Two teens

fall in
2 Wednesday, July 26, 2023
TOPNEWS
drug bust
By Jennifer P. Rendon

Two teenagers were arrested

after they allegedly facilitated
the sale of illegal drugs eve-
ning of July 24 at Arevalo, Il-
oilo City.
Police only identified the
suspects as Jane (real name
withheld), 17, of Zone 2, Baran-
gay Calaparan, Arevalo and
John, 15, of Barangay Rizal Es-
tanzuela, City Proper district.
The two are high school stu-
dents in Arevalo district.

RTWPB 6 kicks off 2023 wage consultation

Arresting operatives from
the Regional Police Drug En-
forcement Unit (RPDEU) 6
said Jane’s parents and John’s
guardian already presented a
birth certificate showing that
they are indeed minors.
They claimed to be friends,
but police believed they are ro-
mantically involved with each
other.
Recovered from their pos-
session were suspected shabu
weighing 5 grams valued at
P40,000, the P12,000 buy-bust
money, a mobile phone, and a
facemask.
RPDEU-6 members arrest-
ed the young couple after Jane
handed a sachet of suspected
shabu wrapped in a disposable
face mask.
Captain Glenn Soliman, RP-
Two/p11
The Regional Tripartite Wages and
Productivity Board (RTWPB)-6 started
its regionwide Stakeholders Consulta-
tion on the petition filed by the Unit-
ed Labor for Western Visayas and the
Iloilo Pepsi Cola Workers Independent
Union for a Php100 wage recovery at
the NEDA Conference Room last July
20, 2023.
Department of Labor and Employ-
ment (DOLE)-6 Regional Director Atty.
Sixto T. Rodriguez Jr. who is also the
RTWPB Chair said that the goal of the
consultation is to come up with a fair
and just wages that will benefit both the
employers and the workers.
The workers’ sector anchored their
petition on the effect of the inflation
rate to the purchasing power and the
value of the Philippine peso.
The wage recovery according to
them would compensate the losses of
their salaries due to the effect of the in-
flation. The petitioners also argued that
granting the wage recovery would have
a positive effect to the region’s economy.
They believe that the wage increase
granted last year helped the economic
development of Western Visayas accel-
erate ahead of other regions’.
The issue of the poverty threshold
and the rising cost of living was also
raised. For the labor sector, the present
income could not cope with the high
transportation expenses, tuition fees,
and the demand for internet connec-
tions and gadgets needed in school.
They are saying that additional
amount for wage recovery is necessary
for a worker’s decent living.
As of June 2023 the inflation rate is
6.8% while the purchasing power of the
Philippine Peso base in 2018 is .81.
In a separate session, the business
and management sector said that rais-
ing the salaries of the workers could
stagnate and slows down business ac-
tivities that could result to limited job
opportunities.
For the management sector, raising
of salaries could also mean losing more
opportunities as investors prefer areas
with lower labor cost.
They also underscored the high price
of production such as the cost of power
and the transfer of goods considering
the mode of transport in the region.
The business sector offered upscal-
ing the skills of the workers to increase
productivity instead. It was also sug-
gested that salary increase should be
productivity based or performance
based.
“Through this consultation, we
hope to gather insights from you
which will shape policies that are
grounded in the actual needs of the
workers and the current economic sit-
uation and give us the idea of how to
approach and address wage concerns,”
RD Rodriguez said at the end of the
consultation in Iloilo City.
The RTWPB is scheduled to hold
similar dialogues in other provinces for
data gathering and to know the senti-
ments of the different stakeholders.

Fire razes five houses

in E.B. Magalona
By Glazyl Y. Masculino
BACOLOD City – A total of 18 individuals
were affected by a fire that gobbled an es-
timated P1.68 million worth of properties
at Purok 1, Barangay Manta-angan, E.B.
Magalona, Negros Occidental last Mon-
day.
The Municipal Social Welfare and Develop-
ment Office (MSWDO) reported that the affect-
ed residents include four senior citizens and four
children.
Based on a report from the Municipal Fire
Station, two houses were destroyed while three
others were damaged.
The PSA team overcomes rugged terrain and adverse weather to reach remote Barangay Atimonan in Janiuay, The fire reportedly originated from the house
Iloilo.
of Tessie Chan at 1:18 p.m. and was raised to a
second alarm.
The BFP declared fire out at 2:12 p.m., but its
cause is still under investigation.
Also responding to the fire incident were Vic-
torias City Fire Station, Silay City Fire Station,
and Victorias City Disaster Risk Reduction and
Management Office.
The local government has already provided
food and clothing assistance to the affected res-
idents.
Five families were temporarily staying with
their relatives.
The MSWDO is also facilitating assistance
from the Department of Social Welfare and De-
velopment (DSWD).

PSA extends PhilSys registration services

to the most remote barangay in Iloilo
The Iloilo Provincial Statistical Office recently
completed the PhilSys Mobile Registration Ac-
tivity in Barangay Atimonan, Janiuay, one of
the most remote areas in Iloilo province.
Located in a mountainous region with no
paved roads leading to the barangay, the journey
to Barangay Atimonan posed unique challenges
for the Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA) reg-
istration team.
Undeterred by the rugged terrain and ad-
verse weather conditions, the team persevered
the five-hour trek to Atimonan.
Upon arrival, the PSA team wasted no time
in setting up a registration booth at Atimonan
Elementary School. On the first day alone, 44 in-
dividuals from Atimonan registered.
Building on this initial success, the registra-
tion team conducted a comprehensive house-
to-house registration campaign on their second
day. Despite the challenging terrain, they dili-
gently registered an additional 22 individuals,
ensuring that no resident was left unregistered.
Understanding the unique circumstances
faced by the residents of Barangay Atimonan,
the provincial office took proactive measures to
ease the process.
The ePhilIDs were pre-laminated prior to the
trip, saving residents the burden of traveling to
town for lamination and on the third day, the
registration team distributed these prelaminat-
ed ePhilIDs, streamlining the process and deliv-
ering an added convenience to the community.
To address the holistic well-being of the com-
munity, a feeding program was organized. This
initiative aimed to provide nourishing meals to
the residents.
Additionally, the team distributed candies
to the young children of Barangay Atimonan,
spreading joy and creating memorable moments THE LOCAL government of E.B. Magalona in Negros Occidental provides assistance to some residents who
for the entire community. were affected by the fire in Barangay Manta-angan Monday. (Photo courtesy of E.B. Magalona PIO)

P704,480 worth of ‘shabu’ seized

By Glazyl Y. Masculino
BACOLOD City – Four persons were
arrested while P704,480 worth of
‘shabu’ were seized here and in Ne-
gros Occidental last Monday.
In Bacolod, a former drug offender
was apprehended in a buy-bust oper-
ation at Purok Kabulakan II, Barangay
Singcang-Airport.
Police Major Joery Puerto, head of
Police Station 5, identified the suspect
as Begie Soreño, 50, of the said village.
Confiscated were 88 grams of sus-
pected shabu worth P598,400, and
the P2,000 marked money.
Puerto said that Soreño was pre-
viously jailed for a drug offense and
was released in 2021 after serving his according to Puerto, who was previ-
sentence. ously assigned as head of Police Sta-
However, based on the monitor- tion 8.
ing of police, the suspect allegedly re- Puerto said the suspect was in-
turned to engaging in the illegal drug cluded in the drugs watchlist of Police
trade after he was released from jail, P704,480/p11
P704,480 /p11
 NEGROS Wednesday, July 26, 2023 3
Lifting of public health
emergency ‘good for
economy, tourism’
BACOLOD City – Negros Occidental Governor Eugenio Lac-
son welcomed on Monday the lifting of the state of public
health emergency declared due to the coronavirus disease 2019
(Covid-19) pandemic, saying it would boost economic growth
and tourism development.
“There’s no need any more to wear a face mask, there’s no need
to show any vaccine card so this is good for the economy, especial-
ly for tourism,” he told reporters.
Lacson, however, said Covid-19 cases are still being reported
and that the public should remain vigilant against the viral dis-
ease.
“Just a reminder, Covid-19 is still around. My last count was
we have 45 active cases. Since it’s still around, let’s just take care
of ourselves, especially in crowded areas. When you ride public
transportation, I suggest that you still continue wearing a mask.
(From left) Stephen Tana, Romwel Jerez, Marbie Cabardo, Atty. Joseph Brian Perez, and Ronald Reosura
Even when you go to mass, when the church is full, continue to

Ceneco union leader

wear a mask,” the governor said.
He also encouraged those who could avail of the bivalent
Covid-19 vaccine to get the booster shot for better protection.
“Go for it, although we don’t have much of that. The frontliners
are still the priority but if you can afford it and if you are a group

insists on legitimacy
By Dolly Yasa
BACOLOD City – The acting president of
the employees’ union of Central Negros
Electric Cooperative (Ceneco) contended
that they are legitimate despite questions
raised by their ousted legal counsel.
In a press conference on Tuesday, Mar-
bie Cabardo said that “I and the majority
of the lawful officers are being questioned
about our legitimacy by the group of Atty
Rey Gorgonio and Mr. Felix Gepilga, it sad-
dens us that the issue about the intra-union
dispute is now circulating on social media
and getting out of hand.”
Earlier, Cabardo announced that they
terminated the services of Gorgonio as
their legal counsel.
Cabardo said that the Ceneco Union of
Rational Employees (CURE) is a duly orga-
nized union bounded by its constitution
and by-laws (CBL) and registered under
the Department of Labor and Employment
(DOLE) and recognized as the sole bargain-
ing agent of the rank-file employees of
Ceneco.
The controversy erupted on October
28, 2022 when former CURE president Ste-
fanie Montaner called for a general mem-
bership assembly without any authority
and impeached Cabardo as vice president.
But DOLE declared the impeachment
proceeding invalid in an order dated
March 27, 2023 hence, “as the lawful vice
president, I shall perform the duties and
functions of the President in case of the
latter’s absence as stipulated in the CBL,”
Cabardo said.
“As a matter of fact, Ceneco acting Gen-
eral Manager Atty. Arnel Lapore validly
recognized my leadership as the lawful
vice president by virtue of the DOLE order
dated March 27, 2023, through his letter
dated June 19, 2023, addressed to my coun-
sel Atty. Joseph Brian Perez,” she added.
This was supported by the Ceneco
Board of Directors through a Board Reso-
lution passed last July 18, 2023, affirming
and acknowledging Cabardo and the rest
of the elected board of directors and exec-
utive board as the true and lawful repre-
sentatives of CURE per the Collective Bar-
gaining Agreement (CBA) between CURE
and the management.
With this recognition, Cabardo said
that “We the lawful and legitimate union
officers will always stand to protect the
welfare of the employees and members,
we will exhaust all possible remedies to
Ceneco/p11
of individuals who can pool in together, I would suggest a booster
shot from bivalent vaccines,” he added.
Over the weekend, Malacañang announced that President Fer-
dinand R. Marcos Jr. has formally lifted the state of public health
emergency through Proclamation 297 issued on July 21.
“All prior orders, memoranda, and issuances that are effective
only during the State of Public Health Emergency shall be deemed
withdrawn, revoked or canceled and shall no longer be in effect,”
the proclamation said.
Under Proclamation 297, all government agencies are enjoined
to ensure that their policies, rules, and regulations will take into
consideration the lifting of the state of a public health emergency.
On March 8, 2020, former president Rodrigo Duterte issued
Proclamation 922, declaring a state of public health emergency
after the first Covid-19 transmission reported by the Department
of Health.
In May 2023, the International Health Regulations Emergency
Committee of the World Health Organization (WHO) noted the
decreasing trend in Covid-related deaths, the decline in hospital-
izations and intensive care unit admissions, and the high levels
of population immunity to SARS-CoV-2 (severe acute respiratory
syndrome coronavirus 2).
WHO Director-General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus con-
curred with the committee’s advice and determined that Covid-19
no longer constitutes a public health emergency of international
concern. (PNA)

