Edge Davao Volume 14 Issue 322 | Wednesday, April 6, 2022 by Edge Davao The Business Paper

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VOL.14 ISSUE 322 • WEDNESDAY, APRIL 6, 2022

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FEELING THE PRESSURE

A driver washes his taxi unit at a self service car wash shop in Bo. Obrero, Davao City. Car wash business is one of the sectors that will be greatly affected by Davao City Water District’s (DCWD’s) proposed 60 percent water rate increase that will take effect once approved by Local Water Utilities Administration (LWUA). Edge Davao

Sara admits pressured by overwhelming support STORY ON PAGE 2

2 NEWS EDGEDAVAO

VOL.14 ISSUE 322 • WEDNESDAY, APRIL 6, 2022

President Rodrigo Duterte interacts with Human Settlements and Urban Development Secretary Eduardo Del Rosario following his inspection of the Mataasnakahoy Evacuation Center in Batangas on April 4, 2022. PRESIDENTIAL PHOTO

FEELING THE PRESSURE Sara admits pressured by overwhelming support E

NPA’s 3rd guerilla unit fully collapses as remnants yield to EastMinCom troops

By MAYA M. PADILLO

“Makadungag siya sa pressure sa akoa because makita nako na daghan mga tao na nihatag sa ilang pagsalig sa akoa so nakadungag siya sa pressure to ensure na kung ako

ang mapili, there has to be something na pagpadayon sa kabag-ohan ug kaayuhan para sa atoang nasud,” Sara said on Monday. Based on the photos and videos shared online, a

huge crowd always flock to the campaign rallies of Mayor Sara and the BBM-Sara UniTeam held in different parts of the country. Mayor Sara also said as per instructions by her campaign managers, her rallies should now be focused in areas where there are still people who need to be convinced to vote for her. “Ang akoang mga cam-

Protection Desk (WCPD) Unit for City Police Office/ Police Provincial Office category (regionwide), and placed as the 1st runner-up in the “Investigator’s Olympics.” Col. Alberto Lupaz, DCPO acting director, recognized all the DCPO

WCPD personnel for their exemplary performances that contributed to their successful operational and administrative accomplishments. He also commended the DCPO team for giving their best to highlight their competence in handling crime

ayor Sara Duterte-Carpio admitted that she felt pressured by the overwhelming support her candidacy is receiving.

paign managers always remind me to focus on the areas na sulti nila naa pa’y puwede na ma-convince na mga tao na mu-boto para kanako. So we focus on those areas tapos ginadungag nato dinha ang mga areas pud na kinahanglan adtuan sa UniTeam,” she said. The mayor also ex-

scene processing and investigation-involving gender-based violence during the Investigator’s Olympics held at the PRO-11 on March 28. “Truly, the DCPO is the home of the best, the brave, and the finest,” the official said in a statement. (PNA)

FFEELING, P7

Davao City cops secure Women’s Month awards he Davao City Police Office (DCPO) received major awards during the 2022 National Women’s Month culmination activity held at the regional police headquarters here Monday. DCPO won the “Best Women and Children’s

astern Mindanao Command (EastMinCom) under the leadership of LtGen. Greg T. Almerol has announced the total collapse of another Guerilla Front (GF) of the Communist Terrorist Group (CTG) in his area of responsibility after its top-ranking leader and remaining members surrendered to the troops of 10th Infantry Division’s (10th ID) 1001st Infantry Brigade (Bde), 60th Infantry Battalion (IB), intel units, and local government officials in Asuncion, Davao del Norte on March 31. The CTG leader identified as Maximo Catarata, the Secretary of Guerilla Front 3 (GF3) of Sub-Regional Committee 4 (SRC4), Southern Mindanao Regional Committee (SMRC) operating in the tri-boundaries of Agusan del Sur, Davao de Oro, and Davao del Norte. His surrender came after three of his members namely Emy Ansag Camilo, Nilo Oyda Moluhinday, and Reyan Bagubay Moluhinday also yielded to the troops of 60th IB two days prior. It can be recalled that on February 26, 13 members of the same guerilla unit led by Renard Galos Catarata, Commanding Officer and

son of Maximo Catarata, also laid down their arms to government forces due to hunger and physical exhaustion caused by the intensified military operations of EastMinCom. LtGen. Almerol said that the total surrender and collapse of GF3 is significant to the current campaign of EastMinCom against the extortion and other illegal activities of the CTG during the election season. “The GF3 is the second most important unit of the CTG that provides high revenue to their terrorist movement through extortion activities. Its total collapse assures us that there will be peaceful, secure, and fair elections in communities they have previously terrorized,” he said. On the other hand, a report from concerned citizens on the presence of armed individuals extorting food and money from farmers prompted the 36th IB under the 901st Brigade to launch a security operation in the hinterlands of Brgy. San Vicente, Carmen, Surigao del Sur on March 29. The troops’ response led to a 15-minute firefight against the CTG, which resulted in the seizure of an

FNPA’S, P7

EDGEDAVAO

VOL.14 ISSUE 322 • WEDNESDAY, APRIL 6, 2022

NEWS

Santo Tomas Mayor Ernesto Evangelista (center) and Davao del Norte Governor Edwin Jubahib (right), together with ABC President and Barangay Tibal-og Ricky Inodioan, break ground for the construction of Infirmary Hospital in Barangay Casig-ang, Santo Tomas, Davao del Norte. Contributed photo

Davao City in swine repopulation stage following 2020 ASF outbreak By MAYA M. PADILLO

3K ducks culled as bird flu hits Davao Sur town

village in Magsaysay town in Davao del Sur has been hit by avian influenza also known as bird flu, officials said Monday. In a statement, Magsaysay municipal agriculturist Helen Carampatan said blood samples taken on ducks from Barangay San Isidro were found infected with the disease. The discovery came after municipal agriculture personnel conducted blood sampling of fowls on March 9 for monitoring and surveillance, in anticipation of a possible avian flu outbreak. This resulted in the culling of at least 3,008 ducks on April 2 in Barangay San Isidro to prevent the spread of the disease to the neighboring villages. Anthony Allada, municipal information officer, said the ducks were transported to the town from President Quirino, Sultan Kudarat. As a response, Mayor Arthur Davin immediately

issued guidelines for the movement of domestic and wild birds, and activated quarantine procedures in all of its municipal borders. Davin tasked the Barangay Health Emergency Response Teams to “maximize efforts at the grassroots level and provide assistance to the local government in the implementation of the bird flu prevention program.” “Bird flu refers to the disease caused by infection with avian (bird) influenza (flu) Type A viruses. These viruses naturally spread among wild aquatic birds worldwide and can infect domestic poultry and other bird and animal species,” the municipal government said in a statement. Although the virus usually does not infect people, there have been some rare cases of human infection, the local government warned. “Illnesses in humans from bird flu virus infections have ranged in se-

F3K DUCKS, P7

ayor Sara Duterte-Carpio announced that Davao City is currently in the swine repopulation stage following the African Swine Fever (ASF) outbreak in the barangays of Calinan in 2020.

