Edge Davao Vol. 15 Issue 142 | Tuesday, Sept. 27, 2022

Office of the Vice President (OVP) assistant chief of staff Lemuel Ortonio and Norman Baloro, head of OVP Local Affairs and Special Projects Division check the interior features of a Kalusugan Food Truck during the blessing and inauguration at People’s Park in Davao City on Monday. The food truck program is an initiative of the OVP to help children suffering from malnutrition, hunger, and poor development. Davao SUSPENDED

SUSPENDED

UM metes suspension 4 students involved in hazing

By MAYA M. PADILLO

The management of the University of Mindanao (UM) has suspended the four students who were allegedly in volved in the hazing incident, which result ed to the death of August Ceazar P. Saplot, a pledgee of the ALPHA KAPPA RHO Fraterni ty, Alpha Delta Chapter.

In a supplemental pub lic statement, the manage ment of UM stated that the University President has ordered the suspension of the four students who

are enrolled at present to debunk any hint of lenien cy or prevent them from coming to school while the disciplinary investigation is going on.

“We shall be coordinat ing with other schools to help curb this menace, as some of those involved are enrolled with them,” it said.

As per the latest up dates according to the

statement, there were about 14 students involved as perpetrators and two others as victims (one died and another injured). Of the 14, two graduated al ready from the Criminol ogy program while of the remaining 12, nine were arrested and three others are still at large and whose enrollment status has yet

Suspected robber neutralized in shootout with Davao City cops

Alert members of the Davao City Police Office (DCPO) were quick to respond to a rob bery incident in Barangay Buhangin that resulted in the neutralization of the sus pect over the weekend.

Based on the DCPO re port, victim Quency Rose Guimban immediately re

ported the incident to the Buhangin police, which promptly conducted a hot pursuit operation that led to the killing of suspect Aaron Tamano.

His cohort escaped.

Guimban said two male riders on board a motorcy cle blocked her path while she was walking and forc

ibly took her shoulder bag containing a mobile phone worth PHP7,000, cash amounting to PHP1,570, and other personal belong ings.

The suspects were flagged in Barangay Tigatto but Tamano, the back-rider, alighted and fired his home made revolver at respond

ing police officers, who were forced to retaliate.

The other suspect es caped on his motorcycle while Tamano was taken to the Southern Philippines Medical Center where he was declared dead on arriv al. Silo

29 Moro extremists yield in C. Mindanao

Twenty-nine mem bers of the extrem ist Bangsamoro Is lamic Freedom Fighters (BIFF) have surrendered to authorities in Central Mindanao over the week end, military officials said Monday.

Colonel Oriel Pang cog, Army’s 601st Brigade (601Bde) commander, welcomed the surrender of 23 BIFF fighters op erating in this province during a ceremony held at the brigade headquar ters in Barangay Kamasi of Ampatuan town on Sat urday.

Immediate cash assis tance was awarded to the former extremists, Pang cog said.

“Their documents will also be processed for enrollment in the rein tegration program of the government,” he said in a statement Monday.

King Fahad, a field commander of the BIFF-Bungos faction, and his followers handed over six high-powered firearms that included an M653 rifle, two Garand rifles, a .50-caliber sniper rifle, and two M14 rifles.

In Midsayap, North Cotabato, six BIFF mem bers also surrendered to the military and were pre sented Sunday to town Mayor Rolly Sacdalan.

“You made the right decision, your govern ment is ready to help you live normal lives,” Sacda lan told the surrender

ers who belonged to the BIFF-Kagui Karialan fac tion during a ceremony at the municipal hall confer ence room.

One of the surren derers said he joined the group due to lack of sources of income and livelihood.

“The BIFF promised better lives that never happened, and now we just want to live peaceful ly with our families and loved ones,” he said in the vernacular.

The BIFF batch turned in three M-14 assault ri fles, two Garand rifles, a Carbine rifle, and a home made .30-caliber sniper rifle.

Each surrenderer re ceived PHP20,000 live lihood assistance, food packs, and medical assis tance from the Midsayap town government.

Maj. Gen. Roy Galido, the Army’s 6th Infantry Division commander, has lauded the troops and lo cal officials for jointly fa cilitating the surrender of the two BIFF batches.

“The violent extrem ists saw that the gov ernment is sincerely implementing the reinte gration program, hence, they were convinced to lay down their arms and return to the folds of the law,” he said.

Since January this year, 178 BIFF person alities have surrendered to the military in Central Mindanao.(PNA)

Office of the Vice President (OVP) assistant chief of staff Lemuel Ortonio (2nd from right), OVP Local Affairs and Special Projects Division head Norman Baloro (rightmost), OVP Media Public Relations Division head Jefry Tupas (leftmost) and OVP Davao Satellite manager Generose Tecson pose with the Kalusugan Food Trucks during blessing and inauguration at People’s Park in Davao City on Monday. Edge Davao

OVP launches food trucks to address malnutrition, hunger

74,000 people across Luzon flee homes due to Karding

More than 74,000 people across Luzon fled their homes due to the threat of Typhoon Karding, the Department of the Interi or and Local Government (DILG) said Monday.

Interior Secretary Ben jamin Abalos Jr. told Presi dent Ferdinand Marcos Jr. at a briefing of the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (NDRRMC) that 74,542 in dividuals—or 19,368 fam ilies, were preemptively evacuated in 8 regions as of 5 a.m. Monday.

Thousands of residents from Metro Manila, Cor dillera Administrative Re gion (CAR), Ilocos Region, Cagayan Valley, Central Luzon, Calabarzon, Mim aropa, and Bicol Region were immediately ordered to go to evacuation centers as Karding approached the country, Abalos said.

