Edge Davao Vol. 15 Issue 218 | Wednesday, Dec. 28, 2022

‘SANTA’ SARA

VP Sara continues gift-giving in Davao City

Dabawenyos wait for their turn to place their bet at a lotto outlet ouside a shopping mall along J.P. Laurel Avenue in Davao City on Tuesday. The jackpot prize of the Ultra Lotto 6/58 is expected to soar to PHP495 million on Tuesday night’s draw. Lean Daval Jr.

‘SANTA’ SARA

VP Sara continues gift-giving in Davao City

By MAYA M. PADILLO

More than 6,000 Dabawenyos from various sectors received food packs from Vice President Sara Duterte on Monday.

In a statement shared by the Office of the Vice President (OVP), a total of 669 Special Education (SPED) students at the Apolinario Mabini Elementary School and Davao City Special National High School in Barangay Bangkal were among the recipients of the spaghetti packs and five kilograms of rice.

The same items were distributed to 1,500 children in Barangay New Camer in Tugbok District.

The goods also benefited children from nearby barangays of New Valencia and Matina Biao.

The vice president also led the distribution of another 2,000 packs to sidewalk vendors and 2,002 barangay functionaries at the People’s Park.

She reiterated her message of loving, forgiving, and sharing as the core theme for Christmas and also thanked Dabawenyos for supporting her father,

former President Rodrigo Duterte.

The vice president led the return of the face-toface traditional Christmas gift-giving activity of the Duterte family at the ancestral house of FPRRD in Taal, Bangkal, Davao City on December 25, 2022.

Commonly called “Pahalipay sa Taal” is perhaps the most anticipated yearly activity in Davao City that was started by former President Rodrigo Duterte where people, including those from neighboring provinces and regions, go and line up for grocery packs and gift certificates.

In her message, the vice president emphasized the three virtues of Christmas for people to live a peaceful life: love, forgiveness, and sharing.

“Una, ang pasko ay para sa paghigugmaay or love. Dili kinahanglan na dagko atong mga regalo. Ang importante sa pasko, ay malipay ang kasing-kasing sa atong mga minahal sa kinabuhi. Ikaduha, pagpasaylo or forgiveness. Karong adlawa gianak ang atong Lord Jesus Christ. Ang mensahe Niya, mangayo ta ug pasaylo sa Ginoo. Mao pud na ang tema sa pasko,” she added.

Police authorities arrested a 22-year-old bus passenger who was initially arrested for “bomb joke” but was later found possessing shabu during a joint police and military border patrol operation on Christmas Day in Barangay Binugao, Toril, Davao City.

Police Major Catherine dela Rey, spokesperson of the Davao City Police Office (DCPO), told MindaNews that the suspect was identified as Palm Jay Solante Sansan, a resident of Loyola Subdivision in Digos City Davao del Sur.

She said that the police officers immediately responded after being alerted of a commotion involving the suspect, who caused panic after he made a joke about planting a bomb in the passenger bus around 11:40 a.m. Monday.

“They were informed by a concerned citizen that there was a commotion that transpired a [short] distance away, on a bus involving one

unidentified male person who was allegedly shouting that he planted a bomb inside the said bus,” Dela Rey said.

Responding authorities immediately arrested the suspect.

But when frisked for deadly weapon, police recovered in his possession a small sachet of suspected crystal methamphetamine or shabu weighing 0.11 grams with an estimated street value of P1,760.

The suspect will face charges for bomb joke, which is punishable under Presidential Decree No. 1727, and illegal possession punishable under Section 11 of R.A 9165

(Comprehensive Dangerous Drugs Act of 2002).

PD 1727 declares as “unlawful malicious dissemination of false information of the willful making of any threat concerning bombs, explosives or any similar device or means of destruction.”

(Antonio L. Colina IV / MindaNews)

10 NPA rebels yield in South Cotabato

Ten communist New People’s Army (NPA) rebels surrendered to authorities in Tupi town of South Cotabato province, an official said Tuesday.

In a statement, May-

or Romeo Tamayo said the rebels under the NPA’s Guerilla Front ALIP turned themselves in on Monday at the town hall.

“We welcome the 10 former rebels who wish to live a peaceful life,” said

Tamayo, who also handed over cash assistance and food packs to the returning guerillas.

He said the surrenderers will be enrolled in the government’s Enhanced Comprehensive Local In-

tegration Program.

“In the government, everybody is given the chance to improve their lives, earn a decent income and live peacefully,” Tamayo said.

During the activity

witnessed by Police Regional Office-Soccsksargen chief Brig. Gen. Jimili Macaraeg, the surrenderers also burned the Communist Party of the Philippines flag as a symbol of their condemnation of

all its terrorist activities.

