Edge Davao Vol. 15 Issue 155 | Wednesday, Oct. 12, 2022

END TO TEXT

END TO TEXT SCAMS

NTC 11 expects text scams to reduce with SIM Card Registration Act signing

By MAYA M. PADILLO

Thesigning into law of the SIM Card Registration Act is seen to reduce the prevalence of SMS-based scams, the regional office of the National Telecommu nications Commission (NTC 11) said.

NTC 11 is expecting text scams to reduce after Pres ident Ferdinand Marcos Jr, signed the SIM Card Reg istration Act on Monday. Marcos signed Republic Act No. 11934, which also aims to boost government initiatives against scams committed through text

and online messages.

NTC Regional Director Nelson Cañete in a radio in terview said that register ing the Subscriber Identity Module Card or SIM card is one of the ways to reduce the number of text scams received.

Cañete added that once

the implementing rules and regulations (IRR) have been finalized, everyone can register. However, he said it is best to wait for the issuance of the order.

Among the salient points of the law are the requirement for telco com panies and direct sellers to ask for a valid identifica tion document before sell ing SIM cards.

The law also provides that registering a SIM card with false or fictitious in formation, using fictitious

identities, or carrying out fraudulent activities will be penalized.

In case of a subpoena or court order, telcos must provide SIM card owner’s details like full name and address.

SIM card holders need to register with telcos within a certain time frame and cards will be deactivat ed if they failed to register.

Subscriber SIM cards, meantime, must be kept on file by telecommunications companies.

Fishermen, other marginalized workers benefit from Pulong’s 1st 3 months in 19th Congress

Over 30,000 fisher men, public utility drivers, and other marginalized workers were the key beneficiaries of the various projects and programs initiated or co ordinated with the nation al government by Davao City First Congressional District Representative Paolo Z. Duterte during his first three months in the House of Congress.

Rep. Duterte has also filed 60 bills so far from July to September 2022, the most recent of which seek to either raise the incomes of, or provide economic relief to, pub lic school teachers, small farmers, freelance work ers and calamity victims, to name a few.

These include House Bill (HB) 4809, which aims to provide free and

streamlined freight ser vices in the transpor tation of relief goods to disaster-stricken areas; HB 4697, which seeks to institutionalize the grant of scholarships to public school teachers and ed ucational assistance to their children pursuing college studies; and HB 3382, which mandates the national and local gov ernments to purchase the

produce of local farmers and other food producers for relief operations and school feeding programs.

Rep. Duterte’s recent legislative measures also aim to improve the dis pensation of justice by proposing the creation of three additional munici pal trial courts in Davao City (HB 3272); secure the country’s energy needs

Davao City Parks System Mgt Board reconstituted

Toensure the continu ous effective and effi cient management of the parks system in Davao City, the City Government of Davao has ordered the reconstitution of the Davao City Parks System Manage ment Board (DCPSMB) through Executive Order (EO) No. 52, Series of 2022.

Mayor Sebastian “Baste” Duterte signed EO 52 on October 3, 2022, citing the priority thrust of the City Government of Davao to attain an im proved quality of life for all Dabawenyos.

EO 52 also cited Article Il, Section 17 of the 1987 Constitution, which pro vides that the state shall give priority to education, science and technology, arts, culture, and sports to foster patriotism and nationalism, accelerate so cial progress and promote total human liberation and development, as well as Section 17 of the Local Government Code of 1991, which states that local government units shall ex ercise such other powers and discharge such other functions and responsibil ities as are necessary, ap propriate or incidental to the efficient and effective provision of the basic ser vices and facilities.

The Code also enumer ated basic services and facilities, including pub lic parks, freedom parks, playgrounds, sports facili ties, equipment, and other similar facilities.

0682-19, otherwise known as the Davao City Parks System Management Ordinance, states that there shall be a Parks Sys tem Management Board that shall be responsible for formulating plans, pol icies, and courses of action for the standard and sin gular maintenance of all public parks, plazas, prom enades, center islands, heritage sites, protected areas, conservation areas, riverbanks and memorials within the City of Davao.

The DCPSMB is man dated to formulate the Im plementing Rules and Reg ulations of City Ordinance No. 0682-19 or the Davao City Parks System Manage ment Ordinance; ensure the implementation of all the provisions of the Davao City Parks System Manage ment Ordinance and its Im plementing Rules and Reg ulations; adopt guidelines for the use of parks for special occasions; devise policies and procedures for the unitary parameter of all public parks, green spaces, and green strips in Davao City, providing for their proper preservation and regulation for the fur therance of the ecological balance of the commu nity; propose ways and means to ensure the best and most desirable facili ties that shall be placed in the City Parks; approve the architectural design and structural models of public parks, green spaces, and green strips prepared by

Public Security and Safety Command Center (PSSCC) head Angel Sumagaysay bares that bringing of knives and metal kitchen utensils inside the cemeteries in Davao City on the upcoming All Saints Day and All Souls Day will be allowed by the security cluster of city. Edge Davao

Security cluster allows kitchen knives, forks in cemeteries

By MAYA M. PADILLO

After much-need ed rehabilitation works, the Davao del Norte Sports and Tourism Complex (DNSTC) has re opened its running track oval to the public, an offi cial said Tuesday.

In a statement, Gov ernor Edwin Jubahib said the PHP34.85 million newly-rehabilitated rub berized track and field oval with materials im ported from Switzerland was inaugurated by pro vincial and local officials on Monday.

“We pushed for the rehabilitation of the oval for the revival of the grass roots sports program of the province, while we are pursuing to [again] host big-ticket regional and national sports competi tions,” Jubahib added.

In 2015, DNSTC was the main hub for the Palar ong Pambansa events, and the Philippines Football League outfit Davao Agui las Football Club has made the facility its home field since it was founded in 2017.