Abalos also took note of some of the areas that were hardest hit by Karding. In Aurora province, some 25,000 residents from the towns of Baler, Casiguran, Dilasag, Dinalungan, Din galan, and Dipaculao were evacuated.

He added that more than 7,000 residents living near Bulacan’s dams also fled their homes.

Abalos praised resi dents who quickly followed government instructions to evacuate before the ty phoon hit.

“So that explains, Mr. President, halos walang fatality po tayo ngayon. Tal agang napaghandaan po on the ground,” he said.

For his part, Depart ment of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) Secretary Erwin Tulfo also reported that food packs were being distributed to 10,000 to 13,000 families affected by Karding.

The NDRRMC also re ported that as of Monday morning, 1,208 families or 4,616 people were dis placed by the typhoon, most of whom come from Metro Manila.

‘WE MAY HAVE GOT TEN LUCKY’

Reacting to the devel opments on Karding, Mar cos lauded the preparation and the quick response of local authorities.

“I think we may have gotten lucky. At least this

By MAYA M. PADILLO

The Office of the Vice President (OVP) is finding ways to address malnutri tion and hunger.

One of them is the Kalu sugan Food Trucks which took off with three units launched in Davao City on Monday.

The Kalusugan Food Truck is an initiative by the OVP to help children suffer ing from malnutrition, hun ger, and poor development in areas affected by natural calamities like typhoons,

floods, landslides, and earth quakes; and human-in duced calamities such as fire, armed conflict, terror attacks, among others.

The program will be implemented in collabora tion with the Department of Education (DepEd) and the National Nutrition Council of the Department of Health (DOH).

These food trucks will be deployed in schools and institutions to provide children with a specially designed menu to address their conditions.

“For now we are yet to identify the areas where the Kalusugan Food Trucks will be deployed. We will be having a meeting with the National Nutrition Council next week to help us iden tify the areas where the trucks will be deployed,” said Assistant Secretary

Lemuel Ortonio, Assistant Chief of Staff of the OVP.

According to Ortonio, they will be identifying one area for Luzon, one for the Visayas, and one for Mind anao where the food trucks will be deployed.

These trucks will run for 120 days.

“The details for the de ployment and the imple mentation of the project would be released through a press release in the fu ture,” Ortonio said.

Bangsamoro desk in MinDA main office in Davao City; MinDA desk in BARMM

AMember of Parlia ment (MP) has filed a resolution at the Parliament of the Bang samoro Transition Author ity (BTA) requesting the Mindanao Development Authority (MinDA) to es tablish a Bangsamoro desk in the main office of MinDA in Davao City to “strength en coordination and link age-building with Mindan ao’s stakeholders.”

The move is welcomed by Secretary Maria Belen Sunga-Acosta, MinDa chair.

Engr. Baintan-Adil Am patuan, Member of Parlia ment (MP) and principal author of the proposed res olution, said a devoted desk for the Bangsamoro Auton omous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM) in the MinDA main office enhanc es cooperation between BARMM and the MinDA and could help engage and promote the autonomous region to the development partners.

She said it is import ant to be “innovative in re

sponding to Bangsamoro needs by strengthening coordination and linkages and focusing on good com munications and partner ships with stakeholders with mutual interest.”

“Reciprocally,” Acosta told MindaNews on Satur day, they “will put up a Min DA desk in the BARMM as well for the same reasons” as cited by Ampatuan.

Under RA 11054 or the Organic Law for the BARMM, the Bangsamoro Chief Minister is a mem

ber of MinDA, an ex officio member of the National Security Council and the National Economic and De velopment Authority Board on matters concerning the Bangsamoro region.

The proposed resolu tion states that several for eign partners and private groups have manifested their support for the devel opment of the Bangsamoro Region, that both MinDA and BARMM “are expected to pursue strategic inter

Philippines Mental health Association Davao City Chapter associate affiliate Dr. Anuj Gaba bares during this week’s Kapehan sa Dabaw at SM City Davao that one of four people has mental illness. He also said cases of depression increased during the Covid-19 pandemic. Edge Davao

Davao City to celebrate nat’l cooperative month

The City Government of Davao, through the City Cooperative Development Office (CCDO), has lined up various activities for the celebration of the National Cooperative Month in October.

This year’s coopera tive month celebration will have the nation al theme: “Coop Pinas, nagkakaisang lakas para sa makabuluhan at sa ma-samang pag-unlad”. In the city, it will be “Kasikas sa kooperatiba, padayon sa pag-unlad.”

CCDO offi cer-in-charge Luzminda

Eblamo, during the Ma dayaw Davao program aired over the Davao City Disaster Radio on Mon day, said this year’s co operative month celebra tion will be launched on October 3 with a thanks giving mass and flag rais ing ceremony.

Eblamo said an in ter-cooperative Sports

Event will be held on Oc tober 10 to 19 to push for stronger camaraderie, good health, and team work among the hun dreds of cooperatives in the city.

On October 10, 12, 14, 17, and 19, a bowling tournament will be held at the Dover Lanes on Bonifacio Street at 6 p.m. onwards. Meanwhile, on October 15, a bad minton tournament will take place at the Smash N Drop on San Pedro Ex tension Street from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Eblamo said a number of cooperatives of micro, small and medium-sized enterprises (MSMEs) have signed up for the Cooperative Trade Fair and Exhibit, which will showcase their “local ly-sourced products to a ready market.”

The fair, organized in coordination with the Mindanao Trade Exposi tion, will be at the Abree za Mall on October 18 to 22.

During the trade fair, participating coopera

Oil prices to roll back today

Pump prices of petro leum products are ex pected to go down for the fourth straight week.