According to the mayor, “sentinel” pigs were delivered to the ASF-affected barangays in Calinan to repopulate. She added that based on the city government’s surveillance and monitoring of

barangays and the markets, Davao City is ASF-free as of April 4, 2022. “Makasulti ta na wala pa ta’y kaso sa ASF as of this day. We are already in the repopulation stage sa atoang ASF. Nagdeliver

ta ug sentinel pigs dinha sa Calinan and were tested negative for ASF. Based on the surveillance and monitoring nato sa mga barangays ug sa palengke, all negative and we already submitted the report to the regional office of the Department of Agriculture,” the mayor said. In February 2020, barangays Lamanan, Dominga, and Lamanan of Calinan District were tested positive for ASF. The ASF-

he Davao City Water District (DCWD) announced that it will be implementing a water rate increase of 60 percent in tranches when approved by the Local Water Utilities Administration (LWUA). Jovana Duhaylungsod, spokesperson of DCWD, said the 60 percent water rate hike will be implemented in the first tranche by 30

percent then 20 percent in the second, and 10 percent in the last tranche to cushion the financial impact of the increase on its consumers. “Rest assured na kung naa may decision if we are to implement it the figure is still the same. We asked for a 60 percent hike but we will gonna implement it in tranches to cushion the financial impact to 30, 20, 10

gihapon as to the timeline na when, kung naa nay approval DCWD will announce it prior to the implementation,” she announced on Monday. In January this year, DCWD submitted documentary requirements to LWUA. ‘We entered the year with a public hearing which is part of the requirements sa LWUA, including the doc-

IATF and the Rapid Action Team spearheaded by the City Veterinarian’s Office quickly responded to the outbreak by conducting depopulation of hogs within a 1-kilometer radius of the infected area. The city government of Davao also immediately stopped the movement of live pigs and their by-products to control the spread of the virus. As a result of the incursion, 4,394 swine

uments that were produced during the public hearing as well as the other documentary requirements. Until now the review is still ongoing so wala pay balita whether it is approved or not. Status quo gihapon ang atong water rate hike sa pagkakaron until such time na we receive the decision LWUA,” Duhaylungsod said.

FDAVAO, P10

DCWD to implement water rate hike in tranches soon T FDCWD, P7

4 VANTAGE EDGEDAVAO

VOL.14 ISSUE 322 • WEDNESDAY, APRIL 6, 2022

In formally ending the mediation between the Philippine Athletics Track and Field Association (PATAFA) and athlete EJ Obiena:

“It is a learning experience for all. For us in the PSC, this experience is historical because it is our first-ever foray into sports mediation.”

PSC chairman Butch Ramirez

EDITORIAL Money-making schemes The Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) has warned for the nth time investors in Davao City that investment-taking activities that offer “double-your money (DYM)” are illegal. “Entities proliferating such as investment-taking schemes must be duly registered with the Commission and that any person or entity intending to offer and sell its investment contracts are required to secure the necessary registration and/or license from the Commission as provided under the Securities Regulation Code,” the SEC’s Enforcement and Investor Protection Department stated in an advisory released last week. Those behind these schemes “do not have a real business model to back up the profits that are going to be given to prospective investors. Essentially, the income generated from the foregoing investment-taking scheme depends on the number of referrals, membership fees and/ or prior investments received by the entities,” the department added.

These schemes have “the characteristics of a ‘Ponzi Scheme’ where the ‘income’ given to the initial investors are taken from the subsequent investors.” “This business model is unsustainable and will inevitably result in the demise of the business which directly results in the

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The office earlier warned of individuals who were soliciting investments from the public with the promise to double their money in just a month. After the warning was raised, several individuals went to the City Anti-Scam Unit to complain that they could not recover their investments. Based on the complaints from about 20 individuals, the person soliciting the money from them has run away.

Now despite the constant crackdowns conducted by the SEC against these scammers, they persist in committing the crime and victimize more people. Has the SEC and its partners enforcement agencies not done enough? Are the penalties stipulated in the law too light for the malefactors found guilty of the crime?

Maybe there is a need to revisit the law and make it harsher to really discourage felons from committing the crime instead of becoming habitual offenders or recidivists. 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

prejudice of the investors,” it pointed out.

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

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Republic of the Philippines City of Davao Office of the Sangguniang Panlungsod 19th City Council 44th 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 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 Richlyn N. Justol-Baguilod Diosdado Angelo Junior R. Mahipus Jaffar U. Marohomsalic Myrna G. L’Dalodo-Ortiz Antoinette G. Principe-Castrodes J. Melchor B. Quitain Jr. Mary Joselle D. Villafuerte Jesus Joseph P. Zozobrado III

ABSENT: Vice Mayor Sebastian Z. Duterte - On Official Business Councilor Maria Belen S. Acosta - OB – Attended a meeting with the Commercial Attaché of Switzerland Councilor Bonifacio E. Militar - On Sick Leave

ORDINANCE NO. 0784-21 Series of 2021

8. Person – an individual, firm, association, tree removal service, corporation, and its agents, officers, employees, or representatives. 9. Private property – shall refer to property or properties not owned by the City or any other government instrumentalities. For purposes of this Ordinance, it shall include, but not limited to, all private lands covered by Original Certificate of Title (OCT); Transfer Certificate of Title (TCT); including Certificate of Land Ownership Award (CLOA); Tax-declared Alienable and Disposable lands of the Public Domain with pending application for titling through administrative or judicial process; and areas under a valid tenurial or land management, occupancy, or allocation instrument issued by government authorities. 10. Protected Non-heritage trees – a group of mature trees classified as such under this Ordinance which include trees within parks, avenues, public spaces, and/ or islands, forest and mangrove parks, tree reserves and ecologically important zones identified in the Zoning Ordinance such as Urban Ecological Enhancement Sub-Zones; Conservation Zones; Protection Forest Zone; inland wetlands or lakes; waterway and coastal easements; and buffer zones, whether in a public land or private property. It does not include trees in tree plantation developments or trees allowed to be harvested under DENR policies. 11. Public lands – lands that are not deemed private property as defined under Section 3 (9) hereof. 12. Urban – scope referring to the Central Business District (CBD) Poblacion, Agdao, Buhangin, Talomo; and including major urban districts in Toril, Calinan, Tugbok, Bunawan, Davao City. 13. Urban Trees Protection Plan (UTPP) – a plan that will map and define action points geared towards the protection and management of identified heritage trees and non-heritage trees within the City. Such plan will be developed within a year after the enactment of this Ordinance. SECTION 4. CRITERIA FOR IDENTIFYING HERITAGE TREES - Trees with any of the following status are deemed HERITAGE TREES of the City: 1. Old-Aged - any tree species with documents, recordings, assessed, or verified to be more than 50 years old. 2. Critical Conservation Status - any tree species that have the following status regardless of size: a. Critically Endangered b. Endangered or Near-threatened listed under the DENR Administrative Order 2017-11 or IUCN appendix of species c. Endemic to the country or region.

