Mindanao Daily Northmin (June 18, 2013)

Volume II, No. 022

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Tuesday

June 18, 2013

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Outgoing Misamis Oriental Governor Oscar Moreno, now Cagayan de Oro mayor-elect, delivers his speech during the second quarterly meeting of the influential Cagayan de Oro Chamber of Commerce and Industry Foundation, Inc. (OroChamber) held at the Marco Polo Hotel in Cagayan de Oro City on June 14. Mindanao Daily photo by Arjay S. Felicilda

Moreno gets backing of Oro business group MGB: Mining firm’s tailings dam that cracked ‘stabilized’

By Roel Catoto

TUBOD, Surigao del Norte (MindaNews) — An official of the Mines and Geosciences Bureau (MGB)-Caraga said the tailings dam of a

mining firm operating in Barangay Siana in this town has been stabilized following a crack to mitigate possible environmental risks.

Rene Gonzales, mining See dam, page 11

UCPB Savings bank expands network

By CHRISTINE H. CABIASA

CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY - The United Coconut Planters Bank (UCPB) Savings Bank, the retail arm of UCPB has opened its 3rd branch network in Market City, Agora Lapasan, this city on June 14.

Joseph C. Justiniano, UCPB President said that since Cagayan de Oro is pivotal to growth and development of UCPB Savings Bank in Mindanao, he decided to open the new branch.

According to Justiniano, UCPB Savings Bank has

By CHRISTINE CABIASA, Staff writer

CAGAYAN de Oro City––The influential Cagayan de Oro Chamber of Commerce and Industry Foundation, Inc. (OroChamber) on Friday vowed to support the administration of Mayor Oscar Moreno.

registered a 585 net income for the first quarter this year.

“It is ahead of its projections During its second quar- Efren T. Uy said his group on deposits, loans, and net terly meeting on June 14 will strongly support the income after tax. Its past due at the Marco Polo Hotel, plans and programs of the ratio stood at 2.7%, better See GROUP, page 11 OroChamber President than the industry’s 5.7%”, Justiniano added.

Also, Tomas C. Cloa Jr., VP Branch Banking Division Head said that according to their deposit profile, Cagayan de Oro City is the

By Froilan Gallardo of MindaNews biggest deposit contributor in the region which is 40Laguindingan, Misamis Oriental––Twenty 50% of the total. “UCPB is nine passenger planes took off and landed at the new the only bank also which is Laguindingan Airport on Saturday but passengers accredited by the Departcomplained of traffic jam and the presence of barkers ment of Education (DepEd) soliciting passengers for taxi rides.

Traffic jams greet airport passengers

See ucpb, page 11

See traffic, page 11

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Second FrontPage

CDO-TransCo to operate affordable shuttle service in Laguindingan airport

By Jasper Marie Oblina-Rucat

CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY, -- The Commuters Drivers Operators Transportation Cooperative (CDO-TransCo) will provide ferrying services in the new Laguindingan airport. The group will transport passengers to and from Cagayan de Oro, Iligan and even from the highway.

On June 12, Independence Day, the group received initial 20 shuttle units which will be used for the new airport.

The Cooperative Development Authority (CDA), Development Bank of the Philippines (DBP) and Ang Ating Coop partylist have converged in this project to empower and provide assistance to this cooperative to help them materialize their goal.

CDA Regional Director Orlando R. Ravanera said this is indeed empowerment. Normally, ordinary drivers are not owners of vehicle units. But now through the cooperative and help of

various institutions, drivers get to own these units.

After seeing the viability and need of this livelihood, DBP approved their loan of P10 million and through Representative Atty. Isidro Q. Lico of Ang Ating COOP party list and their livelihood dispersal program, the group received P1million check to pay for the bank’s required equity.

Land Transportation Franchising Regulatory Board (LTFRB) Regional Director Mandanagan P. Darimbang also expressed commitment to process three franchises for this group. One is from Laguindingan to Cagayan de Oro, another one from the airport to Iligan City and from the airport to the highway and vice-versa.

The tariff which was undergone through workshop and seminar with the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) this region was pegged at Php200 per passenger, less than half

Submerged.

A villager wades through the floodwater in Barangay Kayaga, Kabacan, North Cotabato on Saturday. Gov. Emmylou Taliño-Mendoza said a total of 10,270 families were affected by floods that submerged 26 villages in the towns of Carmen, Kabacan, Matalam, Mlang, President Roxas and Tulunan when rivers overflowed starting Friday evening. Photo courtesy of PDRRMO / North Cotabato

compared to a P600 taxi fare to the same destination.

DTI wanted to make sure that transportation rate was uniform and reasonable.

The air-conditioned shuttle will only hold maximum of six passengers and will have simultaneous take off for each destination. They will also practice maximum travel time and will allocate five units spare and on-call for traffic monitoring in case something happens, they have back up units.

Further, the group also tied up with the Department of Tourism (DOT) to

be ambassadors of goodwill and also with the Department of Health (DOH) for health and sanitation.

Drivers are trained to be courteous and with proper hygiene.

According to Eugene M. Pabualan, chair of Oro Savings and Sharing Cooperative here that this program is a showcase of the Credit Surety Fund (CSF).

Initiated in August 2008, the CSF is a credit enhancement scheme of the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP) created by the pooling of cash contributions from participating cooperatives,

local government units and partner institutions. This fund will serve as surety for loans extended by banks to micro, small, and medium enterprises participating in the CSF Program, in lieu of hard collaterals.

This scheme seeks to improve the bankability of cooperatives and businessmen short on capital who are often confronted with difficulty in obtaining loan accommodations due to lack of collateral, credit knowledge, and credit track record. Under the CSF Program, credit facilities may now be accessed even in the

absence of hard collaterals through the issuance of a surety cover by the CSF in favor of the lending bank.

Through cooperatives and through this endeavor, coop members are empowered to have their own vehicles for livelihood and be able to control their own resources. This is one step to freedom from poverty and freedom from hunger, director Ravanera said.

TransCo was organized in 2010 and currently has 35 direct members while they also have 300 associate members. (JMOR/PIA10)

‘ICIJ Leaks Database’ now online: BIR chief ready to probe Pinoys with offshore accounts

By Roel Landingin of the Philippine Center for Investigative Journalism

Last of two parts Inactive? Not quite “I am indicated as owner of said company because we were informed that if a company wants to incorporate as a subsidiary-company in the British Virgin Islands, said company is required to identify the natural person or persons who is/are the ultimate shareholder/s of said company.”

He wrote in reply to PCIJ’s queries: “While having a BVI company may be abused by some, there is actually nothing sinister about owning one, especially this company that was

never used and has a capital of only a single dollar. This is being done by big companies worldwide.”

Villar, who is one of the country’s richest lawmakers, said Awesome Dragon Holdings Limited was not activated because he decided to focus all his entrepreneurial efforts in the Philippines. “As a businessman and eventually as a public official, I am proud to say that I invested heavily in the country economic-wise and generated employment opportunities for Filipinos,” he said.

But that was also the wise course of action to take, given

the onset of the global financial crisis just a year after Villar set up his offshore corporation.

Whatever opportunities abroad were available in 2007 evaporated the following year with the collapse of Lehman Brothers and the stockmarket meltdown in rich Western countries.

Still, contrary to Villar’s statement, the offshore company remains “active,” based on a check made by the PCIJ on Tuesday, April 2, 2013, with the government Financial Services Commission’s Registry of Corporate Affairs in the British Virgin Islands.

To maintain its active status,

annual payments of at least $2,200 are being made to the BVI government and Portcullis Trust Net Limited by or on behalf of Awesome Dragon Holdings Limited, according to documents acquired by the ICIJ. The offshore company has an authorized capital of $50,000, implying that the issued capital of only $1 can be quickly raised to as much as $50,000 if needed JV: Sad memories Ejercito, for his part, did not confirm or deny his directorship in Ice Bell Properties Limited.

Instead, he raised questions about the timing of this story, which, he said, “is highly suspicious considering the on-going electoral campaign of which I am one of the leading contenders among the UNA senatorial candidates.”

He added that it brought back “the sad memories of 2001 when I was accused of owning a house inside the posh Forbes Park, which actually was owned by relatives of the Sultan of Brunei, and false accusations of other supposed business assets that did not belong to me.”

Ejercito wrote: “I have held high respect to (sic) the PCIJ as an institution. I hope that you will not allow yourself to fall in (sic) the manipulative efforts of desperate people in (sic) dirty politics.”

In the May 2013 elections, Ejercito ran and won as senator, landing No. 11 in the list of 12 winners.

tuesday | june 18, 2013

it, science, arts

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DILG pushes neo-webinar program for reelected execs COTABATO CITY (PIA) - The Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) pushes for the implementation of its new Neo-Webinar program for newly elected local officials, says DILG-ARMM regional secretary Atty. Macmod Mending, Jr. Mending said, NEO-Webinar program is a shift from the face-to-face training of new and re-elected local officials through the Web technology that can provide knowledge, information and skills on governance “We are implementing a national program of the DILG wherein newly elected local executives can study and learn basics on local governance through the Web, kasi wala na yung face-to-face na training so all they have to do ay pumunta sa Web para pagaralan ang pamamahala bilang local executives ,” Mending said.

