Mindanao Daily News (May 20, 2023)

THE NATION’S ADVOCATE FOR TRUTH, JUSTICE AND PROGRESS

illegal mining continues to destroy Iponan River

By FROILAN GALLARDO

CAGAYAN DE ORO

(MindaNews / 18

May) – Illegal mining continues to destroy Iponan River despite the issuance on Writ of Kalikasan issued in 2013 that mandated various agencies to protect the river.

Director Felizardo Gacad Jr.,, head of the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) Mines and Geo-sciences Bureau (MGB) in Region 10 (Northern Mindanao), said they are “evaluating the damage to the river system because we believe it is much bigger than we earlier thought,” Gacad said in a press conference last Tuesday.

A joint operation by the DENR personnel, National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) agents and Army elite Special Forces arrested five Chinese nationals and

No lead yet in rape-slay of architect engineer

By ANTONIO L. COLINA IV

DAVAO CITY (MindaNews / 18 May) – There is no lead yet on the suspects behind the rape-slay of Vlanche Marie L. Bragas, a 28-year-old architect and engineer, whose body was found around 8 a.m. on Wednesday in a banana plantation in Calinan just hours after she went missing, a police official said.

Police major Catherine dela Rey, DCPO spokesperson, told MindaNews on Tuesday that the result of the autopsy examination on the cadaver of the victim showed that the cause of death was asphyxia by manual strangulation.

She said there was also finding of “recent genital trauma,” confirming that the victim was raped.

Dela Rey added that the victim’s body was covered by dried banana leaves when found in the plantation owned by Subasta Agrarian Reform Beneficiaries

by FROILAN GALLARDO

raising the specter of deadly contamination along Iponan River. Mercury is considered fatal to humans especially if they

Gacad said the wasteland of 10.3 hectares borders barangays Cauyonan and Nangcaon in Opol town, Misamis Oriental.

“We based our estimates

Alsons Power adds more trees to 2 Million planted by the Group in Sarangani Province

of the disturbed area on Google earth satellite imagery,” Gacad said.

Engr. Armen Cuenca, chief of Cagayan de Oro Local Environment and

Natural Resources Office (CLENRO) said their office monitored at least ten excavators mining for gold along the Iponan River in Opol town.

Cuenca said their office furnished the DENR-MGB regional office of their April 2023 report of the illegal gold mining operations along Iponan River.

“We think there are at least ten illegal mining operations in the river but we cannot arrest them because it is in Opol area,” Cuenca said.

The CLENRO is one of the ten government agencies ordered by the Court of Appeals in 2013 to protect Iponan River, which was environmentally threatened by illegal mining operations.

The Court of Appeals issued the Writ of Kalikasan and a Writ of Continuing Mandamus in 2013 following an appeal by SULOG, an environmental coalition,

South Cotabato wants to take control of electric co-op

By BONG S. SARMIENTO

KORONADAL CITY (MindaNews / 17 May) – The provincial government of South Cotabato has expressed interest to take control of an electric cooperative here “to improve its services as well as lower the cost of electricity that’s burdensome to consumers.”

P16 per kWh charged by the electric cooperative to consumers.

He said that if the system loss “can be corrected,” the cooperative, if supervision will be under the provincial government, can earn an “income of between P40 to 60 million a month.

Two Sarangani Province-based subsidiaries of the Alsons Power Group recently planted 500 more trees to add to the over 2 million trees that the group has planted in the province over the years.

The Alsons Power subsidiaries that spearheaded the planting of the additional 500 seedlings are: Sarangani Energy Corporation (SEC) which owns and operates the 210 mega-watt (MW )baseload thermal power plant in the municipality of Maasim, and Siguil Hydro Power Corporation (SHPC) which is develop-

ing a 14.5 MW run- of- river hydroelectric power plant currently under construction at the Siguil River basin and set to begin operating before the end of 2023.

“Protecting our watersheds by providing forest cover is a concrete manifestation of our brand promise to Power with Care,” said Alsons Power Vice President for Corporate Affairs Ruben G. Tungpalan.

The planting activity was held at the SEC power plant’s Community Watershed Protection

site

the 7th anniversary of SEC. The SEC plant began operating in 2016 and played a pivotal role in ending the power shortage in Mindanao. SEC and SHPC were joined by partners from the community, the Provincial Government and the LGU.

Alsons Power is Mindanao’s first private sector power generator. The group currently operates four power facilities with a total generating capacity of 468 MW serving over eight million people in 14 cities and 11 provinces in the country’s second largest island.

South Cotabato Gov. Reynaldo Tamayo, Jr. asked the management of the South Cotabato Electric Cooperative – I (Socoteco-I) to let the provincial government supervise management control of the distribution utility.

“There’s still a lot of wastage (system loss) that makes the price of electricity prohibitive to consumers,” Tamayo said in the vernacular on Monday’s “Governor Meets the Press.” “If they can’t lower the cost, they should give up the management to the provincial government.”

With the provincial government taking control of Socoteco-I, Tamayo vowed to lower in the next few months to P10 per kilowatt hour (kWh) the present

The system loss charge was pegged at 1.4069 in March for residential consumers.

Tamayo also criticized the management of Socoteco – I, which is headed by general manager Raffee Edsel Epistola, for the intermittent brownouts suffered by the electric consumers in the past several months.

Epistola could not be contacted for comments.

The governor noted that the high cost of electricity is hampering the entry of investors in the second district of South Cotabato, which forms the bulk of the cooperative’s service area.

South Cotabato’s second district comprises this city and the towns of Tantangan, Banga, Norala, Surallah, Sto. Nino, Lake Sebu and T’boli.

Illegal miners set up camp along Iponan River in Cagayan de Oro City.. MindaNews file photo

Project

in Sitio Datal Basak in celebration of

13 Filipino laborers in Barangay Pigsag-an, Cagayan de Oro dawn of May 13. The raiders found a bottle of mercury among the tents used by the miners,

are exposed to the toxic chemical.

PBBM inks law amending AFP officers' fixed term

By Ruth Abbey Gita-Carlos

MANILA – President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. has signed Republic Act (RA) 11939 amending RA 11709 which prescribes fixed terms for the key officials of the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP).

RA 11939, signed by Marcos on May 17, particularly amends Sections 2, 6, 9, 10, and 15 of RA 11709, in a bid to strengthen professionalism and promote the continuity of policies and modernization initiatives in the AFP.

Under RA 11939, the AFP chief of staff will have a maximum tour of duty for three consecutive years, while the service commanders of the Philippine Army (PA), Philippine Air Force (PAF), Philippine Navy (PN), and the Philippine Military Academy (PMA) will have a two-year term of office “unless sooner terminated by the President.”

The new law removes the vice chief of staff, the deputy chief of staff, unified command commanders, and the inspector general from the roster of officials

Publication Notice

CFN-0004-2023

NEW AFP OFFICIALS. Senators greet the newly promoted officers of the Armed Forces of the Philippines. The Commission on Appointments confirmed the ad interim appointments of 49 generals and colonels on Wednesday (May 17, 2023). (PNA photo by Avito Dalan)

with a fixed term of three years. The PA, PAF, PN, and PMA chiefs are ineligible for any position in the AFP unless promoted to the position of chief of staff.

To be eligible for appointment or promotion to the grade of brigadier general, commodore or higher rank, the military officers must have at least a year remaining active service before compulsory retirement.

Republic of the Philippines

OFFICE OF THE MUNICIPAL CIVIL REGISTRAR

Province of Misamis Oriental Municipality of Alubijid

NOTICE TO THE PUBLIC

In compliance with Section 5 of R.A. No. 9048, a notice is hereby served to the public that FRANCISCO SALVADOR PATEÑO has filed with this office a petition for Change of First Name of her husband from “ ROSTOM ” to “ FRANCISCO ” in the Certificate of Live Birth of ROSTOM PATENIO who was born on DECEMBER 14, 1954 at Sambulawan, Alubijid, Misamis Oriental and whose parents are FLORENTINO PATENIO and BONIFACIA SALVADOR

Any person adversely affected by said petition may file his written opposition with this office not later than May 29, 2023.

(SGD) ESTELA N. SALDIA Municipal Civil Registrar

RA 11939 states that the AFP chief of staff and heads of PA, PAF, PN, and PMA will compulsory retire upon completion of a tour of duty or upon relief by the President.

The second lieutenant or ensign, lieutenant general or vice general and any enlisted personnel will reach the mandatory retirement at the age of 57 or upon accumulation of 30 years of satisfactory active duty.

Those commissioned

R.A. 10172 Form No. 10.1 (LCRO)

under Presidential Decree 1908 and appointed in the Corps of Professors will retire upon reaching the age of 60 years old or upon accumulation of 20 years of satisfactory active duty.

RA 11939 also provides that the maximum tenure of military officers with the rank of brigadier general or commodore will increase from three to five years, while those who are holding the rank of colonel

Republic of the Philippines Local Civil Registry Office City of Iligan

NOTICE FOR PUBLICATION

In compliance with Section 7 of R.A. 10172 , a notice is hereby served to the public that AISAH M. MAYO has filed with this Office a Petition for Correction of Clerical Error particularly SEX from MALE to FEMALE in the Certificate of Live Birth of AISAH MATAO MAYO who was born on MARCH 23, 1999 at BALO-I, LANAO DEL NORTE and whose parents are J AMALIA S. MATAO and HASIM S. MAYO. Any person adversely affected by said petition may file his written opposition with this office not later than JUNE 2023.

(SGD) ATTY. YUSSIF DON JUSTIN F. MARTIL City Civil Registrar

BFAR: Red tide alert remains in some coastal areas

By Anna Leah Gonzales

MANILA – The Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (BFAR) said the red tide alert is still up in some of the coastal waters of Bohol, Samar, Zamboanga del Sur, and Surigao del Sur.

In a shellfish bulletin issued late Wednesday, BFAR Director Demosthenes Escoto said shellfish samples collected and tested from coastal waters of Dauis and Tagbilaran City in Bohol and San Pedro Bay in Samar are still positive for Paralytic Shellfish Poison (PSP) or toxic red tide that is beyond the regulatory limit.

The red tide alert is also still up in Dumanquillas Bay in Zamboanga del Sur and Lianga Bay in Surigao del Sur.

Escoto warned that all types of shellfish and alamang

R.A.No.10.1(LCRO)

gathered from these areas are unsafe for human consumption.

“Fish, squids, shrimps, and crabs are however safe from human consumption provided that they are fresh and washed thoroughly, and internal organs such as gills and intestines are remove before cooking,” Escoto said.

Red tide is a term used to describe the coastal phenomenon in which the water is discolored by high algal biomass or concentration of algae, according to BFAR.

“Almost always red tides are harmful since they cause harm to the environment, living organisms and to humans. Some cause mass mortality of fish or fish kills and some produce potent toxins that are of public significance,” it said. (PNA)

Republic of the Philippines

Local Civil Registry Office Province of Camiguin Municipality of Catarman

In compliance with Section 5 of R.A. No.9048 a notice is hereby served to the public that LUISITO P. UCAB has filed with this Office a Petition for Change of First Name from “ LAURITO ” to “ LUISITO ” in the Certificate of Live Birth of LAURITO FABRO UCAB he was born on November 24, 1964 at Catarman, Camiguin whose parents are EGNACIO UCAB and TEOTIMA FABRO. Any person adversely affected by said petition may file his written opposition with this Office not later than May 31, 2023.

(SGD) LUDIVINA T.LIBAGO

MDN: May 20 & 27, 2023

OF R.A. 10172), notice is hereby served to the public that AMENOLLAH AWAL RYAN has filed with this office, a petition for correction entries of his date of birth from “ 15 December 2004 ” to “ 15 June 2004 ”; in his certificate of live birth at Municipality of Maguing, Lanao del Su r and whose parents RYAN

MACAANGGA USOP and AME NAYO AWAL

Any person adversely affected by said petition may file his/her written opposition with the office not later than __________________

(SGD) SORAIDAH B. TAHER Municipal Civil Registrar

MDN: May 20 & 27, 2023

Republic of the Philippines Province of Davao del Sur CITY OF DIGOS

OFFICE OF THE CITY CIVIL REGISTRAR

Publication Notice

R.A. 10172 NOTICE TO THE PUBLIC May 10, 2023

In Compliance with the publication requirement and pursuant to OCRG Memorandum Circular No. 2013-1 Guidelines in the Implementation of the Administrative Order No. 1 Series of 2012 (IRR on R.A. 10172), Notice is hereby served to the public that JOCELYN A. LUMAYAS has filed with this Office, a petition for correction of entry in child’s sex from “ MALE ” to “ FEMALE ” in the Certificate of Live Birth of LYNJIE ABALLE LUMAYAS at San Miguel, Digos City and whose parents are JEZREEL C. LUMAYAS and JOCELYN C. ABALLE

Any person adversely affected by said petition may file his written opposition with this Office not later than May 30, 2023.

