MINDANAO TIMES, May 8-9, 2023

BY VIC N. SUMALINOG

on PAGE 6

Closely monitored

BY RHODA GRACE B. SARON

need to take based on their pregnancy calendar.

That is why the city health office, through its Safe Motherhood and Family Planning Program, is ramping up measures to reduce the risk of childbirth for pregnant women.

Safe Motherhood and Family Planning Program Manager Judy Jen Gornes, during the I-Speak Media Forum on Thursday, said their office is enhancing its campaign to compel pregnant women to avail themselves of the CHO’s various pre-natal care ser-

vices in all health centers in the city.

also be keeping a closer watch on the population of pregnant women in the city with the help of Barangay Health Workers (BHWs) and the Safe Motherhood and Family Planning Program’s pregnancy tracking tool.

“ Kada BHW naa na silay purok na ginagunitan. Within that purok, dapat kabalo sila kung kinsa ang buntis didto. So isulat na

nila sa ialng pregnancy tracking tool (Each BHW has a designated area of responsibility. They must know all the pregnant women within that area. That will write those down in their pregnancy tracking tool,” Gornes said.

Through the tracking tool, the BHWs will be able to see the number of pregnant women in their areas of responsibility as well as keep track of the number of check-ups and pre-natal healthcare services they

“Kana ilang pregnancy tracking tool, ihatag na nila sa ilang nurses sa ilang center so para naa silay lead kung kinsa ang mga buntis na dapat makita nila, ma-follow up nila (Their pregnancy tracking tool will be turned over to their nurses in their health center so they will know which pregnant women they will need to check up on and make follow-ups),” Gornes added.

Monitoring the early stages of pregnancy to full

term is necessary not only for maintaining the good health of both mother and child but also to detect any signs of possible complications during childbirth.

“ Kung makita nato’g sayo ang mga pasyente or mothers, for example, makita nila na ang expecting mother is advanced in age, kana siya kay high-risk na atong pasyente ana.

So ilaha nang i -refer sa ilahang doctor (If we can take a look at the patient or mother early on, and the expecting mother is

advanced in age, they will be considered as high-risk. So they will be referred to a doctor),” said Gornes.

In the city, the most common complication for high-risk pregnancies is hypertension. Gornes said that a patient’s doctor must be made aware that a patient is hypertensive or has other comorbidities to make necessary preparations before delivery.

Davao City has birthing centers in Bunawan, Buhangin, Toril A, Marilog, and Paquibato, with ad -

MASS communication students view published photos displayed at an exhibit in line with the World Press Freedom Day at SM City Davao. The activity will run until May 12. BING GONZALES

Week-long boon: Nearly P1-M worth of illegal drugs recovered

BY RHODA GRACE B. SARON

NEARLY P1 million worth of illegal drugs

Captain John Louie Dema-ala, the spokesperson of Task Force Davao, said the six different apprehensions involved crystal meth or shabu and a sachet

of dried marijuana with an overall estimated street value of P934,137.

At 12:50 a.m. on May

7, authorities apprehended Jhon Axel Bohion, 21, sin-

gle; Alvin S Macas, 28, single; and Apple Kristine M Gabayan, 35 years old single, all residents of Purok Tangegue, San Pedro, Panabo City, on board

a red Toyota Vios bearing plate number LAK 3511, traveling towards the city. Intercepted from their possession included a sachet of suspected shabu weighing more or less 24.84 grams with an esti-

Mindanawon runners score silver, bronze in 32nd SEAG

MALAYBALAY CITY

(MindaNews) — Mindanawon marathon runners from Tupi, South Cotabato, and Malaybalay City bagged the silver and bronze medals Saturday in the men’s and women’s marathon in the ongoing 32nd Southeast Asian Games (SEA Games) in Cambodia.

Arlan Arbois Jr. of Tupi, South Cotabato, bagged the silver medal in the men’s marathon in games, while Malaybalay City’s Christine OrganizaHallasgo, who won the gold medal in the 2019

SEA Games and silver in the 2022 edition of the games in Vietnam, settled for a bronze medal in the women’s marathon.

The marathon races for both the men and women categories took place on Saturday morning in Siem Reap, with the Angkor Wat serving as background along the 42-kilometer route.

Hallasgo clocked 02:50:27, tailing Indonesia’s Odekta Elvina Naibaho (02:48:14), and Vietnam’s Thi Tuyet Le (02:49:21).

mated amount of P397,440 and an unlicensed cal .45 pistol with one magazine

Earlier, operatives at the checkpoint detained Alberto S Arancon, 35, single and a resident of San

Nicolas, Buhangin, Davao City, on board a public utility bus traveling towards Davao City around 11:40 p.m. on May 5. Seized from his possession was a sachet of

( /WEEK-LONG/10)

Red-tagged CDO journalist vs Facebook

CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY (MindaNews) -- Journalist

Leonardo Vicente “Cong”

Corrales on Friday filed a complaint before the National Privacy Commission against Meta (formerly Facebook), owner of social network Facebook, for not giving him access to information on those who have been harassing him and his family on its platform from 2019 to 2021.

Corrales , editor-in-

chief of the Cagayan de Oro City-based Mindanao Gold Star Daily, assisted by lawyer Antonio La Viña, a fellow Kagay-anon, alleged that Meta “failed to observe my right to access” information on those behind the Facebook accounts that red-tagged him, his family and other journalists.

The unprecedented case “would exact accountability from social media

( /SEAG/10) ( /RED/10)

were seized by Task Force Davao soldiers in Barangay Lasang, Bunawan checkpoint from May 1 to 7.

MINDANAO Development Authority chairperson Sec. Mabel Sunga- Acosta, HDF Energy Philippines president Mathieu Geze, Ambassador of the French Republic H.E. Michèle

the silver medal in the men’s marathon in the ongoing

Photo courtesy of PATAFA

PRESIDENT Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos, Jr. recently returned from his States from April 30 to May 4, 2023, where he engaged in a bilateral talk with President Joe Biden aimed at strengthening the diplomatic and business ties between the two nations.

One of the trip's highlights was the participation of prominent businessmen,

the Philippine delegation top American companies. The meetings explored pathways for collaboration and sustainable growth. The meetings took

Rise in GIR seen amid April slide

es, Inc., and Optum. The discussions focused on infrastructure and power Group is at the forefront of in terms of sustainability, -

Great Transformation to become the Philippines’

P396-M socioeconomic members rolled out

has forecast a rise in the country's gross internacoming months despite the as of the end of April.

In a report released oneconomist Michael Ricafort noted that while the for-

MSMEs attend a workshop on proper packaging and labeling

A TOTAL of 19 Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) business owners joined the packaging and labeling lecture conducted by the Department of Science and Technology Region XI (DOST XI) at the Davao City Investment Promotion Center (DCIPC) building last March 13.

