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VOL.14 ISSUE 293 • THURSDAY, MARCH 3, 2022
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MEMBERSHIP Sara warns public vs. groups offering fake Uniteam ID, cash STORY ON PAGE 2
A cockfight aficionado watches online “sabong” from his mobile phone during lunch break at an office in Davao City on Wednesday. Davao City Covid-19 Task Force, security, and response clusters of the city government of Davao are now discussing whether or not to allow the resumption of the face-to-face cockfighting in Davao City. Edge Davao
2 NEWS EDGEDAVAO
VOL.14 ISSUE 293 • THURSDAY, MARCH 3, 2022
Vice presidential aspirant Mayor Sara Duterte-Carpio chats with Lakas-CMD president Ferdinand Martin Romualdez before the start of Mahalin Natin ang Pilipinas ride thanksgiving gathering at the Triple Crown Ranch in Davao City on Monday. Mayor Sara said if ever she wins, she will establish VP satellite offices in all regions of the country. Edge Davao
FAKE MEMBERSHIP Sara warns public vs. groups offering fake Uniteam ID, cash By MAYA M. PADILLO
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ayor Sara Duterte-Carpio warned the public against groups that are offering fake Uniteam identification cards for P20 or P30 as a membership fee.
The groups are reportedly promising P5,000 cash from Presidential aspirant Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr, to every voter who has the ID when he visits Mindanao. “We call on the public to not believe these claims of certain groups about an ID
that is worth P20 and that there is a grant of P5,000 from BBM. These are not true, and these are scams,” the mayor said in a press conference. Mayor Sara reminded the public that whoever has information about these groups should immediately
inform the Uniteam. “If they know or have information about this, they should immediately report this to us, the Uniteam, so that we can appropriately act on it,” she said. It can be recalled that Mayor Sara also warned Dabawenyos against political scams using the Duterte family name for soliciting money or business proposals using an ID in January this year.
resident Rodrigo Roa Duterte on Tuesday said he is worried about the resurgence of illegal drugs, hoping his successor would continue his campaign against the drug menace. “Ito bang (This) drugs, I hope that whoever would sit as president would continue the – if not, the ferocity that I did and I accept
it, maski lang naman sana ‘yung (maybe just) a little lower than my standard kasi talagang sisirain ang bayan nating ito (because it will destroy our country). I’m so worried about the resurgence of drug problem,” Duterte said in his prerecorded Talk to the People. Duterte started his massive campaign against illegal drugs on his first day in
Malacañang in 2016. “We are getting old. As a matter of fact, we are about to make the exit na. Ang problema (already. The problem) is the next generation. We have to protect the next generation because, if not, then they will have a serious problem in their hands,” Duterte said. “Kung ganito katindi ngayon ng pamamalakad
“Mayroon po kaming natanggap na report na mayroon nag-iissue ng ID and they’re collecting from 30 to 300 pesos,” the mayor said. Vice Mayor Sebastian “Baste” Duterte also warned the public against individuals who showed their photos with him or with President Rodrigo Duterte or his siblings and solicit money or pitch business proposals.
nila --- I’m addressing the nation --- kung hindi mo sabayan ng katindi rin ng iyong resolve, eh matatalo talaga. (If this is how they operate – I’m addressing the nation – if you don’t meet you resolve with as much intensity, you will lose),” he added. In his report to Duterte, Department of the Interior
PRRD hopes next admin will continue his war on drugs P
FPRRD, P7
206 Reds front group members surrender
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total of 206 indigenous peoples (IPs) here who were members of various New People’s Army (NPA) front groups surrendered and declared “pagsalikway” or rejection of the Communist Party of the Philippines (CPP)-NPA on Monday in a ceremony at the Balimba Hills, Sitio JBL, Barangay Sto. Niño in this town. The surrenderers included eight members of the NPA Sub-Regional Guerrilla Unit (SRGU)/ Sub-Regional Committee (SRC) 5; Bakwits - five; Milisyang Bayan (MB) – six; Komiteng Rebolusyonaryo sa Munisipal (KRM) - four, Komiteng Rebolusyonaryo sa Baryo (KRB) – 168, and Salugpungan teachers and students - 15. Apart from signing the oath of allegiance to the government, the group also burned the replica of the NPA flag that signified their abandonment of the dismantled communist organization in the province. In an interview, Datu Lisuro Losindo, a former rebel who was among the surrenderers, thanked President Rodrigo Duterte for helping them get
back on their feet and return to the folds of the law. Since joining the communist organization five years ago, he said it was only during the Duterte administration that he and his relatives decided to surrender because they were assured of a peaceful and normal life. “Although I still have my grandchildren left in the mountains, I know that they will also come forward. I also urge others to do the same and let us go back to the government,” Losindo said in the vernacular. Meanwhile, Ariane Jane Ramos alias Marikit, former secretary of the NPA Guerrilla Front (GF) 55, SRC 5 - Southern Mindanao Regional Command (SMRC), said the mass surrender has a huge impact on the communist group as they have lost their mass bases. “This is what we call the physical barrier wherein the CPP saw that the people were objectively rejecting them and that they are willing to accept the government’s interventions,” she said. While the people of Talaingod suffered 28
F206 REDS, P10
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NEWS
EDGEDAVAO
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PH Air Force bombs suspected Maute-ISIS camps in Lanao Sur
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ir Force FA50 fighter jets bombed suspected camps of the Maute-ISIS group as the military launched a brigade-sized operation in Maguing, Lanao del Sur before dawn Tuesday. Brig. Gen. Jose Maria Cuerpo II, commanding general of the Army’s 103rd Infantry Brigade based in Marawi City, said two Dawlah Islamiya members were killed while three soldiers were wounded in the initial fighting in the hinterlands of Maguing town Tuesday. Cuerpo said soldiers have recovered two assault rifles and a caliber .30 machine gun from
the militants. The air raids, which took place between 2 and 3 a.m., woke up Marawi and Iligan City residents, who said they were surprised of the jets circling in the sky above them, reminiscent of the air raids during the Marawi siege in 2017. Meranaw civic leader Drieza Lindinding, convenor of the Moro Consensus Group, said many Marawi residents were worried because even though Maguing is almost 30 kilometers away, they felt the explosions in the wee hours of the morning. (Froilan Gallardo / MindaNews)
A fire engine of the Filipino-Chinese volunteer firefighters in Digos City joins a motorcade spearheaded by the Bureau of Fire Prevention early morning Tuesday (1 March 2022) to mark the start of the month-long observance of Fire Prevention Month. MindaNews photo by ERIC S.B. LIBRE
Covid-19 TF, security, response clusters tackle cockfighting By MAYA M. PADILLO
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he Davao City Covid-19 Task Force, security, and response clusters of the city government of Davao will embark on a series of meetings whether or not to allow the resumption of the face-toface cockfighting in Davao City. This is based on the amended guidelines of the Inter-Agency Task Force for the Management of Emerging Infectious Diseases (IATF-MEID) under the most lenient Alert Level 1 or “new normal”. Per IATF-MEID Resolution No. 154, Series of 2021, operation of cockpits and traditional cockfighting shall be allowed in areas under Alert Level 2 provided that there is no objection from the local government units (LGUs) where the activity may take place and subject to strict observance of protocols. Dr. Michelle Schlosser, spokesperson of the Davao City Covid-19 Task Force, said that the city government of Davao considered “sabong” a high risk of Covid-19 transmission due to the involved activities inside the cockpit such as the mass gathering of the spectators. “Under Alert Level 1 allowed ang tanan activities, allowed ang tanan establishments including gambling activities such as sabong. Pero last Monday during our meeting with Covid-19 Task Force and Mayor Sara medyo high risk ni siya na behavior kasi sa sabong magsyagit syagit sila so the droplets are very high ana ng activity,” Schlosser said. She added that if the task force and the response
cluster deemed “sabong” as a very high-risk activity there might be a possibility that it will not be allowed in the city. However, Schlosser said that it is best to wait for the executive order that will be released with regards to the resumption of “sabong” in the city. “Kasi we are going to have more meetings on this. This has been discussed thoroughly by experts, health cluster, security cluster para mapag-usapan kung unsaon ni siya or kung i-follow nato ang guideline sa Alert Level 1. Naa pa mi series of meetings on this one kasi even if we wanted an economic recovery, we cannot go away the fact na naa gihapon ang kalaban nato and we have to balance health and economy,” Schlosser said. She said that opening the activities and establishments is good for the economy of Davao City, however, if the people are too lenient on their health, the city might go back to square one. “Basin mag-repeat lang ta sa atoang history ug mubalik ta sa square one and we cannot afford that,” she said. It can be recalled that the “Araw ng Davao celebration six-cock derby” held at the New Davao Matina Gallera here in 2020 was tagged as the “ground zero” of Covid-19 in Davao City.