Signature over printed name of the C/MCR MDN: May 20 & 27, 2023

MDN: May 13 & 20, 2023

(SGD) MARISSA C. NEBRADA City Civil Registrar May 13 & 20, 2023

Shellfish (File photo)

2 cold storage depots to be built to cut post-harvest losses

By Leilanie Adriano

LAOAG CITY–At least two cold storage facilities meant to reduce post-harvest losses due to spoilage will be set up in this city and in nearby Sarrat town to benefit tomato growers and fishery associations here.

Engineer Ma. Teresa Bacnat, officer-in-charge of the Provincial Agriculture Office, confirmed this on Thursday following the successful bidding of the PHP44 million worth of tomato storage facility expected to start construction next month.

“This is funded by the World Bank with a counterpart from the Department of Agriculture,” said Bacnat in a media interview.

She said the facility will be put up in Barangay San Joaquin in Sarrat town and

this will be managed by the San Joaquin Multi-purpose Cooperative, a multi-awarded outstanding cooperative in the province. Meanwhile, a fishery cold storage facility will also be set up within the compound of the Provincial Agriculture Office in Barangay 2, Gomburza Street in this city.

Bacnat said the final bidding for the fishery cold storage facility worth PHP20 million has been set for next week and the project is funded under the DA.

To address the decline of fishery production and postharvest losses due to spoilage, President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. has earlier directed concerned government agencies to help farmers and fishers to set up cold storage facilities in various parts of the country where it is needed most.

COLD STORAGE. A fish vendor sells various fish during the Kadiwa ni Ani at Kita at the compound of the Provincial Agriculture Office in Laoag City, Ilocos Norte province on April 20, 2023. A fishery cold storage facility will soon be set up in the province to prevent spoilage. (File photo by Leilanie G. Adriano)

According to the Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (BFAR), fish spoilage is between 25 to 40 percent due to the lack of post-harvest equipment like blast freezers, ice-making machines, and facilities like cold storage warehouses and fish landing sites.

In Ilocos Norte, the provincial government has been urging rice farmers to shift to planting high-value commercial crops where the demand is higher.

Aside from the continuing distribution of farm machinery and various agriculture inputs, the Ilocos Norte government also provides marketing assistance to farmers by partnering with various local government units outside the province through its Producer-toConsumer program. (PNA)

4 new coops in Sorsogon get livelihood seed fund

By Connie Calipay

LEGAZPI CITY – The Department of Social Welfare and Development in Bicol (DSWD-5), through its Sustainable Livelihood Program (SLP), has awarded seed capital funds to four new eligible cooperatives in Sorsogon province.

In a phone interview on Wednesday, Ram Joseph Zaragoza, DSWD-Bicol project development officer

for SLP, said DSWD-Bicol awarded on Tuesday some PHP1.1 million to the cooperatives under the Zero Hunger Program of the DSWD.

“The groups are expected to engage in food production-related livelihood based on the approved proposals. The four associations’ seed funds were given depending on the amount indicated in their projects. We will continue to moni -

tor them, the incubation period what we call it, to ensure the sustainability of the projects is two years,” Zaragosa said.

The four groups and the amount they received are the Agriville SLP Association with 29 members -- PHP435,000; Blessed Village SLP Association with 10 members -- PHP150,000; Purok 4 Extension Cambulaga SLP with 27 members

LIVELIHOOD SUPPORT. Department of Social Welfare and DevelopmentBicol (DSWD-5) officials and members of associations pose during the distribution of cheques representing capital assistance at the provincial capitol in Sorsogon City on Tuesday (May 16, 2023). The groups received seed funds that will be used for food production-related projects under the Zero Hunger Program. (Photo courtesy of DSWD-5)

The MINDANAO DAILY is pubished by MINDANAO DAILY NEWS PUBLISHING CORPORATION. Registered with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) with Reg. No. CS201531735, Business Plate No. 202003336, under Business License Certificate No. 2020-04013, BIR-TIN No. 464-682-324-000.

ADMINISTRATION

DANTE M. SUDARIA Publisher and President

ALLAN MARIO MEDIANTE

Vice President for Corporate Affairs

RUFINO T. MAGBANUA

Vice President for Business Development

VICENTE C. DELA VICTORIA

Vice President for Operations

ALLAN M. MEDIANTE

Editor-in-Chief

RUFFY MAGBANUA

Deputy Editor-in-Chief

JOEL ESCOL

Managing Editor

RENE MICHAEL BAÑOS

Regional Editor - NorthMin and Motoring Editor

RENE MICHAEL BAÑOS

Vice President for Special Projects

DANTE SUDARIA, JR.

Vice President for Digital

ROSE MARY D. SUDARIA, PhD Vice president for FINANCE

JOE FELICILDA Vice President for Administration

EDITORIAL

AL JACINTO

Regional Editor - WestMin

CHRIS

Abellanosa St., Brgy. Consolacion, Cagayan de Oro City.

Tel. Nos: (088) 856-3344, 0917-7121424, 0947-8935776, 0917-5183590, 0917-6701544. E-mails: Advertising: mindanaodaily.ads@gmail.com Editorial: mindanaodailynews@gmail.com

ROSE MARY SUDARIA, PHD manager

MELANIE RIVERA Advertising JOSE FELIX SANTILLAN creative

DANNYCAROSE SUDARIA comptroller

9th Flr, Unit 918, CityLand Herrera VA Rufino cor. Valero St. Salcedo Village, Makati City | TEL. #: 5555392

CECILIA FRESNIDO - HONRADE marketing and sales manager 0955-366-5968, 0918-527-5898

Unit 520 Bldg. 2 Camella Northpoint Bajada, Davap City 8000 Landline #: (082) 293-9152 email:mdnndavao@gmail.com

NORMA N. PACHECO BUREAU CHIEF 0919-097-9024/0929-714-6599

ROLANDO SUDARIA production

Have my say

MIRACLES IN LIFE?

What are miracles in life?

A miracle is an event that is inexplicable by natural or scientific laws and accordingly gets attributed to some supernatural or preternatural cause.

Allow me to move your view to other wonders, to supernatural happenings or to a prodigy. A "miracle" (from the Latin "miraculum") can be actually found at any corner of our daily life. I am not yet talking about the so-called miracle plays, the popular medieval form of drama based on the lives of the Saints or on Biblical history.

Let's begin with ourselves. Can you still see the doors of opportunity just opened for you? Why is it that so many people nowadays get tired instead of discovering their own "VIP" within? The bible clearly states that God has "crowned us with glory and honour" (Psalm 8:5). "Honour" is equal to "favour"... . To assist, to provide with special advantages and to receive preferential treatment... .

No, these are indeed and

Kim’s Dream

definitely miracles. This should be common sense, but it seems that many of us have forgotten it!

In November 1981, my mother was diagnosed with cancer and given just a few months to live. Spread cancer! Some doctors told me that they reached their limits on what they could do. My father left us during that time. I lived more than 500 miles away from our home in Berlin.

She passed away seven years ago at the age of 92 living in Davao together with all of us.

Can miracles happen in real life? Yes, then even in the most impossible situations, miracles can become possible. The good thing about miracles is that we don't have to wait for them to happen. They happen every day and sometimes even little changes are enough to see big miracles.

Yes. We have a supernatural God. I say this, without thinking about special religious directions or ministries. We all believe in one God. As a Christian I would explain it as follows:

No Rule of Law on Environment

VIRGINIA P. RECONALLA marketing manager 0927-380-7878

LIZANDRE A. PACO sale manager 0919-234-0606/082-284-0519

PTR. LITO L. MAPAYO account officer 0945-679-9809

REY M. EPIS circulation in charge 0968-851-0774

Block 20-12, Cacacho Subd., Mankilam, Tagum City, Davao del Norte Tel/CP #: 0917-891-2514 O ffice in Charge: BELEN V. TAPING

G/F IBJT North Terminal, Tambo, Hinaplanon, Iligan City Office in Charge: SONNY SUDARIA (0916-349-7422)

Door 3, 2nd Floor Go Bldg., Lam an, Ozamiz City Office in Charge: FORTUNATO “Teddy” ALCUIZAR, JR. (0956-180-4249)

MINDANAO DAILY NEWS NETWORK NATIONAL BUREAUS

NCR – Rotsen Abejuela

Bulacan – Washington Mediante

Manila – Danica Paulino

LUZON

Caesar Gatchalian – Subic

Godz Dolfo – Zambales

Armando Magalang – Nueva Ecija

VILLAMOR VISAYA JR., Bureau Chief - northern luzon region 2

FRANCIS C. SORIANO, Bureau Chief - nCr, region 3 & 4

CINDY JOYCE D. ALCANZO, asst. Bureau Chief - region 3 (Central luzon)

CYRIL QUILO, asst. Bureau Chief - region 4a (CalaBarzon)

ELMER JAMES BANDOL (B Col region)

RIZA O. ARES - 0926-2242-653

CANDY MACABALE - 0977-092-0561

LOLONG NABONG - Misor - 0906-875-8650

MANNY ANSIHAGAN - gingoog City - 0936-287-7788

ANNABELLE D. FLORENDO - South Bukidnon - 0975-102-8444

PHILIP ‘PHIL’ CALUMBA - ValenCia City - 0905-652-5407

RUFINA CUALES - MaraMag - 0926-336-1585

DAHLIA S. BENEMERITO - MalayBalay - 0955-150-6602

LALAINE SUDARIA - MalayBalay - 0975-251-7882

JEFFREY OPONDA - iligan City - 0936-117-4378

BOBBY MAGUSARA - tanguB City

PJ TREMEDAL - o roquieta C ity - 0919-3452375

SONY SUDARIA - R-10, BARMM - 0947-4810371/0916-349-7422

ANALISA ESPAÑOLA - C ota B ato C ity - 0916-9351714

SHAMMAH SUNGA - C ota B ato C ity - 0967-219-4261

Mario Rosete – Cabanatuan

Inna Viktoria Balaba – San Pablo, Laguna

VISAYAS

Dennis Ibutnande – Kalibo, Aklan

Paul Asis – Iloilo

Fety Luz Padohinog – Bacolod

Nicole Jaudian – Cebu

TOM A. CABALLERO - daVao - 0975-6023684

IAN CABALLERO FULGENCIO - daVao - 0955-400-8752

SARAH CASTOR - daVao del norte - 0910-1610366

ROMEO D. SANCHEZ - digos City - 0907-1905204

ALEJANDRO BRIAN CASTOR - daVao - 0950-646-5515

VIRGINIA RECONALLA - digos City - 0938-544-8333

AUREA HERNANDEZ - daVao City - 0997-924-2417

PASTOR JOEL P. PESUCAN - daV oCC 0926-587-6149/0912-019-2590

BELEN TAPING - taguM City - 0917-891-2514

P tr. JOEL SARILLANA - C o M V al - 0946-891-3544

IMELDA PALARCA - g eneral s antos - 0916-377-1600

HENRY

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 declaration 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 verbalized in classrooms of law colleges and courts of law with all eloquence, one cannot help but be awed. Even more awesome 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 portrayed 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 pronouncements, however eloquent in prose and style, are just empty rhetorical 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

He is not limited to the laws of nature. He can do what human beings cannot. He can make a way in our life. Let us not imagine how hopeless a situation looks like. We may not be a priest, pastor or preacher, but we can mix our simple words with God's words and something powerful begins to happen. Miracles in life? Yes. But we should pray for it and believe in Him. There is purpose and meaning in my life, even if it is chaotic. Miracles can happen in the chaos. Meaning can come out of madness +++

You can email me: doringklaus@gmail.com or follow me on Facebook, LinkedIn or Twitter or visit www. germanexpatinthephilippines.blogspot.com or www. klausdoringsclassicalmusic. blogspot.com .

environment is concerned, are the most delinquent in their enforcement.

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. Despite 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 allowed 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 continue to mock forestry laws as manifested in their illegal cutting 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 carrying recycled or xeroxed permits or without permit at all.

