OPINION They did not see it coming BY VIC N. SUMALINOG
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NO. 683
AUGUST 01 & 02, 2022
DAVAO CITY - PHILIPPINES
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This THIS durian durian candy candy vendor vendor hopes for better sales outside the hotel in downtown area following the return of the Meetings, Incentives, Conferences & Exhibitions in Davao City. BING GONZALES
NLRC delivers ruling • Foodpanda guilty of illegal termination of seven delivery riders BY CARMELITO Q. FRANCISCO
DAVAO CITY (MindaNews) – Foodpanda Philippines Inc. is guilty of illegally terminating last year seven delivery riders in Davao City who were denied access to the company’s rider platform for a period of 10 years or until June 13, 2031, the National Labor Relations Commission (NLRC) in Davao City said. In a 31-page reso- Foodpanda as regular em- cause and due process. lution released to media ployees, not just independFoodpanda has been on Friday, Labor Arbiter ent contractors, and as such ordered to pay P2.223 milRovyne G. Jumao-as de- could not be dismissed lion, consisting of back clared delivery riders of from service without valid wages and separation pay,
w w w. m i n d a n a o t i m e s . c o m . p h
to Edmund D. Carrillo, Francis Ghlenn S. Costan, Nerjhun H. Claramon, Manuel D. Lapiña, Roberto J. Gonzaga, Jeffrey G. Cabusas, and Nawar S. Solaiman. Last year, the terminated delivery riders were
Mindanao Times
accused of initiating a “No Show” campaign, urging other riders not to show up on their assigned schedule in protest of the inconsistent earnings they received as “service fees” from Foodpanda. Although the cam-
@mindanaotimes
paign did not push through as complainants were reluctant to “forego of a day’s worth of income,” they were shocked to learn that they, along with 100 other riders, were suspended from accessing ( / NLRC / 10) mindanaotimes
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News
MINDANAO TIMES
AUGUST 01 & 02, 2022
AT LOW TIDE, personnel of Philippine Coast Guard collect garbage washed ashore and stuck on mangrove trees at the Aboitiz Cleanergy Park, also known as the pawikan nesting ground, in Punta Dumalag, Barangay Matina Aplaya last Saturday, July 30. The activity is a kickoff of various event in line with the PCG's 37th founding anniversary. BING GONZALES
17 contingents plan to compete in Kadayawan Indak-Indak fete BY RHODA GRACE B. SARON
A TOTAL of 17 contingents, seven from the Davao-Based Category and ten from the open category, have signed up for the Indak-Indak sa Kadayawan contest. This was according to are the Sta. Ana National three others. City Kadayawan Executive High School, Catalunan The first place in each Committee Al Ryan Ale- National High School, Dona category will receive Php jandre during the I-Speak Carmen National High 1,000,000. media forum on Thursday. School, Marilog National The second place will Alejandre said the High School, Cabantian receive Php 500,000; the third number of participants ex- National High School, Don place will get Php 400,000; the pressing their interest in Juan Elementary School, fourth will get Php 300,000; the school-based and open and Philippine Women's the fifth will receive Php category of the Indak-Indak College. For the open cat- 200,000; while the consolasa Kadayawan has already egory, the participants are tion prize is Php 20,000. grown. Sarangani, Cotabato, Mati, "Tomorrow (July 29) is The participants for Agusan, Davao Occidental, the deadline for the Indakthe school-based category Igacos, Zamboanga and Indak, but I am appeal-
ing to the organizer na baka-pwede i-extend kasi daghan pag gusto muapil (Tomorrow is the deadline of the Indak-indak. I am appealing to the organizer if they can extend the deadline because there are still many who wants to join)," Alejandre said. He said the deadline could be extended to August's first week. Alejandre also added that it is the final decision of the Execom that all participants only need to present
Suspect in Uy’s killing nabbed C A G AYA N D E O R O (MindaNews) — Wearing body-worn cameras, police operatives arrested a suspect in the November 2021 killing of the eldest son of Cagayan de Oro Mayor Rolando Uy in a secluded village in Lanao del Norte on Saturday. PNP Region 10 spokesperson Col. Michelle Olai-
var, said the 59-year-old suspect, identified as Edgardo Gaabucayan, is said to be a former member of the New People’s Army Sparrow unit. Olaivar said Gaabucayan was arrested in his house in Purok 6, Barangay Cabasagan, Lala town in Lanao del Norte. The suspect in the kill-
ing of Roland Sherwin Uy, eldest son of Mayor Rolando Uy, was arrested in Lala, Lanao del Norte on Saturday, 30 July 2022. A photograph posted on the One Mindanao Facebook page showed a policeman in plainclothes reading the arrest documents to Gaabucayan. Mayor Uy has yet to is-
sue a statement on the arrest of Gaabucayan. He and his family offered a P12 million bounty for the arrest of the killers of his son, Roland Sherwin Uy, 45 years old, a councilor of Barangay Carmen, this city. A lone gunman killed the younger Uy while he was resting in their family( / SUSPECT / 10)
a health declaration form. A negative Reverse Transcript-Polymerase Chain Reaction (RT-PCR) or vaccination card is not required of the participants. He added that once they manifest symptoms in their places of origin, they cannot come to Davao. The Execom required the City Health Office (CHO) to deploy its staff in the billeting areas. Each billeting area will have an isolation room pre-
pared in case some contestants manifest symptoms. He said they are in close partnership with CHO to craft guidelines in case a situation arises. Meanwhile, Alejandre advised the public to take care of themselves and comply with the minimum public health standards, especially since the celebration of the 37th Kadayawan sa Dabaw depends on the continuity of the Alert Level 1 status of the city.
MR on P100-M libel suit vs media company dismissed GENERAL SANTOS CITY (MindaNews) — Prosecutors again dismissed a move by a former lawmaker to pursue a P100million libel suit she filed against a media company
and some of its personnel. In a resolution dated July 27, the City Prosecutor's Office trashed a motion for reconsideration lodged by former South ( / MR / 10)
MINDANAO TIMES
AUGUST 01 & 02, 2022
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Surrender remains best option for extremists, NPA rebels: PNP MANILA – The government will prove to former violent extremists, including the 100 Abu Sayyaf Group (ASG) members who surrendered in Sulu on Saturday, that they made the right decision to return to the law's fold. Lt. Gen. Vicente Danao Jr., Philippine National Police (PNP) Officer-inCharge, said the road to achieving lasting peace is long and challenging and involves an intricate process. “Their surrender is a milestone but we prepared ourselves into making things work for them. We want to avoid the similar situation when they and/or other new recruits will be persuaded to join the rebels out of deceit,” Danao said in a statement on Sunday. The surrenderers must feel that the government is capable of helping them survive, he said. “The PNP has this innate task to keep them away from harm, so with the rest of our countrymen,” Danao said, adding they are in constant coordination with the Armed Forces of the Philippines and other
law enforcers to monitor the movements of existing rebel and terror groups in Sulu and other identified “red” zones. Priority is given to areas with an intense need to deploy more personnel due to the escalated violent condition. “The PNP continues to implement programs and outreach activities in farflung areas to move basic services closer to them,” Danao said. The surrender at the Sulu Provincial Gymnasium in Jolo also saw the turnover of 22 firearms and was attended by Interior Secretary Benjamin Abalos Jr., Danao and Sulu Governor Abdusakur Tan. “It was a collaborative effort among law enforcers, government agencies and other stakeholders sharing a common goal to end violence in communities towards nation building,” Danao said. “Proper coordination was done among government agencies and non-governmental organizations who pledged help for the rebel returnees.” Food packs and mon-
etary aid were distributed while their way of living and progress was monitored. The surrenderers, who came from the Sulu municipalities of Indanan, Omar, Maimbong, Panamao, Talipao and Patikul, will be enrolled in the Enhanced Comprehensive Local Integration Program for financial and livelihood assistance. “From the bottom of our hearts, welcome to the government and we’ll make sure that our children will have a better and brighter tomorrow,” Abalos said during the ceremony. Alias Sattar, 41, who was an ASG combatant for over 10 years, bared during the ceremony that they were forced to take up arms due to their circumstances in life, particularly the lack of opportunities, according to the PNP. "We were forced to fight the government because of our situation in life. But now, the government is showing sincerity in helping us so we want to return and start over again," he said in the vernacular. (PNA)
DAVAO CITY – An irrigator association (IA) in Davao del Sur is aiming for diversified farming after the National Irrigation Administration in Davao Region (NIA-11) turned over a newly completed and fully functional model farm. In an interview on SatShe said the PHP1 urday, April Pearl Naguita, million worth model farm NIA-11 public relations comprised of a 403.90sqm officer, said the Palayan ng open field farmland, a 202 B’laan Communal Irriga- sqm. greenhouse structure, a tion Association, Inc. in storage tank, drip irrigation, New Cabasagan, Matanao, sprinklers, a solar-powered Davao del Sur received the pump, and a solar panel. model farm in a turnover Naguita added that the ceremony on July 27. farmers would be able to
cultivate high-value crops such as strawberries, lettuce, and tomato. Meanwhile, Jimmy Apostol, NIA-11 regional manager, assured support and guidance to the beneficiaries in managing the farm. “They will reap not only the potential increase in income brought by diversified farming but to contribute to the food selfsufficiency and food security of their community,”
DavSur irrigator’s group diversifies in model farm he added. Apostol also emphasized that the sustainability of the model farm depends on the cooperation and involvement of the IA’s members and officers. To fully capacitate the IA for the model farm, NIA-11 also enlisted them under the Enhanced Partnership Against Hunger and Poverty Program (EPAHP), a convergence ( / DAVSUR / 10)
HOSPITAL OF THE FUTURE. Davao Doctors brings its brand of healthcare services closer to the community as it is set to open its care center at SM Lanang Premier’s Upper Ground Level, fronting Parking D. Through the mall-based healthcare facility, people will have easy access to medical services such as consultation, imaging, and laboratory. SM Lanang Premier, with its vast parking spaces and strategic location, makes the mall-based care center a desirable and top-of-mind option for those who are seeking convenient access to world-class medical services.
