watersheds from their endorsement, “unless all necessary documents are complied with.”

Land pricing

Batilaran, a non-tribal resident of Ned, whose family owns about 30 hectares (70 acres) of agricultural land affected by the coal mining operation, said San Miguel has been buying land at 80,000 pesos ($1,360) per hectare, or about $550 per acre — a price he said “many of the landowners have bitten since it appears that the coal mining operation is unstoppable.”

Batilaran said his family are among the few landowners standing in the way of the mining company, since the offer was “unfairly priced” and those who sell will permanently lose land rights.

“Our family is willing to sell at 1 million pesos [$17,000] per hectare,” or $6,800 per acre, he said. “Landowners must dictate the price and not the buyer.”

Village official Lef Bantal said the company has raised the buying price to 120,000 pesos ($2,040) per hectare, or $825 per acre. She said many tribal residents of the hamlet of Aboy have already sold their land because of the cash offer and “the promise by the company that they would be prioritized in the hiring process.”

Most tribal members have little formal education, and would likely be hired for hard labor such as construction of facilities, observers say.

Notwithstanding the land pricing, Batilaran said his family would prefer that the coal mining project be halted because it sits within protected watershed areas, which, once destroyed, would have debilitating environmental and agricultural impacts, especially to small-scale farmers.

Open pit?

Opponents of the project also say the mine should be blocked under a provincial ban on open-pit mining.

The ban, approved in 2010, has held back another major mining project in South Cotabato — that of Sagittarius Mines Inc., operator of the Tampakan project, the largest untapped copper and gold minefield in Southeast Asia.

Earlier this year, the South Cotabato provincial board lifted the ban on open-pit mining, but the provincial governor, Reynaldo Tamayo Jr,. vetoed the measure, keeping the ban in place.

In approving the San Miguel mining contracts, the South Cotabato provincial board said the operator will employ “strip mining with progressive rehabilitation,” not open-pit mining.

“Open-pit mining includes strip mining; you call them different names but they are the same,” Casicas said.

The province’s environmental code defines open-pit mining as “a method of extracting rock or minerals from the earth by their removal from an open pit or burrow,” noting the term is used “to differentiate this form of mining from extractive methods that require tunneling into the earth.”

During a deliberation over the project’s status in December 2021, San Miguel CEO Ramon S. Ang said the company’s plans to strip mine don’t run afoul of the open-pit mining ban.

“Coal cannot be mined using open-pit mining method because such mineral is soft,” he said. “You can’t operate from the top because it will collapse. You can only operate from the side, you strip it … Our coal mining operation will not be an open-pit operation.”

Ang said they plan to mine 100 hectares (247 acres) in the first five years of extraction.

The business tycoon also

announced plans to build a minemouth coal power plant that would feed into the grid, helping lower the price of electricity in Mindanao.

He said the tribal and non-tribal villagers displaced by the coal mining operation would be provided with land and a house in a relocation site, and would be hired as workers depending on their qualifications.

Once the mining has run its course, Ang said, the company will fill in the land with topsoil for agricultural applications. He suggested the possibility of establishing an oil palm plantation in the area.

Damage...

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municipality of Jasaan, with four villages reporting partially and totally destroyed houses amounting to P1.13 million.

The province also recorded damaged fishing boats and gears amounting to P95,000.

The Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Offices (DRRMOs) of the municipalities of Libertad, Villanueva, and Salay have yet to submit their reports in the agriculture sector.

As to damaged infrastructures, the municipality of Lagonglong had damaged sea walls in two villages amounting to P110 million.

Since Friday, the Misamis Oriental DRRMO has been delivering food items and other forms of support to affected local government units (LGUs).

RDRRMC-10 likewise reported that there were 4,108 persons belonging to 929 families affected from 27 villages in Misamis Oriental, Camiguin, and this city.

Misamis Oriental also recorded the highest number of affected families with 688 or 3,183 individuals in seven LGUs. (PNA)

Boost... from page 1

at the Damosa Land Properties in Barangay Hizon, Buhangin District, Davao City.

“Once completed, this bridge will help us develop the economic potential of Davao City and the Island Garden of the City of Samal, as well as enhance its residents’ access to employment, education, and other social services,” he said in his speech.

