Edge Davao Vol. 15 Issue 67 | Friday, July 1, 2022

EDGEDAVAO Serving a seamless society

GLORIOUS ERA SPORTS P 12

DIGONG IS BACK HOME

VOL.15 ISSUE 67 • FRIDAY, JULY 1, 2022

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President Rodrigo Duterte bows out on a high note as he got a 75 percent performance rating from the Filipinos, based on the latest survey, which made him the most trusted Chief Executive of the country in recent memory.

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PRRD steps down, warmly welcomed by Dabawenyos STORY ON PAGE 2

2 NEWS EDGEDAVAO

VOL.15 ISSUE 67 • FRIDAY, JULY 1, 2022

Outgoing President Rodrigo Duterte greets President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. during the arrival of the latter at the Malacañang Palace before his oath taking and inauguration as the 17th President of the Republic of the Philippines on Thursday. PNA

DIGONG IS BACK HOME PRRD steps down, warmly welcomed by Dabawenyos

By MAYA M. PADILLO

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odrigo Duterte stepped out of Malacanang Palace at noon on June 30, 2022, for the last time as President of the Republic of the Philippines.

Based on the footage shared by the Presidential Broadcast Staff Radio Television Malacañang, the palace was overwhelmed with various emotions from

the employees, outgoing Cabinet Secretaries and uniformed officials as they watched their former boss exited following the departure honors given to him.

However, Duterte left the Palace fulfilled as he stepped down maintaining a high approval rating during his six years in office.

Based on the latest Publicus Asia Pahayag Second Quarter 2022 Survey, the outgoing President is the most popular Chief Executive at the end of his term with a 75 percent approval

rating and 69 percent trust rating.

Across different socio-economic classes, Duterte got his highest approval rating among classes ABC with 77 percent, followed

by Class D with 73 percent, and Class E with 72 percent.

“Having said this, we express our deep gratitude

FDIGONG, P10

DOH-11 cites LGUs for ‘best’ Covid-19 management, vaccine program

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he Department of Health in Davao Region (DOH-11) acknowledged Wednesday various local government units (LGUs) in the region for “exceptional efforts” in coronavirus disease 2019 (Covid-19) management as well as vaccination implementation.

DOH-11 Director Dr. Annabelle Yumang said the recognized areas for best

Covid-19 management efforts included Caraga town in Davao Oriental (Best Pediatric and A2 Senior Citizen Vaccination); Tarragona, Davao Oriental (Best A3 Individuals with Comorbidities Vaccination); and Mati City, Davao Oriental (Best Last Mile Implementation).

Also, Padada town in Davao del Sur was cited as the Best in Strategic Implementation; the Island Gar-

den City of Samal in Davao del Norte for Best Vaccine Handling; and Davao City as the Most Innovative and Highest Eligible Population Fully Vaccinated.

For provinces, Davao Occidental was cited as Most Consistent; Davao del Sur - Most Resilient; Davao Oriental - Most Excellent in Multisectoral Collaboration; Davao del Norte - Best in Logistics Management;

and Davao de Oro - Best in Delivery Strategies on hard to reach areas.

Yumang said the gains in the fight against Covid-19 can be attributed to the unity among local government units and community partners in the public and private sectors.

“The fight against Covid-19 is not on DOH alone. Partners and people

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Marcos Jr. sworn in as 17th President of PH

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erdinand Romualdez “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. took oath as the 17th President of the Republic of the Philippines, with a promise of promoting unity and bringing progress to the country.

Marcos, the son of the late former President Ferdinand Edralin Marcos Sr., was sworn in by Supreme Court Chief Justice Alexander Gesmundo at the National Museum of the Philippines in the City of Manila.

In his inaugural ad-

dress, Marcos vowed to fulfill his mandate to serve and protect fellow Filipinos.

“This is a historic moment for us all,” he said.

“You picked me to be your servant to enable changes to benefit all. I fully understand the gravity of the responsibility that you have put on my shoulders. I do not take it lightly, but I am ready for the task,” he said.

Marcos, donning a rayadillo-inspired barong made by multi-awarded designer Pepito Albert, opted for a

FMARCOS, P10

Mendoza extends cash aid to USM-Kidapawan students

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overnor Emmylou “Lala” Taliño-Mendoza led the distribution of cash assistance to at least 57 students of the University of Southern Mindanao-Kidapawan City campus on June 28, 2022.

The cash assistance was through the “Tulong Dunong” scholarship of the Commission on Higher Education (CHED), which aims to support Filipino college students with financial aid needed to pursue

their academic dreams.

The distribution was in partnership with the Trade Union Congress of the Philippines (TUCP).

Dr. Ronielyn Flores Pinsoy, USM-KCC chancellor, was grateful for Mendoza’s help to the students.

“Education is very important to me,” Mendoza said.

Education for all is among Mendoza’s programs, projects, and activ-

FMENDOZA, P10

EDGEDAVAO

VOL.15 ISSUE 67 • FRIDAY, JULY 1, 2022

Outgoing Tagum City Mayor Allan L. Rellon, together with outgoing Vice Mayor Eva Lorraine Estabillo, Kublai Millan, members of the Tagum City Historical, Cultural and Arts Council, and Medical Center Chief II Mr. Ricardo B. Audan, MD, FPAFP represented by Dr. Arancel Fritzgerald, leads the ribbon cutting during the

NEWS

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unveiling ceremony of the gigantic monument of the national animal of the Philippines showing image of hard work and resiliency, stemming from its traditional use as the beast of burden. Kareen Gomez/CIO Tagum

Biz leader lauds Baste’s push for digitalization Jeepney minimum fare raised to P11 starting July 1

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he regional office of the Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB-Davao region) announced that the jeepney minimum fare in Davao Region is hiked to P11 starting July 1, 2022.

LTFRB-11 director Nonito Llanos III told media that the main reason why there is an increase is because of the high prices of petroleum products.

“If you could remember naa pa sa P40s ang diesel sa time na P9 pa ang pamasahe but because it doubled karon very recently, dili nako ganahan mutan-aw sa gasoline kay sakit na tanawon sa mata, mao na this is one of the major reason why nagpadayon ta sa P9.

Unya gi-inkresan another P2. We know for the fact na nagbalik na ang atoang ridership nag normalize na, as a matter of fact, especially diri sa syudad sa Davao because we already at Alert level 1 status but because of the unstoppable increase of the petroleum products this is the reason why wala

na nibalik sa P8 nibilin sa P9 ug nisaka to P11,” Llanos explained in an online presser on Thursday.

In a decision on June 29, 2022, the regulatory board consolidated and granted the fare hike sought by various transport groups nationwide and approved the provisional jeepney minimum fare hike to P11 nationwide, effective July 1.

