Edge Davao Volume 15 Issue 46 | Tuesday, June 7, 2022 by Edge Davao The Business Paper

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VOL.15 ISSUE 46 • TUESDAY, JUNE 7, 2022

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IRRESPONSIBLE Sara hits Raissa Robles for demonizing Mindanao

STORY ON PAGE 2

Senator Christopher Lawrence Go discusses matters with Mayor-elect Sebastian “Baste” Duterte during “Handog Pasasalamat sa Barangay by Sen. Imee Marcos” in Brgy. Gov. Vicente Duterte, Agdao, Davao City over the weekend. Edge Davao

2 NEWS EDGEDAVAO

EDGEDAVAO

VOL.15 ISSUE 46 • TUESDAY, JUNE 7, 2022

For residents of the island municipality of Tandubas in the province of Tawi-tawi, foot bridges such as these ones in barangay Salangngan are regular features of their communities. MindaNews photo by JULES L. BENITEZ.

IRRESPONSIBLE T

Davao City celebrates Nat’l Dengue Awareness Month

Sara hits Raissa Robles for demonizing Mindanao By MAYA M. PADILLO

and an insult to its people, who also deserve to experience the gains of the Duterte administration over the past six years. “Robles clearly wanted to undervalue everything that the Duterte administration has done in keeping the peace and security in Mindanao and ensuring that concerns caused by terrorist organizations, including kidnap for ransom groups, are addressed ap-

propriately with the help of local governments and leaders of communities,” she said in a statement. On June 2, 2022, Robles, who is a staunch critic of the Duterte administration, twitted that the Abu Sayyaf and other bandit groups would be “pleased by the prospects of so many potential kidnap victims” with the plan of Frasco to open Mindanao to tourism. “Way to go, Frasco. Prep yourself for ransom negotiations. ASG might ask you to nego personally,” it said. Duterte-Carpio stated that the views expressed

by Raissa Robles on Mindanao in reaction to the plan of Frasco “are replete with journalistic recklessness and irresponsibility — something that calls for our collective condemnation as it grossly discriminated against all Mindanawons, especially those living in Moro communities.” She added that since 2016, the kidnapping operations by the Abu Sayaff Group (ASG) in Mindanao have been significantly reduced compared to the previous years — and the authorities have success-

clists joined the “Pedal for People and Planet” ride that commenced around 5 a.m. at Freedom Park, moving to Azuela Cove in Lanang, R. Castillo Street in Agdao, Quezon Boulevard in Poblacion District, and back to Freedom Park at Roxas Avenue. “Pedal for People and Planet,” was organized in celebration of the “World Environment Day” to urge governments and corporations to save the planet

from worsening climate crisis and to “take urgent, bold, ambitious, just, and equitable climate solutions.” The event was the second since April 24 this year. Rara Ada, area coordinator for Philippine Movement for Climate Justice (PMCJ), said in a press release issued on Sunday that climate crisis must be urgently addressed as millions of people across

the globe will be severely affected by flooding, droughts, heatwaves, and other extreme weather events. “As climate change is one of the defined issues of the upcoming administration, it is high time to finally put their priority on policies and programs that will ensure environmental sustainability and protection,” she said. The 15-kilometer bike

ice President-elect Sara Duterte-Carpio hit journalist Raissa Robles for demonizing Mindanao.

The reaction came after Robles made a tweet criticising the the plan of incoming Tourism Secretary Christina Frasco to develop Mindanao as a tourist destination considering that it is home to many pristine islands, shores, turquoise waters, and waterfalls, historic sites, and wonders of nature. Duterte-carpio said what Robles did was a demonization of Mindanao

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At least 100 cyclists join ‘Pedal for People and Planet’ in Davao City

t least a hundred cyclists in Davao City joined the 15-kilometer bike ride Sunday to raise awareness on the climate crisis confronting the globe as a result of activities that destroy the environment, an environmental group said. Ruel Felices, digital media campaigner of Interface Development Inventions for Sustainability (IDIS), told MindaNews that several cy-

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he City Government of Davao, through the Tropical Disease Prevention and Control Unit, an ancillary unit under the Davao City Health Office, has intensified its information campaign against all mosquito-borne diseases in celebration of the National Dengue Awareness Month for the whole of June. In an interview during the Madayaw Davao aired through the Davao City Disaster Radio Monday, representative from the Davao City Tropical Disease Prevention and Control Unit, Ms. Melodina Babante, said that their office is constantly conducting prevention and intervention efforts to combat dengue and other mosquito-borne diseases in the city. This includes collaboration with barangay units to monitor communities with high dengue cases, indoor residual spraying, distribution of “dengue kits” (containing insect repellant, mosquito nets, paracetamol syrup/ tablets, and oral rehydration therapy products), and issuance of the NS1 Dengue test kits (which works the same way as a pregnancy test kit) for suspected dengue patients. For quick and accessible diagnosis of suspected dengue patients, Babante said that barangay health centers can use the NS1 Dengue test kit for individuals with symptoms of the disease. Within 15 minutes, health workers can determine whether

the patient is indeed infected with dengue. “Ang mismong pasyente dad-on didto sa health center, didto sa laboratory kay medtech man gyud ang authorized na magconduct ana na test. Hinuon, duol lang siya, dili ingon na muadto pa kag hospital although nay mga ingana sa hospitals pero magbayad ka. Ang sa health centers, libre siya … Within 15 minutes kung naay duha ka lines meaning positive for dengue.” (The patient will be brought to the health center, to the laboratory because medical technicians are the ones authorized to conduct the test. Fortunately, health centers are closer, and you no longer have to go to a hospital although hospitals also have them, but you will have to pay. In health centers, it is free … Within 15 minutes, two lines mean positive for dengue.) On the other hand, although the Tropical Disease Prevention & Control Unit continues to conduct intervention measures such as fogging upon request from the barangay, Babante said that this practice does not guarantee full prevention of the disease and may even cause undesirable side effects to the respiratory system. She instead reminded citizens that cleaning their communities is a more viable method of preventing an outbreak. “Ang fogging is dili siya solusyon, intervention lang siya. Mao na ang

FDAVAO, P7

EDGEDAVAO

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NEWS

Talikala, Inc. executive director Jeanette Ampog discusses about online sexual abuse and exploitation of children or OSAEC during this week’s Kapehan sa Dabaw at SM City Davao. Edge Davao

Housing loan payments remain a big challenge to SSS Davao PH climbs to 33rd spot in Nikkei COVID-19 May recovery index

he Philippines climbed to the 33rd spot out of 121 countries in the Nikkei Asia COVID recovery ranking in May, 8 months after it placed last in the index. The Nikkei Global Recovery Index assesses the infection management, vaccine rollouts, and social mobility of countries. The higher the ranking, the closer a place is to recovery, it said. In November, the Philippines ranked 57th in a list of 122 countries. The country’s further rise is due to its easing of restrictions as the number of COVID-19 cases continued to decline, according to the Tokyo-based newspaper. “The nation reopened its borders to fully vaccinated international tourists in February. This week, it also stopped requiring foreign nationals with booster shots to present a negative test result on arrival,” its report read. As of Sunday, the Philippines’ total COVID-19 cases has reached

