Edge Davao Volume 14 Issue 65 | Sunday-Monday, May-30-31, 2021 by Edge Davao The Business Paper

THE YEAR THAT WAS FOR PRIVATE SCHOOLS BIGGER PICTURE P6

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Davao City Mayor Sara Duterte-Carpio smiles while interacting with members of the media in this undated photo. The mayor turns 43 on Monday, May 31. Edge Davao

Metro Davao Authority to empower local chief execs during pandemic: Sara

STORY ON PAGE 2

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VOL.14 ISSUE 65 • SUNDAY-MONDAY, MAY 30-31, 2021

Senator Christopher“Bong”Go expresses his support for the proposed Bayanihan 3 bill to further assist Filipinos still struggling because of the pandemic and vows to prioritize local hospital measures which will greatly benefit poor Filipinos in fulfillment of his promise to prioritize their welfare.

EMPOWERING T

New Zealand Embassy, DCCCII partner to uplift IP women

Metro Davao Authority to empower local chief execs during pandemic: Sara By MAYA M. PADILLO

he proposed Metropolitan Davao Development Authority (MDDA) will provide empowerment to local chief executives during a pandemic or an outbreak. Mayor Sara DuterteCarpio said the MDDA will be helpful during a pandemic because one of the areas that the local government units (LGUs) will work on Metro Davao is safety. “In a pandemic, if the authority is given all the

powers that it needs to control the outbreak or pandemic then it will be very useful,” Mayor Sara said. On March 25, 2021, the House of Representatives approved on final reading House Bill 8930 that will create the MDDA. The proposed MDDA

covers Davao City; the cities of Panabo, Tagum and Island Garden City of Samal in Davao del Norte; Digos City in Davao del Sur; Mati City in Davao Oriental; and the municipalities of Sta. Cruz in Davao del Sur, Carmen in Davao del Norte, Maco in Davao de Oro, and Malita in Davao Occidental. The five areas that all the LGUs will only collaborate on under Metropolitan Davao set up are urban development, sewerage and septage, solid waste

management, public transport and traffic, and public safety and security. Currently, the proposal is still pending for deliberation at the Senate. Representative Isidro Ungab of the third district of Davao City disclosed that the moment the proposed MDDA will be approved into law, the region will now have a separate budget for infrastructure, drainage, disaster management, traffic management, and even operating expenses.

honest and comprehensive close contact line list to the District Health Officer (DHO) contact tracer where the office is located,” Schlosser said. Teleperformance has wide range of services that include customer care, technical support, customer acquisition, consulting and analytics, and digital integrated business service solutions.

he New Zealand Embassy, Davao City Chamber of Commerce and Industry Inc., (DCCCII), and other concerned government agencies have collaborated to uplift the lives of the IP (indigenous people) of Davao City. In her president’s report during the 5th General Membership Meeting of DCCCII on Friday, Dr. Malou Monteverde shared that last May 3, 2021, the New Zealand Embassy met with DCCCII together with the Department of Trade and Industry 11 (DTI 11) and the National Commission on Indigenous People 11 (NCIP 11) to discuss the project partnership for Mindanao IPs entitled “Uplifting IP Women of Davao” with Davao City as a hub. The project will be funded by the embassy. The project is also proposed by the Philippine Center for

Entrepreneurship (PCE)-Go Negosyo with DCCCII, city government of Davao, DTI 11, NCIP 11, and Zeald (Gem Academy) as collaborators. For the project, NCIP 11 and DTI 11 presented their proposed beneficiaries as well as their proposed capacity building activities while DCCCII drafted an action plan and already submitted it to the New Zealand Embassy for review. Monteverde also reported that during a follow up meeting on May 19, 2021, the New Zealand Embassy and the collaborators discussed the following: training design and roll out, community partners/beneficiaries, role of each collaborators, e-commerce (engaging young IPs to technology), communications, and budget. The duration of the project is from 2021 to 2022. By Maya M. Padillo

Kalahi-CIDSS (Kapit-Bisig Laban sa KahirapanComprehensive and Integrated Delivery of Social Services). Emphasis bared that three barangay isolation units (BUIs) have been completed and are now being used. The barangay recipients are Baybay, Bagumbayan and Bolton. The BIUs of the remaining 12 barangays

are near to completion, she said during Monday’s (May 24) episode of the “Gobyernong Balitaan” radio program of Energy FM Digos and Philippine Information Agency Davao del Sur/Davao Occidental information center. The quarantine facilities are designed to have six bed rooms, comfort rooms and ventilations with medical

Teleperformance company fails to P15-M Kalahi-CIDSS fund for declare honest close contact list quarantine facilities in Malalag

he focal person of the Davao City’s Covid-19 Task Force disclosed on Saturday that the management of the BPO company, Teleperformance, failed to provide and declare an honest and comprehensive close contact line list after the city government of Davao placed it under lockdown. The team of District Health Office (DHO), sanitation, PNP, and

barangay council had served the lockdown notification on Friday. Dr. Michelle Schlosser said there has been a critically increasing number of cases at Teleperformance in the past few days. To date, the city noted a total of 46 active cases. “Davao City monitors active cases through our contact tracers and DQR logs. The company failed to provide and declare an

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he municipal health officer of Malalag town in Davao del Sur is thankful to the national government for providing funding of P1 million to each of the town’s 15 barangays for the improvement of their quarantine facilities. MHO chief Dr. Teresita Emphasis said the assistance is courtesy of the Kalipunan Serbisyong Bayan under DSWD’s

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EDGEDAVAO

4 VANTAGE EDGEDAVAO

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On the spike of Covid-19 transmission in Davao City Various workplace duna tay call centers, schools, government offices and private offices, sagol-sagol siya. Mas taas ang household transmission. Makita nato still ang balay ug opisina ang daghan clustering of cases.” MAYOR SARA DUTERTE-CARPIO

EDITORIAL In search of the elusive gold With less than two months before the Tokyo Olympics, the unrest is still mounting on not to proceed with the staging of the biggest sports spectacle on Earth.

The clamor is just too high that even a sponsor of the Olympics is calling for its cancellation. Japan’s Asahi Shimbun newspaper, an official Tokyo Olympics sponsor, called for the Games to be cancelled this week in the latest sign of opposition less before the opening ceremony. The call comes with public opinion in Japan firmly against holding the Games this summer, and after prominent business leaders voiced their concern in recent weeks. Organizers insist however that the Games are on, saying an extensive rulebook will keep athletes and the Japanese public safe.

The holding or not holding of the Olympics weighs a lot for the Philippines. The country is still seeking its first ever gold medal

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In addition to the impressive record of these athletes, the probable absence of some major contenders from countries concerned of the pandemic could also boost the chances our athletes. However, the biggest stumbling block that separates us and that Olympic gold is the spectre of cancellation of the continuous demand for it will eventually overwhelm organizers.

The Philippines may not have the same strong pool of athletes vying for the gold if the Olympics were held later, so the best opportunity should be now. ANTONIO M. AJERO Editor in Chief

NEILWIN JOSEPH L. BRAVO Managing Editor

MAYA M. PADILLO Senior Reporter

KENNETH IRVING K. ONG ATHENA JILLIAN BRAVO NIKKI GOTIANSE-TAN MEGHANN STA. INES FERINA SANTOS Lifestyle

CHRISTIAN JAY H. RAFAL ANA MARIE G. SILPAO Layout

LEANDRO S. DAVAL JR. ARMANDO B. FENEQUITO JR. Consultant Correspondent Columnists: MA. TERESA L. UNGSON • EDCER C. ESCUDERO • AURELIO A. PEÑA • ZHAUN ORTEGA • BERNADETTE “ADDIE” B. BORBON • MARY ANN C. QUISIDO • LEANDRO DAVAL SR.,TRIA • NIKKI GOTIANSE-TAN NICASIO ANGELO AGUSTIN • EMILY Columnists: ANTONIO V.“ADI” FIGUEROA • HENRYLITO D. TACIO •B.JOHN CARLO • MUJAHID NAVARRA ••FRED C. LUMBA • DENNIS R. GORECHO ZEN CHUA • CARLOS MUNDA Economic Analyst: ENRICO •“GICO” G. S. DAYANGIRANG • JONALLIER GREGORIO G. DELIGERO VIDA MIA VALVERDE • HAROLD CAVITE M. PEREZ

OLIVIA D. VELASCO SOLANI D. MARATAS RICHARD C. EBONAJASPER OLIVIA D. VELASCO V. BACSAL General Manager PresidentAdvertising Specialist Finance General Manager / VP Operations JOCELYN S. PANES Director of Sales

in the quadrennial Games and it looks like the chance to get it is no brighter than it is now. The so-called Fab Five composed of Rio Olympics silver medalist weightlifter Hidilyn Diaz, recently-turned professional boxer Eumir Marcial, pole vaulter EJ Obiena, gymnast Carlo Yulo and Daabawenya boxer Nesthy Petecio all have the potential to land the country’s first gilt.

