Edge Davao Vol. 15 Issue 214 | Thursday, Dec. 22, 2022

Former President Rodrigo Duterte playfully teases a child with cancer with lollipop during his visit at the Southern Philippines Medical Center-Children Cancer Institute (SPMC-CCI) and the House of Hope where he distributes Christmas gifts to children with cancer on Tuesday evening. Photo from the FB page of Sen. Bong Go

TIKTOK TEACHERS

teachers:

By MAYA M. PADILLO

Jenielito “Dodong” Atillo, spokesperson of DepEd 11, emphasized there is nothing wrong with teachers doing Tiktok, but they

should be careful when creating their content and consider the time and place.

“Pahimangno sa mga teachers who love Tiktok

na we have to very circumspect the situation. Unang una naga Tiktok sa sulod sa eskwelahan that can be questionable because we do not know muingon basin oras na sa klase or bisag break time na but still that is one area to be questioned. Pahimangno lang. Nothing wrong of expressing through Tiktok but double check your content,” said Atillo during

the AFP PNP Press Corps media briefing at The Royal Mandaya Hotel on Wednesday.

Atillo told the teachers to ensure that Tiktoking is not conducted during class hours.

A number of teachers are now hooked with this application. A Tiktoker teacher who did a sexy dance moves on her vidFTIKTOK, P10

Ex-President Duterte gifts kids with cancer

Former

Institute

A personal advocacy and long-held tradition,

and cash to the 32 kids admitted at the SPMC-CCI and 20 children at the House of Hope.

Duterte also pledged PHP3 million from his pen-

sion to the House of Hope as support for the facility’s operations.

The former President also thanked the staff who

YBL to file case vs Koronadal execs for closing its terminal

The management of Yellow Bus Line, Inc. has vowed to file contempt charges against Koronadal Mayor Eliordo Ogena and other city hall officials for shutting down the company’s private terminal in Koronadal City.

Cecile Diel, Yellow Bus spokesperson, slammed city hall officials for closing the firm’s private terminal that caused inconvenience to the commuting public.

“Their action reflects a sense of impunity. It is a blatant disregard of the rule of law,” she said in a press conference late Monday afternoon in mixed English and Ilonggo.

Last Friday, Ogena ordered the shutdown of the private terminal of Yellow Bus along GenSan Drive in Zone 3 due to lack of a business permit.

Ogena said the firm allegedly violated the revenue code and the zoning ordinance of the city, which forced the city government to close its private terminal.

The mayor added that city hall has issued several cease-and-desist orders and notices of closure to the company to settle the issue,

but the firm apparently disregarded them.

There was no public announcement from city hall that the Yellow Bus terminal would be closed last Friday.

The sudden closure of the Yellow Bus terminal caused discomfort to many passengers of the company. Several of its bus units with passengers were stopped while going out of the city, forcing the commuters to transfer to other rides.

Ogena issued an apology to the inconvenience caused to the riding public by the sudden closure of the Yellow Bus terminal on Friday.

In December 2019, the bus company obtained a favorable ruling from a local court, which issued a writ of execution against the implementation of City Ordinance No. 9 Series of 2018.

The ordinance required all buses and passenger vans operating here to utilize the city public integrated terminal in the interior Robredo Avenue, which is a bit far from the city’s commercial districts compared to the Yellow Bus terminal.

In its ruling, the court ordered the city mayor and

Department of Education 11 (DepEd 11) spokesperson Jenielito “Dodong” Atillo says during this week’s AFP-PNP Press Corps media forum at The Royal Mandaya Hotel that there is nothing wrong with teachers doing Tiktok but they should be careful when creating their content. Lean Daval Jr.

President Duterte has distributed Christmas gifts to children with cancer at the Southern Philippines Medical Center-Children Cancer

(SPMC-CCI) and the House of Hope on Tuesday evening.

Duterte distributed toys

NTC 11 urges public to register SIM cards starting Dec. 27

By MAYA M. PADILLO

AFP’s 87th founding anniv

10ID bags 18 campaign streamers during

The Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) awarded the 10th Infantry “Agila” Division, Philippine Army with 18 campaign streamers for dismantling nine Communist Terrorist Group (CTG) units during the Recognition Ceremony in connection with the AFP’s 87th Founding Anniversary held at GHQ Canopy in Camp Aguinaldo, Quezon City on Wednesday, December 21, 2022.

10ID defeated two NPA vertical units, four sub-regional committees (SRC), and three guerilla fronts, all under the Southern Mindanao Regional Committee (SMRC) in Calendar Year 2022. AFP Chief of Staff Lieutenant General Bartolome Vicente Bacarro led the awarding ceremony.

The Joint Task Force Agila received six campaign streamers for dismantling Sub-Regional Committee (SRC) 1; SRC 2; SRC 4; SRC 5; Sub-Regional Guerilla Unit (SRGU) of SRC 2; and Regional Sentro De Grabidad (RSDG), Regional Operations Command (ROC). Likewise, the 1001st Infan-

try Brigade received five (5) campaign streamers for defeating Guerilla Front (GF) 2; GF 3; SRC 4; SRGU of SRC 2; and RSDG, ROC; while the 701st Infantry Brigade gathered three (3) streamers for annihilating GF 18; SRC 1; and SRC 2. Moreover, the 1003rd Infantry Brigade garnered the streamer for defeating SRC 5, five (5) months before the set deadline of defeating the CTGs in the brigade’s area of operations.

On the other hand, the 66IB, 28IB, and 60IB, all under the Agila Division, also garnered three campaign streamers for dismantling GF 18, GF2, and GF 3, respectively.

10ID Commander Major General Nolasco A Mempin along with the awarded brigade and battalion commanders personally received the campaign streamers.

“The whole Agila Division is overjoyed by the numerous campaign streamers we received. However, the victory that we achieved cannot be made possible

An official of the regional office of the National Telecommunications Commission (NTC 11) urged mobile device users to register their SIM cards starting December 27, 2022 to avoid deactivation.