There are 43 mayors in the autonomous region of 17 are from Maguindanao and out of the 17, nine local executives have signified their interest to register with the Neo Webinar program, he said.

Mending said, those who have signified their interest to join the Webinar program are required to submit their e-mail address in time for the e-mail blast on June 14 where they shall receive their individual user name and pass word for them to be able to access the Webinar website.

Under the program, Mending said, it is mandatory for elected local officials to have a social contract with their constituents as public servants who have the obligation and responsibility to perform their duties and functions attached to their position.

Citing President Aquino’s social contract, local executives as public servants with obligation to society must have theirs too which they can study, learn and follow through the Webinar program, Mending said.

“Si President Aquino mayroong social contract, so sample iyon kung paano gumawa ang local executives ng kanilang social contract at pangalawa ang pagpapatakbo ng executive-legislative agenda na dapat nilang matutunan, Mending said. (Pres. Aquino has a social contract which serves an example for local executives prepare their own social contract, and secondly, the need for them to learn the management of executive-legislative agenda).

Mending believes that the program would boost the capacity and capability of elected officials in performing their duties and responsibilities anchored on open governance and accountability. (pbchangco/PIA Cotabato City)

This handout photo taken on June 15, 2013 and received from Google on June 16 shows a Project Loon high altitude ballon sailing over Tekapo in southern New Zealand after its launch. Google revealed top-secret plans on June 15 to send balloons to the edge of space with the lofty aim of bringing Internet to the two-thirds of the global population currently without web access.

Google launches internet balloons Google scientists have launched up to 30 helium-filled test balloons into the skies above New Zealand, with the dream of bringing the Inter net to ne arly f ive bi l lion people across the globe without access to the World Wide Web. The technology giant unveiled the project Saturday in Christchurch, where some 50 volunteer households have begun receiving Internet signals beamed from the balloons to their home computers. The wind-driven balloons are floating 20 kilometers above t he e ar t h and are desig ne d to remain airborne for more than three months.

Project leader Mike Cassidy said engineers hope to provide much cheaper Internet connections in undeveloped and developing areas of the world. He cited current Internet costs in large parts of Africa, where monthly access costs are higher than monthly salaries.

Cassidy, speaking to reporters, called the project a “huge moonshot, a really big goal to go after.”

But he also described the potential results as life-changing for billions of people across the globe.

The initiative, called “Project Loon,” was developed in the same top-secret Google X laboratories where scientists are developing

Pinoy-made mathematics courseware for tablet users nominated in Asian awards

A Philippine-made mathematics courseware for tablet users is nominated to this year’s Information Society Innovation Fund (ISIF) Asia Awards, which gives recognition to the important contributions of innovation in giving creative solutions to social and economic development issues of the Asia Pacific Region.

A joint project of the Department of Science and Technology’s Science Education Institute (SEI) and the Advanced Science and Technology Institute (ASTI), the project is nominated under the Innovations on Learning and Localization category.

Entitled “Technolog y Package for Student Learning Empowerment: Mathematics Courseware for Tablet PC,” the project seeks to improve mathematics education by providing a fun way of learning math through efficient and affordable innovations in information communications technology (ICT).

SEI director Filma G. Brawner expressed gratitude for the recognition given to the courseware project and asked Filipinos to hit the mouse and vote for the project.

“We call on the power

the prototype driverless car and Google’s web-surfing eye glasses.

Google says the thin plastic, high-pressure balloons hovering over New Zealand carry navigational equipment, solar-powered panels, radios and transmitters.

T he b a l l o ons re c e ive Inte r ne t signals from ground stations and then relay those signals to small specialized antennas on rooftops below.

Engineers are also touting the potential benefits of the balloon transmitters in areas that have lost communications because of violent storms and earthquakes. voanews.com

Weather Update

AS of 4:00 p.m. yesterday, the center of Tropical Depression “EMONG” was estimated based on all available data at 250 km East of Virac, Catanduanes (13.9°N, 126.8°E) with maximum sustained winds of 55 kph near the center. It is forecast to move Northwest at 09 kph. The regions of CARAGA, Northern Mindanao and Zamboanga Peninsula will be cloudy with light to moderate rainshowers and thunderstorms. The rest of Mindanao will have partly cloudy to cloudy skies with isolated rainshowers or thunderstorms.

Moderate to strong winds blowing from the southwest to west will prevail over Luzon and Visayas and coming from the southwest over Mindanao. The coastal waters throughout the archipelago will be moderate to rough. source : pagasa

64 youths undergo leadership training in military camp

of the people to get online and vote for this innovative project. Let us harness our resources and propel this project to the top spot,” she said.

The mathematics courseware is composed of 10 lessons in Grade 1 mathematics namely classifying objects, comparing sets of objects and numbers, ordering sets of objects and numbers, searching for number patterns, adding whole numbers, subtracting whole numbers,

partitioning regions into halves, partitioning regions into fourths, finding the whole region or set, and measuring length.

The modules were developed by all-Filipino educators, graphic artists, and programmers. The projects nominated are open for public voting through the ISIF website. Last day of casting of votes is on June 26, 2013.

The ISIF Awards are granted to initiatives that are on the final stages of

implementation or have already finalized activities that are aligned with the funding categories and eligibility criteria.

All award nominations are based on the project’s special focus to innovation and development. A financial support of up to AU$3,000 including a travel grant to attend the awards ceremony will be given by the ISIF Awards Secretariat for the winners. source: newsbytes.ph

CAMP EVANGELISTA, Cagayan de Oro City – Exactly 64 youths has completed the three day live-in Youth Leadership Seminar here on Sunday, the military said Monday.

Lt. Col. Leo Bongosia, spokesperson of the army’s Fourth Infantry Division, said that the awakening of the youth potentials as future leaders for peace and progress was the main objective of the leadership seminar.

Bongosia said that invited speakers and lecturers came from the academe, private and government sectors and non-government organizations who were experts in various field of leadership approach.

“Enhancing our youths’ potentials and honing them for their roles as catalysts for peace and development is a big step in preparing them as good leaders and productive members of our society”, Bongosia added.

He said the participants came from various barangays in Cagayan de Oro City and Misamis Oriental who were recommended by barangay leaders in their areas.

According to Bongosia, the leadership training seminar was in partnership with the “Propelling Our Inherited Nationa Through Our Youth (POINTY), a non-government organization engaged in leadership training among the youths. CD

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EDITOR: CHENG ORDOÑEZ, cheng.ordonez@gmail.com

A Cebu Pacific plane lands at Lumbia Airport in Cagayan de Oro City on Friday, June 14, 2013. Starting, June 15, passenger aviation will be transferred to the new P7.8-billion Laguindingan Airport in Misamis Oriental. Lumbia airport will be turned into an airbase of the Philippine Air Force 15th Strike Wing. MindaNews photo by Froilan Gallardo

‘Lumbia airport on my mind’

By Paulita Roa

CAGAYAN de Oro City--On June 15, 2013, the iconic Lumbia Airport of Cagayan de Oro City ceased its domestic flight operations and was closed for good. However, to many of us Kagay-anons, we are still in the process of going through an emotional closure of this decades old airport that we simply call the ” Lumbia.” It has been part of our lives and of the city for decades.

Many asked me when this airport first begun its operations.

Some guessed that it was in the early fifties. But I came upon a written account of the World War II exploits of Col. Fidencio Laplap, liberator of Cagayan who said that after he and his guerrilla group were successful in attacking the Japanese who fully occupied Camp Evangelista in Patag, they then proceeded to Lumbia Airport where they conducted a lightning raid, destroyed several planes and other facilities. The enemy ran and joined their comrades in the poblacion and took their final stand in town where the final Battle of Cagayan happened that day of January 1945.

This airport could have existed before the onset of World War II but other sources say that it was the Japanese Imperial Army that built it. There is a small Japanese altar for the dead that was set up on the small park near the main gate leading to the terminal building.

It was placed there by the kin of the soldiers who died in this area in that last war. I do not know if this park and that memorial altar will remain when the airport is closed.

As a child, I loved going with my family on a ride to the Lumbia airport to meet relatives or my father who traveled a lot. Those rides were always a visual treat to many of us. Here we would see the utter beauty of the surrounding hills and from afar, the majestic mountains of Bukidnon. To the north is Macajalar Bay. On a clear day, you could see the outline of the mountains of Camiguin Island.

There were lots of greenery and wide open spaces everywhere.

Now there are billboards and houses along the way. It is ugly and it disrupts the otherwise lovely natural scenery that is so much part of our city.

My early recollection of Lumbia airport is that of a gray one story

LUMBIA AIRPORT CLOSED. A notice notifying passengers that Lumbia Airport will be closed on Friday, June 14, 2013 is posted by the Civil Aviation Authority of the Philippines at the Lumbia Airport terminal in Cagayan de Oro City. Passenger aviation will be transferred to the new P7.8-billion Laguindingan Airport in Misamis Oriental. Lumbia airport will be turned into an airbase of the Philippine Air Force

wooden building with a tall tower beside it. The gates for the arrival and departure areas were simple corridors that were not fully walled that it allowed the breeze from Mt. Balungkot in.

