Edge Davao Vol. 15 Issue 53 | Wednesday, June 15, 2022

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VOL.15 ISSUE 53 • WEDNESDAY, JUNE 15, 2022

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Walden Bello indicted for 2 counts of libel STORY ON PAGE 2

A contestant dons a sea creature-inspired costume during Mati City’s “Mugna Pantasya” competition, which is part of the opening night of the city’s 15th year of cityhood and the 19th Pujada Bay Festival on Monday evening. Edge Davao

2 NEWS EDGEDAVAO

EDGEDAVAO

VOL.15 ISSUE 53 • WEDNESDAY, JUNE 15, 2022

SLAPPED

President Rodrigo Duterte will attend the inauguration of his daughter, Mayor Sara Duterte-Carpio, as the 15th vice president of the country on June 19 in Davao City. Edge Davao

Walden Bello indicted for 2 counts of libel

By MAYA M. PADILLO

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he Davao City Prosecution Office has indicted former vice presidential candidate Walden Bello for two counts of libel based on charges filed against him by former Davao City Information Officer Jefry Tupas.

In a seven-page resolution approved by Jose Charito Cortez II and City Prosecutor Jophee Avanceña on June 9, 2022, it stated that there was a clear malicious imputation of a crime when Bel-

lo alleged that Tupas was nabbed snorting P1.5 million worth of drugs and describing him as a drug dealer.

Tupas alleged that on March 1, 2022, Bello was

eas much easier than ever.

Brgy. Tagugpo is among the sixty-five (65) barangay beneficiaries of the province under the Barangay Development Program (BDP) of the NTF-ELCAC. Each barangay beneficiary is granted a twenty (20) million peso budget for the establishment of much-needed services for the people not only limit-

ed to FMRs, but also water systems, health centers, electrification, and daycare centers for education.

Last October 2021, PLGU-Davao de Oro through the Bayanihan Sa Paaralan Program, established a Bayanihan school building with two (2) classrooms and complete amenities in a span of thirty

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FMR in Pantukan brgy to bring significant changes to residents

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newly built farmto-market (FMR) road with a length of 1,260 meters, is now in service to the residents of Brgy. Tagugpo, Pantukan, Davao de Oro after a simple turnover ceremony held last June 11, 2022.

DILG Davao de Oro Provincial Director Noel Duarte said during the official turn-over ceremony

of the project, that FMRs established in the formerly conflict affected areas in the province will bring significant changes to people especially farmers, “Dili lang katawhan ang tumong sa proyekto, kundili ang katawhan ug ang iyang produkto,” said PD Duarte.

Tagugpo’s new FMR opens access for farmers going to their respective farming ar-

FFMR, P7

DavNor now insurgency-free

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he 10th Infantry “Agila” Division together with the different government agencies in Region 11 declared the province of Davao Del Norte “Insurgency-Free” at Davao Del Norte Gym, Mankilam, Tagum City on Monday.

The province’s declaration followed the successful dismantling of all guerilla fronts in Davao del Norte by the 10th Infantry “Agila” Division’s effective counterinsurgency campaign. It can be recalled that in 2016, four Guerilla Fronts operated in Davao Del Norte, namely GF 3, GF 33, GF 34, and the Pulang Bagani Command (PBC) 4 under the Sub-Regional Committee (SRC) 4; and Guerilla Front 55 of SRC 5, all under the Southern Mindanao Regional Committee (SMRC) of the Communist Terrorist Group (CTG).

However, the implementation of the Development Support and Security Plan (DSSP) “Kapayapaan”, and later, the Executive Order No. 70 which institutionalized the National Task Force to End Local Communist Armed Conflict (NTF-ELCAC), boosted 10ID’s counterinsurgency campaign in parternship with the Provincial Local Government Unit (PLGU) of Davao Del Norte, resulting to the downfall of the above-mentioned NPA units. In the province of Davao del Norte, GF 34 was dismantled in 2019 while GF 33 and PBC 4 were dismantled and destroyed respectively in 2020. It was then followed by the dismantling

of GF 55 which operated in Talaingod in 2021. GF 3 which previously operated in the boundary of Kapalong and Laak of Davao De Oro, and was one of the oldest guerilla fronts in the country, was dismantled in the first quarter of 2022.

In line with this, the PLGU of Davao Del Norte headed by Governor Edwin I Jubahib issued Resolution Number 08 series of 2022, declaring the province of Davao del Norte and its component cities and municipalities as “insurgency-free province”.

In his message, Agila Division Commander MGen Nolasco A Mempin said that the campaign against communist insurgency in Davao Del Norte was not an easy journey, especially for its local government units and the communities who were directly affected by the lies and violence perpetrated by the CTG. “Let us all commit to ensure na hindi na kailanman muling maagaw pa mula sa atin ng kahit na sinong komunista o terorista ang mapayapa at masaganang buhay na matagal nating ipinaglaban at pinagsikapang makamtan,” MGen Mempin added.

Dismantling a Communist Terrorist Group means that 10ID, Police Regional Office (PRO) 11 together with other government agencies were able to totally neutralize, if not significantly diminish the enemy to their smallest size, including its strength, firearms, and their ability to recruit, train, organize, or recover their mass bases or areas.

EDGEDAVAO

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NEWS

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A health worker inoculates a resident with anti-Covid vaccine at People’s Park in Davao City. Mayor Sara Duterte-Carpio has ordered vaccination hubs at the parks and in the malls to gradually wrap up their work and to proceed the vaccination roll outs in the district health center. Edge Davao

PH, China sign loan deal for Samal-Davao bridge project NCIP conducts healing, reconciliation workshop

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he National Commission on Indigenous Peoples (NCIP) recently conducted in Tagum City, Davao del Norte a “Healing and Reconciliation” workshop, and pushed the discussion to operationalize the 11 Building Blocks in the Ancestral Domain.

In conducting the 2-day workshop entitled, “Healing, Reconciliation, and Operationalizing the 11 Building Blocks in the Ancestral Domain”, NCIP tied up with the Mindanao Indigenous Peoples Conference for Peace and Development (MIPCD), National Task Force to End Local Communist Armed Conflict (NTFELCAC) and the Philippine Army.

NCIP designed the activity to support the Whole-of-Government/ Whole-of-Nation Approach (WoG/WoNA) principle; and in the process of healing, reconciliation, and operationalizing the 11 Building Blocks, NCIP intended

to empower the former rebels (FRs), the IP Youth/ IP enlisted personnel (EP) and the IP leaders.

NCIP Davao del Norte Provincial Officer Roger Lumbin revealed that the activity aimed to level the understanding of all stakeholders on the significance of the 11 Building Blocks operationalization; to develop core communicators to advocate the 11 Building Blocks; to create a support group for the 11 Building Blocks; to come up with plans and actionable items for ancestral domains; and to establish the significance of IP EP recruitment and deployment in ancestral domain and to finally get rid of communist terrorist group in the countryside.