AN ORDINANCE PROTECTING HERITAGE TREES AND ALL OTHER TREES IN THE CITY OF DAVAO AND FOR OTHER PURPOSES

3. Historical & Cultural Value - a mature tree that has historical significance as per documents, recordings, a historical landmark, or that has provided the citizens or the community with cultural importance.

Be it ordained by the Honorable Sangguniang Panlungsod of Davao City in session assembled, that:

4. Aesthetic/Architectural Value - a mature tree, intentionally preserved through a landscape or architectural design, or has provided aesthetical value for an area, building, establishment, or structure.

SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE -This Ordinance shall be known and referred to as the “TREES PROTECTION ORDINANCE OF DAVAO CITY”. SECTION 2. DECLARATION OF POLICIES -The City Government of Davao hereby declares the following as its policies: 1. The City recognizes the environmental and economic benefits of trees such as its ecological role in the improvement of air quality, reduction of floods, and habitat of several wildlife species, among others. 2. Davao City deeply values the historical importance of heritage trees as it is an icon of the City’s past and a reminder that our forefathers also valued the ecological benefits of trees which would benefit the future generations. 3. The City needs to protect the remaining trees in the urban area to maintain the ecological, social, and historical values of trees. 4. The City recognizes, in the light of Climate Change, the importance of trees that serves as the “lungs” of the earth in mitigating the adverse effect of environmental degradation. 5. Protection and preservation of trees is a collaborative effort not only of the City Government but also of every Dabawenyo resident and private and public institutions based in Davao City. SECTION 3. DEFINITION OF TERMS -As used in this Ordinance, the following terms shall mean: 1. City – the City of Davao. 2. Damage – the removal of any part, dislocation of the main trunk, or any injury that compromises the tree’s health, structural integrity, and/or over-all aesthetics as per accepted national forestry standards. 3. DENR – Department of Environment and Natural Resources. 4. Heritage tree – a healthy native or endemic, exotic, rare, threatened and endangered tree with consideration to the scientific, rarity, the historical, cultural, social, educational, and aesthetic significance of the tree, whether in a public land or private property and qualified as such under the provisions of this Ordinance. It does not include trees in tree plantation developments and allowed to be harvested under DENR policies. 5. IUCN – International Union for Conservation of Nature. 6. Owner – the owner, possessor, occupant, cultivator of the private property on which the tree may be situated. 7. Parks – shall mean both government-owned and maintained public spaces and Privately-owned public open spaces (POPOS).

5. Large Size – all other mature tree of more than THREE (3) meters girth (trunk circumference). SECTION 5. CRITERIA FOR IDENTIFYING PROTECTED NON-HERITAGE TREES - The following are deemed PROTECTED NON-HERITAGE TREES of the City: 1. Trees within Parks, Plazas, Promenades, Center Islands, Riverbanks -These include the protection of all individual trees within Parks, Plazas, Promenades, Center Islands, Riverbanks, and designated open spaces whether privately or publiclyowned or managed. 2. Tree-lined Avenues - These include the protection of all individual trees along avenues such as, but not limited to: a. Roxas Avenue; b. Dacudao Avenue; c. Ecoland Drive; and d. Ecoland-Tulip Drive. 3. Tree reserves - Protection of all individual trees within protected areas, conservation areas and other ecologically important zones identified in the Zoning Ordinance. SECTION 6. TREE PROTECTION MECHANISM FOR HERITAGE TREES AND PROTECTED NON-HERITAGE TREES – Heritage Trees and Protected Non-Heritage Trees, whether on a private property or on a public land, are protected trees. The maintenance and protection of these trees is paramount. However, when the earth-balling, cutting, and/or utilization of the said trees may be allowed, any certificate of no objection to the earth-balling, cutting, and/or utilization of the said trees may only be issued by the City Mayor or an officer duly authorized by the City Mayor, upon the recommendation of the Parks System Board and which recommendation shall only be issued upon showing compliance with the provisions of this Ordinance or the presence of a circumstance allowing the activity under existing laws. Provided, applicants for the said certificate of no objection shall present the extreme necessity of the earth-balling or cutting activity; exhaustion of engineering interventions; and an undertaking to plant new trees, preferably within the area, in addition to the replenishment requirement of DENR. Provided further, that the Watershed Management Council of the City shall exercise jurisdiction and shall continue to exercise its mandate, powers and functions over specific zones or areas defined under the Watershed Code of the City. SECTION 7. ALL OTHER TREES – All other trees, whether on a private property or on a public land, shall also be maintained and protected and may only be earth-balled, cut, and utilized in accordance with this Ordinance, existing national laws, and DENR policies. SECTION 8. PROCEDURE FOR LGU ENDORSEMENT OF NO OBJECTION TO TREE CUTTING –In cases of application for cutting permits for the cutting of a Heritage Tree or a Protected Non-Heritage Tree to be issued by DENR, which requires the prior approval or

