Edge Davao Volume 13 Issue 269 | Sunday-Monday, February 28 - March 1. 2021 by Edge Davao The Business Paper

LEGACY LEISURE, A YEAR AFTER ITS GROUNDBREAKING INDULGE P5

EDGEDAVAO Serving a seamless society

STILL ON GCQ

VOL.13 ISSUE 269 • SUNDAY-MONDAY, FEBRUARY 28-MARCH 1, 2021

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Davao City remains under GCQ until March 31 STORY ON PAGE 2

A motorized passenger boat cruises towards Island Garden City of Samal (IGaCoS), which will reopen its tourism destinations on March 1, from Sta. Ana Port in Davao City on Saturday. The tourism department expresses its support to the Department of the Interior and Local Government’s plan to streamline travel requirements, protocols, and procedures by local government units as this will encourage more Filipinos to visit tourist destinations around the country. Edge Davao

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2 NEWS EDGEDAVAO

VOL.13 ISSUE 269 • SUNDAY-MONDAY, FEBRUARY 28-MARCH 1, 2021

PRRD inks law creating coco levy trust fund

President Rodrigo Duterte signs into law the Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) Vaccination Program Act of 2021 at the Malacañang Golf (Malago) Clubhouse in Malacañang Park, Manila on February 26, 2021. The said law would expedite the procurement and administration of vaccines

for the protection against COVID-19. It also covers the creation of an indemnity fund to cover compensation for those who would experience serious adverse effects to the vaccine. The President is accompanied by Senator Christopher Lawrence Go. PRESIDENTIAL PHOTO

resident Rodrigo Duterte has signed into law a measure creating a trust fund for coconut farmers. Republic Act (RA) 11524 or the Coconut Farmer and Industry Act, inked by Duterte on Friday, mandates the maintenance of the Trust Fund for 50 years under the Coconut Farmers in Industry Development Plan that will be formulated. The development plan will be prepared by the Philippine Coconut Authority (PCA) and approved by the President. The new law also reconstitutes and strengthens the PCA, an independent state corporation created under Presidential Decree 1468, to ensure the participation of coconut farmers in the crafting and implementation of the Coconut Farmers and Industry Development Plan.

The PCA will be chaired by the agriculture secretary and vice-chaired by the finance secretary. Other members are the secretaries of budget, science and technology, and trade departments; PCA administrator; and three members from the coconut farmers sector representing Luzon, Visayas, and Mindanao. The Coconut Farmers and Industry Trust Fund, according to the law, will be used for the benefit of the coconut farmers and the development of the coconut industry. RA 11524 states that the Trust Fund is separate from the regular funds appropriated to the PCA through the annual General Appropriations Act (GAA). “As such, the PCA shall continue to pursue its mandate of implementing programs and projects from the regular GAA appropria-

igos City Mayor Josef Cagas was thankful to the national government for extending to the city government a ₱40-million fund under the Local Government Support Fund – Support to Barangay Development Program. “This program will surely help our city address the root cause of insurgency and other armed conflict towards attaining sustainable peace and inclusive growth, and eventually transform our locality into a city of choice to live, dwell and visit.” Cagas stated this in his message during the virtual launch of the Barangay Development Program on Wednesday (Feb. 24) which was spearheaded by the

Regional Task Force to End Local Communist Armed Conflict (RTF-ELCAC) in Davao Region. The BDP is a flagship program of the National Task Force–ELCAC. During the launch, Cagas has proposed to pour in projects under the BDP in geographically isolated and disadvantaged areas (GIDAs) in Barangays Balabag and Goma in Digos City. In Brgy. Balabag, the city LGU will be implementing a rehabilitation/improvement of portable water supply system amounting to Php10,000,000.00 and covering eight (8) puroks. Another project costing Php10,000,000.00 is the upgrading of road

STILL ON GCQ D

FPRRD, P6

Digos City LGU to pour P40-M projects in two far-flung brgys

Davao City remains under GCQ until March 31 By MAYA M. PADILLO resident Rodrigo Duterte has retained the general community quarantine (GCQ) classification of Davao City starting March 1 until March 31, 2021.

In January this year, the President placed Davao City along with Metro Manila under GCQ until February 28, 2021 due to the surge of Covid-19 cases. Recently, City Health Office (CHO) head Dr. Ash-

ley Lopez announced that Davao City has recorded 89 percent Covid-19 recovery rate. Lopez said Davao City has recorded a significant downtrend in Covid-19 active cases in the city with almost 50 percent

and based on the data from the past two weeks, it went down from around 1,500 to 748 active cases. As of February 23, 2021, Davao City recorded a total of 12,832 confirmed Covid-19 cases, of which, 748 are active cases. Apart from Davao City, Duterte also retained the GCQ classification of the National Capital Region (NCR) and Baguio City. Also under GCQ are

Batangas and some areas in Cordillera Administrative Region which include Apayao, Kalinga and Mountain Province; Tacloban City, Iligan City and Lanao del Sur. All other areas are placed under Modified General Community Quarantine (MGCQ). The abovementioned risk-level classifications will take effect starting Monday, March 1 until March 31, 2021.

and private offices upon entry for contact-tracing. Lemuel Ortonio, head of the city’s Human Resource Management Office, told MindaNews on Friday that this app feature could detect individuals who have been tagged by contact tracers as active COVID-19 cases in the system once they use it to scan the QR codes of the establishments. This latest feature is also available to the phone scanners of business establishments and private offices for the purpose of “blocking” an individual, but his or her status will

not be revealed, according to Ortonio. “For those who have been tagged as positive, upon scanning by establishments, his status will not be shown, just a prompt that he is not allowed entry… As to whether they are free to move around, no. Technically, once positive, they are supposed to be in the isolation facility. This means that the tagging or blocking feature for positive cases is only an additional feature. DQR is mainly for contact-tracing,” he said. He said the

development team is continuously working on improving the “blocking system,” including the plan to block individuals who are supposed to be on a 14-day mandatory home quarantine. “The blocking for those currently in quarantine is being worked out by our DQR web development team in coordination with our City Information and Technology Center,” he added. Ortonio said the development team has also updated the information

FDIGOS, P6

App blocks COVID-positive persons from entering offices, establishments in Davao

he city government has launched the Safe Davao QR (DQR) mobile application, which is equipped with a new feature that notifies an individual that he or she is “blocked” from entering business establishments or private offices for testing positive of coronavirus disease (COVID-19). DQR mobile application, which is available for download via Google Play Store for Android and Apple App Store for iPhone and iPad users, allows individuals to scan the QR codes of business establishments

FAPP, P6

The City Social Welfare and Delopment Office (CSWDO) distributes the Senior Citizen Annual Subsidy Financial Assistance to 192 beneficiaries in Brgy. Biao Escuela, Tugbok District, Davao City on Friday. CIO

VOL.13 ISSUE 269 • SUNDAY-MONDAY, FEBRUARY 28-MARCH 1, 2021

NEWS 3

EDGEDAVAO

BARMM MSMEs urged to adopt best practices to help businesses

he European Chamber of Commerce in the Philippines-Southern Mindanao Business Chapter (ECCP-SMBC) in partnership with Konrad Adenauer Stiftung (KAS) Foundation recently launched the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao Micro Small Medium Enterprise (BARMM-MSME) Development Initiative to support small businesses in BARMM. The initiative aims to teach MSMEs on how to learn and adopt best practices in running their businesses effectively as well as building bridges with institutions and enterprises in the region on developing the value chain to support sustainable collaboration among stakeholders. The group conducted series of focused group discussions with stakeholders in the region to validate the results of the preliminary survey as well as take a deep dive into other issues faced by micro and small businesses in the general business environment, agriculture, industry, and services sector. Among recommendations presented during the focused group discussions include access to finance, establishment for fair trade relation-

ships, information on doing business and product marketing, and internet connectivity. On access to finance, it was recommended that a full-pledged Islamic financing to be available to MSMEs and expand further the equity financing especially that MSMEs need such loans for their businesses. On agriculture, it is recommended that MSMEs undergo training on quality control and food-grade processing of a value-chain that can sell the product confidently in the export markets. On internet connectivity, reforms for a reliable and affordable internet connection is suggested. "Over the years, the ECCP has been a staunch supporter of the national and local government in the peace process and sustainable socio-economic development in Mindanao, particularly in the Bangsamoro region," said Tony Peralta, chair of ECCP-SMBC. The launch was participated by Dr. Stefan Jost, Minister Mohd Yaacob of MAFAR, Dr. Amor Pendaliday, Dr. Luningning Umar, Ann Cuisia CEO of Traxion, Windel Diangcalan Executive Director of BDA; ECCP team and MSMEs. Maya Padillo