The Provincial Sports and Youth Development Office (PSYDO) temporar

ily closed the track to the public when breaks and cracks appeared even be fore the start of the pan demic, posing risks to the athletes and joggers.

Plans for the renova tion of the facility were put on hold during the cri sis, but the track remained closed even when other amenities of the sports complex were reopened to the public early this year.

Jubahib said the cur rent rehabilitated rubber ized track will provide a safe and convenient op tion for running.

“A rubberized track prevents foot contusion and enhances running performance,” he said, as he reiterated that the use of the track oval remains free to the public.

Beverly Villarino, president of the Davao del Norte Track and Field Association, thanked the provincial government for pursuing the project.

“The province is again back on track in pursuing its dream of producing athletes that can compete in national and even inter national arena,” she said.

The Security Cluster has relaxed its ‘un das’ rules in cemeteries and is now allowing kitchen knives and forks on All Saints Day and All Souls Day.

However, these items must not be pointed and will be used only for food.

The reminder came after authorities declared it’s “all systems go” for OPLAN Kalag-kalag (Un das 2022) covering the 35 cemeteries in Davao City.

Bringing of knives and cutleries are among the

gray areas of the restric tive practices implement ed by the Security Cluster which caused confusion in previous ‘undas.’

“Ang hinagiban ako na gipaklaro kay mao nay pirmi na isyu everytime na naa tay Undas, gamay na butang pero grabe dis cussion sa gawas. As long

as dili pointed ang kutsi lyo and is intended only for food. Okay lang na siya maka-adjust ang security. How about ang tinidor ug kutsara? Again kung ang intention ana para lang gyud sa pagkaon, mag-ad just ang security. Mao na pirmi ma-encounter sa atoang security dinha sa sementeryo. Daghan kutsilyo na dili pointed. Ang intention is good para gyud sa purpose ug didto magkaroon ta ug adjust ment,” said Angel Sum

agaysay, head of the Public Security and Safety Com mand Center (PSSCC) over Davao City Disaster Radio (DCDR) on Tuesday.

Tents and umbrellas are allowed.

“Kung payong wala na’y hisgutan pero al lowed ang tent to protect them from sunlight and rain and hiposon pagkaga bii,” he said.

Sumagaysay reiterat ed that staying overnight in the public and private

Singaporean investor looking for a 25-has. land in Davao City for durian plantation

The Davao City Invest ment and Promotion Center (DCIPC) dis closed that a Singaporean investor is in the market for a 25-hectare land in Davao City for a durian plantation prroject.

April Marie Dayap, head of DCIPC, said that two weeks ago this Singa porean investor came to their office and expressed his desire to develop a 25-hectare land into a du rian plantation.

“Nag-ask siya kung asa

nindot na area maghimo ug plantation for durian. We were like looking at Paquibato area and we dis cussed this initially during a meeting two weeks ago. Nag express siya ug pos itive na response with regards to the said area despite gi-present namo sa iyaha tong conditions niya and present condi tion sa area. Wala siyay problema and happy siya sa area,” Dayap said over Davao City Disaster Radio (DCDR) on Tuesday.

The Singaporean in tends to develop a durian farm, process the durian, and export it.

Dayap sees this as ben eficial for the local farm ers.

“We asked the investor why durian? Ingon siya ang Singaporeans daw ga nahan ug durian and they only get their durian from Malaysia and Thailand. Ingon siya gusto nila i-de velop ang Davao then ila ha pud daw i-export ang durian. He was like telling

me na kamo ga develop ug puyat variety which is P60 per kilo but when we try to plant katong other variety kato daw ang mahal gusto pud daw niya istoryahon tong other farmers kung ganahan sila magtanum ug lain variety which is ex port material na variety,” she said.

She said the investor shared that Singaporeans are not aware that there is durian in Davao City and the Philippines as they

Mayor Sebastian “Baste” Duterte administers a traditional wedding ceremony for 69 Bagobo and Ata couples during the 45th Araw ng Barangay celebration in Brgy. Tapak in Paquibato District on Monday. CIO

DavNor sports complex running track reopens after P34-M rehab

Trade deficit widens to $6 billion in August

TESDA adds 500 more slots to coffee farming course

The Technical Educa tion and Skills De velopment Author ity (TESDA) on Monday said it is allocating 500 additional slots in its Cof fee Production Level II program.

“This training not only provides our coffee farm ers and workers with the most updated skills and knowledge to remain competitive, but it will also help ensure a steady supply of qualified work ers for the industry,” said TESDA Director General Danilo Cruz.

He added that up grading the skills of cof fee farmers will result in improving their products and competitiveness.

Coffee Production Level II is a joint train ing program with Nestlè Philippines Inc. (NPI), and has a duration of 176

hours or 25 days.

The additional 500 slots will be for this year and beyond, according to TESDA. In 2022, 230 trainees completed the course, while 268 are still undergoing training.

More farmers are be ing eyed to benefit from this program that seeks to promote workers’ entre preneurship and enhance competency standards in coffee production and other related training programs.

A combination of face-to-face and distance learning on modern cof fee-growing techniques and entrepreneurship is being done.

Training is being con ducted at the Bukidnon Integrated Coffee Center (BIGCC) in Malaybalay City, and at the TESDA

The Philippines’ trade deficit widened to $6 billion in August, as imports continue to outpace exports, data from the Philippine Statistics Authority re leased Tuesday showed.

The country’s trade gap rose 81.3 percent an nually, and 51.9 percent compared to August 2021, data showed.

Export sales in August reached $6.41 billion or an annual negative growth of -2 percent from a -4.1 percent in the previous

month, the PSA said.

Meanwhile, total im ported goods in August amounted to $12.41 bil lion, with an annual in crease of 26 percent.

Total exports from Jan uary to August reached $51.16 billion, 4.4 percent higher than the same peri

od in 2021.