Macaraeg urged other members of the communist group to surrender and avail the government programs for their reintegration into the community. (PNA)

Vice President Sara Duterte leads the distribution of spaghetti packs and five kilograms of rice to more than 6,000 Dabawenyos from various sectors on Monday. FB page of Inday Sara Duterte

Man arrested for bomb joke, illegal possession of drugs in Davao City

City achieves zero firecracker injuries goal on Christmas Day

BARMM kicks off convergence program for TS Paeng victims

The Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM) has launched the Early Recovery Convergence Program (ERCP) to speed up recovery efforts in its typhoon Paeng-devastated communities.

In a statement Tuesday, BARMM Senior Minister Abdulraof Macacua said the ERCP is a convergence of BARMM government agencies along with its partner national and international humanitarian organizations.

During the program

launch Monday in Datu Blah Sinsuat, Maguindanao del Norte, Macacua led the distribution of food packs to about 1,900 heads of families who are also recipients of livelihood programs, housing units, carpentry tools, fishing equipment and financial assistance from the BARMM government.

“Other towns affected by Paeng will also receive the same intervention from BARMM,” Macacua said.

On Oct. 28, the Ministry of the Interior and

By MAYA M. PADILLO

Davao City has achieved its goal of zero firecracker injuries on Christmas Day, according to an official of Public Safety and Security Command Office (PSSCO).

Angel Sumagaysay, head of the PSSCO, thanked Dabawenyos for cooperating with the firecracker ban policy of the city.

Sumagaysay said the Davao City Police Office (DCPO) is tasked to monitor all hospitals under their area of responsibility (AOR).

“Na-achieve nato ang atong mission na magkaroon ang zero incident labi na injuries via pabuto ug gina update man at

sa DCPO kay ang atong guidelines didto one hour after midnight dapat naa na didto ang mga pulis nga nagabantay sa mga hospitals ug nagahulat nga kung naa bay gipang admit but so far hangtod nabuntag na lang walay na admit ug nag pasalamat ta sa mga katawhan nga very cooperative sa atong kausa nga dapat dili na mugamit aning makapilas ug makasamad na nga pabuto,” he said over Davao City Disaster Radio

(DCDR) on Tuesday.

The DCPO has been intensifying advisories on the prohibitions of the use of firecrackers and “lantaka” by posting on their Facebook Page and at the the police stations in relation to the implementation of the firecracker ban including the use of lantaka (bamboo cannon) on Christmas and New Year revelries.

The city has been eyeing zero injuries on Christmas and New Year celebrations.

Meanwhile, Sumagaysay assessed the Christmas celebration as peaceful and no untoward incidents were reported.

“Ang pag celebrate sa pasko nalipay ta kay walay untoward incidents relative to the celebration of Pasko nato diri sa Davao City. Nagpasalamat ta sa tanan tanan dili lang sa security and safety pero the whole community of Davao City nga nitabang sa atoa and nasundan pud ni sa traditional na event dinha sa Taal, Bangkal kung asa namasko pud sila sa ancestral house sa atong former President ug nahimo nga hapsay pero dili man nato masulti nga hapsay kay nagtapok man ang mga tao pero controllable ug naging malinawon,” he said.

City College of Davao to accept enrollees for next school year

Full operations of the City College of Davao (CCD) is expected next school year.

In its latest update the City Information Office (CIO) said CCD is set to begin accepting enrollees for the next school year. An announcement will be made officially.

“Ang admin operations nagsugod na and last update is by next year na school year magdawat na sila ug enrollees. Karon ang admin operations nagdagan na ug kung unsa ang kinahanglan para sa full operation next year,” said Harvey Lanticse, CIO head, over

Davao City Disaster Radio (DCDR) on Tuesday.

The construction of the CCD in a 5-hectare property of the Bureau of Plant Industry (BPI) near the University of the Philippines-Mindanao (UP-Mindanao) in Bago Oshiro, Mintal started this year as announced

by Councilor Pilar Braga, who is the proponent of the resolution, last year.

In 2020, the City Council approved through a resolution, which was certified by former Mayor Sara Duterte as urgent, for the establishment of the CCD to cater to the less privileged.

CCD will offer five courses: Bachelor of Special Needs Education (BSNEd), Bachelor of Technical-Vocational Teacher Education (BTVTEd), Bachelor of Physical Education (BPEd), Bachelor of Science in Entrepreneurship (BS Entrep), and Bachelor of

Arts in English or Filipino. It is also targeting 1,000 working students in four senior high schools such as the Davao City National High School, Sta. Ana National High School, Crossing Bayabas National High School, and Bangoy National High School.