DILG chief welcomes 100 ASG surrenderers ZAMBOANGA CITY – Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) Secretary Benjamin Abalos Jr. welcomed some 100 Abu Sayyaf Group (ASG) surrenderers in Sulu on Saturday. The surrender of the 100 ASG members was facilitated by the Philippine National Police-Special Action Force (PNP-SAF) headed by Maj. Gen. Patrick Villacorte. Villacorte presented the 100 ASG surrenderers to Abalos in a ceremony at Sumadja Hall, Capitol Site, Patikul, Sulu. Abalos was happy to note that the 100 ASG members decided to surrender to live peaceful lives noting the hardships they
experienced in the mountains and continuously being pursued by government troops. “From the bottom of our hearts, welcome to the government and we’ll make sure that our children will have a better and brighter tomorrow,” Abalos said during the ceremony. Abalos promised to facilitate and help realize the wishes of the ASG surrenderers to bring development and progress to the province of Sulu. The surrenderers also turned over several highpowered firearms, which Abalos inspected during the ceremony. Maj. Gen. Eden Ugale, officer-in-charge of the (
/ DILG / 10)
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Community
MINDANAO TIMES
AUGUST 01 & 02, 2022
The United Architects of the Philippines–Davao Chapter organizes the Suppliers’ Summit on July 28 at the Main Mall Atrium, SM City Davao. The one-day summit is joined by different local and national architectural and construction suppliers. SM PR
City to ensure adequate durian supply during Kadayawan fest Rising income to benefit food, groceries delivery in PH: Fitch MANILA – Food and groceries delivery is expected to grow further even if movement restrictions have been eased as disposable income and urbanization in the Philippines are projected to sustain their expansion. In a report dated July 28, Fitch Solutions Country Risk and Industry Research said delivery services, particularly for basic necessities, grew exponentially during the pandemic after government lockdowns to address the spread of the coronavirus disease 2019 (Covid-19). It said that retailers
adopt delivery options among their offerings to remain competitive. “We believe that these dynamics have been key to the development of the sector in Asia, without which, would have taken far longer to develop,” it added. The report said food and grocery delivery service providers continue to enhance their services and transport network. This major factor prevented the strong expansion of electronic commerce (ecommerce) pre-pandemic. “Post-Covid, industry players have continued
to refine their offerings, while the number of firsttime users will continue to use the service, as they acknowledge its convenience and delivery service will become more efficient and user-friendly,” it said. The report said the rise of disposable household income in the country is a plus to food and groceries delivery growth. It forecasts average household disposable income to grow by 9.3 percent year-on-year to around PHP413,900 this ( / RISING / 10)
BY RHODA GRACE B. SARON
THE CITY Agriculturist’s Office (CAGRO) would deliver its commitment to have an abundant supply of durian during the Kadayawan season by outsourcing from neighboring regions. The unusual weather patterns felt in the city’s ilala, to supply the need for patterns caused by climate highlands early this year, a durian during that period change have affected the significant number of du- (We are now discussing cyclic production of durian rian trees did not bear fruit with the Durian Indusin the city, resulting in a in time for the Kadayawan try Council Association supply deficit. season. of Davao City, if, based Typically, the annuHe said they are cur- on their monitoring, there al volume of durian that rently in talks with durian is available supply from Davao City produces can consolidators from other re- negihboring provinces and reach over 12,000 metric gions to import durian into regions, just like North Cotons. Davao City recorded the city in order to respond tabato, Kidapawan, Mak15,485 MT of durian in to the high demand for the ilala, to supply the need for 2019, over 17,000 MT in fruit during the Kadayawan durian during that period),” 2020, and 12,930 MT in season. Haspe said. 2021. However, only over “Gina-isturyahan Although there is still 3,000 MT of durian were karon with the Durian In- durian left to be harvested harvested for the first half dustry Council Association from the city’s highlands, of this year. of Davao City, based sa this will still not be enough During the I-Speak me- pag-monitor nila, kung naa to supply the market and dia forum on Thursday, ba’y available supply from the estimated 50,000 tourCAGRO head Edgardo neighboring provinces and ists expected to come durHaspe said that because regions, just like North Co- ing the Kadayawan season. of the unusual weather tabato, Kidapawan, Mak( / CITY / 10)
DTI-Davao de Oro distributes of livelihood kits to 300 people NABUNTURAN, Davao de Oro – The provincial office of the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) here has recently completed its distribution of livelihood kits to the 300 targeted beneficiaries across Davao de Oro. The initiative is part of Pangkabuhayan sa Pagbangon at Ginhawa (PPG), which is under the Livelihood Seeding Program (LSP). The latter is a specialized program focused
on the geographically isolated and disadvantaged areas (GIDA) and those identified by the National Task Force to End Local Communist Armed Conflict (NTF-ELCAC). As of July 14, a total of 10 barangays have been covered by the PPG program. DTI-Davao de Oro provincial director lawyer Lucky Siegfred M. Balleque shared that the distributed livelihood kits
are aimed to help the beneficiaries jumpstart their businesses. “We want to see them become sustainable by operating their own business. With the livelihood kits we provided them with, we are optimistic that they can finally have a regular source of income that can sustain their families' needs,” the provincial trade chief said. Balleque explained that the beneficiaries were identified according to the
recommendation of the barangay captains. These beneficiaries are usually the micro and small enterprises that are victims of calamities. Meanwhile, he disclosed that apart from the livelihood kits worth P5,000 each, the beneficiaries were also recipients of different training interventions and seminars, including those on entrepreneurial mind-setting, basic ( / DTI / 11)
Apo Agua to fast-track Davao bulk water project APO AGUA Infrastructura, Inc. is taking the lead role in constructing Davao City Water District’s Bulk Water Supply Project to fast-track its completion, providing 300 million liters of safe water daily to over one million Davaoeños. Apo Agua made the decision following setbacks in the project's construction timetable due to complications brought about by the COVID-19 pandemic and other contributing internal factors. Prior to this development, the project’s
Engineering, Procurement, and Construction Contractor, J.V. Angeles Construction Corporation had full responsibility for the construction works. With Apo Agua in the lead, it would aggressively pursue as many construction work streams as possible, in parallel with each other, as the main catch-up strategy. Despite a very tight timetable, Apo Agua targets project completion by the end of 2022, considering a swift and seamless transition.