3,691,546 with a positivity rate of 1.22 percent, slightly lower than the previous week’s 1.24 percent. Health Secretary Francisco Duque on Monday said the country’s rise in the global COVID recovery index was due to the public’s compliance with minimum health standards, the country’s “good vaccination rollout,” and its Alert Level System. The Philippines will likely keep Alert Level 1 as the lowest step in COVID-19 restrictions until President Rodrigo Duterte’s term ends on June 30, he earlier said. “These are the 3 things I would say contributed in our COVID-19 recovery. We bested 80 other countries: UK, US, Switzerland, Israel, Japan, Canada, Australia, even Singapore. Nung una, okay, medyo nangungulelat tayo (at first we were lagging behind),” he said. “This is a marathon. Ang mga iba akala sprint, pabilisan (some think it’s a sprint, who is the fastest). We’ve steadily

FPH, P7

By MAYA M. PADILLO

n official of the Social Security System-Davao (SSS-Davao) admitted that payments for the housing loan remain a challenge as some housing owners have not paid their housing loans for more than 30 years. “Supposedly, ang mga housing loan deducted sa salary sa mga empleyado. Sad to say duna ta’y mga housing loans na more than 30 years na maski piso wala gibayaran ng member. Today, ang SSS wala na gyud ga-grant ug housing loan. As per SSS atoa na lang gina-grant is house repair, its because

sa totoo nagka problema ta sa housing loan,” said Greta Quayle, account officer of SSS Davao during the Kapehan sa Dabaw on Monday. Quayle said SSS-Davao is already issuing notices for foreclosed properties. She also said that SSS also give members/owners a chance to redeem

their foreclosed property through the Housing Loan Condonation Program. “Tagaan nato sila ug solusyon sa ilahang problem, kaning mga naghousing loan kadaghanan ani wala na gyud trabaho plus nag-pandemic pa, daghan pa consideration na ang SSS muhatag gihapon ug chance na makabayad sila, na mabawi nila ang ilahang property through this condonation program,” she said. Members/owners can pay their housing loans until June 30, 2022. Robert Dianon, Junior

Analyst of SSS-Davao, said the condonation program can be avail through condonation full payment and condonation with restructuring. Under condonation with restructuring, members will be given a 25 percent downpayment of their remaining balance after deducting the condonable penalty and the remaining 75 percent can be paid within the grace period of two years while under the condonation without restructuring, if members will apply, SSS will remove

abuse, through engagement and persuasion; child sexual abuse/exploitation material (child pornography), and live streaming of child sexual abuse. Ampog said the community or the public still lacks awareness about OSAEC. and lack of national law “Ang challenge is ang

awareness within sa ilang community on the issue of OSAEC para sila mismo aware sila nga isa ni ka violation,” she said. She also cited the issue’s lack of national law for it to be used in the prosecution of cases. “We are targeting the media and bloggers na matabangan ang Talikala

FHOUSING, P7

Talikala urges media, bloggers to help in raising alarm vs online sex abuse

eanette L. Ampog, executive director of Talikala, Inc., is urging the media and bloggers/influencers to help them in raising awareness against the issue of Online Sexual Abuse and Exploitation of Children (OSAEC). The cause-oriented group wants to put a stop to child abuse online as

well as bring the issue to the community.

OSAEC is the use of information and communication technology as a means for sexual abuse or child exploitation. This includes online grooming or preparing the child for sexual activities, sexual relations, and other promiscuous

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4 VANTAGE EDGEDAVAO

VOL.15 ISSUE 46 • TUESDAY, JUNE 7, 2022

On the views expressed by Robles on Mindanao in reaction to plans to develop the region as a tourist destination:

As a Filipino, Robles should be ashamed of herself for dangerously trying to stoke and encourage terrorist groups to target tourists in Mindanao.” Sara Duterte Carpio Vice President-in-waiting

EDGEDAVAO

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VANTAGE POINTS

HENRYLITO D. TACIO THINK ON THESE!

TOBACCO IS BAD FOR THE ENVIRONMENT It is a common knowledge that smoking tobacco is hazardous to your health. But what most Filipinos don’t know is that tobacco, even when not puffed, is bad for the environment. This was what the World Health Organization (WHO) pointed out during the recent World No Tobacco Day celebration. Growing tobacco is destroying the environment, says the United Nations health agency. “Tobacco farming leads to depletion of water sources, largescale deforestation, soil erosion and contamination of the air and water systems,” it says. “And it means there’s less land to grow crops to feed people.” The majority of tobacco is grown in low- and middle-income countries, where water and farmland are often desperately needed to produce food for the region, the WHO says. “Instead, they are being used to grown deadly tobacco plants, while more and more land is being cleared of forests.” About 600 million trees are chopped down to make 6 trillion cigarettes, the WHO says, adding that 200,000 hectares of land are used to grow tobacco. According to WHO, clearing forests for tobacco plantations promotes soil degradation in the form of erosion.

“Soil erosion is an enemy to any nation – far worse than any outside enemy coming into a country conquering it because it is an enemy you cannot see vividly,” said Harold Ray Watson, former director of the Davaobased Mindanao Baptist Rural Life Center. “It’s a slow creeping enemy that soon possesses the land.” Soil erosion, Watson said, makes farmlands infertile every year. Studies show that loss of a few centimeters of topsoil can reduce the productivity of good soils by 40% and poor soils by 60%. Experts call this “failing yields” or the capacity for the land to support the growth of any other crops or vegetation. “Once (the topsoil) is eroded, it is gone forever,” said the UN Food and Agriculture Organization. Every year, over 22 trillion liters of water are used to grow tobacco, the WHO says. That huge volume of water is enough to fill about 8.8 million Olympic-sized swimming pools. Water is very much need to grow crops. “The link between water and food is strong,” said Lester R. Brown, president of the Washington, D.C.-based Earth Policy Institute. “We drink, in one form of another, nearly 4

liters of water per day. But the food we consume each day requires at least 2,000 liters to produce 500 times as much.” Agriculture is by far the biggest consumer of water. According to International Rice Research Institute, a farmer needs a thousand gallons of water just to raise a ton of rice, the staple food of Filipinos. “The environmental impacts of tobacco using adds unnecessary pressure to our planet’s already scarce resources and fragile ecosystems,” says Dr. Ruediger Krech, WHO director of health promotion. “This is especially dangerous for developing countries, as that’s where most of the tobacco production happens. “Every cigarette you smoke, you are literally burning resources where they are already scarce, burning resources where our very existence depends upon,” he adds. What remains after smoking are the cigarette filters – also known as butts or ends. They may be small and tend to go unnoticed, but they are hiding almost everywhere. Contrary to what most people believe, cigarettes butts are not harmless. “Cigarette filters are made of a plastic called cellulose acetate,” explained National

Geographic’s Tik Root. “When tossed into the environment, they dump not only that plastic, but also the nicotine, heavy metals, and many other chemicals they’ve absorbed into the surrounding environment.” That’s what make cigarette butts harmful “Tobacco products are the most littered item on the planet, containing over 7,000 toxic chemicals, which leech into our environment when discarded,” observes Dr. Krech. “Roughly 4.5 trillion cigarette filters pollute our oceans, rivers, city sidewalks, parks, soil and beaches ever year.” But what is even alarming is that tobacco emits 84 million tons of carbon dioxide every year. The WHO report, Tobacco: Poisoning our planet, highlights that the industry’s carbon footprint from production, processing and transporting tobacco is equivalent to one-fifth of the carbon dioxide produced by the commercial airline industry each year, further contributing to global warming. History records showed that tobacco was introduced in the Philippines in the late 16th century during the era of Spanish colonization when the Augustinians brought cigar tobacco seeds to the colony for cultivation. When William Dampier visited

Mindanao in 1686, he observed that smoking was already a widespread custom. Today, tobacco is grown in 23 provinces in the Philippines, covering approximately 30,352 hectares, according to the National Tobacco Administration (NTA). The industry covers four types of locally-grown tobacco: Virginia, Burley, native tobacco, and Turkish tobacco (referred to as aromatic tobacco). Virginia tobacco is grown mainly in Region I, particularly Ilocos Norte, Ilocos Sur, Abra and La Union. Burley tobacco is also grown in Region I, specifically Pangasinan, La Union and Abra; Isabela ad Cagayan in Region II; Tarlac in Region III and Occidental Mindoro in Region IV. The native tobacco is grown in Pangasinan and La Union in Region 1; Cagayan, Isabela, Nueva Ecija and Quirino in Region II; the Visayan provinces of Capiz, Iloilo, Cebu, Negros Oriental and Leyte; and in the Mindanao provinces of Zamboanga del Sur, Bukidnon, Misamis Oriental, North Cotabato and Maguindanao. Only a few farmers plant the Turkish tobaccos. These are usually exported to Japan, Spain, France, Tunisia, Dominican Republic, and Belgium, among others.