For the traditional public utility jeepney (PUJ), a provisional fare increase in the amount of P1 from the provisionally authorized fare of P10 for the first four kilometers, thus the provisional authorized fare for the first four kilometers is at P11. However, there will be no increase in the succeeding kilometers.

For the modern PUJ, a provisional fare increase in the amount of P1 from the provisionally authorized fare of P12 for the first four kilometers. Thus, the provisional authorized fare for the first four kilometers is at P13. However, there will be no increase in the suc-

FJEEPNEY, P10

By MAYA M. PADILLO

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n official of the European Chamber of Commerce of the Philippines-Southern Mindanao Business Council (ECCP-SMBC) lauded Mayor Sebastian “Baste” Duterte’s direction to work closely with the “We welcome the statement of Mayor Sebastian Duterte to continue working with the business sector on improving further the gains made on the implementation of the “Ease of Doing Business Act”. Much has to be done in processing business permits to make these seamless and

efficient. Foremost is the computerization of the entire process. This should bring Davao City at par not only with Manila or Cebu but closer to what we see in our neighbors like Singapore or Kuala Lumpur,” said Tony Peralta, chairman of ECCP-SMBC. In his inaugural speech

on June 27, 2022, the mayor-elect will be pushing for the digitalization of public transactions and the delivery of government services.

“It is high time that we upgraded our services on par with international standards. Let us take advantage of the latest available technology and let us ensure global competitiveness when it comes to government operations.

Digital transformation is not an easy task but with your support this can be achieved,” he said.

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Barangay Eden, Toril in Davao City.

Christian D. Cambaya, unit head of Investor Assistance and Servicing from DCIPC, told media that it is one of the tourism masterplans.

He said DCIPC is one of

the members of Task Force Eden that is tasked to monitor and create plans and programs for that area.

“Eden kasi is a tourism area. We are considering developing the property and one of the considerations in developing the property

He also wants red tape and fixing to end immediately and urged the public to report them to the authorities, to the City Mayor’s Office (CMO) and to the Anti-Red Tape Authority (ARTA).

Peralta said that it is the recommendations of the business sector for the formation of a Private Sector (representing the local and foreign chambers) and City Government Working Group to help improve communications on the

is having it undertaken for PPP because the city government has limited funds to develop the whole area and we are considering a PPP modality as a way to develop that area. We already have a tentative plan

FBIZ, P10

City eyes Eden property to build a MICE facility he Davao City Investment Promotions Center (DCIPC) bared that the city government of Davao is eyeing on building a MICE (meetings incentives conferences exhibitions) facility at the 105-hectare property in

FCITY, P10

4 ECONOMY EDGEDAVAO

VOL.15 ISSUE 67 • FRIDAY, JULY 1, 2022

A public utility jeepney (PUJ) is pictured from a side mirror of a vehicle along Lanang, Davao City on Thursday. Minimum fare of PUJs in Davao City increases from P10 to P11 starting today, July 1, after the LTFRB approved the nationwide provisional jeepney fare hike. Edge Davao

155 MSMEs get P1.2-M aid from DTI in Surigao del Sur A

t least 155 micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs) in Surigao del Sur (SDS) received PHP1.2 million worth of support this month from the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI).

In an interview Wednesday, Bema Vasquez, chief of DT-SDS MSME development division, said the assistance was facilitated under the Livelihood Seeding Program – Negosyo Serbisyo sa Barangay (LSP-NSB) program of the agency.

“Each of the beneficiaries received PHP8,000 worth of livelihood kits

for the improvement and sustainability of their businesses,” Vasquez said, adding that the recipients included MSMEs from Surigao del Sur’s 13 towns and 20 villages.

Among the beneficiaries was Marcela Diaz, of Barangay Doña Carmen, Tagbina town, who thanked the government for the financial assistance.

“I am thankful to the government and the DTI because I was able to avail of the monetary support that will help my business,” Diaz was quoted as saying.

The LSP-NSB is a DTI program that aims to maximize the potential of barangays to become economically independent and make them more effective partners in the attainment of national goals to generate income and more jobs.

Meanwhile, Vasquez said 121 other MSMEs also got a total of PHP968,000 worth of livelihood kits

from DTI-SDS this month through the agency’s Pangkabuhayan sa Pagbangon at Ginhawa (PPG) program.

“These separate 121 MSMEs under the PPG program are those that were directly affected by the past calamities in five towns in the province,” she said.

Vazquez noted that of the 121 MSME recipients under the PPG program, 13 were registered as beneficiaries of the Balik Probinsya, Bagong Pag-Asa program of the government.

(PNA)

of enterprises that said their business is currently in a “bad” situation.

From a high of 36 percent in the Spring and Fall survey in 2020 to 29 percent in Spring 2021 and 20 percent in Fall 2021, those who considered their business is in a “bad” situation fell to 10 percent in the latest poll.

“The improving situa-

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More German companies say biz in PH in ‘good situation’

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he number of German firms operating in the Philippines saying their business is in a “good situation” has increased based on the World Business Outlook (WBO) Spring 2022 survey of the German-Philippine Chamber of Commerce and Industry (GPCCI).

About 47 percent of the surveyed respondents said

the current situation of their business in the Philippines is “good”, higher than the 32 percent in the previous WBO Fall survey in 2021.

Around 43 percent of the German firms here considered their business situation in the Philippines “satisfactory”.

In the WBO Spring Survey 2022, there is a significant decline in the number

FMORE, P10

he Cooperative Development Authority (CDA) is eyeing hiking its budget to PHP2.5 billion next year, its chairman Joseph Encabo told the Philippine News Agency.

Encabo said the PHP2.5-billion allocation for next year is more than double compared to the agency’s budget of nearly

Oil prices retreat with fears of global economic slowdown

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il prices dropped on Wednesday as heightened concerns of a recession in big economies outweighed misgivings of tight global supplies due to sanctions on Russia.

International benchmark Brent crude was trading at $113.50 per barrel at 0615 GMT for a 0.26 percent decrease after closing the previous session at $113.80 a barrel.

American benchmark West Texas Intermediate (WTI) was at $111.53 per barrel at the same time for a 0.21 percent fall after the previous session closed at $111.76 a barrel.

The US economy is expected to show growth in 2022, although, at a slower pace, New York Federal Reserve President John Williams said Tuesday.

PHP1 billion this year.

“Because CDA is now working, and if you’re working, you need more budget,” he said.

Encabo said the bigger budget will be allocated to programs for the human capital development of cooperatives, which businesses remain small scale, as well as the capacity

building for cooperatives of farmers and fisherfolk.

“The agriculture co-ops, we should be directly involved by providing them more projects and programs for their sector,” he added.