SOLANI D. MARATAS Finance

CAGAYAN DE ORO MARKETING OFFICE MANILA MARKETING OFFICE RICHARD C. EBONA LEIZEL A. DELOSO | Marketing Manager Unit 6, Southbank Plaza Velez-YacapinProduct Sts. Development officer Cagayan de Oro City Address: No. 18 Purok 4B, Madelo Street, Lower Bicutan, Taguig City Tel: (088) 852-4894 Mobile number: +63 947 265 2969(smart); +63 916 955 8559(globe)

EDGEDAVAO

VOL.14 ISSUE 65 • SUNDAY-MONDAY, MAY 30-31, 2021

VANTAGE POINTS

ATTY. DIMPNA D. BERMEJO-DULAY IBP DAVAO CORNER

RANDOM DRUG TEST Dear IBP, Good day po sa inyo. Gaano po ba ka effective ang drug testing? Palagi na lang po may random drug testing sa office. Yung kasama ko, may gamot na ininom, nag positive na sa drug test. Meron po kami pinirmahan sa office na dapat mag sali kami sa random drug testing palagi, tama po ba ito? Kaso po, noong araw na yun, hindi ako naka sali sa random drug testing dahil wala akong makuha na mag bantay sa anak ko. Na dismissed po ako sa work. Ano po gagawin ko. Dismissed Boy Dear Dismissed Boy, Drug Testing is accurate as long as the body excretion is properly taken, the sample is correctly handled, and the testing procedure is according to the approved protocol.

Meaning, the sample collection cup is properly labeled, the test kits results are visually read at the specific time and the preliminary test is also confirmed by a specific chemical test. In the Philippines, the commonly abused drugs are Marijuana and Methamphetamine (Shabu).

Usually, if a person has taken Marijuana, he will turn out pos-

itive within 1 to 7 days or if it is Amphetamine or methamphetamine, he will turn out positive around 2 to 3 days. There are also other cases that Marijuana, Amphetamine or Methamphetamine metabolites stay longer within the body.

However, even if a person took the drugs, the test results would not always be positive. It could also be negative. One factor affecting the negative result was that the urine was collected too soon or too late since the drugs would not stay in the urine immediately or indefinitely. There could also be other factors that hindered the result. Therefore, even when a person tested negative, it would not follow that he did not take drugs. He was just lucky. On the other hand, a positive test may also mean a positive test for a prescription drug containing amphetamines and methamphetamines. These medications would produce the same test results as illegally abused amphetamines.

So, whether a person is negative or positive for drug tests, other factors must be considered carefully by the investigator. Initially, the drug test kits only give a preliminary (or pre-

sumptive) result which may also give a positive test result for certain foods, food supplements, beverages, or medicines. A specific chemical test is therefore required to confirm presence of specific drugs. Whether the company where you work can require an employee to submit to Random Drug Testing, yes this is valid.

In AQUILINO Q. PIMENTEL VS. COMELEC.[G.R. No. 161658, November 03, 2008], it was stated, “In the case of students, the constitutional viability of the mandatory, random, and suspicionless drug testing for students emanates primarily from the waiver by the students of their right to privacy when they seek entry to the school, and from their voluntarily submitting their persons to the parental authority of school authorities. In the case of private and public employees, the constitutional soundness of the mandatory, random, and suspicionless drug-testing proceeds from the reasonableness of the drug test policy and requirement.” Therefore, you could not question the drug test policy since you signed a waiver during the time you were hired.

As to your case, when you were required to undergo the drug testing and did not comply, the mere allegation that you took care of your children would not be sufficient.

There must be convincing proof as stated in MIRANT VS. CARO [ G.R. No. 181490, April 23, 2014 .The reason for not taking the drug test must be unjustified. “By “unjustified refusal to submit to random drug testing” means the omission amounted to “unjust refusal” if he could not sufficiently support with convincing proof and evidence his defenses for failing to take the random drug test. In same case, it was also stated that ” It is not a mere jurisprudential principle, but an enshrined provision of law, that all doubts shall be resolved in favor of labor. Thus, in Article 4 of the Labor Code, as amended, “[a]ll doubts in the implementation and interpretation of the provisions of [the Labor] Code, including its implementing rules and regulations, shall be resolved in favor of labor.” In Article 1702 of the New Civil Code, a similar provision states that “[i]n case of doubt, all labor legislation and all labor contracts shall be construed in favor of the safety and decent living for the laborer.” Applying these provisions of law to the circumstances in the case at bar, it is not fair for

this Court to allow an ambiguous policy to prejudice the rights of an employee against illegal dismissal.” Therefore, if you could present a convincing proof, of why you were not able to undergo the drug testing, doubts would be resolved in your favor.

As Theodore Roosevelt said, “It is only through labor and painful effort, by grim energy and resolute courage, that we move on to better things.” Passing a drug test is also moving on to better things. Be proud to be drug free. As Theodore Roosevelt said, “It is only through labor and painful effort, by grim energy and resolute courage, that we move on to better things.” Passing a drug test is also moving on to better things. Be proud to be drug free. IBP Davao Corner is a weekly column of Integrated Bar of the Philippines- Davao Chapter, giving free legal advice as part of its legal aid program. The above legal opinion is based solely on the appreciation of the facts and problem given and stated above. The opinion may vary when other facts, circumstances, and situations are stated. You may send your comments and questions to ibpdavao@gmail.com.

ANTONIO V. FIGUEROA FAST BACKWARD

FRANK A. CROWHURST, BRITISH PLANTER Prior to joining the abaca industry in Davao, British Frank A. Crowhurst was a correspondent for the London Times until he took interest in the prospects the Philippines offered following the U.S. takeover from Spanish rule. After deciding to settle in the subdistrict of Mampising, in the village of Tagnanan, Mabini, Davao de Oro, he organized the Moro Plantation Company in 1906 in California, with him as general manager. Why Crowhurst, the second foreigner to open a plantation in Davao during the American Occupation, chose Moro as the name of his firm is unclear. He could have been inspired by another plantation, the Moro Improvement &amp; Trading Company, which was based in Tagnanan. That same year, he joined the newly organized Philippine Hemp Machine Company in Manila. The

firm, registered under the laws of the Philippines, had a capital of P150,000 and counted among its incorporators M. A. Clarke, J. S. Gillies, Franklin G. Colby, Benito Legarda, John Gibson, M. L. Stewart, W. T. Anderson, John W. Haussermann, D. R. Williams, James F. Macleod, Charles A. Reynolds, and Maj. George P. Ahern. The company promoted the Gillies machines, weighing about 90 kgs when equipped for artificial power and about 45 kgs for hand-power, which was used to extract the abaca fiber.

Crowhurst’s estate, covered under Application No. 979-3815, was a 783.9932-hectare property with a 1.6-km seafront and extended inland to around 1.6 km. The soil was light sandy loam and sub-irrigated. It had a deep layer of rich mold resulting from heavy forestation. Water was available anywhere in the plantation within

three to four feet.

The plantation, under a 25year lease, hosted some 70,000 hemp hills and planted to Maguindanao, Bangulanun, and Tangounan abaca varieties. Intercropped were few coconut trees, and labor was handled by Mansaka, Moro, and Visayan workers, each assigned with parcels to cultivate. Plants like spices and coffee were also introduced in the farm on experimental basis. To his credit, Crowhurst, just years after starting his company, became president of Davao Planters’ Association (DPA), which promoted the interests of plantation owners and the entire district at large. In the Feb. 15, 1911 issue of The Tacoma Times, a newspaper based in Washington, D.C., he was described as a man “who with admirable skill molded the [DPA] which bids fair to become the chief agricultural authority of the

Philippine Islands.”