The European Chamber of Commerce in the Philippines-Southern Mindanao Business Chapter (ECCP-SMBC) led by its chair Tony Peralta in partnership with Konrad Adenauer Stiftung (KAS) Foundation launch the Bangsam-

oro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao Micro Small Medium Enterprises (BARMM-MSMEs) Development initiative to support small businesses in the Bangsamoro region. Edge Davao

DCCCII challenges telcos to deliver fast internet speed By MAYA M. PADILLO avao City Chamber of Commerce and Industry Inc, (DCCCII) President Dr. Malou Monteverde challenged telecommunication companies to deliver their commitments of fast internet connection on time as poor internet service is the leading problem among consumers and small medium enterprises (SMEs).

Davao City Chamber of Commerce and Industry Inc. (DCCCII) president Dr. Malou Monteverde challenges the three telecommunications companies to deliver

their commitment of fast internet connection during DCCCII’s conference on “Strong Connectivity, Robust Economy”via Zoom. Edge Davao

"As always, the ending are the consumers. Sila kasi ang drivers in terms of needs. When are you going to improve your bandwidth?" Monteverde asked officials of DITO Telecommunity Corporation, PLDT, and Globe Telecommunications during the conference on “Strong Connectivity, Robust Economy” via Zoom by DCCCII on Friday. Monteverde stressed there is a need for these telcos to improve their bandwidth considering that the Duterte administration is about to end and this issue will be forgotten only. "We are almost done with the Duterte administration, believe it or not by next year we do not know yet kung sino ang uupo. Ang tanong will you be able to deliver on time especially during election time you will also need fast connectivity. Pag start ng election period gagamitin ng karamihan social media and everything, will you be able to commit or the ordinary citizens will still be able to use

zoom or other things you get connected also? Kailangan namin i-address itong issue ngayon," Monteverde added. Lawyer Adel Tamano, chief administrative officer and corporation secretary of DITO Telecommunity Corporation, assured that the company's commitment goes beyond the term of President Rodrigo Duterte. "So when we talk about commitment in speed, we are committed to give 55mbps speed this year. I can talk right now about mobile," he said. Tamano added that if DITO does not meet those commitments, the government will forfeit millions of pesos from the company. "So we are under the gun to achieve our commitments. Our commitments go to year five so it will be actually dwell in the middle of the term of the next president and that we forced to meet those commitments that are part and parcel to our franchise," he said. Tamano also said that if

DITO does not meet these commitments, not only it will pay the penalty but actually lose its franchise from the National Telecommunications (NTC). "Rest assured that we are doing our very best to roll out and I am very proud that the roots of DITO are Davao City and Mindanao and definitely we are also uniquely committed to serve these areas and in fact we chose to do our commercial launch in Davao City on March 8, 2021," he said. Peter Maquera, senior vice president for enterprise group of Globe Telecom Inc, said the company is demonstrating their commitments by working on the cell towers and by working with the different private sector. "The new world is interconnectivity for more seamless and we are in that journey and we are committed in achieving it," he said. On his end, Joseph Ian "Jojo" Gendrano, first vice president and head of Core Business Solutions Group of PLDT Enterprise, also assured that the company will keep trying to make the connection better. "We are not perfect, we spend as much as we can, and we can be as efficient as we can. There is so much demand out there and we have to serve it. Connectivity forms a part of nation building," he said.

A1 ECONOMY EDGEDAVAO

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Les Beaute Lounge is new locator of EON Towers Inc

es Beute Lounge is the latest addition to the growing locators of Aeon Towers.

The lease agreement was formalized between EON Towers Inc., a subsidiary company of FTC Group of Companies Corporation (FTC-GOCC) and Les Beaute Lounge. The leasing agreement was signed with EON Towers Inc. at 6F Club Aeon Meeting Room, Aeon Towers on February 17, 2021. Present during the formal signing were Les Beaute's owner Jazzie Telebanco with Manager Mr. Aljun Villanueva while EON Towers Inc. was represented by its President and CEO Mr. Ian Y. Cruz. Witnessing the pact signing were FTC-GOCC/Aeon Towers executives Arch. Mitch Casado, Property Manager, Engr. Daniel Manalo, VP for Operations, Almira Mariano, VP for Sales & Marketing and Jester Hospital, Property Development Manager. Les Beaute Lounge will soon open at the second floor of Aeon Towers Commercial Area.

LES BEAUTE LOUNGE. EON Towers Inc. President & CEO Ian Cruz seals the deal with new commercial lessor Jazzel Telebanco, owner and Aljun Villanueva Manager of Les Beaute Lounge on February 17, 2021 at 6F Club Aeon, Aeon Towers. Present in the ceremony are FTC-GOCC/Aeon Towers executives: Arch. Mitch Casado, Property Manager, Engr. Daniel Manalo, VP for Operations, Almira Mariano, VP for Sales & Marketing and Jester Hospital, Property Development Manager.

Diokno: PH banking system key to economic recovery G T he Philippines’ banking system has proven its resiliency several times and the current pandemic is not an exemption, Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP) Governor Benjamin Diokno said. In his speech during The Manila Times virtual economic forum on Friday, Diokno said the domestic banking system remains sound and stable amid the virus-induced pandemic. He said the sector’s performance is among

Go Lokal! launches workfrom-home collection

the key factors why the economy is expected to recover this year. The other factors are the quarter-on-quarter gross domestic product (GPD) improvement in the last quarter of 2020, better business and consumer outlooks, within-target inflation, ample domestic liquidity, robust external payments position, and manageable fiscal deficit. Diokno said domestic financial institutions’ capital and liquidity buffers “proved to be useful”

and were achieved because of compliance with regulatory policies and years of favorable banking conditions. To date, the capital adequacy ratio (CAR), which is a measure of a bank’s financial health, stands at 16.3 percent on a solo basis and 16.7 percent on a consolidated basis, both of which are way higher than regulatory standards. Despite the pandemic, he said, the proportion of non-performing loans (NPLs) and non-per-

forming assets (NPAs) of banks remain modest as of end-2020 at 3.1 percent and 2.1 percent, respectively. “These numbers compared well within the double-digit levels recorded during the Asian Financial Crisis,” Diokno said. This outturn from the banking sector, along with other domestic fundamentals, makes authorities believe that the domestic economy is moving in the right direction, he said. (PNA)

ga, Rizal, Cebu, Iloilo, Aklan and Davao, PLDT Inc said in a statement. "As we expand our 5G network presence across the country, we are also bringing the possibilities of 5G, such as faster speeds and lower latency for streaming high-resolution videos and playing online mobile games, closer to more Filipinos. Through this, we are also

opening the doors to more possibilities of 5G that we have yet to imagine," PLDT and Smart's head of Technology Mario Tamayo said. To maximize 5G, subscribers need to have 5G-enabled handsets. Smart is tapping manufacturers such as Samsung, Huawei, OPPO, vivo and realme to make 5G devices more accessible,

it said. PLDT said it has more than 429,000 kilometers of fiber infrastructure in the country supporting its 5G network rollout, it said. Its rival Globe Telecom is also rapidly expanding its network coverage to improve services in the country while third telco DITO Telecommunity will debut on March 8.