Negros Trade Fair to

celebrate generosity,
warmth of Negrenses
BACOLOD City – The Negros Trade Fair (NTF) will celebrate the
generosity and warmth of the Negrenses to mark the 37th year
of being the longest-running provincial trade fair, at the Gloriet-
ta Activity Center in Makati City on Sept. 26 to Oct. 1.
Themed “Amuma,” which means to nurture, foster, or take care,
this year’s NTF, organized by the Association of Negros Produc-
ers (ANP), was introduced in a kick-off activity at the Ayala Malls
Capitol Central here Monday afternoon.
In his message, Provincial Administrator Rayfrando Diaz II said
the province rekindles its partnership with the ANP for another
year to “show the whole country what Negros has to offer.” NEGROS Occidental lawmakers after the State of the Nation Address of President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. (from left) 6th district Rep. Mercedes Alva-
“As we launch the ‘Amuma’ today, we also launch two contests rez-Lansang, Bacolod City Lone District Rep. Greg Gasataya, 1st district Rep. Gerardo Valmayor, 4th district Rep Juliet Marie Ferrer, 2nd district
to drum up the excitement towards our trade fair in Manila. On Rep. Alfredo Marañon III, 3rd district Rep. Francisco Benitez and 5th district Rep. Dino Yulo

Guv says mention of PNG

behalf of our beloved Governor Eugenio Jose Lacson, the provin-
cial government once again assures its support to our partners. To
our micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs), we will con-
tinue and strive to provide whatever needs you may have so that

bridge in SONA a positive news

our products can be innovative and competitive,” he added.
The NTF features Negros-made food, natural and organic prod-
ucts, fashion and accessories, gifts, decor and housewares, and
furniture and furnishings.
As part of the kick-off activity, the ANP led by president Ar-
lene Infante launched the 30th Bulawan and 1st Pilak Awards
Competition and Trade Fair, which will run until July 30.
Through the Bulawan Awards, member producers showcase
their ingenuity through products that reflect excellence in crafts-
manship and are provided an incentive to encourage more inge-
nuity, creativity, and commitment to product distinction.
The maiden Pilak Awards, given by the Provincial Adminis-
trator’s Office and its division, the Technology and Livelihood
Development Center, in partnership with the ANP, will recognize
provincial government-assisted MSMEs that produce/create and
innovate Negros food products.
This year’s NTF theme, “Amuma” is being interpreted in
a logo conceptualized and created by artist Stephanie Hila-
do-Lindaya.
“Her artwork aims to encapsulate the rich tapestry of Ne-
grense culture, celebrating the boundless generosity, warm
hospitality, and open-heartedness that define Negrenses,” the
ANP said.
The artist herself said fiestas and festivals, lifestyles, cuisine,
fashion, and crafts express the very soul of Negrenses – to take
care.
“For me, this is what the Negros Trade Fair is all about. A cele-
bration of the Negrense art and spirit, an expression of our bound-
less generosity and warm embrace,” Hilado-Lindaya said. (PNA)
By Dolly Yasa
BACOLOD City – Negros Occidental Gov-
ernor Eugenio Jose Lacson said the inclu-
sion of the Panay-Guimaras-Negros Island
bridge in President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.’s
State of the Nation Address (SONA) is pos-
itive news.
Lacson also said the President’s empha-
sis on the development and capacity build-
ing of the agriculture sector, including
bio-security measures for farm animals, “is
indeed something to look forward to.”
Lacson said that “his (Marcos) focus on
water security also coincides with our
present initiative, the Provincial Integrat-
ed Water Security Plan.”
“The positive developments in the econ-
omy – the present growth rate and the
improvement of the inflation rate – are of
course, welcome news,” he further said.
Lacson said that as chairman of the
Regional Peace and Order Council for Re-
gion VI, “I join the President in his call for
ending the armed struggle through capac-
ity building, reintegration, and amnesty to
rebel returnees. The promotion of partici-
patory initiatives in the attainment of the
country’s peace agenda is the more sus-
tainable way of peace.”
On his part, Bacolod Rep. Greg Gasataya
said that “It is a pleasure to know that our
plans and vision in service align, especially
in terms of health, education and capaci-
ty-building, social services, and infrastruc-
ture development.”
He added that “as evident in the thou-
sands of scholars, medical and financial
assistance beneficiaries, and emergency
employment grants, the National Govern-
ment has been nothing short of support-
ive in our efforts to realize and enable our
goals for the City of Bacolod and its people.”
“The reassurance of the President to
link Negros, Panay, and Guimaras is also
a welcome development as it would truly
help stimulate local tourism and econom-
ic growth in the region,” Gasataya further
said.
As representative of the Lone District
of Bacolod, “we will continue working
with the National Government towards a
brighter future for Bacolod City and our
nation,” he added.
On his part Neg. Occ. 2nd District Rep.
Alfredo Marañon III said he is “very hope-
ful and optimistic with the creation of
more jobs, putting emphasis on Agricul-
ture and fisheries, together with increase
infrastructure spending and inflation go-
ing down to 2-3% by 2024, Panay-Guim-
aras-Negros Bridge.”
Bacolod City Mayor Alfredo Albee
Benitez said, “I am committed to aligning
our local government efforts with the
national agenda to bring about positive
change for our citizens, and I am confident
that similar dedication is mirrored in lead-
ers across the country.”
“Hand in hand with the national gov-
ernment, we shall work tirelessly to fulfill
the aspirations of every Filipino, knowing
that the administration’s efforts benefit
not only Bacolod but the entire nation,” he
Guv/p11
4 Wednesday, July 26, 2023
OPINION
Taking SONA with
a grain of salt
A
S EXPECTED, Marcos Jr.’s recent State of the Nation Address
(SONA) outlined various “solutions” to the nation’s pressing
challenges. While it is essential to acknowledge sweet efforts
to address economic and social issues, it is also crucial to objectively
assess the viability and impact of the proposed measures.
Marcos Jr.’s emphasis on sound fiscal management and tax re-
forms is commendable in terms of the economy. However, there
is a need for transparency and accountability in implementing
these measures to ensure that they genuinely benefit the Filipino
people and not just a select few as what it sadly continues, even
worsens, to be.
The Medium-Term Fiscal Strategy’s targets for GDP growth,
poverty rate, and fiscal deficit may be ambitious, but the success of
these goals relies on robust implementation plans. It is just fair that,
as concerned citizens, we must hold the government accountable
for achieving these targets and ensuring that they translate into
tangible improvements in the lives of
ordinary Filipinos, not just end as the
usual lip service.
While the government’s juicy
plan for increasing food supply and
supporting farmers is laudable, ad-
dressing the root causes of agricul-
tural challenges, such as whimsical
targets, land reform, and outdated
Herman M. Lagon practices is crucial. A comprehensive
and sustainable approach to agricul-
ture is essential to uplift the sector
IMPULSES and secure food security in the long
term.
As usual, plans to boost tourism
through infrastructure improvements are promising. However,
we must ensure that development does not come at the cost of
environmental sustainability and cultural preservation. Respon-
sible, sustainable, community-building, and eco-friendly tourism
should be at the forefront of our efforts, not investors’ ROIs and
government crooks’ kickbacks.
Managing the COVID-19 threat through vaccination and
health protocols is vital in healthcare. However, the government
must prioritize vaccine procurement and distribution transparen-
cy to build public trust and ensure equitable access. A second look

The true SONA

at the Pharmally and other past scandals could be proof of good
intentions.
The return to full face-to-face classes in the educational sec-
tor is a step towards normalcy. However, it must be accompa-
nied by robust health and safety measures to protect students,
teachers, and staff. Investing in educators’ professional develop-

A
ment, compensation, and workload, and improving educational ccording to the Official Gazette be the stage for the President to address But simply enumerating a “to-do-list” will
materials, connectivity, and infrastructures for both public and website, the State of the Nation Ad- both the Senate and the House of Repre- not be enough. The expectation is for the
private schools are equally essential to ensure quality, accessible, dress or SONA is the once-a-year sentatives. Now, this occasion is not ex- President to outline a responsive action
and inclusive education. There needs to be more than spicy press event when our President faces a joint ses- pected to occur on a regular basis. agenda for the year to come. Again, this
releases and intelligence funds to ensure that the learning gaps, sion of Congress and “reports on the state So, what should the SONA contain, address must fundamentally be an exhor-
curricular alignment, academic standards, and digital technology of the country, unveils the government’s then? It is worth empha- tation to Congress to work close-
readiness in schools are met. agenda for the coming year, and may also sizing that this address is ly with the President as regards
While investing in technological advancements is necessary, propose to Congress certain legislative primarily for the ears of the problems that he has just ex-
the government must prioritize digital literacy and accessibility measures.” lawmakers. The theme plained.
for all Filipinos. Universal connectivity requires comprehensive First, the SONA is a constitutional obli- therefore must always be And therefore, the SONA
planning and cooperation between the public and private sectors. gation of the President, required by Article a call to action. Again, this should also include a strong direc-
For the country to thrive in the Industrial Revolution 4.0, it must VII, Section 23 of the 1987 Constitution, should not be used by tive for Congress to enact specific
invest robustly in connectivity, research, and development to re- “The President shall address the Congress the President as a chance measures that either complement
main relevant and competitive. at the opening of its regular session.” Arti- to do a “victory lap”, as or implement the President’s ac-
Infrastructure development and public-private partnerships cle VI, Section 15 prescribes that the Con- some of his allies are sug- tion agenda. It cannot be empha-
are crucial for progress, but they must undergo thorough scru- gress “shall convene once every year on gesting. To do so simply sized enough that this address is
tiny to prevent corruption and ensure they genuinely serve the the fourth Monday of July for its regular cheapens the SONA. at its very core, a public declara-
public’s interests. With the many examples of poorly managed session.” The SONA should Atty. Michael tion of our Chief Executive that
government infrastructure projects that we have nationally and But more critically, the SONA is not have a clear and coherent Henry Ll Yusingco our lawmakers also need to fulfill
locally, sincere political will is badly needed in order to put the a “performance report” of the President. articulation of the cur- their responsibility in advancing
guilty contractors and “commissioners” behind bars. The culture Indeed, it is not actually an address to the rent state of the nation. BEYOND the lives of Filipinos.
of impunity must never reside anywhere in the bureaucracy.
Turning to the efforts of the One Repatriation Command Center,
people. The fact is, the President is expect-
ed to report to us on a regular basis. We
This means the President
should be able to explain THE BEND Admittedly, the SONA has
been used as an occasion for polit-
while providing support to distressed overseas Filipino workers is must actually demand performance as- to Congress the extent of ical posturing. In truth, the politi-
commendable, there should also be measures to prevent such situ- sessments as often as possible in order to the intergenerational problems that we cal aspect of this tradition cannot be avoid-
ations’ recurrence. Addressing labor rights and working conditions keep the President and his administration need to overcome. Obviously, there is no ed. Nonetheless, the address itself cannot
abroad must be a priority to protect our OFWs. On the other hand, on their toes. expectation to deliver a highly detailed simply be valued for its beneficial impact
serious measures must also be taken to stop the profuse bleeding of The intended audience of the SONA is presentation. But certainly, the President to the President’s popularity and his ad-
the workforce in the country. Brain drain is worsening exponential- Congress, even though the general public must offer an honest-to-goodness account ministration’s trust-rating. The SONA, re-
ly in health, education, and engineering sectors, among others. will inevitably hear it as well. The consti- of what ails the country. gardless of the political context, must still
The proposed legislative measures appear ambitious and com- tution never intended the SONA to be a Accordingly, the SONA should also be a roadmap towards improving the state
prehensive, but their effectiveness lies in their implementation. President’s platform for “making papogi”. present measures that address the prob- of the nation.
Public participation and scrutiny are necessary to ensure that The SONA’s purpose is clear and that is to lems that were identified by the President. Beyond the bend/p5
these proposed laws promote Filipino people’s welfare. The mi-
nority must also be heard and seriously considered more often to
instill a semblance of democracy in our democratic process. LEMUEL T. FERNANDEZ DANIEL Y. LABINDAO
We commend the men and women who outlined Marcos Jr.’s Founding Publisher Marketing OIC-Manila Bureau
is a publication of Daily Guardian Multi-Media Services, Inc. a SEC-registered company
Cell:0917-551-1896/0923-221-2098
matter-of-fact SONA initiatives well. Nonetheless, it is imperative Email: daniellabindao@gmail.com
MAIN OFFICE: WEBSITE:
to remain vigilant and objective in assessing the viability and im- Guzman Street, Mandurriao, Iloilo City
www.dailyguardian.com.ph
Tel. Nos. 351-1695 LAWRENCE CLARK D. FERNANDEZ JOHN PHILIP A. CELINO
pact of these measures. As responsive and responsible citizens, Publisher Roxas Bureau Chief,
we must actively engage in holding the government accountable MANILA OFFICE: Roxas City
for its promises and advocate for policies that genuinely uplift 1501 Pionner Highlands, Cell: 09387333769 EMAILS
Brgy., Barangka, Ilaya,
the lives of all Filipinos. Only through transparent and inclusive Mandaluyong City FRANCIS ALLAN L. ANGELO DOLLY Y. YASA EDITORIAL:
governance can we achieve genuine and sustainable progress and Editor-in-Chief Negros Bureau Chief, 1722 Phi St., editorial@dailyguardian.com.ph
prosperity for our struggling nation. VISION Greenville Subd., Bacolod City,
A successful and reliable newspaper the Ilonggos
are proud of; highly respected by its readers; and
Cell: 09205927958 MARKETING:
*** trusted by the community it responsibly serves.
Email: maridolyasa@gmail.com marketing@dailyguardian.com.ph
ROMYLEEN ‘BEM’ B. MITRA
Dr. Herman Lagon fondly describes himself as a ‘student of MISSION Bureau Chief
and for life’ who, like many others, aspires to a life-giving and To become an independent guardian of truth
Manila Editorial/Business Offices DR. NOE B. BUNCALAN Member:
Cell: 0929-9765533
why-driven world that is grounded in social justice and the pur- and justice; socially responsive and
un-compromising exponent of positive change
Kalibo Aklan Bureau Chief
suit of happiness. He is a professor of ISUFST, a student of USLS, a and public enlightenment. Cell: 09610210564
retiree of Ateneo, and an alumnus of UP, UI, and WVSU.
 OPINION Wednesday, July 26, 2023 5
Can we now move on
to the next chapter?
Second thought on vegetarianism
“The moving finger writes, and having written moves on.
Nor all thy piety nor all thy wit, can cancel half a line of it.”—
Omar Khayyam