As DPA head, he had to deal on issues ranging from incursions of Kalagan lands to Moro slavery contained in an anonymous letter and caught the attention of groups like the Asemblea Filipina (Filipino Assembly) and the Voz de Mindanao (Voice of Mindanao). In a June 25, 1908 letter published in The Mindanao Herald, Crowhurst denied the charge of slave labor, stating: Regarding slavery, a mere effectual stop has been put to this since the American occupation than at all previous times during Spanish occupancy. The Moro is absolutely free to come and go the same as other wild men. The only cases that the writer knows of where slaves have been known to exist during the last two or three years has been where they have been held by the Moro datus, the slaves being taken from the neighboring tribes.

Meanwhile, assisting Crowhurst in the company operation was his wife, described as ‘representative of… our Revolutionary fathers [who] keenly feel the pangs of separation and who today strengthen the bond of friendship between nations.’ She was respected and trusted and was the person native women approached for guidance and coaching.

Crowhurst’s role in the hemp industry of Davao added another alien flavor beyond what was introduced by the Americans and the Japanese. He was persistent in his ambition and was successful in bringing diversity to the laborers that made his plantation lucrative. He died in 1919 and his remains are buried at the Davao American Veterans and Masonic Cemetery, beside the Roman Catholic Cemetery, at Wireless, Davao

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VOL.14 ISSUE 65 • SUNDAY-MONDAY, MAY 30-31, 2021

BIGGER PICTURE

The year that was for private schools

Students, teachers still cope with a radical shift from classroom to online classes By KATHERINE CAPELLA ESPE AND SABRINA PANGILINAN

ringing classes to the comfort of one’s home and protecting students and teachers from the Covid-19 virus were, and maybe, among the conveniences of a redesigned academic operation during the pandemic.

A year hence, the comforts would also bring challenges to all sectors in the academic community as they navigate themselves through the new setup and new teaching and learning requirements. “Ever since the Covid-19 pandemic started back in March last year, all schools were required to immediately stop all campus activities and canceling final examinations, graduation, and closing ceremonies,” said Jimmie-Loe Dela Vega, executive director of the Davao Association of Catholic Schools (DACS). He said the students’ final grades were computed based on accumulated periodic assessments and performance tasks. “There was a lot of effort put into adjusting summer class schedules and to setting up online systems and materials for a distance or blended form of instruction in the coming school year.” “However, only a few schools were able to conduct a purely online approach while the rest adopted a modular approach which consequently entailed high cost in the production of modules,” he added. Mary Fritz Ongcoy, a senior high school teacher from the University of the Immaculate Concep-

cion here, found it challenging and exciting in her first year experiencing teaching online class. “Venturing into online classes took a lot of adjustment having to work in a fast-paced environment that is way different than in a real classroom setting,” she said. While it thrilled some sectors over the new set-up, citing savings on fare and “baon” and away from the hustle and bustle of not getting late to class, others have to innovate, re-engineer and cope with rushed up modules and curricula, as well as the regular failure of technology. Struggling With the current situation, Oncoy said the “new normal,” brought flexibility and a more comfortable learning environment. Although her students were also struggling, they wanted to perform their tasks well and expound their interest in the subjects. A teacher from the Ateneo de Davao University, who requested anonymity, said some plus points of online class include saving money because she did not need to go out and ride on public transport and bring food for lunch. If classes were called off and she needed rest,

she could easily go to bed and sleep or spend more time with her family. But as to handling and dealing with students online, Ongcoy had to extend a lot of patience and considerations for online submission. Many students have been complaining about technical difficulties and glitzes. At times, she had difficulty connecting with her students because of the lack of access to technology. “Not every home will always have a reliable internet connection or a readily available device for students to use. That’s why most of the students opted to enroll in modular classes,” she said. And when schools decided to conduct online and modular classes, Ongcoy and her co-workers had to be trained and prepared for the online platforms for the school year since this teaching mode is different from the standard face-to-face classes. Due to the limitations and making sure that the students wouldn’t risk going out, she had to find alternative solutions to achieve performance task objectives. Giving seminars, symposiums, and interviews over the phone or email helped her learners. Parents’ support and involvement were also immense and meaningful, she said, as online and modular learning was student-centered. Paradigm shift Schools, too, had to contend with staffing and employment concerns “given the sudden loss of income due to uncollected fees,” according to DACS’

Dela Vega. “While schools tried to keep teachers, staff, and other employees for a couple of months, the non-essential jobs eventually had to be vacated. Many had to shift to a flexible work arrangement and send many employees on a floating status or offer early retirement.” He confirmed the difficulties that schools and students encountered upon shifting to a new mode of teaching and learning. “The use of email, social media, and group chats have played an important role in proper communication between DACS and the Catholic schools in the city.” DACS also launched its official website as a venue for information and collaboration. However, poor Internet signals and the lack of functional devices for students were the main problems. Dela Vega said schools had to upgrade their internet bandwidth and provide communication or load allowances for teachers. Due to limitations, including preparation, quality assurance may have suffered lapses in instruction materials without actual interaction for workshops or performance tasks. “Modules for the students were hurriedly prepared by teachers with no experience in online delivery or modular method,” he added. As online platforms were adapted to handle distance or online teaching and learning, teachers had to be provided with training that focused on retooling or reskilling to adjust to the new mode

of delivery of instruction. Schools also had to consult with content providers and curriculum experts to support the efforts of their teachers. Surviving A UIC student said she had to do several things to grasp the change in the mode of teaching. She bought a new keyboard, a mouse, and headphones. She also requested her parents to install Internet Wi-Fi in their house because she has siblings that also needed it. Though unprepared, she appreciated the importance of protecting everyone from infection. She also liked that she could sleep all day without worrying about being late but hated the most for not seeing her friends personally. Janine Dichoso, a college student from Ateneo de Davao University, wasn’t prepared as well. Since this was her first time to experience class online, she had to ensure that she had all the necessary gadgets for her to participate in video calls and activities. As her last face-to-face school day ended around the same time the stay-athome order was issued in March, she only had less than a month to prepare for her summer classes online. The covid-19 virus was still new to everyone, and people struggled to adapt to the sudden changes and government guidelines. Janine said that although summer classes online were a first for her, she didn’t know what to expect. She admitted that online class seemed like

a dream come true to people like her who get lazy from time to time, not having to wake up early, no more commuting, staying at home in bed all day, and being flexible with time to do things. However, having classes from home wasn’t as glamorous as she thought. The whole summer class made her feel overwhelmed, pressured and distracted. The environment at home made it difficult for her to focus since the household members were all doing their own thing. With everyone at home and an unreliable internet connection, there were many times when she would have synchronous classes and suddenly get cut off. At the time, she always had a new task to accomplish every day, and it was exhausting. She would wake up early so that she had more time throughout the day to finish her work yet end up staying up late at night to start on the next day’s assignment. When summer class ended, she felt relieved to have survived. The three classes that she took every day in the summer took a toll on her, and she didn’t know how much more she could take. Her first online class experience made her hesitant to enroll for the next school year. Janine’s father, Joey, said his daughter’s passion for the field of mass communication has helped her get through with online class. He said Janine had developed the sense of responsibility reasonably well. He would observe Janine doing and deciding things by herself and could see his daughter’s progress through her grades. A parent from Saint Peter’s College of Toril described how difficult the online class was for her son Koko. From the beginning of the academic year, she had to help Koko operate his computer and taught him several things on how to access his accounts in school. Back then, they only used mobile internet

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risks due to Vegetable soup with shabu Smoking combustion – expert seized at Davao city jail T

21-year old woman who allegedly attempted to sneak shabu inside the Davao City Jail was arrested by jail officers Friday (May 28). Bureau of Jail Management and Penology (BJMP) 11 spokesperson Captain Edo Lobenia said

that the suspect identified as Jingky Villaragot, of Barangay Tungkalan, Toril, Davao City was visiting the jail facility when a suspected shabu was found in a vegetable soup or “law-uy” (visayan healthy soup). Lobenia said during inspection, on-duty

Republic of the Philippines REGIONAL TRIAL COURT 11TH JUDICIAL REGION OFFICE OF THE CLERK OF COURT-SHERIFF Davao City