EDGEDAVAO

endorsement of no objection from the city or any of the barangay local government units of Davao City, the said application for approval or endorsement of no objection shall be acted upon through the Office of the City Mayor in compliance with Section 6 hereof. Applications for endorsements of no objection to the cutting of all other trees not classified as either a Heritage Tree or a Protected Non-Heritage Tree may be issued by the barangay and validated by the City Environment and Natural Resources Office. For this purpose, barangays shall require applicants to secure a prior certification from the City Environment and Natural Resources Office for the determination of the tree classification and a certification of non-coverage under Section 6 of this Ordinance, when applicable. The City Mayor may issue the necessary issuances to this effect for the effective implementation of this Ordinance. This Ordinance shall not be in derogation of the powers of national agencies on the issuance of permits and licenses under their authority, however, all applications for endorsements of no objection to the cutting of trees covered by this Ordinance shall comply with the procedures and regulations provided herein, unless otherwise exempted under national laws. SECTION 9. PROHIBITED ACTIVITIES – It shall be prohibited for any person, natural or juridical, to intentionally commit the following prohibited acts within the jurisdiction of the City of Davao: a. Cutting, earth-balling, destroying, or poisoning of trees through the application of any harmful herbicide or any other harmful chemicals; b. Spilling, washing off, or directing liquid contaminated with oil, petroleum, paint, cement, mortar, or the like, onto the root zone of any tree; c. Ringbarking any tree or the scarring of its bark when operating any machinery; d. Affixing any object (such as a sign) on any tree found using nails, staples, wires, or fastening materials that significantly restrict the normal vascular function of the trunk or branches of trees, except when for horticulture purposes; e. Causing damage to any tree by destroying the tree’s root zone through compaction, excavation, or asphyxiation (including filling or stockpiling it with materials); f. Harming of any tree including the plants and animals that live within or/are interdependent on the said tree for their survival, including mammals, birds, reptiles, and/or ferns. SECTION 10. EXCEPTIONS – The following acts shall not be covered by the prohibitions under Section 9 hereof and shall not be a violation of this Ordinance: a. Earth-balling, or cutting and utilization of Heritage Trees and Protected NonHeritage Trees upon compliance with Section 6 hereof, DENR regulations, and existing national laws or when necessary in times of extreme emergency in order to save lives; b. Earth-balling, or cutting and utilization of all other trees not classified as either a Heritage Tree or a Protected Non-Heritage Tree for public safety upon compliance with DENR regulations and existing national laws; c. Pruning and trimming of trees to remove obstructions on legal easements; d. All other activities allowed under DENR regulations, and existing national laws for public or private purpose or when necessary in times of extreme emergency in order to save lives. SECTION 11. SPECIAL PROVISION – Consistent with Section 26 and Section 27 of the Local Government Code and unless otherwise specifically provided under existing laws, all earth-balling or cutting of a Heritage Tree or a Protected Non-Heritage Tree, whether in a public land or private property, for a government infrastructure project, shall at all times be with prior specific information given to and proper coordination with the City Mayor or an officer duly authorized by the City Mayor. It shall, however, be the policy of the City that Government infrastructure projects must be planned so as to preserve all Heritage Trees and Protected Non-Heritage Trees and all mature trees on public and private lands, parks, plazas, promenades, center islands, heritage sites, historical sites, protected areas, conservation areas, riverbanks in the City of Davao. SECTION 12. MONITORING AND IMPLEMENTATION - The Davao Parks System Board, created under Section 6 of Ordinance No. 0218-09, otherwise known as the “Davao City Parks System Ordinance” responsible in formulating plans, policies and courses of action for the standard and singular maintenance of all public parks, plazas, promenades, center islands, heritage sites, historical sites, protected areas, conservation areas, riverbanks and memorials within the City of Davao, shall have the primary responsibility of formulating plans, policies and courses of action to ensure the effective implementation of this Ordinance. Specifically, the Parks System Board, in addition to its existing functions, in order to fully implement this Ordinance, shall: 1. Introduce measures in order for the City to identify and maintain a list of all “Heritage Trees” in the City of Davao and also identify and declare areas with “Protected NonHeritage Trees” including the conduct of a yearly monitoring inspection to maintain said trees and to update the list if there are newly discovered “Heritage trees” and “Protected Non-Heritage Trees”. The Board may declare potential heritage trees through public nomination based on the criteria provided under Section 4 of this Ordinance. 2. Cause the installation of labels/signages within the periphery of every recognized “Heritage Trees” and in areas with “Protected Non-Heritage Trees” to indicate the following information: a. Scientific name; b. Local name; c. Approximate age; d. Location of the tree; e. Other relevant information regarding the tree/s.

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of this Ordinance as part of the policies and procedures for the unitary parameter of all Parks, Plazas, Promenades, Center Islands, Riverbanks, and designated open spaces for their proper preservation and regulation, for the furtherance of the ecological balance of the community. SECTION 13. COMPOSITION OF THE DAVAO CITY PARKS SYSTEM MANAGEMENT BOARD – In order to effectively implement the provisions of this Ordinance, the composition of the Davao City Parks System Board created under Section 6 of Ordinance No. 0218-09, otherwise known as the “Davao City Parks System Ordinance” is hereby amended to include: Chairperson: City Mayor or a duly designated representative; Members: Department Head, City Environment and Natural Resources Office; Chairperson, Sangguniang Panlungsod Committee on Environment and Natural Resources; Chairperson, Sangguniang Panlungsod Committee on Tourism and Beautification; City Planning and Development Coordinator; City Tourism Officer; City Engineer; City Legal Officer; Interim Office of the City Architect; Peoples’ Park Manager; Representative from the Liga ng mga Barangay; Representative from the Davao City Culture and Arts Council; Representative from the Department of Environment and Natural Resources; Representative from the Department of Public Works and Highways; Representative from a Non-Governmental Organization representing the Private Sector. SECTION 14. VOLUNTARY PRIVATE AGREEMENTS INVOLVING HERITAGE TREES AND PROTECTED NON-HERITAGE TREES ON PRIVATE PROPERTY - Any Heritage Tree and Protected Non-Heritage Tree that has been identified and found within a private property may be covered by a written agreement between the lot owner and the City Government, stating among others, that the property owner had voluntarily approved the tree to be declared as a Heritage Tree or Protected Non-Heritage Tree under this Ordinance. As such, if the property owner decides to develop the land for commercial or any purpose, the declared Heritage Tree or Protected Non-Heritage Tree shall be preserved by incorporating it to the development/architectural design. The property owner shall be entitled to incentives which may be developed by the Parks System Board. For this purpose, the Parks System Board shall endorse to the Sangguniang Panlungsod an incentive scheme for adoption and approval. SECTION 15. PENALTIES – Unless otherwise exempted by the provisions of this Ordinance and existing laws, any person or entity committing the prohibited acts mentioned under Section 9 hereof shall be punished with a fine of Five Thousand Pesos (PhP5,000.00) and/or imprisonment of not more than one (1) year at the discretion of the court. If the offense is committed by a corporation, partnership, or other juridical entity duly recognized in accordance with law, the Chief Executive Officer, president, general manager, managing partner or such other officer-in-charge shall be liable for the commission of the offense and shall be penalized under this Ordinance. SECTION 16. EDUCATION AND INFORMATION – The CENRO, City Information Office in coordination with the Division of City Schools and DENR, shall undertake a massive information/education campaign for the effective implementation of the Ordinance. SECTION17. IMPLEMENTING RULES AND REGULATIONS (IRR) -The City Mayor or any designated committee or body duly authorized by the City Mayor may formulate the Implementing Rules and Regulations necessary to carry out the effective and efficient implementation and enforcement of the provisions of this Ordinance. Provided that, absence of the Implementing Rules and Regulations (IRR) shall not prevent the effectivity and enforcement of this Ordinance. SECTION 18. REPEALING CLAUSE - All ordinances, executive orders inconsistent with this Ordinance are hereby deemed repealed and/or modified, and amended accordingly. SECTION 19. SEPARABILITY CLAUSE - If for any reason or reasons any provision of this Ordinance is declared unconstitutional by a competent court, other provisions which are not affected shall continue to be in full force and effect. SECTION 20. EFFECTIVITY - This Ordinance shall take effect fifteen (15) days after posting and complete publication in a newpaper of general circulation in the City of Davao. ENACTED, November 23, 2021, by a unanimous vote of all the Members of the Sanggunian, there being a quorum. CERTIFIED CORRECT:

ATTESTED:

Jan.11,2022 APPROVED : _______________

Temporary Presiding Officer cns/kjtq ATTESTED:

3. Recommend to the City Mayor or the officer authorized by the City Mayor the approval and issuance of clearances or endorsements of no objection or the denial thereof in accordance with the provisions of this Ordinance. 4. Develop an Urban Trees Protection Plan (UTPP) within a year after the enactment