Community
AUGUST 01 & 02, 2022
MINDANAO TIMES
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Sarangani conducts first aid, basic life support training
ALABEL, Sarangani – Some staff from the Provincial Local Government Unit of Sarangani participated in the Standard First Aid (SFA) and Basic Life Support (BLS)-Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation Training on July 25-29 at the Sarangani Sports Training Center Dormitory Building. The participants in- Hospital, Maasim Munici- spearheaded by the Human clude employees from pal Hospital, Provincial Resource Management and Dr. Cornelio T. Martinez Jail, and Provincial Capi- Development and ProMemorial Hospital, Glan tol. vincial Disaster Risk ReMedicare Community T h e t r a i n i n g w a s duction and Management
offices. It was conducted to equip the participants with the basic knowledge, skills, and attitude used during emergency situations. During the five-day training, the staff from the PDRRMO lectured about first aid and basic life support, medical emergencies, and emergency prepared-
ness. They also had demonstrations on rescue breathing, bandaging, lifting, and moving techniques. Ken Dollar Pontilar, a PDRRMO staff, said that the training will provide the necessary knowledge to help sustain life and minimize the consequences of respiratory and cardiac emergencies "until more
advanced medical help arrives." He emphasized that in times of uncertainty, "all trained first aiders should do what must be done." During the closing rites, the participants were evaluated based on the skills and knowledge that they had learned. (Jake T. Narte/Sarangani Provincial Info Office)
STANDARD First Aid (SFA) and Basic Life Support (BLS)-Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation Training participants BASIC Life Support (BLS)-Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation Training
TRAINING will provide necessary knowledge to help sustain life
DMCI Homes delivers on promise for first Davao condo
VERDON Parc’s buildings have expansive roof-decks where residents can have a breathtaking 360-degree scenic view of Samal Island and Mt. Apo. When DMCI Homes launched its initial foray into the Davao property market, the company made a commitment to deliver what its condominium projects in Metro Manila are known for—generous living spaces and an impressive array of resortinspired amenities. The Quadruple A developer not only fulfilled this commitment but also made sure the property fits the requirements of a well-balanced lifestyle. As promised, DMCI
Homes’ first condominium project in Davao, Verdon Parc, is now a true resort-style haven, with lush landscapes, refreshing water features, and top-of-the-line facilities occupying almost half of the 2.98-hectare land area. Moreover, DMCI Homes also made sure that the fourbuilding development located along Ecoland Drive corner Peacock St., Davao City will be a community where every member of the family can experience wellness in mind and body. Known for its healthy building designs and expansive open spaces in its developments, DMCI Homes is making available more amenity spaces where residents can
unwind and enjoy their leisure time. Holistic lifestyle As a solid advocate of healthy condo living, DMCI Homes made sure to equip Verdon Parc with indoor and outdoor features and amenities that enable residents to live better and enjoy a holistic lifestyle. Beyond the usual amenities like pools, relaxing greeneries, Clubhouse, gazebos, and lounges with stunning views, the Quadruple A developer also made available a jogging trail, biking path, and a covered basketball court, an expansive playground, and a fitness park to promote the wellbeing of residents.
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/ DMCI / 11)
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Opinion
MINDANAO TIMES
AUGUST 01 & 02, 2022
They did not see it coming
Shortly before the weekend, the people of Davao del Norte – or most of them – were shocked at the news that their long-desired change in their power distribution utility again failed. This, after President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. vetoed the bill authorizing the expansion of the franchise area of Davao Light and Power co., Inc., an Aboitiz conglomerate unit. While the vetoed bill and the Northern Davao residents’ desire to have their power distribution utility changed are closely entwined and reciprocal in nature, it is also clear that somewhere along the way, the reciprocity has a certain “disconnect.” It was this apparent “disconnect” that made it easier for the legal advisers of the President to recommend to him to veto the bill without appearing to be anti-people being act being properly anchored on existing laws, as well as avoid being dubbed as pro-rich or getting influenced in his decision by the powerful sector in society. And his move was perhaps the least expected by the owners of the power firm whose services were sought after by the people of Davao del Norte to replace the present power distributor in the northern province – the Northern Davao Electric Cooperative of NorDECO. Davao Light is known for its reliability, cost-friendly, community-oriented company, and continuing good taxpayer. But we were able to glean the possible reason or reasons for the veto from the way the news about the President’s negative action on the bill. Say, the lead paragraph in all news reports on the veto said, “President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. vetoed the bill authorizing the expansion of the franchise area of the Aboitiz-owned Davao Light and Power Co. to include the province of Davao del Norte which is at present served by the Northern Davao Electric Cooperative or NORDECO.” The meat of the lead paragraph of the news clearly indicates that the action emanated from the private power firm and not from the power consumers of Davao del Norte who are supposed to be complaining of poor service and costly priced electricity. Then the succeeding lines, as broadcast, said the President’s veto was due to the still existing franchise issued by Congress to the power cooperative and that granting the expansion of the Davao Light franchise to include the earlier-mentioned province would be allowing another electric utility to encroach
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into another area under another franchise even as the latter is still in effect. Moreover, the news broadcast also mentioned the violation of certain provisions of the EPIRA law, which has not been amended. It is our take that it would have been a totally different story had the news been started on a lead saying that the “desire of the people of Davao del Norte to have their power distributor changed to a new one failed after President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. vetoed the bill seeking for the termination of the existing franchise of the power cooperative serving the needs of power consumers in that area.” This would have meant that the action came from the power consumers in that province. But it said otherwise despite all the supporting documents clearly focused on the need for a change in franchise holder. Now, what could have been the basis of the President’s legal advisers to recommend a veto? It is none other than the final version of the bill submitted to the Office of the President for his signature for it to become a law. It is here that we assumed where the “disconnect” was discovered. It is also on the possible drafting of the bill's final version that we suspect that
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politics in Davao del Norte reared its ugly head. We may be wrong, and we are certain that there will be many who will disagree with us even if they know that our suspicion makes a lot of sense. And certainly, this is what the proponents of the power distribution provider change failed to anticipate. Yes, no one may have taken some initiative to take a look at the drafting of the final version so as to immediately call the attention of the drafters when the word construction appeared disadvantageous to anyone from the pro-change interested parties. And why are we saying that politics played a role in the veto? Remember that proponents manifestly led by local government officials from the Province down to the municipalities and barangay levels are known to be aligned with former House Speaker Pantaleon Alvarez who was ousted after a bitter fight between him and then Congressman Antonio “Tonyboy” Floirendo. And during the last election on May 9, 2022, most of Alvarez’s endorsed candidates in the province won over those that were known Floirendo-backed bets. Moreover, Alvarez himself abandoned his own organized party towards the wind-up and instead chose to support Leni Robredo for the Presidency. Meanwhile, from what we were able to gather from sources close to NORDECO, we learned that there were some politics-related developments while the bill was deliberated. For example, the supposed original bill sponsor, the Congressman representing the Ako Bicol Partylist, decided to quit the House to run for a local government position. Then another congressman who committed to sponsoring the bill after the departure of Ako Bicol guy suddenly reneged on his commitment for unknown reasons. We knew the guy and the history of his rise in politics. Adding to the misfortune of the proponents is the appointment of a Floirendo scion to a position in Malacanang where he can whisper to the President’s ears. We do not doubt that the Floirendo-Alvarez political enmity could have long reached Marcos Jr.’s ears. This probably made it easier for him to agree to a legally-based veto recommendation of his legal team. Now, who is the biggest loser among those interested in the approval of the bill? From the business perspective, it is Davao Light, of course. Imagine some two hundred thousand and over new residential and business customers have slipped away by the stroke of the President’s pen! Service quality and cost wise the biggest losers are, of course, the people of Davao del Norte, including the Island Garden City of Samal. The veto means reluctance of investors to put in their money in the province after assurance of stable and lower-cost electricity literally flew away. Who is or is to blame for the fiasco? First and foremost, it still is politics, although it is not quite overt. Second. It is possibly the apparent failure of those charged to find the right connection at the top as well as those who were to do the groundwork in implementing the efforts for both proponents for the change of the franchise in the area concerned to anticipate the “weak areas.” Somehow they did not see all those weaknesses becoming “loopholes” that already let out what was supposed to be “in the bag”. Will there be another opportunity? For sure, there will be. But as to when, only time and change in political leadership, both at the provincial and national levels, will determine when.