The NTC released the implementing rules and regulations (IRR) of the SIM Card Registration Act on December 12, 2022, which will take effect starting December 27. Subscribers will have 180 days from

the effectivity of the law to register their SIM cards. The registration may be extended by up to 120 days. Under the measure, users of all mobile devices, including prepaid broadband devices, must register their

SIMs.

“Ang IRR humana unya na publish December 12, 2022. Sulti sa IRR 15 days from the day of its publication mag take effect and that is karon December 27, 2022 mao ang first day sa 180 days sa SIM card registration. Ang tanan na ginagamit nato nga mga SIM kinahanglan na ipa-register within the six-months period kay kung dili nato ma register after six month that would be automatical-

ly deactivated,” said Nelson Cañete, regional director of NTC 11 during the AFPPNP Press Corps media briefing on Wednesday at The Royal Mandaya Hotel.

Cañete explained that new SIMs sold starting December 27 will be in “deactivated mode”.

“Ang mahitabo karong December 27 tanan na mapalit nato na SIM automatically naa na sa deactivated status. Mugana lang

Crime stats in Davao Region decreased this year: PRO 11 M

ajor Eudisan Gultiano, spokesperson of the Police Regional Office (PRO 11), reported that crime statistics in Davao Region have decreased by 25 percent this year compared to the previous year.

Gultiano said the index crimes (murder, homicide, robbery, theft) decreased

by 13 percent or 1,395 this year compared to the 1,610 last year. For non-index crimes, it decreased by 25.77 percent or 23,569 this year compared to 31,753 last year.

“Its an indication that our Simultaneous Anti-Criminality Law Enforcement Operations (SACLEO) are more relentless and ef-

fective this 2022,” Gultiano told media.

Based on the data of PRO 11, the crime clearance and solution were decreased by 10.71 percent and 18.75 percent respectively. It also showed that these unlawful acts committed by the criminals were due to poverty, peer pressure, drugs, or lack of

employment who would possibly take advantage of the situation.

When it comes to illegal drug operations, PRO 11’s accomplishments reached a total number of 2,161 operations of confiscated Dangerous Drug Board (DBB). The value of illegal drugs that include shabu

Police Regional Office 11 (PRO 11)

spokesperson Major Eudosan Gultiano reports the accomplishments and achievements of PRO 11 for this year during this week’s AFP-PNP Press Corps media forum at The Royal Mandaya Hotel.

Lean Daval Jr.

BSP: Worst over for strong dollar

Bangko

“Weak peso further aggravating the inflation is no longer a big problem,” Medalla told reporters.

The peso closed at P55.24 against the US dollar on Tuesday, its strongest performance in months.

“It seems the strong dollar period is over. Second, we’re beginning to

see oil prices to drop,” said Medalla, who expects better January economic figures amid possible recession overseas.

The central bank chief said he is expecting peak inflation this December, but it will decelerate next year.

“Our forecasts for inflation is actually closer to 3%

than to 4% for the third quarter of this year and possibly below 2% briefly near the end of next year and early 2024,” Medalla said.

When asked if the Monetary Board will adjust interest rates in the next meetings, he said nothing is guaranteed due to uncertain times. It could be zero, 25 or 50 basis points.

He even likened what the interest rate adjustment would be to a basketball game, referencing

the just-concluded UAAP Finals featuring the UP Fighting Maroons and one of its star players Zav Lucero, who lost to eventual champions Ateneo Blue Eagles.

“I would say zero in the next two meetings, both zero. If somebody offers you that bet, it’s like UP with an injured Lucero playing Ateneo, hindi zero ang chance pero hindi malaki,” Medalla said, adding: “I will rule out very extreme forecasts.”

SEC orders probe on PLDT trading after P48-B overrun disclosure

The Philippine corporate regulator on Monday ordered an inquiry into the trading activities on PLDT Inc. after a selloff reportedly happened before the company disclosed a P48-billion budget overrun.

The Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) said it ordered both the

Philippine Stock Exchange (PSE) and the Capital Markets Integrity Corporation (CMIC) to provide initial reports of the trading activities on PLDT Inc.

A comment from PLDT was sought but none was immediately available.

“The reported ‘budget overruns,’ as well as the selloff in PLDT shares

before the publicly listed company could make the official disclosure, are areas of concern for the Commission, being the regulator of the securities market and the champion of investor protection in the country,” the SEC said.

“In this light, the SEC has immediately commenced an inquiry into the

matter,” it added.

The regulator said the initial reports of the PSE and CMIC would cover the trading activities which resulted in the “sudden and sharp” decline in the share prices of PLDT prior to the official disclosure regarding the “budget overruns.”

The CMIC serves as the

Medalla discounts extreme rate increases in Q1 2023

Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP) Governor Felipe Medalla on Tuesday said hikes in the central bank’s key policy rates are still possible given that inflation remains elevated but discounts extreme increases, citing easing oil prices and the weakening of the United States dollar.

Asked if a 25-basis points increase is possible in the next two meetings of the central bank’s policy-making Monetary Board (MB), Medalla replied in the affirmative.

“I will rule out very extreme forecasts,” he told journalists.

The BSP’s key policy rates have been hiked by a total of 350 basis points since last May due mainly to the rise in the rate of price increases, which rose to 8 percent last November, the highest since November 2008.

To date, the central bank’s overnight reverse repurchase (RRP) rate is at 5.5 percent after being at record-low of 2 percent since 2020.

It has hiked by 50 basis points last Dec. 15, slower jump compared to the 75 basis points last November, which is the second of the same level for this year, also on account of the need to ensure adequate interest rate differential with the US’ Federal Reserve.

Medalla attributed his rate hike projections to the recovery of the peso against the US dollar, which is now

trading at 55-level after hitting its record-low 59-level last October.

“It seems like the strong dollar period is over,” he said.

Medalla clarified that he does not consider the current peso-dollar exchange rate to be at comfortable level.

“I’m just saying that the weak peso further aggravating the inflation is now longer a big problem,” he said.

He cited the drop in oil prices in the international market, which is now below USD80 per barrel after surging to over USD100 per barrel in the past months on account of the Russia-Ukraine conflict and concerns on the global growth.