Assistant, stressed the imreadable product labels, alongside appropriate product names, accurate information of its list of ingredients, net content, manufacturer, expiration date, and nutrition facts.

In printing health claims, labels should be

about the actual product, not its ingredients, noted co-lecturer Arnel M. Rodri-

said claim must be genuine and Drug Administration

When choosing a foodgrade packaging material, one must consider the nature of the product and how

it will be stored or handled. For instance, there is a plastic packaging material suitable for acidic foods chemicals that make up the plastic material. There is also an appropriate packaging material for microheat-resistant.geles Velesrubio-Viado, a bakeshop owner, acknowledged the importance of packaging. “We need to

in terms of packaging but to choose the right package that will keep our product

Josh Europa, an organic soil conditioner business owner, said he thinks they are on the right path in applying their learnings a small company, it’s good practices in place so that in the future, it’s no longer a cultural transition but learned,” he said.

ippines remains steadfast-

which aim to uplift thetheir families.

on Peace, Reconciliation

the Department of Socialrandum of Agreement on Tuesday to roll out a Socioeconomic Program for former Moro Islamic combatants worth Php 396 million.

DSWD will implement the program wherein it cash assistance of Php decommissioned Moro

Php 80,000 shall be sourced from the Bangsamoro Transitory Family -

Php 20,000 shall be pro-hood Settlement Grant Socioeconomic Program.

The BTFSP includes food and non-food basic assistance for the decommissioned combatantsthe transitional cash ascombatants under Phase 3 and 2,000 combatants under Phase 4; operational expenses in case management of decommissioned combatants and Bangsamoro Islamic Auxiliary Women Bri-

In his message during the signing ceremony, DSWD Sec. Rex Gatchalian expressed his agency’s full support to the Bangsamoro peace process, “We assure the secrefamily that in this department, we make sure that

P396-M/10) ( /MSMES/10)

NIÑO Don Carlo Carrillo, DOST XI project technical assistant, teaches small business owners on proper labeling and packaging to help market their products. DOST XI

A reader’s guide to “The Rulers of Magindanao, 1515-1903”

BY DATU MICHAEL ONG MASTURA

I take great pleasure to present to you the book, The Rulers of Magindanao in Modern History, 1515-1903

The book opens with a question: How likely is it that the ancient Filipinos developed a concept of statehood at precolonial contact? The subtitle sets the longue duree central theme: “Continuity and Change in a Traditional Realm in the Southern Philippines”.

It might seem trivial to ask: Are you Readers? Are you a part of the Reading Public in this sweeping era of digital technology? Are we on ‘holiday’ from history? How do we now inject present consciousness into the past to reconstruct that past?

The answer lies in an objective, critical viewpoint and ever-present sense for the “personality” in the long-run story of Magindanao precolonial state systems marked with continuity as a traditional realm (alam). Change in the old institutions came with the advent of mercantilist expansion, and the long-terms of trade; more so, within the slave raiding system that largely evolved in the Sulu maritime zone.

Genealogy as Construct in Historiography

With Islam came the Arabic alphabet that modified the culture and adat system to develop common lettered Moro heritage. The original superscripts of tarsila and luwaran contained names and place-names that have not been expressed (at the time) by means of Romanic character. The Mastura Superscripts (MSS) were translated in 1903 by Najeeb Saleeby, who used a system of transliteration,

which can be easily understood by every English reader applying phonic sound.

As we read the chapters of The Rulers of Magindanao, we must bear in mind that our traditional scholars and scribes adopted a system of writing the tarsila (genealogy), the khutba (oration), and the luwaran (codex) in Magindanao dialect with Arabic characters called “kirim” or “jawa” scripts. Take note that the terminal sound of “ao” in spelling “Magindanao” was used by Saleeby. Other words with the same terminal sound were written with the final “aw” for transliteration. As for “gi” the transliteration cannot correspond to “gui” which is in accordance with Spanish grammar.

Longue Duree in Historiography and Conjunctures Magindanao was the product of geography and culture rather than of politics or economics. Events occurred over long periods of time with “epochal duration” over decades or centuries but slowly changing between people ( orayat ), and their maritime culture.

My book does not aim to rethink what history is or history for traction of longue duree course of “movement of ideas”. Early studies on Moro history, law, and religion used ethnographic facts and assumptions (theories) of social anthropologists.

Archaeological settlement entries and inscriptional remains (such as presence of datable pottery or coin) to describe how people chronologically moved in the past is utilized as “dating tool” only to limit the scope of Plan of

Study in this book. In some sense when C.tion of sultanates” in maritime Asia resembling distant past harbour principality or portpolities of Malacca “overlordship” or the princely life of Malay notables reconstructed in the account of O. W. Wolters, the question generated is sociological, not ahistorical.

But if my readers take this point it has method: Not only is Periodization essential in all history writing but in the formal study of history qua historiography. Thus, in Muslim theory, history is ‘historical moment of its use’ as the direction in the process of change itself.

The modernizing thrust of the 1500s, onward to trends in recorded history of sixteenth-seventeenth maritime Asia, was voluntary migration (merantaw). masters navigated the Straits of Malacca in the eighteenth century. Shifts in pattern of modernist reform of the nineteenth century coincided with the infusion of sey yids and mushyks of Hadrami-ancestry who married into local aristocracy.

The general theory of corporate group linked by ‘unilinear’ structural ties of core lineage descent in Magindanao and comparable ‘segmentary’ structures in Rajah established between lineages of clan.

My historiographical sketch is presented with historical sequence. Qudarat is ascribed with a reign of 52 years (1619-1671) In a dynastic realm —

where structures of adat as a system embody the law of Islam — Luwaran gave it historical depth of eclectic traces beyond the imaginings of colonial state. A copy written in 1886 was translated in 1903. The original manuscript accompanying the code wasals during the reign of Sultan Maulana Kamza in 1775.

Excerpts in Chapter I, Chapter VI.

Some Extracts in Chapter VIII.

Yet the ‘un-problematized’ chronology of rulers of Magindanao and Sulu is essential to reconstruct the stages of the Moro wars as substance of history. Memories of the past unravelling its the present is the vernacular culture of mangaio (raiding system) that harks back to merantaw (looking outward) long-distance voyaging with the influx of sea-oriented Lanun or “Lutao” heritages.

The frame of reference in the pattern of changed outwardly perspective is the work of social science and multidisciplinary scholarship. At some conjunctures, geography and genealogy as historiography serve the purpose of charting the chronology of royal descent and statecraft as well as social page 128).