AUGUST 01 & 02, 2022
Opinion
MINDANAO TIMES
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Small-scale miners coalition wants recognition in promoting responsible mining SMALL-scale mining groups from across the Philippines gathered for the Third National Assembly of the National Coalition of Small-Scale Miners in the Philippines to address issues in the artisanal and small-scale mining (ASM) sector. The coalition’s third national assembly was held on July 28 -29, 2022, in Baguio City. With the theme “Pag-usad ng Responsableng Maliitang Pagmimina sa New Normal,” the national coalition aimed to tackle the following topics during the third national assembly: ● Proposed amendments to Republic Act No. 7076, otherwise known as the “People’s Small-scale Mining Act of 1991” and Executive Order No. 79, s. 2012; ● Good practices of the small-scale mining associations in terms of environmental protection, elimination of child labor, and occupational safety and health; ● Contribution of the ASGM sector to the Philippine economy in terms of gold sold to Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas; and ● Due diligence in gold production, occupational safety and health, and gender mainstreaming; and The third national assembly also aimed to gather support from relevant government agencies and legislators for the amendments of laws and policies that are no longer applicable to small-scale mining operations. The following member mining associations of the national coalition from across the country attended the assembly: ● Benguet Federation Small-Scale Miners, Inc. (BFSSMI) ● United Indigenous Community Livelihood Association ● Bayudang-Maging Clan Small-Scale Miners Association ● Suyoc-Taneg Indigenous Livelihood Association (STELA) ● Bayudang-Maging Clan Small-Scale Miners Association ● Extreme Small-Scale Miners Association ● Eliconsa Workers Association (EWA) ● Golden Hills Small-Scale Miners Association, Municipality of Tuba ● Demonstration Small-Scale Miners Association (DeSSMA) ● Goldstream Pocket Miners and Community Livelihood Association, Inc. (GOPOMICLAI) ● Sugalan Clan Small-scale Miners Association, Inc. (SCSSMAI) ● Antamok Loakan North Wall Mining Association (ALNMA) ● Luneta Miners Association (LMA) ● Ucab Indigenous Community Livelihood Association (UICLA) ● Kestone Small-Scale Miners Association (KEYSSMA) ● Willian-Butch (WB)
FROM THE MAIL: ● Dalisay Camote Miners Association (DCMA) ● Otek Pocket Miners Association (OPMA) ● Garrison Small-Scale Miners Association (GASSMA) ● Dontog Manganese Pocket Miners Association (DOMAPMA) ● Lolita Ampucao Youth & Adult Organization (LAYAO) ● Saddle Hartwell Gold coin Goldhills Community Livelihood Association, Inc. (SHAGGCLAI) ● Northern Sagada Community Small-Scale Miners Association ● Pinuhan Small-Scale Miners Association ● Samahan ng mga Kababaihan ng Ultraville ● Elnar Processing Plant ● Mambulao Small-scale Miners Association, Inc. ● Luklukan Sur - BLGU ● Samahan ng mga Magkakabod ng Dalas ● Magkamatao Small-scale Miners Association ● Samahan ng mga Minero ng Barangay Casalugan ● Samahan ng Magkakabod ng Camarines Norte (SAMACANO) ● Nabunturan Integrated Miners Development Cooperative ● Maguan Clan Small-Scale Miners Association (MCSSMAI) ● Desawu Small-Scale Miners Association ● Masabong Village Small-Scale Miners Association (MAVISSMA) ● Barangay Sta. Cruz Small-Scale Miners Association of Agusan del Sur (BSCSSMARADS ● Co-o Small-Scale Miners Association (COSSMA) Along with the small-scale miner associations, the event was also attended by government agencies and non-government organizations, Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP), Mines and Geosciences Bureau (MGB), Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE), International Labour Organization (ILO), and planetGOLD Philippines. “Napakahalaga ng papel na inyong [national coalition] ginagampanan sa pagsiguro sa ating obligasyong isulong ang responsableng pagmimina upang proteksyunan ang ating kapaligiran. Napaka-importante ang mga ganitong pagtitiipon upang magkaroon ng pagkakataong dinggin ang mga problema at hamon na kinahaharap ng industriya ng maliitang pagmimina (The national coalition’s role is critical in ensuring our obligation to advocate for responsible mining to protect our environment. Assemblies like this are important to give avenue and space for our miners to relay the problems and
challenges they are facing in the small-scale mining industry),” says Senator Robin Padilla in his keynote message during the Third National Assembly. “I share your coalition’s thrust of promoting responsible mining through the formalization of the artisanal and smallscale mining sector in the country and in seeking to find ways to uplift the lives of ASM community members,” says Senator Jinggoy Estrada in support for the national coalition. The event was organized with the help of the national coalition’s secretariat team, BAN Toxics. BAN Toxics is an environmental non-government organization focused on environmental justice through the promotion of sound chemicals and wastes management. The organization is one of the first NGOs to work closely with poverty-driven artisanal and small-scale gold mining (ASGM) communities in order to transform and uplift the sector, specifically to transition miners to mercury-free alternatives, promote human rights and occupational safety and health to miners, and eliminate child labor and gender inequity in the sector. The national assembly was sponsored and supported by the Benguet Federation of Small-Scale Miners, Inc., International Labour Organization, Swedish Society for Nature Conservation, Cebuana Lhuillier, QES Technology Philippines, and Artisanal Gold Council (AGC) through the planetGOLD Philippines Project. “Together with then Senator Nene Pimentel, we lobbied for the legalization and formalization of the small-scale mining sector to the senate and the congress. Through our actions, we were able to help create Republic Act 7076, or the People’s Small Scale Mining Act of the Philippines. However, we were disappointed to find out that most of our proposals for the law were not included. The process of legalization has been very long, tedious, and expensive for small-scale miners,” says Gil Indino, President of the National Coalition of Small-Scale Miners in the Philippines, Inc. “We hope that the government will help uplift the lives of the people from artisanal and small-scale mining communities. We also want to protect our community members and the environment from the harmful effects of mercury used in gold production by transitioning our miners to mercury-free technology,” Indino added. Founded in 2016, the National Coalition of Small-Scale Miners in the Philippines is an alliance of small-scale mining associations nationwide that promotes responsible mining through the formalization of the artisanal and small-scale mining sector of the country. The coalition was established to address a variety of problems plaguing the ASM sector in the Philippines, including poverty, human rights, legalization and formalization, amendment of mining laws, occupational health and safety, and environmental impact. Melendre Heidyl dela Torre, Communications Officer, BAN Toxics melendre@bantoxics.org | 09175142956
Mirahan – A Zamboanga gathering of book lovers (AN excerpt from the talk Brother Karl Gaspar delivered at the Books Zamboanga Fair held at the Ateneo de Zamboanga University last July 29, 2022) The overall context that is determining the current state of knowledge production, appropriation, dissemination and popularization – which for so long was dominated by the availability of books and other publications usually accessed through the classroom and libraries – have shifted to other platforms, thanks to the rise of the information age and the computer technology. In this post-colonial and post-modern times, radical shifts have taken place in this field with their impact on our approaches to acquiring knowledge. Everyone knows that today the distribution of knowledge has drastically changed. Owing to the major technological changes, the forms and ways that information is distributed and communicated have consequently been revolutionized. Just consider the shifts taking place through the centuries, from oral tradition to the invention of the press, to the rise of telephones, radios, movies and television, and – in the past few decades – the explosion of the use of the internet, all these extended our ways of communication, as well as knowledge distribution. These processes have shifted following the four stages of the Industrial Revolution (from the first – with the rise of the usage of coal transforming the economy from agricultural to industrial in 1760s, the second with gas and oil in 1870s, the third with electronics and nuclear in late 1960s and lastly with the internet and its digital platforms and renewable energy in the new millennium. With the rise of a new industrial age constituted by the digital revolution, knowledge has become the driver of most modern economies. Two social theorists have commented on this reality. According to Manuel Castelles knowledge is a series of networks and flows and that today there is more emphasis on knowledge as product rather than process, which arise not just in the minds of peoples but in their inter-actions with each other. For Jean-Francois Lyotard, what used to be the traditional way of knowledge acquisition which trained the mind is also becoming