These factors, he said, play important roles on the central bank’s inflation projection.

“Our forecast for inflation is actually close to 3 (percent) than to 4 (percent) for the third quarter of next year and possibly below 2 percent near the end of next year and early 2024,” Medalla said.

During the MB’s rate-setting meeting last Dec. 15, the Board kept the 2022 average inflation forecast at 5.8 percent, hiked the 2023 forecast from 4.3 percent to 4.5 percent and slashed the 2024 projection from 3.1 percent to 2.8 percent.

Medalla said a cut in banks’ reserve requirement ratio (RRR) remains on the table but not in the near

National Telecommunications Commission 11 (NTC 11) director Nelson Cañete urges the public during this week’s AFP-PNP Press Corps media forum at The Royal Mandaya Hotel to register their SIM cards starting December 27, 2022 to avoid deactivation. Lean Daval Jr.

Sentral ng Pilipinas Governor

Felipe Medalla on Tuesday

said the worst is over for the strong dollar as the Philippine peso regains strength.

Local economy of Davao City estimated at P454.7B in 2021

PEZA investment pledges back to pre-pandemic level

The Philippine Economic Zone Authority (PEZA) reported Tuesday that investment pledges for 2022 are back to pre-pandemic level.

In a statement, PEZA said it approved a total of PHP140.7 billion investment pledges this year, more than double from the PHP69.3 billion approvals in 2021.

This year’s investment approval is also the highest in five years.

In 2018, PEZA-registered projects reached PHP140.2 billion.

PEZA officer-in-charge Tereso Panga said these investment approvals came from 198 projects.

“Despite the 29.85 percent decline in the first semester of the year 2022 compared to the first semester of 2021, we never lost hope that we will recover. With the big-ticket investments that were prequalified by the Board for endorsement to the FIRB (Fiscal Incentive Review Board), we were able to record a positive

increase in investments in 2022,” Panga said.

PEZA’s target for this year is to grow by 6 to 7 percent at end-2022.

Earlier, PEZA reported that investment pledges from January to November this year was only at PHP57.05 billion.

During the PEZA board meeting last Dec. 15 led by Trade Secretary and PEZA Chairperson Alfredo Pascual, the investment promotion agency (IPA) approved 13 projects amounting to PHP83.65 billion.

Bulk of these newly approved investment pledges were from three economic zone development projects worth PHP83.02 billion, four manufacturing projects worth PHP502.98 million and six information technology (IT) service projects worth PHP125.17 million.

These projects are expected to rise in Taguig City and the provinces of Pangasinan, Cavite, Batangas, Laguna, Cebu and Negros Occidental.

Thelocal economy of Davao City was estimated at P454.7 billion in 2021 despite the pandemic, the highest in the Davao Region composed of five provinces and one highly urbanized city, according to data from the Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA).

Based on the Provincial Product Accounts (PPA) of Davao Region, the agency said in a report dated December 19 that the city’s output accounted for 51.6 percent of the total economic output of the region that also include Davao

de Oro, Davao del Norte, Davao del Sur, Davao Occidental, and Davao Oriental.

It said the PPA is a “mechanism to compile the Gross Domestic Product (GDP) at the subregional level,” providing a suitable measure of economic per-

formance at the provincial or city level.

The PPA, considered as a source of indicators that monitor economic development at the local level, is viewed “as a means to strengthen the planning and decision-making of provincial policymakers and stakeholders in crafting more informed economic policies.”

Davao del Norte came in second with 17.9 percent, Davao del Sur with 11.1 percent, Davao de Oro with 9.9 percent, Davao Oriental with 5.6 percent,

and Davao Occidental with 3.9 percent.

It also reported that the local economy bounced back, growing by 6 percent last year from a negative growth of 9.6 percent in 2020 amid the implementation of strict community quarantine.

The agency reported that the services contributed 3.5 percentage points, followed by industry with 2.1 percentage points, and agriculture, forestry and fishing with 0.4 percentage point.

(Antonio L. Colina IV / MindaNews)

Globe Telecom ‘ready’ for SIM registration starting Dec. 27

Globe Telecom said Wednesday its online SIM registration platform is ready following the release of the measure’s rules and regulations by the National Telecommunications Commission.

SIM registration will start by Dec. 27 as mandated by law. Globe said it has an estimated 87.9 million SIM users.

All Globe Prepaid, TM,

Globe At

Meanwhile, existing Globe Postpaid, Globe Platinum and Globe Business postpaid customers will be pre-registered using the details provided in their initial application, the telco said.

By January, users will also be able to register through the New GlobeOne app. It said Globe and TM customers will be able to enjoy services and may register until April 26, 2023 to avoid deactivation.

New SIM holders will be given deactivated SIMs upon purchase starting Dec. 27. They must register the SIM immediately to access Globe services, it said.

Assisted registration sites will be set up starting February 2023 to assist customers who need help in the registration process such as senior citizens, persons with disability and pregnant individuals, Globe said.

“We are committed to provide our customers with an easy-to-use, secure, and inclusive registration

The Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA) says the economy of Davao City was estimated at P454.7 billion in 2021 despite the pandemic, the highest in the Davao Region composed of five provinces and one highly urbanized city. Lean Daval Jr.

Securing tickets for the University Athletic Association of the Philippines (UAAP) games became a challenging feat due to the increasing number of enthusiastic fans eager to shout “UP Fight” as the maroons battle it out to earn the spot for the final games.

Each game became mini-reunions with endless photo-ops and reminiscing of college days memories over coffee, lunch, merienda or dinner.

The galvanized an extraordinary sense of solidarity for constituents of the University of the Philippines (UP), often described as the microcosm of a highly diverse nation.

An academic community all too easily fractured by politics and personal interest, the cheer “UP Fight!” reverberated during the past UAAP games as the UP Fighting Maroons fought UP style - “may giting at tapang.” Every point is worth screaming.

UP is one of the four founding members of the UAAP in 1938. There are presently eight member universities I still remember watching basketball games of the UAAP) in the late 1980s and early 1990s with almost empty seats.

