Edge Davao Vol. 15 Issue 71 | Wednesday, July 6, 2022

EDGEDAVAO Serving a seamless society

FIRST EVER SPORTS P 8

FRESH FACES

VOL.15 ISSUE 71 • WEDNESDAY, JULY 6, 2022

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20th City Council elects new officers, committee heads STORY ON PAGE 2

A worker grills pork meat and tuna belly in front of an eatery in Davao City on Tuesday. Aside from the city’s fruits, grilled dishes are also popular and are being frequented by tourists. Edge Davao

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2 NEWS EDGEDAVAO

VOL.15 ISSUE 71 • WEDNESDAY, JULY 6, 2022

A memento is presented to President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. by incoming PSG commander Col. Ramon Zagala and outgoing commander Brig. Gen. Randolph Cabangbang, during the Change of Command Ceremony of the Presidential Security Group (PSG) at the PSG Grandstand in Malacañang Park, July 4, 2022. OFFICE OF THE PRESIDENT

T FRESH FACES 20th City Council elects new

Adhere to MPHS, get booster shots, Dabawenyos told amid four deaths

officers, committee heads

By MAYA M. PADILLO

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Zozobrado thanked his colleagues for their trust and confidence.

“I hope I can be a good floor leader,” he said.

It can be recalled that Vice Mayor Melchor “Jay” Quitain Jr. emphasized that he prefers a lawyer councilor to replace him as the new majority floor leader in the City Council.

Councilor Louie John Bonguyan was also elected as assistant floor leader.

Meanwhile, the newly-elected president pro-tempore, chairpersons, vice-chairpersons, and members of the different standing committees also took their oath administered by Quitain.

The chairpersons, vice-

chair, and members of different standing committees are as follows: Committee on Agriculture and FoodCouncilor Marissa Abella as chairman and Councilor Conrado Baluran as vice-chairman.

Committee on Anti-terrorism- Councilor Edgar Ibuyan Jr. as chairman and Councilor Luna Acosta as vice-chairman.

Committee on Appointments and Government Organization-Councilor Alberto Ungab as chairman and Louie Bonguyan as

nhampered delivery of basic services and other peace-building initiatives enabled Davao del Norte to make significant strides in attaining inclusive development and sustainable peace.

Governor Edwin Jubahib vowed to focus on the needs of far-flung communities that were once neglected and vul-

nerable to the recruitment and abuses of the New People’s Army (NPA).

In a statement, Jubahib said his second term would be dedicated to attaining peace by developing isolated areas once influenced by the NPA. “They now have roads, livelihoods, schools, health centers. They are now taken

care of,” he said.

He said his frequent visits to far-flung areas enabled him to see the real problems of the communities.

“I tell you, I don’t mind the discomfort of bumpy rides in visiting isolated communities just to address the needs of our people,” Jubahib said.

Last month, Davao del

he Davao City Council elected Councilor Jesus Joseph Zozobrado as the new majority floor leader for the 20th City Council on Tuesday.

vice-chairman.

Committee on Barangay Affairs- Councilor Edgar Ibuyan Sr. as chairman and Councilor Dante Apostol as vice-chairman.

Committee on CityOwned Properties- Ungab as chairman and Councilor Diosdado Mahipus Jr. as vice-chairman.

Committee on Civil, Political, and Human RightsCouncilor Enzo Villafuerte as chairman and Councilor Sweet Advincula as vice-chairman.

Norte was declared an insurgency-free province.

The declaration came after the “successful dismantling” of all communist NPA guerrilla fronts (GFs) in Davao del Norte through the government’s multipronged counter-insurgency campaign.

At least five NPA guerrilla

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DavNor guv vows to work for peace, dev’t in second term U

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he Davao City COVID-19 Task Force urged Dabawenyos anew to adhere to the minimum public health standards (mask-wearing and frequent handwashing) and get their booster shots as the city recorded four deaths from June 26 to July 2 and a positivity rate of five percent as of 6 p.m. on July 3.

Of the 436 individuals who were swabbed on July 3, 22 yielded positive results. The five percent is the highest positivity rate that the city had since it was placed under alert level 1 status in March 2022 although it is already the maximum allowable positivity rate.

Davao City currently has a total of 103 active COVID-19 cases, a slight increase from the 102 on July 2. Of the 103 active cases, 54 are asymptomatic, 43 are mild, two are moderate, one is critical, and one is severe.

Of the 72,727 cases since March 2020, at least 70,619 or 97.10 percent have recovered, and 2,005 or 2.76 percent succumbed to the disease.

Three of the four deaths from June 26 to July 2 were unvaccinated while the other one was vaccinated.

As of July 2, Buhangin District had the most number of active COVID-19 cases with 30 followed by Talomo (28), Poblacion (17), Agdao (11), Bunawan (six), Toril (four), Tugbok (three), Baguio (one), and Calinan (one).

Marilog and Paquibato districts each had zero COVID-19 cases.

City Health Office (CHO) chief Dr. Ashley Lopez, in a Viber chat interview with

the City Information Office (CIO), late Monday, July 4, attributed the rising COVID-19 cases to the social and recreational activities that Dabawenyos engage themselves in.

He said, “This time of the year when it’s school break and people tend to have leisure activities, a spurt of Covid cases is expected.”

Lopez also said that although Davao City has reached and even surpassed the herd immunity for the primary doses of the anti-COVID-19 vaccine, the booster rollout remained low, which could also contribute to the slight increase in the city’s active COVID-19 cases.

“Yes, partly from the waning of the effects of vaccine pero we were able to lower down those affected and avoided severity as shown in our low hospital care utilization because Davao City has been able to acquire herd immunity.

Nonetheless, we need to speed up booster rollout to be able to control Covid as it has not been over yet,” Lopez added.

In a previous Davao City Disaster Radio (DCDR) interview, Davao City COVID-19 Task Force Spokesperson Dr. Michelle Schlosser said the effectiveness of premier doses of the anti-COVID-19 vaccines usually wanes after six months.

“We are strengthening the information education campaign to encourage the public to have their first or second booster dose.

By ruling, the vaccine’s effectiveness wanes,” Dr. Schlosser said Just like other routine

FADHERE, P6

EDGEDAVAO

VOL.15 ISSUE 71 • WEDNESDAY, JULY 6, 2022

NEWS

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Vice President and Education Secretary Sara Duterte delivers a speech during her installation as the new head of DepEd and the ceremonial turn-over of the agency dubbed as “Pasasalamat at Pagpupugay”. Duterte praised and thanked the department’s officials who, despite the COVID-19 pandemic, fulfilled their mandate to the Filipino children. FB page of Inday Sara Duterte

PH-China sign engineering design and construction contract for ‘dream bridge’ Davao City tightens measures vs. ASF

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he Davao City Veterinarian’s Office has imposed even more stringent measures to prevent the resurgence of African Swine Fever (ASF) in Davao City. This, after a pig slaughtered at the Maa Slaughterhouse tested positive for ASF during a postmortem inspection last June 20, 2022.

In an interview with the City Information Office Monday, Dr. Maria Corazon Sepulveda of the Davao City Veterinarian’s Office said that the ASF-positive slaughtered animal was immediately properly disposed of. The hog was initially cleared during the antemortem inspection as the virus is difficult to detect in live animals. However, the postmortem inspection showed that the hog— traced back to Banga, South Cotabato which has yet to declare an outbreak—was indeed infected with the virus.