AN ORDINANCE PROTECTING HERITAGE TREES AND ALL OTHER TREES IN THE CITY OF DAVAO AND FOR OTHER PURPOSES

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plained that she and her running mate Presidential aspirant Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr., don’t have the same focus areas which is why sometimes Marcos is not present in her rallies and she is also not in his rallies. “Then dunay mga areas na kinahanglan pud nga UniTeam focused areas base na siya sa mga surveys na ginabuhat. Naa pud mga areas na duna ta’y mga representatives na ginapadala specially kung dunay conflict sa schedule kay naka-commit na sa lain na host/area/ally,” she said. Mayor said her brother Congressman Paolo “Pulong” Duterte is with her in her rallies in Luzon while her young brother, Vice Mayor Sebastian “Baste” Duterte, represents her in her rallies in areas close to Davao City. “Ang akong magulang, we were together diri sa Luzon ug ang akong manghod is helping me out kanang duol lang sa Davao City since dili man siya makalayo pud sa Davao City and

dili pud mi magdungan kung kinahanglan ko mag City Hall, magpirma ug documents si Baste ang akoang ginahangyo na mugawas,” she said. Mayor Sara also mentioned that Senators Ronald “Bato” dela Rosa, Bong Revilla, Francis Tolentino are also helping her out by representing her at the rallies that she could not attend. Meanwhile, Mayor Sara announced that the BBMSara UniTeam will no longer conduct rallies in Davao Region after their recent campaign sorties in Davao de Oro, Davao del Norte, and Davao del Sur. “I think we are already done with Davao Region and wala mi schedule for Davao City so far sa pagkakakaron sa nakita nako na latag sa schedule. I believe that we are already done sa Davao Region since we already did three out of the five areas dinha sa atoa,” she said. The mayor reiterated that there is no scheduled rally for BBM-Sara UniTeam in Davao City.

heads were culled, and 947 swine raisers indemnified. The city also advised the hog raisers to engage in another livelihood. Last year, the DA started distributing “sentinel” piglets in areas where there are no reported cases of ASF for at least 90 days, initially in eight regions,

benefitting 8,000 small hog raisers. Agriculture Secretary William Dar said the sentinelling is a prelude to the Duterte administration’s swine repopulation program to increase hog production, and subsequently stabilize the supply and prices of pork.

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M16 rifle, a Carbine rifle, a Cal. 22 rifle, a Cal 45 pistol, four Anti-Personnel Mines (APM) with 6 detonating cords and 6 blasting caps, several ammunition, other war materiel, subversive documents, and some medical supplies. The said encounter came after LtGen. Almerol directed his ground units to intensify their security operations and strictly monitor any terrorist groups that would conduct extortion activities. “I have already directed all unit Commanders under the EastMinCom to be extra vigilant in their respective areas. We will be addressing security threats posed by the CTG and LTGs who may disrupt elections through intimidation, harassment, vote-buying, and through their permit-towin, and permit-to-campaign schemes,” he previously said. In a separate incident, troops of the 402nd Brigade’s 23rd IB also recovered four AK47 rifles, an M1 Garand rifle, several magazines, and ammunitions after they unearthed an arms cache at Sitio Mahogany, Brgy. Ibuan, Las Nieves, Agusan del Norte on March 28 through the help of a surrenderee who revealed

its location. The former rebel identified as Mary Joy Gabon surrendered earlier to the troops after she was wounded on her left calf during the series of encounters launched by the troops of 23IB in the area. Meanwhile, LtGen. Almerol said that the series of encounters followed by the seizure of firearms and surrender reveals the degraded morale and condition of the CTG members at the hands of their current leaders who are incapable of leading them. “The series of neutralization of the CTG’s high-ranking leaders have left them with inexperienced ones. They are no longer experts in military tactics but are only bandits and extortionists,” the EastMinCom Commander said. He also called out the remaining members of the CTG to “rethink if their stay in the terrorist movement with their incompetent leaders is worth dying.” “Surrender now and avail the benefits of the Enhanced Comprehensive Local Integration Program (E-CLIP) instead of sacrificing your lives while your families are suffering,” he added.

verity from no symptoms or mild illness to severe disease that resulted in

death according to some research about this kind of virus,” it said. (PNA)

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Currently, the water rate of DCWD is at P137.40 for the first 10 cubic meters (cu.m.) and it will become around P200 or P300 once the rate hike is approved. Duhaylungsod said even with the increase of 60 percent DCWD is still far from the benchmark of affordability rate, which is among the parameters being looked by LWUA in reviewing DCWD’s hike request. “The baseline for affordability rate, it should not be more than 5 percent of the average income of the lowest group ug diri sa atoang syudad the average income of the lowest income group is P11,000 per month, 5 percent of that is naa lang sa P500, so even with the increase na 60 percent we are still far from the benchmark of affordability kay naa lang ta sa P200 or P260 to P300 unya kung musulti taa ug affordability rate that would be P500. Barato gihapon kaayo ang atoang singil diri sa Davao City compared to other water districts in the country,” she explained. DCWD first announced its proposed water rate hike in 2019 aiming to generate funding to make sure that in the next 10 years DCWD can keep up with the infrastructure developments as well as fund its daily operations, improvements, and expansion plans. “In District 3 there is a tremendous residential development and DCWD would want to be of service

and to be available by the time these developments take place. Daghan developers na gusto na ma connect kay DCWD but because of challenges of water supply availability dili pa nato ma-accept. We have learned from that experience and that is the premise of our 10-year development plan, to be ready and available once these developments take place para si developer and all the other commercial or industrial na entities they would not have to worry about water because DCWD is already there. That is the premise of the water rate increase,” Duhaylungsod said. Duhaylungsod also said the said hike will also help DCWD in achieving its goal of serving additional 20 barangays in Davao City in the next 10 years. From 182 barangays, DCWD is serving 116 barangays. “The 116 are not entirely covered by DCWD some of them a portion pa lang sa mga barangays. DCWD is a government-owned and controlled corporation (GOCC) but is not receiving any subsidy from the national or local government. What we used are the water bill payments that we received to fund our operation and expansions,” she said. The last time DCWD had a water increase was in 2005, which was implemented under a staggered scheme up to 2013. By Maya M. Padillo

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Motorists queue at a gasoline station in Bo. Pampanga, Davao City. An economist bared that there could be bigger oil price hikes if the ongoing conflict between Russia and Ukraine drags on. Edge Davao

Labor dept reminds employers of pay rules for April 9, Holy Week holidays

he Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) issued pay guidelines for employers for their employees’ work rendered during the holidays in April 2022.