4 VANTAGE EDGEDAVAO
VOL.14 ISSUE 293 • THURSDAY, MARCH 3, 2022
On his worries about the resurgence of illegal drugs, hoping his successor would continue his campaign against the drug menace:
We are getting old. As a matter of fact, we are about to make the exit na. Ang problema (already. The problem) is the next generation. We have to protect the next generation because, if not, then they will have a serious problem in their hands.”
President Rodrigo Roa Duterte
EDITORIAL Rising up Davao lost a world champion on Sunday after Panabo City native Jerwin Ancajas, who honed his skills in Davao del Norte and Davao City as an amateur, gave up his world superflyweight title to conqueror Fernando Martinez.
It was a bitter loss, only the second in a flourishing boxing career for the Dabawenyo fighter but it should not hinder his journey to greatness. He is touted as the heir apparent to another great fighter from Mindanao Manny Pacquiao and remains the best bet we have despite the loss last Sunday.
Ancajas has the contractual right to challenge recent conqueror Fernando Martinez again, but it looks like he won’t be doing so and will instead try his hand at bantamweight, where he hasn’t fought since 2015.
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He ran a string of nine title defenses over the past five years and that’s a solid proof that he is a great champion. Ancajas has yet to hit paydirt unlike Pacquiao but he is getting there. This defeat is only a temporary setback which should serve as a reminder for him. Pacquiao also once suffered the same bitter loss because of weight problems and has since bounced back beautifully after that with a lot of discipline than he once was.
The important thing is for Ancajas to rise back from this fall. 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
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
Ancajas is still young at 30 and should easily claw his way back to another world title shot.
SOLANI D. MARATAS Finance
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EDGEDAVAO
VOL.14 ISSUE 293 • THURSDAY, MARCH 3, 2022
VANTAGE POINTS
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HENRYLITO D. TACIO THINK ON THESE!
WHEN THERE’S FIRE If February is the month for lovers, March is associated with something hot. At the time of the presidency of Corazon C. Aquino, March has been declared as Burn Prevention Month. Previously, it was also known as Fire Prevention Month. Both are very much interrelated, considering that if there is fire, a human being trapped inside a burning place can get burned to death if not scarred for life. Indeed, burns are as serious a matter as fires are. No one knows for sure how many people are burned in the Philippines, “but most burn injuries are caused by home accidents,” according to the Philippine Society of Burn Injuries (PSBI). “Burns are one of the most expensive of traumatic injuries due to the extended hospital stay and rehabilitation,” said a study done by Margarita E. Elloso and Jose Joven V. Cruz. “The injuries result in higher rates of permanent disability and economic hardship for the individual as well as their families.” Unknowingly, most people think fire is the only cause of burns, but some chemicals and
electrical current can burn as well. “Although the skin is usually the part of the body that’s burned, the tissues under it also can be burned, and internal organs can be burned even when the skin is not,” says The Merck Manual of Medical Information. For example, drinking a very hot liquid or “caustic substance” such as acid can burn the esophagus and stomach. Inhaling smoke and hot air from a fire in a burning building can burn the lungs. Tissues that are burned may die. When a burn damages tissues, fluid leaks from blood vessels, causing swelling. In an extensive burn, loss of a large amount of fluid from abnormally leaky blood vessels can cause shock. In shock, blood pressure decreases so much that too little blood flows to the brain and other vital organs. A temperature of more than 9,000 degrees Fahrenheit, generated by an electric current when it passes from the electrical source to the body, may cause electrical burns. “This type of burn, sometimes called an electrical arc burn, usually completely destroys and chars the skin at the current’s point of
entry into the body,” the home edition of the Merck manual explains. “Because the resistance (the body’s ability to stop or slow the current’s flow) is high where the skin touches the current’s source, much of the electrical energy is converted to heat there, burning the surface,” the manual continues. “Most electrical burns also severely damage the tissues under the skin. These burns vary in size and depth and may affect an area much larger than that indicated by the area of injured skin. Large electrical shocks can paralyze breathing and disturb heart rhythm, causing dangerously irregular heartbeats.” Chemical burns, on the other hand, can be caused by various irritants and poisons, including strong acids and alkalis, phenols and cresols (organic solvents), mustard gas, and phosphorus. “Chemical burns can cause tissue death that can slowly spread for hours after the burn,” the Merck manual notes. Medical experts say there are three kinds of burns. The so-called “first-degree burn” is the least severe. The burned
skin becomes red, painful, very sensitive to the touch, and moist or swollen. The burned area whitens (blanches) when lightly touched, but no blisters develop. This type of burn can be treated at home. If the dermis or underlying skin is affected and tiny blood vessels are injured, this is called a “second degree burn.” Here, fluid leaks from the damaged blood vessels, causing swelling and blistering immediately within 24 hours. This kind of burn is painful but often not serious except when it is large or infected. Second-degree burns take about two to three weeks to heal and don’t usually leave a scar. Some of them can be treated at home. A “third-degree burn” affects the deepest layers of the skin and requires immediate medical attention. “The surface of the burn may be white and soft or black, charred, and leathery,” the Merck manual states. “Because the burned area may be pale, it can be mistaken for normal skin in light-skinned people, but it doesn’t blanch when touched.