Between the three corridors were small open air gardens, each with colorful bougainvillea flowering plants. The gardens were enclosed with a thick hedge of greenery that bore violet flowers that we loved to pick and sip its sweet nectar. There were wooden high backed benches for both the passengers and their well wishers, usually a group consisting of family members and friends to sit. There was no pre-departure area then.

When a plane lands or departs, the engines would scream and be so revved up with such force that those sitting on the corridors would turn their faces to the wall with their hair in disarray. The ladies would hold tightly to their skirts fearing that it might be raised up and expose their undies.

In those days, Philippine Airlines of PAL ruled the skies. I was told that a plane ticket to Manila on a DC-3 cost PhP15. Later, there was a night flight to Manila via a Fokker plane and it cost PhP 99 – a princely sum then.

The first Kagay-anon flight attendant is the charming Sylvia Cecilio. Her sisters, Joy and Kim soon followed her footsteps. Other local beauties became PAL FAs as

we call them – Sandra Wilson, Mariles Lopez, the Fontanosa sisters, Angie Denosta, the Sontillano sisters and many more.

The only airport canteen was ran by Mrs. Chaves. It had starched white tablecloths and loud swinging doors. Governors, Mayors and other VIPs ate and spent time waiting for their plane to arrive. I remember seeing the British rock group the Zombies who sat there as they waited for their connecting flight to Davao. They were very polite though they looked weird to us for they had long shaggy hair.

The porters in Lumbia were so in demand because at that time the luggages were heavy and the big boxes that the passengers brought in had no trolleys like the ones that we have now.

These men were heavy set and strong. But what made them stay in their jobs for long was because they were unfailingly honest and polite. So it was common for families that often travel to have their own porter who was their suki. They relied on their porter even when it was just shipping some packages to Manila or Cebu for this was before the advent of the LBC and the like.

Lumbia was the scene of grand welcomes for our Presidents – the first one to arrive there by plane was Ramon Magsaysay. His predecessors usually took the Presidential

Yacht when they visited Cagayan.

The airport was also the scene of many victorious, joyful and at times sad events.

I remember that memorable welcome the city gave to the new Vice President of the country, Cagayan’s own Emmanuel “Maning” Pelaez. Many hoped that soon, he will be the first President to come from Mindanao.

Years later, he failed to clinch the party nomination for President – it went to Ferdinand E. Marcos.

But the people welcomed him with placards that told what was in their hearts – Bisag unsaon, Maning gihapon! This later became his political battle cry.

When Rene Barrientos, the adopted son of Cagayan de Oro, won the world flyweight boxing title, he was given a hero’s welcome.

Local officials led by the governor met him in the airport. And who can forget that one sad day in October, 1964 when more than a hundred vehicles of all shapes and sizes along with thousands of people jammed Lumbia Airport, some even climbing to the control tower just to meet the plane carrying the body of the city’s beloved Mayor Justiniano R. Borja? To this day, no event can duplicate that nor the very long procession of cars, jeeps, buses and trucks that accompanied the hearse from the airport to the Borja residence in downtown Cagayan.

Then there is the story of an irate father who drove his jeep at full speed in the runway chasing in vain the plane that carried his daughter who eloped with her boyfriend to Davao.

And old hands in the airport still talked about Jun, a college student of Xavier University, who bravely ran in the middle to the runway, with a bouquet of roses in hand, trying to stop a plane in its tracks.

It was a daring deed all in the name of love. The plane stopped and many airport officials ran towards Jun who was pleading with the pilot to open the door so he can say goodbye to his Australian girlfriend. She was leaving the country for good.

The officials in trying to calm him down, pleaded to the pilot in behalf of Jun. The plane door opened, the blonde girlfriend came down. Smiles, hugs, kisses and tears as she received the roses from her lover. Then Jun was escorted back to the airport where he stood transfixed – watching the plane fly till it was a small dot in the sky. Then, he left.

Like Jun, it is hard to say goodbye to Lumbia Airport for it holds so much memories for us. It is part of our lives and a part of our history. But memories aside, I think now of many people who lived and work there most of their lives. Some of them are second generation workers in Lumbia.

When this airport is closed, many will be part of the nation’s statistics of the unemployed because the government failed to prepare or aid them for this grim eventuality.

I realized that this country is not about modern structures and roads – it’s all about people and what we all become. The tragedy here is that much of the focus and the main priority of the government was on the construction of the new Laguindingan International Airport. This is a sad fact that no thought and assistance was given concerning the future of the displaced workers and the families who built their houses and lives around Lumbia Airport.

To me, what made Lumbia Airport special and memorable are the people – the friends, the workers, passengers and even the strangers. Not cement, cold steel, wood, planes and conveyor belts.

(Paulita Roa is a member of the Cagayan de Oro Historical and Cultural Commission and Deputy of the National Museum in Cagayan de Oro)

Mindanao Daily Environment 5 Classes suspended in Maguindanao due to floods tuesday | june 18, 2013

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EDITOR: CHENG ORDOÑEZ, cheng.ordonez@gmail.com

COTABATO City--Classes in at least two towns in Maguindanao this week have been suspended Sunday following floods brought about by three days of torrential rain caused by low pressure area in eastern Mindanao.

Classes in the Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao where Maguindanao belongs start Sundays and end on Thursdays.

Fridays and Saturdays are off class days.

Teacher Susan Zaragoza of Bulit Elementary School in Barangay Bulit, Pagagawan, Maguindanao said the school head teacher decided to suspend classes as clean up operations were taking place Sunday morning.

Aside from Pagagawan and Pagalungan, other flooded towns include Sultan Kudarat, Sultan Mastura, Northern Kabuntalan, Sultan sa Barongis, Datu Piang, Talayan, Talitay and Kabuntalan Mother, all in Maguindanao.

These towns are situated around the 220,000 hectares Liguasan marshland which serves as catch basin of flood waters from Bukidnon, North

Cotabato, South Cotabato and Sultan Kudarat.

Education officials said the affected towns are perennial flooded areas every time heavy downpour occur in the towns surrounding the country’s highest peak - Mt. Apo. Eliza Karim, a mother in Barangay POblacion Pagalungan who has a second year high school child at the Pagalungan National High School, said classes in public schools in Pagalungan are regularly interrupted by floods.

Social welfare officials are still validating the number of affected families when flood water reached waist deep Friday. But initial reports that in Maguindanao alone close to 50,000 persons have fled to safer grounds after the water rose to alarming level.

Many of the affected families have put up makeshift houses along portions of the CotabatoDavao highway for fear regular rains could trigger another floods.

“We heard in the news there’s typhoon coming named Emong, we do not know what will hap-

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A backhoe operator finds his way in a flooded community in Maguindanao. MindaNews photo

pen to us in the next few days,” she told reporters Sunday in the vernacular.

Local government officials

through the social welfare office have started extending emergency assistance like rice, noodles and sardines.

Health workers from the municipal health offices are closely watching the health conditions of displaced families. (PNA)

DOST-11 ready to put in place warning devices to forecast floods DAVAO City--An official of the Department of Science and Technology (DOST-XI)has said it would install this July early warning devices in Davao Region to forecast occurrence of floods and bad weather.

Eric Colmenares, DOST-XI science research specialist, said the equipment comprises four automated rain gauges and three automated weather stations to be used to warn residents of imminent danger as offshoot of heavy downpour like flash floods.

He said automated weather stations would be installed in Baganga, Davao Oriental, Davao City and Jose Abad Santos, Davao del Sur. Colmenares said automated rain gauges will also be set up in Bansalan, Davao del Sur, Panabo, Davao del Norte, Maragusan, Compostela Valley and Mati City, Davao Oriental.

“These sites were selected by the Philippine Atmospheric Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration, in order to measure the

amount of rainfall and the wind generated once a strong weather system like a typhoon occurs,” he said.

Colmenares also disclosed that the Doppler antennas in Hinatuan, Surigao del Sur and Tampakan, South Cotabato, respectivey, are functional to forecast typhoons in Mindanao area.

He said that the DOSTPAGASA would also put up six water level monitoring system in Davao City.

Colmenares said their agency was waiting for

Mamanwa Lumads barricade mining firm in Surigao Norte

By Roel Catoto

SURIGAO City--A mining company in Claver town in Surigao del Norte has been forced to suspend operations after some 150 members of the Mamanwa tribe today put up a barricade against it for alleged non-payment of royalty amounting to P30 million.

Datu Reynante Buklas, one of the Mamanwa chieftains told MindaNews in a phone interview that they are barricading the Adnama Mining Resources Incorporated (AMRI) in Barangay Urbiztondo where the firm operates.

Buklas said AMRI has failed to pay royalty to the tribe, which holds the ancestral domain title to the area.

He said that AMRI, which has been mining nickel ore in the area and exporting it to China, has not paid them since last year forcing them to stage

the barricade.

“We are deprived of this share and we feel being abused by this mining company,” Buklas said in the vernacular.

Section 7-b of the Indigenous Peoples Rights Act of 1997 entitles indigenous peoples to “negotiate the terms and conditions for the exploration of natural resources in the areas for the purpose of ensuring ecological, environmental protection and the conservation measures, pursuant to national and customary laws…”

Four firms are currently operating in Claver — the Taganito Mining Corporation, Oriental Synergy Mining Corporation which is now operated by AMRI, Platinum Group Mining Company and Taganito High-Pressure Acid Leach Nickel Corporation.