PLDT: Smart expands 5G network nationwide

LDT Inc said Friday wireless unit Smart Communications Inc has expanded its 5G network coverage in the country by firing up new sites in Benguet, Misamis Oriental and Zamboanga Sibugay. Smart now has more than 1,400 5G sites nationwide including those in Metro Manila, Bulacan, Cavite, Laguna, Pampan-

o Lokal!, a concept store initiated by the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI), launched on Friday its work-from-home collection called Silid (room). “The Silid Collection’s overall tone of positivity creates an enduring balance between work and rest, transforming the home into a sanctuary with the flexibility to be converted into a functional space for working and learning,” DTI Secretary Ramon Lopez said at the virtual launching. Curated by CommonRoom PH, Silid Collection offers products that will help those in workfrom-home arrangement convert even their small spaces as a work station, helping them to be productive while still maintaining work-life balance in their own sanctuary. Lopez said this new Go Lokal! collection also supports local young artists and entrepreneurs creating innovative products amid the “new normal” He added that the Covid-19 pandemic, like any other stores, pushed

Go Lokal! to strengthen its digital presence. “The reinvention of the Go Lokal! concept store now carries a broader selection of well-curated products but in an inspired, newly-designed space that enhances the buying experience for customers,” the trade chief said. Lopez said the DTI has ramped up its digitalization efforts and sought an alternative market for micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs) amid the pandemic. He said 81 MSMEs under the Go Lokal! Program have migrated online. Since its introduction in 2016, Go Lokal! has mainstreamed 275 MSMEs with retail partners and put 786 MSMEs to concept stores and retail. The program also generated sales of PHP361.97 million as of November 2020. Under the Go Lokal! Program, the DTI partners with private stock retailers, mall operators, and vendors to bring quality products of MSMEs to the mainstream market. (PNA)

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EDGEDAVAO

ECONOMY

Thirty-seven units of steel pipes for the Panguil Bay Bridge project arrive at the Baseport of Iligan City on Wednesday, 24 February 2021. The 3.7-kilometer 2-lane bridge will connect Tangub City in Misamis Occidental and Tubod town in Lanao del Norte. Photo courtesy of Philippine Ports Authority

Gov’t budget gap widens to P1.37T in 2020 amid COVID-19 spending

Inflation likely within 4.3 T to 5.1% in February: BSP

nflation or the rate of increase in the prices of commodities is seen to spill above the government’s target range of 2% to 4% in February on the back of higher fuel and fish prices, the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP) said Friday.

In a message to reporters, BSP Governor Benjamin Diokno said the central bank expects inflation this month could settle at 4.7%, within its forecast range of 4.3% to 5.1%. The BSP’s projection is faster than the 4.2% inflation rate recorded in January.

“Upward price pressure for the month emanated from the continued uptick in global crude oil prices and elevated fish prices,” Diokno said. “Meanwhile, the implementation of the temporary price caps on meat products for NCR,

stable rice prices, and lower power rates in Meralcoserviced areas contributed to the downward price pressures during the month,” he added. Last month, consumers saw meat prices, particularly pork, jack up as much as P400 per kilo in Metro Manila markets. To address the issue, President Rodrigo Duterte ordered the price ceiling imposed in Metro Manila for 60 days starting Monday upon the recommendation of the Department of Agriculture.

The price ceiling is P300 per kilo for liempo, P270 per kilo for kasim and pigue, and P160 per kilo for dressed chicken. The Manila Electric Co., meanwhile, slashed overall rates for a typical household decreased by 7.04 centavos per kilowatt-hour (/kWh) in February to P8.6793/kWh from P8.7497 in January. This is equivalent to a decrease of around P14 in the total bill of residential customers consuming 200kWh, P21 for 300kWh, P28 for 400kWh, and P35 for 500kWh.

term financial viability, which have benefited the country as shown by the series of positive ratings action even during the pandemic and, in turn, allowed it to tap borrowings at lower cost and favorable terms. “Through the darkest times of the pandemic last year, we were never under the illusion that this challenge will be short. We are prepared to fight a long

battle, exercising prudence over the use of our fiscal resources,” he said. “The worst we could do is to run out of water before the fire is out,” he added. Citing as an example the need to provide coronavirus disease (Covid-19) vaccines even if it takes years just to eliminate the virus and its risks, Dominguez said the government will need to have enough resources to do this.

“A sustainable fiscal position and a strong financial system are the platforms on which we launch our economic recovery,” he said. Because of the pandemic, the domestic economy contracted by -9.5 percent in 2020. This year, economic managers expect the economy to recover and expand between a range of 6.5-7.5 percent. (PNA)

Dominguez cites PH economic recovery drivers post-pandemic

aving a government with a strong fiscal position and having a healthy financial system will drive the Philippines' economic recovery post-pandemic, Finance Secretary Carlos Dominguez III said on Friday. In his speech at The Manila Times virtual economic forum, Dominguez said the current government highly regards the preservation of long-

he national government’s fiscal balance incurred a wider deficit in 2020, breaching a trillion pesos, as greater public spending to address the COVID-19 pandemic coupled with subdued revenue collections further squeezed state coffers. Data released by the Bureau of the Treasury (BTr) showed the national government ran a budget shortfall of P1.371 trillion, 107.72% wider than the P660-2-billion fiscal gap posted in 2019. This, however, is 24.45% than the government’s program of P1.815-trillion deficit for 2020 as it expected higher spending amid the health and economic crisis brought by the pandemic. “The wider fiscal gap for the year reflects the 11.31% year-over-year growth in public spending combined with the 8.97% reduction in government receipts resulting from the economic impact of the Covid-19 pandemic,” the BTr said. A budget deficit occurs when expenditures exceed revenue collections. The 2020 fiscal gap was equivalent to 7.63% of gross domestic product (GDP). “This is broadly in line with the 7.6% of GDP deficit outlook reported during the 178th Development Budget Coordination Committee

(DBCC) Meeting in December 2020,” the Treasury said. Expenditures The national government’s disbursements last year ballooned by 11.31% or P429.7 billion year-on-year to P4.227 trillion billion “owing to the implementation of various COVID-19 mitigation and recovery measures.” “This, however, was still lower by 2.49% or P107.8 billion against the P4.335 trillion revised full-year program as some of the economic relief measures under RA 11494 or the ‘Bayanihan to Recover as One Act’ (Bayanihan II) is still ongoing,” the BTR said. The Treasury said government spending was buoyed by releases of subsidy, particularly for the Philippine Health Insurance Corporation’s (PHIC) premium subsidy and the Unconditional Cash Transfer (UCT) coursed through the Land Bank of the Philippines (LBP); as well as disbursements by the Commission on Higher Education (CHED) for the Universal Access to Quality Tertiary Education (UAQTE) Program, and by the Department of Health (DOH), Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE), and Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) for health, employment assistance, and social programs, respectively, under the Bayanihan II.

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EDGEDAVAO

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On the deferral of its closure paving the way for climbing activities to the country’s highest peak Mount Apo to continue:

Basically, mao ni ang mga policies nga nakabutang sa Unified Trekking Policy and I found it effective in maintaining our trail.”