I I
T’S okay to criticize or praise President Bongbong Marcos
N a past column, I commended my friend pounds of beef or pork per person, per During World War I, Denmark consumed
Jr.’s State of the Nation Address (SONA), but we need to
Ricky Alejo for being “the healthiest me- month. far less meat than usual because of the British
move on after the hailstorm of discussions and arguments.
dia practitioner in Iloilo City” because of In contrast, the Japanese eat only a half- naval blockade, but this resulted in better gen-
There’s no sense in insisting the President should have
his excellent health and physique. He prac- pound; they prefer fish. eral health. Likewise, in World War II, Nor-
mentioned something he inadvertently missed to mention.
tices vegetarianism, which means that he The American myth misleads us into way adopted a vegetarian diet that resulted in
What has been forgotten can never be remembered or
does not eat meat but only believing that meat is “first- a drastic drop of heart diseases.
restored swiftly in another follow up speech of such magni-
organic fruits, vegetables and class” protein while vegeta- When both nations reverted to meat diets
tude.
root crops. bles are “second-class.” Cur- after their crises, heart diseases rebounded.
There’s no such thing as a supplemental SONA.
rent evidence, however, leads
While a constructive criticism is good and needed, there’s
The other day, however, to other conclusions. -oOo- nothing we can do about the “forgotten” issues he suppos-
I noticed that he had grown Statistically, vegetarians KEEPING SAFE DURING TY- edly failed to tackle in the speech other than wait until the
thinner. I asked him, “Don’t in the United States are slim- PHOONS next SONA.
you think you lack protein?” mer, healthier and usually DUE to heavy rains brought by typhoon Between criticism and praise, it’s better, of course, to crit-
He insisted that protein is in live longer than carnivores. Egay, there have been complaints about icize.
plant foods also. They support the notion that power outages. Criticism is healthy for any leader. Constructive criticism
I could not quarrel with protein from plants, espe- In Iloilo City, which has MORE Power as will help the leader improve and grow.
that. I have repeatedly written cially beans, can be an ade- distribution utility, these brownouts were It is through criticism that the leader—in this case, the
articles lauding vegetarian-
ism as a healthy way of life. PEOPLE quate meat substitute when
enhanced with protein from
mostly of short-duration due to activation of
the automatic circuit reclosers (ACRs). The
President—will know his faults and shortcomings, as well as
his strengths and level of achievement, if there’s any.
Unlike Ricky, however, I have
remained an omnivore, eating
POWWOW milk and eggs.
Protein is essential be-
ACR is an intellectual protective device ca-
pable of interrupting momentary fault cur-
While praises will bloat egos and obscure reformation,
Herbert Vego cause it builds and replen- they can also help inspire a leader; but
moderate red meat and more rent (usually 85 seconds), in effect protecting he shouldn’t rest on his laurels.
fish and vegetables whenever ishes organs, skin, cartilage, customer appliances and other sensitive de- The more he receives accolades
possible. nails, hair, muscle and organ- vices against surge currents. and plaudits, the more he should work
As an idiom would have it, “Different ic bone framework. When a fault is detected, the circuit hard so as not to halt the momentum
strokes for different folks.” Every person is The primary problem of carnivores, on breaker trips. The controller then waits for and cripple his chances of becoming a
entitled to personal preferences that work. the other hand, is not a deficiency of protein a predetermined time before closing the cir- great leader.
This reminds me of our salubrious dinner but an excess of calories arising from satu- cuit breaker again. If everything is back to After the SONA, Mr. Marcos Jr. was
with businessman Roni Baterna at Punot rated fat. normal, it ends the whole process, but if the able to, in fact, “move on” immediately
Restaurant, where he was the guest of the Plant-based foods have no cholesterol. No fault persists, the circuit breaker trips again. by flying to Malaysia for a state visit
Facebook video show “Talking Point,” hosted wonder vegetarians enjoy lower levels of se- The ACR isolates specific areas with elec- a day after to honor the invitation by
by broadcaster Tonette Toledo. rum cholesterol. Vegetables retain moisture trical problems, preventing the rest of the
Over lunch, Baterna explained why he and bind waste bulk for easy elimination. feeder line from being affected. Alex Vidal Malaysian King Al-Sultan Abdullah
Sultan Ahmad Shah from July 25 to
was not eating fish. Conversely, meat has low fiber content,
“I am allergic to all seafood,” he said. And and so moves sluggishly hard through the
Bad weather notwithstanding, the DU
maintains teams of “line warriors” to re-
ABOVE 27.
Let’s now move on to the next
so, he would rather eat beef or pork instead. digestive tract.
Since I could see nothing wrong with his While nutritionists have yet to agree on
spond to emergency calls and to restore
power as quickly as possible. However, res-
THE BELT agenda.
health, I could consider him as “evidence” that whether a vegetarian diet is healthier than a toration time may vary, depending on the
not all carnivores accumulate diseases. He meat diet, anthropologists tend to believe it.
-o0o-
severity of the damage.
could be an exception to the rule that meat in Field investigations of certain non-meat cul- If you experience a power outage, please I would like to share an interesting story, an article written
large quantities could be harmful to the body. tures have documented the excellent health call MORE Power’s customer service help- by Patrick J. Kiger in the Inside History dated July 24, 2023
I made an immediate research on that. and longevity of the Hunzas of Pakistan and line at 330-667 or send a message via its about Ferdinand Magellan, whose own overconfidence, ac-
Traditionally, Americans consume 15 the Otomi Indians of Mexico. Facebook Messenger. cording to the article, “proved fatal.”
When Magellan reached the Philippines in March 1521,

God’s word in the digital world

he saw an opportunity to convert the indigenous people to
Catholicism and place them under the authority of the Span-
ish King, according to Australian Catholic University schol-
ars Kate Fullagar and Kristie Patricia Flannery.