“Damaged red blood cells in the injured area may make the burn bright red. Occasionally, the burned area blisters, and hairs in the burn can easily be pulled from their roots. The burned area has no feeling when touched. Generally, third-degree burns aren’t painful, because the nerve endings in the skin have been destroyed.” Third-degree burns take up to two months to heal and always leave a scar. Other burns that demand a doctor’s immediate attention, according to The Doctors Book of Home Remedies, include: · Burns on the face, hands, feet, pelvic and pubic areas, or in the eyes. · Any burn that you aren’t sure is first- or second-degree; · Burns that show signs of infection, including a blister filled with greenish or brownish fluid, or a burn that becomes hot again or turns red; · Any burn that doesn’t heal in ten days to two weeks. “About 85 percent of burns are minor and can be treated at home, in a doctor’s office, or in a hospital’s emergency department,” says the Merck manual.
ANTONIO V. FIGUEROA FAST BACKWARD
ST. TERESA OF KOLKATA IN DAVAO In 1984, seven years after her first visit to the Philippines, the petite Albanian nun in white and blue habit in sandals set foot in Davao City. Nine years after she died in 1997, she was canonized saint of the Roman Catholic Church on September 4, 2016. Born on August 26, 1910 as Gonxha Agnes Bojaxhiu in the Republic of Albania, Saint Teresa of Kolkota (India), known as Mother Teresa, founded the Missionaries of Charity in 1950 to assist people dying from HIV-AIDS, leprosy, and tuberculosis. Present in over 130 countries, the congregation supervises mobile clinics, soup kitchens, schools, orphanages, and dispensaries. St. Teresa’s first and only visit in Davao took place at a time when the country was reeling from the tarmac assassination of Sen. Benigno S. Aquino Jr. Turmoil could be felt and political
instability was wracking the entire nation. Next to St. John Paul II who celebrated a Mass at the Davao airport in February 1981, she is the second saint to have physically set foot in the region. Her Davao visit, though well covered by the press, was short and memorable. With help from the Davao archbishop Antonio Ll. Mabutas, she opened her congregation’s first mission house, the Home of Pag-asa at Fatima, a stone’s throw from a populous slum known as Piapi, where the Sisters started their ministry. The house, known as the Immaculate Heart of Mary Home for the Sick, the Dying and the Abandoned, is a two-story structure that became the home of sick, dying, and abandoned adults on the ground floor, with the second level for the sick and dying children. Besides attending the needs of the of the infirm, the nuns did
house chores in the home of the poorest of the poor, visited jails and fed the inmates, and taught children the rudiments of the alphabets. Two years later, with help from the charitable Santos-Munda family, the sisters used a space which they transformed into what is now the Home for Sick and Malnourished Children at Molave Street, in Juna Subdivision, Matina. On July 21, 2003, the Fatima home was moved to a spacious place in New Salmonan, Agdao, which the sisters christened as the Home for the Abandoned and Dying Destitutes. Central to this new ministry are sick children needing treatment, caring for abandoned kids, and sending orphans to study in nearby schools or institutes. All told, the unsung assistance of archdiocesan clergy, laymen, and kindhearted individ-
uals and institutions have a significant role in the survival of the mission houses. With help from benevolent corporate sponsors and benefactors, more needy and indigents have shared the blessings the Sisters have sustainably received. In her lifetime, Mother Teresa, dubbed as ‘the saint of the gutters,’ won high-profile honors including the 1962 Ramon Magsaysay Peace Prize and the 1979 Nobel Peace Prize. Underlining the mission of her nuns are the opening of more centers throughout the archipelago, namely in Manila, Dagupan, Nueva Caceres, Cebu, Davao, Tuguegarao, and Palo, Leyte, to name a few. An article (‘St. Teresa of Calcutta: God’s gift to Davao’) that appeared in Davao Catholic Herald on September 3, 2017, poignantly details the ministry of the nuns inside a lockup:
“One Wednesday morning, while the Sisters of the Missionaries of Charity… were distributing ‘arroz caldo’ to the inmates of a local jail, the Sisters noticed that an elderly inmate had thick rashes all over his body from head to toe. The old man was in great pain and discomfort because of his inflamed skin. He told the Sisters that many of the inmates have been suffering because of the unexplained rashes that their medicines and soaps could not relieve. The following day, the MC Sisters returned to the jail bringing with them a pail of herbal ointment which the Sisters prepared from the roots and barks of pangyawan. They themselves applied the ointment to the skin of the afflicted inmates. Thus, on that day, another mission was added to the Sisters’ ministry here in Davao City.”
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A little girl in pink enjoys playing with the water and sand at the Isla Jardin del Mar in Barangay Gumasa, Glan, Sarangani Tuesday morning (1 March 2022). The 12-year-old beach resort continues to attract local and foreign tourists even with the current pandemic. Stretching one kilometer long of white sand, the resort offers overnight villas and fun water rides. MindaNews photo by JULES L. BENITEZ
Shift to Level 1 to create P9.4-B weekly economic gains: NEDA
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he shift to Alert Level 1 in more parts of the country will generate an estimated PHP9.4 billion per week of economic activity in gross value-added terms, the National Economic and Development Authority (NEDA) said. During the Talk to the People of President Rodrigo Duterte on Monday, Socioeconomic Planning Secretary Karl Kendrick Chua presented the benefits of moving to the most relaxed coronavirus disease 2019 (Covid-19) alert level and the Economic Development Cluster’s proposed 10-point policy agenda.
“Ang Alert Level 1 ay magdudulot ng benepisyo sa 62 percent ng ekonomiya at sa halos 20.3 milyon na manggagawa o 48 percent ng total workforce ng bansa. Sa pagbaba sa Alert Level 1, tinatayang mababawasan ng 170,000 katao ang bilang ng unemployed sa susunod na quarter (Alert Level 1 will
benefit 62 percent of the economy and 20.3 million workers, comprising 48 percent of our workforce. By shifting to Alert Level 1, we estimate 170,000 fewer unemployed workers over the next quarter),” Chua said. He said the benefits would increase to PHP16.5 billion of economic activity in gross value-added terms and translate to PHP5.2 billion more in salaries per week if the whole country shifts to this alert level. This would also result in 297,000 fewer unemployed workers over the
law, on the submission of their zero-backlog report. Under the EODB law, a public office should complete simple transactions in three days, complex transactions in seven days, and highly technical transactions in 20 days. Belgica said ARTA would issue a memorandum circular (MC) reiterating the submission of zero-backlog report on or before March 7 of every year. ARTA Deputy Director General Ernesto Perez said the annual reporting has been implemented since 2020 but only a few public offices have
complied with the law, even though the agency has issued two MCs in the past two years reminding all government agencies to submit their zero-backlog report. “Unfortunately, there are those that (are) not submitting the report. Of course, it takes some time. It’s part of the birth pains. That is why, we will be issuing next week the MC 2022 reiterating the requirement of agencies, including local government units, to submit their zero-backlog report and the deadline will be March 7, 2022,” Perez said.