Julius R. Paner Tourism Officer, Sta. Cruz

EDITORIAL

Hopes for coco farmers

There is a ray of hope for coconut farmers after all. On Friday, the Palace announced that President Rodrigo Duterte has signed into law a measure creating a trust fund for coconut farmers. Known as Republic Act (RA) 11524 or the Coconut Farmer and Industry Act, the new law mandates the maintenance of the Trust Fund for 50 years under the Coconut Farmers in Industry Development Plan that will be formulated. This means a continuous stream of funds for the embattled coconut farmers long hoping for the coconut levy funds to refuel the industry. The law calls for a sustainable development plan to be prepared by the Philippine Coconut Authority (PCA) and approved by the President. Significantly, it also reconstitutes and strengthens the PCA, an independent state corporation created under Presidential Decree 1468, to ensure the participation of coconut farmers in the crafting and implementation of the Coconut Farmers and Industry Development Plan. For its organizational structure, the PCA will be chaired by the agriculture secretary and vice-chaired by the finance secretary. Other members are the secretaries of budget, science and technology, and trade departments; PCA administrator; and three members from the coconut farmers sector representing Luzon, Visayas, and Mindanao. This Coconut Farmers and Industry Trust Fund will be used for the benefit of the coconut farmers and the devel-

EDGEDAVAO

Providing solutions to a seamless global village.

opment of the coconut industry. To distinguish it from the regular PCA funds, RA 11524 states that the Trust Fund is separate from the regular PCA appropriation through the annual General Appropriations Act (GAA). How does the trust fund work? There is a fund distribution over the next five years. P10 billion will be transferred to the Trust Fund upon the enactment of RA 11524, and another P10 billion for the second year, and P15 billion each for the third and fourth years. On the fifth year, an estimated P25 billion and any amount accruing, including interest, in the special account in the general fund will be transferred to the Trust Fund. Since the formulation of the Coconut Farmers and Industry Development Plan also needs some funding, the PCA will be given an allocation of P5 million. Finally, the law also creates a Trust Fund Management Committee composed of authorized representatives of the finance, budget, and justice departments. The committee is tasked to set investment priorities, investment themes, asset allocation, and policies; evaluate assets; issue guidelines for portfolio turnover and trust fund management expenses; set annual allocation of the Trust Fund; and approve financial requirements. RA 11524 henceforth goes down as another legacy legislation under the Duterte administration. Coconut farmers had to endure a 40-year struggle to reclaim the benefits that the Marcos-era levies took away.

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LIFESTYLE

LEGACY LEISURE, A YEAR AFTER ITS GROUNDBREAKING HENRYLITO D. TACIO THINK ON THESE!

A VILLAR IN MARS 2020 HISTORY

A history was made on ancient microbial life for two Systems Engineer of the Mars neering was from the UniverFebruary 18 when Persever- years. 2020 Mission.” sity of Southern California. ance finally touched down on “I’m amazed that ev“As part of the Mars 2020 It was Hollywood movies Mars after a dramatic landing erything went pretty much Mission, Villar spent 7.5 years which inspired him to be inthat had been described as according to plan,” Steve building and testing a sys- terested in space and science. the “seven minutes of terror.” Jurczyk, NASA’s acting direc- tem that will land a car-sized In NASA’s Mars Exploration “Perseverance – fondly tor, told the media after the rover on Mars,” the embassy Program, Villar listed these known as Percy – landed with landing. “When I heard the explained. “He also directed movies: Contact, Apollo 13, ‘eyes open’ taking images of touchdown signal come back a Mars parachute test cam- Armageddon, and IndepenFOR any marketing the surface to choose land- and saw the first image, I can- paign at the world’s largest dence Day. team, selling a newitsidea ing spot,” Grover and not tell you how overcome wind tunnel.” Even when he was still will haveNatalie its challengesTom McCarthy wrote for The with emotion I was and how In addition, he led a coun- in elementary school, he picseen and unforeseen. Guardian. cil of atmospheric scientists, tured himself of growing up Such is the“Weighing case withmore happy I was.” than a ton, it landed While the world is cele- from institutions around the into an astronaut. Legacy Leisure Resi-nearly in the middle landing brating the success of Perse- world, to characterize the But how did he end up dences (LLR),of athe rising zone within the 28 mile-wide verance, the US Embassy in Martian atmosphere. working for NASA? It was by condominium project (45 kilometers) Jezero crater the Philippines announced What’s so special with Vilaccident when he was awardalong Ma-a Road.equator.” It’s a north of the planet’s the participation of Engineer lar? Nothing, except that he is ed a NASA scholarship in his home-grown brand, a Perseverance is a rov- Gregorio Villar in the prepa- a Filipino-American. In fact, junior year in college. It had joint project by two of er made by the US National ration of the landing of the he attended the Laboratory an internship at a NASA cenDavao’s most Aeronautics andrespected Space Ad- US$2.7 billion, car-sized, six- High School at Saint Louis ter of his choice. He started families with businesses ministration (NASA). It is the wheeled rover. University in Baguio City. interning at Jet Propulsion in realagency’s estate,ninth hospitality, space mission Villar may not ring a He took his bachelor’s de- Laboratory (JPL) in 2010 and retail more. and theand fifthmany rover to land on bell to most Filipinos but he gree in physics at California got hired full-time in 2012. From conception to the The is “part of NASA’s Mars Ex- State Polytechnic University the cold, dry, red planet. When asked about his fadrawing Legacy Leisure mission:board, to roam around Mars ploration Program as Entry, in Pomona. His Master’s de- vorite thing about the work Residences envisioned surface andwas search for signs of Descent, and Landing (EDL) gree in astronautical engi- he does, he replied: “I have a to be one of the most exciting condominium projects that will rise in Davao City. The idea is to bring everyday staycation to its residents via a world-class, resort-type development. On January 30th, 2020, the project broke FAST BACKWARD ground. The idea was turned into reality. However, short of two months after groundbreaking the COVID-19 pandemic lockdown took effect. It was not until owners us, ThereMay arewhen verythe fewre-writ- and elledthe wood of were our with bedroom by the Japanese in ravaging to go down to check who it strictions were relaxed and de- not behind us, the way,” ten eyewitness accounts saidjust December 8,all 1941. The the Sasa airdrome. This tan- was. It was the watchman work resumed minimal Dionna Mae Reyes, marpicting the with emotions and said thunderous explosion of the gible proof of the reality of who was overly excited to observations the day Davao keting bombsstaff. shook the huse from war gave me qualms about inform me that a number of work force. region drawn very foundation. winwhat lay ahead of us.” planes were flying all over. A “It waswas a good thinginto our the itsThere is no puttingThe down a global marketing conflict inwas December dowsproject. whichLLR I had opened Dr. Dakudao had a par- few minutes later, bomb exdigital set. We good is a unique 1941. Coinciding with the vertical revealed a clear capitalized on it and presented village. Forvista one, itof the ticularly good impression plosions were heard. I had tragic destruction of virPearl will planes in the of a about the Japanese people. gotten accustomed to these the project to the market be built on formation a 2.8-hectare Harbor,said Davao City, home to property 9O11 floating out of ofwhich the now His first encounter with incidences that I accepted tually,” Malen Faune, LLR with 70% roughly Japanese na- will almost clear morning day. It them was as student of Ja- the fact that war was with us. sales and20,000 marketing manager, be dedicated to leisure tionals, was also bombed by was remarkable, I thought adding, “It was a team work. amenities and open spaces. to pan Medical School and later Because of this, I managed Japanese Zero planes that myself, the buildings Americans as medical director in Davao. to return to sleep. We woke The owners created sales strat- Only fourthat 16-story same day. were out on target practie Following his resignation, up quite early to the new egies and the marketing team will be erected with structural Dr. Santiago Dakudao, this early. […] he turned to agriculture and that the city was bombed. implemented it. We met with integrity a priority. While first director of the Japa“Japans truck without invited Keniche Migitaka, a By eight o’clock, we were the brokers and buyers online. the exterior boasts of space nese-owned Mintal Hospital, warning. The Pearl Harbor Japanese, to manage his farm informed of a heavy combat Mae theroom other end, of the residential was Reyes, insideonhis when so of will the each Americans was van- and hired Japanese laborers ensuing at the Talomo area. took charge of digital marketunits. The average areaitforfutile. a the first bombs were un- quished rendering to cultivate his farms. Evidently, the Japanese had ing.” 1-bedroom unit is 37sqm. and leashed. His war diary, writ- This was the news we had Malen Given the destruction already landed. Faune meets buyers and brokers and hosts the showroom andBombing site tour. exor not,onion-skin it was the biggest at 135sqm. for a but the attacks ten“Pandemic on fragile, heard all over the radio created, Dr. Da- plosions interspersed with business a usual. Wefound were by 2-bedroom will “Withdid LLR’s less. While have reached a paper was later not much unit. detailSecurity was given. kudao notoffering, harbor imanger the soundswemade from the quick to adapt to the situation be 24/7. pressing investors was effortlarge market via virtual transhis architect-grandson, Mi- The saddest and most alarm- towards ordinary Japanese firing of machine guns filled actions, to face dealingthat chaelangelo E. Dakudao, ing information we got was but strongly disagreed with the air. face We also learned and actual tours have in April 1987, inserted be- that Manila was bombed, the way the Japanese Im- the Japanese troops, ainperflanksonalmovement, touch and can be marchmore tween the pages of a history too. The extent of the dam- perial soldiers committed ing were appealing. Thus, we opened book that was part of the old age was not yet available war atrocities. Continuing ing towards Davao City. They the showroom for them, man’s library collection. to the public. Alas, war was with his narrative, his diary were landed one batchbut after In clear language, Dr. Da- with us. provides evidence that Jap- another in Sasa following very strictand healthTalokudao, now retired and suc“Later this morning, I anese landing in Davao via mo. Our troops were caught protocols,” said Faune. cessful as investor, realtor, came across Engineer [Brigi- the gulf of Davao happened in By between with agents no escape appointment, and farmer, described what do] Valencia at San Pedro, on December 19, 1941, a day except towards the tohills. accompanied the buyers the happened on December 8, the commercial district. The early than widely recorded The Generoso Bridge was showroom by batches. Faune 1941, feast of the Immacu- engineer has been a long in many war chronicles and rendered useless by heavy gave them the tour starting late Conception: time friend whose services historical accounts: bombing and theand escaping with the showroom end“We were awakened had been employed in the “In the wee hours of the civilians had to swim across ing with a site development form out sleep by the heavy construction of some of my 19th of December, we were the visit. Davao River to get to drones of devastating planes buildings. He showed me awakened by the continu- the“Itother side. The casualis important that we Legacy Leisure Residences marketingThe team, Malen Faune,ofsalesthe fragmentary ous rapping on the door. I ties from in the early morning. some both our Filipino establish the trust of our and marketingon manager, Dionna Mae Reyes, marketing of the bombs used had to drag myself from bed troops calendar the and wood-panshrapnels and civilians were ininvestors. There is no better staff. Mae Reyes takes charge of LLR’s digital marketing.