In its fuel price forecast for September 27 to Octo ber 3 trading week, Unioil Petroleum Philippines said the price per liter of diesel may be slashed by

P1.20 to P1.30.

Gasoline prices, mean while, may go down by P1.50 to P1.60 per liter.

Similarly, an oil in dustry source said that the pump price of diesel may decrease by P1.00 to P1.30 per liter while gaso line prices may be reduced

by P1.40 to P1.70 per liter.

Fuel firms usually an nounce price adjustments every Monday, to be im plemented on the follow ing day.

Effective Tuesday, Sep tember 20, oil companies slashed the price per liter of diesel and kerosene by

P4.15 and P4.45, respec tively, while no movement has been effected on the price of gasoline.

The latest price move ments brought the yearto-date adjustments to stand at a net increase of P30.65 per liter for diesel,

BSP: Biz sector less optimistic in Q3 ‘22

The business sector turned less opti mistic, while the consumers became more pessimistic about the Philippine economy in the third quarter of 2022, according to the results of the latest survey released by the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP).

BSP Department of Economic Statistics head Redentor Paolo Alegre Jr. said the confidence index (CI) of the Business Ex pectations Survey (BES) showed that it decreased to 26.1% from 35.4% in the second quarter.

The Consumer Expec tations Survey (CES), on the other hand, showed

that it also went down to -12.9% from -5.2% in the second quarter.

“The result of the BES suggests that optimism declines among firms, while the CES result sug gests that the pessimism of the consumers in creased,” Alegre said.

Alegre said business firms’ less optimistic sen timent in the third quar ter of 2022 due to high er inflation, rising fuel prices, decline in sales and demand, peso depre ciation, and continuing public health threat of COVID-19.

He said the business sentiment is less optimis

Coca Cola Beverages Phil. Inc. Regional Sales manager John Reyes discusses the company’s recycling campaign of single use plastic dubbed “Tapon to Ipon” during this week’s Kapehan sa Dabaw at SM City Davao. Also in the photo is Davao City First District Councilor Tek Ocampo, who expressed his support for the campaign. Edge Davao

Dubai-based Halal certifying body issues certificate to Davao school

By MAYA M. PADILLO

Dubai-based

President

Bongbong Marcos has cited the country’s macroeco nomic fundamentals and enabling policies as the main reasons for inves tors to come to the Philip pines to invest.

In his speech at the Asia Society in New York on Saturday morning (Philippine time), Marcos said the country’s econo my as measured by gross domestic product (GDP) grew by 5.7% in 2021 and 7.8% as of the first half of 2022.

“Growth was broadbased, driven not only by government spending but also by household consumption and invest ments, reinforced by con sumer and business con fidence,” the President said.

Marcos also highlight ed the enabling policies and investor-friendly

laws that seek to “lever age game-changing re forms.”

Moreover, the chief executive touted the country’s human cap ital, which labeled as “English-speaking work force” that is globally competitive.

“Another strong point is our human capital. We boast of a young, educat ed, hardworking, and En glish-speaking workforce that is among the best in the world,” Marcos said.

The Asia Society is a nonpartisan, nonprofit organization working to build bridges of under standing between the East and West.

Marcos is on the final day of his six-day trip to the United States, where he delivered a historic speech at the United Na tions General Assembly.

Halal certifying body Prime Group of Companies has cer tified the culinary kitchen of Davaobased school Institute of International Cu linary and Hospitality Entrepreneurship (IChef) as Halal-certified.

ICHEF is the first school in the Philippines to be is sued such certification.

Joji Ilagan Internation al Schools chairperson Joji Ilagan-Bian and Nicole Niña Hao Bian-Ledesma, chief operating officer and vice president for Aca demic Affairs Institute of Joji Ilagan International

Schools, received the Halal certification and hazard analysis and critical control point (HACCP) certification simultaneously on Monday.

“I am very happy that ICHEF will be the first Ha lal-certified culinary school. Once you say Halal certi fied, meaning all the pro cesses including the stor

age of the raw materials, the purchasing of the raw materials or ingredients, the utensils, the facilities, the management system, the documentation system, training and others have complied with the require ments of the standards. Meaning they did not miss anything. All the criteria of the standard which is the standard criteria for the HACCP have been followed and complied,” said Dr. Mary Jane Alvero-Almahdi, group chief executive of the Prime Group of Companies.

Almahdi said this is the

first time that a company/ school has completed the observation and some ar eas of concern in 72 hours.

“They have succeeded in the Stage 2 audit. I would like to appreciate the ef forts of Madame Joji Ilag an-Bian because she was the one who initiated this program, she was the one who approached me to that she wanted to apply for this Halal Assurance Manage ment System Certification and she reached out on her own,” she said.

With the said certifica

FDUBAI-BASED, P10

Netflix and Disney poised to shake up TV ad world

With the launch of cheaper, ad-sup ported subscrip tions, Netflix and Disney+ are expected to bite into the revenue of traditional television channels as the streaming services look to ward continued expansion.

After having longshunned the notion of ad vertising on its platform, Netflix this year accelerated work on just such an offer ing as inflation prompts consumers to spend less and competition in the streaming television mar

ket intensifies.

Netflix is expected to launch an ad-supported subscription tier in early November, about a month before rival Disney+ does the same, according to US media reports.

“These launches are

going to create the big gest premium advertising space in more than a gen eration,” said analytics company Samba TV se nior vice president Dallas Lawrence.

“It’s going to be a major moment for advertisers.”

Halal certifying body PRIME Group of Companies certifies the culinary kitchen of the Davao City-based school Institute of International Culinary and Hospitality Entrepreneurship (ICHEF). ICHEF is the first school in the Philip pines that was given such certification. Edge Davao

Seafaring is one of the most dangerous profession due to perils where some may go missing or die in maritime disasters or unknown reasons.