Public Safety and Security Command Office (PSSCO) head Angel Sumagaysay expresses his gratitude to the Dabawenyos for being very cooperative after Davao City achieved its goal of zero firecracker injuries on Christmas Day. Lean Daval Jr

FBARMM, P10

BARMM approves P85.3-B budget for 2023; education gets biggest funding

Mindanao

Bangsamoro Transition Authority (BTA) on Tuesday, December 20, with 44 affirmative votes, zero negative vote and no abstention.

BARMM Interim Chief Minister Ahod Ebrahim signed on December 22

Parliament Bill No. 54 or the 2023 Bangsamoro Expenditure Program (BEP), which is up by almost seven percent from the P79.8 billion budget for 2022.

“The BEP 2023 is inspired by many things; our collective experiences, recent economic changes, and just recently, tragedies that struck

at the very core of our homeland. These factors have been thoroughly considered in this process, and I am optimistic that the roadmap for next year is clear and responsive to the needs of the Bangsamoro,” Ebrahim said in a report released by the Bangsamoro Information Office.

Parliament Bill No. 54 was approved on third and final reading by the

The top 10 ministries and offices with the biggest budget allocations are the following:

1) Ministry of Basic, Higher and Technical Education – P27.2 billion;

2) Ministry of Public Works – P16.4 billion;

3) Office of the Chief Minister – P5.9 billion;

4) Ministry of Health –P5.8 billion;

5) Bangsamoro Transition Authority – P3.9

billion;

6) Ministry of Social Services and Development– P3.07 billion;

7) Ministry of the Interior and Local Government – P2.04 billion;

8) Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries and Agrarian Reform – P1.5 billion;

9) Ministry of Environment, Natural Resources and Energy – P666 million; and

10) Ministry of Transportation and Communications – P539 million.

The Bangsamoro government’s main source of revenue is the block

Maharlika Investment Fund among Senate’s priority bills in 2023

The proposal to create the Maharlika Investment Fund (MIF) will be among the Senate priorities when it resumes its session next month, according to Senate Majority Leader Joel Villanueva.

The Senate leader confirmed this Monday when asked about the chamber’s list of priority measures once both houses of Congress resume session on January 23, 2023.

“In 2023, we foresee the Senate taking up the priority measures of the administration such as the establishment of the Virology Institute, Medical Reserve Corps, and the National Center for Disease Prevention and Control,” Villanueva, in a Viber message, told journalists.

“The move for the condonation of agrarian reform payments, as well as

the House bill on the Maharlika Investment Fund are also on top of the legislative agenda,” he added.

The first three bills mentioned by Villanueva were included in the 19 priority measures of the Marcos administration.

At the height of exchanges regarding the true intention of the MIF bill, President Ferdinand Marcos, Jr. certified it as an urgent measure which was

immediately followed by its fast third reading approval in the House of Representatives.

The bill bagged the support of 279 congressmen against the six who voted versus the measure.

Aside from MIF and measures designed to address the health concerns of the country, the Senate will also prioritize the bill related to jobs, according to Villanueva.

No plan to import onions as prices hit P500/kg: DA

The Department of Agriculture (DA) on Tuesday said it is not considering the importation of onions given the expected harvest in the coming months, even as current prices of the commodity are more than double the suggested retail price.

According to DA deputy spokesperson Rex Estoperez, prices of onions have already reached up to P520 per kilogram in select markets in Metro Manila, with farmgate prices up to P300 per kilogram.

Monitoring of the DA shows that prices of local red onion in Metro Manila markets averaged P500 per kilogram on Tuesday, December 27, while there were no stocks available for the local white onion and the imported varieties.

This is more than double the P170 per kilogram SRP set in October, which the DA said was imposed “in order not to aggravate the current difficulties of the Filipino people.”

“Ang presyo naman, ang nagdidikta niyan ay supply and demand, so kung mahina ang supply mong

nanggagaling po sa ating produksyon, ang presyo ay tataas,” Estoperez said during the public briefing.

(Prices are dictated by supply and demand, so if the supply from production is weak, the prices will increase.)

“Meron tayong supply, hindi sobra-sobra [We have supplies, but not in abundance]” he added.

Prices have continued to increase for months now, with local red onions averaging P280 per kilogram on November 25, P250 per kilogram on November 11, and P180 per kilogram on October 25.

Estoperez said it would be hard to dictate prices of the commodity given the high cost of production, and strictly enforcing the SRP would deter farmers from selling.

