MINDANAO TIMES, May 12-14, 2023

BY VIC N. SUMALINOG

on PAGE 7

Marcos heads anti-insurgency body

BY FRENCIE CARREON/ MINDANEWS

PRESIDENT Ferdinand Marcos Jr. is now the chair of the reorganized National Wednesday following the agency’s executive committee meeting held on the same day.

Año serves as vice chair while Vice President Sara Duterte was designated as co-vice chair.

Año said Duterte’s new position will boost her efforts as concurrent Education secretary to reopen and

support basic education institutions that have been closed in the past years due to insurgency.

He said Duterte’s presence is an “invigorating” move to the organization vis-a-vis the weakening of

New People’s Army (NPA) forces across the country and the new direction of the NTF-ELCAC “towards sustained development” and the realization of the barangay development program.

He said there is no convice chair and Duterte’s as co-vice chair, as they have worked together in the past.

Año said schools that have been earlier closed due to insurgency were replaced through DepEd’s Last Mile School Program.

He further said that the Vice President’s past experience as Davao City

mayor, along with the “best practices” of other agencies, is of big help in supervising the representatives of the 12 clusters of NTFELCAC.

General Andres Centeno, Armed Forces of the Philippines Chief of Staff said that following thenpresident Rodrigo Duterte’s issuance of Executive Order No. 70 creating the

NTF-ELCAC, only 22 of the 89 NPA guerrilla fronts in 2019 have remained.

Centeno added that out of the 22 remaining guerrilla fronts, 20 have already weakened and no longer enjoy mass base support. The two guerrilla fronts mass bases are in Northern Samar, he said.

PRESIDENTIAL Assistant for Eastern Mindanao Sec. Leo Magno with Vice Mayor J. Melchor Quitain Jr.; Joseph Ang, founding chairman Worldbex Services International; Tourism regional director Tanya Rabat-Tan; Agriculture regional director Abel James Monteagudo, and; other guests, beat the kulintang to signal the opening of the four-day Philippine Building and Construction Exposition and Travel and Leisure Expo at SMX convention on Thursday, May 11. BING GONZALES

Coffee farmers undaunted by El Niño

LOCAL coffee farmers are prepared for the upcom-

prepared for the onslaught

BY RHODA GRACE B. SARON

alleged drug pusher

of submitting himself to the

ing pin marked impres -

BY NICOLE BAULOS BURLAS

Some of the measures that are being readied are

“It’s not a problem be-

The El Niño season has “Based on the entries for the Philippine Qual -

submitted entries for the in the Philippines to do

to work on affordable housing

BY PRINCESS LACORTE

mitment to uphold the

problems in housing and

“We are going to be

BY GABRIELLE ARIADNE AGUILAR

"K ung pwede namang makuha sa pakiusapan mas maganda siguro kung ang aming pakiusap, or yung mga katok ng kapulisan

( /CREBA/4)

CHAMBER of Real Estate and Builders Associations Incorporated’s Davao del Norte and Davao de Oro chapter President Mart Francis Escano (left)and Executive Vice President Joan Magtibay (right) share the organization’s advocacies during AFP-PNP Press Corps. (Photo by Sheendy Olivares and Gabrielle Ariadne Aguilar/ADDU Interns)

10, 2023.(Photo by Gabrielle Ariadne Aguilar)

COTABATO CITY—Philippine Statistics Authority's (PSA-BARMM) report on Wednesday, May 10, shows from 7.8 percent in March to 6.7 percent in April,

PSA-BARMM Officer-in-Charge Regional Director Engr. Akan Tula stated, "At some point, this deceleration of the inflation rate in BARMM can be considered as one of the indicators that the region's economy is going stable."

Tula said the main factors contributing to the reduction of the region'sduced costs of food and non-alcoholic beverages, transport, housing, water, electricity, gas, and other fuels.

BARMM ranked sixth out of all 16 regions in the -

gions outside the National Capital Region (NCR) in terms of deceleration of in-

"In the month of April rate is 6.7 percent with 1.1 percent decreased com -

PHTT and PHILBEX launched in May

BY SHEENDY OLIVARES AND PRINCESS LACORTE

-

tion rate in the previous Tula stressed.

Among the provinces in BARMM, Tawi-Tawifollowed by Basilan at 9.4 percent, Sulu at 6.6 percent, Maguindanao with the percent, and Lanao Del Sur at 5.4 percent, all showing

The report also mentioned that Cotabato City to 4.9 percent this March

previous month of March rate in the entire Philippines decreased to 6.6 percent this month compared to the previous month of (Kasan Usop, Jr./BIO)

THE Philippine Halal Tourism and Trade Exposition and Worldbex Services International PHILBEX Davao Exposition were introduced during the P.E.P. Talks forum on May 9 at SM Lanang Premier Davao.