The Sulu maritime state was congenial to the tributary trading system during the Ming dynasty. It was the presence of Chinese traders in Su’ug (Jolo) that accounts for its evolution into a regional entrepot by 1768. By then, centuries apart, the Magindanao pre-colonial state had turned to the past: “for more rewarding purposes than economic history.”

The Spanish interfered more than once in the succession at Magindanao and Sulu to assure themselves a “friendly” ruler resulting

in devastating struggle for power. Meanwhile the Spanish campaign to suppress “piracy” disrupted the continuity of the Sulu sultanate thriving produce-trade with China. (See Map of Spanish Defense Net Against Mangiao Raid Points).

Conjunctures in IranunBalangingi slave raiding became essential to the Buginese orang Laut trade network. Coastal people of Lanun origin (derivative i-lanw-en / i-ranun ) werepany “country trade/” Outmigration of Maranao from the Great Lake had swollen their seaside communities who engaged in slave-raiding praws

I argue in my second Preface that Magindanao generations of 1736-1755 missed out the 18th century great upheavals that the Technical and Critical Age ushered in Cartesian subjectivity and innovation in method. History moved on with emergent phenomenon and constellations of ideas (Descartes was shortcircuiting the past).

As for navigation, Fernand Braudel pointed outjunction with certain perception of reality. Still Thomas Forrest observed in 1775 that a few Chinese lived among many Magindanao mechanics, vessel builders, and merchants. By 1790 the center of boat-building activity in the coast of Sibugay had shifted away to the Sulu archipelago. Still so the maritime zones were never out of step with the Gunpowder Age in modern history.

My research work assigned the coming of Islam to Mindanao to the “Peregrination Period” in old Malay history. Genealogistsrif Kabungsuan and the tale of Tabunaway to weave the

thread in the ruler’s adoption to Islam because a precedent in Malacca existed.

Evidently it was not just the ruling datus who stride through the pages of the Super Manuscripts. The tarsila in posthe progenitor of Tabunaway is not a datu; he is a timuway. Tabunaway are called dumatus The metaphor of Putri Tunina appearing from “bamboo stalk” and Buli from “crow’s egg” do not make the phenomena “historically dubious myths.”

(Parenthetically, this leaves room for the study of history as myth and novelistic device. Thucydides identified myths as unsatisfactory bases for his own work to avoid confusion mythical).

The pattern of changed outwardly perspective is the work of social science and multidisciplinary scholarship. At some conjunctures, geography and genealogy as historiography serve the purpose of charting the chronology of royal descent and statecraft as well as social (see Figure 8 on page 128).

Shinzo Hayase: Mindanao Ethnohistory Beyond Nations imagines a historico-geographical zone between the 16thC and 19thC based on a “chieftain society” in Eastern Maritime Asia. It is a misnomer to speak of “tribe” of Sangir in Sarangani, Bagobo and Kalagan in Davao gulf, and Subanon in Sibugay littoral coast. Yet in terms of geographical area conspicuous type of kinship system nominally formed into local descent group and other lineages of the clan: Manobo and Tiduray.

My work displays Magindanao kinship system by means of a diagram and kinship terminologies. Academically, it is a moot point to highlight the Magindanao area that Beckett had conceptualized a “datudom.” Status of lineage is order to create structural stabil(

(LECTURE prepared by Datu Michael Ong Mastura for the launch of his book “The Rulers of Magindanao in Modern History, 1515-1903: Continuity and Change in a Traditional Realm in the Southern Philippines” at Faber Hall, Ateneo de Manila University in Quezon City on 04 May 2023. He asked that this piece be distributed before the launch. At the launch, Rulers of Magindanao.”)

DATU Michael Ong Mastura delivers a lecture on his book, “The Rulers of Magindanao in Modern History, 1515-1903,” during its launch at the Ateneo de Manila University on 04 May 2023. MindaNews photo by CAROLYN O. ARGUILLAS

DATU Michael Ong Mastura autographs copies of his book. “The Rulers of Magindanao in Modern History, 1515-1903,” after its launch and his lecture at the Ateneo de Manila University on 04 May 2023. The Ateneo University Press is the book’s publisher. MindaNews photo by CAROLYN O. ARGUILLAS

Alleged mastermind behind ambush of Gov. Adiong slain

PARANG, Maguindanao del Norte (MindaNews) — Combined police and military operatives in Lanao del Sur killed Wednesday the alleged mastermind behind the ambush early this year of the convoy of Lanao del Sur Gov. Mamintal A. Adiong Jr. that killed four people.

BGen Allan Nobleza, regional police director of the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao said Oscar “Tacmar” Capal Gandawali was killed after resisting police and Army personnel who arrived in Barangay Pilimoknan, Maguing, Lanao del Sur to serve his war-

rants of arrest.

The operatives came from the Police Regional Office-Bangsamoro Autonomous Region Special Investigation Task Group Gov. Adiong and 5th Infantry Battalion.

The Lanao del Sur Po-

the operatives, injuring Army SSgt Nio Mickhael Angelo and the barangay chair of Pilimoknan, and forcing the latter to fire back.

Recovered from the scene were different typestion, transparent plastic sachets containing sus -

pected shabu weighing 13.216 grams amounting to P89,868, and other drug paraphernalia.

All recovered items were returned to the Maguing police station for documentation.

“The suspect was facing seven murder cases and two frustrated murder cases,” said Nobleza.

The ambush on Adiong’s convoy in Maguing on Feb. 17 this year

Suspected Sayyaf bomb expert captured in Jolo

ZAMBOANGA CITY –Authorities have arrested an Abu Sayyaf Group (ASG) explosive expert in a law enforcement operation in the province of Sulu, a top

Col. Alexander Lor

enzo, Zamboanga City Po-

tor, said Ras Abdulla, also known as Elhan Bahjin Abuhassan, 48, was arrested in Barangay Bus-Bus, Jolo, Sulu at about 5:01 p.m. Friday.

Lorenzo said Abdulla is the No. 4 most-wanted person in Zamboanga City and has two standing war-

rants of arrest for illegal ammunition and for possession of explosives issued by a court in this city dated Feb. 28, 2020.

Although the court has set a PHP120,000 bail bond for the illegal possession of

( /SUSPECTED/11)

Appointed Maguindanao guv drops protest vs counterpart

BULUAN, Maguindanao del Sur (MindaNews) — Appointed Maguindanao del Sur Gov. Bai Mariam Sangki-Mangudadatu on Wednesday declared she and her party are no longer opposing the appointment of Abdulraof “Sammy Gambat” Macacua as governor of Maguindanao del Norte.

In the May 2022 elections, Mangudadatu, who

ran under the Family Alliance Party, was reelected as governor of the thenundivided Maguindanao.