All the on-going massive hydraulic flush and open pit mining operations in the uplands of Cagayan de Oro up to Iligan City are all illegal as these are highly injurious, not only to the critical balance of nature but to human life itself. These illegal activities have not only destroyed 25-million Peso irrigation proj -

Orlan R. Ravanera

Visayas

774 E. Visayas schools cancel in-person classes due to heat

By Sarwell Meniano

TACLOBAN CITY – At least 774 public elementary and secondary schools in Eastern Visayas have suspended faceto-face classes this week and shifted to different learning modalities due to extreme heat, the Department of Education (DepEd) reported.

These learning mode changes are affecting 115,262 Kindergarten and Grades 1 to 12 learners in six provinces and seven cities, according to the DepEd’s report released on Thursday.

DepEd Eastern Visayas regional information officer Jasmin Calzita said in a phone interview Thursday school officials decided to call off face-to-face classes to prevent heat-related illnesses among teachers and learners.

Of the number, 387 schools are into distance learning, 267

campuses adopted modular distance learning, 108 schools shifted to blended learning, and 12 campuses have been implementing online distance learning.

“The distance learning utilizes mixed approaches like online learning and modules, but there’s no face-to-face classes. The modular distance learning purely distributes modules to learners while the blended approach is a mix of face-to-face and distance learning modes,” Calzita told the Philippine News Agency (PNA).

The DepEd asked schools to immediately report the suspension of classes due to extreme heat.

School heads are allowed to suspend in-person classes since they are more aware of the actual situation on their campuses.

The holding of online

R.A.Form No.10.1(LCRO) Republic of the Philippines Local Civil Registry Office Province of Camiguin Municipality of Mambajao

N O T I C E O F P U B L I C A T I O N

In compliance with Section 7 of R.A.No.10172, a notice is hereby served to the public that DURCAS NAPONE ENOPIA has filed with this Office PETITION FOR CORRECTION OF CLERICAL ERROR in her husband’s Death Certificate, ROMULO UAYAN ENOPIA particularly the day in his Date of BIRTH from “ 11 OCTOBER 1967 ” to “ 9 OCTOBER 1967 ”, He died on 30 DECEMBER 2022 at ER DEATH CAMIGUIN GENERAL HOSPITAL,MAMBAJAO, CAMIGUIN, PHILIPPINES from parents: LEONITO BACARRO ENOPIA and ROSARIO GABURNO UAYAN. Any person adversely affected by said petition may file his written opposition with this Office not later than 26 MAY 2023.

(SGD) EDITHA B.MOOSREINER, MBA Municipal Civil Registrar

OUTDOOR LEARNING. Outdoor class for students in Llorente, Eastern Samar in this May 9, 2023 photo due to extreme heat. At least 774 public elementary and secondary schools in Eastern Visayas suspended faceto-face classes this week and shifted to different learning modalities due to extreme heat, the Department of Education (DepEd) reported on Thursday (May 18, 2023). (Photo courtesy of Nerisaa Calzita-Barbo)

VACANCY ANNOUNCEMENT

Position

SPIRITUAL ADVISER/ COUNSELOR SALARY RANGE IS Php 30,000

Qualification:

• A BACHELOR’S DEGREE IN THEOLOGY.

• PRITUAL ADVISOR WHO GIVE TO UPLIFT OTHER ON A SPIRITUAL LEVEL.

• SPIRITUAL ADVISOR SHOULD HAVE A POSITIVE ATTITUDE TOWARDS HIMSELF SPIRITUAL MATTERS.

Interested person should submit resume to MARY JANE U. SAMSON DAVAO MEDICAL EDUCATION MANAGEMENT SERVICES LTD. CO. FORMER HJM beside Baptist Church Circumferential Road, Brgy 7-A Marfori Heights, DAVAO CITY

Email Add: Dmemsltd.co@gmail.com

May 13 & 20, 2023

or other distance learning modes seeks to minimize the health and safety risks and uphold the physical and mental well-being of learners and school personnel, according to DepEd.

Earlier, the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA) warned of even warmer days ahead.

The weather bureau states that heat indices between 41 and 54 degrees Celsius are considered "dangerous" as they can lead to heat cramps and heat exhaustion, and with continued activity, a heat stroke is likely to occur.

Tacloban, the regional capital recorded a 42 degrees Celsius heat index on May 17 while the highest was recorded in Catarman, Northern Samar at 46 degrees Celsius. (PNA)

VACANCY ANNOUNCEMENT

Position

INDIAN FINANCIAL CONSULTANT SALARY RANGE IS Php 35,000

Job Descriptions:

• EXPERIENCE OF IDENTIFYING AND ANALYSING FINANCIAL RISKS

• SKILLED FINANCE MANAGER W/ KNOWLEGDE OF FINANCIAL MANAGEMENT RESTRICTED DONOR FUNDING , REPORTING, PROCUREMENT PROCEDURE

• BACHELORS DEGREE AND EXPERIENCED.

• FINANCIAL BUSINESS PARTHERING SERVICE ORIENTED, CUSTOMER FOCUSED APPROACH.

Interested person should submit resume to MARY JANE U. SAMSON

DAVAO MEDICAL EDUCATION MANAGEMENT SERVICES LTD. CO.

Former HJM beside Baptish Church Circumferential Road,Marfori Heights

Davao City

Email Add: nbconsultancyservicesnbbusiness@gmail.com

Bukidnon Pineapple Jam Producer Earns

FDA Certification with DOST Consultancy

Mama Nene Homemade Delights locally known as Paula’s Bukidnon Delight earns its Certificate of Product Registration (CPR) for its Pineapple Jam, through the consultancy and training services of the Department of Science and Technology.

The Certificate of Product Registration (CPR) is a requirement of the Food and Drug Administration for food products (beverages, water, canned goods, etc.), food supplements, medicines, and others if such products will be exported. It is also a requirement of institutional buyers such as malls and supermarkets. With the newly acquired CPR, this woman-led enterprise can now expand its market reach and offer its delicious and high-quality pineapple jam throughout the country through various malls, pasa-

lubong centers, and others.

Ms. Paula Chiong, the owner, considers this achievement a significant milestone since pineapple jam is the very first product of the business.

“I thought na imposible para sa isa ka micro na negosyante na maka kuha og FDA LTO and CPR but with the help and guide of DOST napa sayon and napa dali and I have proven na walay impossible basta naay pasencya, pag kugi, perseverance and determination. Karon challenges nasad ang atubangon which is to conquer the Phil-

R.A.Form No.10.1(LCRO)

ippine market”. She relayed how DOST has assisted her firm to acquire FDA License to Operate, and now her CPR. She also said that with this new milestone, she is ready to face a new challenge: conquering the Philippine market.

The firm first acquired the SETUP program. Aside from the technology upgrading they have acquired, they are also a licensee of the Food and Nutrition Research Institute (FNRI)’s Enhanced Nutribun Technology. The firm is also a beneficiary of the Manufacturing Productivity Extension (MPEX) Program through the consultancy services of DOST. These programs have helped the company improve its plant layout, food safety, and halal training, which can help boost the firm’s competitiveness and productivity. The firm was also assisted in its laboratory analysis through the DOST 10 Regional Standards and Testing Laboratories.

Ms. Paula is currently producing 1,000 kilograms of pineapple jam every month

– an increase of 66% after DOST intervention and has produced seven additional products such as Pineapple muffin, pineapple ensaymada, Paula’s Mango Jam, Paula’s Langka, Paula’s vinegar, Paula’s vinaigrette and Paula’s Chili Sauce.

Paula’s Bukidnon Delights

products are now becoming among the most sought-after pasalubong products from the province. The firm also caters walk-in visitors of their newly opened café at the Kaamulan Ground, Capitol Compound, Malaybalay City –where their enutribun facility is also at. (Goldy Cordero/DOST 10)

Institutionalization of Community Reading Program

By: JOY O. APUS Laguindingan National High School

Reading fluency among learners has always been a challenge nowadays.

Before this Court verified joint petition for the approval and registration of the Divorce filed by petitioners and alledging among others. That petitioners are husband and wife respectively in a marriage performed under Civil rite on March 16, 2013 at Iligan City, both petitioners had been converted to Muslim and thereby embraced Islam Religion as their new found faith, by virtue of their respective intellectual choices which were duly registered with this Court, both of them can be served summons and other legal processes relative to this case at their resident at Tubod, Manuang, Iligan City and Tambo, Hinaplanon, Iligan City, respectively;

That said marriage did not last long due to lack of love and affection until the relationship manifested incompatibility and sustained misunderstanding between petitioners and reached the point of irreconcilability and they separated for each other for some reason of which both petitioner finally decided to legally break or severe their marriage bond for seven (7) years, they decided to separate live physically in bed and board, thereby, executed Memorandum of Agreement in order to formalize their separation. Since their separation, they had never been communicating or supporting either financially or emotionally to each other, neither minding each other affair’s; petitioner seek judicial decree of divorce, thereby, severing their marriage bond on March 16, 2013 so that they will have free hand to do what a single man or woman could do without marital burdens. Reconciliation between them had already been diligently employed but all proved futile.

WHEREFORE, finding this petition to be sufficient in form and substance, set the initial hearing of this case on June 9, 2023 at 9:00 a.m. at which time, date and place. Any interested party may appear and show why the petition should not be granted. Let copy of this Order be published in newspaper of General Circulation in the City of Iligan once a week for three (3) consecutive weeks at the expense of the petitioners.

SO ORDERED. Iligan City, Philippines, this 15th of May, 2023.

MDN: May 20, 27 & Jun 3, 2023

(SGD) HON. OSOP M. ALI Presiding Judge

Republic of the Philippines

REGIONAL ALTERNATIVE CHILD CARE OFFICE Region X

Masterson Ave., Upper Carmen, Cagayan de Oro City Email address: racco10@nacc.gov.ph

IN RE: PETITION FOR ADOPTION OF DOMESTIC ADMIN. ADOPTION CASE NO:

SAHREA YSABELA MAITREYA S. SANICO RACCO X-DAA-2023-0013-SP-001-A and OLIVIA CASSANDRA S. SANICO RACCO X-DAA-2023-0013-SP-001-B

TO BE KNOWN THEREAFTER AS

SAHREA YSABELA MAITREYA S. RODRIGUEZ and OLIVIA CASSANDRA S. RODRIGUEZ

MAXIMO T. RODRIGUEZ III

DATE: May 15, 2023

Petitioner x----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------x ORDER

A verified petition for the adoption of SAHREA YSABELA MAITREYA SHIMO SANICO and OLIVIA CASSANDRA SHIMO SANICO filed by the petitioners through the Regional Alternative Child Care Office (RACCO) praying that the after due notice, publication and appearances, a judgement be rendered to the effect that the minor SAHREA YSABELA MAITREYA SHIMO SANICO and OLIVIA CASSANDRA SHIMO SANICO be declared for all legal intents and purposes the legitimate child of the petitioners and that the name of the child be change particularly to appear as SAHREA YSABELA MAITREYA SHIMO RODRIGUEZ and OLIVIA CASSANDRA SHIMO RODRIGUEZ.

Finding the said Petition to be sufficient in form and substance, let the same be set for Mandatory Appearance on July 5, 2023, 9:00 am to be held at RACCO X, Masterson Ave., Upper Carmen, Cagayan de Oro City. Any interested party may appear and may file an opposite/complaint supported by evidence to the National Authority for Child Care (NACC), through the RACCO where the Petition was filed. The complaint will be subjected for verification and further investigation.

Let a copy of this Order be published at the expense of the Petitioners once a week for three (3) successive weeks in a newspaper of general circulation pursuant to Section 31 of R.A. No. 11642 or the Domestic Administrative Adoption and Alternative Child Care Act.

(SGD)

Republic of the Philippines Local Civil Registry Office Province of Camiguin Municipality of Mambajao

NOTICE OF PUBLICATION

In compliance with Section 5 of R.A. No. 9048, a notice is hereby served to the public that EMELITA CANATOY BOLO (MIGRANT PETITIONER) has filed with this Office PETITION FOR CHANGE OF FIRST NAME in her Certificate of Live Birth from “ ELAINE “ to “ EMELITA “ she was born on 24 NOVEMBER 1973 at CANTAPOY, MALIMONO,SURIGAO DEL NORTE, PHILIPPINES from parents: EDITO CANATOY and LEONIDA MUSTACHO Any person adversely affected by said petition may file his written opposition with this Office not later than 26 MAY 2023.