The CDA chief said cooperatives have a crucial role in supporting the ag-

FOIL, P10

FCDA, P10

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ECONOMY

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Fresh vegetables are on display at a community public market, which opens every afternoon and being frequented by residents, in Rasay, Toril District, Davao City. Edge Davao

Revival of direct flights to Indonesia sought

UK trade executive targets stronger partnership with PH through GCash

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he United Kingdom (UK) is eyeing to strengthen its trade partnership with the Philippines through partners in the financial technology sector.

In a statement on Tuesday, GCash president and CEO Martha Sazon said the company represented the Philippines in an “intimate” roundtable discussion

among tech representatives from the Asia-Pacific region (APAC) and top UK officials during the London Tech Week 2022 from June 13 to 17.

“It’s a rare privilege to have been invited to an exclusive dialogue with the Prime Minister’s closest advisors at 10 Downing Street.

We had a very inspiring dis-

FUK, P10

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ocal officials and Indonesian envoys have declared interest to revive once more the direct flights from Davao International Airport to the Indonesian destinations of Manado and Bitung.

In a statement Wednesday, the Bureau of Customs Port of Davao (BOC-Davao) said the Indonesian consulate office and city representatives have already started discussing the air and sea connectivity of BIMP-EAGA (Brunei Darussalam–Indonesia–Malaysia–Philippines East ASEAN Growth Area).

In particular, BOC-Davao said the parties talked about the Manado-Davao and Bitung-Davao routes.

BOC-Davao District Collector Erastus Austria said the initiative involves the collaboration of various private and public institutions, including BOC as the primary border protection agency

with 336,000 unit sales, 17 increase higher than 2021’s volume.

“The car industry is a good barometer of the economy and it is good that despite supply constraints, we are growing by 11 percent,” he added. “Very bullish about continued economic recovery, continued growth in the industry, and of course continued sustainable growth of AC Motors brands.”

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Auto industry seen to grow despite rising oil prices, supply constraints

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he country’s automotive industry is expected to continue its growth this year despite the rising oil prices and supply constraints in the global value chain being experienced across the world.

AC Motors president Antonio Zara said in an interview on the sidelines of the launching of AC Motors Centrale Tuesday night that total industry sales will grow

between 11 and 15 percent in 2022.

“The growth rate relative to last year, I think, will continue because we haven’t seen the real demand… I’m confident we will grow 11 to 15 percent in 2022,” Zara said.

The Chamber of Automotive Manufacturers of the Philippines (CAMPI) said last March that the industry targets to end 2022

for the project.

In an interview Wednesday, Department of Tourism in Davao Region (DOT-11) officer Kat Anuta-Rubio said the interests of both parties to revive the air link remain on their list of priorities to encourage and strengthen BIMP-EAGA connectivity.

Currently, the Davao International Airport (DIA) only serves direct flights bound for Singapore through carriers Scoot Tiger Air and Singapore Airlines.

The DIA also caters to 31 domestic flights daily.

Meanwhile, the BOCDavao said it supports the plans and programs of the BIMP-EAGA to further accelerate the socio-economic development of its member-countries through easier trade facilitation of goods and services.

“Several customs policies specifically on the importation process, types of importation and exportation and a brief discussion of R.A. 10863 or the Customs Modernization and Tariff

ing Mikko Barranda said demand for office spaces jumped by 106 percent to 255,000 square meters (sqm) from April to June this year from the previous quarter’s 124,000 sqm, and around 107,000 sqm of the demand came from the ITBPM sector.

Barranda said the Philippine offshore gaming operators (POGOs) accounted for

21,000 sqm of the demand during the quarter, which he said, is the initial sign of leasing activity from the sector since the pandemic hit in March 2020.

“All the leasing activity in the past three months –from many new captives and companies doing business here for the first time– tells us outsourcing to the Phil-

FREVIVAL, P10

IT-BPM sector driving demand for PH’s real estate growth he information technology-business process management (IT-BPM) sector drove office demand in the Philippines’ real estate sector in the second quarter of 2022, officials of a real estate brokerage services firm said.

In a virtual briefing on Wednesday, Leechiu Property Consultants (LPC) director for commercial leas-

FIT-BPM, P10

6 VANTAGE EDGEDAVAO

VOL.15 ISSUE 67 • FRIDAY, JULY 1, 2022

In his inaugural address as the 17th President of the Philippines:

This is a historic moment for us all. I feel it deep within me, you the people have spoken and it is resounding.

When my call for unity started to resonate with you, it did so because it echoed your yearnings, mirrored your sentiments, and expressed your hopes for family, for country, and for a better future. That is why it reverberated and amplified as it did to deliver the biggest electoral mandate in the history of Philippine democracy.”

President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.

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MAYA M. PADILLO Senior Reporter

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

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EDGEDAVAO

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VANTAGE POINTS

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HENRYLITO D. TACIO THINK ON THESE!

FINALLY, F2F GRADUATION Every time the closing exercises for the school year take place, we always look forward to it. After all, that’s the time when all the struggles and hardships of those pupils and students doing their best are rewarded.

I had my fair share of going to the stage to be pinned with ribbons when I was in my elementary grades. When I was in high school, I think I also received a medal or two.

But what we always anticipated was the graduation rites: six years in elementary, four years in high school, and another four years in college. Graduation is the time when we have to take another step towards success.

All of these, however, came to a halt when the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) hit the country. There was no faceto-face class. Modules became a buzzword and some opted for online classes.

Much less, there were no graduation rites or closing exercises.

But this year, it has started to loosen a bit. The Department of Education allowed face-toface graduation rites and closing exercises – as long as health protocols are followed.

And, so it came to pass that I finally had the opportunity of attending the first graduation rites – now called moving up! – after the pandemic. Yes, people are still wearing face masks and there was also physical distancing.

Last week, I went to Marber National High School in Bansalan, Davao del Sur, to witness the graduation of my niece, Audrey Anne M. Tacio. After all, she was an honor student and I wanted to take some photos of her on her special occasion.

Visitors, friends, and even some parents were not allowed to enter the premises of the school. Only the graduating students – now called completers – and a parent (either mother or father) or guardian are allowed.

It so happened that most of the teachers know me so I was able to witness the rites. As usual, the completers and their parents formed a queue outside the hall. Both the student and her or his father or mother did the usual graduation march but when they were entering the basketball court (where the graduation took place) they had to part ways: the student went inside while the father or mother went to a prepared tent.

After all the students had settled in their respective seats (which were one meter apart), the teaching force followed.

They were seated at the back of the students.

Since there were 275 students who completed the Grade 10 curricula, the school decided to divide them into two groups: 137 students (71 males and 66 females) in the morning and 138 (59 males and 79 females) in the afternoon.

Jeuffrey R. Paler, the school principal, told the completers/ students and parents that this was the first time the school was having such activity – “due to lockdown for almost three years,” he said.