NCIP press release said that NCIP Regional Director Mumar M. Mamukid viewed the set of 11 building blocks as a “powerful tool in uniting the indigenous peoples as they final-

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By MAYA M. PADILLO

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he signing of the deal between the Philippine government and China signified the commencement of construction of the long-planned Samal Island-Davao City (SIDC) Connector Project will soon commence.

Chinese Ambassador to the Philippines Huang Xilian shared online that he exchanged with Finance Secretary Carlos Dominguez the signed Framework Agreement and Loan Agreement for the project on Monday.

Xilian wrote that the

Chinese government will provide a concessional loan of approximately 350 million US dollars to the Philippine government to finance the project.

The loan negotiation between the DOF and the Chinese government was among the hurdles for the

start of the implementation of the project.

“This project will break ground before long. Look forward to seeing the long-awaited cross-sea bridge turning from a vision into a reality,” Xilian wrote.

He also said that during the construction, thousands of jobs would be created, contributing to local economic recovery and improving people’s livelihood.

In January last year, the Department of Pub-

lic Works and Highways (DPWH) signed a P19.32-billion contract with a Chinese firm for the design and construction of the bridge.

Once completed, the bridge, which is a twoway four-lane 3.86-km, is expected to provide a resilient and reliable transportation link between Davao City and Samal Island, improved transportation efficiency, promote internal mobility, and stimulate tourism potential.

nay na sila og wrap-up sa atoang vaccine hubs and mubalhin dinha sa atoang mga health centers para mahimong semi-permanent ang availability sa atoang mga bakuna sa atoang health centers,” she said over Davao City Disaster Radio (DCDR) on Monday.

The city government of Davao announced through its Facebook Page that the Crocodile Park Drive-Th-

ru Vaccination is currently open weekly, Monday through Saturday for those who want to get vaccinated.

There is a special lane for taxis, buses, jeepneys, vans, motorcycle/habal-habal drivers at the vaccination site.

It also announced that the People’s Park Walk-in and Drive-Thru Vaccination is open weekly, Monday through Saturday for those

who want to get vaccinated.

Mayor Sara also assured that the mobile vaccination will continue.

According to the mayor, bared that as of June 10, 2022, a total of 1,336,961 Dabawenyos received their first dose while 1,318, 682 received their second dose while 269,057 received the first booster shot only 20, 828 got their second booster shot. By Maya M. Padillo

Sara orders Covid TF to close out vax hubs

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ice President-elect Mayor Sara Duterte-Carpio has instructed the Davao City Covid-19 Task Force to wrap up all vaccination hubs in Davao City and continue the vaccination for Covid-19 and make the availability of the vaccines semi-permanent at the district health centers.

“Akoa na silang gi-instructionan na maghinay-hi-

4 VANTAGE EDGEDAVAO

VOL.15 ISSUE 53 • WEDNESDAY, JUNE 15, 2022

In expressing his support for President-elect Ferdinand Marcos Jr.’s plan to set a stimulus package in the 2023 national budget:

I urge everyone to unite and help the incoming administration. Let us come together and work for our country to be able to overcome these economic woes and adversities.”

REP. ISIDRO UNGAB

Third District, Davao City Deputy House Speaker

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EDGEDAVAO

VOL.15 ISSUE 53 • WEDNESDAY, JUNE 15, 2022

VANTAGE POINTS

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HENRYLITO D. TACIO THINK ON THESE!

WETLANDS OF INTERNATIONAL IMPORTANCE SOON EIGHT In the Philippines, there are seven wetlands of international importance; these are Agusan Marsh Wildlife Sanctuary, Las Pinas Paranaque Critical Habitat and Ecotourism Area, Naujan Lake National Park, Negros Occidental Coastal Wetlands Conservation Area, Olango Island Wildlife Sanctuary, Puerto Princesa Subterranean River National Park, and Tubbataha Reefs Natural Park.

The figure may go up to eight as the government is nominating the Sibugay Coastal Wetlands to the Ramsar List of Wetlands of International Importance as part of conserving its rich biodiversity and the cultural heritage of Zamboanga Sibugay’s Subanens and other ethnic tribes.

The inclusion of Sibugay Coastal Wetlands will “protect its rich wildlife which is home to 53 waterbird species – 37 migratory waterbirds and 11 threatened migratory waterbirds,” said a press statement issued by the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR).

Right now, DENR is completing in the second quarter of 2022 the project “Establishing Knowledge on the International Importance of Sibugay

Wetlands: A Means to Enhance Wise Use of the Proposed Ramsar Site.”

Sibugay Wetlands, which has a total area of 187,000 hectares – has been extensively planted with mangroves totaling 5,155 hectares. It has mudflats (bay mud) spanning 1,607 hectares.

“The mangrove forest plays a major role in the productivity of the wetland, especially for fisheries as well as roosting sites for the largest flying fox population,” said DENR wildlife experts. “Sibugay Wetlands serves as a staging, roosting, foraging and breeding grounds for various waterbirds including migratory species.”

As part of the conservation plan, DENR will empower the local communities on the sustainable use of the wetland and its resources thereby giving them livelihood to keep them away from destroying such environmental wonders.

“The bay supports fishing and other marine related livelihood which serves as the main source of subsistence for most of the coastal barangays,” the environment department said.

Paul A. Keddy, author of Wetland Ecology: Principles and Conservation, defines

wetland as “an ecosystem that arises when inundation by water produces soil dominated by anaerobic processes which, in turn, forces the biota, particularly rooted plants, to adapt to flooding.”

A patch of land that develops pools of water after a rain storm would not be considered a “wetland,” even though the land is wet. Specifically, wetlands are characterized as having a water table that stands at or near the land surface for a long period each year to support aquatic plants.

Under the Ramsar international wetland conservation treaty, wetlands are defined as follows: Article 1.1: “… wetlands are areas of marsh, fen, peatland or water, whether natural or artificial, permanent or temporary, with water that is static or flowing, fresh, brackish or salt, including areas of marine water the depth of which at low tide does not exceed six meters.”

Article 2.2: “(Wetlands) may incorporate riparian and coastal zones adjacent to the wetlands, and islands or bodies of marine water deeper than six meters at low tide lying within the wetlands.”

In simpler terms, wetlands occur where water meets land.

They include mangroves, peatlands and marshes, rivers and lakes, deltas, floodplains and flooded forests, rice-fields, and even coral reefs.

The Ramsar Convention is an intergovernmental treaty that provides the framework for national action and international cooperation for the conservation and wise of wetlands and their resources.

The DENR’s Biodiversity Management Bureau (BMB) states the first basic function of wetlands is that they ensure freshwater for all people. “Wetlands provide us with drinking water,” it points out.