In 1986, UP Men’s Basketball

Team (MBT) won over UE Red Warriors under the guidance of legendary coach Joe Lipa with star players Benjie Paras, Ronnie Magsanoc and Eric Altamirano.

From 2007 to 2014, except in 2008, UP was always at the bottom pit as it ranked eighth (out of eight schools) in the basketball category.

UP Fighting Maroons won their first title all the way back in 1939 (Season 2) then followed it up 47 years later in 1986 (Season 49). Then there was the 36 years championship drought until its third title this year (Season 84) .

In 2018 Season 81, UP’s bid for the championship trophy unfortunately ended when it lost to Ateneo.

In 2019 Season 82, UP was defeated by UST during the Final Four round.

In 2020/21 season 83, there was no tournament due to the pandemic

In 2022, the Maroons had their best record as champions in Season 84.

UP Fighting Maroons claimed their first championship in 36 years when it dethroned the Ateneo Blue Eagles during Game Three of the UAAP Season 84 Finals last May 13, 2022 at the MOA Arena.

However, its attempt to be the back to back champion for Season 85 ended when it succumbed to Ateneo during Game 3 of the finals with a roaring 21,814 crowd last December 19, 2022.

UP won Game One of the finals (72-66) but the Blue Eagles took it back in Game Two (6555) . Ateneo won in Game Three (75-68) bagging the trophy.

Game Three scores of UP (68): Spencer 14, Alarcon 12, Galinato 12, Tamayo 11, Cagulangan 9, Diouf 7, Gonzales 2, Lucero 1, Abadiano 0, Fortea 0, Lina 0.

Scores for the Quarters (Ateneo/UP): 30-14, 47-32, 60-52, 75-68.

With a difference of seven points, UP literally lost the game in the first quarter as scores show that UP won in 3 of the 4 quarters in terms of incremental points: UP had 14, 18, 20 and 16 while Ateneo had 30, 17, 13, and 15.

Perhaps a major factor is the absence of 6-foot-7 forward Zavier Lucero in Game Three who was not able to play due to the tear of his left ACL he suffered during Game Two.

Another major player, CJ Cansino, missed the entirety of UAAP Season 85 when he underwent surgery last July due to a right knee injury during the last

elimination game of Season 84 but came back and made an impact in Game Three basketball finals.

During Season 84, two MBT players landed in the mythical five, namely Lucero with 62.0 statistical points (SPs) and Carl Tamayo at 57.643 SPs.

For Season 85, two players again were recognized as part of the Mythical Five : Tamayo with 63.429 SPs built on averages of 13.79 points and 7.71 rebounds along with anchor Malick Diouf.

Diouf was also recognized as the Most Valuable Player (MVP) making him the fourth top individual awardee for UP in league history along with Bright Akhuetie (2018) , Eric Altamirano (1986), and Fort Acuna (1968).

Diouf, last season’s MVP, amassed 73.9 statistical points (SPs) built on averages of 10.79 points, 10.86 rebounds, 2.86 assists, 1.57 blocks, and 1.5 steals.

Tamayo also received a special award as Lazada Swag player of the season.

The UP Fighting Maroons has earned the moniker “Cramming Maroons” due to their nail-biting, cardiac games.

Cramming is life for the UP community—even basketball games are no exception in that

habit.

With 67-70 score during the last 20.1 seconds, many were still hoping that a three-point shot will lead to an overtime just like what happened last season.

Lucero entered the court 0.7 seconds remaining in the game to shoot a technical free throw making the final score to be 6875. “That’s something I’m gonna remember for the rest of my life, too,” Lucero said in an interview.

Despite the loss, we celebrated with a bonfire at the Amphitheatre to give honor to our boys.

The cheer “UP Fight” resonated in every game as men and women who solidly believed in the team, including the support group Nowhere To Go But UP, stood by their side in their journey.

With the “Walang Bibitaw” battle cry, it was a season as poetic and as heartfelt as the words of UP Naming Mahal lovingly and proudly sang by many generations of Iskolar ng Bayan.

(Peyups is the moniker of University of the Philippines. Atty. Dennis R. Gorecho heads the seafarers’ division of the Sapalo Velez Bundang Bulilan law offices. For comments, e-mail info@sapalovelez.com, or call 0917-5025808 or 0908-8665786.)

The Philippines’ location near the Northwestern Pacific Basin -- the most active tropical cyclone basin in the world -- puts the Philippines as one of the countries in the world that are prone to natural disasters.

In fact, the World Bank Group estimated that some 60 percent of the country’s land area and 74 percent of the population of the Philippines are prone to natural disasters which are projected to further intensify amid climate change. A recent study by the Institute for Economics and Peace also believed that the Philippines is a country most at risk from the climate crisis.

Every year, we suffer from an average of 20 typhoons, eight of which make landfall and are usually devastating.

To combat climate change, the Philippine government has submitted its nationally determined contribution to the United Nations Framework Convention

INVEST MORE IN FIGHT VS. CLIMATE CHANGE

on Climate Change. The charter covers the country’s sustainable plans and programs for reducing greenhouse gas emissions and signifies a commitment to help meet the Paris Agreement’s goal of limiting global temperature rise, ultimately achieving net zero.

The local business community has also put active measures in place, incorporating sustainability within their operations. Among these is the Manila Electric Company, the country’s largest electric distribution utility.

Over the past few years, Meralco has already been laying the groundwork for progressive changes in its energy sourcing, investments, and adoption of sustainable technologies. This includes targeting 3,000 megawatts of renewable energy capacity, by sourcing 1,500 megawatts of renewable energy (RE) over the next five years while also building another 1,500 MW

of clean energy by 2027 through its power generation arm, Meralco PowerGen.

Outside power, Meralco has also been pushing for the development of a cleaner transportation industry with the use of electric vehicles. In 2020, Meralco launched its Green Mobility program to reduce GHG emissions by gradually replacing the gas-fueled vehicles in its fleet with those powered by electricity.

As of this writing, Meralco’s Metro Manila business centers and sector offices are already 100 percent electrified. It targets to electrify 25 percent of its entire vehicle fleet by 2030.