Macacua, the secretary-general of United Bangsamoro Justice Party, the political party of the Moro Islamic Liberation Front, was a senior minister of the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao at the time of his appointment by President

Ferdinand Marcos Jr. Mangudadatu made the declaration a week after Malacanang on April 28.

“We have no more opposition, it’s time to embrace peace. Our people will suffer if we will not unite. We call on our supporters and allies to seek reconciliation also,” Mangudadatu said in a press ( /APPOINTED/11)

left three persons dead and wounded the governor in the hip.

The fatalities were identified as Juraiz Adiong, Aga Sumandar, and Jalil Cosain, all policemen with the rank of patrolman, and a civilian driver named Hassanor Pundaodaya.

Gandawali, an alleged Dawlah Islamiya member, was also the suspect behind the October 2018 ambush

of Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency personnel in Kapai, Lanao del Sur, that

He was tagged as the Number 1 Most Wanted Person in Lanao del Sur and Number 4 in the region. He was allegedly involved in gunrunning, robbery, hold-up, and illegal drug trade in the province and neighboring areas.

(Ferdinandh B. Cabrera/ MindaNews)

NPA loses 256 members, 113

BUTUAN CITY – At least 256 New People’s Army (NPA) rebels surrenderedtrieved in a series of anti-insurgency operations launched by the Police

(Caraga) during the first quarter of the year.

In a statement Friday, PRO-13 said 63 rebels were arrested during manhunt operations while the 193 other NPA combatants voluntarily surrendered to from January to April.

Among the NPA leaders arrested were Remon

H. Tumanan, 32; Junie H. Tumanan, 28; and a certain “Yang-Yang,” 31, respectively, the top three most-wanted persons in the region.

high-ranking NPA Guerrilla Front 4B leaders under the

A HEALTH worker administers a vaccine to a young boy at a health center in Barangay Vicente Hizon Sr., Davao City, on Thursday, May 4, 2023. The Department of Health is conducting a supplemental immunization campaign to protect children against measles, rubella, and polio. Mindanews Photo

For journalists and journalism

IN June 2022,the Philippine Press InstiMindanao Development Authority, and support media injournalists and support for responsibleeate an -

3) to a

4) to li without partiality, with the intention of

EDITORS’ NOTE:

WE are certain that Davaoeno Senator Christopher Lawrence “Bong” Go is aiming high in the level of his public service. This can easily be gleaned by every consistent observer of the way he comports himself in the performance of his duties as senator. This can also be observed from his choicecance and of importance to the masses with which to react.

And he has chosen to espouse and implement a program that endears him to the millions of disadvantaged Filipinos – the institutionalization of the Malasakit Centers in various parts of the country.

Everybody is well aware of the fact that when one is has to confront is the lack or even absence of money to pay for hospitalization and other related expenses. Senator Go, perhaps learning from his experience when he was man Friday of then Davao City Mayor and former Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte, replicated the Davao-originated hospitalization aid program at the national level.

Malasakit Centers are already operational. These are facilities where those who are hospitalized and have no one to turn to for help defray medicine and services expenses can approach for assistance. The operation of these centers is funded through the Senator’s initiative.

On the other hand, Go seems to know what issue of nagive his reaction. One example is the controversial proposal pension scheme for the men and women in the uniformed service.

His stand on the issue is to retain the present system, and that if to have the men in uniform contribute to the fund build-up for the pension, it should only apply to new entrants, was widely acceptable to those who stand to be affected.

And for now Senator Go is the most visible among the

Without doubt these things that the senator from Davao City is currently doing are political investments that willtion. Thus, when the right time comes Bong Go will surely have his “return-on-investment.”

But of course we know that it will not be for the immediate. He will surely not attempt to go against sure Presidential candidate in 2025 Vice President Sara Duterte-Carpio, the daughter of his mentor. Go would probably not even consider running for Vice President as the VP’s tandem. It would not look good for an all-Davao team-up.

The senator of course is young and he has many more years ahead of him as a public servant. Therefore, he can look forward to the election in 2031.

Meanwhile Go can continue to level up his services

And he must be extremely cautious in all dealing he will do destroy the foundation he as painstakingly started building for his political career. ******************************

We would like to extend our appreciation to the men whole-hearted efforts to implement in the city the Health Department’s program to vaccinate the children against diseases normally prevalent in their young age like rubella, dengue, pneumonia, and others.

rangays, even in the remotest of areas in the second and third districts. The teams have even utilized the barangay health the schedules of vaccination. Some of the BHWs even go to the extent of making house-to-house visits to inform parents and convince those hesitant ones to bring their children to the barangay health centers for immunization.

medical teams. But having personally observed their work; their travelling to places quite far from their stations on board “habal-habals” or single motorbikes are activities that should not be left unrecognized.

Keep up the good work. After all you are helping mold healthy lives of the “hope of our fatherland,” the children of today.

-

Spirits wandering in the farm

DAVAO CITY (MindaNews) -- There's a clump of bamboo trees outside my house. Behind it is a short slope with huge trees that protects several "tubuds" (springs) at its base.

One cloudless night, with a full moon shining brightly, some relatives wanted to stay for the night in my bamboo farm house. Others slept in the loft while the older ones decided to spread mats and mattresses in my living room . The younger ones preferred to spend the night in the balcony, to watch the full moon and experience the cool weather hereabouts. I joined them and slept on the edge which is a few meters away from the clump of bamboo trees.

bygone era. Auntie Inding regaled us with stories of the past...

I did not have any electricity .Just lamps. We hit the sack by 10 which was already late by farm standard. I woke up almost midnight from a dream. In my

American Indian man dressed in the "katcha" or faded whites worn by the early Katipuneros. He was sauntering towards my house.

STORIES FROM THE BOONDOCKS

SUSAN PALAD

Strangely, I knew where he was heading: the spring water below.

He was about to pass the balcony where we were asleep when my niece beside me coughed. It caught his attention and came near, eyes glowing. He was looking at me intently when I woke up. I heaved a big sigh of relief upon knowing that it was just a dream. I went back to sleep but just as I was about to drift off, I felt his hands grabbing me. He was aiming for my heart! I woke up and heaved another sigh of relief. Oh,what a dream! It felt so real! Then I realized that the full moon was now hidden by heavy clouds and the whole place was no longer bathed in silvery light but eerily dark.

Nevertheless, I decided to go back to sleep but every time I am on a brink, the man stares at me and starts grabbing my front. On the fourth attempt, I decided to get the cross from my altar, ground some native garlic, went back to my space and placed them

beside me. I started praying the Lord's Prayer and repeatedly declared "With the power of Jesus, Get out from my house !"

Within minutes, the clouds uncovered a bright moon and I went back to a sound dreamless sleep.

To this day, there have been a number of sightings of spirits wandering around the farm.