“All of us fought a battle,” he said, adding that the activity was a testament that “we won.”

What all they were doing “are by-products of our efforts.”

“It was not an easy journey reaching this day,” said Ivan Clint J. Ogatis, who received the highest honor of the batch. “We faced countless obstacles in reaching our dreams. We know how much we struggled and how much hard work we put in during our school life.”

Ogatis considered the occasion as a milestone. “It is a day for us to celebrate,” said the

eldest son of Ian and Cherrie Ogatis, both staff of the Mindanao Baptist Rural Life Center Foundation, Inc. “A celebration because after 4 long years of acquiring our basic education in junior high school, we are now ready to move forward one step higher in the ladder of our quest to greater levels of education, the Senior High School.”

For the uninformed, the Philippines adopted the K-12 type of education: elementary for six years, junior high school for four years and senior high school for two years. Only after finishing these 12 years of education that a student can be enrolled in college.

The completers and teachers had chosen the theme: “K to 12 Graduates: Pursuing Dreams and Fostering Resilience in the Face of Adversity.”

“It is true that the present generation will soon take the lead in the future,” Ogatis continued in his speech. “We will soon be a part of a society where competition will be more rigid than now. There will be more struggles in the job opportunities, the acquisition of the basic necessities of life, and most of all, the response to the changing needs of the global market.”

He thanked the government for introducing the K-12 curriculum. “(As a result), we will be prepared to combat the battles that may come our way,” Ogatis said. “We will be transformed into more responsible, more competent and more skilled individuals ready to conquer the world in its narrowest sense.”

To his fellow completers, he said: “We cannot deny that not everyone of us will continue the course of our studies and earn a college degree. But we can still be leaders in our simplest ways.

Applying the self-discipline and basic competence offered by the K to 12 programs will lead us to a brighter future and be a part of developing a society where everybody enjoys the gift of living.”

Ogatis ended his speech with these parting words: “I urged my fellow completers to be one with me in giving back the honor and glory due to everyone who had molded us into what we have become. We can be leaders in our own little way.

Kaya ba natin ito? Kayang-kaya basta sama-sama.”

Yes, in union there is strength!

(I want to thank Ms. Jeanette L. Pacolor for providing me with the data for this column.)

ANTONIO V. FIGUEROA FAST BACKWARD

DATU BAGO’S LITERACY A least studied facet in the life of Datu Bago, Davao Gulf’s foremost Moro chieftain, is his literacy. The records do not expressly say he was highly literate. But there are accounts showing he could have been exposed early in his teenage years to the sultanate’s cultured elite.

Tradition tells his migration to the gulf happened at the instance of his father who wanted him to establish a personal domain, which was not possible if he remained in Maguindanao.

While the datu, along with a handful of trusted lieutenants, had founded only a small territory with control over the Davao River and its upper tributaries leading up to Bincungan in Tagum City, he seemed content with what he had and was living harmoniously with other fiefdoms situated north and south of his domain. Collectively, he made a strong al-

liance with other Davao datus and placed, prior to the Spanish conquest of the gulf, some of the regions on the eastern seaboard facing the Pacific Ocean as their collective vassals and tributes.

Datu Bago’s cordial alliance with other Moro datus along the gulf provided an avenue for an emerging polity between them and the Spaniards of the old Caraga Province. On August 13, 1804, at Cateel, Davao Oriental, governor Don Salvador Ximenez Rendon of Caraga Province met Datu Ladiamura Pampang to initiate discussion about the possibility of inviting datu Damuli and datu Mucamad Amilbansa Harial (i.e., Datu Bago), to make peace with the Spaniards of Surigao.

Two weeks after the meet, a letter from the datus, which a Captain Damian secured, asked for another one and a half

months before showing up in person. The note, likely signed by the lords, interestingly labels in the letter’s greetings and complimentary ending the governor ‘brother.’

The import of this incident suggests that a good number of gulf rulers did not only use brawn in governing their respective turfs; they also displayed a certain degree of literacy, especially in dealing with rivals using the written word.

Nothing is said, though, what dialect was used in the communication or that a certain form of indigenous writing system was used.

Oona Paredes, in ‘A Mountain of Difference: The Lumad in Early Colonial Mindanao’ (2013), came out with an analogous remark about the Kalagans who ‘were able to read and write in the early seventeenth century, and that they

sometimes relayed messages by letter, a practice that most of us would find very interesting, not least because it is often assumed that cultures develop around oral traditions do so in the absence of literacy.’

For the creative mind, it is easy to do guesswork the letter, though not automatically written by the chiefs, could have been double-checked before it was delivered. While there is no proof the written message was genuinely signed, the practice of the day was to use authentic stamp beside the signatures.

(Rulers of sultanates used an octagonal seal of Islamic provenance.)

The letter also suggests numerous plausible explanations pointing to the literacy of Datu Bago and his court in much the same way that other fiefs around the gulf, based on missionary chronicles, were

similarly literate to a certain degree.

Among the indigenous cultural communities (ICCs) in Davao, meanwhile, literacy was likely present among members of the elite, the principalia. This brings us to the interest whether the natives, prior to the arrival of the Spaniards, already had adopted some form of writing patterns or had evolved a written sign language that was more effective than signals and aboriginal means.

Understanding the communication tools our forebears espoused affords us a better than usual appreciation of the degree of literacy existent in precolonial times. It also affirms the view that the Filipinos, before they were lumped into an archipelago, had already linked with foreign traders as can be manifested by archival letters written by the sultans of Sulu.

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EDGE EDGEDAVAO DAVAO

VOL.15 ISSUE 67 • FRIDAY, JULY 1, 2022

COMPETITIVE EDGE

Why rent when you can own?

What’s the wiser thing to do, rent a house or own a house?

This conversation could be lengthy and engaging. But what if you can have both. You rent in order to own.

Sounds perfect.

Sounds like Aeon Towers’ Rent-To-Own deals.

Owning a dream home could take so much of your time to hustle especially when you don’t have that capital for investment. But wouldn’t it be great if there’s a deal that can let you have your dream home now and pay it in the coming years?

That’s how property developer Aeon Luxe Properties Inc. decided to launch a Rent-to-Own Program as an option for aspiring condo owners who look forward to experience upscale living in a community like Aeon Towers.

What’s great about this promo is that one can acquire of the ready for occupancy units at no reservation fee and pay rental terms up to 15 years. On top of that, clients can also avail the 13% discount on

the total list price. It gets even more exciting where you can enjoy breathtaking views in your condo unit with privileges to an exclusive access to Club Aeon amenities at the sixth floor of the building—fitness gym, kid’s playroom, bar & lounge, led-lit swimming pool, jogging path, meeting room and events hall.