Wetlands also filter harmful waste from water. “Eighty percent of wastewater is discharged into the natural environment without any form of treatment,” says BMB. “The abundant plant life in wetlands absorbs waste, which helps purify water.”

Unknown to many, wetlands are nature’s shock absorbers. “Wetlands are a natural buffer during extreme weather. They store heavy rainfall during storms, which reduces flooding and delays the onset of droughts,” BMB

states.

The wetlands are very important when it comes to biodiversity. “Wetlands are home to more than 100,000 freshwater species,” BMB says.

“They are essential for many amphibians, reptiles and migratory birds.”

Wetlands also guarantee food supply. “Wetlands provide important food products like fish and rice,” BMB says. Fish and rice are the country’s staple food.

Wetlands may also be important sources of renewable energy. Its role when it comes to the problem of climate change also cannot be ignored as they store carbon.

“Peatlands alone hold 30% of all carbon stored on land,” experts claim. “This is twice the amount stored in the world’s forests, providing resilience against climate change.”

Despite their myriad uses, wetlands are not given much prominence. They are neglected and not given importance.

“Encroachment on, or loss of, wetlands can cause serious environmental damage to the ecosystem, so they should be restored and rehabilitated when possible,” the DENR suggested.

ANTONIO V. FIGUEROA FAST BACKWARD

REVISITING SAN PEDRO CHURCH Deemed as one of Davao City’s famous historical landmarks, the Metropolitan Church of Saint Peter, also known as San Pedro Cathedral, dates its origin to 1848.

The first makeshift chapel, dedicated to San Pedro, Roman Catholicism’s first pope, was built in its present location after the Moro village of Datu Bago at the mouth of Davao River fell in the hands of the Spanish-led expedition of Don Jose Oyanguren y Cruz.

The church, originally constructed from timber and light materials such as bamboo, nipa, rattan, and coconut fronds, was organized into a parish with the assignment of a Recollect priest from Surigao as first cura parroco. For over two decades, the congregation administered the affairs of the growing church until it was replaced by the Jesuits

in 1860.

The physical development of the church grew as the number of converts appreciated. When the Americans arrived, it remained under Jesuit direction with new wooden edifices, including a convent for the sisters of the Religious of the Virgin Mary and classrooms of Es-cuela Catolica de San Pedro (now University of Immaculate Conception, UIC), being erected in the compound.

The first structural modification of the church did not happen until the Commonwealth era under Ramon Basa, the first architect in Davao, who had just migrated to the city, lured by the slogan of a Mindanao that was pitched in Manila as a promised land.

Basa’s remodeled house of worship resembled the old classical design. The main building that hosted the entrance was

flanked by two triangle-capped belfries with spires at the top.

The central edifice has a cross perched on the triangular roof while under it was rectangular ventilation, a circular mosaic décor, and two windows looking like Ten Commandments tablets.

Basa, in 1973, was bestowed the Datu Bago Award.

As a result of the damage inflicted by the war, the church had to be rehabilitated. It was not until 1964 that the remodeling took place. Despite fund shortfall and the trickle of dona-tions coming in, Manuel Chiew, Davao’s eminent architect, accepted the job pro bono. He de-signed a concrete modern church that in the past decades would become a poster photo for Davao City.

Chiew’s church design reflects the amalgam of Christian and Muslim culture and her-

it-age. The roof, nicely planned to look like a vinta’s prow that is afloat on a waterbody with a cross at the fore, irrefutably fuses two, at times conflicting, beliefs through inspiring symbol-ism.

The blueprint also integrates what he advocated as ‘provincial Filipino architecture.’

(Erroneously, some sources attribute the iconic design of San Pedro Cathedral to national artist Leandro V. Locsin whose principal work in Davao City is Davao Insular Waterfront Hotel.)

Online accounts, interestingly, claim the cathedral is a ‘national cultural treasure’ but the official list of the National Historical Commission of the Philippines (NHCP) for that category does not mention it. Even the list of ‘cultural properties’ does not include the structure.

Today, the church premises or compound is host to other

structures. To its left is the old UIC edifice (that used to host stage plays), now used as the parish office and the rectory. Meanwhile, below the church floor is a crypt or burial ground chiefly used for prelates.

To the rightmost section of the church grounds is a belfry that originally hosted a church bell from Spain donated by a Davao bishop’s brother-in-law.

At the bosom of the campanile is Pieta, an iconic sculpture of the grief-stricken Blessed Virgin Mary depicting the body of Jesus on her lap. Another belltower feature is the replica of the two biblical tablets of the Ten Commandments.

Moreover, the cathedral also hosts bye-altars on either side of the main worship area. Al-so known as side-altars, these are preferred places for the display of venerated icons.

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Workers remove husks from coconuts before scraping the meat for copra production in the hinterland Barangay Kabacsanan in Iligan City on Sunday, 12 June 2022. MindaNews photo by BOBBY TIMON-

Dabawenyos told to report overpricing amid price hike

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n the wake of the significant price increase of basic goods this year, the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) Region XI advised Davao City consumers to report retailers that are exploiting the price hike by going beyond the department’s suggested retail prices (SRPs).

The price hike on January 27 and May 11, 2022 were implemented to make up for the price freeze last year due to the pandemic, and to cope with the global rise in production and transportation costs brought about by the Russo-Ukraine conflict. This prompted the DTI to implement higher SRPs for basic necessities and prime commodities, said DTI Davao City Field Director Rachel Remitio in an interview

during the Madayaw Davao Program aired over the Davao City Disaster Radio on Monday. She said that some basic goods prices increased by 2-5% but others, like table salt, increased by 7-10%, resulting in an average of 7% price increase on all basic goods.

Basic goods, classified as basic necessities and prime commodities by the DTI, include canned goods, bread, instant noodles, coffee, soap, salt and oth-

er condiments. These are subject to stringent factory gate pricing and close SRP monitoring once they hit the shelves, as mandated by Republic Act No. 7581 also known as the Price Act. According to Director Remitio, all retailers and business establishments in Davao City that carry 80% of all 218 items listed as basic necessities and prime commodities are monitored by the DTI Davao City Field office three times a week.

Remitio admitted that despite their efforts, cases of retailer overpricing remain rampant.

“Gina-intensify gyud namo ang amoang price-monitoring activities kay tungod every time we do monitoring naa gyud mi’y makita na mga paglabag sa atoang Price Act,

meaning nilapas gyud ang mga gimonitor nga establishment sa suggested retail prices (We are intensifying our price-monitoring activities because each time we do monitoring inspections we still find violators to our Price Act, which means they are selling basic goods beyond the suggested retail prices),” Remitio said.