next quarter. If not for the pandemic, he said, the size of the Philippine economy would have reached PHP25.3 trillion in 2022. “Nakabawi tayo sa 2021 with a 5.6 percent growth, ngunit kailangan pa natin bawiin ang nawala sa nakaraang dalawang taon na nagkakahalagang PHP3.8 trillion. Mapapabilis ang pagbawi natin nito sa ilalim ng Alert Level 1 (We bounced back in 2021 with a 5.6 percent growth. We now have to recover the losses we experienced in the past two years amount-
ing to PHP3.8 trillion. The shift to Alert Level 1 will help close this gap faster),” he added. Chua said the shift to Alert Level 1 would further improve the performance of key sectors, such as tourism. “The contribution of domestic tourism to the economy fell by PHP1.5 trillion or 7.4 percent of the GDP (gross domestic product) in 2020. We can recover at least half of that or PHP750 billion by shifting to Alert Level 1,” he said. Chua also reiterated the need to reopen all schools
for face-to-face learning as this will provide a big boost to the economy and improve learning and productivity. The NEDA estimated that resuming face-to-face learning would increase economic activity by about PHP12 billion per week due to the return of services around schools, such as transport, dormitories, food stalls, and school supplies stores. This will also avert about PHP11 trillion in productivity losses and improve learning outcomes by about 50 percent.
sector. “While the relaxation of restrictions was no doubt the latest driver of growth, there were also tentative signs of improvements in material availability, as delivery times lengthened to the least marked extent for a year,” she said. Patel said firms’ purchasing activity also rose at the sharpest rate for over three years while boosting pre and post-production inventories. “There were, however, areas of concern
surrounding prices and employment. Inflationary pressures were historically elevated which forced firms to push through hikes in selling charges. At the same time, voluntary resignations continued, which has been seen since the pandemic hit the Philippines’ economy two years ago,” she added. In Asean, the Philippines had the third-highest manufacturing score for February, only behind Singapore at 58.3 and Vietnam at 54.3.
ARTA calls on nat’l agencies PH manufacturing score in to submit zero-backlog report February hits 3-year high
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he Anti-Red Tape Authority (ARTA) has called on national government agencies (NGAs), local government units (LGUs), and government-owned and -controlled corporations (GOCCs) to submit their compliance report on the “3-7-20” rule. In a press conference on Tuesday, ARTA Director General Jeremiah Belgica reminded all government offices about the provision of Republic Act 11032, also known as the Ease of Doing Business and Efficient Delivery of Government Services (EODB)
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he country’s manufacturing score in February has improved to 52.8, its highest since December 2018, the IHS Markit Manufacturing Purchasing Managers’ Index (PMI) reported Tuesday. Last month’s manufacturing PMI was also better than the 50 index registered in January. IHS Markit economist Shreeya Patel said there were solid expansions in output and new orders that supported the growth of the local manufacturing
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ECONOMY A2
Assistant Secretary Romeo M. Montenegro, executive director of the coordinating agency of the Mindanao Development Authority (MinDA) says the ongoing war between Russia and Ukraine has a minimal impact on Mindanao for now, but it will have a bearing on the island’s economy if tension is prolonged as it will likely increase the price of petroleum, which may trigger an inflationary pressure and drive up transport cost. Edge Davao
MinDA fears prolonged Russia-Ukraine conflict may affect Mindanao economy SEC implements cap on lending, financing firms’ interest rates
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he Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) has issued the memorandum circular implementing the cap on interest rates and other fees imposed by lending and financing companies, and their online lending platforms (OLPs). SEC Memorandum Circular No. 3, Series of 2022 (SEC MC 3), which will take effect on March 3, provides the guidelines on Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP) Circular No. 1133, Series of 2021, on the ceiling/s of interest rates and other fees charged by lending companies, financing companies, and their online lending platforms. The BSP circular prescribes the maximum interest rates and other fees charged by lending and financing companies, and their OLPs. The central bank fixed the maximum nominal interest rate at 6 percent per month, or about 0.2 percent per day, and the effective interest rate (EIR) at 15 percent per month, or about 0.5 percent per day for covered loans which are unsecured, general-purpose loans that do not exceed the amount of PHP10,000 and with
a loan tenor of up to four months. The EIR is expressed as the rate that exactly discounts estimated future cash flows throughout the life of the loan to the net amount of loan proceeds. It includes the nominal interest rate along with other applicable fees and charges, such as processing fees, service fees, notarial fees, handling fees, and verification fees, among others. It excludes fees and penalties for late payment and non-payment. Meanwhile, lending and financing companies may only charge penalties up to 5 percent per month for late payment or non-payment on outstanding scheduled amounts due. A total cost cap of 100 percent of the total amount borrowed, applying to all interest, other fees and charges, and penalties, regardless of time the loan has been outstanding, will also be imposed. The cap on interest rates and other fees will apply to covered loans which lending and financing companies will offer once the rules take effect on March 3.
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remain neutral on the ongoing conflict between Russia and Ukraine unless the country’s interest is at risk. Duterte said that the Philippines is not involved in the war between the two nations and believed diplomacy must be resorted to in every international conflict. She added that the only time when the Philippines must take sides in favor of either party is if the conflict involves the state’s interest. “We should always remain neutral if the Philippines’ interest is not involved. The country’s interest should come first,
and the only time that we take sides is if our interest is at risk,” the mayor said. She acknowledged the need for the entire government to brace for the effect of the Russia-Ukraine tension since it will affect the country’s economy, most especially in the aspect of food security since the conflict is expected to affect the global community. “If it is a matter of making a stand, then if I were the President I would be, at first, neutral until I am pushed against a wall to make a decision for the country,” Duterte said. She said preparing for the impact of the war necessitated a whole of government approach because it will have a “domino effect” on the lives of many people, particularly the expected
rise in the cost of living and their finances. “With regard to the effects of the war, that is something that the national government should prepare for. The effect of wars is not a secret. We’ve seen in the previous years the effects of wars, and it is something that the national government – the whole of government should prepare for – and not just one cabinet or one secretary or one department of the government,” Duterte said. In a statement of the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) at the Emergency Special Session of the United Nations General Assembly on Ukraine, the Philippine government voted “yes” to the UNGA resolution condemning the invasion of Ukraine.
ola said in a virtual briefing on Tuesday. “We have lent over PHP40 million to repatriated OFWs through the ANYO Program,” she said. “Those who lost their jobs abroad due to the pandemic were granted loans to pursue agribusiness as a new means of income.” Currently, they are processing 58 more applications. She said the OFWs can arrange with the embassies in their host coun-
tries to inquire about the program if they are going home and want to start an agribusiness. ANYO was rolled out in 2020 to provide zero-interest loans, including for small farmers and fishers and registered micro and small agri-fishery enterprises, including sole proprietors, partnerships, corporations, associations, and cooperatives. Eligible borrowers are entitled to a maximum
PHP300,000 while registered micro and small enterprises, depending on their assets, may borrow between PHP300,000 and PHP15 million. Loans are payable to up to five years without collateral and interest, the DAACPC said. ACPC was created in 1986 by virtue of Executive Order 113 to assist the DA in synchronizing all credit policies and programs in support of the latter’s priority programs.
he ongoing war between Russia and Ukraine has a minimal impact on Mindanao for now, but it will have a bearing on the island’s economy if tension is prolonged. Assistant Secretary Romeo Montenegro, of the Mindanao Development Authority (MinDA), expressed fears on Tuesday that a protracted war will likely increase the price of petroleum, which may trigger an inflationary pressure and drive up transport cost. He said it may mean exporters from Mindanao will likely get affected by weaker global demand. In a face-to-face press conference in Davao City on Monday, Davao City Mayor Sara Duterte, who is running for vice president, said the Philippines should
Pandemic-affected OFWs avail of DA agri loans
T
he Department of Agriculture (DA) has a loan program exclusively for migrant workers repatriated because of the Covid-19 pandemic and who want to venture into the agribusiness. Through its Agricultural Credit Policy Council’s (ACPC) Agri-Negosyo (ANYO) program, the DA has helped 108 former overseas Filipino workers since the start of the pandemic two years ago, Executive Director Jocelyn Badi-
A3 EDGEDAVAO
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TRAVEL
Inside my Garden View Cottage.