“A job of a seafarer is not exactly a walk in the park” says the Supreme Court in case of Oriental Ship Mgt. vs. Bastol (G.R. No. 186289, June 29, 2010).

Wreathe and flow er-throwing activities during the 27th National Seafarers’ Day (NSD) last Sunday, Sep tember 25, 2022, were offered for the deceased seafarers and fishers, as well as for those who have perished or missing at sea.

The flowers carry the mes sage of love and gratitude as there is no distance of time or oceans but a mutual waiting for a reunion in peace.

The issue of disappear ances of seafarers while on board the vessel was raised during the online hearing on the pending Magna Carta for Seafarers presided by Senator Raffy Tulfo.

Department of Migrant Workers Undersecretary Hans Cacdac said that more than 100 Filipino seafarers “sud denly” went missing during

the past recent years leav ing no clues for authorities to trace their whereabouts.

He said that majority of those who went missing be longed to lower ranks, such as cadets, able seamen, and ordi nary seamen.

Cacdac said that in most instances there’s no proof or no footages due to the absence of CCTVs on board. No one has an idea, saying they just disap peared suddenly . while fellow crew members also refused to cooperate.

He pointed out that the Philippine government has yet to conduct a thorough inves tigation on the disappearance of Filipino seafarers noting the country lacked jurisdiction over foreign vessels and inter national waters.

He said the figure does not include missing seafarers in reported sea accidents, like the ill-fated Gulf Livestock 1 that capsized in southwest Japan on September 2, 2020 during the typhoon Maysak that left 36 Filipino crew members lost at sea.

Locally, 18 persons remain missing after M/V Starlite At lantic sank off Mindoro on De cember 26, 2016 at the height

FLOWERS AND PRAYERS FOR MISSING FILIPINO SEAFARERS

of typhoon Nina, including 11 student-cadets taking their on-the-job training.

Senator Risa Hontiveros, a co-author of the Magna Car ta, said Filipino seafarers de serve better protections wher ever they may be.

Hontiveros stressed that the Magna Carta seeks a comprehensive package of re forms to the legal framework regulating the maritime la bor industry so the rights and welfare of seafarers are better protected before, during, and after deployment.

Most of the Holy Masses last Sunday held nationwide were offered for the seafarers and other migrant workers as part of the 27th NSD. The Bo ses ng Marino singing contest was also held along Kalaw Ave. in Manila.

The late former president Fidel V. Ramos issued Procla mations No. 828 (1996) and No.1094 (1997) declaring ev ery last Sunday of September every year as NSD that aimed to give due recognition to the vital role of Filipino seafarers towards the development of the Philippines as a maritime country

The Stella Maris was tasked

to coordinate with the public and private sector in activities related to the celebration of the said event.

Stella Maris-Philippines

Bishop Promoter Balanga

Bishop Ruperto C. Santos ear lier said that the law is a his torical legacy to all seafarers, their families, the welfare ser vice providers and to the mar itime world. He added that the law not only helped to raise awareness of the ‘blue econo my’ but made everyone more aware of the sacrifices that seafarers go through.

This year’s theme is “#No shipping, No shopping: Salamat, Marinong Filipino!”

“As nearly over 90% of the goods in the world are trans ported by sea, we fail to rec ognize that without the sea farers, the products may not reach us, ” according to Fa ther Paulo Prigol, Stella Maris Manila chaplain.

Despite the COVID-19 pandemic, Fr. Prigol said that seafarers kept on sailing and manning the more than 50,000 ships around the world to transport our “orders.”

The first version of the Magna Carta was the by-prod uct of the 2002 National Sea

farers Conference at the Ma nila Hotel that was organized by the Stella Maris in coordi nation with the Office of Sena tor Ramon Magsaysay, Jr.

Years later, several ver sions were filed by legislators that considered legal devel opments both locally and internationally. This include the Maritime Labour Conven tion of 2006 (MLC 2006) also called the Seafarers’ Bill of Rights and the fourth pillar of international maritime law.)

The deployed Filipino seafarers in 2021 remitted US$6. 545 billion per data from Bangko Sentral which is higher than 2020’s remit tance of US$6.353 billion. The sea-based sector’s remittance comprise at least 22 percent of the total dollar remittances of Overseas Filipino Workers (OFWs).

It is estimated that there is one Filipino seafarer for every four to five crew on board a vessel at any time.

(Atty. Gorecho heads the seafarers’ division of the Sapa lo Velez Bundang Bulilan law offices. For comments, e-mail info@sapalovelez.com, or call 0917-5025808 or 09088665786)

The Ukraine-Russia war is already seven months old with no end in sight. Russian President Vladimir Putin has remained steadfast in pur suing his greed regardless of the cost. The West continues to arm Ukraine to counter and slow down the Russo ag gression. Thus, the war has turned Ukraine a venue for an arms fair, where smart ul tra-efficient killing machines and bombs are exhibited, tried and used for the whole world to see, to covet. These smart weapons kill and abol ish the targets with no risk or danger to the life of the killer behind them.

It’s a heyday for the arms industry across the globe; it’s making a huge killing over night in the Ukrainian-Rus so war. US alone has already spent $2.98 billion in mil itary hardware and other war material a month after the February 24 Russian invasion in addition to the $13.5 billion security assis tance commitment to the be leaguered country in 2021. UK also extended $1.5 billion worth of modern weaponry as aid to Ukraine. Germany. France, Poland, Canada and Australia are also outstand ing donors to the war effort against Putin’s unprovoked

aggression.

The arms industry is ap parently one of the most profitable of all industries, next, perhaps, only to the big pharmaceutical industry. The big pharma will be al ways Number 1 because al most everybody needs med icines; whereas only a few needs to do some killing.