ANTONIO V. FIGUEROA FAST BACKWARD

MASSACRE OF ARMY TROOPS In the annals of Army history in Davao region, one of the bloodiest was the ambush of the soldiers from the 1st Scout Ranger Army regiment by New People’s Army (NPA) guerril-las. The ambuscade, which cost the lives of fifteen troopers and injured four others, was the costliest in terms of military lives lost in just a single incident. It took place on August 27, 1986, in the barangay Santa Josefa, San Vicente, Davao del Norte. In his report to Gen. Fidel V. Ramos, then AFP chief of staff, Brig. Gen. Antonio Lukban, acting deputy chief of staff for logistics, described the bloodstained episode as ‘a well-planned trap’ using land mines lodged along the route where armed forces were expected to travel. Prior to this, around two hundred reb-

els were strategically scattered in houses along the ba-rangay road. For maximum impact, the insurgents planted fifteen mines in a similar number of huts, predicting that in case of ambush from their side the military operatives, outnumbered at the time of the happening, would seek cover in the shacks and accidentally trigger the explosives. The New Philippine Daily Express, quoting Lukban, later reported: ‘Much of the slain sol-diers… were badly mangled and peppered with shrapnels of the claymore mines.’ Although the rebels withdrew to avoid the oncoming military reinforcements, the ambush created a rift between the provincial government and the military organization in the area and undermined the image

of the AFP in its preparedness to fight the insurgents. It took sometime before the wrangle was resolved. Curiously, the bloody episode transpired after the provincial government led by Gov. Prospero Amatong and the NPA commanders agreed to forge a ceasefire. He blamed the Army for fielding two companies of Scout Rangers and violating the terms of the truce which stipulated that no patrols whatsoever would be deployed and the military must stay in the barracks. Days later, three senior military officers, angered by the turn of events, came out in the open and were allowed to be interviewed by the press. They denied accusations the military establishment violated the ceasefire signed on August 14, 1986, given that at the time of the incident the accord was not

yet in full force. Brig. Gen. Romeo Recina, a senior regional officer, criticized the pact for violating the pol-icies of President Corazon Aquino, saying ‘there will be no ceasefire with (the) return of the troops to the barracks (for) that will give the insurgents a free zone within which to operate with impunity.’ For his part. Brig. Gen. Lukban argued that the accord virtually gave rebels the freedom to operate in the western part of the province while Brig. Gen. Luis San Andres, AFP civil service relations chief, panned the governor for being used by the communist insurgents, adding: ‘It appears by his (Amatong’s) pronouncements and actuation that he is the officer in charge of the shadow government and the officer in charge of the present government in Davao del Norte.’

On the other hand, Maj. Gen. Eduardo Ermita, AFP deputy chief of staff, contradicted Amatong’s statement by saying the soldiers assigned in the province and other parts of the country would not remain in the barracks but continue the patrol of their areas of assign-ment, saying ‘The Davao incident should serve as a lesson for the military not to lower its guard.’ The disgust generated by the bloody episode reverberated throughout the military institu-tion, apparently disappointed that the peace negotiations excluded them, which was a condi-tion setby the rebels for the agreement to be signed. The non-involvement of the AFP in the talks was also viewed by certain sectors as odd given that the military is the counterpart of the NPA if a ceasefire has to be agreed upon.

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Social Security System (SSS) Davao account officer Greta Quayle, together with SSS Davao junior analyst Robert Dianon, says during this week’s Kapehan sa Dabaw at SM City Davao that payments for the housing loan remain a challenge as some housing owners have not paid their housing loans for more than 30 years. Edge Davao

Incoming DOF chief eyes reduced poverty rate, higher credit rating I ncoming Finance Secretary Benjamin Diokno said Monday he is confident that poverty incidence in the country can be reduced to single digits by the end of President-elect Ferdinand Bongbong Marcos Jr’s administration if the economy continues to grow at around 6 percent. “We feel that if we grow around 6 percent on a consistent basis, poverty in this country will be down to single digit by the end of the Marcos regime,” said Diokno, who is also the in-

cumbent Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas Governor. “Also by pursuing growth we will solve our revenue problem, that will solve our deficit problem and that will also help us achieve our

goal to be an upper-middle-income country in a few years,” he added. The Philippines’ poverty rate has gone down to 16.7 percent in 2018 from 23.5 percent in 2015 but gains were tempered by the COVID-19 pandemic. Prior to the pandemic, the Philippine economy was growing by an average of 6 percent-among the fastest in the region. In 2020, the economy contracted by 9.6 percent. It has since emerged

Cash booked over P500 billion in gross transaction value in March 2022 alone as more people continued to use the platform even as the economy opened up, the company said on Monday. The Ayala-led fintech

said the app’s daily logins and transactions now reach up to 29 million and 19 million, respectively. It added that around 60 million Filipinos or 83 percent of the adult population already have a GCash account.

“GCash remains the leader in terms of users, usage, and the ecosystem around it. We’re able to do this while achieving profitability through multiple revenue streams. This is a feat that only a handful of fintech companies in the

from recession with a 5.7 percent growth in 2021. Economic managers have said it could revert to its pre-pandemic level this year. Aside from poverty alleviation, Diokno said the cabinet would unveil a program that would help the country achieve its goal of getting an A or investment-grade rating. “It’s our goal to have an A rating sooner than later. I think that the prospects are bright. We were almost there but

world have been able to achieve,” said GCash president and CEO Martha Sazon. GSave, a savings service on the platform, now has 5.3 million depositors, while its investment mar-

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GCash says over P500 billion transactions booked in March G

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DTI chief hopes next admin, Congress can concur RCEP

s the Senate fails to concur on the Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership (RCEP), the Philippines will not yet reap the benefits of the free trade agreement (FTA). Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) Secretary Ramon Lopez told reporters he still hopes that the next Congress will approve the country’s participation in the RCEP the soonest time possible. “I can only hope for the early ratification in the next Congress. We leave this for the next administration and next Congress,” Lopez said. The incoming administration, he said, is putting the RCEP ratification on its priority agenda, and has gained support from the next economic team. Lopez emphasized the need for the Philippines to join this FTA in order to expand its market, attract more foreign investors,

and develop its human resources. “As I said before, any delay in ratification means that we run the risk of losing some export markets and the good opportunities in new investments as they shift to participating countries who are already part of the RCEP system,” he added. Lopez said foreign investors are also keen on the country’s participation in RCEP, as they find it attractive to set up their businesses in countries with trade deals because these offer broader sourcing for zero- to low-tariff raw materials and a wider market for exports. “There may be lost opportunities in investments and jobs for our people, investments such as in agribusiness, manufacturing for exports, and services,” he said. RCEP was concluded by 15 participating countries