(SGD) EDITHA B.MOOSREINER, MBA Municipal Civil Registrar May 13 & 20, 2023

Poor reading performance does not only affect learner’s attitude toward reading but it also affects their interest in studies for they need to develop their higher order thinking skills. The Department of Education firmly believes that through partnership service, reading culture will be inculcated and strengthened every learner’s reading proficiency. Thus, bringing reading program outside the four corners of the classroom could be an effective technique. Institutionalizing reading program as part the annual activity of the municipality is a fresh start. This has been discussed and approved by the Sangguniang Bayan of one of the Municipality of Misamis Oriental. Having the Sangguniang Kabataan designed reading activities in a creative way captures the interest

of youth to engage the activities. More creative minds, interactive environment, and learning with friends are some of the factors that motivate the learners. Volunteers are encouraged. Both private and public figures, may it be community professionals, local officials, business owners and more may help in different forms they could. In consideration that the reading program is spearheaded by the SK Federation along with the Committee of Education, the reading motivators such as public and private school teachers and administrators are to facilitate and assist the implementation of the program. Remarkable things happen when people in the community come together. This is a realization of the old African proverb which goes, “it takes a village to educate a child.” As a result, learners are able to compete in this dynamic society.

This is to inform the public that

Any transaction made and offered by Ms. Ereno on behalf of the company after the above-mentioned date will no longer be honored or authorized by the company.

Please report any unauthorized activity to Ecossential Foods Corporation:

Lovely Grace L. De Juan Regional Alternative Child Care Officer MDN:

Army, DavNor gov’t extend financial aid to IP farmers

By Che Palicte

DAVAO CITY – Davao del Norte’s provincial government and the Army’s 60th Infantry Battalion (60IB) have turned over more than PHP100,000 in financial assistance to an Indigenous People’s (IP) farmer’s association in San Isidro town, a military official said Thursday.

Lt. Col. Merrill Sumalinog, the 60IB commanding officer, said the Nagkahiusang Mag-uumang Lumad of Sitio Binuhi, a people’s organization (PO) in Barangay Datu Balong of the municipality, received the assistance Wednesday

from the provincial government and the 1001st Infantry Brigade.

“We, as a unit, are continuously working with the local government units with the different line government agencies to ensure that the issues in the community are promptly addressed to protect the IPs from exploitation and deception of New People’s Army (NPA) rebels and its allies,” Sumalinog said in a statement.

The project aims to provide a sustainable livelihood to the IP farmers of Sitio Binuhi to alleviate their living conditions.

CASH ASSISTANCE. Melesio Magalasin (center), chairperson of the Nagkahiusang Mag-uumang Lumad of Sitio Binuhi in San Isidro, Davao del Norte, shows the PHP100,000 cash assistance from the provincial government of Davao del Norte and the 1001st Infantry Brigade on Wednesday (May 17, 2023). With him are Jemuel Melmida, the executive assistant of Governor Edwin Jubahib (left), and Lt. Col. Merrill Sumalinog, the Army’s 60th Infantry Battalion commanding officer. (Photo courtesy of 60IB)

IN RE: JOINT PETITION TO APPROVE CIVIL CASE NO.2023-062

AND REGISTER THE DIVORCE OF SPOUSES ALAIN JON C. CAMELLO AND ANGELIE A. JALAGAT-CAMELLO, ALAIN JON C. CAMELLO AND ANGELIE A. JALAGAT-CAMELLO, x

Before this Court verified joint petition for the approval and registration of the Divorce filed by petitioners and alledging among others. That petitioners are husband and wife respectively in a marriage performed under Civil rite on October 7, 1998 at Caloocan City, Metro Manila, both petitioners had been converted to Muslim and thereby embraced Islam Religion as their new found faith, by virtue of their respective intellectual choices which were duly registered with this Court, both of them can be served summons and other legal processes relative to this case at their resident at 28 Jose Sheker St., San Miguel, Iligan City, respectively;

That said marriage did not last long due to lack of love and affection until the relationship manifested incompatibility and sustained misunderstanding between petitioners and reached the point of irreconcilability and they separated for each other for some reason of which both petitioner finally decided to legally break or severe their marriage bond for thirteen (13) years, they decided to separate live physically in bed and board, thereby, executed Memorandum of Agreement in order to formalize their separation. Since their separation, they had never been communicating or supporting either financially or emotionally to each other, neither minding each other affair’s; petitioner seek judicial decree of divorce, thereby, severing their marriage bond on October 7, 1998 so that they will have free hand to do what a single man or woman could do without marital burdens. Reconciliation between them had already been diligently employed but all proved futile.

WHEREFORE, finding this petition to be sufficient in form and substance, set the initial hearing of this case on June 2, 2023 at 9:00 a.m. at which time, date and place. Any interested party may appear and show why the petition should not be granted. Let copy of this Order be published in newspaper of General Circulation in the City of Iligan once a week for three (3) consecutive weeks at the expense of the petitioners.

SO ORDERED. Iligan City, Philippines, this 11th of May, 2023.

MDN: May 13, 20 & 27, 2023

(SGD) HON. OSOP M. ALI Presiding Judge

Before this Court verified joint petition for the approval and registration of the Divorce filed by petitioners and alledging among others. That petitioners are husband and wife respectively in a marriage performed under Civil rite on October 18, 2008 at Cagayan de Oro City, both petitioners had been converted to Muslim and thereby embraced Islam Religion as their new found faith, by virtue of their respective intellectual choices which were duly registered with this Court, both of them can be served summons and other legal processes relative to this case at their resident at 7th East Rosario Heights, Tubod , Iligan City and Lawesbra Agora, Lapasan, Cagayan de Oro City, respectively;

That said marriage did not last long due to lack of love and affection until the relationship manifested incompatibility and sustained misunderstanding between petitioners and reached the point of irreconcilability and they separated for each other for some reason of which both petitioner finally decided to legally break or severe their marriage bond for more than four (4) years, they decided to separate live physically in bed and board, thereby, executed Memorandum of Agreement in order to formalize their separation. Since their separation, they had never been communicating or supporting either financially or emotionally to each other, neither minding each other affair’s; petitioner seek judicial decree of divorce, thereby, severing their marriage bond on October 18, 2008 so that they will have free hand to do what a single man or woman could do without marital burdens. Reconciliation between them had already been diligently employed but all proved futile.

WHEREFORE, finding this petition to be sufficient in form and substance, set the initial hearing of this case on June 2, 2023 at 9:00 a.m. at which time, date and place. Any interested party may appear and show why the petition should not be granted. Let copy of this Order be published in newspaper of General Circulation in the City of Iligan once a week for three (3) consecutive weeks at the expense of the petitioners.

SO ORDERED.

Iligan City, Philippines, this 11th of May, 2023.

MDN: May 13, 20 & 27, 2023

(SGD) HON. OSOP M. ALI Presiding Judge

Sumalinog assured that the 60IB focuses on the preservation of the insurgency-free status of the communities within its area of operations.

He urged the PO beneficiary to manage their funds accordingly to achieve their collective goals to sustain the association members and their community.

“The successful turnover of the cash assistance through the intensified partnership among stakeholders is proof that the government promotes responsive governance in delivering the needs of the grassroots, especially to our established PO,” Sumalinog

said.

Jemuel Melmida, the executive assistant of provincial Governor Edwin Jubahib, assured the locals that the government would continue delivering its socio-economic development programs, especially in former conflictaffected communities.

In response, Melesio Magalasin, the PO’s chairperson, lauded the government for the assistance they received.

“The assistance is a great help for us, especially for our livelihood. Thank you so as this will surely uplift the lives of our fellow IPs,” he said in the vernacular. (PNA)

Republic of the Philippines SUPREME COURT 4th Shari’a Circuit Court 4th Shari’a Judicial District Iligan City

IN RE: JOINT PETITION TO APPROVE CIVIL CASE N0. 2023-070

AND REGISTER THE DIVORCE BETWEEN ARMRACH C. RACHO AND ELLAGIN C. FAMA-RACHO, ARMRACH C. RACHO AND ELLAGIN C. FAMA-RACHO, Petitioners.

ORDER

Before this Court verified joint petition for the approval and registration of the Divorce filed by petitioners and alledging among others. That petitioners are husband and wife respectively in a marriage performed under Civil rite on May 26, 2019 at Surigao City, both petitioners had been converted to Muslim and thereby embraced Islam Religion as their new found faith, by virtue of their respective intellectual choices which were duly registered with this Court, both of them can be served summons and other legal processes relative to this case at their resident at Tubod, Manuang, Iligan City and Tambo, Hinaplanon, Iligan City, respectively;

That said marriage did not last long due to lack of love and affection until the relationship manifested incompatibility and sustained misunderstanding between petitioners and reached the point of irreconcilability and they separated for each other for some reason of which both petitioner finally decided to legally break or severe their marriage bond for more than three (3) years, they decided to separate live physically in bed and board, thereby, executed Memorandum of Agreement in order to formalize their separation. Since their separation, they had never been communicating or supporting either financially or emotionally to each other, neither minding each other affair’s; petitioner seek judicial decree of divorce, thereby, severing their marriage bond on May 26, 2019 so that they will have free hand to do what a single man or woman could do without marital burdens. Reconciliation between them had already been diligently employed but all proved futile.

WHEREFORE, finding this petition to be sufficient in form and substance, set the initial hearing of this case on June 12, 2023 at 9:00 a.m. at which time, date and place. Any interested party may appear and show why the petition should not be granted. Let copy of this Order be published in newspaper of General Circulation in the City of Iligan once a week for three (3) consecutive weeks at the expense of the petitioners.

SO ORDERED. Iligan City, Philippines, this 17th of May, 2023.

Aggie NorMin demonstrates SNAP

Hydroponics technology to CdeO PDLs

CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY -

To ensure available food and promote urban agriculture practices, the Department of Agriculture - Regional Field Office 10 (DA RFO10) through DA-Regional Executive Director Carlene

C. Collado conducts a Simple Nutrient Addition Program (SNAP) Hydroponics Training on May 12, 2023, in this city.

Thirty Persons Deprived of Liberty (PDLs) from the Cagayan de Oro City Jail –Male Dormitory training attended the training which was facilitated by the department’s High Value Crops Development Program (HVCDP).

DA-10 Agriculturist II

Ronald Ian Camaddo briefed the participants on the potential of SNAP hydroponics, a system that utilizes mineral nutrient solution in water for vegetable production.

“It is a sustainable production system even under urban setting and we are able to obtain high quality produce requiring lesser maintenance,” Camaddo added and later demonstrated the procedure using Lettuce seeds.

Meanwhile, Senior Jail Officer 3 Aldous S. Ybañez shared that they are planning to continue to adopt the hydroponics system in their area.

“Training like this is ben-

PDL news

eficial to our PDLs, especially since they are able to earn from it. It would also be of great use to them when they

are set free,” he concluded. # (AMBManto)

Manobo-Matigsalug tribe association receives P613K agri-interventions from DA-10 CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY

– The Department of Agriculture - Regional Field Office 10 (DA-RFO 10) through its Kabuhayan at Kaunlaran ng Kababayang Katutubo (4Ks) program turned over P613K worth of agricultural interventions to the Minole Tigwahanon Manobo Matigsalug Tribe Association (MINTIGMAMATA) of San Fernando, Bukidnon on May 11, 2023.

DA-10 Regional Executive Director Carlene C. Collado

together with Regional Technical Director for Operations

Carlota S. Madriaga, conferred the certificate of turnover to Datu Martin P. Dagoluan, MINTIGMAMATA chair.

The roster of agri-interventions comprises cattle (10 heads), piglets (6 heads), forage seedlings (100 pieces), free range chicken (2 packets), cacao certified seedlings (100 pieces), upland rice seeds (8 bags), Open Pollinated Variety (OPV) white corn seeds (7 bags) and organic fertilizer (35 bags).

According to RED Collado, the interventions intend to strengthen the agricultural

and livelihood sectors of Indigenous Cultural Communities (ICCs) and Indigenous Peoples (IPs), as well as assist its surrounding communities.

“Isip usa ka lumad nga nagbarog sa naghimo og panginabuhian sa tribo, ako nagpasalamat sa DA-10 sa dakong suporta nga gihatag. Kini dako na og tabang sa mga miyembro alang sa pagpanginabuhi matag adlaw,” said Datu Dagoluan.

4Ks Focal Person April Grace M. Racines also detailed that the project is funded under various banner programs and special projects of the agency, namely: Livestock, High Value Crops Development, Rice, Corn, Special Area for Agricultural Development (SAAD), and Balik Probinsya Bagong Pagasa (BP2).