Like the big pharma, the arms industry invests tre mendous amount in research, tapping the topnotch in en gineering, communication technology, chemistry, biology and many other disciplines in developing sophisticated equipment and tools of war.

The arms industry also pours money in politics to win policy makers that could further its interest.

It appears that as long as arms and bullets are pro duced, there would always be wars or at least battles or armed skirmishes in various locations across the globe.

There is always an uprising or a rebellion here and there, labeled as low intensity con flicts. There is no secret how, without resources, ragtag rebel groups, are able to se cure arms and munitions. Some friendly forces would simply emerge from no where to supply the rebels,

the return of investment is collected from the huge arms sale made with the threat ened regime.

There may be no end to armed conflicts because they fuel the economy of some de veloped countries.

War is good business. If there’s none, the most enter prising of entrepreneur will have to invent one and may make it sustainable.

(MindaViews is the opin ion section of MindaNews. William R. Adan, Ph.D., is re tired professor and former chancellor of Mindanao State University at Naawan, Mis amis Oriental, Philippines)

KULTURA AT THE PODIUM

Sustainability can come in many shapes and sizes. What’s important is the intent, the ex ecution, and the commitment - and this holds true whether it’s about going carbon neutral, being socially responsible, or advocating proper governance.

With SM Green Finds, SM Retail is helping consumers make Sustainability a con scious and accessible choice. One avenue was to support suppliers, and identify their products, that are either eco-friendly, made with natural materials, and/or support local communities and artisans. To further this noble objective, Kultura has set up its first Fili pino Design Studio.

Running until September 30 inside Kultura at The Podi um, the Filipino Design Studio can be described as a show case of the best that Filipino artisans, and medium to smallscale entrepreneurs, can offer in terms of world-class prod ucts and wares. Carefully cu rated, it’s Kultura evolving into more than a Filipiniana souve nir store; and into a Lifestyle brand that’s eager to champi on Filipino ingenuity in design and manufacture.

Diverse, and covering a wide range of retail products, the overarching impression one gets with Kultura’s Filipi no Design Studio, is how there really is so much to unearth and discover about Filipino in genuity in product portfolios.

While many pop-ups cham pioning these artisanal crafts occur during the weekends of the -ber months, the Filipino Design Studio at Kultura is one that will run the whole month of September; and you can be assured that the sustainable products and collections that elicit strong consumer patron age will find their way into the regular shelves of the store.

Ken Samudio’s stunning accessory line inspired by our colorful marine-life, and uti lizing upcycled material can be found at the Kultura Filipi no Design Studio. And there’s Kara de Juan’s statement bags and jewelry made from ethi cally-sourced carabao horns together with Virtucio’s recy cled grocery bags and plastic in its bag and accessories de signs.

Matthew and Melka’s totes have floral accents and check out their beaded slip-ons. Rhett Eala has his current fash ion collection, while JIM Weav er has colorful silk scarves that highlight pop culture and Filipino traditions. There’s the Flutter accessories of Kat Ong that have been featured in fashion magazines abroad and Millie Monday’s Filipino-in spired placemats and plates.

Shepard of Jewelle Y. Mug glestone has distinctly-pack aged recyclable aluminum premium personal care kits that make use of botanical in gredients. The Cuasay sisters are behind Maison Grid, where Home & Living products are brought to a new standard.

Supporting weaving and artisan communities in differ ent regions, we have Strong Mina, Our Little Ideas and La Bon Vie. Strong Mina supports hand loom operators from Abra, while the products of Our Little Ideas hail from Bicol, and La Bon Vie features Ilocano weavers.

As SM Retail Vice President for Corporate Communica tions Cathy S. Ileto remarked, “Through our marketplace, SM Retail and its brands like Kultu ra provide opportunities for Fil ipino artisans and indigenous communities to have livelihood, and more importantly, make it sustainable. We are a platform for the MSME’s and social en terprises to grow and scale.

ecutive Vice President Liduvino Geron, Corpo rate Banking Group Head, Senior Vice President Ce leste Burgos, East Visayas Branches Group Head, Se Vice President Khur shid Kalabud, and Visayas Lending Group OIC, Vice President Allan Bisnar, among other LANDBANK officials. visit to City

Land Bank of the (LANDBANK) and CEO Cecilia C. Borromeo a visit to Mandaue City Mayor Jonas Cortes on Borromeo was joined by LANDBANK National Development Lending Ex

Land Bank Philippines and Cecilia C. Borromeo (4th from left) met with Mandaue City Mayor Jonas Cortes (5th from left) on 15 September with contingent of LANDBANK officials.

MILLIE MONDAY - Filipi no-inspired placemats and plates.

VIRTUCIO: Innovative ucycled bags and accessories made from grocery bags and plastics.

MATTHEW MELCA: featuring

KEN SAMUDIO: stunning accessory line inspired by our colorful marine-life, and utilizing upcycled materials

Shepard of Jewelle Y Mug glestone- distinctly-pack aged recyclable aluminum premium personal care kits that make use of botanical ingredients.

MISON GRID - Home & Living products that are brought to a new standard By Cuasay Sisters

KARA DE JUAN’S STATE MENT BAGS AND JEWEL RY- made from ethical ly-sourced carabao horns together with Virtucio’s recycled grocery bags and plastic in its bag and acces sories designs.

JIM Weaver - colorful silk scarves that highlight pop culture and Filipino tradi tions.

FLUTTER accessories of Kat Ong

RHET EALA – current fashion collection

Transformation

LEAN’S LENS

BY LEAN DAVAL JR

Davao

City is on its way to becoming a me tropolis. We know it’s a bit long overdue, but yes we are living in exciting times. Con structions are back and a massive facelift of our landscape and skyscape are imminent.