To help establish price stability in the city, the Davao City DTI Field Office urged Dabawenyos to practice consumer awareness by staying informed of DTI’s SRPs for basic goods and reporting cases of noncompliance. Remitio invited consumers to access DTI’s nationwide bulletin of SRP for basic necessities and prime commodities online through the e-Presyo website.

percent year-on-year as of end-April this year.

“The BSP expects further improvement, not deterioration, in the banking system’s asset quality in view of favorable market conditions, easing restrictions, and positive consumer and business sentiment,” he said.

He said U/KBs re-

mained the prime mover of the country’s banking system, with the loans it extended accounted for around 93.6 percent of the total; investing at 96.3 percent; and deposit-taking activities at 94.1 percent as of end-April this year.

He said the country’s financial system continues to be bank-centric since the

banking sector accounts for about 82.7 percent of the financial system’s resources as of the first quarter this year.

He said more than half of U/KBs total assets are in the form of loans, net of allowance for credit losses, and followed by investment portfolios and cash as well as those due from banks.

Firmer PH banking system asset quality eyed by BSP

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sset quality of the Philippine banking system is seen to strengthen further as market conditions improve, Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP) Governor Benjamin Diokno said on Monday.

In a virtual briefing, Diokno said total assets of the universal and commercial banks (U/KBs) rose by 8.2

Over 1M rice farmers receive P8.2B assistance via DBP, Landbank: DA

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he Land Bank of the Philippines (Landbank) and the Development of the Philippines (DBP) have facilitated the distribution of over PHP8.2 billion for the PHP5,000 in direct and unconditional cash aid each to over 1 million qualified small palay farmers from 2019 to 2021, according to data from the Department of Agriculture (DA).

These two state financial institutions distributed the cash aid as part of the Rice Farmers Financial Assistance Program (RFFA) of the DA under the Rice Tariffication Law (RTL), or Republic Act 11203.

Farmer-beneficiaries receiving the PHP5,000 cash aid should be registered in the Registry System for the Basic Sectors in Agriculture (RSBSA).

Under RA 11203, rice import tariffs in excess of the PHP10 billion earmarked annually for the Rice Competitiveness Enhancement Fund (RCEF) could be used to provide financial assistance to palay growers, among other pos-

sible options.

The law also mandated that all rice tariffs in excess of PHP10 billion must be used solely for financial assistance until 2024 to farmers each tilling 2 hectares (ha) or below.

“The Rice Tariffication Law has achieved its dual goal of bringing down retail rice prices while helping farmers improve productivity through the Rice Competitiveness Enhancement Fund,” Finance Secretary Carlos Dominguez III said in a statement Monday.

In 2019, the year when the RTL began implementation, the BOC certified an excess in rice tariff collection of about PHP2.135 billion.

This amount rose to PHP5.5 billion in excess collections in 2020 and to PHP8.9 billion in 2021, when the BOC was able to collect PHP18.9 billion from rice shipments entering the country.

From March 2019 to 2021, the BOC collected a total of PHP46.6 billion in rice import duties.

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ECONOMY A2

A farmer prepares rice seedlings for transplanting in the municipality of Maitum in Sarangani province on Monday (13 June 2022). MindaNews photo by MANMAN DEJETO

ADB vows to help Marcos admin in Build, Build, Build Universal, comm’l banks’ growth supports PH financing needs

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niversal and commercial banks (U/KBs) in the Philippines sustained their growth and continued to support the country’s financing requirements, according to the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP).

“Key U/KB performance indicators showed a steady rise in assets, loans, and deposits, and sustained profitability with ample credit loss reserves, sufficient liquidity and capital buffers,” BSP Governor Benjamin Diokno said in a statement.

U/KB assets grew by 8.2 percent year-on-year (YoY) to PHP19.4 trillion at endApril 2022, higher than the 4-percent growth posted a year ago. The growth was financed mainly by deposits, which rose by 8.7 percent during the same period.

The total loan portfolio, which largely comprised U/ KBs’ assets, went up by 9.8 percent to PHP10.7 trillion at end-April 2022. These loans were extended to productive sectors like real

estate, wholesale and retail trade, and manufacturing.

U/KB credit to micro, small and medium enterprises stood at PHP334.8 billion, while lending to households, including residential real estate, reached PHP1.7 trillion.

Alongside improving economic conditions and credit activity, U/KB loan quality showed signs of recovery as their non-performing loan (NPL) ratio eased to 3.6 percent at endApril 2022 from 3.9 percent a year earlier.

The U/KB industry’s NPL coverage ratio, on the other hand, increased to 95.2 percent in April this year from 87.7 percent during the same month in 2021.

The full implementation of the Financial Institutions Strategic Transfer Act and the extension of effectivity of some of BSP’s credit-related relief measures are seen to provide support to the continued growth in U/ KB lending.

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he Asian Development Bank (ADB) vowed to work closely with the incoming Marcos administration when it comes to infrastructure projects.

ADB president Masatsugu Asakawa paid a courtesy visit on President-elect Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. on Monday wherein they discussed the Build, Build, Build program, a project started by the Duterte administration.

“The ADB is working closely with the government, development partners, and the private sector to support infra investment, including

projects under the Build, Build, Build program, promote sustainable agri development and food security, and invest in Filipinos’ welfare,” Asakawa said in a statement.

“As we prepare our next country partnership strategy for 2024-29, we will be exploring opportunities with the incoming admin’s priorities on climate change action to support a resilient and green economic recovery,

climate smart transportation, and continuing investments in education, vocational skills training, employment programs, health promotion, and social protection,” he added.

Asakawa emphasized that the Philippines is a key partner of the ADB. “We are grateful for the government and the Filipino people for hosting the ADB headquarters for more than five decades and supporting our efforts across the Asia and Pacific region. I assured President-elect Marcos of ADB’s strong

commitment to supporting his administration’s development priorities,” he said.

Marcos has since promised to continue the Build, Build, Build infrastructure initiative of the outgoing administration.

Out of the 119 infrastructure flagship projects (IFP) under the Build, Build, Build program, only 12 were completed to date and additional seven will be completed by June — the last month of the Duterte administration — while 12 more are set to be completed by December 2022.

week.

The flights will be ramped up to daily flights or seven times a week by October 4, 2022.

“We are excited to be able to fly leisure and business travelers to Bali, one of the world’s most spectacular and beloved destinations,” PAL vice president for sales Bud Britanico said in an emailed advisory.

PAL in January announced the appointment of Capt. Stanley K. Ng as its new president and chief operating officer, following the completion of the company’s restructuring.

Ng took over the position vacated by Gilbert Santa Maria, who stepped up as president and COO in 2019.

He led the company’s filing for bankruptcy in the United States in 2021.

PAL to resume Manila-Bali flights next month

P

hilippine Airlines (PAL) will resume flights between Manila and Bali starting July with more flights expected in the following months, in line with the reopening of international travel.