Through its social development arm One Meralco Foundation, Meralco also embarked on a plan to protect and preserve Philippine forests and watersheds through its target to plant and nurture 5 million trees by 2025.

Because of these efforts, Meralco was recognized for its outstanding sustainability performance by none other than UK-based global sustainability index provider FTSE Russel.

Government agencies and other companies are also marching towards their own sustainability and net zero agenda. The Department of Energy has already set an objective to hit 50 percent of RE power generation by 2040 and imposed a moratorium on the construction of new coal-fired power plants in 2020.

In the transportation sector, there are already mandates for biodiesel and bioethanol utilization and targets for EV penetration.

While these are remarkable initiatives, there are opportunities to take the agenda against climate change even further. The Philippines must ramp up its sustainable initiatives and pro-

grams for the country to hit its goal of reducing GHG emissions. A firmer sustainable commitment would engage more businesses to invest in the country in clean energy projects.

Secondly, the government should encourage and incentivize local banks to finance green programs, to make funds available to fight climate change.

Lastly, ramping up the national budget to fight climate change is a must. Solid government support will always serve as the backbone of any initiative for the betterment of the country, and will only be achieved if we ramp up investments and closely coordinate with industry stakeholders.

Editor’s note: The opinions expressed in the foregoing article are solely the author’s and do not reflect the opinions and beliefs of the Philippine News Agency (PNA) or any other office under the Office of the Press Secretary.

GOOD VIBES ONLY AT SANS HOTEL AT LUXEBRIDGE

From well-curated and Instagram-worthy spots of the lobby to the vibrant rooms, Sans Hotel Luxebridge offers comfort and convenience that is tranquil. With 107 keys, divided into four room categories – chill deluxe room, chill twin room, chill family room, and chill Sans suite – guests have the luxury to share the good vibe with family and friends.

Nobody is more happier with this development than officials from the Department of Tourism 11 (DOT 11) and the Davao Tourism Association (DATA).

DATA President Cherry Al-ag mentioned that at Sans Hotel at Luxebridge guests need not go far to attain the perfect blend of wellness and lifestyle accommodation.

progress of the tourism industry.

First impressions

indeed do last.

I was at the recent opening of Davao City’s newest hotel, the Sans Hotel at Luxebridge, and I must say it was well-attended as it was well organized.

The impressive guest list was composed of business leaders, tourism stakeholders and officials, representatives from the city government of Davao, vloggers, media, and guests who are wellversed in the fun and rigors of traveling.

You can tell, this hotel is serious about its brand of hospitality.

Sans Hotel at Luxebridge opened its doors in Ma-a, Davao City just in time for the holidays and is ready to welcome guests visiting the King City of the South. It promises guests a “chill” stay, which is exactly the meaning of the hotel’s name. Sans is a name derived from the Indonesian word “santai” which translates to “chill”.

Setting foot in the lobby one can already feel the good vibes, Sans promises. Its fun ambiance gives guests an impression of how their experience at a property is going to be and the feeling of chill throughout their stay.

“The concept of the lobby is a social lobby where guests can interact and socialize. They can play with our football, they can have coffee all day long, and they can work from home and meet friends,” said Nicole Hao Bian Ledesma, CEO of Sans Hotel at Luxebridge, in an interview.

The Seasons Food Hall is new and exciting dining space for everyone who wants a conducive place to chit chat while eating.

It houses the wellloved Habi at Kape for a sumptuous breakfast options for in-house guests. Other partner food brands available are Green Bounty, Indanganese Takoyaki, and Wild Wings.

Found also in the compound are Thai Boran and Café Sola, which are reliable brands for guests to enjoy.

DOT regional director Tanya Rabat-Tan expressed her delight in welcoming Sans Hotel at Luxebridge, saying that it serves as another asset of the region and shall positively contribute to the

“I share with you, what was once a dream of my 20-year-old self is now a reality. Sans Hotel at Luxebridge is here to be your wellness and lifestyle hotel. A standout concept over most brands, we aim to be a hub for anyone who aspires to be accommodated with wellness in mind - giving room for you to loosen up, relax, socialize, and have fun things to do while you’re with us,” Ledesma said.

Sana Hotel can be your next go-to hotel and why not?

EDGE

Text and photos by HENRYLITO D. TACIO

Since the beginning of time, fishing has been an important source of livelihood for Filipinos. After all, fish is the country’s second staple food next to rice. On average, every Filipino consumes about 98.6 grams of fish and fish products each day, the Food and Nutrition Research Institute reports.

It’s not surprising that the Philippines is among the top fish producing countries in the world. The Philippines ranked 10th in capture fishery production in 2019. As such, fisheries resources play a significant role in foreign exchange, contributing to the country’s gross domestic product.

Ninety percent of fish caught is consumed locally. Unfortunately, 10 of the 13 major fishing grounds are now overfished, according to a conservation group Environmental Defense Fund, “with some facing collapse if reforms aren’t implemented.”

“Fisheries in the Philippines have been continuously plagued by overfishing, unabated illegal fishing activities, and lack of political will to fully implement

fisheries laws and regulations, a lack of post-harvest facilities, and encroachment of commercial fishers into municipal waters,” said Oceana, an international advocacy dedicated to protecting the world’s oceans, in a recent press statement.

Dr. Wilfredo Campos, a fishery expert at the University of the Philippines Visayas, confirmed that those enumerated issues are among the reasons why the country’s fish stocks have been on the decline since the 1990s.

“About 25% of the ocean’s fish depend on healthy coral reefs. Fishes and other organisms shelter, find food, reproduce, and rear their young in the many nooks and crannies formed by corals,” explains the US National Oceanic and Atmospheric Adminis-

tration.

“Healthy coral reefs support artisanal and commercial fisheries,” writes Diovanie De Jesus, Oceana campaign and science specialist. “Coral reef fisheries such as groupers and lobsters directly rely on the reef for spawning and habitat. Pelagic (open water) fisheries such as sardines and tuna indirectly rely on the reef through the food they consume.”