Aeon Towers is situated at the heart of Metro Davao where you can get easy access to mostly everything making it an iconic landmark everyone is eyeing for. It’s condo unit sizes are above standard, it is Smarthome ready and has high-quality materials imported overseas like blum technology. Plus, the safety of every families are ensured in the entire building with the assistance of the security personnel at post 24/7. What more could you ask for from this great deal?

Want to know more about this promo? Get in touch with our Business Unit Heads or visit www. facebook.com/AeonLuxeOfficial for more details.

SAN ANTONIO, Nueva Ecija – When his daughter entered college, solo parent Nelson Quilantang needed to start saving to cover tuition fees for her chosen four-year degree. But without a bank account, he had difficulty building an education fund for her.

Nelson’s worries were laid to rest when he learned that the Land Bank of the Philippines (LANDBANK) was facilitating the opening of LANDBANK accounts at the same registration center where he signed up for the Philippine National ID. This is part of LANDBANK’s co-location strategy with the Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA), wherein unbanked registrants who completed Step 2 of the Philippine Identification System (PhilSys) registration process are provided with their own LANDBANK transaction accounts free-of-charge and with no initial deposit requirement.

To reach and service more PhilSys registrants, LANDBANK is tapping agent banking partners (ABPs)

to facilitate account application and Know-Your-Customer (KYC) activities at PhilSys registration areas nationwide.

Nelson was assisted at the PhilSys registration center by the staff of Tynnes Giggles Boutique—a general merchandising store and a LANDBANK ABP in Nueva Ecija—who helped him open an account and provide him his LANDBANK Prepaid Card on the same day.

With the Prepaid Card, Nelson is now able to regularly cash-in a portion of his earnings via Tynnes Giggles Boutique at their nearby branch in San Antonio, and more importantly, grow his savings for his daughter’s education. He can also perform other transactions such as cash-out, fund transfers, bills payments, and balance inquiries.

“Salamat sa LANDBANK dahil mas madali na akong nakaka-ipon ngayon. Malaking ginhawa din ang Tynnes Giggles Boutique dahil hindi ko na kailangan pang bumiyahe ng malayo,” said Qui-

Recent turnover of key at the Aeon Towers.

LANDBANK advances financial inclusion in Nueva Ecija thru agent banking lantang.

Advancing financial inclusion through ABPs LANDBANK ABPs play a major role in onboarding unbanked PhilSys registrants in the country. Of the total 8.1 million registrants who have signed up for LANDBANK transaction accounts nationwide, 3.5 million were serviced

by ABPs as of end-May 2022.

Of the total 404,778 onboarded registrants in Nueva Ecija, 280,848 or 69% of the unbanked PhilSys registrants opened their accounts through LANDBANK’s eight ABPs in the province.

Of this number, Tynnes Giggles Boutique onboarded 102,697 PhilSys registrants from the Municipalities of Cabiao, Jaen, San Antonio, San Isidro, Gabaldon, Santo Domingo, Talavera, and the City of Palayan.

Boutique store owner Cristina Lejano travelled with her team around the province to facilitate account opening activities in PhilSys registration centers at the height of the

pandemic—reaching as far as Gabaldon, which took almost 3 hours by land from their main office in San Antonio.

“More than the additional income, I applied as a LANDBANK Agent Banking Partner in order to serve our community. Having few financial institutions in our town, it was difficult for locals to conveniently access banking services. Our store is helping to bridge this gap,” said Lejano.

The Tynnes Giggles Boutique was officially accredited by LANDBANK as a fullsuite ABP in 2020, after its staff completed the required trainings and complied with the requirements of the Bank.

Under its Agent Banking Program, LANDBANK initiates partnerships with client cooperatives, associations, rural banks, local government units (LGUs), micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs), and private entities to help provide basic banking services to areas with limited or no Bank presence.

(left photo) LANDBANK Agent Banking Partner, Tynnes Giggles Boutique of Nueva Ecija Province, facilitates the account opening of unbanked Philippine Identification System (PhilSys) registrants in San Isidro, and offers other banking services in San Antonio (right photo).

BDO integrates benefits of digital to branch banking via self-service technology Local businesses are turning to self-service technologies to provide safer and more efficient ways for customers to accomplish their daily transactions.

Aside from local enterprises such as laundromats, convenience stores, and restaurants, big establishments such as banks are also adopting self-service technologies to cater to the evolving needs of their customers.

BDO Unibank is combining digital self-service solutions with person-to-person customer service to enhance the inbranch banking experience of its clients. But most importantly, these solutions are deployed so clients can do their transactions faster.

In-branch innovations BDO branches now offer paperless transactions processing where clients can input their transactions in a kiosk inside the branch instead of filling up forms manually. For a more seamless and safer customer experience, clients also have the option to book an appointment online for their branch visits, receive a QR code to be scanned on the QMS (queue management system) scanner once they reach the branch, and immediately fall in queue.

BDO clients who have already experienced said upgrades acknowledged convenience in the usage—giving them a level of comfort and ease, and quicker processing.

Additional self-service innovations will be rolled out in the branches such as the BDO Universal Machine that allows clients to deposit checks easily, even without the assistance of a branch personnel.

The introduction of self-service technologies in its branches is part of BDO’s digital transformation efforts to make its service delivery more efficient and to promote customer satisfaction across all its channels. Go to www.bdo.com.ph/bookyour-visit for more details on branch visit online booking.

How to book your branch visit 1. Use any of your devices to visit www.bdo.com. ph/book-your-visit.

2. Select all the transactions you need.

3.

Choose your preferred branch, date, and time and save the QR Code.

4. Visit your preferred branch on your scheduled appointment and proceed to Service Assist machine to scan your QR Code.

5. Get your queue number ticket and relax as you wait for your turn.

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Once you dived into the depth of Kadanlaan in barangay Dahican, you get a glimpse of seagrasses, corals and fish.

LOOKING FOR UNDERWATER EXPERIENCE, MAKE IT MATI

By HENRYLITO D. TACIO Photos courtesy of Rodney Jao

“S

eventy-five percent of the Earth is water. Divers live on a much bigger planet.” – Unknown

When you are in the Philippines, it’s more fun when you explore places that have never been visited. Take the case of oceans.

“There’s a lot to be said about this otherworldly experience that seems to take hold of us and make us completely obsessed with it and the world in which we

get to experience,” wrote wild-hearted.com’s Ashley Hubbard. “The ocean is so inspiring, there have been many scuba diving movies made and scuba diving books written.”

To those who have tried scuba diving, it’s totally a different world. “Diving is an investment of time and

money but the rewards can be life-changing, literally,” said Andy Cummings.