T
HAT parable about the We need to pray hard and to communicate and think critical- God’s word only. We should be Some local rulers, who saw advantages in an alliance with
sower and the seed (cfr. study the doctrine of our faith ly. As the Wikipedia describes doers of it. (cfr. Rom 2,13) the Spanish, went along with Magellan. But Lapu Lapu, chief
Mt 13,1-9) that somehow so thoroughly that we would it, “it is important to effectively But we have to understand of the island of Mactan, refused. Magellan, who had experi-
encourages us, among other know how to pro- access, orga- well what the word of God re- ence as a soldier, decided to attack. On April 27, 1521, he and
things, to sow God’s word as claim God’s word nize, analyze, ally is. To be sure, God’s word a small Spanish force of 60 armed men and 20 to 30 native
abundantly as possible should in ways that can evaluate and is not just any word. Neither is allies attempted an amphibious invasion at dawn.
give us the reason to be active- be adapted to dif- create messages God’s word just a brilliant idea, a As Bergreen notes, Magellan assumed that his superior
ly involved in spreading God’s ferent kinds of in a variety of practical doctrine, and effective technology—muskets and armor—would overcome the in-
word in the digital world which people—the young forms.” Let’s try ideology. It’s not just a strategy, a digenous people armed with wooden spears. That proved to
is now the new Areopagus. and old, the intel- to be techie as culture or a lifestyle. be a fatal miscalculation.
We, of course, have to take lectuals and man- much as possi- God’s word, of course, can In Pigafetta’s account, the invasion force’s boats couldn’t
the necessary precautions, since ual workers, etc. ble. involve all these. But unless we get too close to shore because of rocks in the water, which
we all know that things can be As St. Paul once Wikipedia understand that God’s word is forced Magellan’s men to jump into the water and try to
very toxic in that field. If we are said, we have to continues: “In- Christ himself, the second per- wade to land.
not careful, we can easily get learn how to be all formation and son of the Blessed Trinity, the More than 1,500 warriors awaited them. Magellan’s mus-
perfect image and word that
trapped in its worldly logic and
lead us to fall into sheer but de-
things to all men.
(cfr. 1 Cor 9,22)
Fr. Roy Cimagala media literacy
enables people the one God has of his own self,
keteers and crossbow archers fired on the defenders, but in
the chaos, they weren’t able to hit them.
structive self-indulgence. But
it should not be for this reason
This is,
course, a challeng-
ofREFLECTIONS to interpret and
make informed
we will miss the real essence
and character of God’s word.
“So many were the spears and stones that they hurled at
us, that we could offer no resistance,” Pigafetta wrote.
that we should stay away from ing task but it is all judgments as It’s this word that would bring Magellan himself was shot through the leg with a
it. worth it. We just have to be spir- users of information and media, us to the fullness of our hu- poisoned arrow and had his helmet knocked off by at-
Truth is the digital world is itually strong so we can tackle as well as to become skillful cre- manity. tackers.
in great need to be humanized the new and tricky demands of ators and producers of informa- Thus, considering what God’s He fought hard to survive, until a warrior slashed him in
and Christianized. As can easi- this task. For one, we have to tion and media messages in their word is and how we are with re- the leg with a cutlass, and he fell, allowing others to swarm
ly be seen, it is drifting in every know how to be so creative in own right.” spect to God’s word, we can nev- over Magellan and hack and stab him to death.
which way. And God’s word presenting things as to engage To be experts in proclaiming er say enough in proclaiming it.
is an indispensable element in the people in the digital world in God’s word in the digital world, We may appear to be saying the -o0o-
giving it proper direction and an effective way. we have to realize that not only same things, but we can always Only one of Magellan’s ships and 18 sailors made it back.
sense of purpose. To carry out Thus, we need to be informa- should we study it. We should do that in different ways. The Spanish suffered so many casualties that they had to
this duty, we obviously need to tion-and-media literate so we live it as consistently as possible. Email: roycimagala@gmail. abandon another of their ships, the Concepción, because they
be adequately prepared. can understand, inquire, create, We should not be hearers on com didn’t have enough men left to sail it. The two remaining
vessels eventually made it to the Spice Islands in November
1521.
Beyond the bend... from p.4
One of the two remaining ships, the Trinidad, was in
disrepair and stayed behind for an overhaul. It was lat-
Sadly, the speech delivered by Presi- lic was a palpable collective sigh of “Same we endure every fourth Monday of July? er captured by the Portuguese and eventually sank in a
dent Bongbong Marcos last July 24 was old, same old.” Are we happy to just gawk at the specta- storm. That left only the Victoria to sail around Africa’s
not a SONA, as intended by the constitu- Indeed, far from being a sacrosanct con- cle that is the yearly parade of wannabe Cape Horn and head back along the west coast of Africa
tion. As he himself promised, the address stitutional celebration, the SONA has been models and artistas amongst our political toward Europe.
he gave was essentially a highlight reel of used by our political elites as a stage to show- class? Do we just accept the long-winded On September 6, 1522, the Victoria reached the same
the past year for his administration. There case their latest fashion statements. Instead self-promoting narration of our President Spanish harbor from which it had departed three years
was a feeble attempt to charge Congress of projecting the seriousness of this momen- as the “tradition”? before. As Bergreen describes in his book, the Victoria’s
with the task of contributing to his agenda tous gathering of our political leaders, the Personally, I would say no. Absolutely tattered sails and battered, sun-bleached hull were evi-
for the year ahead, through a laundry list attention has been on who wears what and not. It would be best for us regular folks, to dence of the ordeal it had survived. Just 18 sailors out of
of priority bills. why. And it is just a pity that media has de- push harder in making sure the true pur- the original 260 were left, and they were so weak from
The speech we heard was obviously cided to oblige this anomaly through their pose of the SONA is met by every sitting malnutrition and exposure that they had trouble walking
crafted as a “feel-good” sermon, but the catch “red carpet coverage” of the SONA. Some President. The fashion show we can proba- or speaking.
is, only the President and his supporters will media personalities have even joined this bly tolerate from time to time, but we must The survivors did manage to bring back a load of spices,
likely feel good about it. Even non-partisan charade altogether. really insist that the Chief Executive be it was obvious that Magellan’s notion of establishing a west-
observers were left scrambling for his coher- So, we must ask ourselves, do we still more loyal to the constitutional rationale of ward route to Asia was too slow, costly and downright dan-
ent roadmap for the next 12 months. Perus- want a SONA, the true SONA as intended the SONA. For starters, he should check out gerous to be practical.
ing the social media scape after its delivery, by the 1987 Constitution? Or are we con- the Official Gazette website. We probably (The author, who is now based in New York City, used to be
the dominant reaction from the online pub- tent with this glorified campaign rally that should as well. the editor of two daily newspapers in Iloilo.—Ed)
 NEDA
reaffirms 6
commitment
to sustain
PH high
growth
momentum
The National Economic and
Development Authority
(NEDA) reaffirmed its commit-
ment to sustain the country’s
high growth momentum, im-
proving labor market condi-
tions, and ongoing downtrend
of inflation, during the 2023
Post-State of the Nation Ad-
dress (SONA) Philippine Eco-
nomic Briefing at the Philip-
pine International Convention
Center on July 25, 2023.
Through a whole-of-gov-
ernment and whole-of-society
approach, President Ferdinand
R. Marcos Jr’s Administration,
in its first year in office, has
made significant strides in lead-
ing the country to achieve a ro-
bust post-pandemic economic
recovery with gross domestic
product (GDP) growth averag-
ing 7.6% in 2022 and 6.4% in
the first quarter of 2023.
“To improve our economy’s
competitiveness and signal our
country’s openness to business,
the government worked to
create an investment-friend-
ly policy environment,” said
NEDA Secretary Arsenio M.
Balisacan.
The NEDA Secretary ex-
pounded that this environ-
ment was supported by the
issuance of the implementing
rules and regulations (IRR) of
the amended Public Service
Act, the revised IRR of the
Build-Operate-Transfer Law,
and the amended Joint Ven-
ture Guidelines of NEDA.
Wednesday, July 26, 2023
BUSINESS
CEB Chief Strategy Officer Alex Reyes (left) poses for a photo with Chris Wei, South Pole Senior Business
Development Associate for Asia, as the two organizations partner up to help the airline achieve its climate goals.
Cebu Pacific sets out
on a journey toward
its climate ambition    
Cebu Pacific (PSE: CEB), the Philippines’ leading airline, is part-
nering with South Pole to establish its climate strategy that will
further strengthen CEB’s commitment to environmental stew-
ardship. South Pole is a leading climate company that develops
projects and solutions needed to enable everyone, everywhere,
to make an impact on climate change.
In 2022, the International Civil Aviation Organization adopted
a long-term global aspirational goal of net-zero carbon emissions
by 2050 in support of the United Nations Framework Convention
on Climate Change. A year earlier, the International Air Transport
Association (IATA) declared its “Fly Net Zero” commitment to
achieve net zero carbon by 2050.
“Cebu Pacific supports global aviation’s goal of achieving
net-zero carbon emissions by 2050. With South Pole’s guidance
and expertise, we will develop a robust plan of action to prioritize
interventions for emission hotspots in our operations. This road-
map will consider and fuse together the tangible initiatives that
we have already put in place, as well as plans that will contribute
towards our aspirations of meeting aviation’s net-zero commit-
ment,” said Mike Szucs, Cebu Pacific’s Chief Executive Officer.
The engagement with South Pole involves CEB going through
the rigorous process of understanding the greenhouse gas (GHG)
emissions generated from its operations towards setting its near-
term and long-term emission reduction pathways. This roadmap
will build into CEB’s current decarbonization strategy, which in-
cludes its fleet modernization program, fuel efficiency measures,
successful integration of sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) into its
operations, transition to electric vehicles, and tapping renewable
energy, among others.
“CEB has been monitoring and reporting its Scope 1 and 2 GHG
emissions since 2018. But as with other companies, Scope 3 emis-
sions are a blind spot for Cebu Pacific, and we recognize the com-
plexities in accounting for these emissions. To set a credible emis-
sions reduction pathway, it is essential to have a comprehensive
validation of our material emissions. Hence, we are tapping into
South Pole’s climate expertise in this area,” said Alex Reyes, Chief
Strategy Officer, who also leads sustainability in Cebu Pacific.

Pag-IBIG Fund posts record high

P20.61B income in H1 2023, up 11%
Pag-IBIG Fund netted a record high
income of P20.61 billion in the first
half of 2023, the agency’s top execu-
tives announced on July 20, 2023.
From January to June, Pag-IBIG
Fund’s gross income reached P35.03
billion, while net income amounted to
P20.61 billion.
Compared to the same period last
year, gross income grew by 12% or
P3.80 billion while net income in-
creased 11% or P2.05 billion, driven
mainly by earnings from its housing
and short-term (cash) loans, and in-
vestment portfolios.
“I am happy to report that Pag-
IBIG Fund’s performance this year
remains strong. Our P20.61 billion
net income during the first half of
the year is the highest for any Jan-
uary to June period in our history.
Our performance shows how excel-
lently we are managing the funds
that our members have saved with
us. With our strong fiscal standing,
we remain in a strong position to
finance more homes under the Pam-
bansang Pabahay para sa Pilipino or
4PH Program, in line with the direc-
tive of President Ferdinand Marcos,
Jr under the Bagong Pilipinas Cam-
paign to help more Filipinos have
better and more dignified lives,” said
Secretary Jose Rizalino L. Acuzar of
the Department of Human Settle-
ments and Urban Development (DH-
SUD), who serves as chairperson of
the 11-member Pag-IBIG Fund Board
of Trustees.
He also added that as of June, the
agency’s total assets have already
reached P873.15 billion, a 6% or P45.75
billion growth from the yearend 2022
level of P827.40 billion.
Pag-IBIG Fund Chief Executive
Officer Marilene C. Acosta, mean-
while, emphasized that the in-
crease in net income shall redound
to the benefit of its members. She
noted that under its charter, Pag-
IBIG Fund is mandated to return at
least 70% of its annual net income
to its members in the form of divi-
dends and returns, which are cred-
ited to their savings.
“Pag-IBIG Fund is owned wholly
by its members - the Filipino workers.
That is why as administrators of the
Fund, it is our responsibility to man-
age their contributions wisely and ex-
cellently. With our second half projec-
tions on our loan releases, collections
and performing loans ratio high, we
are optimistic that we can maintain
our financial performance and pro-
vide Filipino workers the best returns
on their savings as well as the means
to acquire their own homes through
our affordable home financing,” Acos-
ta said.

NGCP commits to
PBBM’s call to deliver
transmission projects
The National Grid Corporation of the Philippines (NGCP) has
committed to expedite the completion of critical transmission
projects across the country after President Ferdinand R. Marcos
Jr. has called out NGCP for its delayed projects in his second State
of the Nation Address (SONA).
“The NGCP pledged its commitment to President Ferdinand R.
Marcos Jr.’s 2023 energy initiatives. NGCP vows to concentrate all
available resources toward the completion of ongoing transmis-
sion projects while expediting others in the pipeline,” the NGCP

DOLE keeps the potters’ wheel turning

said in a statement.
During his SONA Monday, Marcos cited an Energy Regulatory
Commission’s report that the NGCP has 68 delayed projects, with
special mention to deliver the Mindanao-Visayas Interconnection
Project (MVIP) and the Stage 3 of the Cebu-Negros-Panay Inter-
connection Project (CNP3).
The NGCP said these two projects are also its top priorities.
“Both of these crucial projects have been partially energized,
with the MVIP on track to be fully energized to 450 MW (mega-
watts) by the third quarter of this year,” it said.
The system operator also called on local government units
(LGUs) for a timely granting of relevant permits for these projects
and to provide necessary assistance in addressing right-of-way
issues that have hindered the smooth implementation of the said
projects.
NGCP/p11
NGCP /p11
For the residents of Barangay Bari, Siba-
lom, Antique, pot making is an art that
delights them, a source of living that sus-
tains them from time immemorial and
an enduring “passion” that was handed
down from their ancestors.
A potters or “maninihon” in local term,
would collect clay from the fields near
Sibalom River, knead it and mold it at
home using the “potters” wheel and other
traditional equipment.
However, their ageing old-style equip-
ment was not as effective as it were before,
thus, the number of production dwindled
and the income was affected. The tradi-
tional way of pottery making is laborious
and time consuming yet the product could
hardly compete in the national market.
To keep the potter’s wheel turning, the
Department of Labor and Employment
(DOLE)-RO 6 through its Antique Field
Office provided a P498,544 financial as-
sistance to 26 “maninihons” to purchase
1-unit kneader, 26 pieces banding wheels
and 1 bag of plaster of paris.
The assistance will complement the
existing kiln and other machineries in the
University of Antique (UA) which is the
accredited co-partner of the project and
the home of the pot makers’ association.
Atty. Sixto T. Rodriguez Jr., DOLE RO6
regional director, said the provision of ad-
ditional tools, equipment and materials
will inspire the potters and improve their
production.
DOLE/p11
DOLE /p11
 BUSINESS Wednesday, July 26, 2023 7