SOCIAL SECURITY SYSTEM (SSS), Mortgagee,

- versus - EJF-REM CASE NO. 17,916-21 FOR: EXTRA-JUDICIAL FORECLOSURE OF REAL ESTATE MORTGAGE UNDER ACT 3135 as amended MARITESS H. MANGMANG Mortgagor/s. X---------------------------------X

NOTICE OF EXTRA-JUDICIAL FORECLOSURE SALE OF REAL PROPERTY

Upon extra-judicial petition for sale under Act 3135, as amended, filed by the above mortgagee SOCIAL SECURITY SYSTEM (SSS)against MARITESS H. MANGMANG with postal address at # 17 . Kamagong Street Lot 12 Block 11-B, Nova Tierra Village, Bo. Pampanga, Davao City , to satisfy the mortgageindebtedness which as of March 01, 2021, amounted to TWO MILLION EIGHT HUNDRED EIGHTY EIGHT THOUSAND SIX THREE HUNDRED EIGHTY NINE PESOS & 42/100 (P2,888,689.42) Philippine Currency, including interest thereon, penalties and other charges and plus other legal expenses incident to foreclosure and sale, the undersigned Sheriff IV of the Regional Trial Court, Davao City, will sell at public auction on June 17, 2021 at 10:00 A.M., or soon thereafter, at the main entrance of Hall of Justice, Ecoland, Davao City, to the highest bidder to CASH and/or MANAGER’S CHECK and in Philippine Currency, the following real property with all its improvements found thereon, particularly described below to wit: TRANSFER CERTIFICATE OF TITLE NO. T-130338

A parcel of land( Lot 12, Block 11-B,PCS-11-000698, being a portion of Lots 1-8 & 10-17, Psd-11-004872), situated in the Barrio of Pampanga, City of Davao, Island of Mindanao xxx containing an area of ONE HUNDRED SIXTY NINE (169) Square meters ,more or less. All sealed bids must be submitted to the undersigned on the above-stated time and date.

That in the event the public auction should not take place on the said date, it shall be held on July 15, 2021 without further notice. Prospective buyers are hereby enjoined to investigate for themselves the title of the above-described real property and encumbrances thereon, if any there be. Davao City, Philippines, May 6, 2021 For ATTY. FRANCISCO M. CAMPANER – the OIC Clerk of Court & Ex-Officio Prov’l Sheriff NICOLAS SUMAPIG Sheriff IV

Republic of the Philippines REGIONAL TRIAL COURT OF DAVAO CITY 11TH Judicial Region BRANCH 11

MAVIS JOY I. LANTACA, Petitioner, SP PROC. NO. R-DVO-21-02338-SP -versus-

CITY CIVIL REGISTRAR’S OFFICE OF DAVAO CITY Respondent x----------------------------------------/

street value of P60,000. He said the suspect was supposed to deliver the “law-uy” to her older brother who was arrested for illegal drugs sometime in 2019. “The implementation of jail lockdown is still in effect nationwide but

FVEGETABLE, A2

Republic of the Philippines REGIONAL TRIAL COURT 11TH JUDICIAL REGION OFFICE OF THE CLERK OF COURT-SHERIFF Davao City

SOCIAL SECURITY SYSTEM (SSS), Mortgagee, EJF-REM CASE NO. 17,902-21 - versus - FOR: EXTRA-JUDICIAL FORECLOSURE OF REAL ESTATE MORTGAGE UNDER ACT MARIO MACASUHOT 3135 as amended Mortgagor/s. X----------------------------------------X

NOTICE OF EXTRA-JUDICIAL FORECLOSURE SALE OF REAL PROPERTY

Upon extra-judicial petition for foreclosure and sale under Act 3135, as amended, filed by the above mentioned mortgagee against MARO MACASUHOT, with postal address at , Lot 6, Block 12, #06 3rd Avenue, Fortune Executive Homes, Bo. Pampanga, 8000 DAVAO CITY, to satisfy the indebtedness of the mortgagor/s which as of March 01 2021, amounts to One Million Eight Hundred Thirty One Thousand Six Hundred Ninety One Pesos & 05/100 (Php 1,831,691.05) Philippine Currency, including interest thereon, penalties and other charges and plus other legal expenses incident to foreclosure and sale, the undersigned Sheriff IV of the Regional Trial Court, Davao City, will sell at public auction on June 3, 2021 at 10:00 A.M., or soon thereafter, at the main entrance of Hall of Justice, Ecoland, Davao City, to the highest bidder to CASH and/or MANAGER’S CHECK and in Philippine Currency, the following real property mentioned and described below together with all the improvements found thereon,to wit: TRANSFER CERTIFICATE OF TITLE NO. T-109128 “A parcel of land (Lot 6, Block 12, Psd-11-014494, being a portion of Lot 557-C-1-8, Psd-11-014034), situated in theBarrio of Pampanga City of Davao, Island of Mindanao. xxx Containing an area of ONE HUNDRED FIFTY (150) SQUARE METERS, more or less.xxx” All sealed bids must be submitted to the undersigned on the above-stated time and date. That in the event the public auction should not take place on the said date, it shall be held on June 24, 2021 without further notice.

Prospective buyers are hereby enjoined to investigate for themselves the title of the above-described real property and encumbrances thereon, if any there be. April 23,2021 ,Davao City, Philippines,. For ATTY. FRANCISCO M. CAMPANER – the OIC Clerk of Court & Ex-Officio Prov’l Sheriff IRVIN PAUL L. CUBELO Sheriff IV Republic of the Philippines REGIONAL TRIAL COURT 11 TH JUDICIAL REGION OFFICE OF THE CLERK OF COURT-SHERIFF Davao City

SOCIAL SECURITY SYSTEM (SSS), Mortgagee, - versus -

EJF-REM CASE NO. 17,905-21

ZALDY R. GRUMO , married to PERLINA M. GRUMO Mortgagor/s. X-----------------------------------------------------X

NOTICE OF EXTRA-JUDICIAL FORECLOSURE SALE OF REAL PROPERTY

ORDER By this verified petition and for the reason therein stated, he above-named petitioner, assisted by counsel, seeks for an Order of this Court directing the City Civil Registrar’s Office (CCRO) of Davao City, Philippines, to rectify and correct the citizenship of petitioner’s husband from Filipino to U.S. or American Citizen. Finding the petition to be sufficient in form and substance , the same is hereby set for hearing before this court, sitting at the Hall of Justice, Candelaria St. Ecolnd, Matina, Davao City,on June 17, 2021 at 2:00 in the afternoon, at which place, date and time any interested person may appear an show cause, if any, why the same should not be granted. Furnish each with copy of the petition and of this Order the Local Civil Registrar of Davao City for the City of Davao, SO ORDERED

This 3rd day of May, 2021 at Davao City Philippines

searchers noticed tampered full-sized ginger incorporated in the vegetable soup. However, upon checking, a small elongated plastic sachet wrapped with black electrical tape was recovered, containing a white crystalline substance with an estimated

NANETTE G. LEMANA Presiding Judge

Upon extra-judicial petition for sale under Act 3135, as amended, filed by the above mortgagee against ZALDY R. GRUMO, married to PERLINA M. GRUMO with postal address at LOT 4-C-3-C-9 ,# 77 YAKAL ST., DOÑA PILAR VILLAGE, SASA, Davao City , to satisfy the mortgageindebtedness which as of March 01, 2021, amounts to P1,054,998.33 Philippine Currency, including interest thereon, penalties and other charges and plus other legal expenses incident to foreclosure and sale, the undersigned Sheriff IV of the Regional Trial Court, Davao City, will sell at public auction on June 17, 2021 at 10:00 A.M., or soon thereafter, at the main entrance of Hall of Justice, Ecoland, Davao City, to the highest bidder to CASH and/or MANAGER’S CHECK and in Philippine Currency, the following real property with all its improvements found thereon, particularly described below to wit: TRANSFER CERTIFICATE OF TITLE NO. T-110179

A parcel of land( Lot 4-C-3-C-9, Block 11-B, Psd-11-015208,being a portion of Lot 4-C-3c-C, Psd-11-014877 situated in the Barrio of Sasa City of Davao, Island of Mindanao Xxx containing an area of ONE HUNDRED FIFTY(150) Square meters ,more or less.