One of the main projects is the underground cabling system that is being undertaken by the Davao Light and Power Company. The project aims to make the city’s streets more visually ap pealing and safer. And for photographers, a ca ble-less surroundings are perfect for taking real estate images.

In ten years, Davao City is expected to look and feel different due to its fast pace transforma tion from a humble and quiet city to a business powerhouse of the country.

In the NOTICE of EXTRA-JUDICIAL SALE of the Home Development Mu tual Fund or (Pag-Ibig Fund) versus Abraham Shamine M. Masukat on August 1, 8 & 15, 2022 issues of Edge Davao, the area of the lot covered with Transfer Certificate of Title No.1462017007831 in the body of the publi cation should be Ninety (90) square meters and not Nine (90) square meters as published.

Our apologies.

to be verified.

Of the nine, only four are enrolled at present, coming from the Criminol ogy, Management Account ing, Nursing, and Hospital ity Management programs. The remaining five stu dents are not enrolled in the university (they are all dropped out or transferees to other schools).

“Because they are for mer students of UM, even though the hazing activ ity was done outside the school, the name of the university is dragged, dis respected, and derided,” it said.

The university also vowed to fully support the lawful prohibition of haz ing and other acts of phys ical harm and violence in fraternity and sorority rites and even in the Reserve Officers’ Training Corps (ROTC) for military train ing.

“We call on the pub lic and the community at large - most specially the

parents and the studentry - to help us curb this ar chaic and violent practice. Student safety is a 2-lane avenue, not a one-way street. While UM does not condone such barbarism that offends decency and reason, the school can only do so much,” it said.

Last week, Davao City Police Office (DCPO) direc tor Colonel Alberto Lupaz reported that the Mandug Police Station has already filed cases against the sus pects Jeremiah Obedencia Moya; Leji Wensdy Ofecio Quibuyen; John Lloyd Gar ciano Sumagang; Harold Joshua Sagaral Flauta; John Steven Baltazar Silvosa; Ramel John Potenciano Gamo; Gilbert Escodero Asoy, Jr; and Roseller An dres Gaentano.

The said suspects are now under the custody of Mandug Police Station 13 and will be facing charges for violation of Republic Act 8049 or the Anti-Haz ing Law.

SUSPECTED... FROM 2

Jr., Davao Region Police Re gional Office chief, said the incident should serve as a stern warning that the PNP will always go after crimi nals.

“Indeed, life is beautiful

and eventually the PNP will get rid of criminals like him with the help and support of everyone for a safe, peaceful, and orderly community,” he said. (PNA)

DUBAI-BASED... FROM 5

tion, ICHEF can provide the proper information, imple mentation, and awareness of what is Halal all about.

Almahdi emphasized it is not easy to comply with certification because there are a lot of criteria to be followed. She said some third-party auditors are as sessing and evaluating the system. There is also a Sha ria expert that will approve by the technical and certi fication committee and by the impartiality committee.

“This certificate is not just like as been issued without proper approval.

Even in our side the certi fication office we have also procedures that we are fol lowing because we are an accredited Halal certifica tion body,” she said.

Prime is the first and as of now the only accredited

Halal certification body of the Philippines by the Phil ippine Accreditation Bu reau, for international and local.

Meanwhile, Marilou Ampuan, president of the Universal Islamic Center, said the certification makes ICHEF officially part of the global Halal economy which has recorded a total of 7.3 trillion US dollars in the year 2020.

“I for one as a Halal ad vocate truly believe that ICHEF or this institution deserves to be recognized as the Halal model in the academe sector. This is a re markable milestone for Ha lal in the academe sector in Davao City. It is appropriate in this institution to receive the Halal certification and HACCP certification simul taneously,” she said.

time, a little bit,” he said.

“It’s really in the prepa ration. The LGUs did a good job in explaining what the situation was, what needs to be done, anong plano,” he added.

He also attributed the quick preemptive evacu ation to the coordination between the national and local governments.

But he told his Cabinet not to stand down just yet, as the devastation caused by Karding is “not yet over.”

In a press briefing, Mar cos told reporters that he immediately contacted of ficials from the NDRRMC, DILG, DSWD, and DOST to monitor developments on Karding right after he arrived from the United States Sunday.

“ So far, naging effective ang response. Binaban tayan pa rin natin,” Marcos said.

He then immediately went on an aerial inspec tion on Bulacan and Nueva Ecija.

“After our aerial inspec tion today, we found some areas that are still inun dated with water. Nueva Ecija and Aurora are with out power. We are sending gensets now,” he said in his tweet.

“But generally, the dam age to public and private infrastructure is manage able. Government services are almost at full function. Main road thoroughfares are passable, communi cation is up and running,” Marcos added.

BANGSAMORO... FROM 3

SUSPENDED... DAVAO...ERRATUM

facing for inter-regional programs and projects that impact highly on BARMM which include investments promotion, agriculture, connectivity, power and en ergy, BIMP-EAGA, and bar ter trade, among others.”

A September 21 press release posted on the web site of MinDA said MinDA, Singapore-based Ocean Pixel, and Altum Green En ergy, through a Memoran dum of Understanding “will jointly develop and advo cate investments in the blue economy and green energy in Mindanao, particularly in the Bangsamoro Auton omous Region in Muslim Mindanao” and that this renewable energy partner ship “is one of the results of last month’s Mindanao Business Mission to Singa pore.”

In creating the MinDA in 2010, Republic Act 9996 said it is a policy of the state to “accelerate the socio economic growth of Mind anao, increasing its trade, tourism and investments,

BSP... FROM 4

tic for the fourth quarter of 2022 and in the next 12 months.