After this was confirmed, the City Veterinarian’s Office temporarily shut down the Maa Slaughterhouse from June 22 to June 26, 2022 for thorough disinfection. The Malagos Slaughterhouse was then temporarily opened to cater

to clients from Maa. Stockyards and slaughterhouses in the city were ordered to sanitize and disinfect their areas. “There is continuous cleaning and disinfection.

Actually, binigyan natin sila ng disinfectant para po maclean nila ang area nila (we gave them disinfectant so they can clean their area).

And then there’s continuous surveillance and monitoring po sa atin,” she said.

Due to the highly contagious nature of the disease, Sepulveda said that their office is currently conducting daily antemortem and postmortem inspections of hogs and hog carcasses all over the city. Public Markets and stockyards are also under strict surveillance. The city’s slaughterhouses, cold storage and processing plants are closely monitored.

Stockyards in Bangkerohan are currently closed and will be under tight monitoring after one stockyard specimen from the area tested positive for ASF. Sepulveda said this prompted the office to cull all hogs in the establishment and to temporarily close all stockyards in the city. She added, “Kailangan

FDAVAO, P6

By MAYA M. PADILLO

C

hinese Ambassador to the Philippines Huang Xilian shared online that China and the Philippines just signed the commercial contract of the Consulting Services for the Conduct of Detailed Engineering Design and Construction Supervision of the Davao River Bridge, which is located at the estuary of Davao River in Davao City.

The bridge is part of the P19.8-billion Davao Coastal Road Project, which complements the Davao City Bypass Road and Davao City Expressway, and will be funded through a China gov-

ernment grant, with the agreement signed by the Chinese Embassy in Manila and the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) in 2020.

Xilian said the bridge is dual 2-lane with a total

length of around 1,340 meters and once completed, it is expected to alleviate the east-west traffic congestion in the coastal areas of the city and divert about 35,000 vehicles every day.

He also posted that it will improve travel efficiency and help boost the rapid development of the local socio-economy.

Moreover, it is estimated that 300 to 500 local people will be employed during the peak construction period.

Xilian stated that after signing the contract, the

consultant will carry out a geotechnical investigation, geodetic surveys, and data collection, and further complete the detailed engineering design. The survey and design are scheduled to be completed within six months, and the construction supervision duration of the project is planned to be 24 months.

Meanwhile, the 18.21-kilometer Davao City Coastal Bypass Road Project stretches from the Davao-Cotabato highway junction to R. Castillo in Davao City’s central area.

tions especially in hurdling the effects of the pandemic in pursuit of its call that education must continue.

Duterte said with the leadership of Briones, DepEd adapted and implemented bold but necessary measures to provide Filipino children accessible and quality education — ensuring that learning is unhampered and the learners are not left out while also ensuring the economic welfare of the teachers and the non-teaching personnel working under the organization.

Duterte said Briones showed dedication, commitment, integrity, and self-

lessness.

“Secretary Liling is a force. And I am humbled and honored to follow in the footsteps of a much-admired academic, public servant, social activist, and change-maker. Pinakyaw na yata ito lahat ni Secretary Liling. At nagpapasalamat kami na hindi niya ito ipinagdamot sa ating lahat,” she said.

Meanwhile, Duterte also announced that Briones has agreed to stay with DepEd as a consultant.

It can be recalled that Duterte announced she will be pushing for an increase in the salary of public school teachers and will look for

ways how to implement this.

Among the wishlist of the Alliance of Concerned Teachers for the incoming Education Secretary is a better compensation package for teachers and educators both in the public and private institutions.

“The Duterte administration did something about that and we’ll dovetail from what the Duterte administration had for the welfare and benefit of the teachers,” Duterte said.

In 2019, President Rodrigo Duterte in his 4th State of the Nation Address (SONA) called on Congress

VP Sara sworn in as DepEd Secretary

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ice President Sara Duterte formally took her oath as Secretary of the Department of Education (DepEd) after the ceremonial turnover dubbed “Pasasalamat at Pagpupugay” on June 4, 2022.

The Vice President was all praises and thanks to the department’s officials who, despite the Covid-19 pandemic, fulfilled their mandate to the Filipino children.

In a statement shared by the Office of the Vice President (OVP), Duterte highlighted outgoing Education Secretary Leonor Briones’ dedication to government service and the entire DepEd workforce’s innova-

FVP SARA, P6

4 VANTAGE EDGEDAVAO

VOL.15 ISSUE 71 • WEDNESDAY, JULY 6, 2022

On being picked as as the new majority floor leader for the 20th City Council:

I hope I can be a good floor leader.”

Councilor Jesus Joseph Zozobrado

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EDGEDAVAO

VOL.15 ISSUE 71 • WEDNESDAY, JULY 6, 2022

VANTAGE POINTS

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HENRYLITO D. TACIO THINK ON THESE!

SO MUCH ADO ABOUT GOSSIP “Without wood a fire goes out; without gossip a quarrel dies down.” – Proverbs 26:20 ***

Ella Cruz, who appeared in Maid in Malacañang, hogged the headline recently because of the statement she said. “History is like chismis,” she explained.

“It is filtered and dagdag na rin, so, hindi natin alam what is the real history.”

No, this is not about history but rather about gossip, the English term for chismis. These days, the person – specifically a female – who brings gossip is called Marites (which means “Mare, ano ang latest?”).

Gossip is fun because it proves that all people – even the rich and famous, the handsome and beautiful – are human beings. They are just like you and me. They commit blunders, errors, and faux pas.

But gossip – if not verified and mostly they aren’t – can ruin a person’s reputation.

Marilyn was an attractive widow with three children who just moved to a barangay. In a few weeks, she was the most talked-about woman. She was too pretty; several men had

been seen visiting her; she was a poor housekeeper; her children ran the streets and ate at the neighbor’s. She was lazy and spent most of her time lying on the sofa reading. Such was the conversation among the neighbors.

One morning, Marilyn collapsed at the public market, and the truth soon came out. She was suffering from an incurable disease and could not do her housework. She sent the children away when drugs could not control her pain.

“I wanted my children to think of me as always happy,” she said. “I wanted to pass away some time alone so they would never know.”

The men who visited her were her old family doctor, the lawyer who looked after her estate, and her husband’s brother.

“Gossip is never fatal until it is denied,” wrote Booth Tarkington, author of The Magnificent Ambersons. “Gossip goes on about every human being alive and about all the dead that are alive enough to be remembered, and yet almost never does any harm until some defender makes a controversy.

Gossip’s a nasty thing, but it’s sickly, and if people of good

intentions will leave it entirely alone, it will die, ninety-nine times out of a hundred.”

Although the town was kind to Marilyn for the remaining months of her life, the gossipers never forage themselves.

Gossip is not a new invention. It has been around since time immemorial. “Evolutionary psychologists believe that our preoccupation with the lives of others is a byproduct of a prehistoric brain,” wrote Frank T. McAndrew is a feature syndicated by the Associated Press.

These scientists believe that since “our prehistoric ancestors lived in relatively small groups” that “they knew one another intimately.”

McAndrew further wrote: “In order to ward off enemies and survive in their harsh natural environment, our ancestors needed to cooperate with in-group members. But they also recognized that these same in-group members were their main competitors for mates and limited resources.”

In modern times, however, “gossip” has taken a new level.

It simply means “spreading of rumor and misinformation, often through excited conversa-

tion over scandals.”

Mostly, people don’t admit they are involved in gossip.