Coral reefs are the marine equivalent of rainforests and considered one of the planet’s essential life-support systems. These “biological wonders,” as American environmental author Don Hinrichsen called them, are among the largest and oldest living communities of plants and animals on earth, having evolved between 200 and 450 million years ago.

Coral reefs are constructed by millions of flower-like animals with tube-like bodies and finger-like tentacles called polyps. The form of polyp, which is about the size of a fingernail (one centimeter to three centimeters), depends on the shape and

form of the coral. A coral may be a single large polyp. Near the sea’s surface where waves have a strong effect, corals are massive. As they occur in deeper water, they become branched or take on flowery forms.

Hinrichsen claimed it takes centuries to create a reef. The coral’s skeletons amass to form the foundation of a reef. The stony structures grow slowly, normally at a rate of 0.25 centimeters to 0.5 centimeters a year.

The stony corals are actually the bedrock of the

reef. “Stony coral colonies are composed of hundreds of thousands of individual living polyps,” the US Environment Protection Agency (EPA) says. “Polyps are capable of drawing dissolved calcium from seawater, and solidifying it into a hard mineral (calcium carbonate) structure that serves as their skeletal support.”

On how important and vital coral reefs are in fish production, the EPA points out: “Polyps of reef-building corals contain microscopic algae called zo-

oxanthellae, which exist with the animal in a symbiotic relationship. The coral polyps (animals) provide the algae (plants) a home, and in exchange the algae provide the polyps with food they generate through photosynthesis.”

FCORAL, P10

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eos inside the classroom became the subject of criticism online. She was told that what she is doing is not setting a good example to her students.

“Kanang Tiktok nga sexy moves. I mean there is nothing wrong with Tiktok, pero ibutang nato sa lugar, and then ensure that it is not conducted during class hours. Unya kanang Tiktok pud na dili sexy. That is not acceptable because we are models for the children. Dili bawal ang Tiktok, you are expressing yourself, ang content niya kinahanglan pag-isipan. Pareho anang sayaw na mu touch sa lawas unya naa pay attire na murag fit kaayo sa lawas dili siya appropriate to see

for the teachers to portray. But nothing wrong with Tiktok per se generally but it’s the content diha ta medyo naay tambag na ipahumdum sa atoang magtutudlo,” Atillo emphasized.

Atillo said teachers doing Tiktok outside the school is okay as it is their personal space but reminded them not to forget that wherever they go they are teachers.

“Kinahanglan hunahunaon ug maayo because when we join public service there is an oath that we have to keep and perform 24/7 of our lives,” he said.

He said DepEd 11 hasn’t yet summoned or sent a memo to teachers in Davao Region because of Tiktok content.

EX-PRESIDENT...

continue to help children with cancer.

“I am just a worker of God,” Duterte said, adding that his advocacy is being supported by a number of friends.

Meanwhile, Senator Christopher Lawrence Go noted that children with cancer are close to the former President’s heart.

“Our hearts are breaking for the hardships they are going through. Despite

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and marijuana reached P42,566,335 while on loose firearms, PRO 11 has recovered more than 1,200.

“Sa most wanted persons marami tayong na arrest ngayong year at umabot tayo ng 1,353 arrested most wanted persons. Pagdating sa law enforcement operations patuloy until this holiday season kaya marami tayong number of operation sa SACLEO,” Gul-

SEC...

FROM 4 independent audit, surveillance, and compliance arm of the PSE, tasked to enforce the Securities Regulation Code.

Its powers include investigating and resolving violations by trading participants of the securities law, along with trading-related irregularities and unusual trading activities involving issuers.

Pangilinan-led PLDT Inc. late Friday said it

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this, we also admire the courage and determination of these children as well as their families,” he said.

In 2019, Duterte donated his house in Margarita Village along J.P. Laurel Avenue here to the cancer-stricken kids.

Before making the donation, Duterte had already allowed the House of Hope to use his three-bedroom house to host sickly children. (PNA)

concerned offices to refrain from implementing the ordinance on Yellow Bus, which for decades operated from its private terminal near the city’s commercial center.

The ruling has been elevated to the Court of Appeals.

Ogena, a lawyer, said the city government “respects” the decision of the local court, reiterating they closed the Yellow

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na kung atong ipa register,” he said.

Registration is also free including registrations for embedded SIMs, broadband modems, and internet-of-things devices.

A registration form will be filled out electronically through a secure website provided by the telecommunications companies.

“I-register ang inyong SIM via online. I think si Smart ga text na sa atoa nga naa sila’y gihimo na portal or link na didto ta musulod. I think si Globe ug DITO nagahimo na and naa pod iprovide na link,” he said.

He also said for the registration in remote areas or locations without wi-fi connectivity, the Department of Information and Communications Technology

10ID BAGS...

tiano said.

Bus terminal because it lacks a business permit for two years.

Diel, also a lawyer and member of the Sangguniang Panlalawigan of South Cotabato, said that Yellow Bus “is not obliged” to get a business permit for its private terminal from the local government since common carriers are governed by the Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board.

polyps show through.

Coral reefs provide habitat for a large variety of marine life, including various sponges, oysters, clams, crabs, sea stars, sea urchins, and many species of fish. They are also linked ecologically to nearby seagrass, mangrove, and mudflat communities. Coral reefs are so valued because they serve as a center of activity for marine life.

As fishing grounds, coral reefs are thought to be 10 to 100 times as productive per unit area as the open sea.

ishing from this part of the world, the government has passed several laws. The exploitation of ordinary corals and restriction on the sale of precious and semiprecious corals, for instance, are contained in Presidential Decrees No. 1219 and No. 1698.

“Ordinary” corals, the stone variety of reef-building corals, are easier to find than the “precious” corals. The latter comes in various colors: red, pink or white. The “semiprecious” are the black corals.

(DICT), NTC, Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG), and Department of Education (DepEd), as well as all telcos, will facilitate the SIM registration.

“Katong areas nga wala gyud wi-fi, unsaon man na siya? Ang NTC kauban ang DepEd mag formulate mi ug scheme ug muadto mi sa mga areas para ma register ilang SIM cards,” Cañete said.