MORE THAN AN E-WALLET

GCash equips MSMEs to thrive in the digital economy

GCash, the Philippines’ number one
financial super app, empowers mi-
cro, small, and medium enterprises
(MSMEs) to take on opportunities and
navigate through the digital econo-
my through its fintech solutions.
“This MSME month, GCash under-
scores its key role in helping business-
es in the country level up through
our extensive suite of digital finan-
cial services. From affordable lend-
ing for business expansion; business
insurance to protect their assets and
operations; as well as cashless trans-
action tools to help them reach more
customers – GCash is evolving to be-
coming more than an e-wallet,” said
Ren-Ren Reyes, President and CEO of
G-Xchange, Inc. (GXI), the mobile wal-
let operator of GCash.
GCash offers GLoan which pro-
vides instant cash loans to kickstart
business goals; and GInsure, through
Negosyo Insure of its partner, Malay-
an Insurance, to protect hard-earned
investments. Business owners can
also enjoy seamless payment experi-
ences with Scan-To-Pay, enabling easy
QR code payments offline.
Easy access to loans
for entrepreneurs
GLoan boasts of an easy applica-
tion process as it considers users’ in-
app behavior to provide them with
pre-approved loans. Eligible users can
easily access GLoan and use the funds
to start or expand their business.
35% of GCash’s borrower base are busi-
ness owners and it’s looking at providing 1.5
million more informal sellers with lending
solutions to help grow their business.
Business Protection made
affordable and accessible
GCash also understands that start-
ing businesses may be risky, that is
why the super app has made avail-
able, via GInsure, Negosyo Insure,
underwritten by Malayan Insurance
and powered by Igloo. For as low as
PHP525 per year, MSMEs can be as-
sured of secure and insured business
operations for accidents that may
happen to them, their property, and
even their money.
GInsure can easily be accessed
through the GCash app, with minimal
requirements and steps for processing.
Additional income made
easy via GCash PO
GCash has also created a way for sa-
ri-sari store owners to grow their busi-
ness by earning as much as Php 50,000
per month, through commissions or
bonuses earned as a GCash Pera Out-
let (PO). This not only enables small
businesses to grow, but also helps locals
have a convenient one-stop-shop in
their communities so they may avail of
GCash’s services such as Cash In, Cash
Out, Pay Bills, and Send Money.
Signing up for this has been made
simple in the GCash app - all one has to
do is click “GCash PO” under business
services on the GCash dashboard, fill
up the application form and submit
along with business registration. Ap-
proval will be released within five (5)
to seven (7) business days.
“In line with our mission to achieve
‘Finance for All’, we make sure we are
able to pave the way for our MSMEs to
meet their business goals. To date, we
are empowering 845,000 small-scale
community merchants from pub-
lic market vendors, to sari-sari store
owners, and tricycle driver associa-
tions,” added Reyes.

BSP chief
cites gains
DTI issues the Gabay sa
from
banking Pamimili ng School Supplies
sector With the upcoming school year just around the cor-
ner, the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) re-
by issuing the price guide for school supplies.
The price guide includes specific brands of note-
ons with eight (8) colors for as low as PHP 12.00 to as
high as PHP34.00. A 12-color pack costs PHP32.00,

reforms leases the Gabay sa Pamimili ng School Supplies to as-

Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas
(BSP) Governor Eli Remolona
Jr. on Tuesday underscored
the importance of sustained
policy improvement for the
banking sector and its gains
especially during the pandem-
ic.
In a recorded message for
the post-State of the Nation
Address (SONA) Philippine
Economic Briefing at the Phil-
ippine International Conven-
tion Center (PICC) in Pasay City
on Tuesday, Remolona said the
economy registered a strong re-
bound from the virus-induced
pandemic partly because of the
strong banking system.
“Unlike in previous crises,
our banks formed part of the
solution rather than part of the
problem. This is, in part, due to
our work in ensuring financial
stability,” he said.
Among the improvements
that helped strengthen the do-
mestic banking system include
the increase in bank’s capital-
ization as well as the changes
in the capital ratios.
During the pandemic, the
BSP also allowed banks’ bor-
rowings to micro, small and
medium enterprises (MSMEs)
as alternative compliance to
reserve requirement (RR) to
boost economic activities and
buoy domestic growth.
While various measures are
being implemented to help lift the
economy after a slump, inflation,
both here and overseas, ham-
pered the moves that will allow
faster economic recovery. (PNA)
sist consumers in their purchase of school items. The
Price Act (RA7581) classifies school supplies as Prime
Commodities.
After two years of using various learning modali-
ties, schools began conducting face-to-face classes last
year while President Ferdinand Marcos, Jr. recently
lifted the State of Public Health Emergency nation-
wide.
As the school year 2023-2024 starts on August 29,
the Department reaffirms its support for the Depart-
ment of Education’s (DepEd) Balik Eskwela program
A woman begs for alms next to children sleeping on a market area on a cold day in Kabul on January 19, 2022.
(Mohd Rasfan/AFP)
books (composition, spiral, and writing), pad paper
(Grades 1-4 and intermediate), pencils, ballpoint pens,
crayons, erasers, sharpeners, and rulers.
while the price of a 16-color pack varies from PHP
24.00 to PHP 69.00.
Meanwhile, an eraser at small, medium, and large
As of July 2023, notebook prices range from PHP sizes, has a price range from PHP4.50 to PHP20.00.
23.00 to PHP 52.00, while Grades 1-4 pad paper pric- Sharpeners and rulers are priced at PHP18.00 –
es vary from PHP 21.00 to PHP 28.00. Intermediate PHP69.00 and PHP22.00 – PHP27.75.00, respectively.
pad paper, on the other hand, costs from PHP 31.00 to “While prices of some products have remained
PHP48.75.00. unaffected by recent market trends, other school
Prices of writing materials such as pencils and ball- supplies saw price increases. This is primarily due to
point pens range from PHP 11.00 to PHP 17.00, and increased global cost of basic raw materials,” says DTI
from PHP9.75 to PHP 19.00, respectively. Depending Consumer Protection Group (CPG) Undersecretary,
on the brand, consumers may purchase a box of cray- Atty. Ruth B. Castelo.
UN talks seek to
fix ‘broken’ global
food system
ROME — A three-day United Nations summit opened in Rome
on Monday aimed at tackling a “broken” global food system
where millions are starving, two billion are overweight or obese
and the planet is suffering.
The food systems summit comes amid growing food insecuri-
ty around the world, with UN agencies warning of an increasing
number of people suffering from chronic hunger.
“In a world of plenty, it is outrageous that people continue to
suffer and die from hunger,” UN Secretary-General Antonio Gu-
terres said at the opening of the meeting.
“Global food systems are broken—and billions of people are
paying the price.”
More than 780 million people go hungry around the globe,
even as nearly one-third of the world’s food is wasted or lost, he
said.
And while 462 million people are underweight, two billion are
overweight or obese, he added.
The summit brings together representatives from the UN’s
three food agencies headquartered in Rome—the Food and Ag-
riculture Organization (FAO), the International Fund for Agri-
cultural Development (IFAD) and the World Food Programme
(WFP)—alongside heads of states, government representatives
and delegates.
8 Wednesday, July 26, 2023
Sustainability 2.0: Coding the
World that Will Remake Itself
The Nanyang Academy of
Fine Arts (NAFA) presents
Southeast Asian Arts Forum
2023: Sustainability 2.0: Cod-
ing The World That Will Re-
make Itself, a two-day hybrid
forum hosting livestreamed
presentations, performances,
and dialogues. The Forum is a
continuation from last year’s
sustainability-centred theme,
“Imperishable: Sustainable.
Arts. Together.” which saw
over 300 online and in-per-
son attendees over the two
days. Against the backdrop of
deepening social and environ-
mental issues, this year’s edi-
tion continues to inspire and
highlight creative practices
aimed at attaining harmony
Orang Asli, commonly known as indigenous people, perform the symbolic
between humans and our sur-
healing ritual of Sewang.
rounding ecology.
The Southeast Asian Arts
Forum aims to forge and nur-
ture connections through fa-
cilitating critical discourse on
practice, politics, and educa-
tion of creative arts. Organised
by the Institute of Southeast
Asian Arts (ISEAA) at NAFA,
this fourth edition of the Fo-
rum will see 11 regional artists,
designers, artisans, and schol-
ars from a gamut of creative
and academic disciplines, gath-
er at the academy to speak on
Sustainability/p10
Advancing circular economy on recyclable
plastics through community-based efforts
Three years ago, Coca-Cola Philippines
and Plastic Bank Philippines made a pact
to support a circular economy in the Phil-
ippines by creating the Ecosystem Impact
Program, an initiative that builds collec-
tion and recycling systems in communi-
ties to prevent plastic bottles from ending
up in places where they should not be—
including our rivers, oceans, and land-
fills—while at the same time, empowering
workers in the solid waste management
sector.
Since then, their efforts have resulted
in the collection of more than 8.7 million
bottles for recycling and the activation of
33 waste collection centers across Cavite
and Laguna, many of which are located in
coastal communities. Through the support
of Coca-Cola Philippines, the Plastic Bank
ecosystem now has 600 waste collection
members, equipped with tools and equip-
ment for efficient waste collection, finan-
cial and business literacy, operations man-
agement, and health and sanitation.
The partnership is aligned with The
Coca-Cola Company’s World Without
Waste global sustainable packaging strat-
egy, whereby the company aims to make
100% of its packaging recyclable globally
by 2025, use at least 50% recycled plastic
in its packaging by 2030, help collect the
equivalent of every can and bottle it sells
by 2030, and bring people together to sup-
FEATURES
SOUTHEAST ASIAN ARTS FORUM 2023:
port a healthy, debris-free environment.
Empowering waste collectors as
ocean defenders
Coca-Cola Philippines recognizes the
role that waste collection locations play
as part of the “backbone” of solid waste
management in the country. “Through
these high-profile waste collection loca-
tions, many consumers are encouraged
to segregate their waste and recycle,” said
Atty. Cashmer Dirampaten, Public Affairs,
Communications, and Sustainability Di-
rector, East Region of Coca-Cola ASEAN &
South Pacific East Operating Unit. “They
encourage consumers to bring recyclable
plastic bottles to waste collection locations
so those can be reused, instead of being
thrown away and ending up in places
where they should not be.”
Guido Sarreal, Plastic Bank Regional HR
Business Partner for the Asia-Pacific Re-
gion, acknowledges Coca-Cola Philippines
for its continuous support to the Plastic
Bank Ecosystem and its waste collection
members. “We are very honored and
privileged to have an organization like Co-
ca-Cola Philippines that is sincere in their
efforts in helping drive a circular economy
for plastic packaging, and in helping our
partners and collectors increase their ca-
pacity, capability, and ability to thrive and
to support their families,” Sarreal said.
A snippet from Avashesh by Shuchita Kapur
Latest performance by Flying Balloons Puppet, SOSI: Pieces of Reminis-
cence, explores relations between puppet, object, and actor.
Sarreal emphasized that Plastic Bank
has found a real partner in Coca-Cola Phil-
ippines as they share a common goal to
prevent plastics from reaching the ocean
and uplift the lives of people who collect
them. “We call waste pickers and collec-
tors “frontliners” because they are among
the first lines of defense that protect our
oceans from plastic waste.”
Helping waste collectors grow
their businesses
In Santa Rosa, Laguna, Roberto Papa-
gayo, owner of Papagayo Junkshop, started
his business in 2005. He got the idea of en-
tering the waste collection business from
his father-in-law, a bottle picker. Their
family saw significant economic value in
waste collection and built their enterprise
with only Php 3,000 as capital. Their busi-
ness started booming within the first year
and like any other business, they aspired to
continue to grow, which led them to join
the Ecosystem Impact Program.
Joel Papagayo in his junkshop
In just six months of partnership, Papa-
gayo Junkshop saw an increase in profit,
thanks to the Plastic Bank App that helps
users–waste collectors and pickers–earn
rewards for bottles collected and recycled,
monitor plastic collection and recycling
Advancing/p10
KWF,
Puspusan ang
paghahanda
sa Pagdiriwang
ng Buwan ng
Wika 2023!
Puspusan ang paghahanda ng
Komisyon sa Wikang Filipi-
no (KWF) sa pagdiriwang ng
Buwan ng Wikang Pambansa
2023 na may temang “Filipi-
no at mga Katutubong Wika:
Wika ng Kapayapaan, Seguri-
dad, at Ingklusibong Pagpapa-
tupad ng Katarungang Panli-
punan.”
Tampok din sa selebrasyon
ang lingguhang tema na Pagk-
ilala at Pagtaguyod sa Filipino
Sign Language (FSL) bilang
Pambansang Wikang Senyas
ng Pilipinas (1–5 Agosto); Mga
Wikang Katutubo: Midyum
ng Pagtuturo, Pananaliksik, at
Pagkakaisa (7–12 Agosto); Mga
Wikang Katutubo: Kasangka-
pan ng Siyensiya at Teknolohi-
ya tungo sa Maunlad na Ban-
sang Pilipinas (14–19 Agosto);
Mga Wikang Katutubo: Pam-
bansang Pag-uswag at Pakiki-
pagkapuwa sa Pagpapaunlad
ng Katarungang Panlipunan
(21–26 Agosto); at Wikang Fil-
ipino: Wikang Mapagbangon
(21–26 Agosto).
Ang mga layunin ng pag-
diriwang ay ganap na mai-
KWF/p10
KWF/p10
COMCO Mundo
unveils the
much-awaited
‘UNMASKED: The
COMCO Mundo Write
to Ignite Season 3’
Coming from the success of the first two seasons of its “Write to
Ignite”, COMCO Mundo League of Enterprises proudly announc-
es its much-awaited third season this 2023.
COMCO Mundo League of Enterprises is bringing back its
Write to Ignite for its third season with the theme “UNMASKED”.
Over the course of two seasons, Write to Ignite has
brought together bloggers, content creators and storytellers
from all over the Philippines to share their stories, connect
to people, and inspire the nation. And for season 3, it is time
to tell and unmask the stories of others they have been long-
ing to share.
“UNMASKED: The COMCO Mundo Write to Ignite Season 3”
aims to explore how each mask is a person brimming with hope
and wonders to share with others, as well as why it is important
to tell their inspiring journeys in life.
Once again, Filipino bloggers, content creators and storytellers
are invited to join by simply doing their dream interview with
people and sharing their inspiring stories that need to be heard.
Participants have the freedom on who they interview, from sim-
ple people to high profile personalities as long as they agree to be
part of the project.
Entrants must share the blog or story on their Facebook ac-
count and Facebook page. Include a short caption, tag COMCO
Mundo League of Enterprises’ official Facebook page, and use the
hashtags #COMCOMundoWriteToIgniteSeason3 #UNMASKED
and #MeaningfulStorytelling. Make sure that the post is set to
public.
To register, participating bloggers need to e-mail their blog
entry to COMCO Mundo at headquarters@comcomundo.com
with the following details: full name, e-mail address, mailing
address, contact number, link of the Facebook share/ post
about the blog, and Title/ URL of the blog entry. Deadline of
publishing of the blog post and submission is on July 30, 2023,
11:59PM.
By submitting their entry, the participating bloggers confirm
that they already secured permission from their respective inter-
viewee(s) as a featured subject.
Criteria will be based on Writing / Creativity (70%), Use of
Media (Photos / Videos / Music / Graphics, 25%), and Engagement
(Positive Comments on the Blog, 5%).
 CLASSIFIED ADS Wednesday, July 26, 2023 9