“Electronic products commodity group re mained the highest on ex port sales,” the PSA said.

United States is the Philippines major export trading partner followed by Japan, China, Hong Kong and Singapore, ac cording to government data.

From January to August, total imports reached $92.97 billion, up 26 percent compared to the $73.77 billion in the

same period last year, the PSA said.

Electronic products accounted for the high est import value among commodity groups, while raw materials and inter mediate goods largely contributed to the total imports.

China was the coun try’s biggest supplier of imported goods for the month followed by Indo nesia, Japan, the US, Ko rea and Singapore, data showed.

NIA vows to further boost PH irrigation vs. hunger, poverty

The National Irrigation Administration (NIA) vowed Monday to fur ther boost the country’s ir rigation against hunger and poverty.

In the hybrid event, NIA chief Benny Antiporda un derscored how vital water is in the lives of Filipinos, particularly in relation to the government’s efforts on the Enhanced Partnership Against Hunger and Poverty

(EPAHP).

“Life starts with us, in water. The food starts from water, without water, there will be no life. That’s why we promise to you, we will improve our irrigation)” he said in Filipino.

During the EPAHP Ku mustahan National Perfor mance Review Workshop, several issues and challenges were tackled with the aim to improve their performance.

NIA expressed its will ingness to extend help to other agencies, while ensur ing to fulfill its mandate.

“We will improve the distribution of water, and whatever may be the help needed by other agencies from NIA, we are willing to go out of our way, beyond our jurisdiction, beyond our funding just to help EPAHP to become very successful,” Antiporda said.

Among the agencies which joined the NIA were the EPAHP National Pro gram Management Depart ment of Agriculture, and the Cooperative Development Authority.

EPAHP is an initiative created to “mitigate hunger, food and nutrition insecuri ty, and lowering poverty inci dence” through intergovern mental and multi-sectoral collaboration. (PNA)

Dusit Davao Marketing and Communications manager Ariesha Faith Dimaano says during this week’s PEP Talks at SM Lanang Premier in Davao City that few tables are left for the Dusit x Emilia Sitjar Jewellery Charity Gala slated on November 11 and 12, 2022 at dusitDavao. The charity gala, which will also features the Davao Fashion and Design Council (DFDC), is for the benefit of SOS Children’s Village in Davao. Edge Davao

DLI bags PropertyGuru PH Property Awards best eco-friendly housing

Transport chief supports PPP for 10 airport projects

Transportation Secre

tary Jaime Bautista on Monday said he is pushing for Public Private Partnership (PPP) deals for many transport projects in the country, especially air ports.

Ten regional airports will be upgraded, expand ed and operated under the PPP scheme, Bautista revealed during a forum organized by the Economic

Journalists Association of the Philippines

These airports include the Bohol-Panglao Interna tional Airport, Laguindin gan International Airport, Bicol International Airport, Iloilo International Air port, Puerto Princesa In ternational Airport, Davao International Airport, Ba colod-Silay International Airport, Kalibo Internation

GCash to use dialects as app goes hyperlocal

G

Cash said on Tues day it will use local ‘dialects’ as it focuses on hyper localization and partnerships with local government units.

The Ayala-led fintech said the move is meant to extend its financial services to the countryside as part of its push for financial in clusion.

“By using local dialects and employing more local ized marketing activities,

GCash makes it easier for consumers to understand and embrace various finan cial offerings that previ ously were not available to them such as sending and receiving money, savings, insurance, investment, and lending,” said Martha Sa zon, President and CEO of GCash.

GCash said this will allow even tricycle driv ers, wet market vendors,

Damosa

Land bags the Best Eco-Friendly Housing Development for Ameria and Special Recognition in Sustainable Design and Construction for Damosa Land, Inc. at the 10th PropertyGu ru Philippines Property Awards held last October 7, 2022 in Fairmont, Makati. Rec ognized for its innovative properties and sustainably-built communities, Damosa Land proves its commitment to upholding future-proof developments for the Mind anaoans.

Ameria, a premiere sub division in Davao del Norte, embodies the company’s vision to uphold a sustain

able recovery in Davao.

Showcasing the agricultural heritage in the South, it is a community that proudly of

fers wide open spaces and eco-friendly houses to its future dwellers.

Partnering with Con novate Philippines – a pro ducer of high-performance concrete (HPC) – houses in Ameria are known to be durable, future-proof, and environment-friendly. This is because the materials used in their construction emit less carbon footprint and are known to provide a 100-year lifespan – a strong testament to Ameria’s com mitment to sustainability and eco-friendly housing practices.

As the real estate indus

try adapts to the changing market landscape, Prop ertyGuru Philippines rec ognizes developers, like Damosa Land, who are on top of the shifting demand and are advocates for re silient progress. Known as a homegrown develop er of Davao, the company has already established its ground through a wide ar ray of eco-friendly proper ties in the region whether it be for residential, com mercial, or industrial use. A common theme amongst all of their properties is that they always look out for

DOE no longer insisting on power to suspend fuel excise tax: official

The Department of Energy (DOE) is no longer insisting on its appeal to have power to suspend excise tax on fuel, according to Director Rino Abad of its Oil Indus try Management Bureau on Tuesday.

InterviAbad was asked if the DOE is still seeking such power amid renewed calls for the suspension

of fuel excise tax follow ing Tuesday’s big-time oil price hike.

“Ultimately, ang nag ing decision ng Depart ment of Finance (DOF), at ito ay pinronounce ng spokesperson dati ng Malacañang, na lahat ng usapin na finance matter like tax ay dapat ang mag dedesisyon at magsasalita lang ay ‘yung ating DOF,”

he said.

“So hindi na po kami nag-insist dahil ‘yun na po ang naging policy direc tion,” Abad added.