Together with the National Commission on Indigenous Peoples (NCIP) and other partner organizations, the DA-4Ks was developed to advance food security and improve opportunities for livelihood in order to improve the welfare and living standards of tribal people.# (MPMTablon)

Republic of the Philippines Province of Bukidnon CITY OF MALAYBALAY

Office of the Sangguniang Panlungsod

EXCERPT FROM THE MINUTES OF THE 23RD REGULAR SESSION OF THE 9TH SANGGUNIANG PANLUNGSOD FOR CY 2022 OF THE CITY OF MALAYBALAY, BUKIDNON HELD AT THE SP SESSION HALL ON DECEMBER 19, 2022.

PRESENT: Hon. Councilor Niko P. Aldeguer (Temporary Presiding Officer)

Hon. Councilor Brian Nelson T. Flores

Hon. Councilor Zoltan Dindo D. Dinlayan

Hon. Councilor Cromwell Kiril D. Dinlayan

Hon. Councilor Erwin A. Damasco

Hon. Councilor Royland M. Orquia

Hon. Councilor Alan Ryann O. Legaspi

Hon. Councilor Christopher B. Soria

Hon. Councilor Bonifacio G. Valiente (Official Business)

Hon. Councilor Renato S. Sumbongan

Hon. Councilor Dave Julian A. Balore

ABSENT

Hon. Vice Mayor Estelito R. Marabe (Official Business)

Hon. Councilor Melchor P. Maramara (On Leave)

Hon. Councilor Kathleen Cecille C. Pagaling (Maternity Leave)

ORDINANCE NO. 1010

Series of 2022 (23’d Regular Session)

Sponsored by: Hon. Royland M. Orquia

AN ORDINANCE INSTITUTIONALIZING AND PRESCRIBING THE USE OF ORDINANCE VIOLATION RECEIPT (OVR)

IN THE ENFORCEMENT OF ORDINANCES IN THE CITY OF MALAYBALAY.

WHEREAS, Section 16 of Republic Act No. 7160 otherwise known as the Local Government Code of 1991, explicitly provides, among others, that “[e]very Local Government Unit shall exercise the powers expressly granted, those necessarily implied there from, as well as powers necessary, appropriate, or incidental for its efficient and effective governance, and those which are essential to the promotion of the general welfare.”;

WHEREAS, Section 458 of the same law authorizes the Sangguniang Panlungsod to enact measures and ordinances which regulate businesses, activities and use of properties for the promotion of the general welfare of its constituents and the peace and order of the locality, the protection of the environment, health, safety and general well-being of their constituents and their locality;

WHEREAS, the Sangguniang Panlungsod of Malaybalay City has enacted various ordinances in pursuit of the aforementioned ideals and aspirations and such ordinances generally imposes administrative penal provisions for the violation thereof;

WHEREAS, to effectively enforce the implementation of the various ordinances enacted by the Sangguniang Panlungsod, particularly on the issuance of citation tickets for violations thereof, there is a need to create mechanism which would streamline and facilitate the systematic issuance of citation tickets/ordinance violation receipts, hence, this Ordinance-

Now, therefore, be it ordained by the 9th Sangguniang Panlungsod of the City of Malaybalay, Bukidnon, in session assembled, that:

SECTION 1. TITLE — This Ordinance shall be known and referred to as the “MALAYBALAY CITY ORDINANCE VIOLATION RECEIPT (OVR) CODE OF 2022”.

SECTION 2. THE ORDINANCE VIOLATION RECEIPT (OVR). This ordinance hereby prescribes and authorizes the printing and use of an official and accountable form which shall be known as the Ordinance Violation Receipt (OVR). This OVR shall be used and issued for violation/s of all existing and future ordinances which prescribes administrative fines and penalties.

The City Treasurer’s Office is hereby authorized to cause the printing of the OVR and shall act as the custodian of the same. The pro-forma OVR to be printed shall ensure that the violator issued therewith shall be informed of the following:

i. The Ordinance and specific section/s and act/s violated and/or committed by the violator;

ii. The date, place and time, if applicable, of the violation;

iii. The amount of fines and/or penalties for the violation;

iv. The complete name and position of the issuing/citation officer;

v. The allowable period of time to pay the fines/penalties; and,

vi. The right to contest the administrative fines/penalties with the concerned office as provided in the applicable ordinance

SECTION 3. SCOPE AND COVERAGE OF APPLICATION — The use of the OVR shall be applicable to all ordinances enacted by the Sangguniang Panlungsod of Malayblay City. Further, Ordinances enacted by the Malaybalay Sangguniang Bayan, which are still in effect upon the approval of this ordinance, are covered by the provisions hereof.

SECTION 4. PROCEDURE IN THE ISSUANCE OF ORDINANCE VIOLATION RECEIPT (OVR).

The following procedures shall be observed by any person charged with the enforcement of an ordinance -

a. Inform the violator of his/her violation;

b. Issue the OVR, indicating the name, address (should be verified) and other pertinent data of the person ap prehended, as may be required in the OVR, including the violation;

c. Inform the violator of his/her right to avail the No Contest Provision, as provided in Section 5 hereof;

d. Document the violation/s through pictures or videos, if applicable.

When the offender is a corporation, partnership, organization or any similar entity, the OVR shall be issued to its President or General Manager or Managing Partner and/or General Manager, or such other Officer-in-Charge with the business.

In case the offender is a minor, no OVR shall be issued to the said minor. The provisions of Sec 57-A of R.A. No. 9344, as amended (The Juvenile Justice and Welfare Act of 2006) shall be applied by the apprehending officers in such cases.

The original copy shall be given to the violator, the duplicate copy shall be forwarded to the City Treasurer’s Office and the triplicate copy shall be retained by the apprehending officer.

SECTION 5. NO CONTEST PROVISION . Any person apprehended for the violation of a City Ordinance, who does not wish to contest the violation and is willing to pay voluntarily the fine imposed shall be allowed to pay the said fine with the City Treasurer, to avoid being criminally prosecuted, where applicable. Unless otherwise specifically provided in an ordinance, the availment of the no-contest provision shall be available only up to the third offense of a specific violation/offense. For uniformity, the person/s issued with the OVR shall be given seven (7) working days from the issuance or receipt of the OVR within which to pay the fine or penalty, unless a longer period is prescribed by the applicable ordinance. This Section is hereby incorporated and deemed part of all the previous ordinances which impose administrative penalties but did not expressly provide a NO-CONTEST provision upon its approval

SECTION 6. PROCEDURE IN THE AVAILMENT OF THE NO-CONTEST PROVISION.

A. A violator shall be given seven (7) working days from the issuance of the Violation Ordinance Receipt (OVR) within which to pay the penalty;

B. Payment of the penalty shall be made in the City Treasurer’s Office who shall issue an Official Receipt;

C. Failure to pay the prescribed fine within the prescribed period warrants the apprehending officer to file the case with the City Prosecutor’s Office, when applicable, attaching an affidavit indicating therein that the violator failed to pay or did not avail of the No-Contest provision.

SECTION 7. THE FOLLOWING ORDINANCES ARE COVERED IN THE OVR.

A. ALL ORDINANCES FROM 1946-2001

1. Ord. No. 490 Series of 2001- THE CODIFIED CODE OF GENERAL ORDINANCES OF THE CITY OF MALAY BALAY.

B. PEACE AND ORDER AND PUBLIC SAFETY

2. Ord. No. 900 Series of 2019 — AN ORDINANCE ENACTING THE LAND TRANSPORTATION AND TRAFFIC CODE OF THE CITY OF MALAYBALAY.

3. Ord. No. 907 Series of 2019 — AN ORDINANCE MANDATING THE STRICT IMPLEMENTATION OF NEW CURFEW HOURS FOR CHILDREN FROM 10:00 O’CLOCK IN THE EVENING TO 5:00 O’CLOCK IN THE MORNING THE FOLLOWING DAY, PRESCRIBING THE PROPER PROCEDURE FOR THEIR APPREHENSION AND CUSTODY PURSUANT TO REPUBLIC ACT NO. 9344, OTHERWISE KNOWN AS THE JUVENILE JUSTICE AND WELFARE ACT OF 2006, AS AMENDED, AND FOR OTHER PURPOSES. 4.

908

of 2019 — AN ORDINANCE PROHIBITING THE DRINKING OR CONSUMING OF ALCO HOLIC BEVERAGES

ESTABLISHMENTS SELLING AND/OR SERVING BEERS, LIQUORS, AND OTHER ALCOHOLIC BEVERAGES IN THE CITY OF MALAYBALAY, AND PROVIDING PENALTIES FOR VIOLATIONS THEREOF.

C. SOCIAL WELFARE

1. Ord. No. 750 Series of 2012 — AN ORDINANCE REQUIRING ALL GOVERNMENT AGENCIES/OFFICES AND PRIVATE ESTABLISHMENTS AND INSTITUTIONS IN THE CITY OF MALAYBALAY TO ESTABLISH BREAST FEEDING CORNER/ROOM IN THEIR OFFICE/ESTABLISHMENT/INSTITUTION AND PROVIDING THE MECHANISM FOR ENFORCEMENT AND PRESCRBING PENALTIES FOR VIOLATIONS THEREOF.

2. Ord. No. 906 Series of 2019 — AN ORDINANCE MANDATING ALL ESTABLISHMENTS LOCATED WITHIN THE TERRITORIAL JURISDICTION OF MALAYBALAY CITY TO PROVIDE COURTESY SEATS TO PERSONS WITH DISABILITY, PREGNANT WOMEN AND SENIOR CITIZENS AND PROVIDING PENALTIES FOR VIOLATIONS THEREOF.

3. Ord. No. 914 Series of 2019 — AN ORDINANCE ENACTING THE MALAYBALAY CITY CODE OF PARENTAL RESPONSIBILITY FOR THE PROTECTION OF CHILDREN’S RIGHTS.

4. Ord. No. 916 Series of 2020 — AN ORDINANCE REGULATING THE OPERATION OF INTERNET CAFES AND PESO NET IN THE CITY OF MALAYBALAY, PROVIDING SAFEKEEPING GUIDELINES FOR MINORS AND PROVIDING PENALTIES FOR VIOLATIONS THEREOF.

D. HEALTH

1. Ord. No. 686 Series of 2010 — AN ORDINANCE PROHIBITING THE URINATING AND DEFECATING IN ALL PUBLIC PLACES WITHIN THE CITY OF MALAYBALAY, AND IMPOSING PENALTIES FOR VIOLATION THEREOF.

2. Ord. No. 885 Series of 2017 — AN ORDINANCE REVISING THE SMOKE — FREE ORDINANCE OF THE CITY OF MALAYBALAY.

E. ENVIRONMENT AND NATURAL RESOURCES

1. Ord. No. 962 Series of 2020 — AN ORDINANCE PROVIDING FOR A SOLID WASTE INTEGRATED MANAGEMENT, CREATING THE NECESSARY INSTITUTIONAL MECHANISMS AND INCENTIVES, DECLARING CERTAIN ACTS PROHIBITED AND PROVIDING PENALTIES, APPROPRIATING FUNDS THEREFOR, AND FOR OTHER PURPOSES.

2. Ord. No. 919 Series of 2020 — AN ORDINANCE REGULATING THE OPERATION AND EXPANSION OF LARGE SCALE AGRI-INDUSTRIAL PLANTATIONS WITHIN THE CITY OF MALAYBALAY, DECLARING CERTAIN ACTS PROHIBITED AND PROVIDING PENALTIES, APPROPRIATING FUNDS THEREFOR, AND FOR OTHER PUR POSES.

F. ENGINEERING

1. Ord. No. 602 Series of 2007 — BUILDING ORDINANCE OF THE CITY OF MALAYBALAY.

2. Ord. No. 917 Series of 2020 — AN ORDINANCE REGULATING THE INSTALLATION, OPERATION AND MAINTAINANCE OF TELECOMMUNICATION CABLE FACILITIES FOR SERVICE PROVIDERS, PROVIDING PENALTIES FOR VIOLATION THEREOF AND FOR OTHER PURPOSES.

3. Ord. No. 932 Series of 2020 — AN ORDINANCE MAKING CONTRACTORS OF CONSTRUCTION SITES IN MALAYBALAY CITY LIABLE DUE TO THEIR NEGLIGENCE OR FAILURE TO OBSERVE ROAD-WORK SAFETY RULES AND PROVIDING PENALTIES FOR VIOLATIONS THEREOF AND FOR OTHER PURPOSES.