A SOJOURNER’S VIEW BY KARL M. GASPAR CSSR obsolete and with it, the idea of knowledge as a set of universal truths. For him there are many truths, many knowledge and many forms of reason leading to the dissolution of the boundaries between traditional disciplines. While there is no question that humanity has benefited from the blessings that came with the internet (for example: imagine if there was no internet during the two-year period of our isolation because of COVID-19), there are those who also warn us of its shadows and its ugly features. But no matter where we stand on this debate, for those with critical minds, there is no question as to how the internet shadow has polluted our democratic framework especially in relation to the manner we have conducted our electoral processes. Still there is a need to hold on to traditional forms of knowledge production and popularization. We cannot just give up on what used to be the main source of knowledge that helped us to nurture our sense of humanity helping us grow in age, grace and wisdom. Books and publications will always have a place in humanity’s quest for peace, freedom and justice. Which is why society will always need authors and writers who in turn need all the institutions that help to disseminate their works from publishers to libraries. In a country like the Philippines with limited spaces for such dissemination, holding a book fair is one way to draw both writers and readers together. From July 27 t0 29, the ADZU’s Center for Culture and Arts and Aklat Alamid with the assistance of the National Book Development Board organized Books Zamboanga with the theme – “Mirahan: Kitaan at Palitan ng mga Salaysay ng Paglikha at Pagtaguyod ng Panitikan sa Mindanao.” The organizers managed to gather creators and advocates of books, reading, and literature from the Zamboanga Peninsula and other regions
of Mindanao to encourage the production and promotion of original content from the regions of the Philippines. It goes without saying that this kind of event is so important for those of us who wish that there could be more encouragement for our writers and everyone else connected to this field especially those of the millennial and GenZ generations. Such an event also helps to encourage writing at the periphery of the nation, as there is a need for more authors of our regions to be visible across the country. Why should we in the regions across Mindanao-Sulu assert our visibility and voices within the landscape of Philippine publications and literature? Because, unless you have been schooled only in the colonial times, the post-colonial era has shifted its focus from the global to the local, the center to the periphery, the Western to the indigenous, the dominant to the dominated. For years now, these dualities have been challenged by those constructing and/or promoting post-colonial as well as decolonial theories both in the social sciences and literature circles. Authors, writers and journalists are naturally the most vociferous in the appropriation of these theories as they are the most assertive in speaking their voices through the written word! Fernand Braudel has theorized this in his book – The View of the Periphery (Out of Italy, Europa, 2019): “it is sometimes said that the light shed from the margin is the best, that a complex whole may best be apprehended from its outer limits.” In a situation in which “every fact, every event has been minutely studied by generations of devoted historians, the vantage point of the periphery, of the diaspora, can provide new clarity to developments in the core.” The region constituted by Zamboanga Peninsula, Sulu archipelago and Basilan through the years have been a major source of interest for researchers, writers and authors. As early as the Yuan dynasty (1268-1638), Chinese sources indicate tributary missions from Sulu to China, and in 1417 such a mission reached the celestial court as recorded in the
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AUGUST 01 & 2022 WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 31,02, 2016
All pawned items items that expired during the month All pawned that expired during theof MAY 2022, if not renewed or redeemed on or before month of MAY, 2015 if not renewed or reMAY 2022 will be sold to the public on JULY 16, deemed on or before JULY 14, 2015 will be 2022 at 9:00a.m. at our pawnshop premises.
sold to the public on JULY 16, 2015 at 9:00 a.m. at our pawnshop premises. Gipahibalo ang tanan na ang FIRST COLOR
PAWNSHOP magasubasta sa tanan nga nag-expired Gipahibalo na prenda ang FIRST sa bulan sa MAYO ang 2022.tanan Ang tanan ibaligya COLOR PAWNSHOP magasubasta sa 9:00 tanansa sa publiko karong HULYO 16, 2022 sa alas nga nag-expired sa bulan sa MAYO 2015. buntag.
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
9GEMS Pawnshop Inc. Egger Bldg., Matina Crossing Davao City Tel. No. (082) 285-7069
NOTICE OF AUCTION SALE ALL PAWNED ITEMS EXPIRED ON JUNE 2022 AND GADGETS THAT EXPIRES ON JULY 2022 WILL BE DISPLAYED IN A PUBLIC AUCTION ON AUGUST 16, 2022 AT 9:00AM.
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. Gipahibalo ang tanan nga ang GOLDVALUE PAWNSHOP, INC., maga subasata sa tanan nga nag-expired hangtod sa bulan sa HUNYO 2022, kung dili malukat ibaligya sa publiko sa alas 9:00 sa buntag.
BRANCHES AUCTION DATE BAJADA AUGUST 02, 2022 (Beside NBI Office) BABAK SAMAL AUGUST 23, 2022 SAN PEDRO AUGUST 09, 2022 CABAGUIO AUGUST 26, 2022 TIBUNGCO AUGUST 30, 2022
TEL. NOS. 321-8705 301-4019 227-6772 321-6223 222-2494
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 JUNE 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.
All pawned items that expired during the month of JUNE 2022, if not renewed or redeemed on or before AUGUST 15, 2022 will be sold to the public on AUGUST 16, 2022 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 HUNYO 2022. Ang tanan prenda ibaligya sa publiko karong AGOSTO 16, 2021 sa alas 9:00 sa buntag.
Gibpahibalo ang tanan nga ang DIAGOLD PAWNSHOP, INC. magsubasta sa tanan nga nag expired hangtod sa bulan sa MAYO 2022, ang tanang prenda ibaligya sa publiko sa mga petsa na nakabutang sa ubos, sa oras nga 9:00 sa buntag.
EXPIRY DATES JUNE 2022
AUCTION DATES AUGUST 11, 2022
NOTICE OF AUCTION SALE
All pawned items that expired during the month of MAY 2022 , 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 MAYO 2022. Ang tanan prenda ibaligya sa publiko sa mga petsa nga nakabutang sa ubos, sa oras nga 9:00 sa buntag. BRANCHES Matina Crossing Tibungco
AUCTION DATE JULY 22, 2022 JULY 19, 2022
TEL. NOS. (082) 321-1814 (082) 296-4130
PANABO’S PAWNSHOP, INC. Panabo (Main) Panabo (Branch)
JULY 29, 2022 JULY 15, 2022
(084) 628-8418 (084) 628-842
NOTICE OF AUCTION SALE All pawned items that expired during the Months of JUNE 2022 (Regular Items) and JULY 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
Highest Appraisal and Low Interest Rates at 3% Rosegold Pawnshop Lapu-lapu Street, Agdao Davao City Tel. No. (082) 225-3637
Rosegold Pawnshop Ilustre Street, Davao City
(Beside NCCC Hardwaremaxx)
Tel. No. (082) 295-6199
NOTICE OF AUCTION SALE All Jewelry and other articles pawned at Rosegold Pawnshop San Pedro-Main, Rosegold Pawnshop Ilustre, Rosegold Pawnshop Bolton, Rosegold Pawnshop, Agdao and Rosegold Pawnshop Buhangin from FEBRUARY 16, 2022 TO MARCH 15, 2022. If not redeemed or renewed on or before AUGUST 19, 2022 will be sold to the Public Auction on AUGUST 22, 2022 at Rosegold Pawnshop San Pedro-Main from 9:00am to 6:00pm.
(Fronting Queen Bank) Tel. No. (082) 222-1561 ; (082) 321-0128 Email: goldstandardpawnshopdavao@gmail.com
Accepts: Jewelry, wholesaler and retailer on all kinds of jewelry Highest Appraisal and Low Interest Rates at 3%
NOTICE OF AUCTION SALE
All jewelry and other articles pawned at Goldstandard Pawnshop San Pedro,Ilustre from FEBRUARY 16, 2022 TO MARCH 15, 2022 if
not redeemed or renewed on AUGUST 19, 2022 will be sold to the Public Auction on AUGUST 22, 2022 at our Pawnshop premises from 9:00am to 6:00pm.