(Ultimately, the DOF came up with a decision, and it was pronounced by the former spokesperson of Malacañang, that only the DOF should decide and speak about all finance matters like tax. So we no

longer insisted because of that policy direction.)

In October 2021, the DOE asked Congress for authority to suspend ex cise tax on fuel in light of the continued rise in oil prices during that time.

Then-Energy Secre tary Alfonso Cusi said they were discussing with the DOF “the possibility to

Damosa Land, Inc. president Ricardo “Cary” Lagdameo (second from right), together with (left to right) Kath leen Obcemea, one of the judges of the PropertyGuru Philippines Property Awards 2022; Dani Manlangit, assistant vice president for Damosa Land Residential Operations, and Macy Bibat, assistant vice president for

Damosa Land Tourism and Township Operations, receives the Best Eco-Friendly Housing Development award for Ameria during the 10th PropertyGuru Philippines Property Awards held last October 7, 2022 in Fairmont, Makati. Contributed photo

Hello IBP Davao.

I am a college student. I just transferred to Davao City to finally attend my “face-toface” classes. Recently, I went to a small store here in the City to do some grocery shopping. After paying the total amount due, I expected a change in the amount of PHP 2.00 only. However, the Cashier gave me candies instead. I know this is just a small amount but I want to know if this is even legal?

Yours truly,

College student

Dear Student:

Let me direct your atten tion to Republic Act No. 10909, “An Act Prohibiting Business Establishments from giving

Insufficient or No Change to Consumers and Providing Penalties therefor”. This law was enacted last December 21, 2016. It protects the con sumers against deceptive, un fair, and unconscionable sales acts and practices, among oth er things.

“Sec. 4. Regulated Acts. – It shall be the duty of the busi ness establishment to give the exact change to the consumer without waiting for the con sumer to ask for the same.

“(a) In General. – It shall be unlawful for any business es tablishment to shortchange a consumer, even if such change is only of a small amount. Nothing in this Act shall be construed as a restriction for business establishments to give an amount greater than the sufficient change.

“(b) Other Prohibitions. – It shall also be unlawful for any business establishment

LOU GENERALAO

‘CANDIES INSTEAD?’

which sells goods or provides services to give the change in any form other than the pres ent currency or to ask the con sumers for permission to be exempted from the provisions of this Act for any reason, in cluding the nonavailability of small bills or coins.

“(c) Price Tags. – It shall likewise be the duty of busi ness establishments to use price tags, when appropriate, indicating the exact retail price per unit or service which al ready includes the taxes appli cable to the goods or services being offered. These estab lishments shall also put signs in conspicuous places within the establishments or reflect in the official receipts issued, the taxes incorporated in the retail price per unit of goods or services. This is to avoid misleading the consumers as to the exact price they have to pay for the goods or services

and, consequently, the exact change due them.” x x x

RA No. 10909 provides for the duties on the part of the establishment. The business establishment shall give the exact amount of change to the consumer. The consumer does not even have to ask for his change, it must be given to him by the cashier. No matter how small the amount is, the con sumer is entitled to an exact change. Further, to protect the consumers, establishments are mandated to post notice in every counter to make sure that their cashiers give the ex act amount of change.

What happens if the estab lishment was found to have violated the law? It shall pay PHP 500.00 or three percent (3%) of the gross sales of the business establishment on the day of the violation, whichev er is higher, for first offense. For second, third, and fourth

offenses, it shall pay the fine of PHP 5,000.00 of five per cent (5%) of gross sales, PHP 15,000.00 or seven percent (7%) of gross sales, and PHP 25,000.00 or ten percent (10%) of gross sales, respec tively. In addition to the fines, the total amount of change the establishment failed or refused to give, as determined from the audit of DTI, shall be paid by the said establishment to the complainant.

Remember that “can dies” are not considered le gal tender in the Philippines. Therefore, store owners are not allowed to give candies as a change because it is un lawful to give a change in any form other than the present currency. The Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) may recommend the suspension and revocation of the license to operate of frequent offend ers.

In the 1950s when this country was emerging from the ruins of the devastating Second World War, Filipi nos were ranked as having the highest literacy rate in Asia.

I was a product of that era. We read, wrote and spoke En glish because it was then the medium of basic instruction in the elementary and high school levels. There was even a time when a pupil/student got fined for speaking in the dialect (vernacular).

Today, it is sad that Filipi nos no longer enjoy that lofty ranking.

Education, we will all agree, is the key to a nation’s progress and stability.

The youths, our na tional hero Dr. Jose Rizal re minded us, are the “hope of the fatherland.”

(After the old generation is gone, the millennials will take over. If they are not ed ucationally prepared, what kind of a nation are they go ing to build?)

Coming out of the destruc tive and demoralizing twoyear pandemic lockdowns, Dep-Ed, now under the baton of VP Sara Duterte, has the unenviable task of creative ly energizing the education sector that links it as the vital backbone component of the national government devel opment agenda.

Its 2022 budget of P631.77B is 12.58% of the total 5 trillion plus national outlay which is being eyed to increase next year as the DepEd pursues its goal of over coming the challenges that derailed the recovery plans of the previous administration.

The faster Dep-Ed is able to re-establish and accom plish its recovery objectives - in particular, the bold step to conduct face-to-face class es - the better for the national leadership to pay attention to the economic situation sur rounding the new adminis tration.

Increasing teacher’s monthly pay consistent with contemporary living stan dards should be the positive advocacy that will result in improving the quality of the teaching profession.

In the same manner as members of the military and police personnel who are now enjoying increased and uniformed national compen sation rates regardless of his/ her geographical assignment, teachers ideally must be in the same category no less.

The shrinking, weakened purchasing power of the peso relative to the world-wide in flation and perception of an

incoming recession, dictates that the above-cited econom ic situation of teachers be substantially and strategical ly resolved.