Beach-side dining with the twinkling view of Davao City in the horizon.
With a professional culinary team in place, Chema’s has Sunset at Chema’s By The Sea is always a golden affair. upped its food options featuring quality local ingredients.
The fresh water pool evokes visions of jungle temples in Cambodia.
RETURN TO SAMAL ISLAND Ever since the current global health crisis started, I haven’t had the opportunity to visit Davao Region’s most accessible island destination. Mainly because of changing health protocols going to Samal, as well as the associated risks in the past two years, going out for leisure was really not on the top of my mind.
Today however, with Durianburg and the greater Davao Region, hitting high numbers for fully vaccinated individuals, there really is light at the end of the tunnel and I believe it is now time to slowly rediscover our local tourism destinations. Just last week, I was invited by resort manager Jessica Segura, together with other travel writers, to revisit Chema’s By The Sea. It has been over eight years since I last visited the resort and I was honestly excited to experience the many different changes at the resort. A Pleasant Discovery
Left: Chema’s By The Sea’s cottages evoke adventurous jungle feels. Right: Chema’s By The Sea resort manager Jessica Segura (center) together with head chef Mikhail Anthony Rioflorido and F&B service team lead Mark Athony Camo. From the resort’s jetty at the Waterfront Insular Hotel Davao, it is just a short 10-minute boat ride to the resort. From the sea, Chema’s stood as I remembered it in the past, its beachfront full of tropical jungle trees covered in vines. Walking from the jetty towards the resort’s welcome arch, quaint wooden cottages which resemble the island homes of the Swiss Family Robinson slowly reveal themselves, instantly transporting my mind to more exotic jungle locales. Greeting me with a smile as bright as the sun was Jessica who promptly escorted the group to the resort’s hilltop Garden House for lunch. In the past, Chema’s By The Sea was never known for it’s food, but the doubt from the past was quickly erased with a gorgeous lunch spread which featured
Filipino favorites like ensaladang talong, seafood sinigang, and grilled tuna belly. It was over lunch that Jessica revealed that the big changes at Chema’s is thanks to the resort now being managed by leading Filipino hospitality group, Discovery Hospitality. “The new-redesigned food and beverage outlets of the resort promise a unique culinary experience. With a vast array of dishes featuring Samal’s local cuisine along with International favorites at Garden House” shared Jessica. “For those who want to enjoy a drink and snacks with glistening views of the beach, then Chema’s Beach Bar which features refreshing cocktail creations and tacos is the place to be. Relish through infused spirits of local herbs and seasonal fruits of Davao, from mid-day pick-me-upper, or while
watching the sun hide behind Mt. Apo.” A Boutique Island Resort Experience While many resorts offer modern and standard-shaped rooms, Chema’s By The Sea offers unique rustic cottages that lend their charm and appeal to the resort’s jungle garden setting. The five cabanas, nine cottages, and one suite feature garden and sea views and are perfect for travelers of two to bigger families. Designed as cozy lodges, every room features open glass doors, and exclusive terraces. Distinct wooden designs paired with fresh linens stand out for that cozy escape. Blending well with the garden estate, the resort’s beach offers the perfect view of the Davao skyline and Mt. Talomo and Mt. Apo beyond. If the beach is not
exactly your thing, the resort has a saltwater infinity pool to lounge about, and a more private freshwater jungle pool located away from the beach. With nature as the setting. Be it a dreamy gathering in the lush gardens with surrounding trees or a serene ceremony with the ocean breezes in the pristine white sand beach, make memorable events with loved ones that will last a lifetime. The resort is open for intimate gatherings and celebrations such weddings, debuts, birthday celebrations, or any social event. A New Direction “Spending days at Chema’s By The Sea is just heartwarming. We’ve seen and experienced the serenity of each staff’s place and passion for delivering the best in every moment of encounter. It is truly a captivating experience in a beautiful resort inside and out. For us, it’s all about setting the direction and build the essence of the resort through the different individuals that make up of this resort,” shared Discovery Hospitality Corporation (DHC) COO and Discovery World Corporation President Jose Parreno in a press release. With Chema’s By The Sea now managed by DHC, which is also responsible for famous resorts like Discovery Shores Boracay and Discovery Shores Palawan, I cannot wait to see the bold new direction this laid-back resort is going to take. “We are currently training our food and beverage, and housekeeping staff to meet the levels expected of any Discovery property” said Jessica. “We also hope to improve our facilities and guest experiences on the resort in the coming months.” Experience a charming nature escape at Chema’s By The Sea. For more information, visit chemasbythesea.com.ph; or follow the resort on Facebook at Chema’s By The Sea, Davao; and Instagram at @chemasbytheseadavao.
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SPORTS A4
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Club Velvet golf tournament chief organizer Mark Oropeza (2nd from right) with fellow organizers and winners of their first golfest.(Photo by Roland Jumawan)
Tan leads winners in 1st Club Velvet golfest
Inoue-Donaire rematch is close, says Bob Arum
A
bureaucratic measure or two apparently is all that stands in the way of the rematch between Naoya Inoue and Nonito Donaire, according to promoter Bob Arum. The Top Rank Inc. boss, who co-promotes Japan’s IBF and WBA 118-pound champion Inoue, said he believes a re-run of the pair’s well-received title bout in 2019 in Saitama is on the cusp of being a done deal. BoxingScene.com reported in January that negotiations had begun between Inoue and WBC titlist Donaire. The only major hurdle holding it back, Arum said, is the Japanese government’s current border control restrictions in response to the Omicron variant of the novel coronavirus. Japan eased their restrictions last year but toughened them up in November – thus barring all foreigners and tourists – because of rising cases of COVID-19 infections. Donaire, a Filipino-American, would not be able to enter the country under the current measures. Arum said all the parties – Donaire is promoted by Richard Schaefer of Pro-
bellum and Inoue is backed by Arum and his Japanese handlers Hideyuki Ohashi and Akihiko Honda – are in agreement; all they need is the green light from the Japanese government. “I think that’s really close,” Arum said of the fight in an interview with the 3 Knockdown Rule. “Everything depends not on Donaire, not on Inoue, not Ohashi or Honda, but on the Japanese government lifting the restrictions on events and so forth.” Japan’s COVID-19 restrictions have already waylaid one major fight on the boxing schedule, the middleweight title bout between IBF beltholder Gennadiy Golovkin and WBA titlist Ryota Murata, which was originally penciled in for December in Tokyo. Now that fight could reportedly take place in April. Recent reports from Japan suggest the country will start to relax its restrictions beginning in March. “From what we understand, April we’ll be in all clear,” Arum said. “The world is opening up.” An Inoue-Donaire rematch would be an intrigu-
ing matchup, reprising what many fans and pundits felt was one of the best fights of 2019. Part of the finals of the World Boxing Super Series, the high-octane shootout saw the hard-punching dynamo Inoue sustain a broken orbital bone en route to winning a unanimous decision over the veteran, four-division titlist Donaire, who suffered a knockdown in the 11th round. Despite the clear loss, Donaire (42-6, 28 KOs) has presumably done enough in the interval to make a rematch sellable. Last year, in May, he violently wrested the WBC 118-pound title from then beltholder Nordine Oubaali with a fourth-round knockout. In his following outing, Donaire scored yet another fourth-round stoppage, in a title defense against Reymart Gaballo. Inoue (22-0, 19 KOs), a three-division titlist, has continued to rack up wins since his victory over Donaire. He brutalized Australia’s Jason Moloney in 2020 with a seventh-round knockout, blew out Michael Dasmarinas in the third round last June, and stopped Aran Dipaen in December.