whole spreadsheet of things I love about working at JPL, but the number one thing are the people I work with.” So far, the most extraordinary experience he had done so far at NASA was when he led a parachute test campaign in the world’s largest wind tunnel. But what excites him the most about Mars or space exploration was “the thought of going there myself one day.” The Fil-American engineer has ordinary hobbies just like anyone else: travel, climb, chess, magic, music and poker. His advice to students who are interested in a similar career: “Although it is a cliché, it is very important to pursue something you love. I have worked at JPL for over 12 years, and there is rarely a day I feel like I am going to ‘work.’”

ANTONIO V. FIGUEROA

A MEDICAL DOCTOR’S WAR DIARY Included in the tour by appointment numerable, struggling of agents and investors is a site in agonizing death development visit. throes against the formidable weapons of the Japanese. invaders way to that thanThe by presenting had tanks, planesdevelopand canto them the project nons beingthe nloaded from ments.all Despite ongoing warships while our to own pandemic, LLR continues soldiers hadthe only their will build to meet target delivto fight against the dreadful ery,” she said. armaments of the Japanese. Payments schemes where inWhen our soldiers realized troduced in tranches. They are the futility in their struggle on the third since it opened to against the they the market andinvaders, each attracted retreated and started fleenew investors. Believe it or not, ing demoralized. The uneven with the pandemic, they bearable part was that the have transacted almost 60%tarcivilians became an easy of Tower 2 units over the last get for the enemies’ bullets. quarter of 2020. The number of The Japanese soldiers who sales is increasing each month. seemed to relish in the posFaune credits of LLR’s partners itive ttucome their milion the favorable sales result, tary strategy made further “We have welcomed real estate attempt to disconcert the brokers to the LLR family. We civilians by dropping their meet them regularly and share bombs at random.” our plans. In turn,born they share Dr. Dakudao, in Dintheir inputs.on It’sApril a win-win gle, Iloilo, 12, 1892, his wife Carmen Lacson, a relationship and the numbers nativeit.” of Jaro, Iloilo, and his prove entire family “We will stick survived with our the war. Highly and marketing planesteemed and implement admired, it this 2021.he Wedied will on alsoMay be 2, 1978 and his remains,within along introducing promotions with those year.” of his wife and the calendar son Jr., deal werethis buried ToSantiago, sweeten the at the family mausoleum February, LLR is gifting inves-in Tugbok, was a former tors their which future residents with residence when war from broke their choice of appliance out. LLR’s list.

6 EDGEDAVAO

APP... FROM2

in the DQR system’s push notification, which now includes the place, date and

time where the individuals have encountered an index case.

EXTRAJUDICIAL SETTLEMENT OF THE ESTATE WITH WAIVER OF RIGHTS

N oti c e i s h ereby g iven t h at t h e e s t ate of th e l a te F R A NC I SCO A. LAROA wh o d i ed o n Au g u s t 1 8 , 201 5 , l e av i n g a c er t a i n rea l p ro p e r t y s it ua te d i n Ba rr i o o f B i ao G u i an ga, Ci t y o f Dava o c on tai n i n g a n are a o f T HR E E T HO U SA N D ON E H U N D R E D T W E N T Y FO U R (3 , 1 2 4 ) s q u a re m e ters w i t h TCT No . 3 9 4 5 1 6 h a s b ee n t h e s u b j e c t o f E X TR AJU DI C I A L SE T T L E M E NT W I T H WAI V ER O F R I G H TS E xe c u te d a m o n g h i s h e i r s , p e r D o c. No .9 8 9 ; Pa g e N o . 9 8 ; B o o k N o . l l S er i es o f 2 0 2 1 , of th e N OTA RY P U B L I C AT T Y. EMM A N U E L A . M A HI P U S , M N SA Republic of the Philippines DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board Regional Franchising and Regulatory Office No. 11 Libby Road, Puan, Davao City

Republic of the Philippines DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board Regional Franchising and Regulatory Office No. 11 Libby Road, Puan, Davao City

Application for a Certificate of Public Convenience to operate a TH FREIGHT TRUCK Service.

Petition for Extension of Validity of a Certificate of Public Convenience to operate a PUJ Ordinary Regular Service.

Case No. R11-NC-TH-2021-2-023

Case No. R11-EV-PJ-2021-2-858 (2015-XI-00858) EMILY R. BADILLA Petitioner.

ANGEL BELARMINO ULAC, Applicant. x----------------------------------------------------x

NOTICE OF HEARING In the application filed on February 15, 2021, applicant requests authority for a Certificate of Pubic Convenience to operate TH FREIGHT TRUCK SERVICE for the transportation of freight on the route: WITHIN DAVAO CITY AND FROM SAID PLACE TO ANY POINT IN THE ISLAND OF MINDANAO accessible to motor vehicle traffic and vice versa with the use of ONE (1) unit. NOTICE is hereby given that this application will be heard by this Board on APRIL 13, 2021 at 8:30 a.m. at this office at the above address. At least TEN (10) days prior to the above date applicant shall publish this Notice once in a newspaper of local circulation. Parties opposed to the granting of the application must file their written opposition supported by documentary evidence on or before the above date furnishing a copy of the same to the applicant, and may if they so, desire appear on said date and time.

x----------------------------------------------------x

NOTICE OF HEARING Petitioner is a grantee of a Certificate of Public Convenience issued in this case authorizing the operation of a PUJ Ordinary Regular service on the route: PANACAN - SM CITY DAVAO with the use of ONE (1) unit, which Certificate will expire on February 24, 2021. In the petition filed on February 15, 2021, petitioner requests authority to extend the validity of said certificate to operate along the same route with the use of the same unit previously authorized. NOTICE is hereby given that this petition will be heard by this Board on APRIL 13, 2021 at 8:30 a.m. at this office at the above address. At least TEN (10) days prior to the above date petitioner shall publish this Notice once in a newspaper of local circulation. Parties opposed to the granting of the petition must file their written opposition supported by documentary evidence on or before the above date furnishing a copy of the same to the petitioner, and may if they so, desire appear on said date and time.