(It is a sorry state of our mental consciousness that many government officials respond in a knee jerk reac tion when the danger and risks are already present. Have you not noticed the government reaction and response to the perpetual onslaught of typhoons and weather disturbances?)

Which means that the state of education in the coun try must regularly shift to the next higher gear as global de velopments are making huge steps forward.

There is no retreat in the development of the individu al.

More so, in the case of school children who deserve to be educated accordingly.

In fact, Dep-Ed’s gover nance philosophy should be

that everyone in the family who is of school age is en rolled and is attending faceto-face classes year in, year out.

This will mean the coop eration of the LGUs - the ba rangay councils in particular - who will monitor if a child of school age in their jurisdic tion is idle, gallivanting and un-enrolled.

If this can be done during the stint of VP Sara, then no young mind in the urban and rural areas will grow up idle, uneducated and disrespect ful.

Education is transforma tive in the most positive way.

As my favorite philoso pher Friedrich Nietzche said: “ He who would learn to fly one day must first learn to stand and walk and run and climb and dance; one cannot fly into flying.” (Email your feedback to fredlumba@ya hoo.com.)

“Any man who reads too much and uses his own brain too little falls into lazy habits of thinking.” - ALBERT EIN STEIN

THE ART OF SLOWING DOWN

By ATHENA JILLIAN BRAVO

We live in a world where just about everything is at autobahn speed and it’s an epidemic of sorts.

There are times that when you wake up early on a Monday morning rush ing your way to work that you miss that usual hearty breakfast or take your vita mins. Everyone is moving so

fast that people don’t even notice how it affects their health, relationships, diet, work and environment.

Until they get sick.

It takes a toll in two as pects of our life–physically and psychologically. Ignor ing the amount of stress we get from rushing too much can either or both result in acquiring cardiovascular diseases , anxiety, depres sion or other mental health challenges.

The question is, is there even a way for us to slow down? And the answer is YES.

Imagine yourself in slomo mode while the rest

around you are in timelapse.

Call it the art of slowing down.

You need to practice the art of slowing down wheth er you are a student, an em ployee or a business owner. Your health should always come first. Here are some ideas that you might want to try for yourself.

Be Mindful

Mindfulness is a way of living that encourages people to find the calm by connect ing to the present moment just as it is. Forget about the mistakes you made in the past and stop worrying about what could possibly go wrong in the future. The

stress is not worth it.

Be in the know in such a way that you can focus on the things you need to finish every single day. Sometimes baby steps can go a long way than you imagine.

Eat slowly and take sup plements

Before you can feed your mind with new ideas, you need to feed your tummy first. Take time to have a hearty meal everyday and eat slowly. Eating too fast also affects the efficiency of our metabolism and creates digestive problems. Plus, do not forget to take your daily supplements before leaving for work.

Do mono-tasking

Did you know that be ing busy does not make you productive? Research shows that multitasking is ineffec tive as our brains cannot do two things that require discernment at the same time. Tone down your work speed by 40%.

Take a break

In this sedentary life style, we usually spend most of our hours in front of our laptops and sitting all-day. This is definitely un healthy and could cause a lot of health problems in the

future. Take time to go out side and take a walk. This gives you time to relax and reminds you that there is something so much bigger than you at work.

Savor the moment

Always remember that there’s a reason why you work so hard– that’s for you to enjoy the life you want with your loved ones. Spending time with them is precious so make sure that you clock out on time so you can have the remaining hours of the day for yourself and your family.

Effortlessly de-stress

Don’t bring any work load after working hours.

It is “me time” or “family time” by the time you’re home from work. Unless you work from home or own a business, try your best to stay away from your workstation or turn off your laptop. Find your sanctuary for relaxation or leisure to destress.

Maintain a self-care rit ual

Self-care is very import ant. It can be anything that

you love to do from skin care, meditation or doing yoga exercises. This is going to be your sacred time. Do it after lighting a scented can dle that could help you relax through the night just like Made Candles.

Made Candles are lux ury scented candles made of natural soy and beeswax that are inspired by dreams and memories. The brand is all about cultivating com munity, simplifying lives and reclaiming time for what matters through #SlowLiv ing which ultimately means doing things while being in a moment.

Each candle is carefully hand-poured in glasses that come in four different fra grances–fresh, woody, floral and oriental. With a blend of phthalate-free fragrance and essential oils, Made can dles instantly transform any room into a warm and relax ing space.

Slowing down can enhance our health and well-being, and also makes our lives simpler and stress-free.

COMPETITIVE EDGE

LANDBANK, BIR boost drive for digital tax collection

The Land Bank of the Philippines (LANDBANK) expressed its continuous support for the Bureau of Internal Revenue’s (BIR) tax collection moderniza tion efforts towards provid ing convenient services for

taxpayers.

LANDBANK President and CEO Cecilia C. Borro meo met with BIR Com missioner Lilia C. Guiller mo on 05 October 2022, to explore meaningful av enues for collaboration to

advance better tax admin istration. They were joined by LANDBANK Senior Vice Presidents Marilou L. Vil lafranca and Randolph L. Montesa, and other Bank officers.

The state-run Bank

supports the BIR through the LANDBANK Link.Biz Portal facility, which pro vides taxpayers with a safe, reliable, and efficient online payment solution to con veniently pay their taxes, among other digital bank

ing services.

The LANDBANK Link. BizPortal allows cus tomers to pay tax liabil ities online via the BIR or LANDBANK websites, thereby eliminating the need to physically wait in

line at BIR regional and district offices.

From January to Au gust 2022, the LANDBANK Link.BizPortal has facilitat ed for the BIR over 548,000 transactions with a total value of P1.4 billion.