These are for the holidays this month as follows: April 9: Araw ng Kagitingan (regular holiday) April 14: Maundy Thursday (regular holiday) April 15: Good Friday (regular holiday) April 16: Black Saturday (special non-working holiday) DOLE Secretary Silvester Bello III, in Labor Advisory No. 8, said employees who will report to work on April 9, 14 and 15 will be entitled to double pay. Meanwhile, those who will not work on April 9, 14 and 15 will be paid 100% of their salary on those days. “If the employee did not work, he/she shall be paid 100% of his/her salary for days indicated [(basic wage + cost of living allowance) x 100%], while for work done during the regular

holiday, the employee shall be paid 200% of his/her regular salary for the first eight hours [(basic wage + COLA) x 200%],” the DOLE said in a press release. Meanwhile, those who work overtime on those days will be entitled to an additional 30% of their hourly rate. “For working overtime (work done in excess of eight hours), he/she shall be paid an additional 30% of his/her hourly rate [Hourly rate of the basic wage x 200% x 130% x number of hours worked],” DOLE said. Those working on a regular holiday that is the employee’s rest day will also be paid an additional 30% on top of the 200% pay. “If an employee works on a regular holiday that also falls on his/her rest

day, he/she shall be paid an additional 30% of his/ her basic wage of 200% [(basic wage + COLA) x 200%] + [30% (basic wage x 200%)],” the Labor department said. Likewise, those working overtime on their rest day will be given additional pay. “For overtime work on a regular holiday that also falls on his/her rest day, he/she shall be paid an additional 30% of his/ her hourly rate on said day [Hourly rate of the basic wage x 200% x 130% x 130% x number of hours worked],” it added. Meanwhile, for April 16 (Black Saturday) which is a special non-working day, DOLE said employers should follow these guidelines: No pay, no work: “If the employee did not work, the ‘no work, no pay’ principle shall apply, unless there is a company policy, practice, or collective bargaining agreement (CBA) granting payment on a special day.” 30% additional for

those who work: “For work done during the special day, he/she shall be paid an additional 30 percent of his/ her basic wage on the first eight hours of work [(basic wage x 130%) + COLA].” Overtime work: “For work done in excess of eight hours (overtime work), he/ she shall be paid an additional 30 percent of his/ her hourly rate on the said day [hourly rate of the basic wage x 130% x 130% x number of hours worked].” Work on rest day: “If an employee works on a special day that also falls on his/her rest day, he/she shall be paid an additional 50 percent of his/her basic wage on the first eight hours of work [(basic wage x 150%) + COLA].” Overtime on rest day: “Moreover, for overtime work on a special day that also falls on his/her rest day, he/she shall be paid an additional 30 percent of his/her hourly rate on the said day [Hourly rate of the basic wage x 150% x 130% x number of hours worked].”

Mindanao Development Authority (MinDA) Secretary Maria Belen S. Acosta. Highlighted during the meeting are trade activities in District XII’sPort of Davao’s areas of responsibility and bor-

der security accomplishments. Atty. Austria also discussed BOC’s current development projects to ensure seamless logistics operations in the BIMP-EAGA sub-regions. District Collector, Atty.

Austria expressed his gratitude to MinDA for its continuous support to BOC Davao as it will continue to initiate collaborative talks with its partner agencies and stimulate economic progress in Mindanao.

BOC-Davao strengthens ties with MinDA

n a coordination meeting on March 31, 2022, Bureau of Customs - Port of Davao District Collector, Atty. Erastus Sandino B. Austria discussed Collection District XII’s trade facilitation programs with

NEDA cites vital role of regional cooperation in achieving SDGs

egional cooperation is vital in sustaining growth to achieve the United Nations’ (UN) Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) by 2030, the National Economic and Development Authority (NEDA) said Monday. “Despite the pandemic, (the) Asia-Pacific (region) has made steady progress in reaching the SDGs. While this is laudable, so much more needs to be done in realizing our vision of creating a change that is truly transformative in the lives of all. For the impact of economic growth to be lasting and profound, it must be built on the bedrock of sustainable development with the people, planet, and peace as its core. Critical to this will be our capacity to work together in partnership for the goals,” Socioeconomic Planning Secretary Karl Kendrick Chua said. The Philippines participated in the 9th Asia-Pacific Forum on Sustainable Development (APFSD) which was held from March 28 to 31, 2022. Being elected as chair, Chua was tasked to moderate the proceedings of the forum, which focused on the progress of the im-

plementation of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development amid the coronavirus disease 2019 (Covid-19). Chua underscored the importance of international cooperation in achieving the SDGs. “The work ahead of us is immense, but the rewards we reap in the form of a better world are far greater. Your active participation in this forum reaffirms our collective resolve and underscores our desire to achieve a sustainable future and to bring prosperity to all. Our discussions brought to light our collective realization that our goals are within our grasp once we are able to harness the power of technology and partnerships,” he said. Meanwhile, NEDA Undersecretary Rosemarie Edillon delivered the Philippines’ country statement. She focused on three actions to shape the future of the region: supporting research and development and innovation, addressing the digital divide, and strengthening multi-sectoral partnerships. The remaining sessions of the forum were

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Foreign guests enjoy the fishing charter in Siargao Island on Sunday, April 3, 2022. For three consecutive years now the island failed to host international game fishing tourneys due to the pandemic and the destruction brought by super typhoon Odette marred everything as planned. But foreign and domestic tourists have started to arrive. MindaNews photo by ROEL N. CATOTO

DTI 11 to hold 1st on-site Konsyumer Sagot Kita! consultation program DTI-BOI sees further growth of manufacturing output

ollowing the greater mobility and effective implementation of health and safety protocols with lesser and lesser coronavirus disease 2019 (Covid-19 cases), the Philippines is in full swing of economic recovery as manufacturing output climbed 53.2 in March 2022, again outperforming its Asean neighbors. The Department of Trade and Industry, through its industry and investments promotion arm, the Board of Investments (BOI), believes the country’s manufacturing output will continue to rebound this year. “The surge of the Omicron variant dampened our recovery expectations at the start of the year but with the lesser and lesser Covid-19 cases in February and March, all signs point to a full recovery in full swing starting March and in the coming months,” Trade Secretary and BOI chairman Ramon Lopez said. The manufacturing output, through the Purchasing Managers’ Index (PMI) of the IHS Markit

Philippines, climbed to a three-year high at 53.2 in March, again outperforming its Asean peers as the country’s mobility was the highest, snapping four months of the index above 50. “With this, we expect a robust first-quarter gross domestic product (GDP) performance and for manufacturing PMI to again signal expansion in April. Still on the brighter side, manufacturing output for the whole of 2021 capped a solid year marked by nine straight months of growth culminating in December,” Lopez said. The Philippine Statistics Authority’s (PSA) monthly survey of selected industries showed the Volume of Production Index (VoPI) expanded 17.9 percent year-on-year in December 2021 which is slower than the 25.8 percent growth in November but a turnaround yearon-year of the 14.8-percent decline recorded in December 2020. The PSA indicated 11 industries that grew

FDTI-BOI, A3

o continuously educate and provide services to the consumers and business owners, the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) 11 will finally bring its virtual consultation program on site.