Here’s what Natalie Lavery said of scuba diving: “You’re 30 feet underwater, the ocean is brisk, the slight current is stirring the sand, the colorful fish are swarming, the bright red lobsters are playfully harassing the neon eels – everything seems surreal, especially the fact that you’re breathing underwater.”

It is totally another world once you get to see the depths of Pujada Bay.

James Cameron observed, “Every time you dive, you hope you’ll see something new – some new species. Sometimes, the ocean gives you a gift, sometimes it doesn’t.”

While diving is considered an “adventure sport,” it takes people into a calm and quiet environment – there are no cellphones, no e-mails, no way for the terrestrial world to contact you. The only noises you

hear are the hiss of exhalations and the munching of fishes.

With 7,107 islands, the Philippines has one of the longest coastlines in the world – estimated at 36,289 kilometers. Its diverse coastal zone consists of a variety of tropical ecosystems, including sandy beaches, rocky headlands, sand dunes, coral reefs, mangroves, seagrass beds, wetlands, estuaries, and lagoons.

As such, diving in the Philippines is spectacular.

After all, this country lies in the so-called “ring of fire,” making it prone to powerful earthquakes, volcanic eruptions and tsunamis. The result: great landscapes and underwater areas.

Davao Gulf, situated in the southeastern portion of Mindanao, is not in the recommended list of diving sites in the country. But those who have been to the place can attest that it is one of the most beautiful dive areas in the country.

“Davao Gulf has a beautiful and varied underwater terrain,” says Harry Morris, a marine biologist who heads the Trinity Project based in Banana Beach in Tagum City, Davao del Norte.

Morris describes the gulf, which has an area of 5,200 square kilometers or about 520,000 hectares, as having “dive sites for all levels, with healthy corals, varied fishes, and amazing topography.”

It’s no wonder, scuba diving is becoming a popular leisure tourism activity in the region.

“Like other tourism activities, diving is a service-intensive sector,” Tanya Rabat-Tan, regional director of Department of Tourism 11, was quoted as saying

by EDGE Davao. “From equipment and boat rentals, services of professional divers and guides, assistance and support of host dive communities, food and transportation suppliers, and more – these are just some of the people who will benefit from revenues from dive and other dive-related activities.”

The Island Garden City of Samal may be on the top list of dive sites in the region but equally enthralling are the diving sites of Mati City in Davao Oriental. Once the region’s “best-kept secret,” it is now touted as the next big tourist destination with the recent pronouncement of its three bays as among the world’s most beautiful.

The three bays are Pujada, Mayo and Balite. “Pujada Bay is almost a virgin paradise,” said Bruno Bodard, founder and manager of the Most Beautiful Bays in the World Organization. “It is much more beautiful than we expected. The Philippines is a very nice country.

You have the jewel in Pujada.”

Guy Rousset, the club treasurer who accompanied Bodard for the validation, told Philippine Daily Inquirer of Pujada Bay: “This place beguiles and inspires, sedates and stirs, where the distance between heaven and earth collapses and you will be able to catch glimpses of the

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to the Filipino people for standing behind the President who has broken barriers and has overcome challenges in his six years of service to the nation. We likewise thank the public for supporting the Duterte Administration in bringing genuine, meaningful, and positive change, which a great majority of Filipinos (75%) felt when asked regarding the development impact of post-EDSA 1 Administrations. As we are about to enter another chapter in our political history, let us continue to be united in purpose to make the Philippines a peaceful, proud, and progressive country that we all want our nation to be,” said Martin M. Andanar, former Presidential Communications Secretary and Acting Presidential Spokesperson.

Meanwhile, Christopher Ryan Maboloc, associate professor of Philosophy at AdDU and visiting professor for Global Justice at the American University of Sovereign Nations, shared his thoughts on why Duterte was able to maintain his popularity even on the last

days of his presidency.

“President Duterte was the voice of the underrepresented in the history of the country. He put Mindanao into the national consciousness. He broke the grip of Ilustrado politics and the country saw in him what seemed impossible and that is for a son of Mindanao to become President,” he said.

Maboloc added that Duterte’s radical approach to leadership showed that politics is about making results that in the end should benefit the people.

“Being the man of the people is his biggest legacy,” he said.

On the other hand, Duterte was welcomed with a homecoming concert for him as he returned to Davao City evening of Thursday.

Hosted by the NCCC Group of Companies, the concert paid tribute to the former President for his service to the country and also a homecoming celebration as he returns to Davao City after his 6-year stint as the 16th president of the Republic of the Philippines.

on the ground are also instrumental to it,” the DOH11 director said in a Facebook post Wednesday.

Meanwhile, the Mati City Health Office (CHO) said that as of June 28, the locality has already reached 89.6 percent of its target population for vaccination against Covid-19.

Mati was earlier recog-

nized for its outstanding implementation of the “last mile” phase of its vaccination campaign from March to May this year Mati City has the highest ratio of vaccinated population in the Davao Region and has contributed greatly to the placing of the entire province of Davao Oriental under Alert Level 1. (PNA)

“very solemn and simple” inauguration.

Marcos’ wife First Lady Liza Araneta-Marcos and their sons Sandro, Simon, and Vincent graced the formal inauguration ceremony.

Also present were Marcos’ mother, former First Lady Imelda Marcos; and sisters, Senator Imee Marcos and Irene Marcos-Ara-

neta; Vice President Sara Duterte; and former Presidents Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo and Joseph Estrada.

The 1987 Constitution mandates the President-elect to take oath at noon on June 30, a ceremonial event marking the commencement of his sixyear term as the country’s new chief executive.

ities under her 12-point agenda for her first 100 days in office including people’s participation and empowerment; women, senior citizens, people with disabilities (PWDs); lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer, questioning (one’s sexual or gender identity), intersex, and asexual/aromantic/agender (LBGBTQIA) empowerment plus programs and benefits; social services; cultural preservation, peace

and harmony, tri-people council for peace; health for all and protection against contagious diseases; disaster preparedness, response, and resilience; agricultural productivity and livelihood; environment and tourism development (eco-tourism); infrastructure and barangay development; youth empowerment and sports development; and moral recovery, good governance, accountability, and transparency.

cussion on ways to leverage tech here to drive development,” Sazon said.

During the meeting, UK Trade Commissioner to APAC Natalie Black said the Philippines is an “important partner to the UK,” with the two countries’ trading relationship worth nearly PHP134 billion.

“With total tech spending in the Philippines reaching more than £6 billion last

year, I believe our digital trade partnership will only grow deeper and stronger with the help of companies like GCash,” Black said.

She noted that GCash is the Philippines’ “largest unicorn,” having a valuation of over USD2 million, and is part of the APAC delegation consisting of over 250 investors, entrepreneurs, and government officials.

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concerns of business establishments on doing business with the local government. The inclusion of the Davao City Investment Promotion Center is suggested.