SM Prime Named Most Outstanding Real Estate Company in the Philippines by Asiamoney

SM Prime Holdings, Inc. (SM Prime), one of the leading integrated property develop ers in Southeast Asia, was named the Most Outstanding Real Estate Company in the Phil ippines by the international financial publi cation, Asiamoney. SM Prime president Mr. Jeffrey Lim received the Company’s latest recognition during Asiamoney Awards’ gala night at Shangri-La Hotel in Singapore last September 21, 2022.

“We are deeply honored to receive this award as ‘Most Outstanding Real Estate Com pany in the Philippines in 2022’, most espe cially considering the challenges the Com pany faced these past three years with the COVID-19 pandemic. We share this recogni tion with our employees and our stakehold ers, who have contributed to the successes of SM Prime,” says Mr. Jeffrey Lim, SM Prime president.

The recognition is based on the votes re ceived from hundreds of fund managers, buyside analysts, bankers, and researchers who participated in the annual Asiamoney Asia’s Outstanding Companies Poll last July 2022. Asiamoney Awards recognizes listed compa nies across 12 markets in Asia that have ex celled in areas such as financial performance, management team excellence, IR activities, and CSR initiatives.

SM Prime remains committed to its role as a catalyst for economic growth, delivering innovative and sustainable lifestyle cities, thereby enriching the quality of life of mil lions of people.

A contingent of senior officials led by LANDBANK President and CEO Cecilia C. Borromeo (3rd from left) pay a courtesy visit to BIR Commissioner Lilia C. Guillermo (4th from left) in line with the Bank’s continuing commitment to support modernized tax administration.

FISHERMEN... FROM 2 DAVAO ... FROM 2 SECURITY... FROM 3

by promoting the devel opment of the Philippine natural gas industry (HB 4097); and protect the rights and welfare of free lance workers (HB 3738).

From July to Septem ber of this year, a total of 8,160 fisherfolk and 5,799 drivers of public utility ve hicles in Davao City who were thoroughly screened and assisted by the First Congressional District Of fice were able to avail of the emergency employ ment under the Tulong Panghanapbuhay sa Dis advantaged/Displaced Worker (TUPAD) of the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE).

Rep. Duterte’s office also closely coordinated with DOLE in granting TUPAD benefits to 923 street vendors.

“We had carefully pro filed the TUPAD applicants to ensure that only those who deserve them are granted the benefits of the program. We are continu ing to screen thousands of other applicants, especially those severely affected by the economic shock from the pandemic, to assist the DOLE in effectively imple menting TUPAD in Davao City,” Rep. Duterte said.

TUPAD is a communi ty-based package of assis tance that provides emer gency employment for displaced workers, the un deremployed, and season al workers, for a minimum period of 10 days, but not to exceed a maximum of 30 days, depending on the nature of work to be per formed.

Rep. Duterte’s office provided scholarships and educational assistance to 802 students, while an other 207 individuals have

GCASH...

FROM 5

and local traders to accept GCash payments and avail of other financial services.

“Our plan is to go to the provinces and provide these services to the under

been granted free training programs from the Tech nical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA) from July to Sep tember of this year.

In partnership with Benguet Rep. Eric Yap, Rep. Duterte turned over five patient transport vehicles to improve the delivery of medical care to Davao City’s first district resi dents.

In his first three months, Rep. Duterte also initiated the construction of nine buildings to serve the needs of Davao City res idents. These include evac uation centers, multi-fa cilities buildings, and Lamayan Bayan buildings for the use of Davaoeños who cannot afford funeral services for their departed loved ones. Rep. Duterte’s office helped shoulder the funeral bills of 1,737 de ceased residents.

Rep. Duterte’s office also facilitated the hos pitalization and medical assistance at the Southern Philippines Medical Center (SPMC) in Davao City to 4,532 individuals, includ ing Davao’s needy indigent senior citizens. A total of 8,929 beneficiaries seeking treatment in private hospi tals were provided medical assistance f m June to Sep tember 2022.

From June to August of this year, Rep. Duterte ex tended aid to 204 families that were victims of flash floods and 710 individuals who lost their property to fire.

Rep. Duterte and his staff distributed 102 wheelchairs and 1,514 food packs to 28 orphan ages and homes for the aged from July to Septem ber.

the Parks and Playground Division of the City En vironment and Natural Resources Office (CEN RO), the City Planning and Development Office, the Interim Office of the City Architect, and the City Engineer’s Office; identi fy and map out street is lands and existing parks that are open for possible adoption; and conduct a continuing information and education campaign to generate public aware ness and participation on the importance of estab lishing and sustainably managing public parks and open spaces.

It shall be composed of the city mayor as the chairperson, the city ad ministrator as co-chair person, and the City En vironment and Natural Resources Office (CEN RO) officer-in-charge as vice-chairperson.

The members are the Sangguniang Panlungsod Committee on Environ ment chairperson, CEN RO’s duly authorized rep resentative, Sangguniang Panlungsod Committee on Tourism chairperson, Liga ng mga Barangay president, Department of Public Works and High ways, Department of En vironment and Natural Resources, City Tourism Operations Office, City Planning and Develop ment Office, City Engi neer’s Office, City Legal

TRANSPORT...

al Airport and Siargao and Busuanga airports.

PPP Executive Direc tor Ma. Cynthia Hernan dez said they are working with the DOTR on how to go about these airport PPP deals. They will study if airports will be bundled or not.

Office, Interim Office of the City Architect, City Trans port and Traffic Man agement Office, Museo Dabawenyo representa tive, Davao City Chamber of Commerce and Industry, and two representatives from non-government or ganizations who are mem bers of environmental conservation or protection groups, a representative from the Philippine In stitute of Civil Engineers, Inc., and a representative from the United Architects of the Philippines. These offices shall name their re spective permanent repre sentatives.

CENRO shall serve as the DCPSMB secretariat tasked to handle all ad ministrative and/or secre tarial-related activities.