“In 2027, this bridge will surely ease the convenience of travel and transport, bringing forth gainful opportunities for many of our people by providing a link between relatively far-flung areas and economic centers, thereby ensuring smoother mobility of people and of goods,” he added.

Marcos said the bridge is expected to provide easier access to tourism spots and ensure the region’s speedy recovery from setbacks brought on by the pandemic.

He said the bridge also aims to further improve the peace and order situation in the area, as well as ensure faster and more efficient aid distribution during times of calamities.

Marcos also thanked the government of China for being a “dependable” partner in the bridge’s funding.

“This is a testament to the strong and ever-growing foundation of the bilateral relations and economic cooperation between our two countries. It is always a pleasure as a nation to join hands with you for the eventual success of this endeavor,” he said.

Meanwhile, Marcos directed the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) to continue pursuing efforts to make the country more interconnected.

“It is therefore my constant instruction to your agency to remain steadfast in building a more interconnected and resilient

AFFIDAVIT OF SELFADJUDICATION

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

Philippines,” he said.

“Through the continued construction of short and longspan bridges across the country, we can boost regional transport and spur economic development and competitiveness in the countryside,” he added.

'The lucky one' Marcos also credited the administration of former President Rodrigo Duterte for signing the bridge project under a loan agreement with China.

“At this juncture, I would also like to explain, I am only fortunate to have been sitting as President when we broke ground for this very important project. This project actually was formally begun by then [Public Works] Secretary Mark Villar under the Duterte administration and it began formally to put together the project in 2018,” Marcos said.

He also expressed hope that he would be fortunate to open the bridge once it is completed.

“So the previous administration had already been working on this project for four years before we arrived to this day. However, I’m looking forward to also once again being the lucky one to open the bridge when it is finished,” he added.

Marcos thanked everyone involved in the bridge project, making a renewed pitch for unity as key to the nation’s success.

“Let us continue the great work of coming together and let the changing power that will result from our energy give rise to the realization of our dreams of a strong, prosperous, and truly united Filipino nation to that day, we can all look forward to,” he said.

Meanwhile, DPWH Secretary Manuel Bonoan is glad that after a long wait, the project will now be realized.

“After many years in the DPWH pipeline of proposed projects, the long wait is finally over. I am deeply honored to be in the presence of no less than the President himself as we mark another important breakthrough in the country’s infrastructure landscape,” he said in an interview at the sidelines of the event.

Bonoan assured that the multibillion project would have no adverse effect on the environment as they have addressed these issues with the Department of Environment and Natural Resources.

The scenic bridge project crossing Pakiputan Strait will have landing points at the Samal Circumferential Road in Barangay Limao, Island Garden City of Samal (IGACOS), and Davao City in between R. CastilloDaang Maharlika junction.

SIDC has a length of 3.98 kilometers, including ramps in Davao City and a 24-meter wide grade road and roundabout in Samal Circumferential Road.

When completed, the bridge will be a four-lane, cable-stayed iconic bridge with a vertical navigational clearance of up to 47 meters.

The bridge will provide easier access to tourism spots in IGACOS,

AFFIDAVIT OF SELFADJUDICATION

That I, ROGELIO JABLA NOB, of legal age, Filipino, married and a resident of Tala-o Gitagum, Misamis Oriental, after having been duly sworn to in accordance with law, That the late CLAUDIA JABLA, who died on August 11, 2004 at Cagayan de Oro City, Philippines; That I, ELSIE JABLA BACULIO, of legal age, Filipino, married and a resident of Camiguin Province, after having been duly sworn to in accordance with law, That the late REGOBERTA JABLA, who died on March 30, 1985 at Gitagum, Misamis Oriental, Philippines, That I, GERSON JABLA BONANE, of legal age, Filipino, married and a resident of Tala-o Gitagum, Misamis Oriental, after having been duly sworn to in accordance with law, That the late JULIANA JABLA BONANE, who died on January 20, 1965 at Gitagum, Misamis Oriental, Philippines, That I, EUGENE JABLA GAMOLO, of legal age, Filipino, married and a resident of Tala-o Gitagum, Misamis Oriental, after having been duly sworn to in accordance with law, That the late MIGUELA JABLA GAMOLO, who died on January 3, 2014 at Gitagum, Misamis Oriental, Philippines, at the time of their death left a parcel of land with OCT No. O-997 located at Ulaliman, El Salvador City with an area of 14, 912 Square Meters, more or less and has been the subject of an AFFIDAVIT OF SELF-ADJUDICATION, filed by the heirs of CLAUDIA JABLA, REGOBERTA JABLA, JULIANA JABLA BONANE and MIGUELA JABLA GAMOLO, per DOC # 76; PAGE #16; BOOK #53; Series of 2022 under the Notarial Registry of ATTY. EDGARDO Y. RAAGAS.