The Konsyumer Sagot Kita (KSK) program is a consumer education campaign in the form of audio-visual presentations that the agency releases regularly through its social media platforms. It aims to heighten the public’s awareness of consumer-related laws and policies in an avenue accessible to most Filipinos

and in a creative manner that draws interest among its socmed followers. It was launched in 2020 in a bid to continue with its mandate on consumer empowerment and protection amid the pandemic. DTI 11 Regional Director Maria Belenda Q. Ambi shared that since the health situation of the city has al-

ready improved, the office is grabbing the opportunity to provide a free consultation with consumers in a face-toface setting on April 12, from 1:30 p.m. to 3:00 p.m. at SM City Davao (Ecoland) Supermarket. “This activity is an onsite consultation with walkin consumers who want to raise concerns and learn more about their rights and responsibilities in accordance with Republic Act No. 7394 or the Consumer Act of the Philippines, and other Fair Trade Laws affecting their safety and protection

as consumers,” Ambi explained. As the initial run of such an initiative, the agency has tied up with SM City Davao being its long-time partner in consumer advocacy and the Consumer Corner Project, which provides shoppers with ready access to DTI consumer-related information materials. Hence, it will be conducted at the mall’s supermarket area. Apart from the onsite consultation with the mall-goers, the KSK will also be an opportunity for DTI11

jumped to 2.4% from 1.2% in November the same year. In a virtual briefing, National Statistician Claire Dennis Mapa said the fastest print was recorded in transport prices which grew by 10.3%, as gasoline prices surged by 36.7% and diesel by 58.0%. Domestic pump prices were hiked in four out of five weeks of the month, except for the rollback implemented on March 22 when gasoline prices were reduced by P5.45, diesel by P11.45, and kerosene by P8.55. The Department of Energy (DOE) has repeatedly attributed this to the ongo-

ing conflict between Russia and Ukraine that has hit global supplies and drove global prices higher. Other main drivers of inflation were alcoholic beverages and tobacco at 4.8%; restaurants and accommodation services at 3.0%; and furnishing, household equipment and routine household maintenance at 2.6%. Mapa said the major drivers of inflation for the month were impacted by the ongoing geopolitical tensions in Ukraine. Food inflation rose to 2.8% from 1.1% the previous month, with faster growth rates seen in flour,

bread, and other bakery products; meat; fish and other seafood; milk, other dairy products, and eggs; oils and fats; sugar, confectionery and desserts; and ready-made food. Slower annual increases for the month were seen in the indices of health; recreation, sport, and culture. Broken down in terms of location, inflation in the National Capital Region came in at 3.4%, up from 1.9% in February and 2.5% in the same month last year. Inflation then surged to 4.1% in March, which compares with 3.4% in February 2022 and 4.6% in March 2021.

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Inflation soars to 4.0% in Mar.

onsumer prices in the Philippines grew at a faster pace in March to hit the quickest pace in six months and equal to the print recorded in October 2021, the Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA) reported on Tuesday. Inflation clocked in at 4.0% in the past month, which compares with 3% in February and the downward revised 4.1% in March 2021. This is the fastest since September 2021’s 4.2%. PSA data also indicate that the last time inflation grew by at least 1 percentage point was in December 2019 when the print

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organized around stakeholder dialogues and roundtable discussions between member states to cover the regional progress on SDGs. Edillon also served as a panelist and the country’s representative during the discussion on the Voluntary National Reviews, and the overall experience of twinning partners. The forum was attended by over 3,000 participants, including repre-

sentatives of 46 member and associate member states, intergovernmental organizations, UN bodies, international organizations, and other stakeholders. The APFSD serves as a regional preparatory meeting for the 78th session of the Economic and Social Commission for Asia and the Pacific and the high-level political forum in May 2022 and July 2022, respectively. (PR)

in December and were paced by the manufacture of wood, bamboo, cane, rattan articles, and related products which attained a 122.6-percent growth year-on-year. Other gainers include the manufacture of machinery and equipment, as well as electrical as both grew by 50 percent. Other industries recorded double-digit growth, such as coke and refined petroleum products (48 percent), computer, electronic and optical products (27 percent), non-metallic mineral products (37 percent), food products (32 percent), and fabricated metal products (40 percent). All told, about a fourth of factories were at the full-capacity operation. Growth in the Value of

Production Index (VaPI) posted an increase of 18.6 percent in December from 27.2 percent in November. For the full year, VaPI increased by 47 percent, a turnaround from the 43 percent contraction in 2020. “The nine-month run expansion of manufacturing output played a key role in pushing our economic growth to 5.6 percent for 2021, above our target of 5 to 5.5 percent. By capping its run until the end of the year ushered a strong 7.7-percent GDP growth in the last quarter,” Trade Undersecretary and BOI managing head Ceferino Rodolfo said, noting that manufacturing was among the sectors that posted investment growth.

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to update the personnel of SM City Davao on the FTLs as requiredby the Consumer Corner Memorandum of Agreement between the agency and the private firm. “We want this activity to make the consumers wiser, more vigilant and empowered. It will reinforce as well our Consumer Corner program, which works in partnership with business establishments. We do this to strengthen and promote consumer welfare and protection by providing a standee that is strategically located at the supermarket area where consumers can gain access to consumer-related information materials of DTI,” the local trade official said. In line with this commitment to protect the welfare of consumers and get the best value for their hard-earned money, the

KSK activity will be led by DTI 11’s legal officer, Dianne Bay Grado. The other technical personnel of the agency’s regional consumer protection division will also be around to assist. Ambi expressed optimism that through the KSK, DTI 11 can intensify further its consumer education campaign to increase the level of awareness and understanding of both the consumers businesses owners of the existing government rules and regulations. “When consumers are well-informed and the business establishments are compliant, our economic situation will improve, since more consumers will patronize the products and services of compliant establishments which would mean increase in sales,” Ambi concluded.DTI11

The growth in the manufacturing sector was significantly supported by the surge in the country’s foreign direct investment (FDI) net inflows last year to reach an alltime high of US$10.518 billion, 54.2 percent higher than US$6.822 billion in 2020, according to the data from Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP). The previous record level was US$10.3 billion

in 2017. The 2021 net FDI also surpassed the earlier government projection of US$8.5 billion. “The growth in FDI reflected continued positive foreign investor sentiment on the country amid expectations of a rebound in domestic economic activity and declining Covid-19 reported cases, as well as the strengthening of the global economy,” Rodolfo said. (PR)