EO 52 further provides that a Technical Working Group shall be created to assist the committee in discharging its functions whose composition shall be determined by the com mittee members.

“To ensure the effec tiveness of the imple mentation of the Parks Ordinance, any budgetary requirements needed for the operation and imple mentation of the Parks Ordinance shall be taken from any available funds in the Annual Budget sub ject to the approval of the Sangguniang Panlungsod,” the EO stated. CIO

FROM 5

also said they will be im proving Ninoy Aquino In ternational Airport and Clark International Airport, especially since two new big airports in Bulacan and Cavite will not be opera tional anytime soon.

cemeteries is prohibited.

He also reminded Dabawenyos that wearing of face masks inside the cemeteries is mandatory.

Sumagaysay an nounced that a total of 13, 870 security forces will be deployed starting October 30, 2022, to November 3, 2022, wherein a total of 1,692 will be deployed on October 30; 3, 422 will be deployed on October 31;

3,602 will be deployed on November 1; 3,602 will be deployed on November 2; and, 1,552 will be de ployed on November 3.

He also said that the 27th Infantry Batallion, 89th IB, 56th IB, and 73rd IB are also the identified support units, concentrat ing mainly in District 2, Paquibato District, Mari log District, and some parts of Toril.

SINGAPOREAN...

only get their durians from Malaysia and Thailand.

Dayap said the inves tor has a Chinese partner and China is a good mar ket for Davao durian.

“It’s a good start and it will also encourage more farmers to plant katong high-value crops na naay dako na value when you market them internation ally,” she said.

It can be recalled that an investor has already set up a processing plant for durian in the Malagamot area where this investor only buys and consolidate the durian, process it, and export it.

Meanwhile, Dayap said the entry of investors in Davao City is among the impacts as Davao Region was declared insurgency free. She said investors are now looking at the areas of Paquibato and Marilog for investment.

“Dako kaayo ug impact in a sense daghan pud in

DLI...

FROM 5 environment-friendly alter natives that will push for a future-ready community amongst their investors.

FROM 3

vestors that are looking at kato na mga areas where to put their investments such as Paquibato area or Marilog. If that happens na magsulod na ang invest ments dinha na areas sy empre maka provide ta ug job opportunities sa mga tao ug residents,” she said.

She cited as an example a company that expressed interest to develop a corn plantation in the Paqui bato area. She added that another company, which is into processing, is also looking at the said area.

“Because nabalitaan nila na insurgency free na ang area. Kato isa sa mga ginatan-aw na in vestments. Naa pud is aka processing compa ny that is also looking in that area. Though wala pa na finalize pero at least these are good manifes tations na nagka interest na ang atong mga inves tors dinha,” Dayap said. By Maya M. Padillo

served,” Sazon said.

The company said its app currently has around 69 million users and 5.2 million merchants and so cial sellers.

“It would really depend on... financial feasibility and the economics of it. Also, if it would be attractive to a bidder,” Hernandez said.

Bautista, meanwhile,

“It will take some time maybe 6 to 8 years before these airports become op erational, meantime we see to it Manila International Airport operates efficient ly,” said Bautista as he also urged airlines to add more flights to and from Clark.

PPP deals are also “vi able option” for seaport projects, Bautista said.

President Ferdinand Bongbong Marcos and his Socioeconomic Planning Secretary Arsenio Balisa can have said the govern ment would push for PPPs.

TESDA...

FROM 4

Provincial Training Cen ter in Sultan Kudarat.

NPI provided the agronomists to help TES DA develop training regu lations, competency stan dards, and competency assessment tools.

Coffee starter toolkits are also being provided to farmer-beneficiaries by the NPI. The kit includes workbooks, record books, visual aids and other ma terials for the training.

TESDA said over 700 farmers have finished the training since the pro gram was launched in 2021. (PNA)

Damosa Land was also nominated and shortlisted at the PropertyGuru Philip pines Property Awards for the following categories: Best Mixed-Use Develop ment for Bridgeport and Best Waterfront Condo De velopment for Bridgeport Park.

“I am very happy to wit ness Damosa Land fulfill

DOE...

FROM 5

suspend excise tax for the meantime.” Cusi had said this needed new legisla tion.

In July this year, Sena tor Grace Poe and Senator Aquilino “Koko” Pimentel III filed bills seeking sus pension of taxes on fuel.

Abad said the DOE has limited options to ease the price of fuel. According to him, the available options to control fuel prices are through its cost compo nents like import cost (60%), taxes (20%), oil company take (17%) and biofuel (3 to 4%).

Asked why gas stations immediately implement new price increases when they still have stock sup ply, Abad said there is no scheme, formula, or tim ing indicated in the law for the implementation of oil price hike.

He added that the con tent of fuel price increases is always “daily” regard

another milestone and be recognized for our efforts in pushing for future-ready developments in Mindan ao. We have always aspired to establish a sustainable and progressive growth for our fellow Mindanaoans. This award will surely serve as our motivation to work harder in building commu nities that further showcase the beauty of our region and our unique culture,” shares Damosa Land President Ri cardo “Cary” Lagdameo.

less of the timing of the implementation.

“So ang naging prac tice, because sabi naman dun it should reflect the movement in the inter national market, eh ‘yung daily trading price na nangyayari sa Mean of Platts Singapore as the benchmark ay nire-reflect po ‘yan. Yung weekly ay timing lang po ‘yan pero ang laman po niya ay dai ly. Puwede mong gawin by two weeks or one month pero ang laman niyan al ways daily,” he said.

It became the practice, because it is stated that it should reflect the move ment in the internation al market, that the daily trading price happening in Mean of Platts Singa pore as the benchmark is being reflected. The weekly implementation of oil price hike is just a timing but it covers daily trading price.)