BRANCHES: San Pedro (Main) Agdao Toril Bolton Digos City Claveria Km. 7 Lanang
AUCTION DATE AUGUST 16, 2022 AUGUST 16, 2022 AUGUST 16, 2022 AUGUST 16, 2022 AUGUST 16, 2022 AUGUST 16, 2022 AUGUST 16, 2022
TEL. NO. 327-8832 327-6275 327-8503 392-3022 333-9945 296-8081 235-3473
AUGUST 01 & 02, 2022
NOTICE OF AUCTION SALE All pawned items at METRO GOLDBRILL PAWNSHOP that expired until the month of JUNE 2022, if not redeemed or renewed on or before JULY 18, 2022, will be sold to the Public on AUGUST 18, 2022. Gipahibalo and tanan na ang METRO GOLDBRILL PAWNSHOP magasubasta sa tanan nga nag-expired hangtod sa bulan sa HUNYO 2022. Kung dili malukat sa dili pa moabot ang AGOSTO 18, 2022, ibaligya sa publiko karong AGOSTO 20, 2022. EXPIRY DATES JUNE 2022
AUCTION DATES AUGUST 18, 2022
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
Roque Bldg., Matina Crossing, Davao City Tel. # 234-6367
PAWNS NOT REDEEMED/RENEWED WITHIN FIVE (5) DAYS AFTER EXPIRY D AT E S W I L L B E A U C T I O N E D O N AUGUST 17, 2022 AT 10:00 A.M. AT THE RESPECTIVE PAWNSHOPS WHERE THE ITEMS WERE PAWNED.
All Pawned items at GOLDVISION PAWNSHOP, INC., 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. Gipahibalo ang tanan nga ang GOLDVISION PAWNSHOP, INC., maga subasata sa tanan nga nag-expired hangtod sa bulan sa HUNYO 2022, kung dili malukat ibaligya sa publiko sa alas 9:00 sa buntag.
BRANCHES General Lao, Toril Agton. Toril Buhangin Magallanes Tagum Saavedra, Toril Agdao
AUCTION DATE
TEL. NO.
AUGUST 16, 2022 AUGUST 16, 2022 AUGUST 05, 2022 AUGUST 08, 2022 AUGUST 25, 2022 AUGUST 16, 2022 AUGUST 19, 2022
291-2406 291-2952 241-0223 224-3138 216-3425 291-1349 327-2348
JUNE 2022 JULY 2022
AUG. 12, 2022 AUG. 15, 2022 DAVAO VAULT SP
AUG. 15, 2022
Door #7Realty Bldg. beside Lakitan Mall San Pedro street, Davao City (Tel No.: 228-9322
GABBY’S BRILLIANT PAWNSHOP INC. / GABBY’S INFINITE PAWNSHOP INC. TEL NO.: 321-2185 / 234-4844
All Pawned items at GABBY’S BRILLIANT PAWNSHOP, INC. and GABBYS’S INFINITE PAWNSHOP, INC. 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. Gipahibalo ang tanan nga ang GABBY’S BRILLIANT PAWNSHOP, INC. and GABBYS’S INFINITE PAWNSHOP, INC. maga subasata sa tanan nga nag-expired hangtod sa bulan sa HUNYO 2022, kung dili malukat ibaligya sa publiko sa alas 9:00 sa buntag. BRANCHES
AUCTION DATE
TEL. NOS.
SAN PEDRO
AUGUST 16, 2022
321-2185
ILUSTRE
AUGUST 02, 2022
234-4844
10
MINDANAO TIMES
NLRC...
SUSPECT ...
(from front page)
Foodpanda’s mobile application for their alleged participation in the planning of the supposed protest. The arbiter said the firm subsequently established a Whistleblower Program via Google forms and encouraged suspended riders from reporting the persons behind the campaign in exchange for reinstatement. “Complainants maintain that a number of suspended riders availed of the said program and [were] subsequently reinstated by Foodpanda, but as to complainants, they were not allowed to return to work because they were identified as the leaders of the disgruntled delivery riders,” Jumao-as said. The arbiter dismissed the contention of Foodpanda that the riders were mere independent contractors. In establishing the existence of employeremployee relationship, Jumao-as made an extensive evaluation based on the “selection and engagement of the employee, the payment of wages, the power to discipline and dismiss, and the employer’s power to control the employee with respect to the means and methods by which the work is to be accomplished.” She said Foodpanda reserves the right to accept or reject the applicants who would sign up online as evident in its “PH Data Privacy – Rider Privacy Policy,” which allows the company to keep records of the applicants to aid it in the selection of qualified riders. “It is highly implausible that the applicant’s mere signing up and agreeing thereto is the operative act that admits the applicant as Foodpanda delivery driver, without any verification process and without Foodpanda’s approval,” she said. She said “service fees” that riders received were actually salary or wage for their work, explaining that “what is decisive in ascertaining the existence of an employer-employee relationship is that the complainants received compensation from Foodpanda for services that they rendered.” Jumao-as added that the “Freelance Agreement” signed by the riders with Foodpanda, is bilateral,
DILG ...
AUGUST 01 & 02, 2022
granting power to both parties to terminate it. She said the company conveniently exercises its power to discipline riders by restricting them access to the riders’ platform. Under the agreement, the arbiter added that “Foodpanda may withdraw from time to time a rider’s access to the Foodpanda Rider planform if he fails to meet its high standards of professionalism, service, demeanor and courtesy, and may restrict or withdraw access thereto for violation of the terms of the agreement, any applicable laws and regulations, or any other action that may cause damage to Foodpanda, its vendors, and customers.” She said the company also has power of control over the riders, distinguishing them from an independent contractor. “It is hardly convincing that Foodpanda will not and did not control the means and methods of its delivery service performed by its delivery riders,” she said. She added Foodpanda designs and controls, among others, the scheduling of their work, the system of assigning orders, of passing a delivery job from a rider to another in any case when the former is unable to complete the delivery job, and of ensuring the delivery within its prescribed time frame. She said Foodpanda also employs a rating system which primarily governs its relationship and dealings with its riders, and it also monitors the whereabouts of its riders through a global positioning system. “It shows that Foodpanda evaluates the rider’s performance every week and those with higher batch scores can have additional benefits of earning incentives and better opportunity in shift selection,” she said. She said “Foodpanda can and will conveniently deny riders, perceived to be in violation of its standards or rules, access to the apps thus denying him work opportunity.” “With these, no workers are as closely monitored on the field with serious and instantaneous consequences as these workers, that the power of control is so remarkably evident,” she said. (Antonio L. Colina IV/MindaNews)
(from page 3)
Area Police CommandWestern Mindanao, administered the oath of allegiance of the ASG surrenderers. L t . G e n . Vi c e n t e Danao, PNP officer-in-
charge, Sulu Governor Abdusakur Tan and other top police, military, and government officials witnessed the surrender ceremony of the 100 ASG members. (PNA)
(from page owned quarry in Zone 1, Barangay Pagatpat in Cagayan de Oro, on November 11, 2021. The gunman also killed Uy’s employee, Samuel Pabalan. Major Evan Viñas, Cagayan de Oro City Police Office spokesperson, said a police tracker team was able to trace the suspect to his house in Barangay Cabasagan. Viñas said investiga-
RISING ...
(from page 4)
year and at an average of about 8.4 percent annually from 2022-2026 to around PHP567,900. While inflation continues to rise and is forecast to average at about 5.6 percent this year, the growth of disposable income is expected to outpace this. “This means consumers in the Philippines will see their disposable incomes increasing in real terms. We believe that real growth in income levels of Filipino consumers compliments the retail formalization trend in the Philippines, as consumers gain more access to modern MGR (mass grocery retail) as their propensity to spend rises,” it said. Also, urbanization is expected to further increase the market for delivery services and ecommerce. The report forecasts that around 50.9 percent of Filipinos would be living in urban areas by 2030, higher than the around 48 percent this year. It said urban areas have the factors that will boost food and grocery services –large number of households with higher disposable income, developed
CITY ...