“Businesses expect the peso may continue to depreciate against the US dollar, and the peso borrowing and inflation rates may rise in Q3 and Q4 2022, and in the next 12 months,” he said.

The business sector turned less optimistic, while the consumers became more pessimis tic about the Philippine economy in the third quarter of 2022, accord ing to the results of the latest survey released by the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP).

At the press briefing on Friday, BSP Depart mentofEconomicStatis tics head Redentor Paolo Alegre Jr. said the confi dence index (CI) of the Business Expectations Survey (BES) showed that it decreased to

encouraging private enter prise and advancing efforts towards peace and devel opment” and that towards that end, “an effective insti tutional mechanism shall be established to address the need for a coordinated and integrated approach in the formulation and im plementation of various Mindanao-wide inter-re gional development plans, programs and projects.”

MinDA is also tasked to promote the active par ticipation of Mindanao and Palawan in the Bru nei-Darussalam-Indone sia-Malaysia-the Philip pines-East Asia Growth Area (BIMP-EAGA). Brunei, Indonesia and Malaysia are members of the Organiza tion of Islamic Cooperation.

The proposed reso lution is co-authored by MPs Amir Mawallil, Laisa Masuhud- Alamia, Suhar to M. Ambolodto, Rasol Y. Mitmug, Jr.; Don Arbison A. Loong and Rasul Enderez Ismael. (Carolyn O. Arguil las / MindaNews)

26.1% from 35.4% in the second quarter.

TheConsumerExpec tations Survey (CES), on the other hand, showed that it also went down to -12.9% from -5.2% in the second quarter.

“The result of the BES suggests that optimism declines among firms, while the CES result sug gests that the pessimism of the consumers in creased,” Alegre said.

Alegre said business firms’lessoptimisticsen timent in the third quar ter of 2022 due to high er inflation, rising fuel prices, decline in sales anddemand,pesodepre ciation, and continuing public health threat of COVID-19.

He said the business sentimentislessoptimis tic for the fourth quarter of 2022 and in the next 12 months.

“Businesses expect

tives will also compete with each other for the “Best Booth” and “Best Attire” contest.

On October 20, the CCDO will conduct a Co operative Leaders Con versation with the Busi ness Bureau, Cooperative Development Authority, Bureau of Internal Reve nue, Food and Drug Au thority, Department of Agriculture, Department of Trade and Industry and the Department of Labor and Employment. Eblamo said speakers from the participating agencies will answer questions from coopera tive members concerning cooperative permits, tax exemptions and packag es, licensing and regula tory requirements.

The culmination pro gram for the month-long celebration will be on October 29 at the Mer grande Ocean Resort from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. During the program, win ners of the Sports Event games and the trade fair will be awarded.

She added that the Memorandum of Agree ment (MOA) between the Davao City Water Dis trict (DCWD) and several

PBBM... FROM 5

Earlier, the country’s chief executive also met with heads of state, in cluding US President Joe Biden and Japan Prime Minister Fumio Kishida,

OIL... FROM 4

Davao City cooperatives that will pledge to be come “adopters” under the DCWD’s Adopt-aSite program will also be signed during the culmi nation program.

The MOA will obligate each adopter to a year ly donation of P6,000 for every hectare of land that will be rehabilitated and replanted in order to help conserve the city’s watershed areas.

Eblamo said the cel ebration will not only serve the city’s coop erative groups in their quest for economic de velopment, but will also remind them of the im portance of ethical, sus tainable, and inclusive growth.

“The essence is to make sure that we have inclusive growth. Ibig sabihin, hindi land si ko operatiba ang lumalaki, sabay-sabay sa kanilang mga miyembro (This means that not only should the cooperative grow, but all their mem bers at them same time).

So for the government sector, we try our best to give the support system for these cooperatives to thrive,” Eblamo said. CIO

as well as American busi ness leaders from a wide range of sectors in a bid to yield investment pledges and bolster job creation.

Data from the De partment of Energy as of September 15 showed the price per liter of gaso line range from P63.10 to P73.10 per liter in Quezon City, Metro Manila’s largest city; diesel prices range from P75.80 to P80.10 in Makati City, the country’s top financial hub; while in Philippine capital Manila, kerosene prices range from P80.41 to P89.00 per liter.

P25.45 per liter for ker osene, while gasoline re mains at a net increase of P16.50 per liter.

the peso may continue to depreciate against the US dollar, and the peso borrowing and inflation rates may rise in Q3 and Q4 2022, and in the next 12 months,” he said.

Alegre, however, said firms are looking for ward to hiring more peo ple in the fourth quarter of 2022 and in the next 12 months.

Consumers

Alegre said consum ers were more pessimis tic due to faster increase in the prices of goods andhigherhouseholdex penses, low income, and fewer available jobs and workingfamilymembers.

He,however,saidcon sumers are more opti mistic in the fourth quar ter of 2022 and in the next 12 months.

“Consumers expect the peso may depreci ate against US dollar and the peso borrowing

rates may increase but the unemployment rate may decline in the third quarter and the fourth quarter, and in the next 12 months,” Alegre said.

“Meanwhile, they ex pect that the inflation rate may rise in the cur rent quarter and fourth quarter but may ease in the next 12 months,” he added.

TheBESwasconduct ed from July 6 to August 15 with 1,504 firms sur veyed nationwide. Of these number, 584 com panies are located in the National Capital Region while 920 companies from areas outside of NCR.

Meanwhile, the CES was conducted from July 1 to 13, and surveyed a total of 5,546 house holds. Of these house holds, 2,806 were from NCR,while2,740inareas outside of NCR.