Someone may say, “I don’t mean to talk about her, but…” and what comes next is a litany of untruth facts. The more interesting the gossip, the more likely it is to be untrue.

Sometimes, gossip takes the form of a false sympathy.

“I really took pity on my neighbor who is being beaten by her husband once he goes home drunk.” Others commence the conversation with a question: “Is it true that the 17-year-old daughter of our school principal is pregnant?”

While checking my Facebook account recently, I came across this very interesting story posted on the wall of one of my friends. Below is the story: Once upon a time, an old man spread rumors that his neighbor was a thief. As a result, the young man was arrested. Days later, the young man was proven innocent. After he was released, he sued the old man for wrongly accusing him.

In court, the old man told the judge: “They were just comments, didn’t harm anyone…”

The judge, before passing the judgment, told the old man:

“Write all the things you said about him on a piece of paper.

Cut them up. On the way home, throw the pieces of paper out.

Tomorrow, come here to hear the sentence.”

The following day, the judge told the old man: “Before receiving the sentence, you will have to go out and gather all the pieces of paper that you threw out yesterday.”

The old man said: “I can’t do that! The wind spread them and I didn’t know where to find them.”

The judge then replied: “The same way. Simple comments may destroy the honor of a man to such an extent that one is not able to fix it. If you can’t speak well of someone, rather don’t say anything. Let’s all be masters of our mouth, so that we won’t be slaves of our words.”

The lesson of the story: Gossips are worse than thieves, because they still steal another person’s dignity, honor, reputation and credibility which are impossible to restore.

So, remember this: when your feet slip, you can always recover your balance; but when your tongue slips, you cannot recover your words

ANTONIO V. FIGUEROA FAST BACKWARD

WOMEN IN DAVAO’S POLITICS (1) Politics has mainly been a man’s world, and it reflects as well the partisan background that dominates most parts of the archipelago. In Davao region, the historical narratives of people deciding the fate of an entire province have largely been dependent on male influence.

Women’s lib then was a taboo and disparity between genders. Even the Church, in her engagements, gave men the monopoly to lead religious rites, thereby demoting women to functions not associated directly with priestly functions such as hosting the fiesta banquet, decorating the stage, or simply cleaning the house of worship.

It was during the Commonwealth that women graced the political limelight. In 1938, President Manuel L. Quezon chose Concepcion

vda. de Asis and Remedios Ponferrada as first lady councilors.

They were reappointed in 1940 and 1941. Ponferrada, a lawyer, was again reappointed in 1945 and 1946 and served during the Pelayo, Cabigon, and Villafuerte administration.

The first post-war elected councilor was Felicidad C. Santos; she won the 1955 polls and served five terms (1956-75).

She became a member of Interim Batasang Pambansa (197884).

It took over a decade before another woman joined the city council. Cristina P. Principe briefly assumed as councilor in 1967, followed by Julieta Claudio Feliciano, who served from 1981 to 1985. Feliciano failed to complete her term after her family migrated to the United States.

In 1983, Lydia S. Bangoy, formerly with the regional of-

fice of the Department of Social Welfare and Development, assumed as city councilor, replacing her husband, Benigno, who died in office; she was replaced on June 20, 1986, following the People’s Power revolt. A year earlier, Rosalina S. Caro was installed as councilor but only served briefly (1985-86).

The post-EDSA era ushered in newcomers. Corazon Nuñez-Malanyaon, later Davao Oriental governor and congressman, was selected councilor on May 9, 1986, and won her first term in 1988. She served as vice mayor (Nov. 12, 1990Jan. 11, 1991) during the threemonth suspension of city mayor Rodrigo Duterte. She again held the post (April 1, 1997-June 30, 1997) after Duterte yielded the mayoralty to vice mayor Benjamin de Guzman.

On May 28, 1990, Leonora T. Cascabel assumed as city coun-

cilor; she served until 1992.

The 1992 local elections welcomed the entry of new faces. Maria Frances Acosta-Robillo won her first term in the sanggunian and eventually served three terms (1992-95; 1995-98; 2001-04). Another newcomer was Nenita Roldan Orcullo, later head of the City Cooperative Development Office, who served the City Council four terms (1992-95; 199598; 1998-2001; 2004-07).

On February 12, 1993, Marlene Librado assumed as city councilor, replacing her dead husband, Erasto; she was reelected twice (1995-98; 19982001). Two weeks later, on February 25, 1993, Myrna Dalodo-Ortiz replaced her deceased father, former Davao City traffic honcho Jose Dalodo. She was later elected to six terms (199598; 1998-2001; 2001-04; 200710; 2010-13; 2013-16).

Paz Mata, the barangay captain of Calinan and Association of Barangay Captains president, was installed in 1992 as ex-oficio member of the Council. She was elected councilor for three terms (1995-98; 1998-2001; 2004-07). On January 13, 1995, Elizabeth M. Fuentes assumed as city councilor, completing the unexpired term of her deceased spouse, Agosto P. Fuentes. In 1998, Carmencita D. Cataluña was elected as city councilor for a term (1998-2001).

Four Sanguniang Kabataan chairs also served as ex- oficio members: April Marie C. Dayap (2004-07; 2007-10); Jashera L. Gonzales (2010-13); Ma. Margarita B. Peloton (July 12, 1996June 30, 1998); and Halila Sudagar (October 2007-October 2010). Dayap was later elected city councilor and served two terms (2010-13; 2013-16).

A1 ECONOMY EDGEDAVAO

VOL.15 ISSUE 71 • WEDNESDAY, JULY 6, 2022

Market goers choose from a display of tuna at Bankerohan Public Market in Davao City. The Philippine inflation rate is expected to reach over 5.5 percent until the end of 2022 due in part to rising oil prices in the international market. Edge Davao

Above 5.5% inflation seen until yearend

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he inflation rate is expected to post higher levels of at least 5.5 percent in the second and third quarter of 2022 due in part to rising oil prices in the international market.

Based on the June 2022 issue of the Market Call released on Monday, inflation further surpassed the government’s 2-4 percent target band last May because of faster upticks of items under the heavily-weighted food and non-alcoholic beverages and transport items because of supply issues as well as rising oil prices

in the international market.

The rate of price increases exceeded the government’ target band last April when it rose to 4.9 percent, from 4 percent a month ago, and then to 5.4 percent the following month.

The average inflation in the first five months this year stood at 4.1 per-

cent.

The monthly publication jointly published by the First Metro Investment Corporation (FMIC) and the University of Asia and the Pacific (UA&P) said inflation posted a slower month-on-month print last May at 0.5 percent compared to the 1 percent jump in April, while the annualized figure stood at 6.2 percent from 12.7 percent.

“Despite the overall slower pace in both actual and seasonally adjusted terms, we think headline inflation will remain

above 5.5 percent for the rest of the year,” it said, citing expectations for continued upticks in the prices of oil in the world market.

It forecasts average inflation in the second quarter at around 5.4 percent and at 5.7 percent in the third quarter before easing in the last three months of the year.

“The peso depreciation will encourage domestic food producers to step up their uptick with foreign products becoming more expensive,” it

and performance across all operators.

Ookla also noted improvement in 5G availability improved as Right of Way (RoW) rules were eased and as telcos boosted their investment in 5G networks.

It noted that the Philippines’ 4G performance was catching up with its peers in ASEAN. “Singapore came first with a 44.11 Mbps median 4G download speed ahead

of Vietnam (34.89 Mbps), followed by Thailand (24.86 Mbps) and Malaysia (22.41 Mbps),” Ookla said.