Both events will be held in SMX Convention Center at SM Lanang Premier on separate dates.

PHILBEX Expo Worldbex Marketing Communications Manager Leo Salonga stated this year's PHILBEX exposition is its 7th edition in Davao. The exposition is the flagship event of Worldbex Services International.

The event will be open from 11 AM to 7 PM on May 11 to 14, with tar-

four-day run. The exposition will share the venue

with the Travel and Leisure Exposition.

Salonga said that PHILBEX is an event for building and construction

that people from the interior design and architecture industry will attend. -

will showcase their newest products, trends, and materials. Other participants, such as airlines, local re-

CITY Savings Bank (CitySavings), the thrift bank subsidiary of the Aboitizled Union Bank of the Philippines (UnionBank), makes supporting public schools more sustainable by Turning Plastic into School Chairs.

Spearheaded by the Bank’s Branch Operations and Human Resources teams, the recycling drive kilograms of waste plastic from CitySavings branchnationwide. These were turned over to Envirotech Waste Recycling Inc to upcycle them into school chairs, each chair made plastic waste.

“We are proud of our CitySavings Bankers for their all-out support as sustainability stewards. The success of this initiative clearly showed how the spirit of Ubuntu moved us to connect and partner with our stakeholders and communities to minimize our impact on the environment for a better and more sustainable future. This is employee engagement and sustainability in action,” shared CitySavings Human Resources Head Hannah Contreras.

were produced and donated to the beneficiaries, Kapitan Tomas Monteverde Sr. Central Elementary School in Davao

City and Tunasan National High School in Muntinlupa City, in support of the Department of Education’s (DepEd) Matatag agenda to supplement basic education facilities and services.

During the turnover ceremony, Principal Dr.

Ador Querubin shared, “Our school population

few years. With this, there is a need to increase the number of facilities to be used by our learners at Tunasan National High

School. These sustainably produced chairs donated by CitySavings will not just help 25 students, but generations of students to come.”

Principal Querubin also highlighted how sustainable practices can make

the learning environment more conducive and comfortable for students.

In Davao City, Principal Riza Lobitos of Kapitan Tomas Monteverde Sr. Central Elementary School expressed grati( /CITY/10)

UNIVERSAL Islamic Center

President Marilou Ampuan and Worldbex Marketing Communications Manager Leo Salonga introduce the upcoming Philippine Halal Tourism and Trade Exposition and PHILBEX Davao Exposition respectively during Lifestyle Forum’s P.E.P Talks.

Photo by Sheendy Patricia Olivares

PITCHING IN PLASTICS: CitySavings Bankers donate their plastic waste to produce sustainable school chairs. The recycling drive gathered almost 2,000 kilograms across branches and corporate

CONDUCIVE LEARNING ENVIRONMENT. The warm smiles from teachers of Kapitan Tomas Monteverde Sr. Central Elementary School in Davao City as they receive 25 sustainably produced chairs from City Savings Bank for the school’s reading kiosk.a

SUSTAINABLY PRODUCED CHAIRS: Students from Tunasan National High School try out the chairs made from recycled plastics donated by City Savings Bank.

MARCOS ...(fromfrontpage)

He said that while the

PHTT... (frompage3)

CREBA...(frompage2)

THEY wouldn’t have experienced it had they opted to use the family car. During one Sunday morning early, the mum and son had gone to the market to get some garden soil and fertilizers. After having been done with this chore (with a few checks at Ukay), they prepared to head home and decided to hail whatever tricycle was available within the market area. After all, the tricycle terminal was further away and by this time, they had too much to carry. Without incident, they

Once they reached home and settled the usual fare of twenty per person, the driver informed them the charge was ten bucks extra. The driver added, this was already the new rate from the market to our subdivision, as decided by the drivers’ association. In the distant past, the drivers in our barangays used this ploy whenever an increase in petrol prices happened, a peso at a time. With that gas price issue now muted with regular rollbacks (though still with accompanying weekly increases), they had ceased using that as reason. In another city further south, the cost of a tricycle ride is likewise more expensive than riding the jeepney. As though that were a consolation,ing to pay before a one is taken in as passenger. In other cities and locales in Mindanao, the same kind of strange “negotiation” is rather common.