All sealed bids must be submitted to the undersigned on the above-stated time and date. That in the event the public auction should not take place on the said date, it shall be held on July 15, 2021 without further notice. Prospective buyers are hereby enjoined to investigate for themselves the title of the above-described real property and encumbrances thereon, if any there be. Davao City, Philippines, May 7, 2021

For ATTY. FRANCISCO M. CAMPANER – the OIC Clerk of Court &amp; Ex-Officio Prov’l Sheriff TERESITA M. CEBALLOS Sheriff IV

o address the confusion over the difference between smoking and nicotine consumption, a London professor and smoking cessation expert said combustion or the process of burning tobacco, not nicotine, is what causes smoking-related diseases and death. “Practically all risks to health from smoking are due to combustion products that are released from burning tobacco,” Peter Hajek, professor of clinical psychology and director of the Wolfson Institute of Preventive Medicine’s Tobacco Dependence Research Unit at Queen Mary University of London. Studies have found that tar and carcinogens found in tobacco smoke cause the death and disease associated with smoking, and not nicotine. “Outside pregnancy and some rare vascular diseases, using nicotine on its own does not pose much risks to physical health. If smokers switch from smoking to using nicotine on its own, they avoid practically all risks of smoking,” he said. Hajek said by eliminating combustion from nicotine consumption, such as using products like e-cigarette, health risks will be significantly reduced. E-cigarettes or vapes, heated tobacco products and snus are among the noncombustible alternatives to smoking. There is a mounting scientific evidence from around the world confirming that smokefree nicotine products are significantly less harmful than traditional cigarettes. Public Health England, an operationally autonomous executive agency of the UK Department of Health, said that e-cigarettes are at least

95-percent less harmful to humans than combustible tobacco. According to Hajek, nicotine is poorly understood globally including in the Philippines. “Nicotine seems addictive when combined with other tobacco chemicals, but much less so when on its own. Adolescent non-smokers who try cigarettes have over 50-percent probability that they will progress to daily smoking, but adolescent nonsmokers who try e-cigarettes very rarely progress to daily vaping,” he said. “People do not get hooked on nicotine gum or patches. But while nicotine on its own seems unattractive to nonsmokers, it can be rewarding to smokers who are already habituated to it. In this way, such products help smokers quit,” he said. Hajek said the problem with smoking is not nicotine, but the smoke that causes cancer, heart disease and lung disease. “We have no problems with almost everyone drinking coffee, even if such use is daily, compulsive, and in many people could be labeled as ‘addictive’. In the same way, there is no issue with some smokers continuing to use nicotine, if health risks of such use are small,” he said. To reduce the health risks from smoking, authorities in the Philippines and other countries should encourage smokers to switch to less harmful, smoke-free nicotine products such as e-cigarettes and snus, Hajek recommended. “As long as cigarettes are freely available, Philippine legislators should try to make the less harmful nicotine products as attractive to smokers as possible, so that more smokers are

FSMOKING, A2

Republic of the Philippines REGIONAL TRIAL COURT 11TH JUDICIAL REGION OFFICE OF THE CLERK OF COURT-SHERIFF Davao City

SOCIAL SECURITY SYSTEM (SSS), Mortgagee, EJF-REM CASE NO. 17,904-21 - versus - FOR: EXTRA-JUDICIAL FORECLOSURE OF REAL ESTATE MORTGAGE UNDER ACT 3135 as amended JOHN MANLAPUZ married to SOLITA MANLAPUZ Mortgagor/s. X------------------------------------------------------------X

NOTICE OF EXTRA-JUDICIAL FORECLOSURE SALE OF REAL PROPERTY

Upon extra-judicial petition for sale under Act 3135, as amended, filed by the above mortgagee SOCIAL SECURITY SYSTEM (SSS)against JOHN MANLAPUZ married to SOLITA MANLAPUS with postal address at # 80 . Ruby Street Lot 21 Block 3, Landmark l Village, Sasa, Davao City , to satisfy the mortgage indebtedness which as of March 01, 2021, amounts to ONE MILLION ONE HUNDRED SIX NINE THOUSAND THREE HUNDRED FORTY FIVE PESOS & 78/100 (P1,169, 345.78) Philippine Currency, including interest thereon, penalties and other charges and plus other legal expenses incident to foreclosure and sale, the undersigned Sheriff IV of the Regional Trial Court, Davao City, will sell at public auction on June 17, 2021 at 10:00 A.M., or soon thereafter, at the main entrance of Hall of Justice, Ecoland, Davao City, to the highest bidder to CASH and/or MANAGER’S CHECK and in Philippine Currency, the following real property with all its improvements found thereon, particularly described below to wit: TRANSFER CERTIFICATE OF TITLE NO. T-132128

A parcel of land of a subdivision project ( Lot 21, Blk 3 ,PSD-11019541, being a portion of BLK. 4, Psd -11-000814), situated in the Barrio of Sasa, City of Davao, Island of Mindanao xxx containing an area of ONE HUNDRED HUNDRED FIFTY(15) Square meters ,more or less. All sealed bids must be submitted to the undersigned on the above-stated time and date.

IRVIN PAUL L. CUBELO Sheriff IV

A2 EDGEDAVAO

VOL.14 ISSUE 65 • SUNDAY-MONDAY, MAY 30-31, 2021

THE YEAR ... FROMP6 since they don’t have an Internet connection at home. A few months later, she noticed Koko becoming familiar with the computer. Koko started to play online games and became addicted to TikTok, that she confiscated Koko’s phone and laptop every time he finished his class. What’s in store for the upcoming school year According to DACS Executive Director Jimmie-Loe Dela Vega, “Blended learning will most likely be used as the mode of learning for this upcoming school year. While those with more advanced systems may continue with purely online delivery with limited face-to-face subject to the approval of the government regulatory agencies.” He also said that the plans for the upcoming school year include a lineup program for enhancing teacher skills in blended learning, revisiting curricula to consider the new global situation, reviewing strategic plans, and promoting financial management among school administrators. For student-athletes losing interest in sports, DACS will provide programs for mental conditioning and discipline and develop online support communities for athletes and coaches. They will also conduct webinars for psychological or spiritual formation and leadership. They will also be considering ‘E-sports’ which some institutions do for inter-school sports activity for the upcoming school year. Janine’s father, Joey, hoped that there should be more ways for students and professors to interact. He said an online class setting wasn’t ideal, but he believed there were possible ways “to make this experience less overwhelming.” He said that hav-

VEGETABLE... FROM A1 due to the requests of the family members of our PDLs (persons deprived of liberty), jails in Davao Region opted to allow “paabot” or jail visitation in lieu of the usual visitation program,” Lobenia said. He said those allowed to be brought inside the jail facility through “paabot” are limited only to food and prescription medicine. The seized illegal drugs were already turned over to the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA). Lobenia assured that BJMP will continue to implement strict protocols in searching and entry in all jails regionwide. The suspect is now detained at Talomo Police Station and will be facing charges for violating Republic Act 9165 or The Comprehensive Dangerous Drugs Act of 2002.

TELEPERFORMANCE... FROMP2 P15-M... FROMP2

It can be recalled that the city has noted local transmission since last week particularly in workplaces that add to the spike of the Covid-19 cases in Davao City. Dr. Ashley Lopez, acting head of the City Health Office (CHO), earlier confirmed that transmission of Covid-19 are now happening in various workplaces like banks, BPOs (Business Process Outsourcing), and even government offices. He stressed the need to strictly implement

ing one on one sessions should be encouraged and taken into consideration, so the learners are free to ask questions on topics she or he does not understand completely. This would lessen stress at home, and “it’s important that she learns to rest and manage her time well.” He knows that this wasn’t how his daughter expected to be having class, and he always reminds her to do whatever she can.