“Across Indonesia, the Philippines, and Cambodia, the 4G median speeds were well under 20 Mbps, with the Philippines coming with a 15.53 Mbps median download speed and a 5.14 Mbps median upload speed.”

Smart was ahead in terms of median 4G down-

load speed in Q1 2022 at 18.57 Mbps. Meanwhile, DITO had the best 4G Availability in Q1 2022 at 91.2 percent of its network.

Ookla also noted that Smart won both in terms of 5G speeds and 5G Availability in Q1 2022, it recorded 200.43 Mbps median download speed and 25.5 percent 5G Availability, ahead of Globe with 121.29 Mbps download speed and 15.3 percent 5G Availability.

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DITO entry improved mobile internet speeds, Ookla says

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obile internet speeds in the Philippines showed significant improvement following the commercial launch of DITO Telecommunity, an industry watcher said.

In a report published June 30, Ookla said that based on its analysis, DITO’s entry, combined with regulatory changes, resulted in more network investment and an overall improvement in 4G coverage

SEC commits to champion corp sector, capital market

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he Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) will remain at the forefront of advancing reforms and programs that will enable the growth of the capital market and the broader corporate sector, as the country moves forward under the new leadership of President Ferdinand R. Marcos, Jr. “We recognize our vital role in the country’s economic growth and recovery, being the county’s corporate regulator, overseer of the capital markets, and protector of the investing public,” SEC Chairperson Emilio B. Aquino said.

“As such, the Commission renews its commitment to championing the development of the capital market to support the recovery and growth of corporations, as well as regulatory reforms aimed at improving the ease of doing business in the country, and the economy’s global

competitiveness.”

Under the recently concluded Duterte administration, the SEC achieved significant milestones that helped the corporate sector survive and bounce back from the impacts of the pandemic.

In a message to the SEC before the end of his term, former Finance Secretary Carlos G. Dominguez III noted how the Commission “confronted the challenges of this time with flying colors.”

Mr. Dominguez added: “I commend the men and women of the SEC, led by Chairman Emilio B. Aquino, for the courage, commitment, and innovativeness you demonstrated through the length of the public health emergency. You sustained your regulatory role and inspired confidence in our market. The Commission plays an important role in our nation’s strong

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EDGEDAVAO

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ECONOMY

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RAPID Growth Project Manager Mae Ester Guiamadel (3rd from left), DTI-Davao City director Rachel S. Remitio (2nd from right), and BARBCO chair Godofredo C. Rangas (5th from right) lead the signing of the matching grant agreement. DTI 11

3 coops, hundreds of farmers to benefit from DTI 11’s MGA DOT chief to hold ‘listening tour’ for tourism recovery

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ourism Secretary Christina Garcia Frasco on Monday said she will hold a “listening tour” across the country to discuss rehabilitation efforts for the tourism industry greatly affected by the COVID-19 pandemic.

Frasco made the announcement during the first flag-raising ceremony in her new post at the Department of Tourism (DOT) Central Office in Makati.

According to Frasco, she will meet with regional officials and stakeholders to be “front and center of the prevailing issues that need to be addressed, andcraft solutions that will ensure the full rehabilitation and recovery of the tourism industry.”

“Moving forward, we foresee a Department of Tourism that is not only focused on the crafting of national policy but, more importantly, to be in touch with the realities on the ground, to give attention to sites, peoples, products that have not necessarily been given equal opportunity to be developed, to reach out to all regional offices, all of our partners in the local government units in the 81 provinces, over 140 cities, and over 1,400 municipalities across the Philippines, to extend to them the hand of collaboration from the Department of Tourism, and to send across the mes-

sage that we are here to help the industry arise and recover,” Frasco said.

The former Liloan, Cebu mayor said that she will also be working the Public Works and Highways and the Transportation departments to provide better access to tourist sites in the country.

“President Bongbong Marcos has made his directive very clear that he fully intends for the Department of Tourism to become one of the major economic pillars for the Philippines. And so, the challenge for us is very clear,” she said.

“We must not only continue to do the work that we have been doing, but we must exert extra effort to give everything that we can within what is humanly possible, to ensure that our Department becomes one of the major economic contributors in the Marcos administration, to the end that we help our brothers and sisters arise and recover from the challenges of the past few years,” Frasco added.

A scion of the Garcia political family in Cebu, Frasco is a daugther of Governor Gwendolyn Garcia.

She had been reelected for another term as mayor of Liloan town in Cebu when she was appointed by President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. in her current post.

T

he Philippines has taken the rare step of asking retailers and consumers in Japan, its biggest export market, to bear the brunt of higher prices for its bananas to sustain its industry for the popular fruit.

At least three cooperatives and hundreds of farmers in Davao Region will benefit from the signing of the Matching Grant Agreement (MGA) under the Rural Agro-Industrial Partnership for Inclusive Development and Growth (RAPID Growth) project of the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) 11.

The MGA, which was inked on May 31, details the productive investment (construction of mechanical dryer) and various business development support

for the Biao Agrarian Beneficiaries Cooperative (BARBCO) of Purok Manga, Barangay Talandang, Davao City. This amounts to Php 1,594,736.

The interventions are designed to improve the association’s efficiency and capacity in trading dried fermented cacao beans (DFCB), as well as, in the production of cacao products. These are expected to improve its business profitability and sustainability.

In the meantime, a total of 262 smallholder cacao

farmers belonging to the Southern Davao Multi-Purpose Cooperative (SDMC) and UNICARBAI Multi-Purpose Cooperative (UMPC) of Brgy. Basiawan, Sta. Maria, Davao Occidental will also indirectly benefit from these interventions. They could increase the overall profitability of BARBCO as their primary buyer.

As such, this could result in better buying prices of DFCB as the latterr upscales its business operations.

DTI 11 Regional Director Maria Belenda Q. Ambi shared that the project will provide interventions to these associations, including seedlings for cacao farm expansion, farm tools for rehabilitation areas, and various capability

building interventions.

Ambi, who also sits as the national director of the RAPID Growth Project, added that the total project intervention cost for UMPC and SMDC is pegged at Php 3,832,200. The amount is allocated specifically for the cacao smallholder farmers, who are members of the said groups. The UMDC is set to receive Php 1,950,000, while SMDC will get Php 1,882,200 as project support.

“Given the market potential indicated in the business plans, especially in the commercial partnership agreement with BARBCO, these investments and interventions were deemed to be feasible and viable,” the local trade chief

up to 10.35 billion common shares, subject to the company’s compliance with certain remaining requirements.

LFM Properties’ parent, Liberty Flour Mills, Inc. (LFM), plans to distribute 10.35 billion common shares of LFM Properties as property dividend to all of its stockholders as of Dec. 18, 2020.

LFM stockholders will receive 69 shares of LFM Properties for every LFM share they hold.

LFM Properties will then list by way of introduction 25 billion common shares on the Small, Medium and Emerging Board of the Philippine Stock Exchange (PSE).

The initial listing price

for the common shares will be 10.7 centavos each.

Under Section 1(b) of PSE’s Amended Rules on Listing by Way of Introduction, listing may be appropriate where the securities of an unlisted issuer are distributed by way of property dividend by a listed issuer to shareholders of that listed issuer. (PR)

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SEC clears LFM Properties listing by way of introduction

T

he Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) has considered favorably the listing of LFM Properties Corporation on the stock exchange by way of introduction.