As all may know, the Local Government Units (LGUs) are by law, in charge of issuing fare matrixes for Tricycles. This being primarily so commuters would not fall victims to overcharging. On the ground however, these matrices are openly disregarded by some unscrupulous drivers and operators who charge extra. I have heard of several commuters who’ve tried airing this with the barangay but their complaint seemed to fall on deaf

A Barrista's Journey

THINK TALK

BY MAUGAN P. MOSAID

MATALAM, North Cotabato (MindaNews) – The 2022 Bar Exam produced another batch of lawyers who are worthy additions to the perennially under-staffed practitioners in the legal profession. For many of us, Bar Exams come and go, new lawyers take their oath and sign the roll, but we have never been privy to the stories and struggles the barristas hurdled and survived along the way.

Here is one barrista's journey that got me respecting and admiring from afar. I quote her verbatim below.

"I had nothing left, nothing to my name, nothing in my pocket but a dream. That dream started when I had everything. I always thought that I will have the same support and provision I had when I started, but as I earned my law degree, everything slowly changed and to my dismay I was left alone, not to my choice but to Allah’s grander plan. That dream felt heavy and seemed impossible at times. I thought to myself, why does something I only an ounce of hope and a liter of coffee."

ears. Among their common “haka-haka” or street hypothesis is that, driver associations, like other sectors, have political clout or whatever. As their large number translates into precious votes during local elections, little action on this tricy anarchy might just as well just be a minor consequence out of all these.

While one may wonder, where does enforcement fall in this chessboard-of-asituation? Surely, this interplay of actors might make mincemeat out of social media’s status of “it’s complicated”. For one, will turn a blind eye because according to them, that’s technically not part of their job. The same way with some might know some of the drivers or could be in cahoots with them. Who knows? On the other hand, the operators/drivers themselves may act like they can dictate fare hikes because they know “somebody” who’d back them up. With all these “who knows” conjectures, one might that we are in the game, “who knows” might as well be closely-rooted to that Visayan derivative, “Ambot”.

EDITORS’ NOTE:

Act I: “Law school was bearable but the in-betweens are the unsung journey of which people know little about; sea of struggles and ocean of doubts. I lost my father in my quit; it was the high way or the exit but it turned out the people around me believed in me more than I to myself.

Act II: “Bar review was a blur. I was holding on to fear – fear of not making it and fear of not being enough. I didn’t cut off social media because that was my way of coping and keeping myself sane. I wanted to know and meet people who share the same heavy burden as mine- CaguiWow Bar, but I reckoned that you have to before the big exams I had a fever and I was crying with the thought of not being able to show my worth, take the disintegrated in one ring of the thermometer that reads 38 degrees Celsius. I was aghast and I felt stupid for not listening to my body. But angels came in the form of my mother. She nursed me all night and only stopped to pray tahajjud. I woke up in time and lo and behold, I was back in the game. Time and again, I witnessed a miracle which cascaded up to this day."

Act III: “Bar exams took me on a roller coaster ride. that I know would never let me down, that is when I knew I will become a lawyer, insha Allah. my highest grade and Labor Law was my lowest, which make or break. I tried to assess myself and even looked for the suggested answers right after the exams. Yes, I’m a masochist but to each his own. I was left clueless and ignorant because little did I know, Allah (subhanahu wa taala) had already planned a victory for me."

waiting to be as exhausting as this one. I only cried and gave myself series of mini heart attacks from every Bar chichi that circulates. And then Ramadhan came, together with the announcement of the release of the results, it was Allah telling me to strengthen my ibadah and prolong my sujood (prostration) because ease is near. Sure, you second guess yourself because no one is certain in the Bar exams; that’s inevitable, but you also hope and pray that whatever good you did, may it come to pass and intervene on your behalf."

Final Act: “It was the 22nd day of Ramadan, the night before the result, and I was in the masjid when an old lady laid out her sajadah (prayer carpet) and I was welling upshe had the same sajadah as my beloved father’s. That for me was my full Bar circle moment. I prayed then and there that if Allah s.w.t. brings me to it, then may He bring me through it. Morning came and I knew I had not enough of sleep. Food and water deprived, I was scrolling through the list and stumbled upon the numbers 2314 and the name that followed. I hurried downstairs and cried to mom

"WHICH

THINK TALK... (frompage6)

"Mommy, abugado ako den! Alhamdulillah!"-

BY SIRWENI GORREZ

Construction industry to spur business

BY SHEENDY PATRICIA OLIVARES | ADDU INTERN

pabahay na kailangan para makompleto yung proyekto ng ating presidente

(MindaViews is the opinion section of MindaNews. Maugan P. Mosaid holds a doctorate degree in rural development. He is a planning consultant and teaches Statistics and Methods of Research in the graduate school. He can be contacted at

"Kami naman sa gobyerno, we are very much willing na makipag partner sa mga industriyang kasama sa pagpapatayo ng mga buildings at mga

9GEMS Pawnshop Inc.