One time, I was busy sweeping dead leaves around the clump of bamboo trees with a broomstick when I saw a pair of small feet in front of me. Thinking it was one of my grandnieces from a nearby farm who would sometimes come for a visit, I raised my head acknowledging him with a bright smile and found myself staring at an empty space.

Another time, Edna noticed a young man wearing a black shirt joining us on the same area, pretending to help young man was, but I didn’t seea soul.

(Susan Palad used to be in the government service and later ventured into the travel business. She has retired from both and spends more time at her farm. She is still on denial stage though by refusing to call herself a senior citizen. She still wants to maintain a busy lifestyle)

(Delivered online by Dr. Steven Rood at the book launch of Datu Michael Ong Mastura’s ‘The Rulers of Magindanao in Modern History, 1515-1903: Continuity and Change in a Traditional Realm in the Southern Philippines’ at the Ateneo de Manila University Press on 4 May 2023. The Ateneo University Press is the publisher of the book).

Cordillera Studies Center (CSC) at the University of the Philippines in Baguio held a conference on autonomy for the Cordillera. I’ve had the pleasure of interacting with him frequently over the years.

tion provided for autonomy both in the Cordillera and in Muslim Mindanao. At the time, Datu Mike was a member of Congress and had previously been in the Ministry of Muslim Affairs.

The reasoning of the organizers was that it was natural to look for comparisons and contrasts between the two potentially autonomous regions, and these comparisons and contrasts continue to intrigue me. Simply put, the quesMuslim Mindanao was instituted (and revised in 2001) and -

I venture to say that the short answer lies in the contrast between sultanates and ili as governance structures and that this contrast has its roots in Islam. A considerably longer answer lies in this 430-page book.

This is an ambitious and wide-ranging book but its center is an explication of the two major elements of Majul’s “constellation of sultanates” (page xx) -- the Sultanate Grande de Mindanao). “The boundaries of the two major characterization I read was that sa-ilud refers to the part of intrusion).

As Mastura says, “this book’s core is derived from ‘core lineage’ of datus whose Muslim Sultanate capital lay on the Pulangi river where they took pride in a pattern of indigenous political system.” (xvii) The use of tarsilas (written genealogies) allows for the construction of Magindanao sultans, which helps to follow the historical relations between the two systems of power. Aside from the male line, frequent reference is made to how marriages caused or strengthened interrelated linkages among datus and royal houses. Sometimes the welter of names can be daunting but there is an excellent index for the book.

One thread throughout the book is the role of Islam as both the background from which statecraft emerged and the motivating factor in its resilience in the face of colonialism. As one author had it, Islam was like a “slow, giant

REVIEW: BY STEVEN ROOD

wave” moving through the Malay Archipelago and so it is not surprising that not only some of the leading lights of Magindanao history came from Southeast Asia such Kapitan Laut (navy commander), originated in Ternate. Islam allowed for institutional structures that encompassed whole territorial domains and linguistic groups and “the courtly society inspired by the Islamic religion” (102). As for the wholesale adoption of Islam. Mastura summarized of Maguindanao society did not pose an obstacle to the conversion process. As it were, reverence for the family of the prophet and the Sharif descent lineage merely affected the realignment of the social power relations over the community of believers. This is a direct source of legitimacy as ulil amr

Though the book is not a detailed history of Moro Wars, it does deal with the hostilities between Moros and the Spanish state and church.

the Catholic religion came to the Muslim South as an integral part of military expeditions and of the colonial government. This participation of the church in Spanish penetration in Mindanao and Sulu was perfectly consistent with Catholic mission theory and was also a concomitant of the union of church and state in Catholic Spain.

[Moros] made no distinction between the Spanish colonialist and the Hispanized natives who were in the colonial administrative and military service. (325)

One aspect of which I had been unaware was the estabas a “Paraguayan-style reduction settlement which involved a program of rescate (ransom) of Tiruray slaves and even Moro children from the slave markets of Mindanao to be

the power of datus by striking at the heart of the institution of slavery, and Moro datus were well aware that.

In his forward to the book, Patricio Abinales states that with its publication “there is no more reason for any Filipino or Moro scholar not to teach courses on Magindanao and Moro histories.” I remember that 11 years ago I had a teaching sabbatical semester in Washington DC and tried to construct material about the Philippines from the Mindanao

I would have wanted to be able to do.

He has a brisk standard review of the run-up to the revolution and then considers how it was viewed from the Muslim South.

without a counterpart in the development of a pan- Islamic

movement … it was the return of pilgrims (hadjis) the Middle East to who became acquainted with the state of affairs there that constituted the anticolonial driving force

So, despite the coincidence of timing there was no direct connection between the revolutionary struggle and most events in the Moro South. It is true that the revolutionaries did try to appeal for support to their cause and Aguinaldo wrote to the Sultan of Sulu to persuade him.

southern Palawan.

This view from the Pulangi river basin is itself constructed from a particular viewpoint. Michael Ong Mastura is a datu, not a subaltern. He cites Saleeby as concluding “the principal mistake of the Spanish policy was in part due to their failure to rule the Moros through their datus and to give proper respect to native authority.”(333)

Debt bondage and outright slavery ( baniaga ), for instance, are treated as facts of life, not as a focus (as it is in The Embarrassment of Slavery by Michael Salman, another Ateneo de Manila University Press book). But Mastura’s book could serve as a solid foundation for a wide-ranging re-examination, in dialog with other work, of the history of Muslim Mindanao and its relation to the Philippine nation-state.

The Aguinaldo letter to a sultan who had abdicated years before can serve as an example of how national elites are often quite ignorant of the realities in the southern Philippines, which ignorance can have untoward consequences.

I remember a closed-door meeting in June 2000 where civil society, the business sector, and government leaders were brought together to discuss the all-out war being waged by the Estrada administration. There were two cabinet secretaries there, and civil society and big business leaders who were willing to put in time for consultations on good governance. I remember being struck at how little those from the center knew about what was going on in that all-out war even though I considered myself severely underinformed on the topic. In particular I remember an outburst by Michael Mastura, “if I hear one more time that the Philippines is the only Christian country in Asia magaamok na ako.”

In his message at the Cotabato City launch of this book, Manong Bobby Alonto said:

There is an old African saying that “Unless the lion learns to write, all stories glorify the hunter.” Writing Bangsamoro history from the perspective of the Moro for Truth.

Datu Michael Ong Mastura is indeed a lion. His book is well-worth the effort to read and understand. And I end by thanking the tireless Carol Arguillas for helping to make sure the publication saw the light of day!

(Dr. Steven Rood, Fellow-in-Residence at the Social Weather Stations, was The Asia Foundation’s country representative for the Philippines from 1999 to 2017.).

‘Rulers of Magindanao’: a book well-worth the effort to read and understand

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CLOSELY ...(fromfrontpage) equate facilities and trained midwives and nurses.