BWM: Oct. 17,24,

ensuring speedy recovery from the setbacks brought about by the pandemic.

The SIDC is expected to accommodate up to 25,000 vehicles daily and reduce travel time between Samal and Davao City from around 30 minutes via ferry to merely five minutes.

Last June 13, Chinese Ambassador to the Philippines Huang Xilian exchanged with then Finance Secretary Carlos Dominguez III the signed Framework Agreement and Loan Agreement between the Philippines and China for a loan grant worth $350 million or P18.67 billion for the bridge project.

The Chinese loan will cover 90 percent of the project’s P23.039-billion cost.

In a separate interview, Huang said the project is proof of the strong ties between China and the Philippines, adding that they are committed to doing more for the country's progress. (PNA)

Firms... from page 1

compliance to the DOE policy on the scheduled maintenance of the power plants, the synchronized and timely completion of generation projects and transmission projects, and the consideration of the natural limitations of the hydro plants during the summer period,” Exconde said.

To date, the country has 8,935 MW of committed power capacity, the biggest of which is in coal at 4,488 MW, followed by natural gas at 3,500 MW, renewable energy at 905 MW, and oil-based at 42 MW.

These committed power projects are expected to be online in the medium term. (PNA)

Oldest...

from page 6

Dodong stepped in to personally entertain him and he paid in cash. They later found out he owned a big building with many stores in Bukidnon, and told Dodong that Wadhu’s was the third store he went to, and the only one who gave him any attention.

When traders from Mainland China, Taiwan and Korea swamped the city with low quality merchandise at very low prices, and ukayukay vendors selling smuggled garments and shoes at rock bottom prices began crowding the city’s sidewalks and even areas fronting regular stores, Wadhu’s did not buckle under the pressure.

The third generation of Wadhu’s take all the competition and changes in stride, having been born and raised in Cagayan de Oro under the tutelage of their father and grandfather. They remain confident the “Open Door” policy of the original Wadhu’s Home of Quality will see them through the next 86 years and beyond.

“We grew up in this store and we don’t see any reason to change how it looks or operates,” said Haresh, who now runs Wadhu’s Quality Store with his brother Wadhu John III.

“Since my grandfather first started this store, he insisted to my Dad to leave the store’s doors wide open. So, even people from the rural areas would not be shy to come in and window shop. They don’t feel pressured to buy something and can look as much as they like.”

In the center of the store, Wadhu John III rings up another sale in the NCR cash register. If the sale totals more than the P99.00, he uses a small calculator. It looks like the old machine could easily outlive a dozen or so of its modern counterparts, just like the store it serves in the corner of J.R. Borja and Pabayo streets in Cagayan de Oro has done for the last 86 years.

Pride...

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senators and congressmen for financial and logistics assistance. They had to raise at least a million pesos for their trip to Busan. They faced a ton of challenges along the way, some fell sick, many were discouraged, almost all kinds of trials arose, but with the support of Mayor Jennie, all were made possible.”

Luckily, through sheer grit and determination, the group managed to raise the necessary funds for their trip to Busan, have their visas to South Korea approved, and the rest is history.

NOTICE TO THE PUBLIC

ANY TRANSACTION ENTERED INTO BY ABOVE NAMED PERSON FOR AND IN BEHALF OF PHILSTONE SHIPPING CORPORATION IS UNAUTHORIZED AND SHALL NOT BE HONORED BY THE COMPANY.