Mukhang sa enforcement, mahihirapan tayo dun kasi kung ilalagay natin sa ating mga kamay, ‘pag sabihin na natin, magdidikita, wala nang magbebenta niyan kasi mataas ang presyo ng puhunan nila,” he said.

(It looks like we will

Dozens of mall goers troop to the SM Lanang Premier’s IMAX theatre where a popular movie is being shown on Tuesday. Lean Daval Jr.

Of the P85.3 billion approved budget in the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim

(BARMM) for 2023, the biggest chunk was allotted to education.

Server issues mar SIM card sign-up portals on 1st day

Budget deficit shrinks in Nov. as revenues grow

The Philippines’ budget deficit hit P123.9 billion in November, which was 3.71 percent or P5 billion lower compared to the same month last year, the Bureau of Treasury reported on Tuesday.

Treasury said that the fiscal gap narrowed as government revenues grew 16.57 percent, outperforming the 10.24 percent increase in expenditures in November.

“Consequently, the cumulative budget deficit as of end-November slowed to P1.2 trillion, 7.23 percent (P96.3 billion) lower compared to the budget gap posted in the equivalent period last year and was at 75 percent of the P1.7 trillion full-year program,” Treasury said.

Revenues hit P331.1 billion, which was P47 billion higher than in November 2021.

From January to November, taxes contributed P3 trillion or 90 percent to the total while P317.7 billion came from non-tax sources. The

Bureau of Internal Revenue raised P2.2 trillion, up 12.56 percent over the same period a year ago. The Bureau of Customs meanwhile collected P789.2 billion, 35.31 percent higher than the same period in 2021.

Malacanang said “good economic stewardship by the administration of President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr.” led to the shrinking of the deficit.

Marcos took office at the end of June, while the first half of the year was still under the administration of President Rodrigo Duterte.

The budget deficit ballooned in the last two years as the government spent heavily for its pandemic response, and to finance Duterte’s ambitious infrastructure push.

To finance the gap, the government also borrowed heavily from both domestic and foreign lenders, sending the national debt to a record P13.63 trillion as of end-October.

Serverissues on telecommunication firms’ portals for registration of subscriber identity module (SIM) cards marred the first day of mandatory registration on Tuesday.

As early as 6:30 a.m., the registration link for Globe showed a “Bad gateway” prompt, asking subscribers to “try again later”. Upon accessing it at about 10:30 a.m., the link takes the subscribers to the FAQ page.

The PNA was able to access the Smart portal but getting through the link either took time to load or would not load at all.

DITO subscribers can register through the DITO app.

In the PNA Facebook page comments section, some of the subscribers trying to access the portals said: “Page not found on Smart website”; “Globe links not working at the meantime.”

Jayson Prado Robles, in the comment, said he registered as early as 4 a.m.

for DITO and Globe and at about 5 a.m. for Smart and was able to register in all links.

The telecom firms have assured that they are ready for the expected deluge of registrants and also vowed to improve their processes.

In a radio interview over DZBB, Yoly Crisanto, Globe Group Chief Sustainability and Corporate Communications Officer, assured that their system can handle the influx of registrants as they continuously improve it.

“We are ready for it. Robust naman ‘yung system na ginagamit natin (Our sys-

tem is robust),” she said. Few hours after Globe’s registration site went live, Crisanto said the portal was taken down this morning to adjust the system for a new requirement -- uploading a selfie.

“I think meron silang gustong ayusin, may pinadagdag. Ngayon po kasi base dun sa kahapon napresscon ng ating government agencies kasama ang NTC and DICT nanghingi sila ng certain form of verification so ngayon kailangan tayo mag-upload ng selfie (I think they have to add some

GCash warns users vs. scams posing as SIM registration links

As the 180-day period for SIM registration begins on Tuesday, mobile wallet GCash warned users against scams posing as links to register their SIM numbers.

“We would like to reiterate our warnings to our users that GCash will never send links via SMS, email, and messaging apps. We have been receiving re-

ports that some telco subscribers are getting messages that their accounts have been restricted if they don’t pre-register their SIM card,” Winsley Bangit, chief customer officer of GCash, said in an advisory.

“Our users should never click the link provided in these messages and instead check the official channels of their telco pro-

viders for the information on how to register their SIM card starting December 27,” Bangit added.

The implementation of the SIM Registration Act started Tuesday, with several Filipino subscribers already trying to register their own SIM cards.

As registration moves forward, GCash is assuring its customers that their

funds and account will remain safe.

But to ensure undisrupted access to GCash accounts, the mobile wallet encouraged its customers to promptly register their SIM card with their respective telco provider.