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ECONOMY A2

Stalls selling fresh vegetables are a favorite stopover of travelers along the national highway in Buda, Davao City. MindaNews photo by H. MARCOS C. MORDENO

Wage hikes in 14 regions to take effect this month Bread, sardines prices seen to increase

ood producers are set to increase the prices of basic goods such as bread and sardines, citing the higher increase in prices of raw materials. The Philippine Baking Industry Group (PhilBaking) is looking to hike prices of the more affordable bread by P4.00 per pack— Pinoy Pandesal to P27.50 from P23.50 per 10-piece pack, and Pinoy Tasty to P42.50 from P38.50. “I have a strong feeling that the DTI Secretary will agree to it,” PhilBaking president John Lu Kua said. “If for example the price of bread could not be adjusted, then the income of the bakers would not go up and the ability to pay would be very limited,” he continued. Both Pinoy Tasty and Pinoy Pandesal are products of a joint product between the bakers group

and the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI). In a separate report by Katrina Son, the Southern Philippines Deep Sea Fishing Association (Sophil) is seeking to hike prices of sardines by P1.00, and by another P0.75 monthly given the higher prices of tin cans and logistics. “Dumoble ‘yung fuel. Like two years ago it’s only about P25 to P35 (per liter). Ngayon nasa P70 to P80 na. Halos dumoble talaga especially logistics,” Sophil president Jaydrick Yap said. [Fuel prices have doubled. Two years ago it was only about P25 to P30. Now it’s P70 to P80. It’s nearly double, especially logistics.] Latest data available from the Department of Energy (DOE) show that the year-to-date adjust-

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he wage hikes announced in 14 regions all over the country will take effect this month.

The Department of Labor and Employment, in a statement, said the earliest wage hike was implemented in the National Capital Region on Saturday, where the minimum wage was increased to P570 for workers in the non-agriculture sector, and P533 for those in the agriculture sector. The wage hike from P50 to P60 in the Cordil-

lera Administrative Region will be implemented in two tranches. Effective June 14, the minimum wage will increase to P380, and will further increase to P400 by January 1, 2023. Kasambahays, or household workers in the region, will also receive a wage hike of P500 to P1,500, bringing the new minimum wage to P4,500 across the region.

In Ilocos Region, the minimum wage rate will be from P372 to P400. The P60 to P90 pay hike will be implemented in two to three tranches, starting June 6. The minimum wage for domestic workers will also increase to P5,000. In Cagayan Valley, the minimum wage of P400 to P420 will be implemented in two to three tranches, with the first tranche taking effect on June 8. The minimum wage of kasambahays will also be

ed all IPAs to submit a copy of the fees they collected from registered business enterprises, with a detailed report on cost recovery and income generation. FIRB chair, Finance Secretary Carlos Dominguez III, said the board

wants to evaluate the fees collected by IPAs as part of its expanded policy-making and oversight functions under the Corporate Recovery and Tax Incentive for Enterprises (CREATE) law. “The need to evaluate and rationalize fees

increased by P1,000 to P5,000. In Central Luzon, the P40 wage hike will be implemented in two tranches. This brings the new minimum wage to P414 to P460 in the region, while in Aurora, the minimum wage will be from P344 to P409. In Calabarzon, the new minimum wage, which will also be implemented in two tranches, will range from P390 to 470 in the non-agriculture sec-

and charges collected by the IPAs is to ensure that there is equity and shared responsibility between the government and its stakeholders,” Dominguez added. FIRB Secretariat head, Finance Assistant Secre-

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FIRB eyes uniform fees charged by investment promotion agencies he Fiscal Incentives Review Board (FIRB) will harmonize all fees collected by investment promotion agencies (IPAs) from their registered investors “to ensure that rates are just and reasonable.” The board has direct-

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LANDBANK unveils building marker for Cavite one-stop shop

(left photo) LANDBANK President and CEO Cecilia C. Borromeo (4th from left), Executive Vice Presidents Julio D. Climaco, Jr. (3rd from left) and Liduvino S. Geron (leftmost), and Senior Vice President Randolph L. Montesa (7th from left), lead the unveiling of the official marker of the LANDBANK Cavite Corporate Center on 20 May 2022. (right photo) The corporate center located along Emilio Aguinaldo Highway in Brgy. San Agustin 2, Dasmariñas City, houses LANDBANK’s major touchpoints and offices to provide Caviteños convenient access to a wide array of banking and financial services.

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the pandemic got in the way,” Diokno said. The Philippines has been rated as investment-grade

by the three major credit rating agencies, but the country has yet to break into the highest “A” ratings.

in 2020 after eight years of negotiations. The FTA was initiated by the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) along with its free trade partners -- China, Japan, South Korea, Australia, and New Zealand. A participating country can enjoy the benefits of RCEP 60 days after a country deposits its instrument of ratification.

In the Philippines, RCEP has to be ratified by the President and has to be concurred by the Senate. President Rodrigo Duterte signed the RCEP in September 2021. The Senate started its hearing for RCEP concurrence last year but has not approved it until the 18th Congress is set to adjourn on Friday. (PNA)

ketplace, GInvest, has 3 million registered users representing 77 percent of the Unit Investment Trust Fund (UITF) accounts in the Philippines, the fintech said. Meanwhile GCredit, has already provided P29 billion worth of credit lines to qualified users since its launch in 2018, while quick cash loan platform, GLoan, has handed out P2.2 bil-

lion worth of loans in just ten months of operations, GCash continued. GGives, a buy-now-pay-later service, has also disbursed P130 million in partnership with 85,000 merchants since December last year. The Philippines’ largest fintech in terms of user base said it expects to remain profitable this year and at “even better levels than last year.”

ments stand at a net increase of P23.85 per liter for gasoline, P30.30 per liter for diesel, and P27.65 per liter for kerosene as of May 31, 2022. “‘Yun ang gauge ng market ano, kung nagtaas ang sardines. Mahihirapan ang tao dahil nga most people, pinakasimpleng pagkain ang sardinas. May dalawang brand

ng sardinas that went up this June,” Philippine Amalgamated Supermarkets Association President Steven Cua said. [That is the gauge of the market. If sardine prices increase, the public will have a hard time because sardines are the simplest food. There were two sardine brands that went up this June.]

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tor, from P350 to 429 in the agriculture sector, and P350 in retail and service establishments with no more than 10 workers. Mimaropa, on the other hand, will start implementing the P35 wage hike starting June 10. This brings the new minimum wage in establishments with less than 10 workers to P329, and P355 for establishments with more 10 or more workers. The monthly wage for domestic workers also increased by P1,000 to P4,500. In the Bicol region, the new minimum wage will be P365 across all sectors, with the P55 wage increase to be implemented in two tranches: first on June 18, and on December 1. The monthly wage of domestic workers will also increase by P1,000 to P1,500, bringing the minimum wage to P4,000. In the Visayas, the new minimum wage will range from P410 to P450 for workers in the private sector, and P4,500 for domestic workers in Region 6. The pay hikes will take effect on June 5. In Region 7, the new minimum wage will range from P382 to P435, while kasambahays will get a P500 wage hike, bringing the monthly minimum wage to P5,500 for those in chartered cities and first-class municipalities, and P4,500 for those in other municipalities. The wage hike will take effect on June 14. In Mindanao, the new minimum wage will be from P378 to P405 for workers in Region 10. This will be implement-

ed in two tranches, with the first tranche of P25 effective June 18, and the second tranche of P15 to P22 to take effect on December 5. The regional wage board also granted a P500 wage increase for domestic workers. The new monthly minimum wage rate in cities and first-class municipalities is P4,500, and P3,500 for other municipalities. In the Davao Region, a P47 increase across all sectors will be implemented in three tranches, starting June 19. After the full implementation, the new daily minimum wage will be P438 in the agriculture sector, P443 in the non-agriculture sector, and P443 for retail and service establishments with no more than 10 workers. The monthly wage rate for domestic workers is at P4,500. In Soccsksargen, a P32 wage increase will be implemented in two tranches, one on June 9 and another on September 1. This will bring the new minimum wage rate in the region to P368 for the non-agriculture sector and P347 for the agriculture, service and retail establishments. In Caraga, the new minimum wage of P350 will take effect in Butuan City and in the provinces of Agusan del Norte, Agusan del Sur and Surigao del Sur on June 6, while the wage increase in Dinagat Islands and Surigao del Norte, including Siargao Islands, will be implemented in two tranches on June 6 and September 1.