Republic of the Philippines REGIONAL TRIAL COURT 11TH JUDICIAL REGION OFFICE OF THE CLERK OF COURT-SHERIFF Davao City

SOCIAL SECURITY SYSTEM (SSS), Mortgagee, - versus - EJF-REM CASE NO. 17,918-2021 CRISPOLO GRANDE Mortgagor/s. X-----------------------------------X

NOTICE OF EXTRA-JUDICIAL SALE

Upon extra-judicial petition for foreclosure and sale under Act 3135, as amended, filed by mortgagee SOCIAL SECURITY SYSTEM (SSS) against the mortgagor/s CRISPOLO GRANDE, with postal address at Lot 8, Block 2, # 505 Guijo St., Poly Subdivision. Matina Aplaya , 8000 DAVAO CITY, to satisfy the indebtedness which as of March 01, 2021, amounted to TWO MILLION SIX HUNDRED TWENTY FIVE THOUSAND SEVEN HUNDRED EIGHTEEN PESOS & 67/100 (P2,625,718.67) Philippine Currency, including interest thereon, penalties and other charges and plus other legal expenses incident to foreclosure and sale, the undersigned Sheriff IV of the Regional Trial Court, Davao City, will sell at public auction on June 17, 2021 at 10:00 A.M., or soon thereafter, at the main entrance of Hall of Justice, Ecoland, Davao City, to the highest bidder to CASH and/or MANAGER’S CHECK and in Philippine Currency, the following real property with all its improvements found thereon, particularly described below to wit: TRANSFER CERTIFICATE OF TITLE NO. T-108515

A parcel of land ( Lot 8, Blk-2 of the consolidation-subdivision plan, Pcs-11-000445, being a portion of Lots 377-B-1-C-8-B1-B; 377-B-1-C-8B-1-C & Lot 377-B-1-C-8-B-1-D, Psd-11-011255) situated in the Barrio of Matina Aplaya, City of Davao, Island of Mindanao, containing an area of ONE HUNDRED FORTY EIGHT (148) Square meters ,more or less.”xxx. All sealed bids must be submitted to the undersigned on the above-stated time and date.

That in the event the public auction should not take place on the said date, it shall be held on July 15, 2021 without further notice. Prospective buyers are hereby enjoined to investigate for themselves the title of the above-described real property and encumbrances thereon, if any there be. Davao City, Philippines, May 7, 2021 For ATTY. FRANCISCO M. CAMPANER – the OIC Clerk of Court & Ex-Officio Prov’l Sheriff SUNNY D. MAURILLO Sheriff IV Republic of the Philippines REGIONAL TRIAL COURT 11 th Judicial Region Branch 15, Davao City Rtc.dav015@judiciary.gov.ph (082)298-3336/09236095058

SP PROC.NO. R-DVO-21-01618-SP

IN THE MATTER OF RECOGNITION AND/OR ENFORCEMENT OF DIVORCE OBTAINED IN FOREIGN COUNTRY, MARICEL SARSONA MATARANAS, Petitioner - versus -

THE LOCAL CIVIL REGISTRAR OF DAVAO CITY Respondent x----------------------------------------------------------x

ORDER

(initial hearing)

By this Verified Petition and for the reasons therein stated, the above named petitioner, assisted by counsel, seeks for an Order of this Court, after due notice, publication and hearing, that the foreign judgment of divorce obtain by Angelo Otome with the petitioner be duly recognizes under Philippine jurisdiction and that petitioner be declared legally capacitated to remarry and that the Office of the City Civil registrar of Davao City be ordered to cancel the marriage contract of Petitioner with Angelo Otome issued under Registry No. 2014-3434 or annotated the appropriate remarks thereon. Finding the petition to be sufficient in form and substance, the same is hereby set for hearing before this Court, sitting st the Hall of Justice, Candelaria St.,Ecoland, matina, Davao City, on June 4, 2021 at 8:30 a.m. at which place, date and time, any interested person may appear and show cause, if any, why the same should not be granted. Let this Order be published at the expense of the petitioner once a week for three (3) consecutive weeks in a newspaper published in Davao City and of general circulation in the said City and the Provinces of the City of Davao as determined by raffle in accordance with law and to submit proof of compliance thereof within thirty (30) days from receipt of this Order. Likewise, petitioner is further directed to furnish the Office of the Solicitor General, a copy of this Petition and likewise, submit proof of compliance thereof also within thirty (30) days from receipt thereof. Failure to comply with these twin directives shall cause the dismissal of the Petition. SO ORDERED.

Davao City, Philippines, April 21, 2021

MARIO C. DUAVES Presiding Judge

establishment lockdown in Davao City to prevent further transmission of Covid-19 in the workplaces as some of these establishments do not apply mitigating measures against Covid-19 in their premises. On his end, Manolito P. Orense, regional director of the Office of the Civil Defense 11 (OCD 11), is urging the owners and management of various establishments in Davao City to strictly implement the minimum health standard protocols (MHSP) particularly the social distancing to prevent transmission of Covid-19. By Maya M. Padillo

equipment and supplies. Emphasis said the municipality is lucky to be one of the two municipalities in Davao Region to have been given the assistance. The other recipient is the municipality of Tarragona of Davao Oriental. On the part of the municipal and barangay local government units of Malalag, food like rice and canned goods are provided in the quarantine facilities. As of Monday (May 24), the MHO has recorded a total of 36 confirmed COVID-19 cases since the onset of the pandemic last

year. There is a new case involving a 33-year old female who is a locally stranded individual from Laguna. The patient is asymptomatic. Emphasis disclosed that as of Monday, only three are active cases which are all asymptomatic, and she added that there was one death recorded last year. She said that almost all of the confirmed cases are cases involving LSIs and returning overseas Filipinos, while there is only one local transmission. (PIA-XI/Carina L. Cayon)

encouraged to switch. Such products should be cheaper, more easily available, and accompanied by less restrictions and stigma,” he said. A February 2019 clinical trial by UK’s National

Institute for Health Research found that e-cigarette was twice as effective as nicotine replacement treatments such as patches and gum at helping smokers quit. Hajek said questions about the safety of

e-cigarettes emerged last year with acute lung injuries reported among users of e-cigarettes in the USA. This however turned out to be due to contaminants in illegal marijuana products, and not related to nicotine vaping.

SMOKING... FROMA2

Republic of the Philippines DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board Regional Franchising and Regulatory Office No. 11 Libby Road, Bago Gallera Davao City Petition for Extension of Validity of a Certificate of Public Convenience to operate a PUJ Dual Ordinary Regular Service.

Case No. R11-EV-PJ-2021-5-438 (2001-XI-00438) ALBINO P. ALIBO, Petitioner

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

NOTICE OF HEARING Petitioner is a grantee of a Certificate of Pubic Convenience issued in this case authorizing the operation of a PUJ Dual Ordinary Regular service on the route: MATINA APLAYA 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 May 24, 2021. In the petition filed on April 19, 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 August 3, 2021 at 9:00 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 petition will be acted 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. Davao City, Philippines, May 25, 2021.

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

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

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

Case No. R11-EV-PJ-2021-5-1172 (2015-XI-01172)

Case No. R11-EV-FC-2021-5-2244 (2001-XI-0224)

RAQUEL Y. SEGADOR, Petitioner x--------------------------------x

NESTOR T. DELITINA, Petitioner x--------------------------------x

NOTICE OF HEARING Petitioner is a grantee of a Certificate of Pubic Convenience issued in this case authorizing the operation of a PUJ Ordinary Regular service on the route: CIRCULATION ROUTE 4 with the use of ONE (1) unit, which Certificate has expired last February 18, 2021. On March 10, 2021, Petitioner filed a Motion seeking the acceptance of the filing of the Petition for Extension of Validity which was duly granted by this Board taking into account the issuance of MC 2012-004. In the petition filed on May 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. NOTICE is hereby given that this petition will be heard by this Board on AUGUST 3, 2021 at 9:00 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 petition will be acted 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. Davao City, Philippines, May 19, 2021. NONITO A LLANOS III Regional Director

NONITO A LLANOS III Petitioner, Albino P. Alibo, Tisoy St., San Antonio Village, Matina, Davao City Counsel, Atty. Marvin G. Camino, Rm. 202, New Borgaily Bldg., San Pedro St., Davao City

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

Petitioner, Raquel Y. Segador, Brgy. 22-C, Quezon Boulevard, Davao City Counsel, Atty. Randolf P. Esporagoza, Rm. 202, New Borgaily Bldg, San Pedro St., Davao City