All pawned items that expired during the month of MAY, 2015 if not renewed or redeemed on or before JULY 14, 2015 will be sold to the public on JULY 16, 2015 at 9:00 a.m. at our pawnshop premises.

All pawned items that expired during the month of MARCH 2023, if not renewed or redeemed will be sold to the public on MAY 16, 2023 at 9:00a.m. at our pawnshop premises.

Gipahibalo ang tanan na ang FIRST COLOR PAWNSHOP magasubasta sa tanan nga nag-expired sa bulan sa MARSO 2023. Ang tanan prenda ibaligya sa publiko karong MAYO 16, 2023 sa alas 9:00 sa buntag.

Gipahibalo ang tanan na ang FIRST COLOR PAWNSHOP magasubasta sa tanan nga nag-expired sa bulan sa MAYO 2015. Ang tanan prenda ibaligya sa publiko karong HULYO 16 sa alas 9:00 sa buntag.

DAVAO FIRST COLOR PAWNSHOP

#47 Lao St., Toril, Davao City Tel. No. 295-2460

Egger Bldg., Matina Crossing Davao City Tel. No. (082) 285-7069

NOTICE OF AUCTION SALE

ALL PAWNED ITEMS EXPIRED ON MARCH 2023 AND GADGETS THAT EXPIRES ON APRIL 2023 WILL BE DISPLAYED IN A PUBLIC AUCTION ON MAY 16, 2023 AT 9:00AM.

NOTICE OF AUCTION SALE

Toy Bldg., Lapu-lapu St., Agdao, Davao City

NOTICE OF AUCTION SALE

All Pawned Items that expired during the month of NOVEMBER 2022 must be renewed or redeemed Two (2) days before the Auction Schedule stated below. If not redeemed or renewed, it will be sold to the public on its respective auction schedule and premises @ 9:00 A.M.

Gibpahibalo ang tanan nga ang DIAGOLD PAWNSHOP, INC. magsubasta sa tanan nga nag expired hangtod sa bulan sa NOBYEMBRE 2022, ang tanang prenda ibaligya sa publiko sa mga petsa na nakabutang sa ubos, sa oras nga 9:00 sa buntag.

EXPIRY DATES AUCTION DATES

MARCH 23, 2023 MAY 13, 2023

All pawned items that expired during the month of NOVEMBER 2022, if not renewed or redeemed will be sold to the public on MAY 16, 2023 at 9:00a.m. at our pawnshop premises.

Gipahibalo ang tanan na ang AL-JOS PAWNSHOP magasubasta sa tanan nga nag-expired sa bulan sa NOBYEMBRE 2022. Ang tanan prenda ibaligya sa publiko karong MAYO 16, 2023 sa alas 9:00 sa buntag.

All Pawned items that expired until the month of JUNE 2022, must be redeemed or renewed Two (2) days prior the Auction Schedule stated below. If not redeemed will be sold to the public on its respective auction schedule and premises at 9:00 A.M.

ang tanan nga ang GOLDVALUE PAWNSHOP, INC., maga subasata sa tanan nga nag-expired kung dili malukat ibaligya sa publiko sa alas 9:00 sa buntag.

NOTICE OF AUCTION SALE

All pawned items that expired during the month of FEBRUARY 2023, must renewed or redeemed two (2) days prior to the Auction Schedule stated below. If not renewed or redeemed, it will be sold to the public on its respective auction schedule and premises @ 9:00 a.m.

Gipahibalo ang tanan nga ang NARDING PAWNSHOP, INC., maga-subasta sa tanan nga nag-expired sa bulan sa PEBRERO 2023. Ang tanan prenda ibaligya sa publiko sa mga petsa nga nakabutang sa ubos, sa oras nga 9:00 sa buntag.

CPB-NGI PAWNSHOP, INC.

NOTICE OF AUCTION SALE

All pawned items that expired during the Months of OCTOBER 2022 (Regular Items) and NOVEMBER 2022 (Gadgets) must be redeemed or renewed two (2) days prior to the Auction date schedule as stated below. If not redeemed or renewed will be sold to the public on its respectively auction date schedule at its premises at 9:00 AM

Main – San Pedro Cor. Anda Street Davao City Tel. Nos. (082) 221-1477; (082) 221-0355; (082)222-5039 Email us @ rosegoldpawnshopdavao@gmail.com Lapu-lapu Street, Agdao Davao City Tel. No. (082) 225-3637

(Fronting Queen Bank) Tel. No. (082) 222-1561 ; (082) 321-0128 Email: goldstandardpawnshopdavao@gmail.com

Wholesaler and retailer of all kinds of jewelry

NOTICE OF AUCTION SALE

All jewelry and other articles pawned from NOVEMBER 16, 2022 TO DECEMBER 15, 2022 if not redeemed or renewed on MAY 19, 2023 will be sold to the Public Auction on MAY 22-24, 2023 at our Pawnshop premises from 9:00am to 6:00pm.