BY MOSES BILLACURA
J
ing Tan emerged class A gross champion to lead other winners in the first Club Velvet Fun Golf Palusotan and Fellowship held over the weekend at the Apo Golf and Country Club.
Sharing the top honors were Jonathan Cabreros as class A net champion, while Jun de Pedro finished runner-up. Chito Bugayong clinched the class B gross title and Gian Hernandez
bagged the net division crown. Boyet Sonico landed first runner-up. Christian Gabucan snatched the class C gross title and Kim Panaguitan shared the limelight by winning the net division
crown. Rico Mok finished runner-up. Organizers Mark Oropeza and Randy Arevalo awarded the trophies and cash prizes to the winners during the awarding ceremony at Club Velvet, Oroderm City Strip Mall. Awards were also given to Richard Panlo for the most accurate drive, Jomarie Amador for the nearest to the pin and Gian Fernandez for the longest drive at 262 yards.(with reports from Roland Jumawan)
The only major hurdle holding Inoue-Donaite 2, promoter Bob Arum said, is the Japanese government’s current border control restrictions in response to the Omicron variant of the novel coronavirus.
6
EDGE DAVAO EDGE DAVAO Republic of the Philippines City of Davao Office of the Sangguniang Panlungsod
19th City Council 35th Regular Session Series of 2021 PRESENT: Councilor Councilor Councilor Councilor Councilor Councilor Councilor Councilor Councilor Councilor Councilor Councilor Councilor Councilor Councilor Councilor Councilor Councilor Councilor Councilor Councilor Councilor
• • •
Edgar P. Ibuyan Jr. - Temporary Presiding Officer Ralph O. Abella Maria Belen S. Acosta Bai Hundra Cassandra Dominique N. Advincula Wilberto E. Al-ag Dante L. Apostol Sr. Conrado C. Baluran Jessica M. Bonguyan Pilar C. Braga Augusto Javier G. Campos III Danilo C. Dayanghirang Jonard C. Dayap Edgar R. Ibuyan Sr. Pamela A. Librado-Morata Jaffar U. Marohomsalic Bonifacio E. Militar Myrna G. L’Dalodo-Ortiz Antoinette G. Principe-Castrodes J. Melchor B. Quitain Jr. Mary Joselle D. Villafuerte Alberto T. Ungab Jesus Joseph P. Zozobrado III
ABSENT: Vice Mayor Councilor Councilor Councilor Councilor
VOL.14 VOL.14 ISSUE ISSUE 292 293 • WEDNESDAY, • THURSDAY, MARCH 3, 2, 2022
Sebastian Z. Duterte - On Official Business Nilo D Abellera - On Sick Leave Louie John J. Bonguyan - On Domestic Emergency Leave Richlyn N. Justol-Baguilod - On Maternity Leave Diosdado Angelo Junior R. Mahipus - On Sick Leave
ORDINANCE NO. 0727-21 Series of 2021 AN ORDINANCE HONORING CENTENARIANS IN THE CITY OF DAVAO Be it ordained by the Sangguniang Panlungsod of Davao City in session assembled, that:
centenarian; Baptismal and/or Confirmation records of the centenarian certified by the parish church and other religious denomination; Medical and/or Dental certificate issued by government/private doctors or dentists; and Other related documents i.e. Certification from the National Commission On Muslim Filipinos (NCMF), the National Commission on Indigenous People (NCIP), AFPSLAI, AMWSLAI, Veterans, etc.”
SECTION 4. LETTER OF FELICITATION AND CASH GIFT. – All Filipino residents of Davao City who will reach the age of one hundred (100) years old, shall be honored with the following: (a) A Letter or Plaque of Felicitation from the Mayor of Davao City congratulating the celebrant for his or her longevity; and (b) A Centenarian Gift in the amount of One Hundred Thousand Pesos (Php100,000.00). SECTION 5. FUNDING. – During the implementation of this Ordinance, the requisite fund shall be sourced from the available funds of the City Mayor’s Office which shall be processed by the City Social Welfare and Development Office (CSWDO). The additional Plaque of Recognition and Centenarian Gift shall be funded by the City Mayor’s Office of Davao City. SECTION 6. REPEALING CLAUSE. – Any Ordinance, local issuances or rules inconsistent with the provisions of this Ordinance are hereby repealed or modified accordingly. SECTION 7. SEPARABILITY CLAUSE. – If, for any reason, any section of this Ordinance is declared unconstitutional or invalid, the other sections or provisions hereof which are not affected thereby shall continue to be in full force and effect. SECTION 8. EFFECTIVITY. – This Ordinance shall take effect immediately upon approval. ENACTED, September 21, 2021, by a unanimous vote of all the Members of the Sanggunian there being a quorum. CERTIFIED CORRECT:
ATTESTED:
EDGAR P. IBUYAN JR. President Pro Tempore Temporary Presiding Officer cns/kjtq
DECEMBER 02 APPROVED : ________________, 2021
ATTESTED:
SECTION 1. TITLE. - This Ordinance shall be known as “AN ORDINANCE HONORING CENTENARIANS IN THE CITY OF DAVAO”. SECTION 2. DEFINITION OF TERMS. – a) Dabawenyo Centenarian – A Filipino citizen, who has reached one hundred years old and above, a registered voter of the City and physically residing for at least 3 years in the City of Davao.