The 48,678-hec t are mining areas in barangays Taganito and Urbiztondo are

covered by a Certificate of Ancestral Domain Title.

MindaNews tried to contact AMRI officials to get their statement but no to avail.

Buklas said they will continue to barricade until their demand is met, adding more tribe members from different communities will be joining them today and tomorrow.

He said the barricade has forced the company to suspend its operations.

Lt. Col. Vincent Iringan, commander of the 30th Infantry Battalion based in Bad-as, Placer in Surigao del Norte said he was monitoring the barricade and coordinating with the Claver police station to ensure “that no violence will occur in that area.”

“My men initially talked to some datus today and they assured us that they won’t do any violence in the area,” he added. (Roel N. Catoto/MindaNews)

the local government counterpart in terms of the area of installation and security.

“Now that it is already rainy season, it is important that we have installed the sensors that will serve as early warning device.

Incidentally, the steel parts of the equipment might be stolen so we need to put up a security,” he said.

Colmenares said the water level monitoring system would be installed in Barangay Lacson,

Tamugan, Suwawan along the Davao River and other areas with active river system.

He said the move is coordinated with the City Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council.

(PNA)

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Opinion

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Editor: RUEL V. PELONE Email: ruel_pelone2002@yahoo.com

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The Mindanao Daily NEWS (mdn) newspaper is published daily at Door 2, Tanleh Building, Abellanosa St., Brgy. Consolacion, Cagayan de Oro City. It is registered with the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI), Region 10 with Certififcate No. 01791042, and with Business Permit No. 2013-13231, TIN No. 209-980-927 Tel. Nos: (088) 856-3344, (08822)72-33-44, Cell nos.: 0917-7121424, 0947-8935776 E-mail: mindanaodaily.ads@gmail.com, mindanaodailynews@gmail.com Website: www.businessweekmindanao.com

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Travelers cite traffic woes and security concerns FLAWS during the first few days of operations at the Laguindingan Airport in Misamis Oriental started to manifest. However, these maladies were not new. This corner has written a lot about the Laguindingan airport – its operations and the lack of it.

The first of the pioneering passengers who flew last Saturday, when the airport opened for commercial flights, had a lot too many observa- Cris Diaz tions of immediate concern. Well, as said most of these predicaments were not new.

However, passengers immediately noticed the “heavy traffic” along the highway from Cagayan de Oro City to Laguindingan. The traffic exacerbates as the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) continue to dig holes along the way. Many complained that the DPWH road maintenance along the Cagayan de Oro – Iligan City corridor has been going on for more than a year now. Yet, until now, the DPWH maintenance project frustrates the commuting public. Blame the contractor for the sloppiness. However, it is the job of the DPWH to see to it that completion of the maintenance project would be on time.

Good if the highway road is six or eight lanes for any maintenance project would not contribute to traffic congestion in the area.

Can anyone imagine that traveling to the Laguindingan airport from Cagayan de Oro City as the maintenance project goes on would take two hours?

We are writing of passengers with private service vehicles here. This is unacceptable since traveling from

Cagayan de Oro City to Iligan under normal situation only takes a little over than one hour. Even with the DPWH maintenance project, traveling to Iligan from Cagayan de Oro City takes only two hours at most.

By the way, Iligan City is 88 kilometers west of Cagayan de Oro City. Laguindingan is more or less around 40 kilometers. In a standard travel time, it would only take a little over 30-minute from Cagayan de Oro City to Laguindingan airport.

Security is also one of the major concerns while one travels to Laguindingan airport. With a constricted highway, a travel toward the Lagundingan airport from either Cagayan de Oro City or Iligan City is vulnerable to highway robberies at a lesser degree.

In other words, the execution of major crimes along the unsecured highways is not farfetch.The four-kilometer stretch from the airport to the main highway is not also immune to the possible commission of crimes.

We believe ‘though those airport officials could address the question of security between the airport and toward the corner of the main highway. Perhaps, airport officials could hire airport police tasked to conduct regular patrol along the road from the airport to the main highway.

Air travelers also expressed apprehensions at the lack of service vehicles that could convey from the highway toward the airport. Certainly, passengers without service vehicles would take passenger buses to get to the airport.

The idea is to save since the fare from Cagayan de Oro City to Laguindingan is only about P 40.00 to 50.00.

Now, we are only writing about traffic problems and security while traveling toward the airport. Many more would definitely come in the days ahead.

React: crisguardian@yahoo.com

Genetically modified rice: pros and cons LIFE’S INSPIRATIONS: “… only God… makes things grow…” (1 Corinthians 3:7, the Holy Bible).

-oooBREAKTHROUGH IN GENETICALLY MODIFIED RICE: MUST WE CELEBRATE? I really don’t know if we can now congratulate the Philippines in general and the Department of Agriculture in particular for their reported continuing breakthrough in the cultivation and production of hybrid rice in the country which, even now, is being praised to high heavens as being beneficial to our farmers because hybrid rice supposedly empowers them to harvest more.

My concern is that, hy-

Kakampi mo ang batas Atty. Batas Mauricio brid rice is genetically modified rice. As the website of the International Rice Research Institute proclaims, hybrid rice “is a type of rice that has been bred from two very different parents”, which, in layman’s language, should mean that this is not the usual, or natural, rice that our country had been producing.

This is problematic, as far as I am concerned, be-

cause, up to now, there is as yet no conclusive data that would prove whether genetically modified rice, or all of the other genetically modified crops and food for that matter, are safe for human consumption. Of course, there is likewise no proof yet that genetically modified rice or crops or food pose any danger to humans, but then, the telltale signs of their pernicious

effects in our country are just too overwhelming to be ignored.

-oooPROS AND CONS OF GENETICALLY MODIFIED RICE: Be that as it may, it is indeed true that the Internet literature on genetically modified food or crops is still divided even up to this point. One group upholds the safety of these types of food and crops.

The other denies its safety, and is rabidly claiming that genetically modified food or crops are dangerous not only to humans, but to the environment as well.

Here is how Wikipedia reports on the matter: “The genetically modified foods rice | page 7

Bless them that curse you F resh G ospel of the day: Matthew5:3842(June17, 2013-Monday) Matthew 5:38-42-Ye have heard that it hath been said, An eye for an eye, and a tooth for a tooth: But I say unto you, That ye resist not evil: but whosoever shall smite thee on thy right cheek, turn to him the other also.

And if any man will sue thee at the law, and take away thy coat, let him have [thy] cloke also. And whosoever shall compel thee to go a mile, go with him twain.

Give to him that asketh thee, and from him that would borrow of thee turn not thou away: In our gospel for today, Jesus taught us to give our maximum tolerance to those who hurt us,

Biblical reflection Bro. Edcel L. Closas physically and emotionally because this is the paradigm of a great love.

In Romans 12:19-21Dearly beloved, avenge not yourselves, but [rather] give place unto wrath: for it is written, Vengeance [is] mine; I will repay, saith the Lord.

Therefore “if thine enemy hunger, feed him;” if he thirst, give him drink: for in so doing thou shalt heap coals of fire on his head. Be

not overcome of evil, but overcome evil with good.

In Matthew 5:44-but I say unto you, “Love your enemies,” “bless them that curse you,” “do good to them that hate you,” and “pray for them which despitefully use you, and persecute you.”

This teaching is “proven in the life of Jesus,” because He forgave those who crucified Him on the cross.

In Luke 23:34-Then said Jesus, Father, forgive them;

for they know not what they do.

And they parted his raiment, and cast lots.

Another incident in the book of Acts, Acts 7:58-60And they “stoned Stephen, calling upon [God],” and saying, Lord Jesus, receive my spirit.

And he kneeled down, and cried with a loud voice, Lord, lay not this sin to their charge. And when he had said this, he fell asleep.

Can you forgive your enemies? SPONSORED: Neneth - Bobong Balino- Dr. Edith, PhD- Tony Jordan CDO. St. Peter Calungsod, pray for us! Listen: Radio Ultra AM-1188-3:00 PM - Sunday: #09284149490 - 09266607505: Question – Prayer request

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business & economy Editor: allan m.mediante Email: amediante@yahoo.com

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7th Travel Xchange attracts more participants

Philex spending P8B for Silangan project in Surigao Norte for 2013

The 7th TravelXchange 2013, to be held be held in Bacolod City from July 19 to 21, 2013 at the Robinsons Place Bacolod has attracted some of the biggest travel and tourism stakeholders in the country. This was announced by the event organizers Selrahco, a leading tourism marketing and public relations consulting company in the country.

Among those participating for the first time are Resorts World Manila, Go Hotels, Summit Hotels, Sheridan Hotels, the City of Puerto Princesa, Palawan, tourism entities from Regions 9 and CARAGA under the Department of Tourism umbrella and Diamond Hotel in Cebu. The three day travel fair will offer special airfare discounts, hotel room rates and holiday packages including cruises to various popular tourist destinations in the Philippines as well as the region.