In its meeting on June 28, the commission en banc rendered effective the registration statement of LFM Properties covering

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EDGEDAVAO

VOL.15 ISSUE 71• JULY 6, 2022 VOL.15 ISSUE • TUESDAY, JULY 4, VOL.15 ISSUE 71WEDNESDAY, •70 WEDNESDAY, 6,2022

EVENT

PUJADA BAY FESTIVAL MAKES A COMEBACK

The Sleeping Dinosaur, white sand beaches, lumpia (spring rolls), and empanada (meat pies) are among the reasons why you go to Mati City— a good two and a half hour drive from Davao City.

There are also the city’s festivals - Sambuokan, Summer Frolic, cityhood, and Pujada Bay Fest - that were put on hold as the pandemic came into full force the previous years.

This year, the Pujada Bay Festival returned with a bang. After two years of socially distanced activities, the Matinians went out to celebrate the city’s grand festival, which is a celebration of the abundance of the

city’s waterfront assets.

Part of the celebration of the 19th Pujada Bay Festival, which also coincided with the 15th Citihood of Mati City, was the Queen of Pujada 2022 that was participated by 19 candidates from the LQBTQ community.

The pageant was not the usual sash and crown competition, instead, it put emphasis on various advocacies in protecting and conserving Pujada Bay, which was recognized as one of the Most Beautiful Bays in the World (MBBW).

From the 19 candidates who competed in different outfits like swimsuit, long gown etc. only eight of them were selected to be included in the first set of the question and answer portion.

Jayrell Piastro Morato from Barangay Mayo, who wore a “pawikan” (sea turtle) costume and crawled imitating the reptile during the parade, won the title as the first Queen of Pujada Bay 2022.

In case you don’t know, the coastline of Mati City is a nesting place for pawikan.

In fact, Mati City has recorded the most number of turtle hatchlings released to the Philippines’ seas compared to other cities. For the last three years, the citybased conservation group Amihan sa Dahican-Save our Seas (SOS) released over 105,000 baby turtles into the sea of Dahican .

All the costumes paraded by the contestants looked like they came straight out under the sea.

No one was happier than Mayor Michelle Nakpil Rabat when she watched the people of Mati having fun and celebrating.

“Pa bongga tayo ngayon because we are not only celebrating the Cityhood of Mati but we are also celebrating life,” said Rabat.

The Pujada Bay in the idyllic capital City of Mati has made it to the list of the Most Beautiful Bays in the World (MBBW) because of its beautiful landscapes and seascapes emphasized

by stretches of white sand beaches in its shoreline and turquoise waters.

The City of Mati is bestowed with beautiful beaches because apart from Pujada Bay, Mayo and Balete Bays are also part of the list of the MBBWA. Among the criteria in the Most Beautiful Bays tag include the community involvement in environmental protection and all the three bays have complied with the requirements.

EDGEDAVAO

VOL.15 ISSUE 71 • WEDNESDAY, JULY 6, 2022

Street Sweeper claims Mega Lotto 6/45 jackpot prize

Mandaluyong City. On June 21, 2022, the new millionaire from Malabon Metro Manila arrived at the PCSO Main Office in Mandaluyong to claim her MegaLotto 6/45 jackpot prize of P 103,269,281.60 million with a winning combination of 1012-02-27-03-18 drawn on June 17, 2022.

Asked how she found out she won the jackpot prize, “Ako po ay naka subscribe sa PCSO sa FB page po, kaya noong gabi pa lang pagkatapos ng draw inabangan ko talaga ang update sa aking cellphone. Una po, akala ko lima lang ang aking tinamaan, inulit kong tingnan kinabukasan at doon ko nakita lahat pala ng numero ay tinamaan ko. Napaluhod at umiyak ako dahil hindi ko inakala.”

In an interview, she has been working as a street sweeper for 25 years to raise their four children because her husband does not have a permanent job. According to her, they have not experienced living luxuriously because up to the present they have been renting a house that is just enough for them.

Therefore, she considers this a great blessing from God. The winning numbers came from his brother who are staying with them for 3 months now. Apparently, she spend Php 300.00 to 400.00 a day to play lotto games, “Sa hirap ng buhay namin, nangangarap po akong manalo kaya ganito po ako kalaki tumaya. “ Umaasa po ako sa tuwing tataya ako mananalo ako”.

recovery.”

Despite the pandemic, the SEC approved a record high of P687.40 billion in increase in capital stock in 2021, proof that businesses continued to grow and generate more jobs for Filipinos.

Corporations also continued to turn to the capital markets for their financing needs, as the amount of capital raised in 2021 more than doubled to P234.48 billion, compared to P103.76 billion in the year before. Investments in mutual funds likewise steadily increased, reaching P444.08 billion in 2021 from P294.7 billion in 2017.

Meanwhile, the number of companies registering as corporations with the SEC remained consistent amid the pandemic, with an av-

erage of around 34,000 per year from 2016 to 2021.

Central to the Commission’s undisrupted operations during the pandemic is the successful implementation of its digital transformation initiatives, which allowed corporations to transact with the SEC from the comfort of their own homes or offices.

The SEC’s digital transformation includes the launch of the Electronic Simplified Processing of Application for Registration of Companies (eSPARC) and its subsystem, the One Day Submission and Electronic Registration of Companies; the Electronic Filing and Submission Tool (eFAST); and the Electronic System for Payments to the SEC (eSPAYSEC).

said.

Ambi further noted that BARBCO will also support these associations through training interventions, including the production of high-quality cacao beans to meet the standards. This is anticipated to increase the household income of the cacao farmer-members.

Apart from the farmer-beneficiaries in Davao Occidental, the DIP will also bring opportunities to the 445 smallholder farmers in Davao City. Specifically, these are the 247 farmer-members of the Philippine Rural Development Program (PRDP) clusters and the 198 BARBCO-affiliated smallholder farmers in the city’s third district. BARBCO operates as the consolidator and processor of wet beans in the region.

“The RAPID Growth Project’s identified interventions and investments to the detailed investment plans or DIPs aim to bridge the supply gaps

by providing investments, matching grants, and several business development support to BARBCO and its farmer associations and other key players in the supply chain,” Ambi explained, adding that to further strengthen the supply chain, the project likewise collaborates with the different cacao industry enablers.

The BARBCO Supply Chain is the first-ever DIP that the RAPID Growth Project’s official development assistance (ODA) International Fund for Agricultural Development (IFAD) has approved in Davao Region.

The ceremonial MGA-signing was attended by the RAPID Growth Project Manager Mae Ester Guiamadel, DTI-Davao City director Rachel S. Remitio, DTI 11 chief for management support services Marilou D. Laguting, and BARBCO’s chairperson Godofredo C. Rangas and manager Guadalupe C. Ocial.DTI11

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COMPETITIVE EDGE

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Every day she never misses playing and praying to be able to take home the major prize.

Dreaming about what to do with a huge lotto jackpot prize is an exciting part of playing the lottery. For the new PCSO millionaire, “Ang ibang pera po ay paghahatian ng aking apat na anak, bibili kami ng sariling bahay, magbibigay din ako sa aking mga kapatid at sa simbahan”. “Sobra po akong nagpapasalamat sa PCSO, tutuo po palang may nanalo at isa na ako doon. Hanggang ngayon po, hindi ako makapaniwala , umiyak po ako ng sobra –sobra . Salamat sa taas at salamat sa PCSO”.