NOTICE OF AUCTION SALE

All pawned items at METRO GOLDBRILL PAWNSHOP that expired if not redeemed or renewed Two (2) days before the Auction will be sold to the public on MAY 16, 2023.

Gipahibalo and tanan na ang METRO GOLDBRILL PAWNSHOP magasubasta sa tanan nga nagexpired kung dili malukat o matubuan duha (2) ka adlaw una ang pagbaligya sa publiko karong MAYO 16, 2023.

Tel. # 234-6367

EURO CIRCLE PAWNSHOP

SAN PEDRO ST., DAVAO CITY - TEL. NO.: 227-0521

EURO MAIN PAWNSHOP

ILUSTRE ST., DAVAO CITY - TEL. NO.: 227-7511

MATI CITY, DAVAO ORIENTAL - TEL. NO.: 306-0665

EURO STAR PAWNSHOP

ILUSTRE ST., DAVAO CITY - TEL. NO.: 227-0667

EURO SUN PAWNSHOP

SAN PEDRO ST., DAVAO CITY - TEL. NO.: 227-3321

PAWNS NOT REDEEMED/RENEWED WITHIN FIVE (5) DAYS AFTER EXPIRY DATES WILL BE AUCTIONED ON MAY 17, 2023 AT 10:00 A.M. AT THE RESPECTIVE PAWNSHOPS WHERE THE ITEMS WERE PAWNED.

GABBY’S BRILLIANT PAWNSHOP INC. / GABBY’S INFINITE PAWNSHOP INC.

All Pawned items at GOLDVISION PAWNSHOP, INC., that expired must be redeemed or renewed Two (2) days prior the Auction Schedule stated below. If not redeemed will be sold to the public on its respective auction schedule and premises at 9:00 A.M.

Gipahibalo ang tanan nga ang GOLDVISION PAWNSHOP, INC., maga subasata sa tanan nga nag-expired, kung dili malukat ibaligya sa publiko sa alas 9:00 sa buntag.

General Lao, Toril Agton. Toril

(formerly Cabaguio Panabo

MAY 16, 2023

MAY 16, 2023

MAY 11, 2023

MAY 03, 2023

MAY 30, 2023

MAY 16, 2023

MAY 19, 2023

MAY 25, 2023

TEL NO.: 321-2185 / 234-4844

All Pawned items at GABBY’S BRILLIANT PAWNSHOP, INC. and GABBYS’S INFINITE PAWNSHOP, INC. that expired must be redeemed or renewed Two (2) days prior the Auction Schedule stated below. If not redeemed will be sold to the public on its respective auction schedule and premises at 9:00 A.M.

Gipahibalo ang tanan nga ang GABBY’S BRILLIANT PAWNSHOP, INC. and GABBYS’S INFINITE PAWNSHOP, INC. maga subasata sa tanan nga nag-expired kung dili malukat ibaligya sa publiko sa alas 9:00 sa buntag.

BRANCHES AUCTION DATE TEL. NOS. SAN PEDRO MAY 16, 2023 321-2185 ILUSTRE MAY 16, 2023 234-4844

Roque Bldg., Matina Crossing, Davao City

House political leaders commit to pass remaining priority bills

MANILA – Leaders of various political parties at the House of Representatives supported Speaker Martin Romualdez’s call to have most, if not all, of the 13 remaining priority bills of President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. passed before next month’s sine die adjournment.

“We will try to achieve that objective on a best-effort basis. The bills on deck will complement those that we have already passed, and which support the Agenda for Prosperity and eight-point socio-economic roadmap of President Marcos,” Romualdez said in a statement.

Leaders of the LakasChristian Muslim Democrats (CMD), PDP-Laban, Nacionalista Party (NP), National Unity Party (NUP), Nationalist People’s Coalition (NPC), and Party-list Coalition Foundation, Inc. (PCFI) gave their commitment during an all-party caucus late Monday that was presided by Romualdez, who is president of Lakas-CMD.

According to the Speaker’s office, Deputy

Speaker and Pampanga

3rd District Rep. Aurelio "Dong" Gonzales Jr., and Reps. Johnny Pimentel of Surigao del Sur and Rida Robes of San Jose City represented PDP-Laban in the party leaders’ caucus.

The NP was represented by Reps. Eleandro Jesus "Budoy" Madrona of Romblon, Robert Ace Barbers of Surigao del Norte and Janette Garin of Iloilo; while Ako Bicol Party-list Rep. Zaldy Co, PCFI president, spoke for his group.