However, high-risk pregnancies, including teenage pregnancies, will not be catered in these birthing centers as these cases will be referred immediately for hospital delivery.

Gornes reminded all women that they could avail themselves of free pre-natal services in health centers and the CHO’s pre-conception and postpartum care services in the nearest barangay or district health center.

WEEK-LONG...(frompage2)

suspected shabu weighing more or less 30.63 grams with an estimated street value of P490,080.

Meanwhile, the same checkpoint apprehended Renny M Buta, 45, married, and a resident of Purok Tangegue, Brgy San Pedro, Panabo City, onboard a public utility bus traveling towards Davao City. Intercepted from his possession was a sachet of suspected shabu weighing more or less 2.52 grams with an estimated street value of P 40,320

It was followed by the apprehension of Arnold L Sugarol Jr, 33, married, and a R. Castillo St, Agdao District resident on board a public utility van heading toward Davao City around 3:10 a.m.

Intercepted from his possession was a sachet of suspected shabu weighing more or less 0.25 grams with an estimated street value of P4,000.

Still on May 5, Anfernee Lian C Aguilar, 24, single and a resident of Barangay Salvacion, Panabo City, Davao Del Norte, yielded a sachet containing dried marijuana leaves and weighing more or less

P396-M...(frompage3)

sustainable, inclusive peace is an initiative that is not just written on paper, but it’s actually funded and manned properly by our cluster,” Gatchalian said.

Meanwhile, DSWD Undersecretary for Inclusive and Sustainable Peace Alan A. Tanjusay echoed Gatchalian’s commitment, saying, “May the efforts of both agencies be fruitful and yield positive results for the achievement of peace in the country.”

“Rest assured that the agreements from this productive meeting will be taken care of and complied with by the responsible ofcontinue working together para sa kapayapaan,” Tanjusay added.

For his part, Acting Presidential Adviser for Peace, Reconciliation and Unity Sec. Isidro L. Purisima thanked the social welfare department for working closely with the OPAPRU in sustaining and building on the gains of the

5.81 grams worth P697, on board a public utility bus traveling towards Davao City.

Meanwhile, on May 1, 2023, at around 4 a.m., law enforcers detained Jerson Satira Garcia, 26, single, a resident of Purok 2A, Riverside, Barangay Ilang, Bunawan District, after suspected shabu weighing 0.10 grams with a street value of P1,600 was intercepted from him.

With these accomplishments, Task Force Davao commander Colonel Darren E. Comia lauded the hardworking soldiers for mandate to secure city residents.

"It is a testament that Task Force Davao, together with our security counterparts, are serious in doing our respective jobs, most especially in filtering illegal contrabands coming into Davao City," the commander said.

The suspects were turned over to the Bunawan Police Station for proper disposition while facing charges for violating Republic Act 9165 (Comprehensive Dangerous Drugs Act of 2002).

Bangsamoro peace process.

“We wish to thank the men and women of the DSWD for working closely with the OPAPRU in uplifting the lives of MILF and MNLF members, as well as their families. We look forward to continuing strengthening this partnership and working with you in the coming years,” Purisima said.

Other officials who witnessed the MOA signing were OPAPRU Presidential Assistant for Bangsamoro Transformation David B. Diciano, Presidential As -

Transformation and Peace Sustainability Cluster Wilben M. Mayor, GPH Peace Implementing Panel Chair Cesar B. Yano, DSWD Assistant Secretary for Inclusive and Sustainable Peace and Special Concerns Arnel Garcia, Assistant Secretary for Disaster Risk Management Diano Rose Cajipe, Dir. Michael Christopher Mathay, and Assistant Bureau Director Rey E. Martija.

SEAG...(frompage2)

Arbois clocked 02:33:27 behind Indonesia’s Agus Prayogo (02:32:59).

Vietnam’s Nguyen Thanh Hoang placed third with a time of 02:35:49.

Like Hallsgo, Arbois Jr. is being trained by Eduardo Buenavista, the national record holder in the marathon.

The 31st SEA Games, a biennial event, was supposed to be held in 2021 but was rescheduled to

MSMEs... (frompage2)

The Department of Trade Industry (DTI) organized the afternoon seminar. Jon Barlis, technical staff of DTI’s Negosyo

2022 due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

Hallasgo’s third-place reclaim the championship that she won before her compatriots in 2019. The Philippines hosted the SEA Games in 2019.

Nonetheless, she received congratulatory messages from fellow members of Malaybalay Runners. (H. Marcos C. Mordeno / MindaNews)

Center, said he hopes the workshop would improve the sales of the MSMEs and lead them to their success.

A READER’S...(frompage4)

ity. “Rather than breaking the rule of hypergamy, Rajah Putri married the current Sultan Mangigin who was of appropriate rank but a political cipher” at the onset of American colonial rule.

Area Studies based on fieldwork is a method for interpretation of ethnographic facts—which is overtly anthropological—for historical studies as a discipline.

History as Culture: Myths and Historical Narratives

History as Culture for socio-political purpose applying theories to humanities (anthropology-sociology):

This author agrees with the view that epistemological break ushered in modernity is overtly anthropological. With historical dimension, a few authors try to explore why Muslims misread the genealogy of the concepts and constellations of ideas: i.e. the gap in modern “critical and intellectual current.”

The Problem of Reconstruction and Ibn Khaldun’s asabiyah ….that Islam as a socio-political totality had its day in the past. This cyclical theory of rise and fall of sovereign dynastic rulers shared modern ideas of transformation of the “Quraishi” lineage to nobility-obeyed rulership in general: absolutism.

The Muslim rulers of the generation of 1663 to 1718 had remained more or less politically independent to exercise suzerainty. The Pre-colonial State System in trade with the Dutch Cultural System in “outlying islands” including Talaud, Ternate, Tidore and the Moluccas.

The Period of Great Monarchies and Emperors: (Excerpts in Chapter V, Chapter VII, Chapter VIII, Chapter IX)

The Spanish colonial state was tied to a doctrine of discovery and conquest that represented colonization and ‘hispanization’ (Phelan) stories in modernity. Historians of national history write a requisite narrative to Spanish rule (Cushner) in ways that converge all of Filipino bifurcated past phenomena to unravel rigid taxonomies of identity formation (Corpuz).

RED... (frompage2)

platforms,” said La Viña, who is also the lead convenor of the Movement against Disinformation (MAD).

La Viña said Corrales has been red-tagged so often that he is considered “the most red-tagged journalist in Mindanao.”

“This is unprecedented and important,” Carlos Conde of the Human Rights Watch, said after noting that this is the first case Facebook.

Conde said, “red-tagging also known as redbaiting is used in the government campaign against critical activists, journalists, and politicians.”