The SIM Registration Act requires the registration of all SIMs, including those in card and electronic form, as a prerequisite to activation. The law aims to protect consumers from illegal activities such as scams, smishing, and other kinds of mobile phone and online fraud.

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Of all coral species known in the world, more than a quarter are found in the country. Unfortunately, only 400 of these species remain, according to the Center for Environmental Concern.

“Nowhere else in the world are coral reefs abused as much as the reefs in the Philippines,” commented marine scientist Don McAllister, who once studied the cost of coral reef destruction in the country.

Now, the good news. Thanks to a pioneering fragmentation approach, coral growth that would usually take up to 100 years to produce is now happening on reefs in as little as two years.

PD 1698 also prohibits the gathering, harvesting, collecting, transporting, possessing, selling and/or exporting of ordinary corals, either in raw or processed form. “The use of corals and materials in buildings, and other man-made structures such as, but not limited to, piers, dams, and dikes, is likewise prohibited,” said a provision of the law.

PD 1198 amends PD 1219 and limits permits to gather in limited quantities of corals for scientific or educational purposes only and limits the grant of a special permit to experimental collection of precious and semi-precious corals.

In October this year, PRO 11 received a high trust rating in a survey conducted by the Mindanao Development Authority (MinDA). Survey results show that PRO-Davao received a trust rating of 91 percent. It also received a rating of 92 percent under the safety index and 90 percent for the respective index.

without the support of the NTF-ELCAC and all our partner stakeholders in Southeastern Mindanao. Thus, we offer this God’s gift not only to the Dabawenyos, but to all the Filipino people this yuletide season and beyond,” MGen Mempin added.

By Maya M. Padillo

was investigating an estimated P48-billion worth of capital expenditure overrun or unexpected incurred budget costs, driving a management reorganization within the company.

Shares in the company have since fallen by double digits, closing Monday at P1,192.00 apiece or down by P286.00 or 19.35% from last Friday’s finish of P1,478 per share.

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term because “we don’t want to confuse the markets.”

“In reality, we should be able to do that because all we have to do is borrow more to mop up the liquidity cost by the RRR cut but to avoid confusing the market,

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process. We encourage all our customers to plan their registration dates, prepare their valid government IDs with photos to enjoy the full benefits of our services and to protect their personal information,” said Ernest Cu, President and CEO of the Globe Group.

it has to wait when we’re no longer in an increasing mode,” he said.

To date, universal and commercial banks’ (U/KBs) RRR is at 12 percent, among of the highest in the region. (PNA)

The SIM registration act mandates the registration of all SIMs using valid IDs with photos. This measure aims to streamline government services, prevent fraudulent activities linked to SMS and boost financial inclusivity by providing proof of identity for the unbanked.

Southern Mindanao used to be a stronghold for the CPP-NPA due to the high levels of funding and

manpower generated by the SMRC. This allowed SMRC to support other regional committees with personnel and financial resources. However, since 2018, 10ID has successfully dismantled 16 guerilla fronts, four sub-regional committees, and nine NPA vertical units within its area of responsibility, resulting to an insurgency free Region 11.

YOUNGSTERS...

Dayanan Jr. on the other hand, also a two-time SKC Sports Awards Athlete of the Year, bagged the gold in the E-Kata event for the boys 10-11 years-old division.

So, daughter of Davao City Sports Council president Dexter So, and Dayanan

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are stalwarts of the AAK (Association for the Advancement of Karatedo) Davao City Chapter which is affiliated with Karate Pilipinas Sports Federation Incorporated led by chief instructor and regional director Rommel Tan and City Director Jerson Tamayo.

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sipag siya sa training,” said Carlos’ father-coach Ramil.

Two more archers, Jathniel Caleb Fernandez of Baguio and Adrianna Jessie Magbojos likewise made heads turn as the two topped the U10 boys and girls’ Olympic round to each end up with six mints apiece.

It came after the two swooped down on gold in the 10m, 15m, 20m, 30m and final events the previous days.

Shining the brightest in centerpiece athletics, meanwhile, was Leonelyn Compuesto of Masbate, who added the 100m and the 4x400m relay to her magnificent five-gold harvest.

The 15-year-old Masbate Sports Academy student edged South Cotaba-

to’s Schenley Faye Ombid by fraction of a second, 13.11 (.103)-13.11 (.109), to grab the century dash mint and then teamed up with Realyn Lanuza, Jesalyn Materdan and Alessandra Nicole Capellan in ruling the 4x400m relay.

Compuesto, who passed out and rushed to the nearby clinic after the race but eventually regained consciousness, later said she wants to be like her idol, the late great Lydia de Vega-Mercado.

“Gusto ko maging tulad niya, idol ko po siya,” said Compuesto, who completed a sprint sweep after she also topped the 200m, 400m and 4x100m days back.

Other track results saw Pangasinan’s Jolo Mondero (boys 100m), Calamba’s Lo-

Dr. Alexandra Hill, a British marine biologist who headed a study looking at reef regeneration in Camiguin, is showing the way. Her reef-rescue team employed a relatively new technology that involves the process of micro-fragmentation and colony fusion of coral fragments. This differs significantly from the more common coral restoration methods that usually focus on branching species.

“In this technique, the massive corals – which normally have a slow growth rate – are fragmented or broken up using special equipment,” Dr. Hill explained, “and the corals exhibit a faster growth rate when fragmented. Furthermore, fragments from the same donor colony have the ability to fuse together when physically joined which increases their overall surface area and their chances of survival.”

Knowing that the country’s coral reefs are van-

raine Audrey Batalla (girls 1500m), Olongapo’s Rafael Guinto (boys 1500m) and Laguna’s Virgilio Ramos, Harris Dhale Canon, John Kyle Batulan and Julius Ceazar Valdenarro (boys 4x400m) all bagging gold.

Over at the pool, Julian Lowers De Kam of Lucena emerged with his fifth gold in the boys’ 13-15 4x50m freestyle relay with Reinielle Mikos Trinidad, Peter Cyrus Dean and Zahjeed Isaac Sarmiento in 1:47.38. It added to his triumphs in the 200m, 400m and 1500m free and 100m butterfly earlier.