To report scams and other fraudulent activities, users can visit the offi-

Carmel Carpio promotes during this week’s PEP Talks at SM Lanang Premier the upcoming the Super American Circus slated at the University of Southeastern Philippines (USeP) Gym on January 13 to 15, 2023. Lean Daval Jr.

In continuing her gift-giving activities to Dabawenyos: Vice President SARA DUTERTE

“Una, ang pasko ay para sa paghigugmaay or love. Dili kinahanglan na dagko atong mga regalo. Ang importante sa pasko, ay malipay ang kasing-kasing sa atong mga minahal sa kinabuhi. Ikaduha, pagpasaylo or forgiveness. Karong adlawa gianak ang atong Lord Jesus Christ. Ang mensahe Niya, mangayo ta ug pasaylo sa Ginoo. Mao pud na ang tema sa pasko.”

OLIVIA

JASPER

JOCELYN S. PANES

GREGORIO GARAY DELIGERO

MOSES

The Dagohoy Revolt, led by Francisco Sendrijas, is the country’s longest rebellion against colonial rule. It happened in Bohol and lasted eighty-five years (17441829), including the years when the rebel leader’s members supposedly propped up his dead body on top of a horse during raids but without the knowledge of the Spaniards.

The Dagohoy legend, even more, has also found its place in Datu Bago narratives, claim-ing the Moro chief of Davao had crossed paths with the Boholano in one of the raids he par-ticipated in Bohol. This assertion, though, does not fly, is shot with holes, and is mainly a his-torical embellishment promoting the datu’s legend as a leader of the pirates.

There are also obscurities that prevent us from connect-

ing the dots to create a clearer pic-ture of how this supposed involvement of Datu Bago in the Visayan piracies occurred.

First, the Moro genealogy, despite its comprehensiveness, does not provide the exact date of birth when the datu was born. Even his place of the nativity is imprecise. By reckoning, most accounts place his birthdate after 1775, making him seventy-five years old by the time he died in 1850. Even the descendants of Datu Bago are not clear how old he was when he passed away.

Second, the date of his arrival in Davao is also unclear. An early historian pins the date of the datu’s coming in the 1820s, which contrasts with the 1800 letter addressed to the Caraga Province governor that carried his name and that of Datu Damuli.

Third, though the Dagohoy rebellion lasted until 1829 when the datu was already in his fifties, the records do not mention the involvement of Davao region in the Visayan raids, not once, and the principal actors in the piracies were from the sultanates of Maguindanao and Sulu.

And fourth, by all indications, Datu Bago did not rule the entire gulf during his Davao watch. In short, he was one among numerous Moro enclaves found in the littorals of the gulf, most of them controlling the vital waterways that led to the interior regions.

Linking Datu Bago to Dagohoy, to say the least, is presumptuous. Even on his own, the Davao chief could not have contributed much to the raids even if he had some resources to boot given the distance his flotilla had to travel

in the conduct of raids in the Visayan region and Luzon.

Even in published accounts found in scholarly write-ups, Datu Bago’s involvement in the Visayan raids is not cited. By deduction, the sultanates conveniently relied on men who were under their direct control; otherwise, if the Davao chieftain was a principal actor, that would make him quite an important personality the sultanates highly recognized.

Even Filipino historian Cesar Majul only cites a certain Sultan Bago from Sulu ‘who after years of fighting the English and Spaniards, had decided to carve out a kingdom for himself in Davao.’ Nowhere does it claim the sultan actually refers to Datu Bago.

Historically, the use of sultan, an Islamic title, predates the introduction of datu or rajah in the Moro hierarchy

in the archipelago. As a rule of thumb, the title of sultan belonged to the highest rule of a sultanate, with the datu as the highest lieutenant next to the ruler.

If Sultan Bago was indeed a sultan, why would he leave his domain and show up in the gulf of Davao as a demoted datu? Unless, perhaps, he acceded to personally reduce and en-throne himself as head of a smaller territory we now know as the Davao River.

Traditions may be a rich source of tell-tale particulars of events in the past, but a close and deeper appreciation of the details embedded in them can at times yield contradictory in-terpretations. Nevertheless, they are essential facets of research in the search for clues to un-derstanding the contributions of popular folk heroes, like Datu Bago, in nation-building.

Edward Said, a founding figure in post-colonial studies, was reacting to the way the West portrayed the philosophical tradition of the East, especially Middle Eastern literature, which it tried to label as different and inferior. Orientalism, in this respect, is about power relations, and is manifest in the subjection of the intellectual tradition of the East as subordinate to the ideals of the Enlightenment. Said thought that such was brought about by a Eurocentric bias. Europe is normally viewed as the bastion of civilization, often elaborating that philosophy was born in the continent, as the love for wisdom was the exclusive domain of the Early Greeks (emphasis mine).