NOTICE OF HEARING Petitioner is a grantee of a Certificate of Pubic Convenience issued in this case authorizing the operation of a FILCAB Ordinary Regular service on the route: BUHANGIN VIA JP LAUREL AVENUE with the use of ONE (1) unit, which Certificate will expire on March 15, 2021. In the petition filed on April 19, 2021, Petitioner filed a Motion seeking the acceptance of the filing of the Petition for Extension of Validity which was duly granted by this Board taking into account the issuance of MC 2012-004. In the petition filed on May 20, 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 AUGUST 3, 2021 at 9:00 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 petition will be acted 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. Davao City, Philippines, May 21, 2021. NONITO A LLANOS III Regional Director Petitioner, Nestor T. Delitina, B4 L3, Suraya Homes, Cabantian, Davao City Counsel, Atty. Placido A. Garde, Jr., 2/F Uncle Mark Bldg., Quimpo Blvd, Davao City

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VOL.14 ISSUE 65 • SUNDAY-MONDAY, MAY 30-31, 2021

A worker installs solar road stud lights for a bike lane along MacArthur Highway in Matina, Davao City on Friday, 28 May 2021. MindaNews photo by GREGORIO BUENO

Electronics sector vital to economic recovery

he electronics industry has continued to support the country’s economy amid the coronavirus diseases 2019 (Covid-19) pandemic, and is seen to play a vital role in recovery and digital transformation. At the Semiconductor and Electronics Industries in the Philippines Foundation, Inc. (SEIPI) general membership meeting Friday, Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) Secretary Ramon Lopez said the electronics sector has continued being a key driver and “solid cornerstone” of the Philippine manufacturing despite the ongoing global health and economic crisis. SEIPI president Dan Lachica, in the same event, reported that the sector grew by 8.9 percent in the first quarter of the year compared to last year, with export revenues amounting to USD10.72 billion. The industry also accounted for 61 percent of the country’s total exports in the said period. Lopez recalled that despite community quarantine measures, electronics manufacturing continued to operate at 100 percent capacity even under enhanced community quarantine (ECQ). He added that this made the industry record a negative growth only during the second quarter of 2020, the height of community lockdowns. He said the electronics sector likewise supported the overall export growth

of the country in January to March 2021 period at 31.6 percent. “It is evident that the quick bounce-back of the electronics sector cushioned the impact of the pandemic to our exports sector and is now driving its further growth,” the trade chief said. Aside from helping in economic recovery, the electronics sector is also crucial in the digitalization of industries, added Lopez. “As we adjust to the new normal, the exemplary performance of the electronics sector in the midst of a crisis is the ability, resilience, and agility that we need to cascade to other industries, especially as our country rides the wave of digital transformation. This digital transformation will fundamentally change the way we live, work, and do business,” he said. Meanwhile, Lachica said SEIPI is implementing programs to further support the growth of industry and also adapt to the new normal. Lachica said through the Product and Technology Holistic Strategy (PATHS), this has identified the niche products and technologies with the highest prospects for growth where the Philippines’ electronics industry can compete. The industry group is also active in participating in DTI’s Inclusive Innovation Industrial Strategy, embracing Industry 4.0 strategies to make the industry become more competitive, he added.

Rice tariff cut not due to trade talks, DTI says

epartment of Trade and Industry (DTI) Secretary Ramon Lopez on Friday clarified that the lowering of tariff for imported rice is not an outcome of trade agreement discussions but only to diversify the sourcing of the staple.

“The tariff adjustment was not due to any trade agreement discussion. It was mainly due to rising prices of rice from major import source like Vietnam and Thailand which are Asean countries and

which have 35 percent tariff rates,” Lopez said in a statement. He added that sourcing outside Asean member states will secure sufficient rice inventory and ensure low and stable

price of rice. On May 15, President Rodrigo Duterte signed Executive Order No. 135 that cuts the most favored nation (MFN) tariff rate on rice from 40 percent to 35 percent. Lopez said by lowering the MFN rate, importing rice from countries outside Asean can compete with the prices of rice from Vietnam and Thailand. “The idea is just to have parity tariff of 35 percent

for rice coming also from outside ASEAN, to lessen the cost of acquisition to benefit the consumers,” he said. The country is eyeing to source rice from India. “The tariff reduction can benefit future talks with other countries but tariff was not reduced because of these talks, but primarily because of how it will benefit directly the Filipino consumers through lower rice prices,” Lopez said.(PNA)

investments are also called hot money because of the ease by which the funds enter and leave markets. The net outflow last month resulted from the $1 billion gross outflows, which exceeded gross inflows of $651 million. In particular, the $1-billion gross outflows in April were lower by 24.9% compared to the $1.4 billion recorded in March. The United States received 72.8% of total outflows. Meanwhile, gross inflows of $651 million in April reflected a 21% decline from the $824 million recorded in

the prior month. The BSP said about 68.9% of investments registered were in Philippine Stock Exchange-listed securities mainly to property companies, banks, holding firms, food, beverage and tobacco companies and transportation services firm. The remaining 31.1% went to investments in peso government securities. The United Kingdom, US, Luxembourg, Singapore, and Norway were the top five investor countries for the month, with combined share to total at 84.7%. The central bank said developments in April that

could have affected FPI inflow and outflow are the “investor reaction to easing inflation, contraction of the country’s gross domestic product in 2020, extension of local quarantine measures, progress of the government’s vaccination program and the continued rise of infections in the country.” For January to April, FPIs yielded a net outflow of $857 million, lower compared to the $2.1 billion net outflow recorded in the same period last year “amid the ongoing impact of the COVID-19 pandemic to the global economy and financial system.”

Foreign portfolio investments yield lower net outflow in April, says BSP

oreign

portfolio investments (FPI) or “hot money” in the Philippines yielded a lower net outflow in April amid investors’ reaction to various local developments such as the ongoing vaccination rollout against COVID-19 and continued imposition of quarantine measures, the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP) reported Friday. Data released by the central bank showed that FPI in April posted a net outflow of $374 million, lower compared to the $541-million net outflow in March. Foreign portfolio

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VOL.14 ISSUE 65 • SUNDAY-MONDAY, MAY 30-31, 2021

Workers commissioned by a telecom company install fiber optics along the main thoroughfares in Davao City, which caused inconvenience and traffic congestion specially during peak hours. Edge Davao

Economy to grow faster in Q2 2021

inance Secretary Carlos Dominguez III expects the domestic economy to gather steam in the second quarter, as the latest surge in coronavirus infections has now subsided and the government starts to rapidly expand its mass vaccination program against COVID-19. Dominguez told a business forum that if overseas manufacturers are able to deliver the volume of vaccines as committed and planned, the Duterte administration will have enough doses to inoculate not only the 70 million Filipino adults, but also about 15 million teenagers once an anti-COVID-19 shot for them is approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA). If this happens, then the country can expect a significant containment of infections by the second half of 2021, Dominguez said. “There is good news on the horizon, however. In the second quarter of this year, we expect to begin growing our economy again. We see that the second wave of infections that started at the end of March has subsided dramatically. We hope that this will be the last surge,” Dominguez said in his speech during the virtual general membership meeting

of the Pampanga Chamber of Commerce and Industry (PamCham) this afternoon. He pointed out that vaccine deliveries have started to pick up, allowing the government to open the inoculation program to frontline workers in the essential sectors of the economy. “We are also in the process of negotiating for the booster shots next year. The COVID-19 pandemic should soon be contained,” said Dominguez. Dominguez assured Pampanga’s business community that the Duterte administration is fully supportive of small and independent businesspersons as the economy’s recovery relies on their “innovation, dynamism, and boldness in making investments.” “I encourage you to continue your expansion plans and accelerate the shift to digitalization in order to meet the demands of the New Economy. I also urge you

to start adopting measures that would make your businesses climate-resilient and a contributor to our climate mitigation initiatives,” Dominguez said. He said the country is counting on micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs) to drive its post-pandemic recovery and bring down unemployment and poverty rates, as these businesses employ the majority of workers in our economy. “Together, let us rise to the present challenges we are facing and build back a stronger economy and a more sustainable future for the Filipino people,” he said. Dominguez said the government has long been supporting the business sector by ensuring fiscal stability, which has led to the country’s highest-ever sovereign credit ratings—a status that has ensured lower interest rates and cheaper, more accessible financing for enterprises. Several game-changing reforms have also been passed under the Duterte administration that have allowed MSMEs in the country to flourish, with Pampanga as among the biggest beneficiaries of these measures. These reforms, among

a coordination meeting with the Assessment and Operations Coordinating Group (AOCG), the Department of Health (DOH) and BOC Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA), May 27, 2021 via Zoom Teleconference.