G. VETERINARY

1. Ord. No. 510 Series of 2002 — AN ORDINANCE ESTABLISHING THE RABIES CONTROL BOARD AND FOR SUCH OTHER PURPOSES RELATED TO RABIES CONTROL.

2. Ord. No. 941 Series of 2020 — AN ORDINANCE PRESCRIBING RULES AND REGULATIONS GOVERNING THE OPERATION OF MALAYBALAY CITY SLAUGHTERHOUSE; REGISTRATION, LICENSING AND ACCREDITATION OF PRIVATELY-OWNED SLAUGHTERHOUSES; THE SLAUGHTER OF ANIMALS FOR FOOD, ITS MEAT, MEAT PRODUCTS AND MEAT BY-PRODUCTS; THE MEAT BUTCHER AND MEAT HANDLERS; THE TRANSPORT OF CACASSES AND OTHER PARTS; MEAT DISTRIBUTION AND SALE; MEAT HANDLING AND HYGIENE; THE ISSUANCE OF VETERINARY INSPECTION CERTIFICATE (VIC); THE CREATION OF BANTAY KARNE TASK FORCE; THE COLLECTION OF TAXES, FEES, AND OTHER CHARGES; AND IMPOSING FINES AND PENALTIES THEREON.

H. TOURISM

1. Ord. No. 975 Series of 2021 — AN ORDINANCE PROVIDING FOR THE MOUNTAINEERING AND TREKKING REGULATION IN THE CITY OF MALAYBALAY.

SECTION 8. APPREHENDING OFFICERS.

Applying Art. 152 of the Revised Penal Code, Persons in Authority and Agents of Persons in Authority shall act as apprehending officer/s for the implementation of the OVR.

Moreover, the concerned offices of the City Government of Malaybalay, its officials and employees and other government officers and employees, who are mandated by an ordinance to implement the same shall act as apprehending officers. Additionally, the City Mayor may deputize other government officials and employees as apprehending officers for the enforcement and implementation of this ordinance

SECTION 9. APPORTIONMENT OF THE PROCEEDS OF ADMINISTRATIVE FINES

The proceeds of the administrative fines collected from or paid by the violators of the Ordinances incorporated herein shall be apportioned as follows:

A. Fifty Percent (50%) of the fines collected shall accrue to the General Fund of the City;

B. Fifty Percent (50%) shall accrue to the apprehending Office or Barangay Trust Fund which will be created for the operational and administrative expenses of its individual offices. In this connection, the City Treasurer is hereby authorized to create a Trust Fund Account for this purpose. The 50% shall be allocated further, as follows:

i. 60% shall be used for the operation and administrative expenses (Maintenance and other Operating Expenses) of the apprehending office or barangay;

ii. 30% shall be given to the apprehending members as incentive; and

iii. 10% shall be given to administration personnel.

Provided that the apportionment herein shall not override the apportionment of administrative fines, if and when provided, in the concerned City Ordinance violated.

SECTION 10. DISSEMINATION.

The Public Education Section under Public Order and Safety Division and the Community Relations and Barangay Affairs Section under Community Affairs Division both under the City Mayor’s Office is hereby directed to disseminate this Ordinance, including its dissemination through social media.

SECTION 11. RECORD KEEPER OF THE ISSUED OVR - The Public Order and Safety Division will be the one who will keep track of all the records regarding the issuance of OVR.

SECTION 12. IMPLEMENTING OFFICES - The Lead Offices shall be responsible in the implementation of the respective Ordinances that fall under their responsibilities/office with the support of other offices:

SECTION 13. SEPARABILITY CLAUSE — In case any part or provision of this ordinance is declared unconstitutional or invalid by a competent court, the remaining provisions not affected thereby shall continue in full force or effect.

SECTION 14. REPEALING CLAUSE - All local ordinances, resolutions, local executive orders or any administrative issuance found to be inconsistent with any provision or provisions of this ordinance are hereby repealed or modified accordingly.

SECTION 15. RETROACTIVE EFFECT. This ordinance shall have no retroactive application to those infractions committed prior to the effectivity of this ordinance

SECTION 16. EFFECTIVITY - This Ordinance shall take effect immediately fifteen (15) days after publication in any newspaper of general circulation in the locality. ENACTED.

I HEREBY CERTIFY to the correctness of the foregoing ordinance whch was” duy adopted by the Sangguniang Panlungsod during its 23’d Regular Session held at the Old Municipal Building People’s Hall on December 19, 2022.

Editor: Allan Mediante

Republic of the Philippines Province of Bukidnon CITY OF MALAYBALAY

Office of the Sangguniang Panlungsod

EXCERPT FROM THE MINUTES OF THE 104*^ REGULAR SESSION OF THE 8TH SANGGUNIANG PANLUNGSOD FOR CY 2021 OF THE CITY OF MALAYBALAY, BUKIDNON HELD AT THE SP SESSION HALL ON OCTOBER 19, 2021.

PRESENT:

Hon. Vice Mayor Jay Warren R. Pabillaran — Presiding Officer

Hon. Councilor Estelito R. Marabe

Hon. Councilor Niko P. Aldeguer — Temporary Presiding Officer

Hon. Councilor Rendon P. Sangalang

Hon. Councilor Hollis C. Monsanto (On Line)

Hon. Councilor Erwin A. Damasco

Hon. Councilor Cromwell Kiril D. Dinlayan (On Line)

Hon. Councilor Louel M. Tortola

Hon. Councilor Victor M. Barroso

Hon. Councilor Christopher B. Soria (On Line)

Hon. Councilor Kathleen Cecille C. Pagaling

Hon. Councilor Bonifacio G. Valiente (On Line)

Hon. Councilor Renato S. Sumbongan

Hon. CouncilOf Dave Julian A. Balore

ABSENT

ORDINANCE NO. 982 Series of 2021 (104TH Regular Session)

ANTI-DISCRIMINATION ORDINANCE (ADO) ON THE BASIS OF SEXUAL ORIENTATION AND GENDER IDENTITY AND EXPRESSION (SOGIE) FOR THE PROTECTION OF LESBIANS, GAYS, BISEXUAL, TRANSGENDER, QUEERS, INTERSEX AND ASEXUAL (LGBTQIA+) RIGHTS IN THE CITY OF MALAYBALAY

Authored by: HON. KATHLEEN CECILLE C. PAGALING

WHEREAS, the 1987 Philippine Constitution under Section 2, Article II, provides that, “the state values the dignity of every human person and guarantees full respect for human rights”,

WHEREAS, consistent with Republic Act No. 7160, as amended, otherwise known as the “Local Government Code of 1991”, the Sangguniang Panlungsod has the power to enact ordinances for the generat welfare of the City and its inhabitants pursuant to the general welfare clause;

WHEREAS, to uphold the rights of all Filipinos especially those discriminated against based on their sexual orientation and gender identity and expression (SOGIE), it is the commitment of the City Government of Malaybalay in keeping with its platform on “inclusive governance” to recognize and protect the rights of Lesbians, Gays, Bisexual, Transgender, lntersex and Queer (LGBTIQ) people;

WHEREAS, the Philippines is a state party to several international agreements such as, the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, International Covenant on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights (ICCPR), the Convention on the Elimination of all Forms of Discrimination Against Women (CEDAV\/), affirming LGBTIQ rights as Human Rights this universal, indivisible and inviolable;

WHEREAS, the Yogyakarta Principles, the only international human rights instrument that specifically tackles LGBTIQ rights and SOGIE issues specifically provides for a framework by which SOGIE-based issues are dealt by state and nonstate actors. Through this instrument, the awareness that general human rights principles apply to the LGBTIQ sector in the same way that they apply to other persons is mainstreamed;

WHEREAS, pursuant to the Gender and Development (GAD) programs and initiatives of the City, we have to mainstream all people on both ends of the gender spectrum in all development agenda;

WHEREAS, it is the policy of the Malaybalay City Government to afford equal protection to LGBTIQ people as guaranteed by our Constitution and to craft local legislative in support of this aim;

NOW, THEREFORE, be it ORDAINED by the Sangguniang Panlungsod of Malaybalay City, in session duly assembled that:

SECTION 1. TITLE. This Ordinance shall be known as the “Anti-Discrimination Ordinance (ADO) on the Basis of Sexual Orientation and Gender Identity and Expression (SOGIE) in the City of Malaybalay”

SECTION 2. DECLARATION OF POLICY. It is hereby declared a policy of the City of Malaybalay to promote gender equality and fairness and effectively eliminate all forms of discrimination that violate the rights of Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, lntersex and Queer (LGBTQ) people and to afford equal protection as enshrined on the Bill of Rights.

SECTION 3. DEFINITION OF TERMS.

a. DISCRIMINATION - constitutes any distinction, exclusion, restriction, preference or other differential treatment that is directly or indirectly based on sexual orientation, gender identity, or gender expression, which has the intention or effect of nullifying or impairing the recognition, enjoyment, or exercise on an equal footing, of political, civil, economic, social, and cultural rights;

b. GENDER EXPRESSION — is how a person publicly present their gender. This can include behavior and outward appearance such as dress, hair, make-up, body language and voice. A person’s chosen name and pronoun are also common ways of expressing gender;

C. GENDER IDENTITY — is each person’s internal and individual experience of gender. It is their sense of being a woman, a man, both, neither, or anywhere along the gender spectrum. A person’s gender identity may be the same as or different from their birth- assigned sex. Gender identity is fundamentally different from a person’s sexual orientation;

d. LGBTIQ - refers to a diverse and complex range of identities based on SOGIE. This term refers to all gender and sexuality non-coming people, including but not limited to lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, intersex and queer person:

d. 1 LESBIAN — a woman whose emotional, romantic and sexual energies are geared towards other women;

d. 2 GAY - a person who is emotionally and/or physically attracted to members of the same sex. Although alJ encompassing, this term refers mainly to men;

d. 3 BISEXUAL — a person who is emotionally and/or physically attracted to members of both the same and opposite sex;

d. 4 TRANSGENDER — is the state of one’s gender identity (self- identification as woman, man or neither) not matching one’s "assigned sex” (Identification by others as male or female based on physical/generic sex). Transgender does not imply any specific form of sexual orientation; transgender people may identify as heterosexual, homosexual, bisexual, pansexual, polysexual or asexual.

d. 5 INTERSEX — those who are naturally born and possesses both male and female organs;

d. 6 QUEER - those two are gender non-conforming and who do not want to be defined by any of the labels.

e. SEX - is a human and civil status of a person acquired by birth having organ and system of reproduction;

f. SEXUAL ORIENTATION - refers to the emotional or sexual attraction or inclination of a person towards persons of his/her own sex, or both masculine and feminine sexes.

SECTION 4. COVERAGE. This Ordinance shall cover any person, natural or juridical, who commits any of the acts herein prohibited and enumerated and shall be held liable and penalized accordingly, provided that in the case of juridical persons, such as but not limited to corporations, associations, partnerships, educational and vocational institutions, whether public or private, the manager and head of office shall also be held criminally accountable and responsible.

SECTION 5. PROHIBITED ACTS. The following constitutes acts of discrimination and therefore punishable.

a. Denying or limiting access to an employee oopportunities for promotion, transfer, training, schooling or any other benefit which are otherwise granted to other employees similarly situated on the basis of actual or perceived sexual orientation and gender identity and expression (SOGIE);

b. Refusing employment to a job applicant on the basis of actual or perceived SOGIE;

C. Denying access to public programs and services to medical and other health services on the basis of actual or perceived SOGIE;

d. Refusing admission to or expel or dismiss a person from educational institutions on the basis of sexual orientation and gender identify and expression.

e. Revoking any accreditation, recognition, registration of any organization in educational institutions, workplace and communities on the basis of actual or perceived SOGIE;

f. Subjecting either verbal or written, to insult any person by reason of SOGIE including those posted in social media;

g. Refusing to provide goods or services and/or imposing onerous terms and conditions to a person on the ground of one’s actual or perceived SOGIE as a prerequisite for providing such goods or services where the said terms

and conditions are not imposed on another person under the same or similar circumstances;

h. Refusing or failing to allow any person to avail of services or accommodation in an apartment, condominium, townhouse, flat, hotel, inn, dormitory and any other places of dwelling being rented out or offered to the public of for a fee on the basis of actual or perceived SOGIE;

i. Denying an application for a license, clearance, certificate or any other document issued by government authorities or other pñvate juridical entities, on the basis of actual or perceived SOGIE;

j. It shall be unlawful to commit harassment, unjust detention and involuntary confinement because of one’s actual or perceived SOGIE;

k. It shall be unlawful to refuse entry and/or disallow a person or group of persons from entering any establishment such as restaurants, bars, stores, movie houses, shopping malls, and other places or entertainment and other businesses which are open to the general public; and/or to refuse to attend to, or serve any orders for food, drinks and other goods, consumable and non- consumable; or to subject one to discrimination or harassment in buses, taxis, ships, airplanes, on the basis of actual or perceived SOGIE;

i. It shaw be unlawful to organize groups and activities which promote and if\Gite discrimination against persons based on actual or perceived SOGIE;

m. Any act of discrimination or harassment based on actual or perceived SOGIE, which demeans the dignity and self-respect of a person or impairs, mars, reduces or nullifiers the recognition, enjoyment or exercise of a person’s human and legal rights and basic freedoms in civil, political, labor, economic, social, cultural, education spheres.