CONSTRUCTION... FROMA4 thank him for choosing Antipolo and for giving us a facility that will be emulated and applauded by the rest of the sporting community.” Also at the event were ABAP chairman Ricky Vargas, PMI chairman Francis Lloyd Chua, PMI president Al Comendador, FPLA deputy general manager Kay Biason, FPLA operations director Norman Morte, MVPSF officers Ryan Gregorio, Maita David, and Vince Soliven, alongside coaches Pat Gaspi (ABAP) and Rosman Razak (PBAD). “After the fulfillment of the MVPSF’s vision of getting the first gold medal through Hidilyn Diaz’s heroic effort at the Tokyo Olympics, we remain steadfast in our search for the next great Filipino sporting hero,” said MVPSF president Al Panlilio. “With the Center of Sports Excellence, we remain true to our mantra.” “Building the sports facility implements the vision of Chairman Manny Pangilinan with the support of President Al Panlilio,” said Vargas of ABAP in response to the MVPSF’s further investment. “We thank the MVPSF for making this dream come true. Now, boxing will have its home so we’ll hopefully be able to pro-

duce more medals for the country. With the combined efforts of the Philippine Sports Commission, the Philippine Olympic Committee, and the private sector, we can do better than our four-medal haul in the Tokyo Olympics.” Aside from Diaz’s historic gold, boxers Nesthy Petecio and Carlo Paalam brought home silvers, and Eumir Marcial nabbed a bronze in the Philippines’ best ever performance in an Olympic Games. For Pangilinan, building the Center for Sports Excellence is a big step forward but it does not end there. “There will be more sites developed for weightlifting and other sports,” promised Pangilinan. “We’re doing this because we want our athletes to be at their very best. We hope that the Filipino people continue their support for our national athletes because this will inspire them to train and perform, to excel in their respective fields. When we get to celebrate athletes like our first ever Olympic gold medalist Hidilyn Diaz, it inspires millions of Filipinos to also chase their dreams and all of this helps in our dream of helping in building a stronger nation.”

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(From left to right) PMI Chairman Francis Chua, MVPSF Chair Manny V. Pangilinan, 1st District Rep. of Antipolo Cong.Robbie Puno, ABAP Chair Ricky Vargas during the groundbreaking for the Center for Sports Excellence. PR

Construction begins for major sports facility A polo.

new training facility for national athletes will soon rise at the First Pacific Leadership Academy (FPLA) in Anti-

The MVP Sports Foundation (MVPSF) and FPLA, with Premium Megastructures Inc. (PMI), unveiled their collabora-

tive project to build the Center for Sports Excellence through a groundbreaking ceremony held last April 2 at the FPLA

Grounds. The Center for Sports Excellence aims to be the new home for elite teams and athletes supported by the MVPSF, beginning with boxing and badminton. Construction has already begun on a new boxing center with two rings

and an outdoor training area for the national team members of the Association of Boxing Alliances in the Philippines (ABAP). A badminton center with eight courts will serve as the new home for the Philippine Badminton Association (PBAD) national team. Basketball courts

are also awaiting construction. “There have been long term plans to develop this particular site into a Center for Sports Excellence, which is a program of the group to help our Filipino athletes realize their full potential and become world champions,” said

MVPSF chairman Manny V. Pangilinan. Antipolo City 1st District Congressman Roberto Puno, who attended the groundbreaking ceremony, said “This is a major project and a great advocacy that is being undertaken by MVP. We

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FRED C. LUMBA SPORTS KEN

WESLEY SO TOPS BERLIN GP LEG 3 Because sports headlines today are focused on the Ginebra-Meralco PBA title series, I am rushing this report to ensure EdgeDavao readers get fresh news from other fronts. Our countryman, Fil-Am super GM Wesley So, captured the 3rd leg of the FDE Grand Prix in Berlin Monday night. He defeated American Olympiad teammate Hikaru Nakamura in the two-game Rapid tie-breaks 1.5 - .5 pts. Playing white, So employed his favorite e4 Ruy Lopez opening, seizing control of the middle

game. His Nd7 check forked the Black King and the Bishop that ultimately led to his hard-earned victory. Unfortunately, WS, despite the triumph, failed to qualify to the Candidates Matches as Nakamura and Hungary’s Richard Rapport were earlier declared by FIDE as the qualifiers for the last two slots. As a consolation of sorts, WS took home the prize money of 24K Euros. He was dislodged by Leinier Dominguez, another Olympiad teammate, in the first leg of the GP

also in Berlin, in another heartbreaking tiebreak. “I am only 28 and perhaps in another couple of years,” So said in so many words during the ensuing interview, hinting that he has more years ahead of him. The Bacoor, Cavite native, a former Universiade titleist, said he has been motivated by taking part in on-line rapid and blitz tournaments where he is able to sharpen his repertoire. The three-time US champion also congratulated Nakamura, a 5-time US titleholder him-

self, for successfully hurdling the tough qualifying contests. Russian Sergey Karjakin, a world championship challenger in 2016, has been banned for six months by FIDE for uttering unflattering remarks on the Russian invasion of Ukraine. Which meant, he (Karjakin) cannot play in the Candidates Matches in July in Madrid. His slot might be given to China’s Ding Liren if the latter qualifies per FIDE rules. LIren is in the process of fulfilling the required 30 classical FIDE games and in most likeli-

hood, he will fill in the vacant slot. The Chinese Chess Association has feverishly organized several tournaments to afford Ding to complete the 30-game requirement before May 30. Stll, hopes are high among Pinoy chess fans that as circumstances were kind to Liren (in view of Karjakin’s case), who knows if Wesley might still sneak into the Candidates via a freak situation. Who knows really? (Email your feedback to fredlumba@yahoo.com.) GOD BLESS THE PHILIPPINES!

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NEW BEGINNING PBA commissioner Willie Marcial welcomes new team Converge Fiber Xers into the PBA family, expressing his confidence that they will be a crucial part of the league moving forward.

PBA welcomes Converge Fiber Xers

ew PBA team Converge ICT Solutions Inc. will officially go by the name “Fiber Xers” in the PBA.

The franchise announced the name of their team on Tuesday at the Edsa Shangri-La, where they were formally launched after joining the league. PBA commissioner Willie Marcial welcomed the company into the family, expressing his confidence that they will be a crucial part of the league moving forward. “Matagal ko na itong gustong sabihin,” said Marcial. “Ngayon ko lang masasabi -- welcome to the PBA, Converge.” “Malaking bagay sa PBA at sa Philippine basketball ang Converge,” he added. “Sinisigurado ko po, ang Converge ay magiging isang haligi ng Philippine basketball, hindi lang po sa PBA.” The Fiber Xers will start competing in the PBA in its 47th season, becoming the league’s 12th team. Converge ICT Solutions had purchased the franchise of the Alaska Aces late last month, after the storied team announced its exit from the league after over three decades of participation.

Aside from unveiling their name and logo, the team also unveiled the members of their team, led by Jeff Cariaso who was retained as head coach after the sale of the Alaska franchise. Six players are currently under contract: Jeron Teng, Ben Adamos, Bryan Faundo, Rey Publico, Jaycee Marcelino, and rookie Allyn Bulanadi. Former PBA commissioner Chito Salud will serve as the team governor and their representative to the PBA Board of Governors. “We challenged the techno giants, and this is the same mindset that we will bring to the PBA,” said Dennis Anthony Uy, team owner of Converge. “Just like our mission to give the best broadband to the Filipinos, we want to give them topnotch basketball entertainment by having the best franchise in the PBA today,” he added. “We are excited to commence our journey to building a track record of excellence and sportsmanship, worthy of the respect of PBA fans.”