This application will be noted upon by this Board on the basis of its records and the documentary evidence submitted by the parties, unless the Board deems it necessary to receive additional documentary and/or oral evidence.

This petition will be noted upon by this Board on the basis of its records and the documentary evidence submitted by the parties, unless the Board deems it necessary to receive additional documentary and/ or oral evidence.

WITNESS Dir. NONITO A LLANOS III, Regional Director, this 16th day of February 2021 at Davao City, Philippines.

Atty. CATTLEYA B. ACAYLAR

Acting Chief Transportation Development Officer

Applicant, Angel Belarmino Ulac Counsel, Atty. Bai Hundra Cassandra Dominique N. Advincula

Atty. CATTLEYA B. ACAYLAR Acting Chief Transportation Development Officer Petitioner, Emily R. Badilla Counsel, Atty. Ernesto Raphael V. Robillo

VOL.13 ISSUE 269 • SUNDAY-MONDAY, FEBRUARY 28-MARCH 1, 2021

He said the contact tracing efforts have significantly improved with the full implementation of the DQR system. “With the use of DQR,

we have expanded even more the capability of our contact- tracing team in reaching out to more people who could have been in close contact with

EXTRAJUDICIAL SETTLEMENT OF ESTATE WITH SALE Notic e is hereby given that the est ate of t he late MILLIE CO ND E Z CLEMENTE who died on September 21, 2009 has been the subjec t of E XTRAJUD IC IAL SE TTLE ME NT WITH SALE leaving a parc el of land desc ribed as follows: TCT No. 146- 2011012675 E xec uted am ong her H eirsVendors, per Doc . No 112; PageNo. 24; Book No. 45 Series of 2020, of the NOTARY P UBLI C ATTY. JOSE S. BALI LI

a positive case. It has been made easier now as the contact tracing team does not need to call one-by-one the casual contacts such as F2 and F3,” he said. As of February 25, DOH-Davao reported 175 new cases, bringing the total to 19,812, with 1,657 active ones, 17,325 recoveries, and 830 deaths in the region. Of the total, Davao City,

which reported the highest COVID-19 incidence in Mindanao, tallied 12,999 cases, with 852 active ones, 11,519 recoveries, and 628 deaths. Davao de Oro reported 1,133 cases, Davao del Norte 2,921, Davao del Sur 1,326, Davao Occidental 211, and Davao Oriental 1,222. (Antonio L. Colina IV/MindaNews)

tions and from funds under the Trust Fund,” the law read. The Bureau of the Treasury is directed to immediately transfer PHP10 billion to the Trust Fund upon the enactment of RA 11524, and another PHP10 billion for the second year, and PHP15 billion each for the third and fourth years. On the fifth year, about PHP25 billion and any amount accruing, includ-

ing interest, in the special account in the general fund will be transferred to the Trust Fund. For the formulation of the Coconut Farmers and Industry Development Plan, the PCA will be given an allocation of PHP5 million. The law also creates a Trust Fund Management Committee composed of authorized representatives of the finance, budget, and

PRRD... FROM2

Republic of the Philippines DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board Regional Franchising and Regulatory Office No. 11 Libby Road, Puan, Davao City

Petition for Extension of Validity of a Certificate of Public Convenience to operate an AIRCONDITIONED TAXI Service.

Petition for Extension of Validity of a Certificate of Public Convenience to operate a FILCAB Ordinary Regular Service.

Petition for Extension of Validity of a Certificate of Public Convenience to operate a PUJ Dual Ordinary Service.

Case No. R11-EV-TX-2021-2-648 (2002-XI-00648) LITA B. ACQUIADAN Petitioner.

Case No. R11-EV-FC-2021-2-1248 (2015-XI-01248) RONALD CATIAN ROMAREZ Petitioner.

Case No. R11-EV-PJ-2021-2-720 (2001-XI-00720) RIZAL B. ILAGAN Petitioner.

x----------------------------------------------------x

NOTICE OF HEARING

x----------------------------------------------------x

NOTICE OF HEARING

Republic of the Philippines DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board Regional Franchising and Regulatory Office No. 11 Libby Road, Puan, Davao City

x----------------------------------------------------x

NOTICE OF HEARING

Petitioner is a grantee of a Certificate of Public Convenience issued in this case authorizing the operation of an AIRCONDITIONED TAXI service on the route: WITHIN DAVAO CITY AND FROM SAID PLACE TO ANY POINT IN REGION XI with the use of ONE (1) unit, which Certificate will expire on December 31, 2021. In the petition filed February 18, 2021, petitioner requests authority to extend the validity of said certificate to operate along the same route with the use of the same unit previously authorized.

Petitioner is a grantee of a Certificate of Public Convenience issued in this case authorizing the operation of a FILCAB Ordinary Regular service on the route: TORIL (DAVAO CITY) - ASTORGA (DAVAO DEL SUR) AND VICE VERSA with the use of ONE (1) unit, which Certificate will expire on February 26, 2021. In the petition filed on February 23, 2021, petitioner requests authority to extend the validity of said certificate to operate along the same route with the use of the same unit previously authorized.

Petitioner is a grantee of a Certificate of Public Convenience issued in this case authorizing the operation of a PUJ Dual Ordinary Regular service on the route: MA-A and for cargoes as dual service from said place to any point in Region XI with the use of ONE (1) unit, which Certificate will expire on March 15, 2021. In the petition filed February 23, 2021, petitioner requests authority to extend the validity of said certificate to operate along the same route with the use of the same unit previously authorized.

NOTICE is hereby given that this petition will be heard by this Board on APRIL 13, 2021 at 8:30 a.m. at this office at the above address.

At least TEN (10) days prior to the above date petitioner shall publish this Notice once in a newspaper of local circulation.

Parties opposed to the granting of the petition must file their written opposition supported by documentary evidence on or before the above date furnishing a copy of the same to the petitioner, and may if they so, desire appear on said date and time.

WITNESS Dir. NONITO A LLANOS III, Regional Director, this 19th day of February 2021 at Davao City, Philippines.

WITNESS Dir. NONITO A LLANOS III, Regional Director, this 24th day of February 2021 at Davao City, Philippines.

Atty. CATTLEYA B. ACAYLAR Acting Chief Transportation Development Officer Petitioner, Lita B. Acquiadan Counsel, Atty. Marvin G. Camino

Atty. CATTLEYA B. ACAYLAR Acting Chief Transportation Development Officer Petitioner, Ronald Catian Romarez Counsel, Atty. Marvin G. Camino

Atty. CATTLEYA B. ACAYLAR Acting Chief Transportation Development Officer Petitioner, Rizal V. Ilagan Counsel, Atty. Marvin G. Camino

justice departments. The committee is tasked to set investment priorities, investment themes, asset allocation, and policies; evaluate assets; issue guidelines for portfolio turnover and trust fund management expenses; set annual allocation of the Trust Fund; and approve financial requirements. The Palace released a copy of RA 11524 on Friday night. (PNA)

DIGOS... FROM2

from Sitio Bandera to Sitio Lumayan. In Brgy. Goma, a Potable Water Supply Level II will be constructed covering Sitios Camalig, Kiola, Barrio Site, Kalubihan, Tubor and Napan. The project will cost Php10,000,000.00. Also part of the BDP projects in Brgy. Goma is the concreting of road from Sitio Tubor to Sitio Roblehan, which has a budget of Php10,000,000.00. Cagas said that the city government “firmly believes that these projects are effective counter–insurgency strategies that will lessen the radicalization of communist party to our people in the remote areas.” “Let this event and the Barangay Development Program inspire us to strengthen our partnership in uplifting the lives of the Filipino people and refuel our enormous desire in achieving long lasting peace and prosperity for our nation that we can proudly bequeath to future generations,” he stated. The mayor recalled that the Rano Massacre was “the most gruesome attack by the New People’s Army against the Bagobo–Tagabawa Tribe in Barangay Binaton, Digos City.” He said that even today, the presence of the CPP/ NPA still threatens the peace and order in the city. (PIA-XI/Carina L. Cayon)