PAL said flights between Manila and the Ngurah Rai International Airport will be scheduled thrice a week starting July 1, leaving Manila at 7:55 p.m. ev-

ery Wednesday, Friday, and Sunday.

The return flights will leave Bali at 5:05 a.m. every Monday, Thursday, and Saturday.

The carrier will add two weekly departing flights from Manila scheduled on Mondays and Saturdays and return flights on Tuesday and Friday starting August 1, increasing the frequencies to five times a

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EDGEDAVAO

EVENT

SEDA ABREEZA MARKS 9 YEARS OF DABAWENYO HOSPITALITY From the moment one is greeted at the front door to the taste of unique dishes served at the hotel restaurant. From the most mundane of details in the bed linens to the tiniest gestures of a morning greeting, a hotel is a microcosm that represents the city or locale.

Seda Abreeza Hotel is one of those special hotels in Durianburg that fully embraced Dabawenyo identity and culture, endearing it to the hearts of locals and travelers alike.

To formally mark nine years of continuous operations and as a gesture of thanksgiving, Seda Abreeza Hotel held an Appreciation Night last April 2. Attending the event was Ayala Hotels President and CEO Javier “Javi” Hernandez, together with many of Durianburg’s business leaders, and hospitality movers and shakers.

In his welcome address, Seda Hotel Area General Manager Kennedy Kapulong stated that “Looking back into the past nine years, I can say that we’ve seen the hotel and the whole Seda Abreeza team successfully evolved and progressed from our humble beginnings to where we are today. It wasn’t an easy task but I am happy to say that, with the cooperation of my team here, the backing from our management company, and your full support we are able to achieve milestones.”

While some hospitality businesses had to wind-down their operations due to the COVID-19 health, Seda Abreeza stayed its course and remained open, providing hospitality services and employment even inn the middle

of the pandemic.

Today, with the health alert now at its lowest possible level, Seda Abreeza Hotel is quick to its feet in bringing back quality services for its valued clients and guests, like its newly reopened Club Lounge which provides guests with a more private environment, with unlimited coffee, tea, and cocktails in the evening.

Never resting on its laurels Already a dining destination on its own right, Seda Abreeza Hotel’s all-day dining restaurant, Misto, made it again to Philippine Tatler’s Best Restaurants Guide for the 5th time.

“For the 5th time, our allday dining restaurant Misto is once again recognized as part of the Best Restaurants Guide of Philippine Tatler for 2022.

Congratulations to our creative and hard-working Culinary Team headed by Chef Jefri Mendoza and our F&B Service Team headed by Jules Melencion” shared Kennedy.

Kennedy also shared the property’s thrust and commitment to environmental sustainability. This includes partnering with Envirotech Recycling Inc., a leading waste management company that reduces plastic waste by converting it into useable items.

Seda Abreeza also partnered with the Philippine Eagle Foundation, transforming the hotel’s lobby into a show-

case featuring our national bird, raising awareness on its plight and the need to save the environment. The hotel also adopted “Mayumi”, one of the Philippine Eagles housed at the Philippine Eagle Foundation Center.

For nine years, through the best and most challenging times, Seda Abreeza Hotel has truly taken root onto the cultural and hospitality fabric of Durianburg. And with more people traveling and eating out, Seda Abreeza is more than ready to welcome guests back again and to share that unique Davao experience for everyone.

VOL.15 ISSUE 53 • WEDNESDAY, JUNE 15, 2022

SPORTS

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Golden State Warriors forward Draymond Green (L) dunks the ball past a defending Boston Celtics center Robert Williams III (R) during the first half of Game 5 of the NBA Finals at the Chase Center in San Francisco, California, USA, 13 June 2022. John Mabanglo, EPA-EFE

Warriors on brink of NBA title

S

AN FRANCISCO -- Andrew Wiggins scored 26 points as the Golden State Warriors battled past the Boston Celtics 104-94 to move within one win of a seventh NBA championship crown on Monday.

With Stephen Curry having a rare off-night after his 43-point game four heroics, Wiggins seized control to lead a balanced Golden State offensive effort which leaves the Warriors 3-2 up in the bestof-seven series.

Wiggins delivered a huge performance at both ends of the Warriors’ Chase Center court, shooting 12-of-23 while hauling in 13 rebounds with two steals and a block.

The Warriors can clinch the championship when the series heads back to Boston for game six on Thursday.

“We have two cracks at getting one win, but we also know how difficult it’s going to be,” Warriors coach Steve

Kerr said.

“Nobody’s celebrating but we are excited to be in this spot and we want to take advantage of it.”

Kerr led the tributes for Wiggins, the Canadian former No.1 draft pick who has steadily become an integral part of the Warriors set-up since joining the franchise two years ago.

“He loves the challenge.

He loves the competition. And he’s found such a crucial role on our team, and I think that empowers him,” Kerr said.

“He knows how much we need him, so he’s been fantastic.”

Wiggins led the Warriors scorers while Klay Thomp-

son provided support with 21 points including five three-pointers. Gary Payton II (15 points) and Jordan Poole (14) both made double-digits from the bench.

Curry, the Warriors’ talisman and front-runner for NBA Finals MVP, chipped in with 16 points but shot only 7-of-22 from the field, going 0/9 from three-point distance.

It was the first time in Curry’s playoff career he has failed to score a three-pointer and the first time he has drawn a blank from beyond the arc in any NBA game since 2018.

“I think Steph was probably due for a game like this,” Kerr said. “But we’ve got a lot of talent and a lot of depth that can make up for that, and the guys did a good job of that tonight.”

Warriors star Draymond Green, who had an improved

defending champion, the door opened for Medvedev to rise again to top spot.

Medvedev is unable to compete at Wimbledon as Russian and Belarusian players have been barred following the Russian invasion of Ukraine. Rankings points, however, will not be awarded.

Zverev climbs to number two for the first time having spent a total of 56 weeks since November 2017 at number three. The German, however, is facing a spell on the sidelines after tearing ligaments in his right ankle during his French Open

semi-final with Nadal.

Djokovic’s grip on the number one ranking had already been weakened by his exclusion earlier in the year, because of Covid regulations, from the Australian Open where he was also the defending champion.

It is the first time since October 2018 that Djokovic is not in the top two.

Rafael Nadal, who beat the Serb at Roland Garros and went on to take the title for the 14th time, stays at number four, now only 245 points behind his great rival.

Djokovic slips to third as Medvedev tops ATP rankings

P

ARIS, France -- Daniil Medvedev returned to the top of the ATP rankings on Monday, ahead of Alexander Zverev, with Novak Djokovic slipping out of the top two for the first time in nearly four years.

The 26-year-old Russian, who was surprisingly beaten by Tim van Rijthoven in the final at ‘s-Hertogenbosch on Sunday, briefly occupied the number one spot for two weeks at the end of February and the beginning of March.