SMNI scores back-to-back win in 12th Eaglemasters

SMNI

duplicated its champion ship run last year after scoring back-to-back Championship Di vision title in the 12th Eaglemasters Golf Tournament held over the week end at Rancho Palos Verdes Golf and Country Club and South Pacific Golf and Leisure Estates.

The youth-laden SMNI squad was bannered by Al exander Bisera, Elee Bisera, Lloyd Labrador, Ronnel Tagaan and Jhondie Quibol. Together, the SMNI golfers finished with a total of 281 points out of rounds of 147 and 134 to beat closest rival Arcadia Active Lifestyle Cen ter which finished second with 261 (131-130).

Arcadia banked on Alain August Ace Stemeier, Bayani Garcia, Ken Rowel Zonio, JJ Alvarez and Albernito “Den den” De Castro.

Nippon Tech Builders, parading Demetrio San chez, Edison Tabalin, Jaime Antonio Beech, Nelson Roa and Ramon Fernando Jr., finished third place with 254 points (132-122) while

UBI-Tapa King composed of Karloz Alba, Jose Mangulab nan, Marvin Caparros, Jon Baron and actor Derek Ram say placed fourth with 250 points (130-120).

Meantime, Ronnie Bal cita scored 80 points to win Flight B net title.

He scored 45 points at his home turf, Rancho Palos Verdes Golf and Country Club then followed it up

with a 35-point total at the South Pacific Golf and Lei sure Estates.

The 17-handicapper Balcita, who recently won the overall trophy in the first leg of the Sta. Lucia Golf Tour early this month, edged clos est rival and co-member Abraham Rojas, a 13 handi capper, who finished second with 79 (40-39).

Tsk-tsk-tsk.

Second year Celtics head coach Ime Udoka has been suspended for the 2022-23 NBA season even before the curtains are raised.

Udoka, who steered Boston to its first finals appearance after nearly a decade, was found guilty of violating a team policy where he was discovered to have been car rying on an affair with a Celtic staff member.

Although not yet identified until this writing, the female staff er was said to be the person in charge of all travel arrangements for Udoka.

Not only that. She also was made to “baby-sit” after Udoka’s long time fiancee, actress Nia Long, who joins him when the Celtics play on the road or when she visits Boston for home games.

This is unfortunate because the female staffer is currently mar ried.

And, like a mystery crime cin ematic thriller, the affair - called “consensual” because they were both adults - was accidentally dis covered by the husband himself who also works in the Celtics or ganization.

Must have been painful and

downright condemnable, huh?.

Reports said the husband heard the conversation between Udoka and his wife through a home doorbell camera.

Former head coach Brad Ste vens, now Boston’s president of basketball operations, had a most difficult time explaining the messy situation in an effort to soften the impact on the integrity of the Celt ics name.

Opinions on the matter vary as some thought the affair could have been handled better.

The inappropriate conduct by Udoka might have a negative im

pact on his relationship with the players. Reports said that due to privacy concerns, the Celtics did not go to “details” even as follow up reports continue to bolster that the head coach committed an “im proper” re;ationship with a female staff member.

I haven’t heard of something like this in local basketball clubs but I think that I have heard - over the years - that this type of rela tionship has also occurred in other fields other than basketball.

I wonder if Udoka may still be the same person or coach when the suspension expires.

From where I sit, the sea son-long ban meant Udoka was punished and not merely penal ized for his immoral conduct.

Pity. What if the husband comes out publicly and cries “foul”?

He could file for divorce which is normal among Americans - and probably sue for damages.

I’m going ahead with the story. Udoka is a damn good, no, make that excellent, bench strategist. Boston needs him. (Email feedback to fredlumba@ yahoo.com.)

GOD BLESS THE PHILIPPINES! FROM GRACE

Team SMNI, top team winner in the Championship Division along with the Eeglemasters board of directors led by President Leo Abellera Magno (second from left) during the awarding rites of the 12th Eaglemasters Golf tournament. (Tommy Inigo/RPVGCC photo)

KNIGHTS RULE

Davao, booters rule Inter-Ateneo Football Friendlies

By NEIL BRAVO

HostAteneo de Davao University com pleted an amazing run that led them to the 48 years-old and above title in the 2022 Inter-Ateneo Alumni Friendlies Football Championships over the weekend at the Azuela Cove pitch.

ADDU topped the league type point system format over rivals Ateneo de Cagayan-Xavier which finished second place. Ateneo de Zamboanga-A wound up third while Ateneo de Manila came in fourth.

Ateneo de Davao is composed of George Doromal, Angelo Pas cual, Rey Henry de Leon, Juan Mi guel Avancena, Ron Poblete, Jake Robillo, Michael Jonathan Latayan, Matthew Mark Descallar, Lorenzo Jaldon, Manuel Crisencio Arrieta, Donald Placer, Jonas Joseph Angala and Ricky Toe Hio.

In the 40-47 years old catego ry, Ateneo de Cagayan-Xavier won the title beating Ateneo de Manila for the crown. Ateneo de Davao A

finished third ahead of Atene de Davao B.

ADDU’s Donald Placer was named MOst Valuable Player in the 48 and above category. The other individual award winners are: best defender - Matthew Mark Descal lar; best midfielder Carlo Rodri guez; best goalkeeper JB Buenvia je; and golden boot winner Ron Poblete.

Christopher Wagas won the MVP and golden boot awards in the 40-47 class. Other awardees are: best defender Jonel Arcenas; best midfielder John-D Borra; and best goalkeeper Ernesto Seriorsa II.

The tournament moves to Zamboanga next year.

Ateneo de Davao’s Buboy Arrieta fires a bullet freekick sending the Ateneo de Manila University goalkeeper the wrong way. (Mindanow photo)