EDGEDAVAO

VOL.13 ISSUE 269 • SUNDAY-MONDAY, FEBRUARY 28-MARCH 1, 2021

PRRD wants fast action on BDP, Esperon says

resident Rodrigo Duterte is resolute in driving on the ground, as soon as possible, the Barangay Develop ment Program (BDP), National Security Adviser Hermogenes Esperon said during the presscon held after the Davao Region BDP Launch. Esperon was taking cue from the intense interest that the President expressed yesterday during his visit in TS- Auring stricken-Tandag City where he was flown for aerial survey and meet ing of government officials to discuss government disaster response. “Dalhin mo ako kung saan may con flict , kausapin na tin sila (Bring me to where there is conflict let us talk to them)," Esperon quoted the President as saying. To realize this intent , the Nation al Task Force ELCAC with the Presidential Special Operations Group is arranging the President visit in Samar, Masbate, Cor -

dillera Region and CARAGA in the month of March. Another batch of areas shall be set for the President’s visit in April, Esperon said. “We are taking the cue from there as we launch the Barangay Development Program,” he said citing the emphasis that the President plac ed on ending local communist insurgency in a Cabinet meeting in Tandag City. “He wants fast action,” Esperon added, referring to President Duterte. He said the BDP can start taking off on March 15 soon as local chief executives can submit requirements asked from them. “As soon as possible so that by the middle of the year, something can be seen,” he said. Meanwhile, Espe ron assured the pub lic that various con trols and monitoring mechanisms are set to guard the Baran gay Development Program (BDP) implementation against misuse, corruption, and even against po -

Republic of the Philippines SUPREME COURT REGIONAL TRIAL COURT 11TH Judicial Region Branch 12-Family Court Davao city IN RE: PETITION TO ADOPT LEONA MARIE SIERDA WITH R-DVO-20-03397-SP CHANGE OF NAME TO LEONA MARIE MARTINEZ FOR ADOPTION MARIA LEONORA BALNEG MARTINEZ Petitioner X---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------X

ORDER Petitioner filed a verified petition praying that she be allowed to adopt as her own child, LEONA MARIE SIERDA, minor, who was born on March 23, 2017 in Toril, Davao City; That Leona Marie Sierda has been declared as legally available for adoption by the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) on December 26, 2019; That Leona Marie Sierda be declared legitimate child of petitioner and that the name of the adoptee be changed to LEONA MARIE MARTINEZ; IN THE CASE AND Home Study Report filed by Marylou A. Polancos, Social Welfare Officer ll of the Department of Social Welfare and Development, Davao City, which was approved by Racquel E. Nuñez, Regional Director, dated February 3, 2021, she favorably recommended the adoption of the said child by the petitioner. WHEREFORE, LET THE PETITION BE SET FOR HEARING ON May 10, 2021 at 2:00 o’clock in the afternoon at which date and time, all persons concerned may appear to show cause, if any, why the prayer in the petition shall not be granted. The Preliminary Conference for he marking of exhibits is on April 27, 2021 at 3:30 in the afternoon before the Branch clerk of Court. Let this Order be published at the expense of the petitioner, in Edge Davao, a newspaper of general circulation in the City and three (3) provinces of Davao, once a week for three (3) consecutive weeks. The petitioner is further directed to furnish the Solicitor General with a copy of the petition and the latter is directed to appear for the State. Notify all parties concerned and the Solicitor general through this order SO ORDERED Davao City Philippines, February 5, 2021.

(sgd) DANTE A. BAGUIO Presiding Judge

litical positioning. “There are a num ber of levels to guard it ,” he said. He revealed that a roving Barangay De velopment Commit tee is being organized at the national lev-

el to gather reports from the barangay level to be submitted to the President (Rodrigo Duterte) and to Congress. He sad the Department of Interior and Local Government

Republic of the Philippines SUPREME COURT REGIONAL TRIAL COURT 11TH Judicial Region Branch 12-Family Court Davao City SP. PROC. NO. R-DVO-20 -03496-SP N THE MATTER OF THE PETITION TO: ALLOW APRILYN SINDAY TO USE THE SURNAME OF HER FATHER GIMAY ON HER CERTIFICATE OF LIVE BIRTH bearing Registry Number 97-12, 737; And CANCEL THE SECOND REGISTERED CERTIFICATE OF LIVE BIRTH OF APRILYN SINDAY GIMAY bearing Registry Number 99-2, 458; APRILYN SINDAY also known as APRILYN SINDAY GIMAY, ROWENA S. SINDAY and ALEXANDER A. GIMAY Petitioners, -versusTHE OFFICE OF THE CITY CIVIL REGISTRAR OF DAVAO CITY, Respondent X---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------X

ORDER OF HEARING A verified petition filed on NOVEMBER 25, 2020 has been filed by petitioners, APRILYN SINDAY also known as APIRILYN SINDAY GIMAY, ROWENA S. SINDAY and ALEXANDER a. GIMAY, assisted by counsels ATTY. ARIEL C. SALVO/ATTY. ENI GRACE B FABILA, praying that after due hearing, an order be issued directing the Civil Registrar of Davao city, to wit: 1. ALLOW Aprilyn Sinday to use sssssurname of her father GIMAY in her Certificate of Live Birth with Registry Number 97-12-737;and 2. Aprilyn Sinday hencefort use the name APRILYN SINDAY GIMAY; and 3. CANCEL the second registered Live Birth Certificate of APRILYN SINDAY GIMAY with Registry Number 99-2,458 Moreover, pending the decision granting this petition, to allow APRILYN SINDAY to continuously use the name APRILYN SINDAY GIMAY to conform with her and other transactions and dealings. Finding the petition to be sufficient in form and substance, this Court hereby set the same for hearing on APRIL 28, 2021 at 8:30 in the morning. Let this Order be published at the expense of the petitioners in a newspaper of general circulation in the City of Davao, once a week for three (3) consecutive weeks All interested persons may appear before this Court on or before the aforesaid date of hearing to show cause if any, why the petition should not be granted. Furnish a copy of this order together with a copy of the petition to the City prosecutor’s Office-Davao city, the Office of the Solicitor General, 134 Amorsolo St., Legaspi Village, Makati City, Atty. Ariel C. Salvo/Atty. Eni Grace B.Fabila-Public Attorney’s Office Department of Justice, Davao City District Office, Hall of Justice, Ecoland, Davao city, The office of the Clerk of Court, RTC-Davao City , Aprilyn Sinday also known as Aprilyn Sinday Gimay, Rowena S. Sinday and Alexander A. Gimay-KM. 12 Suha, Barangay Sasa, Buhangin-B District, Davao City, and the Office of the Local Civil registrar of Davao City. SO ORDERED. Given on this 25th day of JANUARY 2021 at Davao City, Philippines

(sgd) JILL ROSE S. JAUGAN-LO Presiding Judge

(DILG) also has its own system of keeping an eye on BDP implementation, and that there will also be private sector involvement in monitoring the BDP im plementation.