2) tors could determine that the motive for killing Uy was personal grudge. “Samuel /Tatay’ Pabalan was merely a collateral victim,” Viñas said. Viñas said Gaabucayan was arrested on the strength of a warrant issued by Judge Emmanuel Pasal of the Regional Trial Court Branch 38 in Cagayan de Oro City. (Froilan Gallardo / MindaNews)
logistics, and people with technical skills and hardware to access e-commerce platforms. The report cited Filipinos’ rising preference for healthier food options, especially those from the middle to high income segments. “These households are likely to be more conscious of the health benefits of their food choices and have greater bandwidth when considering their dietary choices as they trade up price points for premium and healthier food options,” it said. Citing latest available data, the report said fresh and preserved fruits and dairy, which are forecast to grow by 8.6 percent and 8.3 percent in the medium term, respectively, are the two fastest-growing categories under the food index. It said the importation value of fresh fruits and nuts rose to around USD736.9 million in 2021 from around USD27.3 million in 2002. “These two categories underpin our view that Filipino consumers are increasingly spending more on healthier foods,” it added. (PNA)
(from page 4)
“As we have observed based on our monitoring, naa pa’y nabilin na portion in Toril, Sibulan, Catigan, portions of Marilog and Baguio, Calinan. Siguro dili na ni kaabot og 5,000 tons (As we have observed based on our monitoring, there are still some left in some parts of Toril, portions of Marilog and Baguio, Calinan. Maybe that will no longer reach 5,000 tons),” Haspe added. Although Haspe admitted that this Kadayawan season’s durian harvest in the city is proving to be underwhelming, he said the industry remains lucrative. He added that more and more farmers are engaging in durian production due to its favorable prices in the global market. In 2019, the total land
area for durian farming in Davao City was recorded at 3,222 hectares. This has since increased to 3,389 hectares in 2021. Haspe said the city’s durian processors have also been increasing in number. “Nagkataas atong mga durian processors in Davao City. Naa’y isa diri sa Calinan, naa diri sa Tibungco, so nagaduol ni sila sa among opisina asa sila mangita og supply (Our durian processors here in the city are increasing. There is one in Calinan, here in Tibungco; they come to our office to ask where they can find supply),” Haspe said. On top of this, Davao City is also eyeing building a direct link to the Chinese market. The CAGRO head
MR ...
(from page 2) Cotabato representative Shirlyn Bañas-Nograles, citing a provision in the 2017 Revised Prosecutor’s Manual, Volume 1 “motions for reconsideration must be verified.” Bañas-Nograles’ motion was not verified. Fierce rivals in GenSan’s mayoral post – business leader Elmer V Catulpos and South Cotabato Rep. Shirlyn Nograles – are cordial during candidates’ forum organized by the academe in General Santos City during the election campaign for the May 9, 2022 elections. Conspicuously absent is mayoral aspirant Lorelie Pacquiao, sister-in-law of senator and presidential aspirant Emmanuel Pacquiao. Lorelie won the mayoralty race. Photo courtesy Genesis Fernandez In filing the motion for reconsideration on July 21, the former lawmaker assailed the earlier resolution of the prosecutor’s office on June 29, dismissing the libel and cyberlibel suit she filed against radio anchors Abner Francisco ug Carlo Dugaduga, station manager Ruel Domantay of Brigada News FM Gensan and the Brigada Mass Media Corporation, represented by its president – CEO Elmer Catulpos. Catulpos and BanasNograles were among five candidates for mayor of General Santos City in the May 9 election. Lorelie Pacquiao won as mayor. The second resolution that threw out the motion of the complainant was signed by assistant city prosecutors Kayugenn Mato Kuda Jr., Gilbert B. Bandiola and Richard Dale V. Escolano, and approved City Prosecutor Atty. Clemencia E. Dinopol-Cataluna. The case stemmed from a commentary in the
DAVSUR ...
March 30, 2022 episode of the high-rating morning program “Tira Brigada” of Brigada News FM Gensan, when the two anchors tackled an issue of “payola” being present in some local government projects. In her complaint, the former congresswoman quoted Dugaduga as saying during the radio program, “Unya, ah notorious man ni si ah, Bañas nga mangayo ug payola gikan sa kontraktor. Ipadayun gihapon na kung siya’y ma Mayor puhon. Ipadayon gihapon na. O, unya kay ang iyang bana moapil man pud ug pangayo, moapil pud bisag dili congressman.” The prosecutors dismissed the complaints in a resolution dated June 29, stating that “Not all of the elements of the crimes of libel or cyber libel are present in this case.” In denying the allegations against them, the respondents argued that “they were charged separately which violates their right against double jeopardy; the contents of a compact disc submitted by the complainant was obtained without court warrant and the moral damages claimed were not supported with evidences.” The respondents further argued that “for an imputation to be libelous, it must have four elements – it must be defamatory, it must be malicious, it must be given publicly, and the victim must be identifiable.” All these elements are not present in the case, the respondents noted. “Absent one of these elements, a case of libel will not prosper,” they pointed out. The former congresswoman filed the case before the prosecutors’ office on June 10, a month after the May 9 elections. (Rommel Rebollido / MindaNews)
(from page 3)
of different government agencies, academe, and local government units that helps specific farmers’ groups in their livelihood. T h r o u g h E PA H P, farmer-beneficiaries are provided with various technical training and capacity building, financial assistance, marketing links, and agreements that will help them from the production up to securing marketing channels of their harvests. As a response, Antonio
Atamosa, president of the IA beneficiary, accepted the task for the operation and maintenance of the model farm on behalf of the 184 members of the association and vowed to take care of the project. He said their group has started to adopt the techniques and technologies of the new crops through training and technical supervision of an agronomist for one cropping season. (PNA)
said that the city’s durian usually has to go through consolidators in other countries, such as Thailand, before ending up in mainland China. He said exporting
directly to China will increase the profit margin of Davao City’s durian farmers as well as the city’s visibility in the global market.
MINDANAO TIMES
AUGUST 01 & 02, 2022
NEWBIE ...
(from backpage)
sakit at ma prevent ang spread nito (Maranaos must be educated on the vaccine that it is needed to protect them against the illness and to prevent the spread of the disease).” He said the provincial government ought to boost the campaign of the Department of Health against Covid-19 and other related illnesses. Decampong is a graduate of Economics at the Mindanao State University in Marawi City and ran under the Lakas-NUCD, alongside the provincial slate of now Governor Mamintal “Bombit” A. Adiong. His platform was
DTI ...
to uplift the lives of the poor. As a young legislator, he also wanted the youth to be part of the Ministry of Basic, Higher and Technical Education (MBHTE)’s Balik Eskwela Program “in inspecting and implementing programs for the resumption of the face-to-face classes in all school levels”. The bigger concern of the entire province now was the fluctuating power supply as the government cut off the subsidy to the Lanao del Sur Electric Cooperative, Inc. when it failed to pay off its debts. Decampong said he wanted the
provincial government to prioritize it. Lasureco’s outstanding payables to Psalm amounted to P12.9 billion as of April 30, representing outstanding power bills. The Department of Finance said Lasureco had P9.5 million unremitted universal charges, which it already collected from electricity end users. The DOF has instructed the Power Sector Assets and Liabilities Management Corp. (Psalm) early this month to commence the curtailment for Magelco and disconnection for Lasureco starting May 26.
neurs),” he said. “Kaning mga gagmay’ng hinabang, maghatag kanato og dugang na kalambuan sa atong panginabuhi (This little assistance will help us in improving our situation).” His fellow beneficiaries shared similar sentiments with him, assuring DTI that their livelihood kits will be used for their businesses, not for their daily consumption.
With the completion of the livelihood kits distribution to its identified individual beneficiaries, the DTI-Davao de Oro provincial office is now preparing for the intended group beneficiaries. “The office aims to continue this program and cover more beneficiaries to help them attain sustainability and business competitiveness,” Balleque noted. DTI11
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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 June 2022. 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 Hunyo 2022. Ang tanang prenda dungan nga ibaligya sa publiko sa mga sumusunod nga dapit og petsa:
(from page 4)
marketing, simple bookkeeping, and consumer education. Entrepreneur Wilson Bernales Jumag from barangay Malinawon, Mawab expressed appreciation to DTI. “Hinaot dili lang ni karon lang kundili hangtod sa hangtod ang ilang pagtabang kanato na mga gagmay nga negosyante (We hope that they will continue to help us, small entrepre-
SOJOURNER'S ...