But with Djokovic losing in the quarter-finals at the French Open, where he was

performance despite fouling out in the fourth quarter, said Curry’s display was good news for Golden State.

“He’s going to be livid going into game six, and that’s exactly what we need,” Green said.

- Costly turnovers Jayson Tatum led Boston’s scorers with 27 points while Marcus Smart added 20 and Jaylen Brown 18.

But the Celtics, who effectively marked Curry out of the game for long periods, were left ruing another high turnover count of 18 compared to just six from Golden State.

Boston had threatened to produce a repeat of their stunning game one win in San Francisco during a rampant third quarter display in which they outscored the Warriors 35-24 before fading in the fourth quarter.

Celtics coach Ime Udoka

lamented his team’s inconsistent form from one quarter to the next.

“That’s the thing -- (what) we’re not having throughout a full game is consistent efforts, sustained effort, more so offensively than anything,” Udoka said.

“That’s the part where we got to have carryover, not only game to game but quarter to quarter, where we saw it happened in the third but not the fourth.”

Boston’s electrifying burst of second-half scoring wiped out a 12-point Warriors advantage after the first two quarters.

After a superb Golden State defensive performance in the first half, Boston had been restricted to just 39 points to trail 51-39 at the break.

But the Celtics flipped the switch after the interval, erasing Golden State’s advan-

tage in a matter of minutes with back-to-back Tatum three-pointers to get within two at 51-49.

Smart drained another three soon afterwards to tie the game at 55-55 before Al Horford rained in another triple -– Boston’s eighth straight three-pointer -– to give the Celtics their first lead of the game at 58-55.

Boston would go on to lead by five points at 66-61 -– a 17-point turnaround from half-time -– but the Warriors dug deep to respond.

Poole’s buzzer-beating three-pointer put the Warriors ahead 75-74 heading into the final period.

The Warriors regrouped in the fourth quarter, Wiggins driving home a layup to launch an unanswered 10-0 run by the home team that gave Golden State a hefty 11-point advantage at 85-74.

Daniil Medvedev of Russia in action against Rafael Nadal of Spain during a Mexican Tennis Tournament semifinal match in Acapulco, Mexico, 25 February 2022. File photo. David Guzman, EPA-EFE

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VOL.15 ISSUE 51 • SUNDAY-MONDAY, JUNE 12-13, 2022

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

SECTION 7. WIRES AND CABLES TECHNICAL TEAM - To ensure that the objectives of this Ordinance is attained, the Technical Working Group of this Ordinance shall be the Wires and Cables Technical Team created under Ordinance No. 0152-17, Series of 2017, also known as the Underground Distribution System Project of the City of Davao.

7.A. – FUNCTIONS. – For purposes of this Ordinance, additional functions of the Wires and Cables Technical Team are as follows:

19th City Council 9th Regular Session Series of 2022

7.A.1 The Team shall accept, evaluate and assess the reports of each barangay, and shall monitor compliance.

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

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VOL.15 ISSUE 53 • WEDNESDAY, JUNE 15, 2022

Edgar P. Ibuyan Jr. - 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 R. Ibuyan Sr. Richlyn N. Justol-Baguilod Diosdado Angelo Junior R. Mahipus Rodolfo M. Mande Jaffar U. Marohomsalic Myrna G. L’Dalodo-Ortiz Antoinette G. Principe-Castrodes J. Melchor B. Quitain Jr. Alberto T. Ungab Mary Joselle D. Villafuerte Jesus Joseph P. Zozobrado III

ABSENT: Vice Mayor Sebastian Z. Duterte Councilor Pamela A. Librado-Morata Councilor Bonifacio E. Militar

- On Official Business - On Domestic Emergency Leave

- On Sick Leave

ORDINANCE NO. 0898-22 Series of 2022 AN ORDINANCE REGULATING THE MAINTENANCE OF IDLE POLES AND ABANDONED WIRES AND CABLES IN THE CITY OF DAVAO Be it ordained by the Sangguniang Panlungsod of Davao City in session assembled, that: SECTION 1. TITLE - This Ordinance shall be known as “AN ORDINANCE REGULATING THE MAINTENANCE OF IDLE POLES AND ABANDONED WIRES AND CABLES IN THE CITY OF DAVAO. SECTION 2. DECLARATION OF POLICY – Along some streets of Davao City are untidily scattered with idle poles, strewn with abandoned and unused wires, cables and unbundled or nonfunctional overhead electrical wires and communication cables that not only present unpleasant sight and view but also posing hazard to persons and properties. This Ordinance aims to regulate the maintenance of abandoned wires, cables and poles considered as nuisance within the City. This will create a safe and clean environment for individuals protecting them from harm or injury that may be caused by abandoned wires, cables and poles.

SECTION 3. DEFINITION OF TERMS – For purposes of this Ordinance, the following terms are defined: 3.1 Abandoned wires – refer to wires and cables installed and serving no purpose; 3.2 Barangay Inventory-refers to the inventory submitted by the barangay consisting of a list of all abandoned wires, cables and idle poles within their jurisdiction, with actual pictures of the colorcoded wires, pole number and exact location; 3.3 Cable- an assembly of one or more insulated conductors or optical fibers within an enveloping sheath that supply electricity or telecommunications signals; 3.4 Color-coded wires – refer to wires and cables marked with certain colors that identify the ownership of such wires;

7.A.2 The Team shall recommend issuances of citation tickets, and the removal of nuisance wires and poles.

7.A.3 The Team shall formulate the Implementing Rules and Regulations of this Ordinance.

7.A.4 The Team shall meet at least once a month for purposes of complying with the functions enumerated under this Ordinance.

7.B COMPOSITION. – Aside from the existing composition of the Wires and Cables Technical Team, additional members shall be as follows: 7.B.1 Chairperson, Committee on Information Technology 7.B.2 Chairperson, Committee on Public Safety 7.B.3 Officer in Charge, Ancillary Services Unit 7.B.4 Representative of CONVERGE 7.B.5 Liga ng Barangay President SECTION 8. TRANSITORY PROVISION – The City Government of Davao, Telecommunication Companies, and Davao Light and Power Company shall jointly enter into an agreement of similar instrument to stipulate such terms and conditions for the removal and maintenance of existing structures established before the effectivity of this Ordinance.

SECTION 9. IMPLEMENTING RULES AND REGULATIONS – Within three (3) months after the effectivity of this Ordinance, the Wires and Cables Technical Team shall formulate rules and regulations for the effective implementation of this Ordinance. This Ordinance shall remain effective even in the absence of an IRR. SECTION 10. PENALTY – Any person who fails to submit to the requirements of this Ordinance shall be penalized as follows: 10.1 First Offense – Notice of Violation; 10.2 Second Offense – if no action has been made after 30 days of notice of violation, a fine of Five Thousand Pesos (Php5,000.00) per pole and abandoned wire; 10.3 Third Offense – if no action has been made after 30 days of the second offense, a fine of Five Thousand Pesos (Php5,000.00) per pole and removal of abandoned wire, and revocation of business license and permit.