Under the Tax Reform Acceleration and Inclusion (TRAIN) Law, a 20% tax will

Photo shows, Mr. Angelo De Leon, Executive Assistant representing PCSO Chairperson and Ad Interim General Manager Anselmo Simeon P. Pinili handing over the check to the sole winner of the Mega lotto 6/45 jackpot prize at the PCSO Main Building, 10th floor, Sun Plaza Bldg., Mandaluyong City on June 21, 2022.

automatically be deducted from the jackpot prize and winnings should be claimed within one year from the date of draw otherwise it would be forfeited.

PCSO would like to thank the millions of lotto patrons

nationwide for supporting PCSO gaming products. With the public’s continued support of “Mga larong May Puso”, the agency can constantly provide CHARITY services to all Filipinos nationwide.

Winning numbers and

other details of PCSO games, products, and services can be viewed at the official PCSO website at www.pcso.gov. ph and the official FB page at https://www.facebook.com/ pcsoofficialsocialmedia and PCSO GOV for YouTube

MANILA - We’ve officially crossed the first half 2022, but there’s still a lot to look forward to as we welcome the last few months of the year. And what better way to celebrate the midyear madness than catching the best deals on Shopee at the 7.7 Mid-Year Sale? Now’s the perfect time to check out those tech items you’ve been eyeing, as you can get these at bagsak-presyo prices this 7.7! You can also enjoy a wide array of ₱49 deals and below, shipping discount vouchers, and 10% off vouchers when you add-to-cart and check out your must-haves at the 7.7 Mid-Year Sale.

Get a grip on your busy days with this Haylou Waterproof Smart Watch, equipped with health and sleep monitoring, 12 sports modes, weather notifica-

tions and music functions.

Craving those unreachable, beautiful views? Explore the world using this Dual Camera FPV Drone so you can conquer the scene and reach heights for better travel memories for you and your friends thanks to its 4K double camera, three-sided infrared avoidance, and 100-meter distance features. Be on top of your game with this Adjustable High Back Gaming Chair, complete with a wide backrest and adjustable heights and tilts so you can have that customized comfort while in battle. Unlock the touchscreen potentials of your phone, iPad, or tablet with this handy Stylus Pen, perfect for taking down notes, signatures, and drawings.

Make your home safe and comfortable with the

help of these must-haves!

Embrace extra safety in your front door with this auto-sensing Spray Sterilizer, complete with 3 spray modes, 320-mL capacity, and easy-to-install pieces.

Cooking and convenience go hand-in-hand with the TJean Air Fryer, non-sticky and hassle-free to navigate with its pre-set menu and timers. Be your own barista with this Hibrew Espresso Machine, which comes with easy to use large buttons and displays, a retro-stylish look, and a 15-bar pressure for ground coffee to help serve you that much-needed punch of delicious espresso.

Aside from these amazing bagsak-presyo items, get exclusive deals and discounts at the 7.7 MidYear Sale from top brands such as Abbott, Pedigree

year.

The local currency again closed at the 55-level against the US dollar on Monday, after starting the year at 51-level.

The report said rising interest rates in the US, which the Federal funds rate hiked by a total of 150 basis points

since last March, along with rising trade deficit of the Philippines, are expected to hurt the local currency.

“Safe haven demand boosted the US dollar as investors worry about the global economic slowdown on the horizon,” it added.

(PNA)

and Whiskas, Colgate-Palmolive, Omega Houseware, Ace Hardware, Pampers, Garnier, L’Oreal Paris, Maybelline, P&G Beauty, Olay, Havaianas, LOVITO, Huawei, OPPO, and infinix.

You can also score ₱7 deals every 15 minutes during the Lightning Flash Hour sale this 7.7 Mid-Year Sale. Get a chance to take home a new laptop or TV just by checking out ₱7 deals from 12-1PM and 8-9PM this 7.7. To know more about these amazing deals, visit the Lightning Flash Hour Sale page on Shopee.

While still choosing what to checkout this 7.7, join the Mukha Ng Panay Checkout Sa Shopee raffle to get a chance to be one of the lucky 5 winners who will take home ₱10,000! Just show off your best Shopee-inspired shopping photo and use the Mukha Ng Panay Checkout Sa Shopee Facebook frame in order to join.

Visit the Mukha Ng Panay Checkout Sa Shopee post to know more about the raffle.

The mid-year surprises don’t stop there! Activate and verify ShopeePay now to get more rewards when you send money, buy load, and pay bills. Send money for free and get a chance to win ₱1,000,000 worth of prizes with the ShopeePay Mission promo. To join, simply send at least ₱50 to any unique ShopeePay user or bank/e-wallet account from July 1 to 7 and earn raffle entries for every transaction.

Don’t miss out on ShopeePay-exclusive deals on load and cashback vouchers for bills payment this mid-year sale. For more rewards, use ShopeePay to get shipping discounts when you pay for your 7.7 bagsak-presyo finds. For more details on the latest promos, follow ShopeePay’s Instagram and Facebook pages.

Reward yourself this mid-year by checking out these 7 bagsak-presyo tech items at the Shopee 7.7 Mid-Year Sale

ABOVE... FROMA1 added.

The FMIC and UA&P forecast the peso to further weaken against the US dollar because of generally stronger US dollar, higher US interest rates, and increasing trade deficits, with the latter seen to surpass the USD50-billion level this

64

EDGE DAVAO EDGE DAVAO

VOL.15 ISSUE 71 •70 WEDNESDAY, 6, 2022 VOL.15 ISSUE • TUESDAY, JULY 4,

Republic of the Philippines City of Davao Office of the Sangguniang Panlungsod 19th City Council 10th Regular Session Series of 2022 PRESENT: Councilor Councilor Councilor Councilor Councilor Councilor Councilor Councilor Councilor Councilor Councilor Councilor Councilor Councilor Councilor Councilor Councilor Councilor Councilor Councilor Councilor Councilor Councilor Councilor Councilor Councilor Councilor

ABSENT:

Alberto T. Ungab - Temporary Presiding Officer Ralph O. Abella Nilo D. Abellera Luna Maria Dominique S. Acosta Bai Hundra Cassandra Dominique N. Advincula Wilberto E. Al-ag Dante L. Apostol Sr. Conrado C. Baluran Jessica M. Bonguyan Louie John J. Bonguyan Pilar C. Braga Augusto Javier G. Campos III Danilo C. Dayanghirang Jonard C. Dayap Edgar P. Ibuyan Jr. Edgar R. Ibuyan Sr. Richlyn N. Justol-Baguilod Pamela A. Librado-Morata Diosdado Angelo Junior R. Mahipus Rodolfo M. Mande Jaffar U. Marohomsalic Bonifacio E. Militar Myrna G. L’Dalodo-Ortiz Antoinette G. Principe-Castrodes J. Melchor B. Quitain Jr. Mary Joselle D. Villafuerte Jesus Joseph P. Zozobrado III

Vice Mayor Sebastian Z. Duterte

- On Official Business

ORDINANCE NO. 0899-22 Series of 2022 AN ORDINANCE EFFECTING THE COLLECTION OF FIVE HUNDRED PESOS (P500.00) SOCIALIZED FEES IN RELATION TO THE IMPLEMENTATION OF REPUBLIC ACT NO. 11222, OTHERWISE KNOWN AS THE “SIMULATED BIRTH RECTIFICATION ACT” AS RECOMMENDED BY THE CITY SOCIAL WELFARE AND DEVELOPMENT OFFICE SECTION 1. TITLE - This Ordinance shall be known and cited as “AN ORDINANCE EFFECTING THE COLLECTION OF FIVE HUNDRED PESOS (P500.00) SOCIALIZED FEES IN RELATION TO THE IMPLEMENTATION OF REPUBLIC ACT NO. 11222, OTHERWISE KNOWN AS THE “SIMULATED BIRTH RECTIFICATION ACT” AS RECOMMEMDED BY THE CITY SOCIAL WELFARE AND DEVELOPMENT OFFICE.”