(from page 5)
Ming Annals. It would not be until the eighteenth century that the Sulu-China got connected again through diplomatic activity and trade. As recorded in the Ching Annal, five separate tribute-bearing missions were sent by the Sultans of Sulu (between 1727 and 1763). This trade has been extensively documented in James F. Warren’s book – The Sulu Zone: The Dynamics of External Trade, Slavery and Ethnicity in the Transformation of a Southeast Asian Maritime State, 1768-1898. The Western Mindanao region’s strategic location in Southeast Asia – located along the route from Davao Gulf to Celebes Sea going towards the Indian Ocean via the Strait of Malacca – made this region visible as galleons traversed the seas in search of the fabled Spice Islands. Portugal and Spain in the sixteenth century were on competition to be the first to control the fort in Malacca to monopolize the spice trade which then was driving the world economy, apart from their desire to suppress Islam. Thus armed encounters with the Muslims that included military expeditions to Borneo and Mindanao led to the Moro Wars from the mid-1500s to the late 1800s. Unfortunately, these wars persisted even after we gained independence, worsened during the Marcos regime starting with the burning of Jolo in 1974 and to remain turbulent until only recently. From the perspective of geography and history, this region is a minefield for research and publications. This apart from the richness of its cultural legacy, considering the rich mixture of nationalities, ethnicities, cultural traditions and religious systems. This accounts for the presence of the Tausugs, Yakan,
Jama Mapun, and the various Samas who cover a diverse groupings of Sama-Bajauspeaking peoples found across a vast maritime zone. Bajau is the most common term used, but in some cases the name is used pejoratively which is why it is much better to refer to them as Sama- or Orang –Dilaut. There are also the Sama or Samal Banguingui. Along with the Iranun, they were said to constitute the bulk of the Sultan’s navy, engaged in raiding the settlements in the northern Philippines, as well as the coasts of neighboring Borneo and were also involved in piracy and slave trade during the 18th/19thcenturies. With their garay and laong warships, they could easily out-run the Spaniards in the high seas. Through the years there have also been migrations from other parts of the world including the Chinese which accounts for the presence of Chinese ancestry among Sulu citizens today. Between 1770 and 1800, 18,000 Chinese came from South China to trade and many of them stayed. Visayan settlers also eventually arrived in the archipelago which accounts for the presence of Christians. With all these nationalities and ethnicities, there were bound to be a mixture of different languages and many of those living this region – especially those engaged in trading – needed to be able to communicate in different languages. With the establishment of a settlement of Spaniards and Mexicans along with the arrival of the laborers from Manila and the Visayas to help build Fort Pilar, a pidgin Spanish eventually developed into a full-fledged creole language for Zamboangeňos, known as Chavacano. This remains our hope
– that the voices from below will continue to assert among Zamboanguenos and other peoples in this region who – although at the periphery of our nation – could further attest to why the margins are as important as the center! At the same time we hope that institutions like the National Book Development Board, other government agencies that are supposed to encourage more research and publications such as CHED, NCCA and DOST can allocate more funds that will make possible our young scholars to move into publications. Same challenge goes to our higher educational institutions in the region who should push more faculty members and graduate students to publish not just through words but through budgets! [MindaViews is the opinion section of MindaNews. Redemptorist Brother Karl Gaspar is a professor at St. Alphonsus Theological and Mission Institute (SATMI) in Davao City and until recently,
DMCI ...
(from page 5)
There are also areas for table tennis, a trampoline for kids, and punching bag equipment for boxing enthusiasts to provide a variety of activities that can motivate residents to stay active and get outdoors. Lush greenery and calming landscapes pervade the vast property. New normal amenities and services Apart from providing recreational and wellness amenities, DMCI Homes is also introducing new amenities and services to help condo residents better adapt to “new normal” living. Among these amenities is a coworking facility for residents’ remote working and distance learning needs. Moreover, Verdon Parc’s Property Management Office has also provided Wi-Fi service in common areas to make it more convenient for residents to do their work, school, or personal chores
in the comfort of their community. Residents yearning for tranquility can find it in the stunning Sky Garden and Sky Deck which are great places for retreat and meditation. Superior quality and value DMCI Homes Vice President for Project and Development Dennis Yap said Verdon Parc is a realization of the company’s promise to bring the best of condo-living to Davaoeños. “Compared to other condominiums in the city, our project clearly has larger living spaces, and more generous features and amenities at more affordable price points,” Yap said. “As our first project in Davao, we really wanted Verdon Parc to be a showcase of what our brand is known for—quality and superior value,” he added. Verdon Parc is one of the developments of DMCI
Homes, the country’s first Quadruple A real estate developer known for building quality resort-inspired communities in Mega Manila, Baguio City, Boracay, and Davao City. Each of its properties is built with worldstandard craftsmanship borne from D.M. Consunji Inc.’s over 60 years of expertise in the construction and development industry. To learn more about Verdon Parc and other DMCI Homes’ pre-selling and readyfor-occupancy projects, units for lease, and special promos, call (682) 2970447 and (682) 327-3438 in Davao and 324-8888 in Manila. You can also visit leasing. dmcihomes.com to know more about opportunities in leasing and rent-to-own programs of DMCI Homes. News and other updates are also posted on the company’s official website and its social media accounts on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and YouTube.
a professor of Anthropology at the Ateneo de Davao University. Gaspar is Mindanao’s most prolific book author. He
writes two columns for MindaNews, one in English (A Sojourner’s Views) and the other in Binisaya (Panaw-Lantaw).
Gaspar is a Datu Bago 2018 awardee, the highest honor the Davao City government bestows on its constituents.]
EXTRAJUDICIAL SETTLEMENT OF THE ESTATE OF THE LATE BALDOMERA ARQUESAL AMONG HEIRS Notice is hereby given that the estate of the late BALDOMERA ARQUESAL who died intestate on December 15, 1941 at Peñaplata, Samal, Davao; during their life time with her husband POLICARPO ORDANEZA they were able to acquire their conjugal property a parcel of land with improvements situated in the Barrio of Mambago, (Now Municipality of Babak) Province of Davao del Norte, covered by ORIGINAL CERTIFICATE OF TITLE NO. 2306 of the Registry of Deeds for the Province of Davao, described to wit: Beginning at the point marked 1 on plan H-150168, N. 17 dog. 87’ E., 5612.50 m. more or less from B.L.B.N. No. 3, Barrio of Peñaplata, District of Samal, containing an area of 23.5435 hectares more or less. That pursuant to Sec. 1 Rule 74 of the Revised Rules of Court of the Philippines, the above mentioned described property has been the subject of EXTRAJUDICIAL SETTLEMENT OF THE ESTATE OF THE LATE BALDOMERA ARQUESAL AMONG HEIRS made and executed by and among her heirs per Doc. No. 172; Page No. 49; Book No. XXI; Series of 1970 of the Notary Public PRAMIN R. DIANCO. (MT- Aug. 1, 8 & 15, 2022)
EXTRAJUDICIAL SETTLEMENT WITH SALE Notice is hereby given that the estate of the late REYNALDO FLOR PANOPIO, who died intestate on July 22, 2020; That the deceased REYNALDO FLOR PANOPIO at the time of his death left the following property situated in the Barrio of Sasa, City of Davao; more particularly described to wit: TRANSFER CERTIFICATE OF TITLE No. T-128748 A parcel of land (Lot 25, Psd-11-019614, being a portion of Lot 3-A-2, Psd-11-018883), situated in the Barrio of Sasa, City of Davao, Island of Mindanao, containing an area of ONE HUNDRED FIFTY SIX (156) SQUARE meters more or less; That pursuant to Sec. 1 Rule 74 of the Revised Rules of Court of the Philippines, the above mentioned described property has been the subject of EXTRAJUDICIAL SETTLEMENT WITH SALE made and executed by and among his heirs per Doc. No. 86; Page No. 19; Book No. 75; Series of 2022 of the Notary Public JOSELITO D. SEVILLA of Davao City. (MT-Aug. 1, 8 & 15, 2022)
AUGUST 01 & 02, 2022
Community
MINDANAO TIMES
Newbie in Maranao politics tries hand in national issues
MARAWI CITY – A newcomer Maranao politician would try his hand at localizing national concerns to ensure that the impact of local applications would benefit his home province and his fellow Maranaos of Lanao. Abdul Jalal Balt Indar District of Lanao Del Sur, towns around Lake Lanao "Bubuly" Decampong won and said national issues in central Mindanao. a seat in the Provincial must not deprive of benHis only actual politiBoard of Lanao del Sur efits and protection of the cal experience was when he as a senior board member, Maranao people, the Moro was a barangay kagawad representing the Second tribe inhabiting the interior and a barangay chairman
in Barangay Silid of the municipality of Bayang. In his first days on the Provincial Board, he demonstrated his ability to handle national concerns. He first appealed for a provincial clean-up of election posters and recycling of
other usable materials. The Department of the Interior and Local Government picked up the tab. The more challenging move was to address cultural misconceptions about vaccination against Covid-19. The Muslims’
house of jurisprudence already issued a religious ruling favoring the vaccination of Muslims, he said: "dapat i-educate pa ang mga Maranao na ang vaccine ay kailangan para ma protectionan ang mga may ( / NEWBIE / 11)