Orientalism is rooted in the arrogance of the assertion that the Western ideal of man is far more superior than any other. The way of life and culture of the East, with specific attribution to

the Middle East, are labeled hypocritically as undemocratic and backward by the global hegemonic powers. Said’s corpus is an attempt to break the false assumption that the values of humanity, including the arts, are solely anchored on the Eurocentric ideal. In fact, much of the manner by which we interpret the world is bred from European colonialism and Western imperialism.

The problem is that the West loves to arrogate about the fruits of modern democracy and material progress when in reality, the prosperity of affluent societies came at the expense of poor colonies whose people have been exploited through slavery and the extraction of natural resources. The West wants to portray itself as the model for human progress through science, but often forgets about the pain and suffering it has inflicted on powerless indigenous peoples. Said, meanwhile, dedicated a big

part of his body of work to the history and politics of the Palestinian and Arab-Israel conflict, and the way the same are depicted in Western media.

In particular, most of Middle Eastern countries refuse to accept the liberal tradition of politics, which emphasizes on its view of individual freedom and the role consensus as the way of perfecting statecraft. The problem of such is the lack of understanding of the meaning of the politics of difference. The US insists on bringing its own brand of democracy as the right model for Iraq and Syria, only to fail in both experiments. Traditional societies in the East embrace religious values which liberalism simply puts aside as part of what it calls the background culture.

But the bigger issue when it comes to Eurocentrism is its worship of egocentrism, of making man the center and source of all meaning.

Reason is the highest form and achievement of humanity, it argues, the Enlightenment being its highest expression. Yet, the West cannot lay claim to such an achievement exclusively. Eastern societies have similarly ventured into scientific discovery and meaningful philosophical excursions into the question concerning nature and science, which is branded by the West as traditional wisdom.

Said’s work has become the most important expression of decolonialization. The bias of the West is founded in the belief that the consciousness of the white man is the highest form of intellectual achievement. Books contain the exploits of European conquerors and heroes but seldom mention the ancient kingdom of Mesopotamia and its vast contribution to human civilization, and their role in the making of history as an ancient civilization. Even today, Western

news organizations report Middle-Eastern wars from their own vantage point but too little is said about the feelings of the ordinary Syrian or Afghan.

Critics are content in saying that Said is anti-West. But such criticism only obfuscates the real issue. The critical question is grounded in the perpetuation of the hegemonic and dominant interests of the West in almost all facets of human life. Orientalism promotes the exclusion of people, often branding them as “other”. For him, the worst impact of imperialism is to make people think that they are “exclusively white or black, Western or Oriental.” The world judges this other as alien and the enemy of freedom. In the end, the Western and Eastern divide is only an illusion that wrongly promotes an unnecessary advantage to those who were born on the other side of the fence.

EVENT

BRIGHT, BLISSFUL 2022 FOR DUSIT DAVAO

The year 2022 is a perfect representation of the popular phrase “there is light at the end of the tunnel” as quarantine, lockdowns and Covid-19 restrictions are now literally things of the past.

This year promises luck and growth as businesses are reopening and the resumption of travels as bright as the sky with the return of domestic and international flights.

For the hospitality sector, the year 2022 is a quantum leap year with the gradual return of events, normal occupancy rate, and the rise again of staycations.

Dusit Davao ushered in the Yuletide Season carrying the holiday campaign #brightandblissfulholidays reflecting what the year

2022 is meant for Dusit Hotels and Resorts in Davao.

“This was one eventful year for us in Dusit Davao. From the roster of big events we hosted, the partnerships we have made, and all the celebrations you have created with us. We are truly grateful. As we usher in another holiday season, we wanted you, our valued guests, to see and feel what this occasion means to us –bright and blissful. We wanted you to see brightness all around, giving that blissful feeling of delight, warmth,

and joy,” said GM Christoph Kuch.

The hotel’s bright and blissful Christmas is also expressed in its Christmas tree in glimmering gold as well as the properties’ decorations, promotions, and CSR initiatives represented with hues of gold staying true to its brand promise of luxury and gracious hospitality.

Dusit Davao also kicked off the holiday celebration by partnering with Eurogenerics International Philippines, Inc. (EGIPF), an NGO that aims for sustainable development.

Dusit Davao is supporting EGIPF’s current campaign – the “One shirt, One tree” initiative wherein shirts can be purchased at the concierge of all Dusit Davao properties this month.

“We were hoping to partner with an organization that advocates different

facets of society. This foundation covers rehabilitation and reforestation of the environment while giving importance to the preservation of the life and culture of the communities where they plant,” said Lannie Merilo, Cluster Director of Sales and Marketing of Dusit Davao.