For deliveries call: 320-1336

#39 Lopez Jaena St., Lapaz, Iloilo City
10 Wednesday, July 26, 2023
Sustainability... from p.8
PHL... from p.12
With the historic victory, the Filipina fluid attack. That moment will then be spoiled after
the concept of sustainable consumption and production. booters just improved to third place in However, the PHL shocked the whole 20 seconds as the match officials ruled it as
With a diverse representation of artists and speakers from
Group A after receiving three points off a Wellington Stadium after the Bolden se- an offside, saving a point for the PHL while
countries such as Singapore, Indonesia, Malaysia, the Philippines,
Thailand, and Vietnam; the Forum highlights artistic practices win. quence at the 20th-minute mark of the still leading by 1-0.
metaphorising an algorithm which subconsciously codes a new It was a high-octane tempo for both match. New Zealand desperately needed a goal
pattern of behaviour. A key speaker includes Vietnamese art squads as New Zealand quickly estab- After the Bolden conversion, New Zea- to tie the match up. Despite numerous at-
practitioner KieuAnh Nguyen from Ba-Bau Art Collective, touch- lished momentum when they got tons of land continued its hounding pressure and tempts to find the back of the net, the host
ing on their work, On the possessions to draw first blood. attacked every opportunity they got. nation still couldn’t put the ball in PHL’s
(non)physicality of space that discuss the possibilities of creat-
Team PHL responded with a huge de- A near excitement then filled the host post and could only watch the first-timers
ing spaces as platforms beyond the constraints of physical spaces.
Malaysian-based writer and researcher, Wen Di Sia, will be fensive hold as their quick reactions every nation after an initial goal was scored with cement their name in the history books of
sharing about the indigenous arts and culture, particularly in time New Zealand ran their sets led to sev- only 20 minutes remaining in the game, the FIFA World Cup.
topics such as indigenous knowledge, cosmologies, and eco-crit- eral deflections that disrupted the latter’s equalizing the match at 1-all. Mabuhay kayo, mga atletang Pilipina!
ical thoughts in Rivers, Rituals, and Ruai: A Cosmology of Care.

Joshua...
Understanding humanity’s relationships with nature, Wen refer-
ences the rich system of beliefs, practices and traditions upheld by from p.12
The Semais, one of Malaysia’s largest Indigenous groups and how
2023. The former guard of Emilio three rebounds. Known to be a savvy scorer
the connection to their ancestral lands’ ecosystem and environ-
ment imparts a valuable lesson in temperance and moderation. “Joshua Torralba is taking Aguinaldo College (EAC) and During the last PBA confer- who likes to pick his spots in the
NAFA student and creative practioner Shuchita Kapur, will his talents to play for the Goy- the De La Salle University ence, Torralba scored a total of perimeter, Torralba will be a huge
take the audience on a journey into the subconscious, inspired by ang Sono Sky Gunners in the (DLSU) Green Archers still 31 points coming off the bench addition to the Sky Gunners as his
Hindu practices. Facilitating a conversation between the subcon- KBL,” Espiritu wrote. managed to show up for Black- for the Blackwater franchise. offensive versatility will be an as-
scious and materials that comes from the earth, incense – Shuchi-
Torralba was a 15th overall water during the ongoing PBA His breakout game was set on the international scene.
ta created a ritual of her own to form symbols representative of
her dreams. Avashesh welcomes viewers to peek into the artist’s pick by the Bossing during the On Tour Preseason games. against the powerhouse San Torralba will now join his
subconscious as they lay down and ponder their own. 2021 PBA Rookie Draft but Torralba was able to play for Miguel Beermen team when fellow Filipino Asian imports
Inspired by the interaction of the Pemali River and humans, failed to show off as the squad two games wearing the black he scored 11 markers built from Rhenz Abando, Dave Ildefonso,
Indonesian puppet theatre company, Flying Balloons Puppet, in- didn’t make the playoffs in con- and red jersey of the Bossing a perfect 2/2 shooting from the SJ Belangel, and Ethan Alvano
terprets the complex relationship into a theater performance of secutive conferences. and averaged 6.5 points and three-point line. in Korea.
objects and bodies. Jala Lan Jana: The Everlasting Dance explores
the inseparable demands of modernity as well as the intense cul-
ture of consumerism and hopes for the audience to consider a fu-
ture where humans are not the exclusive focus of existence.
Advancing... from p.8
processes, deliver plastic credit programs, ambak lang. Pero ngayon, mas madali na they earn from segregating waste, many of
Join us at the Southeast Asian Arts Forum 2023. We welcome
and produce audit-ready impact reporting. mag-monitor ng transactions (I used to be our residents are encouraged to clean their
you to participate in this assembly for artists and educators – join
“Naging masipag ang mga magbobo- confused and overwhelmed by the quan- surroundings. They realize that it is a more
us online, or via small live audience groups at NAFA. Participants
te namin sa pagbebenta dahil mayroon tity of waste collected. But now, recording productive use of their time).”
are to register their interest at https://seaartforum.nafa.edu.sg/.
silang natatanggap na incentives. Dahil and monitoring transactions have become Papagayo does the same thing. “Si-
dito, mas dumadami ang nakokolektang easier).” nasabihan ko ang mga nakakausap ko na

KWF...
bote at mas lumalaki ang kita (We noticed
from p.8 that our waste pickers have become more
patupad ang Pampanguluhang Proklamasyon Blg. 1041; maiangat hardworking and reliable partly because
ang kamalayan ng mga mámamayáng Pilipino ukol sa wika at ka- of the incentives they get from the pro-
saysayan nitó; mahikayat ang iba’t ibang ahensiyang pampáma- gram, resulting in increased plastic bottle
collection and sales),” Papagayo said. Aside
halaán at pampribado na makiisa sa mga programang tulad nitó
from incentives, the program also provides
na nagpapataas ng kamalayang pangwika at sibiko; maganyak tools, equipment, and training for waste
ang mga mámamayáng Pilipino na pahalagahan ang mga wika ng collectors and pickers to help them be-
Pilipinas sa pamamagitan ng aktibong pakikilahok sa mga gawain come more efficient and productive.
kaugnay ng Buwan ng Wikang Pambansa; at maipakilala sa mga Papagayo added that the partnership
mámamayáng Pilipino ang KWF bílang ahensiya ng pámahalaán made their business more visible in their
community. “Proud ako na maging mem-
na nangangalaga sa mga wika ng Pilipinas sa pamamagitan ng
ber ng Coca-Cola Philippines at Plastic Bank
mga programang pangwika nitó. Ecosystem (I am proud to be a member of
Itatampok ng KWF ang iba’t ibang gawaing pangwika sa bu- Coca-Cola Philippines and Plastic Bank’s
wan ng Agosto kabilang ang serye ng webinar, tertulyang pang- ecosystem). Kapag nakikita ito ng mga tao,
wika mula sa iba’t ibang unibersidad sa buong bansa, mga timpal- nahihikayat silang magbenta sa amin (Peo-
ple who learn about that become more ea-
ak, paglulunsad ng mga aklat, at Araw ng Parangal.
Maglalabas ang KWF ng mga patalastas sa opisyal na FB page
ger to do business with us).”
The Llabres Junkshop in Laguna is also
ng ahensiya hinggil sa iba’t ibang gawaing pangwika na puwe- pleased with its decision to join the pro-
deng daluhan at makibahagi ang bawat Pilipino. gram because of the benefits to their busi-
Para sa iba pang detalye at impormasyon hinggil sa selebrasyon ay ness, particularly in streamlining opera-
maaaring makipag-ugnayan sa Sangay ng Edukasyon at Networking tions. Katherine Llabres and her husband,
Joel Llabres, have been running their busi-
(SEN) sa pamamagitan ng email sa timpalak.gawad@kwf.gov.ph.
ness for 10 years. They joined the Ecosys-
tem Impact Program in May 2022.
EXTRA JUDICIAL SETTLEMENT OF ESTATE OF
DECEASED PERSON
Notice is hereby given that the property of the late Spouses Katherine Llabres, co-owner of
Eduardo E. Belisario and Nellie Lauria Belisario known as parcel the Llabres Junkshop
of land with Transfer Cert. of Title No. T-120822 containing “Natutulungan ako ng program na i-mon-
an area of Two Hundred Forty (240) sq. meters, more or less; itor ang dami ng plastic bottles na nakolekta
situated in Poblacion of Leganes, Iloilo is subject of EXTRA namin at kung puwede na ba itong ibenta sa
JUDICIAL SETTLEMENT OF ESTATE OF DECEASED PERSON
recycling facilities (The program helps me
to their surviving heirs; do hereby Renounce, wave and forever
monitor the volume of plastic bottles col-
quitclaim their rights on the said property in favor of their co-
heir EVA NELDE BELISARIO JONES, legal age, Filipino and a lected and determine if it is large enough to
resident of #1687-G Dominguez St., Balic-Balic, Olongapo City. be sold to recycling facilities),” Llabres said.
As per Doc. No. 46; Page No. II; Book No. V; Series of 2023; under “Dati, hindi ko agad nalalaman kung
Notary Public Noel Yabut Atienza. gaano na karami ang nakolekta, nakat-
Llabres also noticed that their site be-
came cleaner and more organized through
the help of the Ecosystem Impact Program.
“Binigyan nila kami ng jumbo bags para
doon ilagay mga nakolektang bote, para
hindi nakakalat (They gave us jumbo bags
where we stock our collections so that
they are not scattered around),” she said.
“Binigyan din nila kami ng digital na ki-
lohan. Mas gustong magbenta sa amin ng
mga tao ng kalakal mula noon kasi accurate
iyong digital, hindi sila nadadaya (They also
gave us a digital weighing scale that helps
us bring more customers. Since the weigh-
ing scale is digital and more accurate, our
customers are more confident that they
will receive a fair price in exchange for the
waste that they have collected).”
Inspiring collective action
towards plastic circularity
Papagayo and Llabres believe that waste
collection centers have an important role
in keeping communities safe from vari-
ous environmental and health risks. They
see the active involvement of community
members in waste collection and recycling
as crucial in ensuring sustainability.
For Llabres, providing economic oppor-
tunities helps spark action. “Sinasabihan ko
sila na linisin na nila ang mga bote at tang-
galan na ng label para mas malaki ang maku-
ha nila pag ibinenta (I advise waste pickers
and collectors to wash the plastic bottles
and remove the labels before selling them
to me so they can earn more money),” she
said. “Dahil kumikita sila sa pangangalakal,
naglilinis na sila ng paligid nila. Kaysa naman
iba ang ginagawa, namumulot na lang ng
sila ng mga bote, maiibenta pa nila (Because
kaysa itambak o itapon mga gamit nila,
ibenta na lang nila sa akin (I promote waste
segregation by telling people to sell things
that can be recycled instead of discarding
them),” he said.
“Nakatira kami sa coastal community
malapit sa Laguna de Bay. Maraming plastic
doon lalo na kapag umuulan at bumabaha.
Iyong mga basura, sa halip na nakatam-
bak doon, kinukuha ng mga nakatira doon
at ibinebenta sa amin, lalo na ‘yung plastic
bottles. Kumikita na sila, nalilinis pa ‘yung
dagat (We live in a coastal community
near Laguna de Bay. We find many plastics
there, especially when it rains and floods.
Residents prevent waste from accumulat-
ing in our shores and waters by collecting
and selling them to us. We all earn while
protecting our oceans).”
According to Sarreal, the Plastic Bank
Ecosystem collected 200 metric tons of
plastic waste in 2022, and they aim to dou-
ble the number this year. He emphasized
that collective participation driven by pos-
itive behavior change helps them achieve
these goals.
“When you hear waste collectors and
pickers talk about how they are part of
stopping ocean plastic, that’s a mindset
change. From only seeing the waste col-
lection as an income source to believing
that they are part of the solution against
the plastic problem shows great promise,”
he said.
For 2023, Coca-Cola Philippines aims to
further expand its over 2,000 communi-
ty-backed collection hubs nationwide and
strengthen collaborations with communi-
ties and like-minded organizations all over
the Philippines.