If the violation is committed by a partnership, corporation, association, cooperative, or firm, the penalty shall be imposed on the president or general manager thereof.

SECTION 11. ORDINANCE VIOLATION RECEIPT OR CITATION TICKET – An Ordinance Violation Receipt, otherwise known as a “Citation Ticket” shall be issued to the violators of this Ordinance. The Citation Ticket shall state the name and address of the violator, the specific violation committed and the provisions of the succeeding Section on the “No Contest Provision.”

If the violation of this Ordinance is deemed to have been committed by a corporation, partnership or juridical entity, duly recognized in accordance with law, the chief executive officer, president, general manager, managing partner, or such other officer-in-charge, if known, shall be cited for the commission of the offense.

SECTION 12. NO CONTEST PROVISION – Any person cited for violation of this Ordinance, who does not wish to contest the violation and is willing to pay voluntarily the fine imposed upon him or her under this Ordinance prior to the filing of a formal complaint before the Office of the City Prosecutor shall be allowed to pay said fine with the City Treasurer’s Office to avoid being criminally prosecuted. The availment of the “No Contest Provision” shall exempt an individual from criminal liability under this Ordinance.

For this purpose, the City Legal Office and the City Treasurer’s Office shall provide the procedure for the availment of the “No Contest Provision” and establish a case inventory and recording system for all violations of this Ordinance.

3.5 Idle poles – refer to all poles installed which are no longer in use or dilapidated;

Provided, that if a violator has already availed of the “No Contest Provision”, he or she can no longer avail of the same; and the corresponding complaint for any violation of this Ordinance shall be immediately filed.

3.6 Incident Report – refers to the report issued by the Wires and Cables Technical Team after a priority-tagging of the Barangay inventory;

SECTION 13. REPEALING CLAUSE – The provisions of any ordinance, resolution, order, rules and regulations that are inconsistent with this Ordinance are hereby repealed, modified or amended accordingly.

3.7 Nuisance – refers to any act, omission, establishment, business, condition of property, or anything else which injures or endangers the health or safety of others;

SECTION 14. SEPARABILITY CLAUSE – If, for any reason, any section or provision of this Ordinance shall be declared unconstitutional or invalid, no other sections of provisions shall be affected thereby.

3.8 Overhead Lines – all kinds of wires and cables installed overhead;

SECTION 15. EFFECTIVITY - This Ordinance shall take effect after thirty (30) days following its approval and publication in a newspaper of local circulation consistent with the provisions of the Local Government Code.

3.9 Pole – refers to utility poles or columns used to support attachments for all kinds of overhead lines, cables and accessories.

SECTION 4. GUIDELINES AND REGULATED ACTS – The following acts shall be observed in the implementation of this Ordinance:

ENACTED, March 2, 2022, by a unanimous vote of all the Members of the Sanggunian present, there being a quorum.

CERTIFIED CORRECT:

4.1 Removal of Abandoned Wires and Idle Poles – Abandoned wires and idle poles that are considered as nuisance must be removed within thirty (30) days from receipt of a written notice. Any wire or cable that is not removed on the 3rd offense shall be removed by the Ancillary Services Unit subject to the permission of the Wires and Cables Technical Team.

4.2 Bundling of Wires and Cables – Loose, unbundled or cluttered wires, and cables that are still in service shall be bundled or bound together to form a single unit by the use of zip tie, tie wire or by lashing, or by the use of any other strong and safe material.

An Incident Report must be filed with the Wires and Cables Technical Team. Violations under this Ordinance must be treated per Incident Report.

Failure to observe the abovementioned acts shall be a violation of this Ordinance and shall be penalized accordingly.

For in the absence of the Secretary: ATTESTED:

MA. THERESA A. REYES Acting Secretary to the Sangguniang Panlungsod (Local Legislative Staff Officer IV)

EDGAR P. IBUYAN JR. President Pro Tempore Temporary Presiding Officer cns/ray

MARCH 25 APPROVED : ________________, 2022

For this purpose, the barangay shall be informed prior to any installation of wires and cables within their jurisdiction.

SECTION 5. COVERAGE AND IMPLEMENTATION – This Ordinance shall cover all areas within Davao City EXCEPT areas covered by the Underground Distribution System Project of the City of Davao.

SECTION 6. INVENTORY OF ALL ABANDONED WIRES, CABLES AND IDLE POLES – Each barangay must submit an inventory together with the actual pictures with its color-coded wires, pole number and the exact location of all abandoned wires, lines and idle poles within their jurisdiction to the Wires and Cables Technical Team.

AN ORDINANCE REGULATING THE MAINTENANCE OF IDLE POLES AND ABANDONED WIRES AND CABLES IN THE CITY OF DAVAO

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SLAPPED... FROM2

present in a live interview or press conference held thru a Zoom platform. The said online conference was posted on his verified Facebook page entitled: “Press Conference: Response to Sara Duterte and Bongbong Marcos Camps”.

During the published interview, Bello said, among other things, the following statements: “Mayor Duterte’s Press information Officer, Jefry Tupas, was nabbed at a beach party where she and her friends were snorting 1.5 million pesos worth of drugs on November 6, 2021. Now, the Mayor’s excuse that she did not know that she was sheltering a drug dealer does not wash, it is not credibie.”

Tupas claimed that the statements made and posted by Bello are “utterly false” and that he had never been nabbed or arrested at any beach party.

Tupas also claimed he was also never charged, much less convicted, of any drug-related case. He also never “snorted 1.5 million pesos worth of drugs” and claimed that he was not and has never been a drug dealer.

Bello thru his Facebook account shared an article published on a Facebook page named ‘Walden Bello” under url: https:/www. facebook. com/ WaldenBelloOficial and captioned the same stating “Davao City-Another award: Best Hideout for No-show in National Debates’.

Based on the reso-

lution, considering the manner how the statements were conveyed, as shown on the published online content (video), it would show that Bello (respondent) was imputing to the listeners or the attendees of the virtual forum that he was certain of his allegations against herein complainant as a drug dealer. The said imputations, however, were found to be incorrect based on the statements of the complainant’s witnesses.

It also stated that a perusal of the various news articles presented shows no inform 4/7 that the complainant was described as a drug dealer nor was the latter was nabbed or apprehended for being one.

It also stated that the pieces of evidence presented sufficiently establish “user attribution”.

“The Facebook page named “Walden Bello”, which published the subject article is noted to have been verified by Facebook or Meta, itself, as shown by the blue verified badge indicated at that end of the respondent’s name. The presence of the said badge indicates that the page is an authentic profile of respondent Walden Bello,” it said.