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today. Let him have his time, and we’ll do it again. I have to implement a few things, but I thought the fight was very close. I’m not going to wreck his moment. I’ll let him have his moment. Last November, my moment was wrecked, so let him have his moment, and I’ll see you again real soon. “I landed the right hand a few times. I worked it to the body, but he had a smart game plan. He grabbed and held a lot and did what he had to do to win. That’s what it’s about. You do what you have to do to win, and today they gave him the decision, but I’m sure it will change when we get it on again. Respect to him, and respect to boxing. This is boxing. You fight the best. Win, lose or draw. This is what it’s all about. F*** protecting records. I’ve always been about fighting the best. I gave him a shot, and we’ll do it again.” Moloney Crushes Palicte Two-time bantamweight title challenger Jason “Mayhem” Moloney (24-2, 19 KOs) delivered a spectacular third-round technical knockout victory against rugged Filipino Aston “Mighty” Palicte (28-5-1, 23 KOs). Moloney, inspired by the cheers of his countrymen, initiated the bout with a firm jab in the first round before finding his rhythm and at-

tacking the body in the second. By the following round, Moloney had his target set and landed a perfectly-timed one-two combo that sent Palicte to the canvas. Moloney then ended matters with a quick flurry that forced the referee to put a halt to the fight at 2:35 of the third. Moloney retained his WBC Silver Bantamweight Title and added to his collection the vacant WBO International belt. In other results: B A N TA M W E I G H T : Andrew Moloney (24-2, 16 KOs) TKO 2 Alexander Espinoza (21-4-2, 8 KOs). Time: 3:00. CRUISERWEIGHT: David Nyika (3-0, 2 KOS) UD 5 Karim Maatalla (2-2, 2 KOs). Scores: 49-46, 4847 and 49-46 HEAVYWEIGHT: Hemi Ahio (19-0, 14 KOs) TKO 1 Christian Ndzie Tsoye (55-2, 4 KOs) HEAVYWEIGHT: Lucas Browne (31-3, 27 KOs) KO 1 Junior Fa (19-2, 10 KOs). Time: 1:58. JUNIOR MIDDLEWEIGHT: Terry Nickolas (2-1-1, 2 KOS) DRAW 6 Lachlan Higgins (7-4-2, 2 KOs). Scores: 58-56 Higgins, 57-57 2x. FLYWEIGHT: Taylah Robertson (5-1, 1 KO) UD 5 Sarah Higginson (3-1-1, 1 KO). Scores: 50-45 3x W E LT E R W E I G H T : Yoel Angeloni (1-0) UD 4 Ken Aitken (3-1, 1 KO). Scores: 39-37 2x and 4036.

ute win on Sunday took his record at the tournament to 112 wins against just three losses and also put him halfway to a rare calendar men’s Grand Slam last achieved by Rod Laver in 1969. “The most important thing is to congratulate Rafa,” said Ruud. TRUE CHAMPION “You are a true champion. This is the first time I have faced you so now I know what it’s like to be the victim! There will be many others. “You have taken me into your academy with open arms and you are a true inspiration to me. We all hope you continue for some more time.” Nadal, unbeaten in 13 previous finals in Paris and playing in his 30th Grand Slam decider, got off to a flying start against Ruud, the first Norwegian man to feature in a championship match at the majors. He broke for 2-0 and even though he handed the break straight back cour-

tesy of a two uncharacteristic double faults, he was quickly back in front again for 3-1. The Spaniard wrapped up the opener in 49 minutes against his 23-year-old opponent who has trained at his academy in Manacor since 2018. World number eight Ruud, the in-form player on clay since the start of 2020 with 66 wins on the surface, was under siege again in the second set, having to fight off three break points in the opening game. There was a sudden glimmer of hope when he broke for 3-1 with Nadal again coughing up a double fault. However, Nadal roared back with a double break for 4-3. Ruud saved three set points in the ninth game but his first double fault of the final handed Nadal a two-set lead. Nadal had said on the eve of the final that he would rather lose Sunday’s match in exchange for a new foot

tary Juvy Danofrata, said the guidelines for the harmonization of charges in all IPAs would be drafted “based on cost recovery principle, subject to reasonable rate of return.” “Revenue implications will also be considered in the adoption of the guidelines for the setting of fees,” Danofrata added. She said the FIRB

would be in close coordination with the IPAs for this new policy. “Regular consultations with the IPAs will be conducted with their views and suggestions considered to ensure that their schedule of fees and charges are uniform and equitable for all stakeholders,” Danofrata said. (PNA)

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VOL.15 ISSUE 46 • TUESDAY, JUNE 7, 2022

EDGEDAVAO

SPORTS

Devin Haney connects with a jab against George Kambosos Jr.

Haney dominates Kambosos to win undisputed crown

evin “The Dream” Haney (28-0, 15 KOs) became the undisputed lightweight champion of the world by outclassing George “Ferocious” Kambosos Jr. (20-1, 10 KOs) en route to a 12-round unanimous decision in front of 41,129 fans on Sunday afternoon at Marvel Stadium in Melbourne, Australia. Haney unified his WBC championship with Kambosos’ WBA/WBO/ IBF and Ring Magazine lightweight titles. With two scores of 116-112 and one score of 118-110, he became the eighth fighter in history to capture all four major championship titles in the fourbelt era and the first to do

so at 135 pounds. Prior to the fight, Haney felt as if all the odds were stacked against him. He came in as the challenger, fighting on enemy territory in a stadium full of people wishing and hoping to see him lose. It even appeared as if his father would not be able to be in his corner for the

fight. But, if Bill Haney’s eleventh-hour entry into Australia indicated anything, it was that today belonged to Devin, and nothing would prevent his victory. Indeed, though both men initiated the bout with firm, confident jabs, it was Haney’s superior boxing skills that allowed him to find his rhythm by the third and fourth rounds. Kambosos’ right hand seemed to be a factor early, but Haney’s footwork, his ability to smother and clinch on the inside, and even the way he would stop the former champion in his tracks