SECTION 2. AUTHORITY - Section 129 of the Local Government Code of 1991 states, “Each Local Government Unit shall exercise its power to create its own sources of revenue and to levy taxes, fees, and charges subject to the provisions herein, consistent with the basic policy of local autonomy. Such taxes, fees, and charges shall accrue exclusively to the local government units.”

SECTION 3. DEFINITION OF TERMS

(a) Administrative adoption – refers to a process whereby a person assumes the parental authority of a child, from the biological parent or parents. It permanently transfers all rights and responsibilities, along with filiation to the adoptive parents.

(b) Socialized Fee- a fee recommended and collected by the City or Municipal Social Welfare Office, the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) Field Office and the Office of the Civil Registrar which shall not exceed Five Hundred Pesos (P500.00).

SECTION 4. SOCIALIZED FEE – There is hereby imposed a Five Hundred Pesos (P500.00) socialized fee for administrative adoption proceedings. Provided further, if the applicant of the administrative adoption proceeding is an indigent, the said fee shall be waived.

SECTION 5. WAIVER – Section 13 of Republic Act 11222 provides that fees shall be waived if the petitioner/s is/are found to be indigent as defined by law.

SECTION 6. REPEALING CLAUSE – All ordinances contrary to or inconsistent with this Ordinance are hereby repealed or modified accordingly.

SECTION 7. SEPARABILITY CLAUSE – If, for any reason, any section or provision of this Ordinance is declared unconstitutional or invalid, other sections or provisions hereof not affected by such declaration shall continue to be in full force and effect.

SECTION 8. EFFECTIVITY - This Ordinance shall take effect immediately upon approval.

ENACTED, March 08, 2022, by a unanimous vote of all the Members of the Sanggunian present, there being a quorum.

CERTIFIED CORRECT:

ATTESTED: Acting Vice Mayor Temporary Presiding Officer cns/ser

Secretary to the Sangguniang Panlungsod (City Government Department Head II)

APR 29 2022 APPROVED:_________________,

ATTESTED:

AN ORDINANCE EFFECTING THE COLLECTION OF FIVE HUNDRED PESOS (P500.00) SOCIALIZED FEES IN RELATION TO THE IMPLEMENTATION OF REPUBLIC ACT 11222, OTHERWISE KNOWN AS THE “SIMULATED BIRTH RECTIFICATION ACT” AS RECOMMEMDED BY THE CITY SOCIAL WELFARE AND DEVELOPMENT OFFICE

FRESH... FROM2

Committee on Cooperative and People’s Participation- Councilor Jonard Dayap as chairman and Councilor Jessica Bonguyan as vice-chairman.

Committee on Risk Reduction and ManagementMahipus as chairman and Apostol as vice-chairman.

Committee on Education, Science, and Technology, Arts and Culture- Councilor Pilar Braga as chairman and Councilor Al Ryan Alejandre as vice-chairman.

Committee on Energy and Water- Louie John Bonguyan as chairman and Mahipus as vice-chairman.

Committee on Environment and Natural Resources- Councilor Tek Ocampo as chairman and Mahipus as vice-chairman.

Committee on Ethics and Good Government- Mahipus as chairman and Braga as vice-chairman.

Committee on Finance, Ways, Means and Appropriation- Councilor Myrna Dalodo-Ortiz as chairman and Louie John Bonguyan as vice chairman.

Committee on Franchises and Public Utilities- Apostol as chairman and Baluran as vice chairman.

Committee on Future Generation- Dayap as chairman and Councilor Bonz Militar as vice chairman.

Committee on Games and Amusement- Councilor Jessica Bonguyan as chairman and Advicula as vice chairman.

Committee on Government enterprise and Privatization- Ibuyan Sr. as chairman and Ibuyan Jr. as vice chairman.

Committee on HealthCouncilor Che Che Justol as chairman and Councilor Trisha Ann Villafuerte as vice chairman.

Committee on Low End Projects, Socialized Housing- Councilor Javi Campos as chairman and Baluran as vice chairman.

Committee on High End Projects- Advincula as chairman and Mahipus as vice chairman.

Committee on Medium End Projects- Louie John Bonguyan as chairman and Councilor Bernie Al-ag as vice chairman.

Committee on Indigenous People, Cultural Communities and Muslim Affairs- Peg-Buyyahon Rodolfo M. Mande as chairman and Alejandre as vice chairman.

Committee on Information Technology- Militar as chairman and Jessica Bonguyan as vice chairman.

Committee on International Relations- Campoas as chairman and Ibuyan as vice chairman.

Committee on Labor and Employment OpportunitiesAl-ag as chairman and Acosta as vice chairman.

Committee on Peace and Public safety- Acosta as chairman and Ibuyan Jr. as vice chairman.

Committee on Public Works and Highways- Ibuyan Jr. as chairman and Louie John Bonguyan as vice chairman.

Committee on Rules, Privileges, Laws and Ordinances-Zozobrado as chairman and Louie John Bonguyan as vice chairman.

Committee on Social Services-Councilor Wilberto Alag as chairman and Ocampo as vice chairman.

Committee on Special Publications- Ocampo as chairman and Alejandre as vice chairman.

Committee on Tourism and Beatificition-Alejandre as chairman and Dalodo-Ortiz as vice chairman.

Committee on Trade, Commerce and IndustryBernie Al-ag as chairman and Alejandre as vice chairman.

The City Council also elected members from the first, second, and third district to sit in the People’s Law Enforcement Board namely Acosta for the first district, Mahipus for the second district, and Advincula for the third district.

units operated in the province in 2016—all under the NPA’s Southern Mindanao Regional Committee (SMRC) The number went down to two in 2020, culminating with the collapse of SMRC’s GF3—described as one of the oldest guerrilla fronts in the country—early this year.

“Crucial interventions

freed the province from the clutches of the communist rebels, as it attained zero recruitment rate and less than five percent visibility rate of the NPA,” Jubahib said.

The CPP-NPA is listed as a terrorist organization by the United States, the European Union, the United Kingdom, Australia,

Canada, New Zealand, and the Philippines.

The Anti-Terrorism Council also formally designated the National Democratic Front as a terrorist organization on June 23, 2021, citing it as “an integral and inseparable part” of the CPPNPA that was created in April 1973. (PNA)

vaccines for children and adults, booster shots must also be received periodically such as flu shots that are taken yearly. Children’s vaccines also have boosters.

Dr. Schlosser added, “Don’t wait for the time that we will have a lot of cases

before you get your boosters. Get your boosters now before anything happens.”

Barangays 19-B, Buhangin Proper, and Vicente Hizon Sr. were placed under moderate risk under the LGU risk classification.

As of June 30, 2022, Davao City logged

1,333,537 or 86.38 percent fully vaccinated individuals based on the 80.67 percent or 1,531,004 of the target population. But only 278,866 or 21.09 percent got their first booster shots and 35,410 or 12.70 percent received their second booster jabs.

po naming mag-continuous monitoring sa palengke, sa mga stockyards, although ang Bangkerohan ngayon walang laman ang kanilang mga stockyards kasi gi-close namin sila (We need to conduct continuous monitoring in public markets and stockyards although the stockyards in Bangkerohan Public Market are currently empty because we had to shut them down).”