“The push for the modernization of business processes through efficient implementation of computerized platforms is necessary with the objective of having online application or renewal of business permits. Utilization of e-payment platforms for tax or fee

payments. This may require COA approval,” he said.

Peralta is optimistic that these initial measures will help decongest the crowds of people in the business section of the city hall.

“Greater cooperative efforts between the private sector and the city government is needed to ensure better results from the Ease of Doing Business Act. This will help promote more local and foreign investments from happening,” he said.

ceeding kilometers.

“The difference between traditional and modernized PUJs, traditional PUJs are kanang dugay na naga ply sa dalan sa Davao City and sa modernized we recently launched sa Digos City mga modern PUJs with features such as wifi, CCTV, dashboard camera, GPS, and air-conditioned and much comfortable than the traditional PUJ,” said Atty. Ernest Benz Davila, Legal Officer of LTFRB-Davao Region.

Meanwhile, Llanos said taxi drivers/operators in Davao Region also expressed intention to increase the flag down rate.

He said they are just awaiting for their counterparts in the National Capital Region

(NCR) to file the petition.

“Nagparamdam na sila na mu-request pud sila ug fare increase. According to lawyer Rogelio Largo, who happens to be the past president of MARO (taxi), we are asking him kung unsay feel sa mga taxi operators diri sa Davao City, I think they will follow to be petitioned. Sa pagkakaron naa ko’y nakita na document, I just could not confirm if it was already accepted in the central office but then kung naa na muhulat mi dinhi sa Region 11 kung ilang sundon katong petition sa national office. Ilahang petition is to request additional flag down rate,” Llanos said. to P11 starting July 1. By Maya M. Padillo

for the area and one of the plans is to have a MICE facility in that area,” he said.

It can be recalled that the Philippine Eagle Foundation (PEF) is eyeing a portion of the property to build a new center to relocate the eagles to protect them from Avian Flu and other threats due to increasing human activities around its current location in Davao City.

Cambaya said the request of the PEF is already on the table of the Technical Working Group (TWG) of Task Force Eden.

“We have to consid-

er the balance, we want to protect the eagles but at the same time, the interest of the city is also to develop the area. We have to balance these two interests that is why we have to discuss with the technical working group and we have included this in the agenda so that we can discuss further the request of the PEF,” he said.

The relocation is also part of a long-term plan to have a site that is more conducive for breeding and other conservation activities. By Maya M. Padillo

tion of the pandemic in the Philippines is evident with the low case reports and relaxed business restrictions, this is felt by the German business community in the country,” GPCCI executive director Christopher Zimmer said in a

statement Wednesday.

Firms that expect worse business conditions in the next 12 months further declined to 1 percent in the WBO Spring Survey 2022 from 3 percent in the Fall 2021 survey.

riculture sector to ensure adequate food supply in the local market amid the challenges of food security.

Encabo said the higher budget for the agency also

aims to increase the business engagement of cooperatives and help in stimulating economic activities as the country recovers from the pandemic.

Act (CMTA) were also discussed,” Austria said.

In September 2019, the Davao City-Manado air

travel was first revived to increase trade, tourism, and investment between the two countries.

ippines continues to be a reliable solution for companies in the West fighting impending global recession,” he said.

During the same briefing, LCP director for Research and Consultancy Roy

Golez said a major development since the pandemic hit is the running out of inventories among real estate developers for projects in the southern part of Metro Manila, particularly in Laguna and Cavite.

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divine or the infinite as you are united with nature.”

Rousset was also impressed by the two other bays. “I will call them Mati Bays,” he said. “Your bays are very nice. You must be proud of your bays.”

These impressive bays are indeed the best dive sites.

“The City of Mati has very good diving sites that are rich in coral reefs,” said Francisco Juan Diaz Martinez, a foreign diver from Buceo An Cabo de Gata company.

He was one of the three foreign divers who visited Mati City recently as part of the initiative of the Tourism Council to sustain the protection of Pujada Bay and to create the foundation of a diving industry in the city.

Unfortunately, some parts are not in good condition. “They need to be protected because corals have been affected by overfishing,” Martinez said. “Within five years, you can bring back the beauty of the ecosystem in Pujada Bay.” Among the dive sites the city government is promoting are those in Kadanlaan and Maribojoc in barangay Dahican, Tampagas in barangay Tamisan, and Waniban and Pujada Islands.

The tourism office is very much enthusiastic that Mati City will be listed

as among the diving sites of the Philippines. In fact, it has recently joined the recent Davao Dive Expo 2022 in Davao City.

Tourism officer Dashiel Indelible, Jr., said the dive tourism in Mati is still in its infancy but he believed their participation in the expo will definitely make a mark in this kind of tourism program.

“Aside from the sites being divers-friendly, the area is within one of the most beautiful bays in the world,” he says, but adding that in terms of logistics – like having dive shops and dive boats – they are still lacking.

“People who want to pursue diving in Mati City should go to the tourism office first for arrangement so that we can arrange the logistics,” Indelible says, referring to boats, tanks, compressors and dive guides.

“For the master divers, we will recommend to our partner dive shops in Davao City.”

If you have not tried scuba diving, now is the time. “In a few short years, you might have to become a scuba diver and go hundreds of feet underwater.

It will be the last refuge of pure aura and power on our planet, the oceans’ depths,” wrote Frederick Lenz

The Fed’s aggressive tightening cycle has raised fears of a push towards a recession on the American economy.

China’s declining real estate market and its coronavirus disease 2019 (Covid-19) measures are also triggering fears of a decline in economic activity.

On the demand side, additional output from the Organization of Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC) and the OPEC+ group could alleviate concerns of sparse oil production.

Saudi Arabia and the UAE, the biggest producers of the group, may have spare capacity to account for lost Russian supply.

Investors will not focus on Thursday’s OPEC+ meeting to determine oil production for the summer months.

Meanwhile, oil prices saw an incline this week as leaders of the G7 countries agreed to explore a price cap on Russian oil to curtail Moscow’s revenues while at the same time allowing more oil supply to reach the global market.

saying former Philippine Basketball Association commissioner Noli Eala is the frontrunner together with former Philippine Olympic Committee chairman Tom Carrasco, former Games and Amusement Board chairman Abraham Mitra and former Philippine Southeast Asian Games Organizing Committee chief Ramon Suzara.

Iroy assured the PSC employees will rally behind the new PSC leadership.

Meantime, in support of the Philippine Sports Commission’s (PSC) mandate to promote and strengthen sports development in the country, the national sports agency sought to widen its reach and tap communities and families to promulgate the appreciation of sports through various programs implemented throughout the years.

One such program is Laro’t Saya sa Parke (LSP), which was launched nine years ago and has been going around local communities nationwide since. LSP program is set to be featured in PSC’s web series “Rise Up! Shape Up!” tonight, June 30 at 7 PM.