He said Corrales is seeking legal remedy under Sec. 16 of the Data Privacy Act of 2012 or RA 10173 which says “a data subject has the right to reasonable access, upon demand, of the names and addresses of the recipients of his personal information.”

journalists and truth-tellers who have been red-tagged. have a strong basis for this case,” said Domingo.

Contemporary writers frown upon any sort of “grand narrative of the past.” Postmodernist authors turn to the origins of “the revolution from below” to recover past reality in deconstructing its uses (Agoncillo, Ileto, Schumacher). Truth and historical interpretation unmask historical stereotypes to accurately decolonize historiography to embody revisionism (Constantino).

The establishment of the Politico-Military Government of Mindanao was a sort of cyclical Reconquista in 1893. A Jesuit missionary settlement in Cotabato. The Spanish offered to change the regnal title “Sultan of Cotabato.” By inventing a point of marked boundaries, the reduced villages were organized into the Lara and Taviran settlement (see the Summary of Census in 1895 on page 232-35).

History in Postmodernity:

De-Constructivist

Approach

The Cancel Culture has cluttered historical writing for ‘past usages’ and language awareness. Truth in history is affected by deconstruction and postmodernist theories. Quite the contrary, quoted critics warn the historical profession is likely “to miss the point of the craft.”

(Datu Michael Ong Mastura is a lawyer, a former professor at the Notre Dame University in Cotabato City, a delegate to the 1971 Constitutional Convention, a former representative of Maguindanao’s first district and a senior member of the peace panel of the Moro Islamic Liberation Front that negotiated with the Philippine government. He is a direct descendant of Sultan Muhammad Dipatwan Kudarat of the Magindanao Sultanate. Educated and trained as a lawyer, he was responsible for the codification project of the Muslim Personal Laws that established the Shar’ia Court in the country and was invited as amicus curiae at the Supreme Court. He is founder and president of Sultan Kudarat Islamic Academy Foundation College in Sultan Kudarat, Maguindanao del Norte).

According to La Viña, many of his clients have also been red-tagged but because they could not identify the perpetrators hiding fake Facebook names and accounts.

Lawyer Rico Domingo, MAD’s board chairman, said Corrales has already complained to Meta several times after he was harassed online starting in 2019.

In its February 16, 2023 reply to a letter from Corrales, Meta said it had taken down the red-tagging posts “but said it needed legal processes to comply with the request for information,” Domingo said.

RISE...(frompage3)

from the end-March level of USD101.55 billion, it remains to be equivalent to 7.6 months of imports, just like in the previous month, which is way higher than the international threshold of three to four months cover.

"For the coming months, the country’s GIR could still be supported by the continued growth in the from OFW (Overseas Filipino Workers) remittances, BPO (business process outsourcing) revenues, exports (though offset by imports), relatively fast recovery in foreign tourism revenues (resumed since Feb. 10, 2022; group tours from China resumed since the latter part of January 2023), as well as continued foreign investment/FDI inhighs," he said.

In a press release Friday night, the BSP attributed the drop in the GIR to payments made by the national government for its foreign currency-denominated debt.

Ricafort added that because the GIR level remains high, it "could still provide greater buffer/ support/cushion on the peso exchange rate vs. any speculative attack."

He said the current level of the country’s foreign reserves is "still rela-

The National Privacy Commission, where the complaint has been lodged, is the country’s privacy watchdog. It is an independent body mandated to administer and implement the Data Privacy Act of 2012, and to monitor and ensure compliance of the country with international standards set for data protection

In a statement on Friday, the National Union of Journalists of the Philippines (NUJP) lauded the as “an important step” to find out the identities of those who red-tagged him and other journalists in the country.

“We hope that eventually we can hold them accountable in court,” the NUJP said. (Froilan Gallardo / MindaNews)

tively high" and "could still strengthen the country’s external position, which is a key pillar for the country’s continued favorable credit ratings."

The country's credit several times by Fitch Ratings, Moody's Investors Service, and S&P and were even upgraded to A-level investment grade by the Japan Credit Rating Agency even during the pandemic, which authorities and analysts said are good developments.

Ricafort said these affirmations of the credit ratings are "sign(s) of resilience despite the Covid-19 pandemic that caused downgrades in other countries around the world."

ippines' improved economic and credit fundamentals, as well as improvements in years that could help attract more/bigger roster of international investments and international credit/ loans at much lower cost and with better terms into the country, given the need programs and other economic stimulus measures needed to help sustained the economic recovery, thereby could also further help boost the country's GIR, going forward," he added. (PNA)

Army seizes high-powered

BUTUAN CITY – Government troops have seized three high-powered firearms following an encounter with New People’s Army (NPA) insurgents in Barangay Bugsukan here, the Army’s 29th Infantry Battalion (IB) reported Thursday.

In a statement, the 29IB said the gun battle transpired Wednesday after concerned residents informed the military of the NPA's presence in the area, saying the rebels were extorting foodstuffs and supplies.

“The residents complained of fear as the rebels subjected them to harassment and intimidation,” the 29IB said.

Troopers sent to the area encountered in the periphery of Sitio Tubuhan at least 10 armed NPA rebels, led by a certain Arnel Banguis.

The rebels, operating under the weakened Guerrilla Front 21 of the North Eastern Mindanao Regional Committee, engaged with the 29IB troops in a 40-minute clash, the 29IB said.

ABOITIZ...(frompage3)

“Joining President Marcos and fellow colleagues from the Philippine business community in meeting with our American counterparts was a transformative experience. It demonstrated how when diverse minds unite, we can break down barriers, create opportunities, and unlock the limitless potential of international collaboration,” said Aboitiz.

Through collaboration and knowledge sharing, forward-thinking American and Philippine businesses can work together to generate quality jobs that

NPA... (frompage5)

North Central Mindanao Regional Committee, were arrested in Las Nieves, Agusan del Norte, on Feb. 28.

Meanwhile, the NPA surrenderers handed over 113 firearms and 73 ex -

showcase Philippine skill and talent.

The meetings underscored the confidence of the American business community in the Philippine economy and its potential to drive growth and development in the region, potentially paving the way for more trade and investment opportunities between the two nations.

The current Philippine administration has committed itself to creating a businessfriendly environment that will attract key foreign investors and generate jobs and economic opportuni-

plosive devices during the same period.

“The arrests and surrender will further weaken the NPA group in the region,” PRO-13 Director Brig. Gen. Pablo Labra II.

UPMIN... (frombackpage)

The study was conducted to identify the associated genes that might be responsible for acute hyposaline resistance in the black tiger shrimp postlarvae.