TECHOME CORPORATION 1688 HARDWARE, INC.

1688 Mall cor. Ledesma & Quezon St., Iloilo City 1688 Mall cor. Ledesma & Quezon St., Iloilo City

JOB VACANCY JOB VACANCY

No. Position Job Description Salary Range No. Position Job Description Salary Range

*Selling products and provide excellent services to customers *Responsible for monitoring stock levels
1 SALESMAN *Monitor stocks and products P 30,000 1 ASST. PIURCHASER *Identifying purchasing needs P 30,000
*Address customers complaints and achieve sales targets and good *Monitor and tracking order for the timely delivery
outcomes

Submit resume and application letter to 1688 HARDWARE, INC. at 1688 Mall cor. Ledesma & Quezon St., Iloilo City.
Submit resume and application letter to TECHOME CORPORATION at 1688 Mall cor. Ledesma & Quezon St., Iloilo City.

MALHI AND RAJBIR LENDING CORPORATION WD DRY GOODS STORE

Brgy. North Fundidor, Molo, Iloilo City San Miguel, Jordan, Guimaras

JOB VACANCY JOB VACANCY

No. Position Job Description Salary Range No. Position Job Description Salary Range

*Responsible for collection of payment from customers *Prepares purchase order

1 COLLECTOR *Keepinf customers payment record P 30,000 1 PURCHASING OFFICER *Responsible for purchasing monitoring P 30,000
*Responding to customers inquiries *Verifies and accomplishing purchasing task