The Department of Tourism, Province of Negros Occidental, City of Bacolod, Robinsons Place Bacolod are co-presented by TravelXchange 2013 with Cebu Pacific, TIEZA, PAGCOR Bacolod and Resorts World Manila.

The exotic destinations of Mindanao such as Zamboanga, Dipolog, Dapitan, Dinagat Islands, Butuan City, Surigao, Siargao, General Santos and Davao will be highlighted.

Among the participants for this year's TravelXchange are Maxims Hotel, Remington Hotel, Cebu Pacific, Department of Tourism

By Bong S. Sarmiento

Rice... from page 6

controversy is a dispute over the relative advantages and disadvantages of food derived from genetically modified organisms, genetically modified crops used to produce food and other goods, and other uses of genetically modified organisms in food production.

“The dispute involves consumers, biotechnology companies, governmental regulators, non-governmental organizations and scientists. The key areas of controversy related to genetically modified (GM) food are: risk of harm from GM food… the effect of GM crops on the environment, the effect on pesticide resistance, the impact of GM crops for farmers, including farmers in developing countries…

-oooISSUES ABOUT GENETICALLY MODIFIED FOODS: Wikipedia continues: “There is broad scientific consensus that food on the market derived from

S U R I G AO C I T Y (MindaNews)— Philex Mining Corp. is spending P5 to 8 billion this year for the exploration and development works at its Silangan project in Surigao del Norte, businessman Manuel V. Pangilinan said on Friday.

Pangilinan told reporters after the annual stockholders’ meeting of the Philippine Long Distance Telephone Co. that the Silangan project is on track for its targeted commercial production in 2017. regional offices, Resorts World Manila, Pushtechnology, Travel Adventure Group, Province of Negros Occidental, Travel & Beyond, Banaue Hotel & Youth Hostel, Balicasag Island Dive Resort, Club Intramuros Golf Course, Gardens of Malasag EcoTourism Village, Intramuros Light and Sound Musuem and Zamboanga Golf Course and Beach Park.

Visitors to the mall can also expect various cultural and touristic presentations by the participating establishments as well as competitions and raffle draws during the three day.

For inquiries and information to participate, please email travelxxchange@ gmail.com or call Kirk at 0933-354-2822.

GM crops pose no greater risk than conventional food.

No reports of ill effects have been documented in the human population from GM food.

Supporters of food derived from GMOs hold that food is as safe as other foods and that labels send a message to consumers that GM food is somehow dangerous.

“Advocacy groups such as Greenpeace, The NonGMO Project and Organic Consumers Association say that risks of GM food have not been adequately identified and managed and have also questioned the objectivity of regulatory authorities.

“Opponents say that food derived from GMOs may be unsafe and propose it be banned, or at least labeled.

They have expressed concerns about the objectivity of regulators and rigor of the regulatory process, about contamination of the non-GM food supply, about effects of GMOs on the environment and nature, and about the consolidation of control of the food supply

“At the moment, we’re building a decline, which is the most important step [for the mining project’s commercial operation],” said Pangilinan, who also chairs Philex.

The mining method we’ll use is block caving, an underground method similar to the Padcal project in Itogon, Benguet and not open-pit method like the Tampakan project in South Cotabato, the businessman said.

The controversial Tampakan project, which straddles the provinces of South Cotabato, Sultan Kudarat and Daval del Sur, is being hounded by the open-pit ban imposed by the South Cotabato provincial government.

Philex has a minor inin companies that make and sell GMOs…” -oooREACTIONS? Please call me at 0917 984 24 68, 0918 574 0193, 0922 833 43 96.

Email: batasmauricio@yahoo.com, mmauriciojr111@ gmail.com

EXTRA JUDICIAL NOTICE

NOTICE is hereby given that the intestate estate of the late spouses GALICANO DUARTE nad MAMERTA PAHAYAHAY consisting a parcel of agricultural land identified as Lot No. 914, Pls-67, covered by TCT No. (T1265) containing an area of 8.0083 hectares id the subject of Extra Judicial Notice under the notarial registry of Atty. Marie Lou Nueva per Doc. No. 46; Page No. 5; Book No. 9; Series of 2013.

MDN: June 18, 25 & July 2, 2013

READ !

terest at the Tampakan project through the stake of Australian firm Indophil Resources NL. Majority of the controlling equity at the Tampakan project is owned by the merged Glencor Xstrata plc.

Last year, Philex was fined by the government with at least P1 billion after Padcal’s tailings pond leaked.

Pangilinan said the total cost to bring the Silangan project into commercial operation would amount to US$1 billion.

Last year, Philex spent some P10 billion for exploration and development works at the Silangan project, he added.

Pangilinan noted that the ores at the Silangan

project will be mined using drilling and explosives to break the rocks into smaller pieces.

The Silangan project combines the development of the Boyongan and Bayugo deposits, which comprise gold, copper and silver.

As of July 2011, the combined measured and indicated mineral resource for Boyongan is 273 million tons of 0.52 percent copper and 0.72 grams per ton (g/t) gold and, for Bayugo, 125 million tons of 0.66 percent copper and 0.66 g/t gold, a company study showed.

In February 2009, Philex consolidated its interest in Silangan project by purchasing the remaining 50 percent equity interest held by Anglo American

WANTED FOR IMMEDIATE EMPLOYMENT PRODUCTION/PLANT MANAGER Graduate of Industrial or Mechanical Engineering/25-35 years old/ with at least 8 years Managerial Experience in Beverage/ Food Mgt. Set up/ must be technically equipped in the entire production operations.

QA/QC/FOOD TECH Graduate of Food Technology, BS Chemistry, Chemical Engineering or any related course at least 3 years experience as quality in Beverage of Food Company.

SALES MANAGER At least 5 years experience in Sales with excellent tract records of achieving sales agent / with experience in selling security and technology oriented preferably in Food and Beverages’.

MARKETING MANAGER Graduate of Marketing or any business course/ 30-45 years old/ with 5 years experience in marketing especially Food and Beverages’/ excellent in communication and interpersonal skills/with pleasing personality.

ACCOUNTING MANAGER CPA Graduate/30-45 years old/with at least 5 years working experience in bookkeeping and other accounting functions.

HUMAN RESOURCES MANAGER Candidate must be a BS/BA Psychology Graduate, Behavioral Science, or Human Resource Management well versed in all HR Function Excellent Interpersonal Skills and can deal with all levels of organization.

OFFICE STAFF/ACCOUNTING STAFF Graduate of Accounting, Finance or Business Course/ with knowledge in Accounting/ Computer Literate.

MECHANICAL/INDUSTRIAL ENGINEERING MANAGER Graduate of Industrial or Mechanical Engineering/25-35 years old with at least 8 years Managerial Experience in Beverages/ Food Mgt. Set up/ must be technically equipped in the entire production operations.

Applicant must be trustworthy, industrious and with positive working attitude, GOOD SALARY, INCENTIVES await for qualified personnel.

Interest applicant contact Ms. Leny 09228503408

www.businessweekmindanao.com

MDN: June 12, 13, 14, 17, 18, 19 & 20, 2013

Exploration BV and Anglo American Exploration (Philippines) Inc. for a consideration of $55 million.

The project is covered

by Mineral Production Sharing Agreement 14999-XIII and Exploration Permit XII-03.

The portal development for the Silangan project started in April 2011 while the first blast was done on Aug. 10, 2011, the company said. (Bong S. Sarmiento/ MindaNews) DEED OF EXTRAJUDICIAL SETTLEMENT WITH ABSOLUTE SALE OF A PORTION OF A PARCEL OF LAND

Notice is hereby given that the intestate estate of the Late ESTEBANA LOBIDO, who died long time ago, at Yumbing, Mambajao, Camiguin, and the owner of a parcel of land located at Yumbing, Mambajao, Camiguin, covered under Tax Declaration No. 1518104, denominated as Lot No. 6396, containing an area of 821 sq.m.

Sold portion: Lot 6396-A, with an area of 164 sq.m. only, is the subject of DEED OF EXTRAJUDICIAL SETTLEMENT WITH ABSOLUTE SALE OF A PORTION OF A PARCEL OF LAND, made and executed by and between: FLAVIANO M. LOBIDO, of legal age, Filipino, married and resident of Yumbing, Mambajao, Camiguin, herein referred to as Heir/Vendor; ELENA M. LOBIDO SABUCDALAO, of legal age, Filipino, married and resident of Yumbing, Mambajao, Camiguin, herein referred to as Heir/Vendor; NIC LOBIDO, of legal age, Filipino, married and resident of Yumbing, Mambajao, Camiguin, herein referred to as Heir/ Vendor; CESAR LOBIDO, of legal age, Filipino, married and resident of Yumbing, Mambajao, Camiguin, herein referred to as Heir/Vendor; LUCITA LOBIDO LAGUNAY, of legal age, Filipino, married and resident of Yumbing, Mambajao, Camiguin, herein referred to as Heir/Vendor, are the only legitimate children/heirs.