In chess at the Baluarte in Vigan, Zhaoyu Capilitan of Cagayan de Oro claimed her third mint in the girls’ Under-11 team blitz with Ashzley Aya Nicole Paqui-

FAO 155, series of 1986, regulates the use of the meshed nets in fishing. FAO 156 prohibits commercial trawl fishing and purse seine operations within a distance of seven kilometers from the shorelines and directs the law enforcement authorities to enforce such a ban.

FAO 163 outlaws the operation of muro-ami and kayakas in all Philippine waters.

All these laws, however, will only be effective if they are strengthened and reenforced. “Our country has good laws protecting corals, but the enforcement competent needs some work,” BFAR pointed out.

Every fish-loving Filipinos should be involved in coral reef protection and conservation. “We are only stewards of our nation’s resources,” says Dr. Rafael D. Guerrero, an academician at the National Academy of Science and Technology. “We should take care of our national heritage so that future generations can enjoy them. Let’s do our best to save our coral reefs. Our children’s children will thank us for it.”

nol as the two finished with a combined score of 11 points.

Capilitan’s other golden efforts came in individual and team standard event the day before. She was gunning for a fourth and fifth gold in the individual and rapid events at press time.

In table tennis, Capiz’s Reiner James Vidal (hopes boys singles), Pangasinan’s Kloe Venice Cascolan (hopes girls singles) and Rhiyana Cryzzel Balisacan (mini-cadet girls singles), Manila’s Khevine Keith Cruz (mini-cadet boys singles), General Santos’ Jebb Jerwin Datahan (cadet boys singles) and Pasig’s Jogyasa Gopii Cabrido (cadet girls singles) all brought home a gold each.

Youngsters So, Dayanan win golds in Batang Pinoy

Archer Carlos harvests

7 Batang Pinoy gold

ILOCOS SUR—Miguel

Carlos of Puerto Princesa delivered a performance to remember as he hauled seven gold medals and emerged the most bemedaled athlete in the Philippine Sports Commission’s Batang Pinoy that came to a close yesterday here.

The 12-year-old Palawan National School seventh-grader bested General Santos’ Adrie Sabdielle Gonzaga to top the boys Under-13 Olympic round that came after he teamed up with Lizette Mayumi Bagnol in edging General Santos’ Samantha Isabel Loreno and Romee Jonathan Rioja in snaring the mixed team mint at the San Ildefonso Central School.

Carlos thus finished with a total of seven gold, the most in this five-day day event for 15-year-old athletes as he also reigned supreme in the 20 meters, 25m, 30m, 40m and 1440 events days before.

“Na-surprise kami sa seven gold na nakuha niya, pero he deserves it kasi ma-

the true spirit of Batang Pinoy, the youngsters are delivering the goods for Davao City in the tough national multisport competitions.

Heleina Dominique So and Robert Bryan Dayanan Jr. took home the gold medals in their respective disciplines in karatedo to keep Davao City in the Top 10 of the ongoing 2022 Batang Pinoy National Championships.

Davao City is at no. 10 overall with 9 golds, 13 silvers and 28 bronzes for a total of 50 medals, second in the most

number of medals next to frontrunner Baguio City with 91.

The nine year-old So, already a two-time winner of the prestigious So Kim Cheng (SKC) Sports Awards Athlete of the Year, completed a golden double with two gold medals in the E-Kata and E-Fantom eight to nine year-old division held virtually.

Jazz end two-game slide with rout of Pistons

DETROIT — Lauri

Markkanen scored 38 points, including a career-high nine 3-pointers, and the Utah Jazz defeated the Detroit Pistons, 126-111, on Tuesday night (Wednesday, Manila time).

Jarred Vanderbilt added 18 points and 13 rebounds for the Jazz, who outscored Detroit 65-51 in the second half. Utah had at least 30 points in all four quarters.

See Mavericks to unveil Dirk Nowitzki statue on Christmas Day

Jordan Clarkson scored 21 and Malik Beasley led the second unit with 17 points. Utah lost its previous two games by an average of 24.5 points, including a 122-99 defeat

Monday in Cleveland.

Jaden Ivey led Detroit with 30 points. Pistons rookie Jalen Duren had 15 points and 14 rebounds. He has at least 11 rebounds in seven straight games, matching Dwight Howard’s 1995 mark for the longest streak by a teenager.

Markkanen scored 19 points in the first half while Ivey had 18.

Jazz: Improved to 3-7 against Eastern Conference teams. ... Markkanen made eight of his first 11 3-point tries.

Pistons: Detroit’s starters, who have struggled in recent games, were outscored 94-71 despite Utah emptying its bench at the end of the game.

In

Karatekas Heleina So and Robert Bryan Dayanan Jr.

Miguel Carlos of Puerto Princesa with PSC

Chairman Noli Eala.

CHAMPS

Team Pulong-Arcadia captures TRMH Christmas Invit’l Cup

By NEIL BRAVO

The spritely do-it-all guard of the Falcons broke loose with 21 points to lead Team Pulong-Arcadia past MJE-Junex Tuna in the finals 91-72 to win the 2022 Royal Mandaya Hotel Christmas Basketball League title on Tuesday at the Davao City Recreation Center.

For his feat, Lastimosa became the hands down choice as the tournament Most Valuable Player. Also suiting up for Team Pulong-Arcadia is La Salle standout Francis Gabriel Escandor.

PBA and MPBL veter-

an Mark Yee led MJE-Junex Tuna with 18 points in a gallant stand.

In the battle for third place, Team Davao Bullet CB turned back multi-titled squad Montana Davao, 10482.

SBP-XI Regional Director Glen Escandor and tournament director Miguel Solitaria awarded the winners during the awarding ceremonies that followed after the finals.

The tournament is a joint project of SBP-11, Cong. Pulong Duterte and The Royal Mandaya Hotel.

Team Pulong-Arcadia celebrate their win in the 2022 Royal Mandaya Hotel Christmas Basketball League on Tuesday.