The NPC was represented by Quezon Rep. Mark Enverga and Ilocos Sur Rep. Kristine Meehan Singson; and NUP by Antipolo City Rep. Robbie Puno and Camarines Sur Rep. Luis Raymund Villafuerte Jr.

Navotas Rep. Toby Tiangco, BHW Party-list

Wounded NPA rebel yields in Surigao Sur

BUTUAN CITY – On Monday, a wounded New People’s Army (NPA) rebel has surrendered to government troops in Surigao del Sur, the Army’s 36th Infantry Battalion (36IB) said.

In a statement, the 36IB identified the NPA surrenderer as Jonas Maayo Angeles, of Barangay Pantukan, Carrascal, Surigao del Sur.

Angeles, 32, was a regular member of the Sentro De Grabidad 16, weakened NPA Guerrilla Front 30, North Eastern Mindanao Regional Committee, the 36IB said.

“Angeles surrendered to the unit’s headquarters on Sunday in Carmen town, Surigao del Sur. He also with one magazine and 20 rounds of ammunition,” it added.

The rebel sustained a gunshot wound in the

body during an encounter with the government forces last April 15 in Barangay Esperanza, Carmen town.

“Based on his revelations, amidst the series of encounters with the government forces, their morale was low as they lack the support of the masses. Exhaustion made him realize to give up and surrender,” the 36IB said.

Lt. Col. Michael Rey Reuyan, 36IB commander, welcomed the surrender of Angeles.

“We are grateful that he decided to return to the fold of the law and start a new life with his family,” he said.

Reuyan also thanked the residents of the different communities in Surigao del Sur for their continuing support of the government’s anti-insurgency campaign. (PNA)

Rep. Angelica Natasha Co, and Bicol Saro Party-list Rep. Brian Yamsuan also joined the meeting.

Romualdez convened the caucus shortly after of session Monday after the Holy Week recess of Congress.

He called on his fellow party leaders to maximizemaining four weeks of sessions for the House to pass all urgent measures identiin his first State of the Nation Address (SONA), and later adopted by the Legislative-Executive Development Advisory Council (LEDAC).

Deputy Speaker Gonzales said he and other party leaders responded positively to the Speaker’s

appeal.

“We hope we could do it in the short time we have before our annual mandatory adjournment. We are ready to go the extra mile to accomplish the task,” Gonzales said.

"President Marcos' legislative priority will benthese measures deserve our support," Barbers said on behalf of his party.

On Sunday, Romualdez said Marcos has approved 11 additional bills as part of the LEDAC, bringing to 42 the total number of priority administration measures, from the original 31.

On Monday, the House House Bill (HB) 7751, or the proposed Department of Health Specialty Centers in Hospitals Act, which aims to expand healthcare services by establishing specialized care centers in hospitals under the supervi-

sion and control of the Department of Health (DOH).

HB 7751 was part of the original eight remaining SONA-LEDAC priority measures the House is aiming to approve in the homestretch of the First Regular Session of the 19th Congress.

The seven other bills from the original LEDAC measures are the enabling law for the natural gas industry; National Land Use Act; the Department of Water Resources and Services and the creation of a Water Regulatory Commission; Budget Modernization Act; National Defense Act; amendments to the Electric Power Industry Reform Act; and the bill on a uniretirement, and pension for uniformed personnel.

Meanwhile, of the 11 new LEDAC bills, five measures have already been approved by the House

of Representatives and transmitted to the Senate. These are amending the AFP Fixed Term Bill (transmitted to the President); Ease of Paying Taxes; Maharlika Investment Fund; Local Government Unit Amendment to the Universal Health Care Act.

Of the six remaining new LEDAC bills, two are now for committee report preparation: the Bureau of Immigration Modernization bill, and the Infrastructure Development Plan/ Build Build Build Program. The Philippine Salt Industry Development Act; Philippine Ecosystem and Natural Capital Accounting System (PENCAS); National Employment Action Plan; and Amendment to the Anti-Agricultural Smuggling Act, are all under committee/technical working group (TWG) status. (PNA)

BARMM’s Marawi Rehab Program assists in rebuilding displaced residents’ homes

COTABATO CITY— Bangsamoro Government's Marawi Rehabilitation Program (MRP) is providing assessments for internally displaced persons (IDPs) in the Most Affected Areas (MAA) of the 2017 Marawi siege to provide construction materials, building permits, technical, and emergency shelter assistance to rebuild and repair their damaged houses.

In April, BARMMMRP staff conducted ocular visits to applicants for construction materials assis-

CITY...(frompage3)

tance (CMA), which is one of the main projects aimed at assisting Marawi IDPs. will receive building materials, labor grants, and free training from the Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA) for the workers who will build the houses. However, applicants must follow requirements and processes to avail of the project.