On top of this, the City Veterinarian’s Office has also tightened border inspection of hogs coming into the city.

Sepulveda said that farmers with commercial hogs coming from areas that have declared ASF outbreaks (red zones) and from areas that have not been flagged (green

zones) must acquire an animal inspection certificate and an ASF-free certificate from the Veterinary Quarantine Services Department of the Department of Agriculture. However, non-commercial hogs or backyard hogs from outside of the city are not allowed entry.

“If backyard hogs coming from Davao City, okay lang po yan; dito lang po sila iikot sa Davao City pero with corresponding animal inspection certificate. Pero hogs from red zones and green zones na backyard, hindi po pwede pumasok sa atin.

Kapag po commercial farm, meron po silang veterinary health certificate and ASFfree certification. Even from outside provinces that will

come into Davao City from red zones even green zones na commercial, meron po silang ASF-free certificate good for seven days (If these are backyard hogs coming from Davao City, that is okay; they can move within the city but with corresponding animal inspection certificate. However, backyard hogs from both red and green zones are not allowed entry into our city. For commercial farmers, they must have a veterinary health certificate and ASF-free certification.

The same applies for commercial farmers with hogs coming in from green or red zones outside of the city, they will have an ASF-free certificate good for seven days),” Sepulveda said.

to pass a new Salary Standardization Law that will raise the pay of government workers, including public

school teachers.

Briones reported that the minimum salary for public school teachers increased

from P19,077 in 2016 to P20,754 in 2019, under the Salary Standardization Law.

By Maya M. Padillo

DAVNOR... FROM2

ADHERE... FROM2

DAVAO... FROM3

VP SARA... FROM3

7 Rafa reaches Wimby QF for 8th time

R

afael Nadal reached the Wimbledon quarter-finals for the eighth time on Monday with a straight-sets defeat of Botic van de Zandschulp.

Nadal, who has already won the Australian and

SPORTS

EDGEDAVAO

VOL.15 ISSUE 71 • WEDNESDAY, JULY 6, 2022

French Opens to stand halfway to the first calendar

Grand Slam since 1969, triumphed 6-4, 6-2, 7-6 (8).

Next up for the 36-yearold Spaniard is a clash against American 11th seed Taylor Fritz, who beat him in the Indian Wells final earlier in the year.

“To be back in the quarterfinals after not be-

ing here for three years is amazing,” said the 2008 and 2010 champion.

“I expect a very tough match against Taylor. He won his first Masters title this year against me in the final.

“The quarterfinals of a Slam are always very

tough.”

Nadal had already defeated Van de Zandschulp in straight sets at the French Open and he was hardly troubled Monday until a third set blip.

He broke the world No. 25 Dutchman in the 10th game to secure the opening set.

The 22-time major winner backed it up with a double break in the second set.

Van de Zandschulp managed to stem the bleeding, retrieving a break in the third to get to a tiebreak.

He saved three match points before his challenge ended with a wild smash.

FRED C. LUMBA SPORTS KEN

CARLSEN - NEPO PART 2?

Will there be a deja vu for Carlsen vs Nepo next year?

Russian super GM Ian Nepommniachtchi (2766) drew his last match against Poland’s GM Jan Krzystof Duda (2750) to grab the 2022 Candidates champion’s trophy in the recently concluded tourney in Madrid, Spain.

Impressively finishing undefeated 5-9-0 (win draw loss) in the two round robin eight player tournament to select the next challenger in the 2023 World Championship, Nepo enjoyed a comfortable two full point lead and would still have won the competition even if he lost the last game to

Duda.

Should WC Magnus Carlsen elect not to meet Nepo and defend his crown as has been bruited about, FIDE rules provide that the players who finish one and two would meet for the vacant title.

China’s Ding Liren (2806) outplayed American Hikaru Nakamura (2760) to take second place (4-8-2) in a tense end game that was leading to a drawish position but two miscues by the latter enabled the former to snatch the victory.

Azerbaijan”s Teimour Radjabov (2753) ably defended in a Ruy Lopez and turned back

Richard Rapport (2764) to tie Nakamura for third place with similar 7.5 pts.

Radjabov totes a 3-9-2 WDL while Naka had 4-7-3.

American super GM Fabiano Caruana (2783), fancied as a co-favorite to win this event, skidded in the second half and lost to Alireza Firouzja (2793).

Caruana took fifth spot (3-7-4 while Firouzja (2-8-4) ended in 6th.

Rapport and Duda finished with identical 1-9-4 records and tied for seventh and eighth places.

For his feat, Nepo will earn ELO points in the next FIDE ratings while some will lose points

including Liren, Firouzja and Caruana, Much earlier, when the youthful Firouzja was waylaying everyone of the contending GMs in the FIDE Grand Swiss and the European Team championships to increase his ELO rating to 2822 and second highest rated in the world next to Carlsen, the Norwegian world titleholder expressed inclination to accept a future challenger in Firouzja.

Sadly, the Iranian-born GM, now based in France, did not perform remarkably well in the Candidates which dampened Carlsen’s enthusiasm.

Personally, I think it would be an insult - a slap in the face to Nepo should Carlsen turn his back away.

As a gentleman, I think Carlsen would be much appreciated by the entire sports community if he commits to defend and meet Nepo for the second time.

After all, the Russian exerted his best and worked hard to earn the right to duel Carlsen anew for the WC. Is Carlsen wary of Nepo’s new found strength and superbly excellent performance? (Email your feedback to fredlumba@yahoo. com.) GOD BLESS THE PHILIPPINES!

8 SPORTS

EDGEDAVAO

VOL.15 ISSUE 71 • WEDNESDAY, JULY 6, 2022

The Malditas whoop it up after Sarina Bolden scored against Australia.

FIRST EVER

Malditas defeat Australia 1-0 in AFF Women’s Championship

T

ick another milestone for the Malditas of Philippine women’s football.

The Filipinas opened their campaign in the 2022 AFF Women’s Championship in stunning fashion on Monday night, defeating a youthful Australian side 1-0 in wet, rainy conditions at the Rizal Memorial Football Stadium.

Sarina Bolden put the Filipinas ahead at the hour-mark, converting a header off a long throw-in by Eva Madarang that crept past the outstretched arms of Australian goal-keeper Jada Mathyssen-Whyman.

This marks the first time in their history that the Filipinas have beaten Australia. They lost to a full-strength Matildas squad, 4-0, in the AFC Women’s Asian Cup 2022 last February. For the AFF tournament, Australia called up a younger group including several Under-23 players, but also two senior players in Matilda McNamara and Larissa Crummer.

Despite their youth, Philippines coach Alen Stajcic branded the Matildas as favorites for the tournament, and afterward could not contain his pride at what he

called an “amazing result” for the Filipinas.

After their victory, Stajcic was all praises for his team, calling it an “amazing result” for the Filipinas.

“The performance from the players was first class,” said the coach. “To beat a team that’s been ranked in the Top 10 for the last ten years is just amazing.”

“The heart and spirit in the team is amazing,” he added.

“From a coaching point of view, I couldn’t be any prouder.”

The Filipinas took charge in the second half, with Bolden threatening just two minutes after the restart though her header was off the mark. The breakthrough game in the 60th minute, with the Filipinas winning possession and Madarang’s heave finding Bolden.