SECTION 6. AFFIRMATIVE ACTS. The City shall endeavor to mainstream “gender-fairness” by conducting and celebrating activities such as, but not limited to:

a. Seminars, trainings, workshop, fora and symposia about SOGIE and on “inclusive” workplace in both private and public spaces;

b. Women’s Month incorporatîng LGBTIQ activities in March of every year;

c. International Day against Homophobia and Transphobia (IDAHOT) on May 17 of every year.

d. A month-long celebration of Philippines LGBTIQ March (mid- November to mid-December), including World AIDS Day on December 1 and Human Rights Day on December 10 of every year, and

e. All other days of observance as legislated and passed by the National Legislature and Malaybalay City Council in the future, including a day commemorating the establishment of the Malaybalay LGBTIQ Council and passage of the ADO shall be designated by the City Council and the Mayor and be observed annually.

SECTION 7. INCORPORATION OF SEXUAL ORIENTATION, GENDER IDENTITY AND EXPRESSION (SOGIE) CONCERNS WITH THE FuCTiONS OF VIOLENCE AGAINST WOMEN AND CHILDREN (VAWC) DESK/HUMAN RIGHTS DESK IN MALAYBALAY CITY POLICE STATION AS WELL AS BARANGAY VAWC DESKS.

The Malaybalay City Police Station is strongly encouraged to handle the specific concerns relating to SOGIE through existtng Violence Against Women or VAWC/Human Rights Desk in all police stations Malaybalay City.

SECTION 8. CREATION OF THE MALAYBALAY CITY COUNCIL.

There shall be created a Malaybalay City LGBTIQ Council (MCLGBTIQ) which shall oversee the implementation of this Ordinance and other existing laws, regulations and guidelines relevant to the protection and promotion of the LGBTIQ ñghts who shall integrate and synchronize programs, projects and activities for the LGBTIQ community and which shall coordinate with existing government agencies both in Malaybalay City and the local government support efforts to promote gender development.

The MCLGBTIQ shall conduct trainings and livelihood programs for the LGBTIQ community in coordination with other City departments/omces and national government agencies, including private agencies.

SECTION 9. COMPOSITION OF THE MALAYBALAY CITY LGBTIQ COUNCIL.

The MCLGBTIQ shall be formed by virtue of an Executive Order with the following offiœrs; Chairpersons, ViceChairpersons, Executive Director, ten (10) Members of the Board and a Technical Working Group (TWG). The council members need not be members of the LGBTQIA+ community.

SECTION 10. OVERSIGHT FUNCTION OF THE MALAYBALAY CITY LGBTIQ COUNCIL UNDER THE ORDINANCE. The Malaybalay City LGBTIQ Council (MCLGBTIQ) shall perform oversight functions over the implementation of this Ordinance including the implementation of anti- discrimination programs provided herein. The MCLGBTIQ shall exercise the following principal functions:

1. Monitor complaints concerning violations of any provision of the Ordinance;

2. Facilitate and assist the victims of stigma and discrimination to ensure that they have legal repre sentation, counseling and psychological assistance;

3. Maintain discñmination documentation, case monitoring system, and set-up a databank to easily access various cases and experiences stigma and discrimination;

4. Recommend to the Sangguniang Panlungsod anti-discrimination policies and programs;

5. Monitor or review all policies embodied in resolutions, ordinances, codes and other policy documents to determine if they are free from discriminator statements and provisions to effectively eliminate discrimination stigma and stereotyping LGBTIQs.

SECTION 11. APPROPRIATION. Subject to the availability of funds for the effective implementation ofthis Ordinanœ, the City Government of Malaybalay shall source out funds from the five percent (5°4) of the annual budget appropriated to finance the Gender and Development (GAD) plans, projects and programs after complying with the existing laws, rules and regulations and to cover the operational and management expenses ofthe Malaybalay City LGBTIQ Council as well as for other expenses necessary for the proper, responsive and full operation ofthe organized and established LGBTIQ Council.

SECTION 12. PENALTIES. Any person liable under this Ordinance shall be penalized with imprisonment for a period of not less than sixty (60) days but not more than one {1) year and/or a fine of not less than One Thousand Pesos (Php 1,000.00) but not to exceed Five Thousand Pesos (Php 5,000.00), or both at the discretion of the Court, without prejudice to any applicable criminal, civil or administrative action that may be instituted under the provision of existing laws.

SECTION 13. INDEPENDENT ACTION FOR DAMAGES. Nothing in this Ordinance shall preclude the victim of discrimination based on actual or perceived sexual orientation and gender identity and expression, from instituting a separate and independent action for damages and other affirmative relief.

SECTION 14. IMPLEMENTING RULES AND REGULATIONS. Within sixty (60) days from the effectively of this Ordinance, the Malaybalay City LGBTIQ Council shall jointly formulate, after thorough consultation with multi-sectoral groups and stakeholders, the Implementing Rules and Regulations and guidelines of this Ordinance. The multi-sectoral groups and stakeholders to be consulted shall be composed of experts and representatives from various sectors such as civil society, LGBTIQ non-government organizations, LGBTIQ organizations and community-based organizations.

SECTION 15. INFORMATION CAMPAIGN. Within thirty (30) days from the approval of this Ordinance, the City Public Information Office shall conduct an information campaign to apprise the public of the provisions of this Ordinance.

SECTION 16. SEPARABILITY CLAUSE. Should any part or provision of this Ordinance be held unconstitutional or invalid by a competent court, the other parts or provisions hereof which are not affected thereby shall continue to be in full force and effect.

SECTION 17. REPEALING CLAUSE. All local Ordinance of the Sangguniang Panlungsod of Malaybalay City and Executive Orders and Administrative Regulations of the Local Chief Executive, or parts thereof which are inconsistent with any of the provisions of this Ordinance are hereby repealed, revoked or modified accordingly.

SECTION 18. EFFECTIVITY CLAUSE. This Ordinance shall take effect fifteen (15) days after its complete publication in a newspaper of general circulation in Malaybalay City.

ENACTED.

I HEREBY ”CERTIFY to"the”correctness of the fo going o d an "which“was “duly adopted by the Sangguniang Panlungsod during its 104t° Regular Session held at the Old Municipal Building People’s Hall on October 19, 2021.

APPROVED, October 19, 2021:

INVITATION TO BID FOR THE DISPOSAL OF VARIOUS UNSERVICEABLE DISTRIBUTION TRANSFORMER ON AN “AS-IS-WHERE-IS” BASIS

The Camiguin Electric Cooperative, Inc. through its’ Bids and Awards Committee (BAC) invites interested bidders on the disposal through sale on an “as-is-where-is” of unserviceable distribution transformers, to wit :

EXTRA JUDICIAL SETTLEMENT/ PARTITION OVER PARCELS OF LAND AND MATERPILCA CORPORATION SHAREHOLDINGS AMONG HEIRS

KNOWN ALL MEN BY THESE PRESENTS:

This EXTRAJUDICIAL SETTLEMENT/ PARTITION made entered into by and between the HEIRS OF MA. TERESA FORTICH SARRAGA, namely: JOSE LUIS F. SARRAGA and JOHN MARK F. SARRAGA, all of legal ages, Filipinos, Married and residents of Carmen, Cagayan de Oro and Mambatangan Manolo Fortich Bukidnon respectively, herein after called as the HEIRS, do hereby;

DECLARE AND MANIFEST:

That we are the surviving, legal, sole/exclusive and legitimate surviving heirs of the late MA. TERESA FORTICH SARRAGA, who died on October 11, 2020 at Cagayan de Oro City, Philippines and died without will.

That the said deceased above-mentioned died intestate without leaving any known debts which has remained unpaid or unsettled up to the present, and all the obligations incurred during her death were all paid and/ or settled;

That the said deceased at the time of her death, left real properties registered in her name being the owner thereof which PARCELS OF LAND is more particularly describes as follows, to wit:

1. Prospective bidders may inspect the items during office hours from 8:00am- 5:00pm on May 15-25, 2023 at CAMELCO switchyard, Liong, Guinsiliban Camiguin.

2. Bid documents will be available to prospective bidders during office hours, Monday- Friday starting May 15, 2023 until May 25, 2023 upon payment of non-refundable registration fee as stated above through the BAC secretariat Mr. Ramon Tarnate at mobile number 09380208186

3. All prospective bidders shall be required to pay a Bid Deposit equivalent to Ten Percent (10%) of the bid price which amount shall be deducted from the value of the winning bid. Bid deposits shall be made in the form of manager’s/ cashier’s check available to CAMELCO. Non-winning bid deposits shall be refunded.

4. Deadline for submission of Bids together with the Bid deposit will be on May 26, 2023 at 9:00 am. Opening of bids will be conducted on the same day, May 26, 2021 at 10:00 am to be held at CAMELCO main office, Mambajao, Camiguin. Bids will be opened in the presence of the bidder or any of his/her representatives. Highest bidder shall be immediately declared after opening of the bids.

5. CAMELCO hereby reserves the right to reject any or all offers, to waive any minor defects or infirmities therein, and to accept such offer as may be deemed advantageous to CAMELCO.

Prepared by: Approved by:

(SGD) ENGR. RAMER B.SOMOBAY (SGD) ENGR. DENCIO A. RAMOS BAC Chairman Project Supervisor/ Acting General Manager

THAT to the best knowledge and information of the above-named HEIRS, the said DECEASED, at the time of her death, left no debts under her name;

THAT pursuant to Rule 74, Sec. 1 of the Revised Rules of Court of the Philippines, the HEIRS, being with full capacity to contract and inherit in accordance with law, do hereby adjudicate unto themselves the above-described properties in EQUAL AND PROPORTIONAL shares;

THAT, the HEIRS shall be proportionately liable for the payment of estate taxes, legal and notarial fees, and all other charges necessary for the settlement of the estate of the DECEASED;

IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the PARTIES hereto have set their hands this December 15, 2022 day of ________ at Cagayan de Oro City, Philippines.

HEIRS OF THE LATE MA. TERESA FORTICH SARRAGA

Namely:

(SGD) JOSE LUIS F. SARRAGA (SGD) JOHN MARK F. SARRAGA Heir Heir (SSS ID. 08-14-015045) (SSS ID. 08-11-125132)

SIGNED IN THE PRESENCE OF: and ACKNOWLEDGEMENT Republic of the Philippines ) CITY OF CAGAYAN DE ORO) S.S.

BEFORE ME , Notary Public for and in the City of Cagayan de Oro, this ______ day of December 15, 2022 , personally appeared the above-named persons with their Government ID and CTC Nos. below their names, presented, known to me and to me known to be the same persons who executed the foregoing EXTRA-JUDICIAL SETTLEMENT/PARTITION¬_OVER PARCELS OF LAND AND MATERPILCA CORPORATION SHAREHOLDINGS AMONG HEIRS and they acknowledged to me that the same is their free act and voluntary deed.

This instrument consisting of 4 pages, including the page on which this acknowledgement is written, has been signed on the left margin of each and every page thereof by the above named parties and their witnesses, and sealed with my notarial seal.

IN WITNESS WHEREOF , I have hereunto set my hand and affixed my notarial seal, the day, year, and place above written.

the sacrifices made by those who fought for our individual freedoms from Imperial Japanese aggression not only here in the City of Cagayan de Oro, but across the Philippine archipelago. All love and memories to him,” the young speaker said.