Submit resume and application letter to MALHI AND RAJBIR LENDING CORPORATION at Brgy. North Fundidor, Molo, Iloilo City. Submit resume and application letter to WD DRY GOODS STORE at San Miguel, Jordan, Guimaras.
Funding... from p.1
Iringan in his message.
Coauthors Juco and Madd-
awin presented the study to
over 1,000 webinar partici-
pants from the government,
academe, civil society, private
sector, and the media.
“LGUs have varying needs
and priorities, so decentraliza-
tion may not be a one-size-fits-
all [strategy], and an asymmet-
ric approach may be beneficial.
A mechanism for data collec-
tion can help the government
evaluate the progress and ef-
fect of its decentralization ef-
forts,” Juco said.
She revealed that none of
the devolved functions are ex-
pected to be fully performed
by end-2024, emphasizing the
need for personnel training
and monitoring tools, among
others.
Webinar discussant and De-
partment of Budget and Man-
agement Systems and Produc-
tivity Improvement Bureau
Director John Aries Macaspac
pointed out that capacity de-
velopment interventions for
LGUs are necessary to imple-
ment the full devolution suc-
cessfully.
“The national government
has a role in providing tech-
nical and material assistance
to the less developed and per-
severing LGUs to facilitate
local autonomy. Policies and
guidelines for budget proposals
Two... from p.2
DEU-6 team leader, said Jane
and John arrived on board a
tricycle at their meeting place
at Barangay Sta. Cruz, Arevalo
at around 7:45 p.m. on Monday.
They came from a resort in
Arevalo and were asked by a
certain Dindo, Jane’s uncle, to
deliver the shabu to a buyer.
Soliman said Dindo was the
target of the operation.
“But he made his young
niece as his runner,” he said.
Soliman said, though, that
P704,480... from p.2
Station 8 and is considered a
high-value individual.
He said that someone was
just sending the contraband
to the suspect here, upon the
approval of his alleged contact
Guv... from p.3
further said.
Meanwhile, Negros Occi-
dental 5th District Rep. Dino
Yulo said he is elated about the
State of the Nation Address of
NGCP...
from p.6
“We reiterate our call for
what the President termed as a
‘cohesive, centralized, and sys-
tematic approach’ to planning,
including that for energy for
stability, resiliency, and inde-
pendence. We echo the Presi-
dent’s observation that while
the national goals are all with-
in reach, ‘this will require not
just the work of a single per-
son or a single branch of gov-
ernment nor even the whole
government acting alone, but
the collective efforts achieved
only by all Filipinos working
together’,” NGCP president and
chief executive officer Antho-
ny Almeda said.
DOLE... from p.6
Rodriguez said DOLE is
optimistic that the assistance
would raise the potters’ morale
and motivate them to produce
quality and marketable prod-
ucts for higher income.
Dr. Pablo S. Crespo, Jr.,
President of the University of
should prioritize capacity- and
competency-enhancing inter-
ventions for LGUs, including
training, technical assistance,
and additional financial sup-
port,” he said.
He added that strengthen-
ing the coordination between
the LGUs and national gov-
ernment agencies will help
“address [transition] difficulties
and maximize the use of re-
sources for smooth implemen-
tation”.
Beyond coordination,
CPBRD Director-General
Romulo Emmanuel Miral
suggested fostering a harmo-
nious relationship between
the national government
and LGUs.
“Autonomy alone does not
guarantee improved gover-
nance and service delivery.
National and subnational local
governments must forge a har-
monious relationship based on
a clear division of responsibil-
ities which, in turn, should be
made operational by adequate
funding, bureaucratic capaci-
ty, and use of credible, timely,
relevant, and consistent per-
formance indicators,” he ex-
plained.
House Committee on Local
Government Chairperson and
Negros Occidental Sixth Dis-
trict Representative Mercedes
Alvarez stressed the impor-
tance of public participation in
Jane is not at all innocent of
what she’s doing.
“She seemed to know
that she was carrying illegal
drugs. It also appeared that
she did it several times al-
ready,” he said.
Jane claimed that her uncle
had a previous drug arrest in
Dumangas, Iloilo but did not
elaborate on how he was freed
from detention.
The two minors were
turned over to the custody of
at the New Bilibid Prison in
Muntinlupa.
Meanwhile, three other
persons were also arrested in
separate drug bust operations
in the province, particular-
President Ferdinand Marcos
Jr., for a number of reasons:
-Prominently mentioned
was the Iloilo-Guimaras-Ne-
gros Bridge
The NGCP said that with
the increasing sources from
renewable energy (RE) in
the country’s power mix, it
“will draw on its strategic
partnership with the State
Grid Corporation of China
(SGCC).”
“Leveraging SGCC’s exper-
tise in renewable energy inte-
gration, NGCP hopes to bolster
its capabilities to hasten the
transition to renewable and
sustainable energy sources.
The collaboration with SGCC
allows NGCP to accommodate
the increasing adoption of re-
newable energy technologies
into the national grid,” the sys-
Antique and Mr. Nilo Gantos,
President of Bari Potters Asso-
ciation, expressed their appre-
ciation to DOLE for the finan-
cial assistance.
With updated and efficient
facility, potters can now pro-
duce better quality kalan/ ur-
ensuring the success of devolu-
tion and creating partnerships
between LGUs and academic
institutions for data collection
and research.
“It is important for the LGU
officials and employees to be
knowledgeable about their
current functions, the func-
tions that will be devolved, and
the national tax allotment of
their LGU. This can be done by
conducting seminars to inform
new barangay officials about
filling out the necessary DTP
forms and maximizing oppor-
tunities to collect baseline indi-
cators,” she remarked.
Union of Local Authorities
of the Philippines President
and Quirino Governor Dakila
Carlo Cua raised the impor-
tance of recognizing the LGUs’
unique needs and context and
learning from the lessons of
the health devolution in the
1990s.
“There is a need for a da-
ta-driven and scientific ap-
proach, where programs are
implemented based on the
data and unique circumstances
of each LGU. By allowing LGUs
to determine their path based
on their local contexts, a more
decentralized and responsive
governance framework can
be fostered, leading to more
effective outcomes and better
utilization of local resources,”
he stated.
the City Social Welfare and
Development Office.
Soliman said they are wait-
ing for the result of the deter-
mination of discernment from
the social worker assigned to
the teenagers’ case.
Once it is determined that
they acted with discern-
ment, a case for violation of
Republic Act 9165 (Compre-
hensive Dangerous Drugs
Act of 2002) would be filed
against them.
ly in the cities of Talisay and
Victorias, and the town of
Ilog.
A total of P106,080 worth of
suspected shabu were seized in
the said areas.
-The completion of the Vi-
sayan Grid Interconnection
-The proposed tax on Sug-
ar Sweetened was not men-
tioned.
tem operator added.
The NGCP said it also pri-
oritizes improving the disas-
ter-resilience of the grid in-
frastructure by upgrading its
equipment and manpower.
“We agree with the Presi-
dent’s sentiments. Even before
the SONA, NGCP has already
been working towards the
vision that he mentioned,” Al-
meda said. “After hearing it
straight from him—his vision
that is completely aligned with
ours—we know we are on the
right track and we’re more mo-
tivated to complete all our ob-
jectives in a prompt manner.”
(PNA)
ingan (stove), banga (jar), flow-
er pots, kuron (clay cooking
pots) and other clay wares in
varied sizes, textures and de-
signs as compared to clay prod-
ucts used by traditional potters
using smoke/open firing tech-
nique.
Media...
from p.1
the copies of the inventory and
be given a copy thereof…”.
Weighing in on the pros and
cons of having media person-
nel on their drug operations,
Police Lieutenant Colonel An-
tonio Benitez Jr. said he would
personally prefer not compel-
ling media personnel to wit-
ness drug inventories.
Benitez, the current chief
of the Iloilo City Police Office
(ICPO)’s City Drug Enforce-
ment Unit (CDEU) and City
Intelligence Unit, used to head
the Regional Police Drug En-
forcement Unit (RPDEU) 6 and
deputy chief of the Regional
Intelligence Division 6 (RID-6).
He was also assigned as chief
of police in Negros Occidental.
“We would have wanted
media to be present to witness
police operations because they
would stand to support our
statement,” he said.
Unfortunately, though,
there are reporters who fail to
attend court hearings.
Benitez said that it might
contribute to the case’s dis-
missal.
“We couldn’t compel them
to attend court hearings, es-
pecially if they are no longer
connected to any media orga-
nization or they have worked
abroad,” he said.
There is no law that impels
media personalities to attend
court hearings when they
stand as witnesses in drug in-
ventories, Benitez noted.
“And given that we don’t
have authority over them
or we couldn’t force them to
attend, it’s better that they
Bus... from p.1
cil (MIGEDC), disclosed that
the “MOA is currently up for
review” and the City Planning
Development Office has al-
ready initiated the planning
process for the project.
“As soon as the MOA is final-
ized, Mayor Treñas will coordi-
nate and ensure the member-
ship of the Technical Working
Group (TWG),” she added.
The TWG will be the core
group responsible for execut-
ing consultations, discussions,
and site visits to determine
suitable locations for the bus
system.
Thousands... from p.1
composed of 2,201 persons are
in various evacuation centers
as of 4 p.m., July 25.
According to Dr. Anna
Maria Laarni Pornan, CDRR-
MO head, severely affected by
flood were villages near bridg-
es such as Singcang-Airport
and Pahanocoy.
Also affected were Baran-
gays Taculing, Mansilingan,
Tangub, Cabug, Sum-ag, 27, 36,
31, 41, 35, 39, Alijis, Punta Tay-
tay, and 40.
Rescuers, along with oth-
er law enforcement agencies,
were deployed to conduct res-
cue operations in the affected
areas.
Neck-level flooding was
Ceneco... from p.3
protect CENCO, its employees
and consumers.”
“We believe in maintaining
harmonious or peaceful ne-
gotiations/relations in solving
grievances complaints, and
work-related issues, and con-
cluding the CBA negotiations
as soon as possible with guar-
anteed protection for all em-
ployees,” Cabardo added.
As regards the notice of
Wednesday, July 26, 2023
should not be made to witness
drug inventories,” he said.
On top of that, Benitez noted
that there are only a few media
personalities in Iloilo City who
are willing to stand as witness-
es in drug inventories.
He said that they have a
hard time looking for a media
witness if several police units
conduct drug operations at al-
most the same time.
But Benitez said he has no
opposition to letting media join
in their operations.
So far, though, he noted that
he has not handled any case
that was dismissed because of
the media’s absence in court
hearings.
Instead of media personali-
ties, Benitez would rather have
barangay officials stand as wit-
nesses since the Department
of the Interior and Local Gov-
ernment (DILG) could compel
them to attend court hearings.
The same goes for person-
nel under the Department of
Justice.
Major Mary Grace Borio,
Police Regional Office (PRO)-
6 spokesperson and a former
newspaper reporter, said that it
might benefit both media and
the police if the latter would be
taken out as a witness during
drug inventories.
“Some of the drug-relat-
ed cases are resolved longer.
There are media personalities
who are no longer connect-
ed with the media before the
court could hand down their
verdict,” she said.
Angel Mae Ciudad, a police
beat reporter of Aksyon Radyo
Lao also noted that the DOTr
will sign the MOA on behalf of
the city government since the
study will streamline transpor-
tation systems in the MIGEDC
area, which includes the Iloilo
Airport.
She explained that the feasi-
bility study is to devise strate-
gies on “how the old transport
jeepney drivers will be reinte-
grated into other options for
economic activities, the cause
of traffic flow, and possible
ports of entry for the bus sys-
tem.”
In March this year, Swedish
reported in Barangay Sum-
ag, while waist-level and
knee-level waters were report-
ed in Barangays Singcang-Air-
port and Pahanocoy.
Pornan said they are closely
monitoring the situation in the
city, as the typhoon is expected
to leave the Philippine Area of
Responsibility (PAR) by Friday
morning.
Barangay officials are en-
joined to conduct pre-emptive
evacuations in their respective
areas.
According to the CDRRMO,
accumulated rainfall here from
8 p.m. of July 24 to 2 p.m. of
July 25 was 28.7 mm, equiva-
lent to the amount of rainfall
strike filed by Felix Gepilga and
Atty. Rey Gorgonio, she said,
“we as the duly elected Board
and executive officers strongly
opposed the said actions.”
Cabardo said that the calling
for the conduct of a strike vote
and election for the union pres-
ident and the general assembly
were done in violation of the con-
stitution and by-laws of CURE
and without the authority of the
11
Iloilo, said that she personally
wanted media personalities to
be taken out of the equation
during media inventories.
“On several occasions, we
don’t see the actual operation
and we are just made to sign
the seized items as declared
by the police. And yet, we are
testifying that they are the ac-
tual things taken from the sus-
pects,” she said citing the legiti-
macy of a few operations.
Ciudad added that it also in-
convenienced them to appear
in court.
“It’s one thing to sign and
another to be summoned by
the court,” she said.
In her case, they have a
company policy that prohibits
them from witnessing drug in-
ventories.
Alexandra Luise Escalante,
a report of Radyo Bandera-Il-
oilo, talked of the hassles in ap-
pearing in court.
“Sometimes, there’s a con-
flict with our work. We’re not
exempted from work even
though we have court duties,”
she said adding, “We can’t com-
mit to stay for the entire dura-
tion of the hearing.”
Ruby Silubrico, a police beat
reporter for more than two
decades, said witnessing drug
inventories might place some
reporters in danger.
“We’re talking here of drug
operations. Some suspects
might take it against us if we
stand as witnesses during in-
ventories,” she said.
But all of them favor allow-
ing media personalities to em-
bed in anti-drug operations.
Ambassador to the Philippines
Annika Thunborg presented
the idea of potential collabora-
tion and the exploration of the
feasibility of implementing a
Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) system
to both the city and provincial
government.
This was followed by an-
other meeting convened on
June 29, which brought to-
gether other key stakeholders
including MIGEDC, DOTr, Na-
tional Economic Development
Authority (NEDA), and De-
partment of Public Works and
Highways (DPWH).
in three to five days.
Trips from Bacolod to Iloilo
and vice-versa were suspend-
ed yesterday due to big waves
and rough seas, according to
the Philippine Coast Guard
(PCG).
Meanwhile, Mayor Al-
fredo “Albee” Benitez has or-
dered the suspension of work
in government offices, and
classes at all levels were sus-
pended here yesterday due to
heavy rains.
The provincial government
of Negros Occidental, and the
local government of Talisay, Si-
lay, and E.B. Magalona also sus-
pended work in government
offices yesterday.
union vice president acting as the
union president and the majority
of the executive officers and the
board of directors.
“We believe that this is not
the time for a strike we will ex-
haust all negotiation proceed-
ing to maintain the industrial
peace and to continue working
and deliver reliable service to
the consumer owner of Cene-
co,” she further said.
 Nikola Jokic set PHL Women’s national football team makes
to skip FIBA World history, clinches first-ever FIFA World Cup win
Cup in Manila
By Leobert Julian A. de la Peña
NBA superstar Nikola Jokic won’t be suiting up for the Serbian na-
tional basketball team in the upcoming FIBA World Cup in Manila.
ESPN announced the recent development last July 24, 2023,
and added that the recently crowned NBA champion will be us-
ing the off-season to recover from their great playoff campaign.
It will be a huge blow to his Filipino fans as Serbia is set to play
in Manila when they were drawn in Group B together with Chi-
na, Puerto Rico, and South Sudan.
Before the FIBA draw, Jokic is expected to boost Serbia and help
the squad end years of heartbreak on the international hoops stage.
Serbia was close to clinching the FIBA World Cup championship
title last 2014 edition but the mighty United States stood in their way.
The next FIBA stage last 2019 also didn’t favor Serbia’s direc-
tion as they failed to punch a grand finals ticket and could only
watch Spain and Argentina duke it out for all the marbles.
Jokic previously served for the Serbian national team three-
straight times from 2016-2022, a window when he was still trying
to make a name for himself in the NBA.
The smart center then continued to blossom under the wings
of Denver Nuggets’ head coach Michael Malone and has already
won two Most Valuable Player (MVP) awards and an NBA Finals
MVP trophy.
With Jokic out for the Serbian squad, veteran shooting guard
Bogdan Bogdanovic of the Atlanta Hawks will try to lead the
team to the title.
Backstopping the sweet-shooting Bogdanovic is Oklahoma
City Thunder’s young swingman Aleksej Pokusevski and Miami
Heat sophomore Nikola Jovic. Sarina Bolden with a golden goal! Congratulations Pinays! (Philippine Women’s National Football Team Facebook)
PLDT blanks Vietnamese
guest team Kinh Bac-Bac
Ninh in PVL semifinal clash
By Leobert Julian A. de la Peña
The PLDT High-Speed Hitters kept their
Premier Volleyball League (PVL) Invita-
tional Conference grand finals appear-
ance hopes alive after dismantling the
foreign guest team Kinh Bac-Bac Ninh in
straight sets, 25-23, 25-14, 25-23, last July
24, 2023, held at the Philsports Arena in
Pasig.
Fresh off a momentum-boosting sweep
of the powerhouse F2 Logistics Cargo
Movers in their last game, the High-Speed
Hitters sustained their fine play against
Vietnam’s Kinh Bac-Bac Ninh and record-
ed its second-straight sweeping victory.
After a back-and-forth affair during the
first set, PLDT started to snowball their
way in the second period after a series of
offensive spurts from their veteran outside
spikers.
Royse Tubino once again spearhead-
ed the PLDT scoring rally and dropped 12
PLDT nabs a huge win over Vietnamese guest squad (PVL Images) points built from 11 successful attacks and
a block.
With Tubino taking charge to bring the
JOSHUA Torralba is the newest Filipino Asian import in the KBL (PBA Images)
Joshua Torralba leaves PBA
after signing with KBL’s Goyang
By Leobert Julian A. de la Peña
Another Filipino basketball player will be
leaving the Philippine Basketball Associa-
tion (PBA) to play overseas in the Korean
Basketball League (KBL).
Joshua Torralba, a guard who last suit-
By Leobert Julian A. de la Peña
History has been made!
After eight years of dream-
ing of a seat in the prestigious
FIFA World Cup, the Philip-
pine Women’s national foot-
ball team not only qualified
for the first time this edition
but also bagged their first-ever
win after stunning host nation
New Zealand, 1-0, last July 25,
2023, held at the Wellington
Regional Stadium.
National team superstar
forward Sarina Bolden proved
to be New Zealand’s kryp-
tonite after cashing in the
lone game-winning goal of the
match in the 24th minute of the
first half.
After a perfectly placed
cross pass by Sara Eggesvik
from the right side of the pitch,
Bolden was in the right posi-
tion and fired a direct header
that gave the PHL a 1-0 lead
entering the second half.
PHL/p11
PHL/p11
much-needed spark midway through the
second set, the High-Speed Hitters just
went off to the races and pummeled the
foreign guest team with their varied offen-
sive schemes.
Kinh Bac-Bac Ninh attempted to steal
the third set and force another frame to
stay alive after finally gaining their offen-
sive rhythm but crucial floor saves from
Kath Arado saved the day for PLDT.
Arado anchored PLDT’s floor coverage
to perfection after tallying a total of 21 ex-
cellent digs to go along with 16 excellent
receptions.
Meanwhile, former PHL national team
setter Rhea Dimaculangan orchestrated
her team’s flow of attack and finished with
23 excellent sets.
“Happy sa game, nagawa naman yung
pinagplanuhan, tapos happy rin doon sa
mga nagstep up na players off the bench,”
said PLDT head coach Rald Ricafort.
The High-Speed Hitters will be look-
ing for its third-straight PVL round-robin
semifinal win on July 27, 2023, as they face
the Kurashiki Ablaze team of Japan.
ed up for the Blackwater Elite in the PBA,
just joined the KBL exodus after agreeing
to play for the Goyang Sono Sky Gunners
in the upcoming season.
His agent Marvin Espiritu confirmed
the latest news after posting the update
on his official Twitter account last July 24,
Joshua/p10