"Sa lahat po ng mga applicants na kwalipikado ay maghintay po tayo ng kaunting panahon dahil

marami pong proseso ang mga ganitong proyekto. Maging kami man po sa MRP ay nais namin ibigay sa inyo ng agaran ang inyong mga pangangailangan ngunit mayroon po tayong dapat sundin na mga protocols,” said Mohd Noory Bin Anshary, MRP Operation Supervisor.

The Bangsamoro leadership is also constructing housing projects in the different neighboring towns of Marawi City for qualified IDPs.

"Ongoing po ang pag-

papatayo ng mga housing projects ng Bangsamoro Government para sa mga IDPs, kaya naman nagkaroon ng masusing validation ang mga MRP staffs para sa mga kwalipikadong applicants," Anshary added.

The socio-economic and technical assessment is one of the considerations in determining whether the applicant qualifies to -

ies of the CMA. (Johaira Sahidala/BIO with reports from MRP)

tude for the donation, saying “We are very excited to use these unique and sustainably produced chairs given to us by our partners from CitySavings. We will have them in our Reading Village and Reading Kiosk to help encourage our students to read more.”

The school pledged to support the continuation of this initiative by collecting empty plastic bottles that CitySavings and its partner will upcycle into chairs for learners.

As CitySavings incorporates sustainability practices into its operations, the Bank commits to #BEESustainable through initiatives that further support our educators and learners while also helping the environment.

Principal Lobitos summed it all up as she closed her thanksgiving message during the turnover, “Alam niyo na kung saan kayo lalapit kung nangangailangan kayo. Nandiyan lagi ang CitySavings para tumulong (You know who to turn to when you’re in need. CitySavings is always

ready to help.)”.

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About City Savings Bank

City Savings Bank, Inc. (CitySavings) is the thrift bank subsidiary of Union Bank of the Philippines (UnionBank) and a member of the Aboitiz Group. It is one of the largest thrift banks in the country, providing a wide range salary loans to public and private school teachers, pension loans to GSIS and SSS pensioners, motorcycle loans, company employee loans, government salary loans, and traditional deposit products.

Today, CitySavings has more than 140 branches nationwide. It is well on its way to becoming the leading digital mass market bank in the Philippines, paving the way for inclusive and sustainable prosperity across the country.

Laity group backs probe on same-sex unions in draft

MANILA – A laity group has joined the call of CIBAC Party-list Rep. Eddie Villanueva for a legislative inquiry on the planned inclusion of same-sex unions and related topics in the proposed curriculum for students from Kindergarten to Grade 10.

The Sangguniang Laiko ng Pilipinas (LAIKO) is also pushing for a thorough study on the Department of Education (DepEd) proposal to include in the curriculum of Grade 10 studentsity, same-sex partnerships, and same-sex marriage, among others.

"The Sangguniang Laiko ng Pilipinas supports the call of Bro. Eddie Villanueva for an inquiry as to the possible violation of the country's Constitu-

tion by the Department of Education. We call on our legislators and educators/curricularists to consider a deeper probe on this very important matter, and to call for a review of the entire draft," LAIKO president Raymond Daniel Cruz Jr. said in a statement Tuesday.

The LAIKO official noted that they support Villanueva’s statement that the introduction of such topics violates the 1987 Constitution.

Section 13, Article II of the 1987 Constitution provides that the State "shall promote and protect the physical, moral, spiritual, intellectual, and social well-being" of the youth.

"We join him in the belief that introducing these

CULTURAL...(frombackpage)

from scratch with whatever ingredients are available, and of course, has a high level of responsibility in his restaurants’ kitchens plus his good Chinoy business savvy.

“It really helps to always keep yourself positive despite and in spite of the various challenges you are facing in this highly competitive business. I am one who will not retreat nor surrender as I believe I am strong and well-armed to do this job. It’s not only for myself that I keep the Fat Cow and Asian Cow in operation for seven years now. It’s also for my employees who need their jobs to support their respective families. Thank you, Lord, that we survived the economic backlash the Covid pandemic caused for years,” claimed the young chef. Yes, the positive outlook of this young chef cum restaurateur is truly inspiring as he also responsibly takes on the role of philanthropist whenever he could when there is an urgent need for his voluntary help. One could rightfully say that this good chef is blessed in return. His hard work, dedication, and unwavering faith have resulted in so many recognitions bestowed on him. Among these recognitions, he is so happy about is his restaurants’ inclusion in the Tatler Dining Guide’s Best Restaurants in 2020,

topics may not align with that mandate," Cruz said. "The draft clearly promotestages of same-sex unions and could have profound implications on the moral development of the nation's youth."