That the said heirs hereto agree to SETTLE and SELL the abovementioned portion of a parcel of land in favor of the VENDEES, JOSE REY SEMEROS III & PRINCESS JOSE REY SEMEROS, rep. by their father, JOSE J. SEMEROS, JR., for and in consideration of the sum of THIRTY THOUSAND PESOS (Ph. 30,000.00), Philippine currency, do hereby SELL, CEDE, TRANSFER and CONVEY a portion of our one parcel of land in favor of the vendees, as per Doc. No. 43; Page No. 8; Book No. 40; Series of 2013, under Notary Public of ATTY. ANIANO S. PADERANGA. MDN: JUNE 18, 25 & JULY 2, 2013

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By Filemon Madrangka, Ph. D. San Rafael Elementary School

Photo exhibit highlights DAR-10 CARP silver anniversary celebration

By Editha R. Salvador Contributor

CAGAYAN de Oro––In celebration of the 25th anniversary of the Comprehensive Agrarian Reform Program, the Department of Agrarian Reform in Region 10 mounted a photo exhibit at the Foyer, 3rd Floor, Centrio Mall on June 14-16, this year.

Dubbed “CARP @ 25”, the exhibit featured significant images representing the various programs and projects implemented under the agrarian reform program for the past 25 years.

The presentation focused on the different activities made under the 3 major components of the CARP namely- land tenure improvement, program beneficiaries development and agrarian justice delivery.

Open to the public, the exhibit formally started in the afternoon of June 14 after a short program.

Former Misamis Oriental Governor and now Cagayan de Oro Mayor-elect Oscar Moreno shared his experience in transforming Sitio Lantad, Barangay Kibanban, Balingasag, from a rebel lair into a special agrarian

reform community.

Also as part of the celebration, a CARP quiz bowl was held in the afternoon of June 16 in the same venue.

Several colleges and universities in Cagayan de Oro, Iligan and Bukidnon sent student-participants in the contest.

Cash prizes and plaques were awarded to the winners and the participating schools.

In June 10, 1988 then Pres. Corazon C. Aquino signed into law RA 6657 otherwise known as the Comprehensive Agrarian Reform Law and made

CARP the centerpiece of her administration.

The Depar tment of Agrarian Reform is the lead agency in the CARP implementation.

Other CARP implementing agencies include the Department of Agriculture, Department of Environment and Natural Resources, Department of Trade and Industry, Department of Public Works and Highways, Department of Labor and Employment, National Irrigation Administration, Land Registration Authority and Land Bank of the Philippines.

ATTITUDE. This is one of the characteristics an employer must see and look into his employers, so as teachers must be looked up with a sense of good attitude when hired. This does not only means attitude in specific but attitude in general. Attitude in which a teacher must portray to his pupils and students and the attitude, a teacher must very careful of when in show-off to his pupils.

With good attitude comes good character. What your attitude is will portray how your pupils and coteachers perceive you. Thus, a teacher must display at all times good attitude for his pupils to follow.

Indeed, teacher-pupils and teacher-teacher relationship do matter a lot also. Whatever attitude you will show will be imitated by your pupils for they look their teachers as their second parents and as a good example for them to obey and follow.

Before a teacher will think of his own personal intentions, he must think of what’s best for his pupils first. If a teacher will be strict towards his students, it is his own scheme of implementing discipline in the classroom and if he will be good and calm, then his pupils must take advantage over it.

And that, a teacher must be flexible enough for a school is a home of different personalities and different attitudes alike; and that a teacher must be sensitive enough for anyone’s behaviour inside and outside of his classroom.

If work is of great weight then attitude is a hundred percent factor also. One’s attitude towards work in school should be easy enough so that everyone can easily adjust to you. As they say, it is easier said than done but teachers must instill in their minds that they are teaching for the future of this generation, thus if they have a bad attitude, they must set for the good, and that if they are already good, they must retain it, not until the school year ends but for the rest of their lives.

PDEA nabs 6 drug suspects, including 2 bry officials CAGAYAN de Oro City––Agents of the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agenc y (PDEA) here nabbed six people, including two barangay officials, suspected for plying illegal drugs in separate buy-bust operations in Northern Mindanao on Sunday.

Five of the suspects came from Lanao del Norte, Regional Director Emerson Margate of PDEA Northern Mindanao said.

Margate identified the suspects as Jalil Pandapatan, an incumbent barangay councilor of Barangay Kadilingan, 41, Binasing Quirino, barangay treasurer, 32, Saidamen Boisan, 36, Nani Boisan, 36, and Norhata Boisan, 36, all residents of said barangay in Pantar town in Lanao del Norte.

He said the suspects were all arrested in a buy-bust operation

Charges against water district, Rio Verde are useless

CAGAYAN de Oro City––A member of the city council here on Monday said that the plan to charge the Cagayan de Oro Water District (COWD) and its water contractor Rio Verde is a useless move.

Opposition City Councilor Edgardo Cabanlas said that one of the reasons that the charges would fail is that incumbent the incumbent city mayor would be relinquishing his post as city mayor comeJune 30.

City Mayor Vicente Emano is stepping down as the city executive at the end of the month after failing a reelection bid last May 13.

The city council approved City Ordinance No. 2013-113 authorizing Mayor Emano to file a case against COWD and the Rio Verde Consurtium, Inc. for their alleged failure to provide adequate potable water for city residents.

Cabanlas said that the plan to charge the water district would no longer prosper since Emano will no longer have authority to file the cases.

He said only that the only in the authority to file charges against the Cagayan de Oro City Water District is the Local Water Utilities Administration (Lwua) . CD/BB/

of the Pdea Misamis Oriental Provincial Special Enforcement team led by Agent Vincent Cecil Orcales at 9 a.m. Sunday at Rosario Place in Corrales Street, Cagayan de Oro City.

Margate said that PDEA agents seized from the suspects more or less 25 grams of suspected shabu contained in four pieces large heat sealed transparent plastic sachet and

five pieces rectangular heat sealed transparent sachet.

“The confiscated drugs has an estimated market value of P 200,000.00,” he added.

PDEA agents also arrested Jeremy Rodriguez, 44, a resident of Barangay Carmen, Cagayan de Oro City at 6.pm., Sunday.

Seized from Rodriguez was four sachets of suspected shabu weighing 2 grams and the service

vehicle, a yellow-colored multicab with plate number MFE 695.

Rosemarie Bajao, the PDEA spokesperson, said PDEA on Monday filed charges against the suspects would be filed in court with violation of RA 9165.

CD/BB Margate said some PDEA personnel were in Lanao areas Monday conducting a follow-up operation.

Training highlights customer service To provide learning opportunities to its employees for them to continuously give quality and excellent service to the community, the Ramon Aboitiz Foundation Inc. Micro-finance (RAFI Micro-finance) held a twoday customer service training on April 12-13 at the Eduardo Aboitiz Development Studies Center (EADSC), Cebu City.

Identified RAFI Micro-finance branch managers from the different areas in Cebu, Bohol, and Leyte underwent a training, which was a combination of two important modules that measured personal readiness and level of confidence in cascading the training to other team members.

Topics included serving complex and evolving customer needs; understanding customer needs, attitudes, and expectations; and developing competencies necessary in meeting

identified customer needs and expectations.

The first day of the training tackled handling customer complaints, telephone etiquette, and customer delight. Discussions covered knowing the self and the organization and understanding the customers.

Participants were given pointers on the proper way of handling complaints, answering telephone calls, and enticing customers.

They also presented role plays based on their actual experiences in customer relations, after which they were rated according to their response to those scenarios.

The second day of the training focused on being an effective trainer.

The session provided inputs on characteristics of adult learning and proper learning methods for adult learners.

As training output, each par-

ticipant came up with a 10-minute presentation of a training design on a topic of their choice.

They were rated according to their delivery, mastery of the topic, and ability to handle questions from the audience.

RAFI Micro-finance is a program under the Micro-finance & Entrepreneurship focus area of RAFI, providing financial resources and know-how to women micro-entrepreneurs to nurture financial independence and entrepreneurship.

Other focus areas of RAFI are Integrated Development, Culture and Heritage, Leadership & Citizenship, and Education.

For more information on RAFI Micro-finance, please contact 418-7234 local 707 and look for Val Gatchalian, or visit www. rafi.org.ph or www.facebook. com/rafi.org.ph, or follow @ rafiorgph on Twitter.

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& Alkaline Ozonized Water CAMIGUIN BRANCH B. Aranas St., Poblacion, Tel. No. 310-3605 Mambajao, Camiguin Mobile 0917-7033462 Tel.No. # (088) 387-0491 Main Office: Door#6 YMCA Bldg., Julio CORRALES Pacana St., BrgyBRANCH 21. Cag. de Oro, Mis Or

Corrales Ave., Branch Address: Block 21 Lot 1 NHA Phase 2 Cagayan de Cagayan Oro Cityde Oro City Kauswagan,

DIVISORIA BRANCH Atty. Erasmo B. Damasing Bldg., #61 Don A. Velez St., Cagayan de Oro City Tel. # (088) 857-3631

ZAINZAID TRADING

LAPASAN BRANCH Direct Importer of All Kinds of Japanese Surplus Lapasan Hi-way, QUALITY and AFFORDABLE PRICE Cagayan de Oro City CDO Branch: National Highway, Zone 1, Igpit, Opol, Misamis Oriental Tel. # (088) 231-6739

ROMEO “JAY” DELOS SANTOS

CARMEN BRANCH Manager Vamenta Blvd.,Cagayan de Oro City Mobile Nos.: 09268423419(TM) Tel. # (088) 231-2011

/ 09083873595

Davao Branch: Diversion Road km.7, Bangkal, Davao City

UMAR ASLAM - 09173254444

KIMBERLITE PAWNSHOP

Gensan Branch: Brgy. Labangal, San Roque Makar, Gen. Santos City

ROBERT S. GUTIERREZ - 09103424549

Notice of Auction

MALAYBALAY BRANCH

Kimberlite Pawnshop will be having an AUCTION SALE on all items that expired on April 2013 AUCTION DATE: June 20, 2013 Estrada Bldg., Fortich-Don Carlos Sts., Malaybalay City, Bukidnon

Golden Icon Pawnshop

Benerandita L. Abrasaldo Main branch ; Lt. Guillermo street, Cogon, CDO Tel No. 72-99-73 Puerto branch: Puerto, CDO Tel no. 74-26-75 Starting June 26, 2013 8:30 in the morning up to 5:30 in the afternoon, this establishment will hold a public auction of all overdue pledges from February 1, 2013 to April 30, 2013. Patrons are enjoined to verify their receipts.