BOC NAIA presented their current import clearance procedure of the government procured vaccines to the BOC Cebu and Davao, the two main ports that will house vaccine importations in Visayas and Mindanao, respectively. The coordination meet-

others, are the Ease of Doing Business (EODB) Act to make it easy and convenient for people to start a business and encourage existing enterprises to expand their operations; the digitalization of the filing and payment of taxes in the Bureau of Internal Revenue (BIR); and the Tax Reform for Acceleration and Inclusion (TRAIN) Law that ensured a steady revenue flow for the government and boosted the disposable incomes of 99 percent of salaried workers through substantially reduced personal income tax (PIT) rates. Higher disposable incomes for taxpayers meant increased consumer spending, which further invigorated the country’s robust retail sector, Dominguez said. BIR’s digitalization initiatives, on the other hand, have resulted to 74 percent of taxpayers using the bureau’s Electronic Filing and Payments System in 2020, and a higher 93 percent in the first four months of 2021, as compared to only 25 percent in 2015, Dominguez said. Almost 100 percent of the total number of annual income tax returns (ITRs) were filed electronically in the first four months of 2021 from just 10 percent in the same period in 2015, he added.

ing was attended by the Department of Health lead by Assistant Secretary of Health Dr. Roy B. Ferrer, Supply Chain Management Service Director Dr. Ariel I. Valencia, and other DOH National, Regional, and Provincial Directors. Attendees from the Bureau

PH main equities index seen to rise after ratings affirmation

n economist forecasts further jump in the local bourse’s main index following S&P Global Ratings’ affirmation of its investment-grade rating of ‘BBB+’, with stable outlook, for the Philippines. “There could still be some upside in the stock market towards the 6,700/6,750 levels,” BDO chief strategist Jonathan Ravelas told the Philippines News Agency in a Viber message. He also sees “interest rates to remain stable unless inflation rears its ugly head.” This, after the debt rater on Thursday affirmed not only the country’s long-term credit rating but also the short-term sovereign credit rating of ‘A2’ on expectations that the government will be able to contain Covid-19 infections and fiscal performance will improve after the hit from pandemic-related spending. S&P noted the improvement in domestic output following the -4.2 percent print in the first quarter of the year, better than the -8.3 percent

contraction in the last quarter of 2020. It forecasts a 7.9 percent growth, as measured by gross domestic product (GDP), for the domestic economy this year. This forecast is higher than the government’s 6-7 percent target. Domestic output is seen to moderate to 7.2 percent in 2022-23 and to 7.1 percent in 2024. The Philippine Stock Exchange index (PSEi) rose further to 6,665.14 points on Thursday. The main stocks gauge has been fluctuating, with the recent slide early this week traced to bargain hunting. Meanwhile, ING Bank Manila senior economist Nicholas Mapa, in a report, noted S&P’s warning for a possible credit downgrade for the Philippines “if growth fell short of expectations while also indicating that upgrades would be forthcoming should growth surprise on the upside, as this would lead to even better fiscal metrics.”

of Customs include Port of NAIA District Collector Carmelita M. Talusan, Port of Cebu District Collector Atty. Charlito Martin Mendoza, and officials from the respective collection districts. The Port of Davao has already coordinated with

DOH in Davao Region for the conduct of an inter-agency online meeting of the importation process of the vaccines, all of which are aimed to expedite release and avoid unnecessary delays during clearance of these anticipated COVID-19 vaccines.

BOC Davao preps for direct importation of COVID-19 vaccines to Davao City

n preparation for the anticipated direct importation of COVID-19 Vaccines in Davao City, the Bureau of Customs (BOC)-Port of Davao’s COVID-19 Taskforce led by District Collector, Atty. Erastus Sandino B. Austria participated in

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Gilas bows out of 3x3 OQT

he Gilas Pilipinas 3X3 team fell short in its campaign in the FIBA 3x3 Olympic Qualifying Tournament, bowing to the unbeaten France Friday night in Graz, Austria. But Joshua Munzon, Santi Santillan and CJ Perez were able to give the Frenchmen a tough fight, losing by only 14-15. The Filipinos, who already crashed out in the race for the knockout stage following a loss to Dominican Republic, went toe-to-toe with France in the early goings of the match, 1-1. But Charly Pontens and

Dominique Gentil started hitting the shots as France begins to break away 10-3. Gilas made a furious rally capped by Perez’s perimeter shot to cut the deficit to 1311. Raphael Wilson’s lay up made it 15-11 for France, making it impossible for Gilas to comeback. Munzon’s buzzer beater from beyond the arc capped Gilas’ campaign in the Olympic qualifier. The Philippines finished its stint in Graz without a victory, but its game against France was its best in all of its four outings.

Djokovic overcomes second-set blip to reach Belgrade final

court and playing in front of my home crowd,” Djokovic said. “It’s a very unique feeling. You feel a lot of pressure and expectations. But I’m just happy to fight for a trophy tomorrow.” After racing through the first set against Martin, Djokovic uncharacteristically took his foot off the gas and was broken three times in the second set. The 34-year-old was back to his best in the decider, though, quickly ending any thought of a surprise comeback. “I thought I started and finished the match really well, so I’ll try to take those positive feelings into tomorrow’s final,” Djokovic said. “I also had some letdowns in concentration towards the end of the second set, and I’ll try to correct those mistakes for tomorrow.”

Los Angeles Lakers starting guard Kentavious Caldwell-Pope has a mildly bruised left knee

Sigh of relief for Lakers’ KCP as knee damage ruled out

OS ANGELES — Los Angeles Lakers starting guard Kentavious Caldwell-Pope has a mildly bruised left knee, and his availability is uncertain for Game Four of their first-round playoff series against Phoenix.

An MRI exam of CaldwellPope’s knee revealed no

structural damage, the Lakers announced on Friday

(Saturday, Manila time). Caldwell-Pope was injured in the third quarter of the Lakers’ 109-95 victory over the Suns on Thursday night. The win put the defending NBA champions up 2-1 in the series. Game Four is Sunday (Monday, Manila time) at Staples Center.

Caldwell-Pope averaged 9.7 points in the regular season, but he has struggled so far in the playoffs. He scored just five points in 26 minutes in Game Three, and he went scoreless in 30 minutes in Game 2 after contributing only seven points with 1-for-7 shooting from 3-point range in the series opener.

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DJOKOVIC REACHES FINAL Serbia’s Novak Djokovic in action during his final match against Spain’s Rafael Nadal. Reuters/File

Novak overcomes second-set blip to reach Belgrade final

ovak Djokovic eased into the final of the ATP tournament in Belgrade on Friday despite losing his form in the second set, beating Slovakia’s Andrej Martin as he steps up his French Open preparations. The world number one saw off his 119th-ranked opponent 6-1, 4-6, 6-0 to set up a Saturday final against another Slovakian in Alex Molcan, who beat Argentina’s Federico Delbonis 4-6, 6-4, 6-4 in Friday’s other semi-final. It will be the Serbian’s third final of the year after his Australian Open triumph and his final loss to Rafael Nadal at the Italian Open last week, but his first on home soil since 2011. “I’m super excited to play in front of a Serbian crowd. This is my home town. I’m always excited, but also nervous, coming out on the court and playing in front of my home crowd,” Djokovic said. “It’s a very unique feeling. You feel a lot of pressure and expectations. But I’m just happy to fight for a trophy tomorrow.” After racing through the first set against Martin, Djokovic uncharacteristically took his foot off the gas and was broken three

times in the second set. The 34-year-old was back to his best in the decider, though, quickly ending any thought of a surprise comeback. “I thought I started and finished the match really well, so I’ll try to take those positive feelings into tomorrow’s final,” Djokovic said. “I also had some letdowns in concentration towards the end of the second set, and I’ll try to correct those mistakes for tomorrow.” Djokovic passed Guillermo Vilas to move fifth on all-time ATP list of match wins with his quarter-final victory over Federico Coria on Thursday. He has been drawn in the same half of the draw as his old rivals Rafael Nadal and Roger Federer for the French Open, which starts at Roland Garros on Sunday. Djokovic is two behind Nadal and Federer’s joint men’s record of 20 Grand Slam singles titles.