The posters were Merit/Content, Relevance to National Development, and Poster Effectivity. Thesion is one of the highlights

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After the rebels withdrew from their position, soldiers recovered from -

munition, magazines, foodstuff, personal belongings, and subversive documents.

“We launched the combat operation in swift response to the information given by the concerned residents in the area,” said Lt. Col. Cresencio Gargar, the 29IB commander.

He said pursuit operations are still ongoing against the rebels as of Thursday. (PNA)

ties for the Filipino people.

Other prominent Philippine businessmen in attendance were Ayala Corporation Chairman Jaime Augusto Zobel de Ayala, SM Investments Corporation Vice Chairman Tessie Sy-Coson, JG Holdings Summit President Lance Gokongwei, Lucio Tan Group Director Michael Tan, Alliance Global Inc. CEO Kevin Tan, Philippine Airlines President Stanley Ng, San Miguel Corporation President and CEO Ramon Ang, and ICTSI Chairman and CEO Ricky Razon.

He acknowledged the support of the local government units, communities, and other government campaign against the communist rebels. (PNA)

of Mindanao RSM. The contest features the latest regional research outputs of participating higher education institutions, research centers, and government agencies. DOST XI

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SUSPECTED...(frompage5)

bond has been recommended for the illegal possession of explosives.

Lorenzo said Abdulla, formerly residing in Barangay Baliwasan, this city, was a

follower of Zamboanga-based ASG leaders Marzan Ajijul and Jomar Mohammad.

Both Ajijul and Mohammad are at large and are being hunted by authorities. They are operating on the east coast

APPOINTED...(frompage5)

conference in her office in Buluan town on Wednesday.

She said she and her party were responding to the president's call for unity.

She emphasized that her camp is willing to sit down and discuss differences and wishes to settle misunderstandings in the past and let the leaders move on.

“We warmly welcome Governor Macucua, no one can stop his destiny,” she added.

During the press conference, Mangudadatu called Macacua “Bapa Sammy” (Uncle Sammy), revealing that they are actually related by blood.

“I am optimistic we can reach an agreement and work together in peace and security of the now divided province,” she said.

The governor of Magu-

EXTRAJUDICIAL SETTLEMENT OF THE INTESTATE ESTATE OF CEFERINO BERNARDINO DOMINGO

NOTICE is hereby given that the intestate estate of the late

That the deceased Ceferino Bernardino Domingo at the time of his death left the following property and interest which we

Beginning at a point marked “1” on plan. Being N. 19 deg. Meters more or less; of Davao City.

indanao del Sur was referring to the recent armed hostilities among MILF members, as well as, between government forces and suspected terror groups.

“It was actually a winwin solution, we need to communicate closely this time,” she said.

She cited that Macacua’s former position as BARMM senior minister is an advantage for the region’s six provinces.

“We need the region to help each of the provinces. Progress is next to impossible if we can’t do this,” she said.

Earlier, Macacua said he was willing to kneel down before any political clans for the sake of unity so they may work together in running the provincial government.

Netizens positively responded to the gestures of

of this city. Abdulla was brought to Jolo’s Municipal Police Station for initial documentation and will be transported soon to the ZCPO headquarters’ detention. (PNA)

unity. Many of them said this is what leaders should do to better serve their people.

On September 17, 2022, a plebiscite was conducted to divide the province of Maguindanao into Maguindanao del Norte and Maguindanao del Sur.

Overwhelmingly, 706,558 voted “yes” to the plebiscite question: “Do you agree to divide the province of Maguindanao into two separate provinces to be known as Maguindanao del Norte and Maguindanao del Sur, per Republic Act No. 11550?”

The “yes” votes represent 99.27% of those who cast their ballots in the plebiscite, which had a turnout of 86.93%.

Only 5,209 voters—accounting for 0.73%—wrote “no.” (Ferdinandh Cabrera/ MindaNews)

EXTRAJUDICIAL SETTLEMENT OF ESTATE

NOTICE is hereby given that the estate of the late DANILO T. CLEMENTE, who died intestate on March 16, 2023 at Davao Doctors Hospital, City of Davao;

That the deceased at the time of his death left employment from PLDT, Inc.,

mentioned described salary, wages and cash

poster on wastewater study

THE SCIENTIFIC poster of the University of the Philippines Mindanao placed (RSM) organized by the National Academy of Science and Technology and the in Acacia Hotel, Davao City.

The scientific poster was based on the “Integrated Wastewater-Based Epidemiology (WBE) and Data Analytics for Community-Level COVID-19

Surveillance in an Urban Community in Davao City” study, which applied WBE, sewershed mapping, and data analytics in selecting the ideal sites for continuous wastewater surveillance of COVID-19.

The WBE has been integrated into the COVID-19 response of over 60 countries worldwide because the SARS-CoV-2 virus is fecally shed in both symptomatic and asymptomatic COVID-19 cases.

Community-level wastewater data are useful in forecasting COVID-19 surges when wastewater contributors are identi -

fiable. Wastewater samples from three barangay sampling sites in Davao City were collected and analyzed from July 2021 to June 2022.

Their poster concluded that sewershed mapping is vital in the preparation phase of WBE, while data analytics and mathematical modeling facilitate the selection of wastewater surveillance sites that best represent the community for public health surveillance.

Said scientific poster was authored by Dann Marie N. Del Mundo and co-authored by Refeim M. Miguel, Kieffer Arben Go, Maria Catherine B. Otero, Caroline Marie B. Jaraula, Vladimer B. Kobayashi, Emmanuel S. Baja, and Lyre Anni E. Murao.

Meanwhile, the scien-

Institute of Technology

their study on coconut oilbased polyurethane (PU) foam that has potential uses in oil spill response and wastewater treatment methods.

Christine Joy M. Omisol, the lead author, said their achievement has opened opportunities for advancing highlighting the potential of sustainable polymers in addressing oil pollution.

“The development of eco-friendly and cost-effective polymers derived from natural sources shows promise in mitigating the impact of oil spills. With this achievement, we hope to inspire researchers to continue investing in innovative technologies and

collaborations to work towards a cleaner and healthier environment,” she added. Still on a laboratory scale, Omisol shared that her team is working on a prototype to be sent for the cleanup operations in the oil spill incident off eastern Oriental Mindoro. She added that they are aiming

to design its production on a larger scale not only for oil spill responses but also as a material for wastewater treatment.

Mindanao State University – Tawi-Tawi College of Technology and Oceanography (MSU-TCTO) placed third for their poster on “Functional Genes Re-

sponsible for Acute Hyposaline Stress Resistance in the Kappa Carrageenan-Treated Black Tiger Shrimp Penaeus monodon Postlarvae for a Probable Climate Change Adaptation”, authored by Yashier U. Jumah and co-authored by Augusto E. Serrano Jr. ( /UPMIN/11)