The DepEd earlier announced the revised draft curriculum for Kindergarten to Grade 10 students. The proposed curriculum for Araling Panlipunan 10 subject includes lessons on gender identities advantages of same-sex unions.

Villanueva, head of the Christian sect Jesus is Lord Church, expressed opposition to the proposed curriculum, saying it is "anti-God" and "unconstitutional.” (PNA)

Davao Ros-Ver Pawnshop, Incorporated

Ilustre St., Davao City

Tel # 224-1204; 222-6086

AUCTION SALE!

The DAVAO ROS-VER PAWNSHOP, INC. and NEW PAG-ASA PAWNSHOP will be having its JOINT AUCTION on all unredeemed pawned items left during the month of March 2023. The said items will be sold to the public at the following VENUE AND DATE.

Gipahibalo ang publiko na ang DAVAO ROS-VER PAWNSHOP, INC. og ang NEW PAG-ASA PAWNSHOP; magsubasta sa tanang prenda nga naremata atong Marso 2023. Ang tanang prenda dungan nga ibaligya sa publiko sa mga sumusunod nga dapit og petsa:

2022 and 2023. Yes, this is the bible of gourmands and foodies in the country.

“I still have a lot to do. I still have a lot to accomplish. I believe I am a work in progress still. I am open to new things and new ideas. I believe in changes. Yes, I value integrity and would expect the same from those working for me,” Chef Patrick said in a serious tone.

Chef Patrick travels a lot for culinary inspiration to be able to offer new dishes in his restaurants to satisfy his ever discriminating clients. He has created dishes which have become best sellers and the list includes the 48-hour sous vide Wagyu brisket, guinataang Angus beef caldereta,

“I get my inspiration from my constant travels abroad.

I love the Michelin star restaurants in Thailand, street food vendors in Japan, the food hawkers in Singapore, among others. I am always in pursuit of innovation and creativity in creating my own brand of culinary delights. I want to surprise my diners each time they take a bite of the dish I create for them with love,” chef Patrick added.

My congratulations, chef Patrick, on the anniversaries of your restaurants Fat Cow and Asian Cow. You have created a food movement, the new expression of Davao cuisine, right here in our beloved City. Saludo!

EXTRA JUDICIAL SETTLEMENT OF ESTATE WITH DEED OF ABSOLUTE SALE

NOTICE is hereby given that the estate of the late PROCOPIO S. DAHAN who died intestate on September 1, 2018;

That the deceased at the time of his death he is the registered owner of the parcel of land located at Bangkal, City of Davao, consisting of Three Hundred Forty-Four (344) Square Meters No. T-216813 more particularly described as follows: A parcel of land (Lot 7, Blk. 5 of the subdivision plan (LRC) Psd-177069, being a portion of Lot 337-1-2 (LRC) Psd128813, LRC (GLRO) Rec. No. 11974) situated in the City of Davao;

That pursuant to Sec. 1 Rue 74 of the Revised Rules on Court of the Philippines, the above-mentioned described property has been the subject of EXTRA JUDICIAL SETTLEMENT OF ESTATE WITH DEED OF ABSOLUTE SALE made and executed by and among his heirs per Doc. No. 351; Page No. 72; Book No. 18; Series of 2022 of the Notary Public Imelda D. Lopez-Evangelio – Davao City.

(MT-Apr. 28, May 5 & 12, 2023)

LifeStyle

The Palpable Chef in Darence Patrick Co

IT was a wise man who once told me that in order to achieve competitiveness, one has to enhance one’s signature brand. And that is exactly what the young chef, Darence Patrick Co, has been tirelessly doing since he established his Fat Cow in April 2016 to be followed three years later by his Asian Cow. Since then, he has been known as the celebrity chef of Davao and the chef for the celebrities. Chef Patrick has always been known for his passion for food and cooking. His Fat Cow and Asian Cow restaurants are well-patronized restaurants in the City and have proven well

that they are sustainable and well in touch with the food business reality. Chef Patrick is trained cooking techniques acquired from the Center of Culinary Studies-Davao, a knack for creating recipes ( /CULTURAL/11)

CHEF Darence Patrick Co receiving his Tatler Dining Guide’s Best Restaurants 2023 Award for Fat Cow and Asian Cow

FAT Cow and Asian Cow teams celebrate 7 years with chef Patrick

FAT Cow loyal diner former Pres. Rodrigo Roa Duterte

CHEF Patrick Co serving Senators Bato dela Rosa, Francis Tolentino, Bong Revilla

CHEF Patrick’s best selling US Angus prime ribeye