EDGEDAVAO COMPETITIVE EDGE

CENTRAL LAB: PROVIDING GOOD HEALTH TO FILIPINOS

BY HENRYLITO D. TACIO

In these days of crass materialism, getting what modern technology can offer has become everyone’s most important goal. As a result, good health is often overlooked and undervalued until one becomes ill. The recent pandemic and other global health crises have finally made people realize the importance of good health.

You are what you do, eat, think, and believe. It’s you yourself who know if there is something unusual with your body. If you think something is wrong, then consult your doctor immediately. Don’t wait for it to become worse or even worst.

And that is what Central Lab Ventures, Inc. (CL) is trying to do. CL is an ambulatory multispecialty diagnostics and

clinic committed to serve the people of Davao and the whole Mindanao. Among its objectives is to provide out-patients “promotive and preventive treatments” and “address illnesses at the primary stage.”

“(These are) our focus so that we can prevent complications and expensive out-of-pocket spending for our beloved Filipinos,” said Dr. Roy B. Ferrer, former acting head of the Philippine Health Insurance Corporation (PHIC) and founding president of Central Lab.

CL came into existence in 2010 and its clinics and diagnostics were located at the FTC Towers in Mount Apo Street. Since then, the group behind CL thought of constructing its own building. In November

2015, they found a place along Quirino Street and had a groundbreaking. Former President Rodrigo R. Duterte, then the city mayor, graced the occasion.

Last December 8, Central Lab Tower was finally launched with ex-president Duterte as its distinguished guest. Duterte’s presence during the program was equally important as he was the father of Universal Health Care in the country.

Duterte signed Republic Act 11223 which guarantees all Filipinos equitable access to quality and affordable health care goods and services and instill health consciousness among them.

“When we focus on the primary stage of treatment, we avoid expensive medications and proce-

dures and be truly of service to our marginalized sectors,” said Dr. Ferrer in his speech during the launching. “Eventually, we also hope to reach those geographically isolated and disadvantaged areas. By helping them address health needs and alleviate their conditions at an earlier stage, our constituents become able and productive in the communities where they come from.”

Dr. Ferrer, a former Assistant Secretary of the health department and Internist and Diabetologist, considered it a sustainable program “as it will result in better health care to our marginalized and vulnerable communities” whose outcome would be better and stronger Dabawenyos and Filipinos.

To make it available to Filipinos, CL is committed to partner with the Department of Health (DOH), the PHIC and all Lingap and Malasakit Centers so that it could serve Filipinos with preventive health care at the primary stage. It is a true example of public-private partnership in health service whose goal is to serve the vulnerable sector.

“Let’s aspire to help our brothers and sisters who are poor,” Dr. Ferrer stressed. “All of us need to help those who have struggled with their ill-

nesses and address their health needs. This is our vision. This is our duty and commitment as medical frontliners!”

As CL addresses disease at earlier stages, it is also envisioning of “equipping our facilities with ambulatory equipment and out-patient services” which would result for their patients “less complications or debilitating, incapacitating and dreaded diseases.”

The people behind CL are the following: Dr. Roy Barcinas, Internist and Cardiologist, President and Chief Executive Officer; Dr. Jeanette Ybiernas, Internist/Nephrologist, Chief Operations Officer; Dr. Jessica Ortiga, Radiol-

ogist, Nuclear Medicine, Chief Finance Officer; Dr. Leo Ong, Pathologist and Past President and CEO; Dr. Meldi Anuta, Internist and Neurologist, Corporate Secretary; and Dr. Jessie Orcasitas, Internal Medicine and Pulmonologist.

Both Dr. Ferrer and Dr. Orcasitas are Board of Directors.

Among those who delivered inspirational messages during the launching were Dr. Annabelle Yumang, Davao Regional Director of the Department of Health; Atty. Harvey L. Carcedo, Regional PHIC Vice-President for Davao; and Dr. Marjorie Culas, the City Health Officer.

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Local Government (MILG) turned over newly built barangay halls to five villages hardest hit by Paeng.

Aside from BARMM ministries, the United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian

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Affairs, Community and Family Services International and Plan International, a non-government organization that advances children’s rights and equality for girls around the world, also joined the event. (PNA)

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have difficulties in enforcement because if we place it in our hands and dictate, no one will be selling because of the high investment.)

He also noted that the harvest season of onions is expected in the coming months, but there is still no estimate as to the volume due to the recent typhoons that hit the country.