“Di pwede galawin yan (It cannot be touched),” he said. “Maganda ang con trols,” he added while brushing aside speculations citing BDP funds as “pork bar rel.” (PIA XI/ Jeane vive Duron Abangan)

B1 COMPETITIVE EDGE EDGEDAVAO

VOL.13 ISSUE 269 • SUNDAY-MONDAY, FEBRUARY 28-MARCH 1, 2021

Despite pandemic, Matina Enclaves caps 3rd building By NEIL BRAVO

hen the Covid-19 pandemic hit the world with guards down last year, among the biggest losers in the business side was easily the property industry. Davao City, for one, reeled hard from the impact of the health crisis. The city was enjoying an unprecedented boom in the real estate business when all of a sudden Covid-19 struck just as worse as any financial crisis. Faced with the terrible challenge made extensively tough by health protocols and restrictions, several developers held off their construction. A few with the financial stability and doggedness pushed on. Tick Matina Enclaves on the list. Developed by homegrown Escandor Development Corporation (Esdevco), the Matina Enclaves 'coasted along' with the rough pandemic waves to finish its third building in the sprawling complex along Quimpo Boulevard in Ecoland. With that, Matina Enclaves celebrated an-

other milestone as it saw Building A of its Enclaves Residences sector finally rise completely. On Thursday (February 25), Esdevco president Glenn Escandor and daughter Irina led the inauguration ceremony of Building A of the Matina Enclaves along with Esdevco executives led by project director Gerald Kent Garces and buiding contractors. "It was e very tough year. Everyone knows how hard it is to continue to construct given the restrictions and the limitations but we gladly made it," said Escandor. "This project is a proof of Matina Enclaves' commitment to our clients and to the city as well that no matter what the situation is, we are committed to delivering our promise," he added. Building A is a midrise condominium build-

ing within the Enclaves Residences sector of the sprawling Matina Enclaves. It is the third residential building bound for turnover by the fast-growing homegrown real estate development firm. Esdevco has by far turned over two--Build-

ings B and C--of the five residential buildings under this cluster of midrise residential buildings of the Matina Enclaves.

The Residences sector has by far completed the outdoor Matina Enclaves basketball court which is part of the

amenities of the Matina Enclaves in addition to the clubhouse and swimming pool which were completed earlier.

VOL.13 ISSUE 269 • SUNDAY-MONDAY, FEBRUARY 28-MARCH 1, 2021

EDGEDAVAO

Hectic schedule T up for NBA teams

he second half of the NBA schedule will be hectic, all the way to the end.

Donovan Mitchell of the Utah Jazz soars for a dunk against the Lakers who suffered a stinging fourth straight loss.

Tiger Woods moved to new hospital to continue recovery

iger Woods has been moved to a new hospital in Los Angeles to continue his recovery from surgery following his serious car accident. The 15-time major winner underwent surgery to stabilise compound fractures of his tibia and fibula after the accident on Tuesday and has now been transferred from the Harbor-UCLA Medical Center to the Cedars-Sinai Medical Center. The Los Angeles County Sheriff said Woods, 45, would not face criminal charges. "Woods was transferred to Cedars-Sinai Medical

Center for continuing orthopaedic care and recovery," Harbor-UCLA Medical Center interim CEO Anish Mahajan said on the hospital's Twitter account. "It was an honour to provide orthopaedic trauma care to one of our generation's greatest athletes." Woods, who recovered from numerous surgeries to break an 11-year major drought and win the 2019 Masters, has received an outpouring of support from friends and athletes as well as former US Presidents Donald Trump and Barack Obama in the wake of the crash. Rory McIlroy insisted

that Tiger Woods surviving his horrific car crash in California far outweighed the importance of returning to competitive golf in the future. "He's not Superman," was McIlroy's abrupt reminder that golf fans should be grateful that Woods will be able to go home to his family when he leaves hospital to begin a long road to recovery. How injury has affected Tiger Woods' careerTiger Woods 'unlikely to face charges' for crash "He's a human being at the end of the day, and he's already been through so much," McIlroy added.

The league on Wednesday (Thursday, Manila time) released the list of games that will be played between March 10 and May 16, with Memphis and San Antonio — two of the teams that dealt with long unplanned shutdowns because of coronavirus-related issues — set to play 40 times apiece, tied for the most in the league during the 68-day sprint to the end of the regular season. And every team is scheduled to play on the final day of the regular season, a rarity. The 15 games on May 16 will mark the first time that every NBA team plays on the same day since Nov. 25, 2016 — and the first time all have done so on the final day of the regular season since April 16, 2014. The season reopens following the All-Star break on March 10 when Washington visits Memphis and San Antonio goes to Dallas. Most of the league resumes on March 11, with 21 teams playing their second-half openers that night, and the remaining five — Denver, Cleveland, Utah, Indiana and the Los Angeles Lakers — get back to game action on March 12. That means the Cavaliers, Lakers and Jazz, all of whom end their first-half schedules on March 3, get the longest All-Star breaks in the league at nine days apiece. Washington, Memphis and San Antonio get the shortest breaks, all six days. Teams will finish the season averaging about 15 back-to-backs, about three more per team than was the case last season but still well below the norm before the league made player rest a scheduling priority and changed its methods three years ago. There are only two instances of teams having four games in five days in the season's second half, both toward the very end. Memphis had one of

the dreaded four-in-fives during the first half and is in line for another between May 11 and May 15, at home against New Orleans, Dallas and twice against Sacramento. San Antonio will end the season with a run of four games in five days — the first two at Brooklyn and New York on May 12 and 13, followed by finales at home against Phoenix on May 15 and 16. A few other things to note on the schedule: The NBA typically tries not to schedule games on the night of the NCAA men's basketball championship game, but squeezing so many games into a short window made an unplanned night off impossible this season. There are seven games on the schedule for April 5, the night that some college team is scheduled to cut down nets in Indianapolis. LOADED SLATE May 16 could mark the first time all 30 NBA teams and all 30 Major League Baseball teams play on the same day. There were 15 NBA games and 15 MLB games on April 16, 2014 — but included in that MLB slate was a doubleheader between the New York Yankees and Chicago Cubs. The Minnesota Twins and Toronto Blue Jays had that day off. LEAST AND MOST The Los Angeles Clippers have the fewest games in the second half, scheduled to play 34 times. The Spurs and Grizzlies are scheduled to play 40 games, and every other team is between 35 and 38 contests. RESCHEDULINGS The league has had to reschedule 29 games that were called off so far for virus-related reasons, plus others that had to be postponed earlier this month in response to the ice storm that knocked out power to much of Texas. PLAY-IN DATES

Tiger Woods has been moved to the Cedars-Sinai Medical Center© PA Tiger Woods has been moved to the Cedars-Sinai Medical Center.

8 SPORTS

EDGEDAVAO

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CHANCE FOR GILAS

Gilas Pilipinas will take the place of the New Zealand Tall Blacks in the FIBA Olympic Qualifying Tournament in Serbia.

PH to take New Zealand’s slot at FIBA Olympic Qualifying Tournament

he Philippines gets a chance to book a spot in the Tokyo Olympic Games basketball competitions.

On Friday, FIBA announced that the Philippines will take New Zealand’s place at the FIBA Olympic Qualifying Tournament in Belgrade after New Zealand announced it was withdrawing from the competition. The Serbia tournament will be from June 29 to July 4. On its website, the New Zealand basketball federation cited "costs" behind its decision to back out of FIBA tournaments. "Due to the spike in the number of high performance events and the costs of sending teams abroad, the Basketball New Zealand Board has made the difficult decision to withdraw the Tall

Blacks from the Olympic Qualifying Tournament (OQT) in Serbia (already postponed from 2020) and the New Zealand men’s 3X3 team from the 2021 OQT in Austria," the organization said. Because the Philippines, represented by the Gilas Pilipinas men's national team, is the highest-ranked Asian team that hasn't booked an Olympic berth, it will replace the Kiwis. The Philippines will be bunched with the Dominican Republic and host Serbia in Group A, while Italy, Puerto Rico and Senegal make up Group B. A crossover playoff will ensue between the two best teams from

each group. There are 3 other OQTs besides the one in Belgrade -- Kaunas, Lithuania; Victoria, Canada; and Split, Croatia. The 4 teams that will top their respective OQTs will join the 12-team field at the Tokyo Games. The winner of the Canada OQT will join Iran, France and the defending champion United States in Group A, while the countries that rule the Croatia and Serbia qualifiers will play Australia and Nigeria in Group B. Group C is composed of Argentina, Japan, Spain and the team that emerges from the Lithuania OQT.