PLEASE BE INFORMED THAT MR. ALLAN C. LUAREZ, WHOSE PICTURE APPREARS ABOVE IS NO LONGER CONNECTED WITH SHIPPING CORPORATION EFFECTIVE OCTOBER 30, 2022.

BusinessWeek

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Villa Chorale upholds Pinoy Pride at the 18th Busan Chorale Festival

By Mike Baños

Villanueva’s homegrown talents has brought honor and prestige not only to the municipality and Misamis Oriental, but held high Pinoy Pride as well during the recently concluded 18th Busan Chorale Festival and Competition.

Composed entirely of residents from the fastrising municipality, the Villanueva Chorale brought home two gold medals in two categories, besides finishing runner up in the Grand Prix event held at the Sohyang Theater, Busan Cinema Center in Busan, South Korea on October 19-22, 2022.

Although they were only organized only two years ago and were participating

in their first ever foreign competition, the chorale under the baton of Maestro Ralph Ramos bagged a Gold Diploma in the Pop & Acappella Category, another Gold Diploma in the Folk/Ethnic Category, and finished runner up in the Grand Prix.

The group performed When You Believe (arr. Robert Delgado), I Believe (arr. Robert Delgado) and It's Raining Men (arr. Arnel de Pano) for their winning repertoire in the Pop & Acappella Category, and Ahibakle (Ifugao Folk Song arr. Bienvenido Constantino Jr), Sa Kadagatan (arr. Jandel Cabasura) and Tephaeyg (arr. Bienvenido Constantino Jr) for their second Gold Diploma in

the Folk/Ethnic Category.

Aside from the Villanueva Chorale, other Finalists to the 2022 BCFC were the Diponegoro Engineering Student Choir (Indonesia) who won the Gold Diploma for Classical Mixed & Equal Category; and the Vocalista Harmonic Choir ISI Yogyakarta (Indonesia) which topped the Folk/ Ethnic Category.

For the Grand Prix Final, each of the winners were asked to perform only one piece from their winning category. Villanueva Chorale reprised their earlier winning rendition of I Believe (arr. Robert Delgado).

Diponegoro Engineering Student Choir edged Villanueva Chorale for the Grand Prix, with the Vocalista Harmonic Choir ISI Yogyakarta finished as second runner-up.

“We would like to extend our gratitude to all the

people whose assistance was a milestone from the start to the end— with physical and financial support,” said Maestro Ralph Ramos on behalf of the Villanueva Chorale. “To the Local Government Unit of Villanueva, headed by Mayor Jennie Uy-Mendez, former Congresswoman Juliette T. Uy, Team Unity Chairman Atty. Julio Uy, proud parents and families, we extend our warmest appreciation to all of you.

Truly, the Villanuevanon can shine to the World!”

Villanueva Chorale performed at the Busan Station for an outreach concert together with all the participating choirs of the Busan Choral Festival and Competition on the eve of the finals.

According to Joane Jude Tabique, Villanueva LGU Media Relations Officer, the Villanueva Chorale was created through the

initiative of Mayor Jennie Uy-Mendez to perform during the town’s various activities, rather than hire performers from outside.

“With the help of the Villanueva Tourism Office, auditions were conducted for students, municipal employees, workers from private companies, and anyone from the town who wished to share their vocal talents,” Tabique disclosed.

“After a series of interviews led by Mayor Jennie, we also selected Ralph Ramos, who had previous experience conducting choirs in Cagayan de Oro, as the choir conductor.”

The choir practiced every night and became the pride of Villanueva performing in the town’s various events. When they were afforded the chance to audition (via online video) for the Busan Chorale Festival, they were selected to represent the Philippines from among the 20 chorale groups from the country who auditioned (the other two were the Philippine Madrigal Singers and Sing Philippines Youth Choir).

However, the audition was only the first of many trials the group faced on the road to Busan.

“They had to provide for their own round trip air fares to Busan, in-country accommodations, expenses in securing their Korean visas, meals and other expenses,” Tabique relates.

“Besides their daily practices for the two categories they were competing in, they still had to perform in other towns around Misamis Oriental to raise funds for their trip, as well as lobby with

Photo credits to the Tourism Villanueva.