Nadal wins 14th French Open

ARIS (UPDATE) Rafael Nadal won a 14th French Open and record-extending 22nd Grand Slam title on Sunday with a straightsets rout of Casper Ruud to become the oldest male champion at Roland Garros and he vowed to “keep fighting”. In a disappointing final, 36-year-old Nadal won 6-3, 6-3, 6-0 with victory coming 17 years to the day since he claimed his first French Open as a 19-year-old in 2005. Nadal won the last 11 games of the final and is now two Slams ahead of old rivals Novak Djokovic

and Roger Federer with Sunday’s victory coming against all the odds. Nadal, the oldest winner in Paris since a 34-year-old Andre Gimeno in 1972, had not been certain of taking part after a chronic left foot injury, which has plagued him throughout his career, flared up again. He also needed the best part of a grueling 12 hours to see off Felix Auger-Aliassime, Novak Djokovic and Alexander Zverev in the previous three rounds. “I don’t know what I would do in terms of injuries if it wasn’t for the

team, my family and everyone around me,” said Nadal. “I would’ve already retired much before if it wasn’t for you. “I never believed, that I’d be here at 36, being competitive again. Being here, means a lot to me on the most important court in my career. It helps me to keep going. “For me, it’s incredible to play here. It’s an incredible feeling. I don’t know what can happen in the future, but I’m going to keep fighting to try to keep going.” His two-hour 18-min-

FNADAL, A3

with a stiff jab, prevented Kambosos from landing any significant punches. By the final rounds, Haney had nullified Kambosos’ offense to such a degree that he could even take the gas off the pedal in the 12th round and cruise to a decision win. Haney said, “This is a dream come true. I was going through it without my dad being here because I knew it was a big moment for us. We both dreamed of this. Since we started out, we said we wanted to be the best. It would have hurt me to accomplish this without him. I’m so thankful that we were able to accom-

plish this together. “I was comfortable. I was just sticking to the game plan. The game plan was to go there and hit and not get hit, and I did that for the majority of the fight. I took the last round off just because I knew I was comfortably ahead, but I fought a good, smart fight.” “I handicapped him of his best things. He wanted to land the overhand right, and he wanted to land the big left hook. I handicapped him. I was fighting both ways. When I would go to the left, I would fight his right hand. When I would go to the right, I would fight his

left hook. And he couldn’t hit me with neither one of them.” “I want to thank George Kambosos and all of Australia for coming out. Thank you, George, for giving me the shot. All of these so-called champions would not give me my shot. But George was a true champion, and he gave me my shot. Thank you for this. Kambosos said, “This was amazing for the sport. It was amazing for the country. At the end of the day, I wanted to take the best and hardest tests. I’m going to give him full respect after his victory

FHANEY, A3

Spain’s Rafael Nadal celebrates after winning against Norway’s Casper Ruud at the end of their men’s singles final match on day fifteen of the Roland-Garros Open tennis tournament at the Court Philippe-Chatrier in Paris on June 5, 2022. Anne-Christine Poujoulat, AFP

EDGEDAVAO

VOL.15 ISSUE 46 • TUESDAY, JUNE 7, 2022 EDGE DAVAO

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Republic of the Philippines City of Davao Office of the Sangguniang Panlungsod

d. Alternative Learning Sytem (ALS) – shall refer to a parallel learning system that provides a viable alternative to the existing formal education instruction. It encompasses both nonformal and informal source of knowledge and skills. e. Basic Literacy Program – shall refer to the program component of ALS that is aimed at eradicating illiteracy among out-of-school children in special cases and adults by developing basic literacy skills of reading, writing, numeracy, and simple comprehension.

19th City Council 8th Regular Session Series of 2022 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 Councilor Councilor

c. Adult – shall refer to a person at least eighteen (18) years of age and above.

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. Richlyn N. Justol-Baguilod Pamela A. Librado-Morata Diosdado Angelo Junior R. Mahipus Rodolfo M. Mande Jaffar U. Marohomsalic Bonifacio E. Militar 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

- OB-Acting City Mayor

ORDINANCE NO. 0893-22 Series of 2022 AN ORDINANCE INSTITUTIONALIZING THE ALTERNATIVE LEARNING SYSTEM (ALS) IN THE CITY OF DAVAO, PROVIDING GUIDELINES THEREOF, ALLOCATING FUNDS AND FOR OTHER PURPOSES. Be it ordained by the Sangguniang Panlungsod of Davao City in session assembled, that: SECTION 1. TITLE - This Ordinance shall be known as the “ALTERNATIVE LEARNING SYSTEM (ALS) ORDINANCE OF DAVAO CITY”. SECTION 2. DECLARATION OF POLICY – It shall be the policy of the Local Government of Davao to seek organized means and systematic methods of institutionalizing the Alternative Learning System (ALS). Towards this end, the City shall provide out-of-school children in special cases and adults with opportunities to improve their knowledge, values, life skills, and readiness for higher education, work or self-employment through a system of non-formal or indigenous education, or both which are tailored to respond to their learning needs and life circumstances. The City shall also ensure the close partnership and collaboration with the barangays and private sectors.

f. Community Alternative Learning System Implementors (Community ALS Implementors) – shall refer to persons engaged either by the Department of Education or any Local Government Unit (LGU) to deliver ALS programs to out-of-school children in special cases and adults. g. Community Learning Center (CLC) – shall refer to a physical space to house learning resources and facilities of a learning program for out-of-school children in special cases and adults. It is a venue for a face-to-face learning activities and other learning opportunities for community development and improvement of the people’s quality of life. h. Indigenous Peoples (IP) – refer to a group of people or homogenous societies identified by self-ascription and ascription by others, who have continuously lived as organized community on communally bounded and defined territory, and who have under claims of ownership since time immemorial, occupied, possessed and utilized such territories, sharing common bonds of language, customs, tradition and other distinctive culture traits or who have, through resistance to political, social and cultural inroads of colonization became historically differentiated from the majority of the Filipinos. i. Indigenous Peoples Education – shall refer to the program that supports education initiatives undertaken through formal, non-formal, and informal modalities with emphasis on any of, but not limited to, the key areas of indigenous knowledge systems and practices and community history, indigenous language, Indigenous Learning System (ILS), and community life cyclebased curriculum and assessment, educational goals, aspirations and competencies specific to the Indigenous Cultural Community (ICC), engagement of elders and other community members in the teaching-learning process, assessment, and management of the initiative, recognitional and continuing practice of the community’s ILS, and the rights and responsibilities of ICCs. j. Informal Education – shall refer to diverse forms of learning that are international or deliberate but are not institutionalized. It is a lifelong process of learning by which every person acquires and accumulates knowledge, skills, attitudes and insights from daily experiences at home, at work, at play and from life itself towards literacy. k. Learners with Disabilities – shall refer to those who have long-term physical, mental, intellectual or sensory impairments which in interaction with various barriers may hinder their full and effective participation in society on equal basis with others. l. Learning Facilitators – shall refer to teachers financed by the private sector who implement ALS programs. The private sector shall include non-government organizations or associations, civic society organizations, or individuals. m. Micro-Certification, also known as micro-credentialing – shall refer to a flexible means of certifying attainment of specific elements of ALS K to 12 minimum competencies which can be used by the holder as credential such as in job application, recruitment and selection. n. Non-Formal Education (NFE) – shall refer to any organized and systematic educational activity carried outside the framework of the formal education system to provide selected types of learning to a segment of the population. o. Out-of-School Children in Special Cases – shall refer to children of official school age who are not enrolled in the elementary or secondary schools due to special cases such as economic, geographic, political, cultural, or social barriers, including learners with disabilities or conditions, indigenous peoples, children in conflict with the law, learners in emergency situations, and other marginalized sectors. SECTION 5. ALS PROGRAM – The City Government shall coordinate with the Department of Education (DepEd) to strengthen the implementation of a range of priority NFE programs including, but not limited to, the following:

SECTION 3. OBJECTIVES – This Ordinance aims to achieve the following objectives:

a. Basic Literacy Program;

a. Provide adequate, timely and quality attention and support to the basic learning needs of outof-school children in special cases and adults including indigenous people;

b. A & E Programs;

b. Guarantee equitable access for all learners, including those who reside in the unreached, underserved, conflict-affected communities and communities in emergency situations to avail of systematic, flexible and appropriate alternative basic education program outside of the formal school system;

d. Academic-Focused Bridging Programs; and

c. Promote lifelong learning opportunities anchored on the Alternative Learning System (ALS), K to 12 Basic Education Curriculum (BEC) that takes a holistic, integrated and inter-sectoral approach, and provide pathways across modes of learning which will ensure that learners will become caring, self-reliant, independent, productive and patriotic citizens, by allowing such learners to pursue further education, after participating in the ALS program and passing the accreditation and equivalency assessments or certifications, or both required by the Department of Education (DepEd), or seek employment; d. Hire, capacitate, and deploy ALS Teachers, Community ALS Implementors and Learning Facilitators to deliver a range of ALS programs especially in far-flung, unserved, underserved, conflict-affected communities, and communities in emergency situations; e. Design specialized programs for learners with disabilities, taking into consideration their different levels of learning needs and other functional difficulties in the development of instructional materials and learning resources in accessible format; f. Develop, integrate, and utilize non-formal and informal education approaches and strategies in the delivery of the ALS programs and the assessment of learning outcomes and competencies of ALS learners by providing flexibility in the duration of learning programs, learning contents, and delivery strategies, among others; g. Improve access education and other learning opportunities and raise the level of literacy to contribute to an individual’s sustainable future; and h. Strengthen non-formal basic education programs while ensuring support to the policy of the DepEd that school age children should be enrolled in formal education, and that they should be able to return to the formal education system in the event that they drop out. SECTION 4. DEFINITION OF TERMS – For purposes of this Ordinance, the following shall mean: a. Alternative Learning System K to 12 Basic Education Curriculum (ALS K to 12 BEC) – shall refer to the comprehensive curriculum indicating the competency, content, key stages, and standards for the ALS program under this Ordinance. The ALS K to 12 BEC is benchmarked on the DepEd formal school curriculum and focuses on the 21st Century Skills, information, media and technology skills, learning and innovation skills, communication skills, and life and career skills. b. Alternative Learning System Teacher (ALS Teacher) – shall refer to DepEd employed teachers who implement the ALS program.

c. Indigenous Peoples Education Program;

e. Functional Education and Literacy Programs. To effectively deliver the NFE programs, the city government may utilize appropriate, relevant and responsive learning modalities but not limited to the following: a. Modular Instruction; b. Online, digital or mobile learning; c. Face-to-face learning sessions and tutorials; d. Radio or television-based instruction; e. Blended learning or a combination of various modalities; and f. Workshops, simulations, and internship to inculcate life skills, work readiness, and entrepreneurship. SECTION 6. INSTITUTIONALIZING THE ALS – The ALS is hereby institutionalized to strengthen and expand the ALS program increased opportunities for out-of-school children in special cases and adult learners, including indigenous peoples to develop basic and functional literacy and life skills and pursue an equivalent pathway to complete basic education. Thus, Executive Order No. 46, Series of 2021 issued by the City Mayor was issued for this purpose. SECTION 7. CREATION AND ORGANIZATION OF THE ALTERNATIVE LEARNING SYSTEM UNIT – The composition of the Alternative Learning System Unit (ALS Unit) as mandated by Executive Order No. 46, Series of 2021 is as follows: Chairperson Co-chairperson

Focal Person

Members

Office of the City Mayor Chairperson of the Committee of Education, Sangguniang Panlungsod Public Schools District Supervisor Division Alternative Learning System Focal Person 1. Public Employment Service Office; 2. City Information Technology Center; 3. Schools Division Superintendent, Department of Education – Region XI 4. President, Association of Barangay Captains; and 5. President, Sangguniang Kabataan

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SECTION 8. DUTIES AND FUNCTIONS OF THE ALTERNATIVE LEARNING SYSTEM UNIT – The ALS Unit shall have the following duties and functions: a. Formulate programs, policies, and strategies for the implementation of the ALS-EST Program in the City. For this purpose, the unit is hereby authorized to issue Resolutions for strict implementation thereof; b. Prepare short, medium, and long-term plans in relation to the implementation of the programs, policies, and strategies; c. Monitor and evaluate the implementation of the ALS-EST programs and plans, campaigns and programs; d. Encourage out-of-school youth identified by the ALS Division to avail of the ALS-EST Program; e. Recommend to the Sangguniang Panlungsod the enactment of Ordinances which shall assist in and ensure the proper implementation of the ALS-EST Program; f. Recommend allocation of resources and ensure appropriate funds thereof; g. Act as the primary arm that shall represent the City in all conventions, conferences, forums, or gathering of other agencies, organizations, leagues, chambers, or groupings whether national, local, or international pertaining to the ALS-EST Program; h. In coordination with the appropriate office, closely monitor the number of out-of-school youth in every Barangay of this City; i. Act as the custodian of the gadgets and resources that will be entrusted by the Development Academy of the Philippine (DAP) prior to its award and turnover to qualified beneficiaries of the ALS-EST Program; j. Exert effort to sustain the ALS-EST Program, whether through the mechanism established by DAP or in accordance with the guidelines created by the Department of Education ALS Task Force; and k. Perform such other tasks and functions related to the overall objectives of the ALS-EST Program of the City. SECTION 9. FUNCTIONS OF THE FOCAL PERSON – The Department of Education –Division Alternative Learning System is hereby designated as the Focal Person of the ALS Unit and shall perform the following functions: a. Organize all the activities of the ALS Unit; b. Recommend programs, policies and strategies for implementation of the ALS-EST Program in this City; c. Prepare short, medium and long-term plans in relation to the programs, policies and strategies of the ALS-EST Program of the City; d. Monitor and evaluate the implementation of its programs and plans, campaigns and strategies; e. Document all activities of the ALS Unit; and f. Keep all the records of the ALS Unit; g. Perform such other functions as may be assigned by the ALS Unit. SECTION 10. FUNCTIONS OF THE SECRETARIAT – The Office of the City Mayor is hereby directed as the Secretariat of the ALS Unit and shall perform the following functions: a. Serve as the center of communication of the ALS Unit by facilitating the receiving and dissemination of information from and to members of the ALS Unit, and to other concerned personnel or agencies; and b. Document and take the minutes of all meetings of the ALS Unit. SECTION 11. ALS FACILITY – The Davao City Division ALS Community Learning Center is hereby designated as the facility for the ALS-EST Program of the City. SECTION 12. FUNDING/OPERATING COSTS – All costs pertaining to the operation of the ALS Unit shall be taken from the available funds of the City Government of Davao subject to the usual accounting and auditing rules and regulations. SECTION 13. REPEALING CLAUSE. – All other laws, decrees, orders, issuances, rules and regulations which are inconsistent with the provisions of this Ordinance are hereby repealed, amended or modified accordingly. SECTION 14. SEPARABILITY CLAUSE – If, for any reason, any provision of this Ordinance, or any part thereof, is declared invalid or unconstitutional, all other sections or provisions not affected thereby shall remain in force and effect. SECTION 15. EFFECTIVITY - This Ordinance shall take effect fifteen (15) days after publication. ENACTED, February 22, 2022, by a unanimous vote of all the Members of the Sanggunian present, there being a quorum.