The Management Sa Hunyo 26, 2013 sa alas 8:30 sa buntag hangtud sa alas 5:30 sa hapon, ang tanang butang pinerenda nga wala makuha/malukat sa bulan sa Pebrero 1, 2013 hangtud sa Abril 30, 2013 maapil sa subasta. Gi awhag ang tanang butang sa pagsusi sa ilang resibo.

Ang Tagdumala MDN: June 18, 2013

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AQUARIUS (January 20 – February 18) - You need to reach out to someone in need -- it may be a family member or someone tearing up on the bus, but in one way or another, you have to challenge yourself to overcome social barriers.

PISCES (February 19 – March 20) - It may be a good time to forgive a debt -- especially if it’s a kid or some other relative who’s on the other side.

That doesn’t just mean wiping away the financial burden; it means pretending it never happened.

ARIES (March 21 – April 19) - Try to push back your own concerns a bit -- you’ve got some friends or coworkers who need you now! If you can defer gratification for a bit longer, you should be able to score some great karma!

TAURUS (April 20 – May 20) - Pay closer attention to your health today -- you may not be able to fix everything, but there is almost certainly one little tweak you can make that should make you feel a lot better in the long run.

GEMINI (May 21 – June 21) - Your big smile is a beacon to others today, and you are having too much fun to rest. Your mental and social energies are in perfect sync, and someone new and cool shows up at just the right time.

CANCER (June 22 – July 22) - Your activity levels are heightened today, though your mood may not be. It’s time to slog through all the work you’ve been putting off -- or that just got dumped in your lap -- before you can have fun.

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Editor : Clifford Santillan

NBA UPDATE

Mindanao Daily News’

Daily HOROSCOPE

tuesday | june 18, 2013

paint socket hammer hook gauge tools tubing

Manu Ginobili sparks Spurs to win in Game 5 San Antonio Spurs veteran Manu Ginobili set up the tone for the team early in game 5 of season finals. Ginobli, ending up with 24 points and 10 assists, played a very great role for their win and ended up as the player of the game in yesterday’s game. Spurs now leading the finals , 3-2, with Danny Green also playing a great role, scoring 24 points and broke Ray Allen’s finals record for 3s in a series with 25. Tony Parker also scored 26 points which also helped

Manu Ginobili

Hangover

the team in their win.

Game 6 of the best-of-seven series will be these Wednesday in Miami. Will the Spurs be able to take the win and be the champion, or will Miami beat the Spurs and go for game 7?

Let’s all find out this Wednesday.

SUDOKU How to play the game?

Fill in completely every rows, columns and diagonals of each puzzle without repitition

Yesterday’s Answer

of the same digit.

LEO (July 23 – August 22) - Open up your heart today -- you need to share some feelings with someone who may be drifting away from you.

That may not change, but honesty can’t hurt on a day like today. Go for it!

VIRGO (August 23 – September 22) - You and a friend or colleague are buying into something big together. It may not involve money -- it could be a new way of looking at things or even something deeply spiritual -- but you need to keep at it.

LIBRA (September 23 – October 22) - What a terrific day! You get good news in the morning, and almost nothing can dampen your spirits.

Even the worst news you get feels somehow natural or part of a much bigger, better picture!

SCORPIO (October 23 – November 21) - You need to let someone else win today -- otherwise, things are sure to get really difficult really soon.

Your energy is building up to something big, but it just hasn’t hit the right spot yet.

CROSSWORD puzzle

SAGITTARIUS (November 22 – December 21) Speak up today -- if you don’t tell the world what you want, there’s no way for the right people to guess. Your social energy is well balanced now, so it shouldn’t be too hard to open up.

across 1. British country 6. Pungent taste 11. Come up 12. US state 13. Yes, in Segovia 14. Pouch 16. Created 17. Golf peg 19. Light 21. Chess rank 22. Notice 24. Svenson of Walking Tall 25. While 26. Plural ending 28. Explode 31. Until 33. Bout Ending 35. Big fish 38. Viva_Papa 39. Evil 41. Each

CAPRICORN (December 22 – January 19) - Your cultural leanings are enriching your life -- but also the lives of those around you! Some stray comment you make today changes a life for the better. You may never fully realize what happened!

Amazing Facts!

Did you KNOW?? ..

Adélie Penguins feed on tiny aquatic creatures, such as shrimp-like krill, but also eat fish and squid. They have been known to dive as deep as 575 feet (175 meters) in search of such quarry, though they usually hunt in far shallower waters less than half that depth.

42. Donate 44. Small amount 46. Hello 47. Happening 49. Taints 51. Water grasses 52. Follow DOWN 1. Rubbish 2. Zodiac sign 3. Jet the star 4. Curved letter 5. Stamp 6. Morning 7. Crame 8. Inlet 9. Asian land 10. Judges 15. Taxi 18. Center prefix 20. Cleaning tool 23. The: archaic

27. Move on snow 29. Game extension 30. State university 31. Big cat 32. Green fruit 34. Ancient 36. First Indian prime minister 37. Appear 39. Sell 40. Luxury 43. Bobby the singer 45. _Jovi 48. Elliot’s initials 50. You and me Yesterday’s Answer

SUPERTRES II UNLEASHED: THE WINNING GUIDE LET’S PLAY LOTTO. SUPPORT PHILIPPINE CHARITY SWEEPSTAKES OFFICE!

A N A LY S I S

E x t ended

KUSOG ang mga numero nga 817, 710, 810, ug 870 karong semanaha. Ang paresan nga 71, 81, 01, 78, 07, ug 08 dili maayo nga pasagdan.

Supertres team

ANGLE GUIDE

2 5 6 9 3

3 4 7 5 2

1 0 8 1 4

7 3 9 2 5

6 5 0 3 6

270-210 721-729 670-016 671-793 m A I n t ain

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P A S A K AY

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PAIRING UNLEASHED TAKE 2

12 13 14 15 23

24 25 34 35 45

TAKE 2

67 69 78 70 80

68 60 79 89 90

TAKE 1

TAKE 1

67890

12345

YESTERDAY’S RESULT 11am: 713

PAIRING UNLEASHED TAKE 2

12 13 14 15 23

24 25 34 35 45

TAKE 2

67 69 78 70 80

68 60 79 89 90

TAKE 1

TAKE 1

6 7 8 9 0

1 2 3 4 5

YESTERDAY’S RESULT 4pm: 549

PAIRING UNLEASHED TAKE 2

12 13 14 15 23

24 25 34 35 45

TAKE 2

67 69 78 70 80

68 60 79 89 90

TAKE 1

TAKE 1

6 7 8 9 0

1 2 3 4 5

Mindanao Daily 11

tuesday | june 18, 2013

Editorial. : mindanaodailynews@gmail.com Advertising : mindanaodaily.ads@gmail.com

Group... from page 1

elected mayor of Cagayan de Oro. Uy added the business group is ready to support Moreno, who defeated Mayor Vicente Emano during the May 13 midterm elections, especially on projects and programs that are beneficial to the business sectors.

For his part, Moreno has assured the OroChamber that he will do his best to bring in more investors.

Likewise, he vowed to develop and improve further the local business enterprises.

This as Moreno expressed optimism that businesses will further flourish under his administration.

UCPB... from page 1

(DepEd) to lend to teachers,” Cloa Jr. added.

UCPB Savings Bank also embarked on the renovation of selected branches to project the rebranding image which the bank has begun in 2009 in collaboration with the parent bank. “This is intended to consistently deliver our brand promise of being the right partner to our customers by providing more branches and channels in line with our vision to be the preferred bank in the communities we serve,” Justiniano said.

To date, UCPB has 38 branches nationwide and has installed 14 ATMs already.

“As we are into the development of the countryside and the rural areas, we hope this will strengthen more businesses, be it small, medium, or micro businesses,” Cloa Jr. said.

Mining... from page 1

ing environment division chief of MGB Caraga said that he personally checked the dam two days after Greenstone employees discovered a crack on April 24, 2013. He, however, said that upon his arrival the company had already put earth fillings on the crack, made a containment bund wall and diverted a river path.