Sarangani blasts Mindoro in MPBL

Kyt

Jimenez put on an impressive allaround game never seen in 23 years as Sarangani solidified its hold on the third spot in the Maharlika Pilipinas Bas ketball League (MPBL) Southern Division with a 125-74 blast against Mindoro on Monday night at the Paco Arena.

Jimenez tallied the Philippines’ second qua druple-double in all of professional basketball,

the first since Donbel Be lano achieved the feat in 1999 in the defunct MBA, finishing with 33 points,

13 rebounds, 11 assists, and 11 steals in 30 and a half minutes.

The outcome seemed to have been decided when the Marlins outscored the Tams, 36-17, in the second quarter to open a 69-43 halftime lead.

However, Coach John Kallos decided to keep Jimenez a little longer as the latter was already flirt ing with history.

Jimenez completed the double-double when he grabbed his 10th rebound with 7:09 left in the game.

He finished the histor ic feat with a steal and an assist for Jordan Sta. Ana’s breakaway layup with 3:56 remaining.

Jimenez called it a night with 2:18 left but not without two more re bounds, one assist, and one steal.

Paul Sanga added 25 points on 8-of-9 shooting including seven triples, one rebound, one assist, one steal, and one block for Sarangani, which locked in the third seed in the South and set up a playoff first-round meet ing with Rizal.

Khen Osicos made 28 markers, 10 boards, and one swipe for Mindoro, which finished its season

with the league-worst 1-20, losing its last 15 games.

In the other games, Quezon City locked in the seventh seed in the North playoffs with a 113-92 blowout against also-ran Laguna, while Muntinlupa moved to within a halfgame from Imus for the last spot in the South play offs with a crucial 90-79 win against Makati. (PNA)

PH to send 814 athletes to 2023 Cambodia SEA Games

The Philippines will send 814 athletes to the 32nd Southeast Asian Games slated May 5 to 16 in Cambodia next year, Philippine Olympic Com mittee (POC) President Abraham “Bambol” To lentino said Tuesday.

“It’s again a fighting team and the goal is to send the best full contin gent as possible,” Tolenti no said after the second consultative meeting

with SEAG-bound Na tional Sports Associations (NSAs) at the East Ocean Garden Restaurant in Pa say City.

The POC had met with officials from com bat sports or martial arts last week and Monday’s meeting was attended by representatives from ball games and other sports.

Also present during the two meetings were baseball president Chi

to Loyzaga, appointed Team Philippines chef de mission to the Cambodia SEAG, and his deputies Leonora Escollante of ca noe kayak and Paolo Tan congquian of sambo.

A total of 608 gold medals are at stake in the 49 sports calendared in the Cambodia SEA Games.

The number of en tries in each sport are: arnis (12), athletics (47), aquatics (39), badmin

ton (16), basketball (32), bodybuilding (15), bil liards (12), boxing (11), dancesports (12), esports (45), fencing (24), fin swimming (9), aerobics and artistic gymnastics (13), jet ski (8), obstacle sports (20), sailing (8), triathlon (10), diving (2), bodybuilding (15), cycling (28), weightlifting (14), water polo (26), cricket (15), floorball (40), foot ball (46), golf (7), hock

ey (24), petanque (16), soft tennis (12), sepak takraw (22), table tennis (10), tennis (12), volley ball (28), beach volley ball (16), jiujitsu (6), judo (10), karate (19), kick boxing (12), kun bokator (9), muay (14), pencak si lat (17), taekwondo (25), vovinam (28), wrestling (18) and wushu (20).

As host, Cambodia has included two indigenous sports—Kun Bokator, a

martial art practices by ancient Khmer military, and Ouk Chatrang, also a Khmer chess game. These offer 21 and six gold med als, respectively.

The 2019 Manila SEAG had the most number of sports at 56 but with 530 events. The 2022 Viet nam Games features 526 events in 40 sports while the 1999 edition in Bru nei only has 233 events in 22 sports. (PNA)

NBA veteran Bay Area Dragons’ Andrew Nicholson slams it home against Ginebra San Miguel. The Gin Kings behind Justin Brownlee dealt the dragons their first loss. PBA

ABKA WINNERS

Mercado, Siong sizzle at Ateneo Blue Knight golfest

BY MOSES BILLACURA

Karlo Mercado and Cole Te Siong led the list of winners in the 2022 Ateneo de Davao University Blue Knight Associa tion (ABKA) Golf Tournament, held over the weekend, at the scenic Apo Golf and Country Club.

Mercado clinched the over-all gross title while Siong bagged the over-all net crown.

The tournament, co-pre sented by LV Ledesma Con struction, Dominance Media and TRUMPH Motorcycle Corp., also saw former youth standout EJ Casintahan lift ing the class A gross cham pion trophy while Denden de Castro followed as run ner-up. Paul Garcia took the net crown, besting the efforts of runner-up Enrique Rome ro-Salas.

Reinz Yamyamin and Edgar “Thirdie” Ibuyan III emerged class B winners. Jake John Or tega finished gross runner-up to Yamyamin and Rene Mas carinas was net runner-up to Ibuyan.

Former President Securi ty Group chief Gen.Randolph Cabangbang shared the lime light by ruling the class C, taking the gross title over run ner-up Jerson Tico. Jonathan Say was net champion and Lorenzo Jaldon landed run ner-up.

Maria Lourdes Babol and Tsuky Ortega captured the gross and net titles, respec tively in the ladies division as Cristina Bandolon and Joanna Espino settled with the run ner-up trophies.

Marlon Tabanao played better than Dennis Salvador to take the senior’s gross title while Raymond Anthony Sal vador won the net title over Lito Cinco.(With

Jumawan)

Winners of the 2022 ABKA golf tournament pose for posterity at the Apo Golf Club.(Photo by Roland Jumawan)