CERTIFIED CORRECT:

ATTESTED:

MAR 25,2022 APPROVED : ____________________

Temporary Presiding Officer cns/kjtq ATTESTED:

AN ORDINANCE INSTITUTIONALIZING THE ALTERNATIVE LEARNING SYSTEM (ALS) IN THE CITY OF

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fully rescued all victims. In Basilan, as confirmed by Representative Mujiv Hataman himself, there had been zero kidnapping incidents since President Duterte came into office and that other incidents concerning ASG had been about the ar-

rests and surrenders of their members and leaders. Hataman reportedly contradicted what was allegedly painted by Robles in Mindanao saying there is no basis for the fear that the number of potential victims of kidnappings in

Mindanao may increase because of Frasco’s plan. Duterte-Carpio said as a Filipino, Robles should be ashamed of herself for dangerously trying to stoke and encourage terrorist groups to target tourists in Mindanao.

ride also highlighted other environmental issues in Mindanao and Davao City such as the need for more investments in renewable energy sources, rejection of waste-to-energy projects, more green spaces, watershed protection, preservation of heritage trees, and protection of urban wetlands. IDIS executive director Mark Peñalver called on the new set of government leaders, businesses, and stakeholders to “heed the call of the environ-

ment.” “I believe that by working together, we can build a more equitable society that benefits people, the economy, and the environment. We have the opportunity to invest in nature-based solutions that can aid in the mitigation of climate change and make our communities and ecosystems more resilient to its effects,” he said. He said the government should ensure a fairer, more carbon-neutral, and more environmental-

ly friendly future for all. He said impacts of climate change are already felt in the country and feared it will wreak havoc on more communities if no drastic measures are taken the by the government and businesses to “undertake deep and immediate emissions reductions, pass and enforce environment-related policies, and employ an ecological approach in their operations to stop global warming on its tracks.” (Antonio L. Colina IV / MindaNews)

tao importante maghinlo gyud ta sa atong palibot. Dili lang ingon na kita ang manghinlo, dapat tulungan, bayanihan ang dapat pagahimuon.” (Fogging is not the solution, it is only for intervention. That is why people need to keep their surroundings clean. They do not have to do it alone; it must be a community effort.) Babante also urged Dabawenyos to practice

self-protective habits such as applying insect repellants, wearing light-colored clothes that amply cover the skin, and being wary of mosquitoes during peak biting time—2 hours after sunset. She added that people experiencing early symptoms of the disease (fatigue, joint pains, high fever, appetite loss, and pain behind the eyes) must seek early medical consultation. With these intensified

efforts, Babante assured Dabawenyos that the city remains determined to prevent another major dengue outbreak similar to the one in 2010, which recorded 10,983 cases and claimed the lives of 88 people. From January to May 2022, the Davao City Tropical Disease Prevention and Control Unit recorded a total of 654 cases of dengue and three cases of death from the disease. CIO

the penalty 100 percent after the remaining balance, which they will only pay within the grace period of 90 days from the approval of their application.

“Kaya lang base sa among portfolio diri sa Davao City, ang mu-qualify sa condonation restructuring naa lang sa mga one percent sa

amoang na identify na delinquent. So almost anang amoang account mu-qualify sila sa condonation without restructuring,” Dianon said.

orchestrated the national government’s pandemic response in collaboration with the local government units, and also equally important to point, the private sector.” The Philippines from the beginning prioritized saving lives over keeping the economy open, said Dr. Edsel Salvana, infectious disease expert and member of the DOH technical advisory group.

“You can’t put the economy before lives kasi kung ‘di ka magsarado ‘pag kumalat ang COVID, bagsak din ang economy mo. Mas sustainable talaga ang ganitong plano,” he said in a televised public briefing. (You can’t put the economy before lives because if you don’t lock down, your economy will slump if COVID spreads. This plan is really more sustainable.) “The economy will fol-

low if you prioritize saving lives, if you prioritize health.” As of Thursday, the Philippines has fully inoculated 69.4 million Filipinos or 77 percent of its target 90 million population, the Department of Health said. Of those with primary boosters, 14.3 million have received an additional those while 142,600 have gotten their second booster shot.

ug ang ubang ahensiya sa gobyerno and NGO to popularize the issue of OSAEC not only in Davao City but in the entire Davao Region,” Ampog said. Currently, there are 25 children who are victims of OSAEC being housed in Talikala. “Atong pandemic (2021) namo ni sila na-

kita. Ang mga ginikanan musulti ra nga wala may nawala kay video lang man pero ang effect gihapon, dili mawala mas grabe pa na kay na aman tay ginaingon na digital footage so habang buhay naay picture didto sa bata nga naghubo,” Ampog said. Ampog explained that they haven’t filed a case yet

because they are still getting information on whether their (children) family knows and the family’s involvement in the issue. The 25 children are undergoing psychosocial, therapy, and counseling. They also received educational assistance from Talikala. By Maya M. Padillo

wicked right to his chin brought him to the canvas and while he tried to be on his feet smiling to the referee, he appeared to be on skateboard. Moloney’s victory puts him back in title conversation improving his

record to 24-2-0 with 19KOS. Palicte, meantime, dropped to 28-5-1, 23KOs. The Filipino had a big Aussie fan in Perthbased home builder Adam Strauch who travelled all the way from the Western Australia state to watch

him fight. “Not too bad for a fighter with little preparation for the fight. Filipino fighters, like my idol Manny Pacquiao, are great, brave warriors,” said Strauch in a tritbute to Pinoy boxers.

AT LEAST... FROM2

DAVAO... FROM2

HOUSING... FROM3 PH... FROM3

TALIKALA... FROM3

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EDGEDAVAO

VOL.15 ISSUE 46 • TUESDAY, JUNE 7, 2022

Jason Moloney connects to the head of Filipino Aston Palicte in this photo by Getty Images.

GONE IN THREE

Palicte frozen in three rounds by rising Aussie fighter BY NEIL BRAVO

ELBOURNE, Australia -- On a chilly 7-degree Melbourne afternoon and the air-conditioning system in full blast inside the sprawling Marvel Stadium, I was chilling inside a thick puffer jacket. I could just imagine how it is to be shirtless and wearing shorts. Fighting under this chilly conditions, the Philippines’ Aston Palicte, who flew to Melbourne five days before the fight, was knocked out cold on Sunday in his bid to wrest the WBC Silver bantamweight world title from Aussie favorite Jason “Mayhem” Moloney. Moloney sent the boy from Bukidnon reeling on his belly with perfectly-timed two strikes of his mitts in the third round. Inspired by the loud cheers of his countrymen--all of 42,129 inside the stadium that’s home to professional Australian footy games--Moloney set up the target like an artist to a blank canvas. He initiated the bout with a firm jab in the first round before finding his rhythm and attacking the body in the second. The Aussie finished the job with a quick flurry that forced the referee to put a halt to the fight at 2:35 of the third. Moloney retained his WBC Silver Bantamweight Title and added to his collection the vacant WBO International belt. If at all the result was disap-

pointing for Palicte’s camp who had seen him with a good chance before the fight, Palicte fought courageously. The two-time challenger actually made a strong statement in the first round that he travelled with the intent of taking away Moloney’s belt and set him up for another shot at a world crown. His trainer Nonoy Neri, who told me two days before the fight his boy has good chances to win, prepared him well for the fight and it showed. Timely uppercuts in the early goings found their mark on Moloney’s pretty face. That awakened the Aussie’s monsters as he turned up the heat in the second round taking the fight at close range and the two gritty warriors had their moments to the delight of the crowd. Moloney is a tough act. He battled Japanese star Naoya Inoue twice for the world title. Interestingly, Inoue will fight Nonito Donaire tomorrow in a rematch. But back to the Moloney-Palicte fight, the Filipino fighter paid the price for being too aggressive in the third. A

FGONE, P7