He said such measures were enough to mitigate the effects of a possible spill, which, he stressed, did not occur.

Romeo Daludado, geology division chief of MGB13 said the company told him the tension crack that occurred on the dam’s slope was 250 meters long and had two meters of land

displacement.

Daludado said the tailings dam, which serves as catchment of wastes from the milling processing plant is very stable now.

Greenstone Resources Corporation, a subsidiary of Australian-based miner Red5 Limited has been producing 1,250 ounces of gold per week at Siana Mines the start of commercial production on April 26, 2012.

Steve Norregaard, managing director of the mining company told MindaNews the company did rapid response project which took them five weeks to complete.

Norregaard said their company voluntarily and immediately stopped its milling and mining operations a day after the discovery of the crack and instead focused on the work of a 900-meter containment bund wall, earth fillings where the crack occurred, and a diversion of Magpayang River which was 240 meters long and 20 meters wide.

He said the work was completed early this month at a cost of US$3.5 million including the purchase of seven hectares of private lands and payment for crops.

But some residents expressed fears a spill might have escaped from the tailings dam.

Dodong Morales said they could not be sure if toxic chemicals have escaped seeped into the soil or water bodies even if they have not notice any fish kill. He said this should be monitored.

He said that while the company may have tried to contain any spill, it has to ensure that there is no seepage underneath.

Questioned Jaybee Garganera, national coordinator of Alyansa Tigil Mina (ATM) questioned the MGB for allowing Greenstone Resources Corporation to get permits despite its history of mine flooding and underground fire.

ATM said Siana Mines was actually an abandoned mine site previously operated by Surigao Consolidated Mining Company Inc. (Suricon) and was first opened in the 1930s.

Closed down during World War II, it was reopened in 1946, producing 4,800 kilograms of gold and 8,000 kg of silver. It was closed down again owing to mine flooding and underground fire.

The abandoned mine site was not rehabilitated until Red5 Ltd. secured a min-

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ing permit in 2002. It was granted an environmental compliance certificate in April 2009 despite a prior scheduled Final Mine Rehabilitation and Decommissioning Plan expected late May of the same year, according to ATM. The Siana Gold Project is made up of both an open pit and an underground mine. The project, as originally designed, will deliver a minimum 849,000 ounces of gold production a year at a cash cost of under $400 per ounce over a ten-year life.

But MGB’s Gonzales refuted Garganera saying Suricon is not obliged to submit a decommissioning and mine rehabilitation plan since it is not covered by the Mining Act of 1995, having been created before the law was passed.

He said Greenstone Resources Corporation used Suricon’s old tailings dam which recently suffered a crack.

Layoff Norregaard said the company had to lay off 274 workers, 227 of whom were locally hired, following the suspension of its operations.

“We paid half of the 13-month bonus, we gave their salary this month, we advised most of them to avail [of benefits] like sick leave so that they can be paid,” he added.

However, the company has retained 107 personnel — 11 Lumads, 74, regular employees and 22 temporary workers in their drilling site.

Norregaard said the stoppage is just temporary and they are working for a resumption of operations.

“The company has continued its discussion with our banker, Credit-Suisse, and its insurer. In particular, discussions with CreditSuisse focus on its standstill agreement which is integral to the success of other financial initiatives,” he said.

“The company is considering various funding and other alternative to secure finance for the construction of tailings dam and for working capital for 12 months until income can be derived from the recommencement of the milling operations,” he added.

Norregaard said the company halted its operations because geotechnical experts from Australianbased GHD Engineering, Knight Piesold Consulting and Golder Associates, a consulting firm representing the Credit Suisse, cautioned that there is an unquantifi-

able risk in operating the tailings dam.

Tubod Mayor Cristina Hemady R. Arcillas has not issued any statement on the issue. However, she told MindaNews that she requested the Environmental Management Bureau (EMB) regional office to conduct monitoring on the area.

She said her request is for the EMB to conduct samplings on the water and soil near the area to ensure the surrounding environment is safe.

“Right now I cannot comment on the issue,” the mayor said, adding her concern now is to find alternative employment for the displaced workers. (Roel N. Catoto/MindaNews)

Traffic... from page 1

He said the first to land at the airport was a Cebu Pacific Airbus from Manila which arrived at 6:05 a.m.

The last plane to arrive was also, a Cebu Pacific ATR 7250 from Davao City, which later departed for Cebu City before 6 p.m.

In the old Lumbia airport which was equipped with navigational aids, flight frequency was 28 a day.

However, on stormy days, most of the flights would be cancelled as visibility around the airport located near the mountains south of Cagayan de Oro, drops to zero.

It is this concern that made CAAP pursue the transfer from Lumbia to Laguindingan Airport which is located on a flat terrain near the shoreline in Misamis Oriental.

CAAP has implemented a “daylight operations only” — from 6 a.m. to 6 p.m. — for the operations of Laguindingan Airport because it still has no Instrument Landing System (ILS), a navigational aid for planes.

It promised to install the ILS, VHF Omnidirectional Range Navigation (VOR); Meteorological Observing System; and Precision Lighting System (PALS) by May 2014.

Local businessmen led by the Cagayan de Oro Chamber of Commerce and Industry (Orochamber) feared they would incur huge financial losses because a limited daylight operations will result to fewer planes landing in Laguindingan Airport.

Orochamber president Efren Uy said they estimated only 14 planes will be able to land on the 12-hour opening in Laguindingan airport.

“All of the airlines managed to squeeze more flights to handle the passenger traf-

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fic for Laguindingan. It was business that dictated them to manage their operations,” Rascal said.

The P7.8 billion airport built by Hanjin Heavy Industries and Constuction of Korea dazzled incoming and departing passengers who were used to worn-out facilities of the old Lumbia airport.

“This is definitely better than Lumbia,” said Dr. Paulo Cabreros who traveled all the way from Iligan City to catch his flight for Manila last Saturday.

“The terminal is very clean and very modern. I hope they can maintain its cleanliness because I am impressed,” said Cagayan de Oro business executive Bobby Letaba who came on a Philippine Air Lines flight from Manila.

Jen Besere Ocsana, editor-in-chief of Super Balita tabloid who also came on the same plane liked the view of Macajalar Bay when they landed at the Laguindingan airport.

“The sea was so calm.

It was nice to see the sea instead of the usual view of the mountains when we land in Lumbia Airport, Ocsana said.

Cabreros and some of the passengers also pointed to some things that CAAP can improve on in the next few days.

He said the terminal is not wi-fi connected — a must if Northern Mindanao wants to attract foreign tourists.

“I know wi-fi is not important but tourists will be looking for it,” Cabreros said.

Randy Casino, 28, who works as a guide in the Cagayan de Oro white water adventure, noticed there were no trash bins at the terminal lobby and even outside the airport facility.

“They should put garbage bins because where will the people throw their trash?

They might also plant trees around the facility to make this a green airport,” he said.

Going to Laguindingan Airport is a bit of a problem as the Department of Public Works and Highways in Northern Mindanao has yet to finish the widening of the highway from Cagayan de Oro. Repairs on a half-kilometer cement road have resulted to a kilometer –long pile up of vehicles between Alubijid and Laguindingan towns.

This resulted to a 30-minute delay, much to the dismay of the passengers from Cagayan de Oro. who were used to the proximity of Lumbia Airport.

Fe Judith, a retired government employee, said they left their house in Macabalan, Cagayan de Oro City a

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day earlier for fear they will miss their flight to Manila on Saturday.

Judith said they rode a bus from Bulua West Terminal last Friday and spent the night at the MORESCO dormitory in Laguindingan so they could be at the airport early Saturday morning.

She said they spent P250 per person for a bed at the Moresco dormitory.

Barkers, a permanent fixture in Lumbia airport, are also present in Laguindingan airport, victimizing passengers with exorbitant taxi rates.

Cabreros said he had to shell out P150 for a taxi from the highway in Laguindingan to the airport—a distance of four kilometers.

Staff members of Xavier University Crusader student publication who were doing a story on the airport paid P500 for a taxi in Bulua, Cagayan de Oro to bring them to Laguindingan. They also paid the same rate in returning to Cagayan de Oro. Mandangan Darimbang, regional director of the Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board said this situation happened because many passengers are not aware that there are many buses and vans fielded to service them.

“I know this is a problem and we will really settle this problem to get rid of these barkers,” Darimban said.

Darimbang said authorized coasters and aircon vans can ask for a promo fare of P199 per passenger for June and the regular fare of P250 effective in July.

He said a public hearing on the rates will be held in Cagayan de Oro and Iligan cities next month.

Darimbang said there are eight yellow-colored coasters from the company, Super Six, that charges P250 person for their rides; ten Toyota Grandia vans of the Laguindingan Airport Express, also charging P250 ride; and vans from Magnum Express.

He said Super 5, a major bus liner plying the Cagayan de Oro and Iligan route also has aircon vans waiting at the junction of the highway to the Airport. These vans charge P25 per person for the four-kilometer ride to the airport.

One of the owners of the vans plying the route said he fears the competition offered by the barkers and colorum taxis will affect their business.

“We have invested money to buy these vans and we paid for our routes. LTFRB should be doing something to protect us,” the owners said. (Froilan Gallardo/ MindaNews)

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