AN ORDINANCE HONORING CENTENARIANS IN THE CITY OF DAVAO
b) Letter of Felicitation – A letter from the City Mayor acknowledging and congratulating the centenarian on his or her longevity;
Republic of the Philippines City of Davao Office of the Sangguniang Panlungsod
c) Plaque of Recognition – An award given to the centenarian by the City of Davao; d) Centenarian Incentive – An amount of One Hundred Thousand Pesos (Php100,000.00) cash incentive to be given to the centenarian. SECTION 3. DOCUMENTARY REQUIREMENTS. – The requirements stated in the Implementing Rules and Regulations (IRR) of Republic Act No. 10868 and DSWD Memorandum Circular No. 04, Series of 2017, shall be adopted by this Ordinance, to wit: “…In the verification process, the centenarian shall present his/her birth certificate or Philippine passport. In case said documents are not available, any one (1) of the following primary IDs may also be accepted: • •
Senior’s Identification (ID) Card issued by the Head of the Office of Senior Citizens Affairs (OSCA) indicating the year of birth; or Other Philippine-government issued identification cards such as the Land Transportation Office (LTO)-issued Driver’s License, Social Security cards like the Government Service Insurance System (GSIS) and the Social Security System (SSS), Professional Regulation Commission (PRC) license, Philippine Postal ID, Commission on Elections (COMELEC) voter’s ID, etc. showing Filipino citizenship and year of birth as a reference point for the centenarian’s eligibility for the awards and incentives.
Any two (2) of the following secondary documents may also be accepted in the absence of the above-mentioned primary ID’s: •
Marriage Certificate of the centenarian issued by the Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA) or the Local Civil Registrar;
•
Birth Certificates of children borne by/of the centenarian issued by the Philippines Statistics Authority (PSA) or the Local Civil Registrar;
•
Affidavits executed by at least two (2) disinterested persons who should be at least aged 80 years old and above with personal knowledge of centenarian’s actual age or date of birth; Old School or Employment records showing the date of birth of the
•
19th City Council 42nd Regular Session Series of 2021 PRESENT: Councilor Councilor Councilor Councilor Councilor Councilor Councilor Councilor Councilor Councilor Councilor Councilor Councilor Councilor Councilor Councilor Councilor Councilor Councilor Councilor Councilor Councilor Councilor
Alberto T. Ungab - Temporary Presiding Officer Ralph O. Abella Nilo D. Abellera Bai Hundra Cassandra Dominique N. Advincula Wilberto E. Al-ag Dante L. Apostol Sr. Conrado C. Baluran Jessica M. Bonguyan Louie John J. Bonguyan Pilar C. Braga Augusto Javier G. Campos III Danilo C. Dayanghirang Jonard C. Dayap Edgar P. Ibuyan Jr. Edgar R. Ibuyan Sr. Pamela A. Librado-Morata Diosdado Angelo Junior R. Mahipus Jaffar U. Marohomsalic Bonifacio E. Militar Myrna G. L’Dalodo-Ortiz Antoinette G. Principe-Castrodes Mary Joselle D. Villafuerte Jesus Joseph P. Zozobrado III
ABSENT: Vice Mayor Sebastian Z. Duterte Councilor Maria Belen S. Acosta Councilor Richlyn N. Justol-Baguilod Councilor J. Melchor B. Quitain Jr.
- On Official Leave - On Domestic Emergency Leave - On Maternity Leave
EDGEDAVAOEDGEDAVAO
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ORDINANCE NO. 0767-21 Series of 2021 AN ORDINANCE FOR THE ESTABLISHMENT AND CONSTRUCTION OF A CITY-OWNED AND OPERATED OXYGEN CONCENTRATION PLANT WITH A CYLINDER REFILLING SYSTEM IN DAVAO CITY Be it ordained by the Honorable Sangguniang Panlungsod of Davao City, in session assembled, that: SECTION 1. TITLE – This Ordinance shall be known as “THE DAVAO CITY OXYGEN PLANT ORDINANCE”. SECTION 2. DECLARATION OF POLICY – It is the policy of the State to adopt an integrated and comprehensive approach to health development which shall endeavor to make essential goods, health and other social services available to all people at affordable cost. Towards this end, the City shall establish and construct a City-owned and operated oxygen concentration plant with a cylinder refilling system (“Oxygen Plant”) in the City, which shall supply oxygen for medical and industrial purposes. SECTION 3. DEFINITION OF TERMS – For the purpose of this Ordinance, the following shall refer to: a. Oxygen Concentration Plant – a facility that concentrates the oxygen from a gas supply (typically ambient air) by selectively removing nitrogen to supply an oxygen-enriched product gas stream b. Cyclinder refilling – the process of refilling/replenishing empty gas cylinders by connecting such cylinders to an oxygen concentrator SECTION 4. OBJECTIVES – The Objectives of this Ordinance are as follows: a. To establish a city-owned and operated oxygen concentration plant which will increase the overall production capacity in the City. b. To establish an oxygen supply line for medical applications that can be expanded to commercial and industrial applications after the current pandemic has abated. c. To own and operate an oxygen concentrating plant capable of refilling oxygen cylinders usable by the hospitals, temporary treatment and monitoring facilities, commercial establishments and industries of Davao City; and d. To create potential revenue-generating unit after utilization as a COVID-19 pandemic mitigation measure. SECTION 5. ESTABLISHMENT AND CONSTRUCTION – The City Government of Davao shall establish, construct, and operate an Oxygen Concentration Plant with a Cylinder Refilling System on a sustainable area within the City. The location of the Oxygen Plant shall be subject to applicable zoning and land use laws. As medical oxygen is considered a drug and is under the jurisdiction of the Food and Drug Administration (FDA), the Oxygen Plant shall be subject to licensing and registration requirements of FDA, as well as all other requirements of the Department of Health (DOH). SECTION 6. RESPONSIBLE OFFICE/AGENCY – In order to ensure its continued operation and sustainability, the Oxygen Plant shall be under the auspices of the City Economic Enterprise (CEE). Under the CEE, the oxygen plant shall be commercially operated as a revenue-generating unit, subject to audit processes as required by law. SECTION 7. APPROPRIATIONS – A budget of ELEVEN MILLION PESOS (Php 11,000,000.00) shall be appropriated for the construction of the Oxygen Plant, which shall be taken from the amended CY 2021 Local Disaster Risk Reduction Management Fund Investment Plan. All disbursements shall be subject to the existing government budgeting, accounting, and auditing rules and regulations of the Department of Budget and Management (DBM), the Commission on Audit (COA), and the Procurement Law (RA 9184). SECTION 8. SEPARABILITY CLAUSE – If for any reason, any section or provision of this Ordinance is declared unconstitutional or invalid, other sections or provisions hereof not affected by such declaration shall continue to be in full force and effect. SECTION 9. REPEALING CLAUSE – All Ordinances, Resolutions, Executive Orders, Memoranda and Administrative Regulations or part thereof in conflict or inconsistent with the provisions of this Ordinance are hereby repealed, amended or modified accordingly. SECTION 10. EFFECTIVITY – This Ordinance shall take effect immediately upon approval. ENACTED, on the 9thth day of November 2021, by a unanimous vote of all the Members of the Sanggunian, there being a quorum. CERTIFIED CORRECT: ATTESTED:
Temporary Presiding Officer cns/kjtq
DECEMBER 02
APPROVED : ________________, 2021
ATTESTED:
7
Diskwento Caravan in Caraga generates P5.7-M sales in ‘21
T