The resolution said this shows that Bello, as a verified owner of the page maintains the exclusive control of whatever articles or contents are published therein.

ly put an end to the injustices inflicted against them since time immemorial.”

He was referring to Registration and Accreditation of Indigenous Peoples Organization (IPO), CADT/CALT (certificate of ancestral domain title/ certificate of ancestral land title) Delineation Process; Establishment of ADMO; ADSDPP (Ancestral Domain Sustainable Development and Protection Plan) Formulation; IP Wealth Management-CRMDP (Community Resource Development and Management Plan) Formulation; Institutionalization of CP (certificate of precondition: FPIC (free prior informed consent) & EPR (exercising priority rights); Effective IPMR in the Local Legislative Bodies; Efficient & Enhanced MOA/MOU/ MOC Formulation; Socio-Economic Activities with IP Cooperatives; Ancestral Domain Defense System.

Present during the workshop were the officers of Indigenous Political Structure (IPSs), Indigenous Peoples Mandatory Representatives (IPMRs), IP-EP, and IP Youth, the 1001st Infantry Brigade (Inf Bde), 25th Infantry Battalion (25IB), 28IB, 60IB, and the 10th Civil Military Operations (CMO) Battalion of the Philippine Army,

and the Police Regional Office (PRO) XI. In particular, present indigenous cultural communities are the Mansaka Indigenous Cultural Communities/Indigenous Peoples (ICCs/ IPs) of the Municipalities of Maragusan, Nabunturan, Mawab, Maco, Mabini, and Pantukan; Kagan ICCs/IPs of the Municipalities of Maco, Mabini, and Pantukan; Dibabawon ICCs/IPs of Laak; Dibabawon-Mangguangan ICCs/IPs of Montevista; Mangguangan, Manobo, Dibabawon, and Mandaya ICCs/IPs of Monkayo; and Mansaka-Mandaya ICCs/ IPs of the Municipalities of Compostela and New Bataan.

Other IP participants were from Davao del Norte. They were the Mandaya, Dibabawon, Kalagan, and Manguangan ICCs/IPs of Asuncion; Manguangan ICCs/ IPs of New Corella; Dibabawon, Mandaya, and Manobo ICCs/IPs of San Isidro; Mandaya and Mansaka ICCs/IPs of Tagum City; Ata, Manobo, and Mandaya ICCs/IPs of Kapalong; and Kalagan ICCs/IPs of Panabo City.

There were participants also from Agusan del Sur: the Manobo ICCs/IPs of Sta. Josefa, Veruela, Loreto, and La Paz. (PIA XI/ Jeanevive Duron-Abangan with reports from NCIP)

NCIP... FROM3

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LANDBANK, SSS INK PARTNERSHIP FOR DIGITAL PAY-OUT AND COLLECTION The Land Bank of the Philippines (LANDBANK) and the Social Security System (SSS) have signed a Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) for a safer and more convenient disbursement and payment collection for SSS members, employers, pensioners, and claimants.

Under the Agreement, the SSS will be utilizing LANDBANK’s Bulk Credit System (LBCS) and the Link.BizPortal digital platforms to ensure the timely delivery of social assistance to local and overseas Filipino workers and their beneficiaries.

LANDBANK President and CEO Cecilia C. Borromeo and SSS President and

CEO Michael Regino led the signing of the MOA on 01 June 2022 at the LANDBANK Plaza, Manila.

“Our collaboration today is timely and relevant as we continue to leverage on technology to meet the growing demand for digital payments and financial solutions. Our combined efforts will ensure the delivery of convenient and uninterrupted service to SSS members nationwide,” said LANDBANK President and CEO Borromeo.

Through this partnership, LANDBANK will facilitate the electronic bulk disbursements of retirement funds, benefits, and investments to qualified

SSS payees through the LBCS. This will be coursed via PESONet, InstaPay, or the LANDBANK Crediting Facility for the timely crediting of SSS pay-outs.

The SSS will also integrate their Electronic Collection Service to the LANDBANK Link.BizPortal for real-time posting of contributions including loans, PESO funds, and other fees from their members.

The LANDBANK Link.

BizPortal is a web-based payment channel that allows clients to pay for products and services online to over 870 private and government partner merchants nationwide.

With this initiative,

the SSS joins the roster of 550 national government agencies supported by the LANDBANK Link.BizPortal.

These include the Philippine National Police (PNP), Bureau of Internal Revenue (BIR), Department of Health (DOH), Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE), Department of Science and Technology (DOST), and the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI), among others.

This partnership forms part of LANDBANK’s expanded mandate of serving the nation, which includes the promotion and adoption of digital payments for the advancement of financial inclusion in the country.

(30) days which will cover primary education of the five (5) sitios in Tagugpo.

Right after, a Salugpungan school in Sitio Maligaya, whose operation stopped in 2018 was demolished last January this year.

Further, the turn-over ceremony were attended

by Governor Tyron Uy, together with partners from the PNP, AFP, and DILG. “Ang susi sa kalambuan sa atong probinsya mao ang kalinaw,” said Governor Tyron Uy, “Hopefully atong mahimong zero ang insurgency dinhi sa atung probinsya, kay mao na ang

akong pangandoy sukad 2016 isip inyung gobernador and that is my commitment sa pagpanerbisyo,” he added.

Davao de Oro has only one (1) remaining guerilla front, from eleven (11) fronts way-back 2016, a major decrease in insurgency

as a result of the collective efforts of the provincial government and partner agencies. The series of turn-overs for the BDP funded projects in the province will continue in the upcoming days. (PR/ Jasteen Abella, PAO IPRD, photos by G. Mativo and J. Cadiz)

FMR... FROM2

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Gilas clips Kuwait in FIBA U16 Asia tilt

G

ilas Pilipinas whipped Kuwait early Tuesday (Philippine Time), 82-45, to score its first win in the FIBA U16 Asian Championship at the Al-Gharafa Sports Club Multi-Purpose Hall in Doha.

Gilas never wasted time in stomping its dominance and raced to a 25-9 lead at the end of the first quarter, and they never looked back from there.

Zain Mahmood led Gilas with 16 points on 5-of-7 field goals, five rebounds, two steals, and one block, while Jared Bahay added 12

points, eight rebounds, six assists, and three steals.

Gilas will play Japan later Tuesday for an outright quarterfinal spot.

Adel Al-Saied made 12 markers, nine boards, two dimes, and two steals for Kuwait, which fell to 0-2 in Group C action. (PNA)

Zain Mahmood faces two defenders in Gilas’ 82-45 victory over Kuwait in the 2022 FIBA U16 Asian Championships at the Al-Gharafa Sports Club Multi-Purpose Hall in Doha Qatar (Photo from FIBA)