PSC Oversight Commissioner for Women in Sports Comm. Celia H. Kiram remarks that the Commission is eager to continue the Laro’t Saya sa Parke program, which benefitted 4 million families from the metro to even the far-flung localities in the country.

“PSC has always supported sports appreciation and development at the grassroots. Through Laro’t Saya sa Parke, we have a nationwide sport for all program that allows families to bond through sports, encourage kids to play as well as provide an opportunity for a continuing active and healthy lifestyle for all through physical fitness and sports.”

The episode will guest Dr. Lauro “Larry” Domingo, PSC’s Planning Division Chief, to talk about the legal bases of the program, the development framework, and the games included in the program as well as the benefits of engaging in LSP. Also joining the episode is Dr. Rizason Ng who will discuss the health benefits of play therapy, especially for kids.

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SPORTS

EDGEDAVAO

PRIORITY ON SPORTS. Twenty-five athletes and coaches in wushu, sepak takraw, jiu jitsu, judo, kurash, shooting, rowing and gymnastics ready to join the military civic parade honoring the oath-taking of Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. as the 17th President of the Philippines at the

11

National Museum of the Philippines in Manila on Thursday (June 30, 2022). Philippine Olympic Committee President Abraham “Bambol” Tolentino hailed Marcos’s priority on sports. (Photo courtesy of PSC)

POC hails Marcos’ priority on sports

T

he Philippine Olympic Committee (POC) expressed invigorated confidence that sports will have its prominent nook in the administration of President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. “We are thankful to the new administration, to President Ferdinand Marcos Jr., for putting sports on a rightful platform in his administration,” said

POC president Rep. Abraham “Bambol” Tolentino moments after Marcos’s inaugural speech at the National Museum on Thursday.

“The POC, and the whole of Philippine sports for that matter, is more hopeful now that our athletes will be given more priority and attention under President Marcos,” he added.

Twenty-five athletes and coaches in wushu sepak takraw, jiu jitsu, judo, kurash, shooting, rowing and gymnastics marched during the mili-

tary civic parade honoring the oath-taking of Marcos as the 17th President of the Philippines.

“The athletes’ inclusion in the parade signals how serious President Marcos’s outlook on sports will be,” Tolentino said. “Sports is a tried, tested and certified unifying factor among us Filipinos—time and again, we unite each time our

athletes compete, and win, abroad.”

The Philippine Sports Commission coordinated the athletes’ inclusion in the parade that included key government installations, including frontliners who fought Covid-19 during the pandemic.

Marcos’s predecessor, former President Rodrigo Duterte, has always recognized the contribution

of Filipino athletes to his administration, honoring them with recognition and incentives in Malacañang.

Under Duterte administration and leadership of Philippine Sports Commission chairman William “Butch” Ramirez, the Philippines won its first ever Olympic gold medal courtesy of weightlifter Hidilyn Diaz in Tokyo last year. (PR)

SMB back on top after downing ROS S

San Miguel Beer forward CJ Perez drives to the hoop. PBA

an Miguel Beermen weathered a mini late rally from Rain Or Shine Elasto Painters to reclaim the solo top spot in the PBA Philippine Cup standings after a 99-93 win on Wednesday night at the Smart Araneta Coliseum in Quezon City.

The Beermen showed their class for the most part of the tight contest even as they eventually opened an 11-point lead, 95-84, with 2:20 to play.

The Elasto Painters, however, banked on six straight free throws to cut the lead down to five, 9590, with 1:19 left.

They even had a chance to trim it further after Andrei Caracut stole the ball from Simon Enciso, but Rey Nambatac was whistled for a dribbling violation, and the Beermen scored back-toback layups to ice the game.

CJ Perez led SMB, now at 5-1, with 21 points, four rebounds, five assists, and a steal, while Marcio Lassiter and Rodney Brondial added 16 points each.

June Mar Fajardo chipped in a double-double of 10 points and 16 rebounds

plus a career-high seven assists and three blocks.

Jewel Ponferada made 20 points, four rebounds, four assists, one block, and one steal for ROS, which fell to 1-5.

In the first game, TNT kept in step on the leaderboard with a 117-112 win over skidding NorthPort.

Mikey Williams caught fire anew with 27 points, 18 in the first half, alongside seven rebounds to help the Tropang Giga get past the Batang Pier, who still showed might despite losing Robert Bolick to an ankle injury early on.

RR Pogoy added 22 points, five rebounds, four assists, and two steals, while Poy Erram chipped in 17 points, 14 rebounds, one assist, two blocks, and one steal off the bench for TNT, which moved up to 6-2 in the standings.

Jamie Malonzo fired 27 points with eight rebounds, four steals, and three blocks, while Roi Sumang took charge for Bolick’s absence and added 24 points, four rebounds, and 10 assists for NorthPort, which fell to 2-4.

(PNA)

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Outgoing PSC chairman Butch Ramirez is sent off by executive director Atty. Guillermo Iroy, Jr. PSC

GLORIOUS ERA

Chairman Butch steps down after a golden tenure

By NEIL BRAVO

T

ake a bow, Chairman William “Butch” Ramirez.

The country’s longest serving Philippine Sports Commission (PSC) head officially stepped down from a glorious six-year tenure that saw him lead a Philippine delegation to the overall championship in the 2019 Southeast Asian Games and producing the country’s first ever Olympic gold last year.

Ramirez, a former professor and sports director at the Ateneo de Davao University before serving as the city sports chief under then Mayor Rodrigo Duterte, will go down as the most productive PSC head having also led the country’s championship run in the 2005 SEA Games in Manila.

Ramirez stepped down at noon of Thursday along with Commissioners Charles Maxey, Ramon Fernandez, Arnold Agustin and Celia Kiram--the first PSC board that ever completed a full six-year term.

PSC executive director Guillermo Iroy sent off his long-time boss and the members of the board.

Iroy, another Dabawenyo at the PSC, assured that the allowance of athletes and coaches, as well as the salaries of employees, will not be affected by the change of leadership in the government sports agency.

He clarified, however, that any

impending requests by national sports associations (NSA) will be put on hold pending the appointment of a new board of commissioners.

“The payroll of the staff and athletes will not get affected since it is all under the administrative leg,” said Iroy, the highest-ranking career official of the PSC. “But the requests of the NSA will have to take a backseat because there is no board meeting at the moment.”

The PSC board left behind a trail of golden achievements highlighted by four gold medals in the 18th Asian Games, overall title in the 30th Southeast Asian Games and a gold medal in the Tokyo Olympics – the country’s first since joining the Summer Games in 1904.

President Bongbong Marcos has yet to formally appoint a PSC chairman although sources are

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