he Department of Trade and Industry – Caraga’s (DTI-13) Diskwento Caravan (DC) in the region last year by has generated total sales of PHP5,757,913. DTI-13 Information Officer Mike Ariel Plaza said on Tuesday the activity was led by DTI-13 Regional Director Gay Tidalgo and was participated in by at least 40 representatives from the media and civil society organizations (CSOs). In her presentation on Monday’s media briefing and CSO consultation, Tidalgo said a total of 18 manufacturers from the region joined the different DC activities in 2021 and served around 4,788 household
beneficiaries. Seven DC activities were done in the region last year, the most successful one was facilitated at the Gaisano Capital Surigao in Surigao City last September 8 to 12 during the celebration of “Karajawan nan Surigao” Provincial Trade Expo 2021. “The DC is a DTI initiative conducted nationwide that aims to provide reasonably-priced quality products to the consuming public,” Tidalgo said. She added that the program was in partnership with the manufacturers and distributors of necessities and prime commodities and the local government units in the region. The consultation also
highlighted the establishment of 185 Shared Service Facilities (SSFs) in the region. The SSF is a flagship project of the DTI aimed at improving micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs) productivity, and efficiency through better access to technology. “The DTI-13 also presented its strategic directions for 2022-2023 during the media and CSO consultation,” Plaza said. He pointed out that the agency’s directions focused on the areas of export and investment development; industry development; MSME development; consumer protection; and consumer education and advocacy programs. (PNA)
years at the hands of the NPA, she said it has come to an end and they will now live peacefully with their families. “Let us allow the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) and the government to help us. They have opened their doors to us,” she added. Ramos also urged the surrenderers to put in their hearts their total commitment to reject the CPP-NPA and avoid their false promises. Col. Consolito Yecla, the Army’s 1003rd Brigade commander, emphasized that the surrenderers turning to the government’s fold was a historic event for Talaingod. “Since the NPA entered this town in 1993, a lot of IPs suffer from their deceptions as they were instilled with wrong ideology. Now, it has ended,” he said. Yecla recounted that the first to occupy the town was the NPA SRC 5 which he observed was the most advanced rebel sub-region group for they were able to create the Bakwits, KRM, and Salugpungan.
The SRC 5 was dismantled after 12 of its mostly top-ranking leaders surrendered on January 13. The surrenderers included Ida Marie Montero alias Mandy, the secretary, finance officer, and member of Komiteng Tagapagpaganap/Komiteng Kalihiman; Renato Lubguban, deputy secretary and commanding officer of the Sub-Regional Operational Command; Lito Taluwa, acting commanding officer; Enrico Caramat, political instructor; and Rudy Saballa, military adviser and former commanding officer of the dismantled Guerrilla Front 56. “Their dismantling [SRC 5] was a huge accomplishment and we thanked the battalion commanders for their efforts,” he said. Yecla assured that they will continue to protect the town as they are being supported by former rebels like alias Marikit. “You don’t have to worry, we will defend you and your ancestral domains. All we are asking is your cooperation and
total rejection of the communist group,” he said. Governor Edwin Jubahib, meanwhile, thanked the surrenderers for their courage and trust in the government. He vowed to support the surrenderers, especially on the livelihood and education of their children. “Our military troops did everything to make Talaingod peaceful and free from the insurgency. Rest assured that the provincial government will pour projects in this town, particularly farmto-market roads, schools, and sitio electrification,” Jubahib said. The CPP-NPA is listed as a terrorist organization by the United States, European Union, the United Kingdom, Australia, Canada, New Zealand, and the Philippines. The Anti-Terrorism Council also formally designated the National Democratic Front as a terrorist organization on June 23, 2021, citing it as “an integral and inseparable part” of the CPP-NPA that was created in April 1973. (PNA)
and Local Government Secretary Eduardo Año said based on the latest report, the law enforcers have arrested 1,658 individuals and confiscated PHP159 million worth of illegal drugs in 1,230 anti-illegal drug operations. “Kaya ‘yan ang ano, iyan ‘yan ang worry ko sa report ni (That’s my worry on the report of) Secretary Año. I am glad that he has been --- he continued with the program al-
though not as I said ferocious when I was the one kasi ako ‘yung mayor eh (because I was mayor),” Duterte said. According to the latest Real Numbers data released by the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA) on February 1, authorities have arrested 323,579 persons, seized PHP75 billion worth of illegal drugs, and dismantled 933 drug dens and 18 clandestine shabu laboratories since
the Duterte administration launched the anti-illegal drugs campaign on July 1, 2016. The consolidated reports as of Dec. 31, 2021 also showed 6,225 drug suspects have died during 224,215 anti-illegal drug operations. The number of barangays declared drugfree has reached 24,253 while a total of 11,175 barangays have yet to be cleared of illegal drugs. (PNA)
206 REDS... FROM2
PRRD... FROM2
8 SPORTS
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When Adidas Streetball, Nike 3-on-3 finally came to Davao
Managing editor Neil Bravo’s story headlined “Davao City in the eyes of non-Dabawenyos” flashed back lovely memories for me. I could still hear Sonny Nebres’ statement years ago about their fear of coming to Davao City, because it is located on the Island of Mindanao. Manong Vic Sai, a long-time basketball organizer and sports editor of the Mindanao Daily Mirror, then was trying to convince the chief of the marketing department of Adidas Philippines to bring the Adidas Streetball Basketball in Davao. “Magulo kasi sa Mindanao,” said Nebres during a press conference. But Sonny later apologized and admitted that he was wrong. So, the Adidas Streetball finally came to Davao City, to the joy of Dabawenyos, who love basketball, including us Davao media for getting the chance to play in the media division of the Adidas Streetball. Eventually, Gaisano Mall in Bajada was the main venue of the Adidas Streetball. Then another one. The Nike 3-on-3. I’m trying to recall the name
of the gentleman from the Mondragon family but my apologies, I just could not remember the name, damn it! But I could not forget Tito Tanny Gonzales. Coach Tanny, a dear friend of Ateneo de Davao coach Butch Ramirez, was the national tournament director of the Nike 3-on-3. But it was not hard to convince coach Tanny to bring the Nike 3-on-3 in Davao with coach Butch as his “guarantor”. Coach Butch assured coach Tanny that the peace and order in Davao City is just fine, no need for Nike Manila officials to worry. So, coach Butch started organizing the Davao leg of the Nike 3-on-3 and Victoria Plaza then eventually became the main venue. Thanks to the peace and order program of Mayor Digong at that time, two popular basketball tournaments were eventually organized in Davao City. Of course, we are very appreciative to the efforts of local organizers then manong Vic and coach Butch for convincing Manila-based organizers that Davao City is no longer the NPA Sparrow Unit-infested city in
the 80s that brought fear to Dabawenyos and Manilenos. And with that, started one of the exciting rivalries of two of the country’s popular sport products, Adidas and Nike in Davao, in the 1990s. And please, don’t ask us what brands we were wearing at that time, LoL.
A fitness enthusiast works out on the cyclo equipment at Arcadia Fitness Gym as the Covid-19 protocols are relaxed.