Kiyo in an incoming Grade 11 student at Oro Christian Grace School where he was also recently elected Grade 11 representative for the OCGC Student Council for 2023-2024. He spoke how his great grandfather inspired his interest in the World War II history and how he hopes to continue his Great Grand Lolo’s legacy.

“At a young age, I was exposed to a vast world filled with historical significances by the books I read at home and in school as well as a variety of influences from the internet. I was not an average child who thought only about time’s arrow marching forward along the trends our generation’s youth take influence from.”

“My interests in military history, especially around the Second World War, would not be motivated by what I have simply garnered from physical and online sources alone. Rather, those fascinations took great inspiration from my great grandfather’s career in the military during and after the war.”

“It brings me great pride to have known that he was involved in something greater than himself and has before contributed to the events that led to the liberation of this city, and the archipelago in its entirety, throughout the course of the war,” he added.

Col. Leonardo Vasquez Hernando (ret.) (ASN O-2462), first mobilized into the USAFFE in Zamboanga as a company commander in the 1st Battalion, 103rd Infantry Regiment. He fought in defense of Northern Mindanao with the 102nd Division, Philippine Army against the Kawamura Detachment on May 3-9, 1942 and later joined the guerrillas as S-2 of the 109th Infantry Regiment, one of the units which liberated Cagayan on May 12, 1945.

He served for 30 years in military service from 1 July 1937 to 22 January 1970, becoming one of the few veterans who had the distinction of serving with the USAFFE; Philippine Commonwealth Army; as a guerrilla with the 10th Military District, US Forces in the Philippines (USFIP); the Philippine Constabulary (PC), as an observer/OJT Battle Group Operations and Training Officer with the 7th Cavalry, 8th US Army in Korea, and various other command and staff duties, eventually retiring with the rank of Colonel as the Chief of Staff, IV Military Area, Philippine Army, in his last posting.

“Before the conflict had broken out in the Philippines, he was studying with the ambitions to become an architect in the near future.

However, when the war has finally reached Philippine soil, my great grandfather abandoned those ambitions and his personal life behind to willingly take the fight to the Imperial Japanese despite being granted many opportunities to stay away from the fighting,” Kiyo related.

“His portrayal of selflessness and love for his people and country humbled and motivated me to delve further into his history and his life soldiering through the conflict. It surprises me to see that my great grandfather even managed to smile in the photos he was in despite knowing that, at any given moment, he could lose his life to the horrors of warfare. My grandfather was right about him: he was not afraid of what every man in this world feared, which is death,” he further stressed.

The veteran’s scion noted how his great grandfather’s exploits imparted a different perception of about history in that major battles and personalities alone don’t define history.

“Rather, it is composed of the minute individual firsthand accounts of those who share an equal level of prominence, like our forefathers who bore arms against imperialistic ideals before us. It is certainly invigorating to be the youngest active participant in these commemorative affairs,” he shared.

The young GOHAS further noted how not many of his generation share his interests and the willingness to really dedicate themselves to taking knowledge over these significant moments in history.

“As a member of the youth, I encourage my seniors to involve their younger ones more in these adjacent matters,” he exhorted.

“In this day of age, our youth steers over to a path of privilege, often taking what they have for granted without understanding the roots of their liberty and enjoyment. It is fundamental that our youth come to an understanding that what they are currently experiencing right now cost the blood, toil, tears, and sweat of those who contributed to our country’s great leap for independence and did not appear solely out of nowhere.”

We cannot allow anymore the fragrant mockery of existing 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 ecology, 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 intergenerational 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.”

or captain will now have a maximum tenure of 10 years from the current eight years.

“The President may lengthen the tenure-ingrade of officers in the permanent grades of captain, major, and lieutenant colonel, or their equivalent, up to two promotional cycles when necessary, to maintain the desirable officer rank structure and uphold the progressive professional development of the officer corps,” the law read.

The new law also modifies the officer grade distribution, adjusting the number of officers for general or flag officers to 1.25 percent from the current one percent, and for officers in the grades of first lieutenant junior grade and second

lieutenant or ensign to 42.75 percent from the current 43 percent.

RA 11939 applies to the officers, enlisted personnel, and those promoted under RA 11709 and other pertinent laws.

The Department of National Defense is instructed to formulate the rules and regulations necessary to implement the provisions of RA 11939 within 30 days from its effectivity.

RA 11939 also repeals Sections 3 and 11 of RA 11709.

The new law takes effect 15 days after its publication in the Official Gazette or a newspaper of general circulation. (PNA)

-- PHP405,000; and the Buhatan River Cruise and Pasalubong with 10 members -- PHP150,000.

“With the four associations’ projects, magkakaroon ng mga bagong negosyo sa Sorsogon na tutulong laban sa kagutuman at kahirapan (there will be new businesses in Sorsogon that will help fight hunger and poverty),” he added.

The SLP is a capabilitybuilding program of the DSWD with the objective of improving the abilities of the poor to advance in life by providing them with appropriate assistance. (PNA)

to protect the fragile river system.

A Writ of Kalikasan is a legal relief that provides for the protection of one’s right to “a balanced and healthful ecology in accord with the rhythm and harmony of nature,” as enshrined in Section 16, Article II of the 1987 Philippine Constitution. It is the environmental counterpart of the Writ of Amparo.

The Writ ordered the DENR, NBI, Armed Forces of the Philippines, Philippine National Police, Bureau of Immigration; and the local government units of Cagayan de Oro, Iligan and Opol to coordinate their efforts to protect Iponan River.

A task force called “

Kinaiyahan” was formed in 2013 to coordinate the efforts of these agencies who were also mandated to submit monthly reports of the situation along the river.

Former CLENRO Chief Edwin Dael, who headed Task Force “Kinaiyahan” until 2017, said he does not know if the agencies continued to submit their reports after his stint as task force coordinator.(Froilan Gallardo / MindaNews)

Agricultural Cooperative (SARBAC) at Purok 6 Barangay Dacudao in Calinan district.

She said the victim was reported missing around 12:30 a.m. on May 17, but before that, she was last seen boarding a yellow tricycle at Crossing Fausta, Calinan District, Davao City based on the CCTV footage.

The United Architect of the Philippines-Davao City chapter condoled with the family and said “her rape and subsequent abandonment in a desolate grassland has utterly shocked and anguished us.”

“This unspeakable act goes against the very fabric of humanity and the principles we hold dear as architects, professionals, and fellow human beings,” it said. (Antonio L. Colina IV/ MindaNews)

In the past few months, Tamayo said investors from China, Malaysia, South Korea and Japan have expressed their interest to put up factories in the second district, but were allegedly dismayed by the high cost of electricity.

He dangled a publicprivate partnership with Socoteco-I, with the provincial government taking control of the operations of the electric cooperative.

If the provincial government will be on top of the operations of Socoteco-I, Tamayo said the current management team of the cooperative could still be retained to run the affairs of the non-stock, non-profit

cooperative.

Socoteco-I was registered on August 31, 1971 under the provisions of Republic Act 6038 or the National Electrification Administration (NEA) Act. It became the 12th electric cooperative to be registered by NEA.

On September 5, 1979, a 50-year franchise was granted to Socoteco-I, or until September 5, 2029. (Bong S. Sarmiento / MindaNews)

KNOW ALL MEN BY THESE PRESENTS:

We, the spouse, ALFREDO C. LEE, and child, GENEVIEVE LEE CALZADA, of legal ages, and residents of Davao City, on our own volition, declare as follows:

1. That we are the surviving and sole heirs of the deceased Jacqueline C. Lee who died in Davao City on January 13, 2023;

2. That said deceased died intestate, without any Last Will or Testament, and without any outstanding debts or accounts;

3. That the deceased left Savings Account Number 040880032448 with BDO Network Bank Inc. (formerly One Network Bank Inc.) - Cabantian Branch with a deposit balance of Php 181,329.29.

5. That, with full capacity to contract, we do hereby adjudicate unto ourselves the above-mentioned deposit amount, in equal shares pro indiviso;

6. That FURTHER , and for and in consideration of our filial relations, GENEVIEVE LEE CALZADA do hereby waives her rights over said deposit unto heir ALFREDO C. LEE his heirs, assigns and successors-in-interests, all HER rights, interests and participation over the same;

7. That all transaction fees involving said deposits shall be for the account of the heir ALFREDO C. LEE

IN WITNESS WHEREOF the heirs, ALFREDO C. LEE and GENEVIEVE LEE CALZADA we have hereunto set our hands, this 02 FEB 2623 in Davao City, Philippines.

Doc. No. 27; Page No. 7; Book No. II; Series of 2023

( SGD ) DANIELLE D. MILES Roll No. 75886 2023-253-2024

PTR No. 7748067C • 01/31/2023

IBP No. 259904 • 12/22/2022 MCLE VIl-0010291

Donaire & Nidea-Donaire Law Office

Purok 6, Sta. Cruz, Bago Gallera Talomo District, Davao City

MDN: May 20, 27 & Jun 3, 2023

ects 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 has 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 continued operations would mean death to many just to continue their massive rakings.

78th Anniversary of Cagayan de Oro Liberation Day

Too few Kagay-anons remember Liberation Day

By Mike Baños

Asmall crowd of fifty gathered on May 12, 2023 to commemorate the 78th Anniversary of the Liberation of Cagayan de Oro during World War II at the Xavier University Museo de Oro with the opening program for The Road to Victory Exhibit and Lecture Series.

Although the organizers invited local officials from the local governments and barangay councils of Cagayan de Oro and Misamis Oriental, not a single government official joined the opening rites except for some employees of the Philippine Veterans Affairs Office (PVAO) and post officials of the Veterans Federation of the Philippines Region 10.

“On this day 78 years ago, Cagayan de Oro was liberated by Kagay-anons after a battle that lasted four days. We commemorate the valor and honor the guerillas displayed in our month-long celebration entitled The Road to Victory,” said Fr Mars P. Tan, SJ, Xavier Ateneo President in his welcome remarks.

“Their stories, while sadly not often remembered,

are important in both our history and culture, and I thank the organizers of this event for the opportunity to celebrate and rediscover our very own heroes.”

“Throughout the month, XU Museo de Oro will host a remarkable exhibit featuring authentic relics, photographs, and artifacts used by both civilians and combatants during the war.

The exhibit is particularly significant to Xavier University because our school, in its 90 years of history, has been closely interwoven into the lives and stories of the Kagay-anons and the city. We are proud to say that several of our alumni and priests were actively involved in working hard to defend our land from foreign aggressors,” he added.

The Road to Victory Exhibit at the Fr Francisco Demetrio SJ Gallery , 2nd floor, XU Museo de Oro runs until June 15, Cagayan de Oro’s Charter Day. However, a lecture series on the various operations which led to the liberation of Cagayan on May 12, 1945 has been cut short due to the dismal response of the invited guests and general public to the first two of the planned eight part series.

“For the young people who are here today, I hope you take this chance to look to them not just as names and faces but as living inspirations to be courageous in loving our city and country. Xavier University is proud of its alumni and priests like Fr Edward Haggerty, Fr Isaias Edralin, Fr John Pollock, and other American and Filipino Jesuits who were part of the guerilla movement fighting for the liberation of Cagayan de Oro from the Japanese forces. I

am sure there many others, your fathers, grandfathers,

and great grandfathers who took fought for our independence,” Fr. Tan said.

During the same program, Guest of Honor and Speaker (GOHAS) Antonio Kiyosaki Hernando Fortich related how he was inspired by his late great grandfather retired Philippine Army Colonel Leonardo V. Hernando of the 4th Infantry Division, who served in WW2 with the 102nd Division, United States Army Forces Far East (USAFFE) defending Cagayan from the Imperial Japanese Army's Kawamura Detachment in May 2-9, 1942, and later joined the guerrillas of the 109th Infantry Regiment which liberated Cagayan on May 12, 1945.

“It was because of him that I took up the honor and privilege of standing before you today to deliver my message with great value and understanding towards

Ribbon cutting (L-R) Mike Baños, Libby Abesamis, Kiyo Fortich, Fr Mars Tan SJ .

XU officials and post officers of the Veterans Federation of the Philippines Region 10

SDAI National EVP Mike Villa-Real & PVB CDO BM Julius Tocmo. Fr Mars P. Tan SJ

Col Leonardo V. Hernando tribtue poster by Philip Garcia

Antonio Kiyosaki Hernando Fortich

The Road to Victory Exhibit is dedicated to the memory of World War II veterans and intended mainly for the youth so they can remember to whom they owe much of the fre