Moving forward, Estoperez said the DA will focus on possible interventions for the commodity, including credit for farmers, and providing them assistance in terms of logistics, transportation, cold stor-

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age, and packaging.

“Sa ngayon po hindi pa natin kino-consider ‘yung pag-import ng sibuyas, lalung-lalo itong commodity ng sibuyas, at tinitignan natin kung saan tayo nagkukulang even though alam natin there are imperfections sa sistema natin,” he said.

(Right now we are not yet considering the importation of onions, especially the commodity of onions, and we are looking at where we are lacking even though we know that there are imperfections in our system.)

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grant, which is stipulated in Republic Act 11054 or the Organic Law for the BARMM, popularly known as the Bangsamoro Organic Law (BOL).

The annual block grant is automatically appropriated in the national government’s General Appropriations Act and released directly to the Bangsamoro government.

The amount is equal to five percent of the net national internal revenue tax collection of the Bureau of Internal Revenue and the Bureau of Customs in the third fiscal year preceding the current fiscal year.

The Bangsamoro government, which is seated in Cotabato City, is composed of at least 28 ministries and offices.

Public Works Minister and Member of Parliament Eduard Guera, BTA Committee on Finance, Budget and Management chair, said the proposed government expenditure program

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“underwent rigid scrutiny and deliberation.”

“Following the approval (by the Chief Minister), we will move forward with the implementation of all projects and programs in the provinces of the region, including the Special Geographic Area (SGA),” he said.

The SGA refers to 63 villages from six North Cotabato towns that opted to ratify BOL during the plebiscite in 2019.

On the same day the expenditure law was approved, several bills were filed that will create eight municipalities in the SGA, which will constitute the covered areas into distinct and independent municipalities.

The Bangsamoro region also comprises the provinces of Maguindanao del Norte, Maguindanao del Sur, Basilan, Sulu and Tawi-Tawi and the cities of Marawi, Lamitan and Cotabato. (Bong S. Sarmiento / MindaNews)

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requirements. The NTC and DICT are now asking for a certain form of verification so the registrant would now have to upload a selfie),” Crisanto said.

Cathy Yang, PLDT and Smart Corporate Communications First Vice President and Group Head, also said their systems are ready for the influx of registrants.

“All systems go na tayo sa SIM registration. It will only take three minutes to register,” she said in a radio interview.

In an advisory posted on its Facebook page, Smart said due to the high volume of registrants, some subscribers may experience difficulty accessing the registration site.

“Our technical team is working on increasing capacity,” the advisory read.

Under the implementing rules and regulations of Republic Act 11934 also known as An Act Requiring the Registration of SIM Cards, mobile phone sub-

scribers with prepaid SIM cards must register and verify their phone numbers with their respective public telecommunications companies 180 days from Dec. 27, 2022.

After the extension period of 120 days, unregistered SIM cards will be deactivated.

For postpaid subscribers, their data submitted to the service providers will only need to be verified.

Meanwhile, SIM cards of foreign nationals visiting as tourists shall only be valid for 30 days. It may be extended upon submission of an approved visa extension.

To register, subscribers should visit the portal of the telecom firms.

For existing DITO Subscribers, register through https://dito.ph/RegisterDITO.

For Smart prepaid, TNT and Smart Bro users, register through https://smart. com.ph/simreg.

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version of the Gintong Alay which we will call Project: Gintong Laban which is to be implemented at the elite level.” Improving the relationship with the Philippine Olympic Committee (POC) was also top priority for the PSC.

Apart from strengthening ties with the NSAs, Chairman Eala alongside Commissioner Olivia “Bong”

Coo, also ensured the PSC’s continued support to elite athletes even with a full board yet to be completed. Various achievements of our Filipino elite athletes grew under this administration. These achievements include the gold medal win of Filipina weightlifting superstar Hidilyn Diaz-Naranjo, who clinched the crown at the

2022 IWF World Weightlifting Championship in Bogota, Colombia; Tokyo Olympics silver medalist Carlo Paalam’s gold medal romp at the ASBC Asian Elite Boxing Championships in Amman, Jordan; Olympic gymnast Caloy Yulo’s silver and bronze medal win at the 51st FIG Artistic Gymnastics World Championships; and new jiu jitsu world champions

courtesy of Meggie Ochoa and Kimberly Anne Custodio, among others.

President Marcos’ concern for Filipino athletes, continues to be the driving force behind the PSC caring for Philippine sports like no other. Some of these elite athletes were fully cultivated in the grassroots programs of the sports agency such as the Batang Pinoy (BP) and the Philippine Na-

tional Games (PNG).

Before the year ended, the PSC also successfully conducted the return of the Batang Pinoy National Championships, hosted by the Province of Ilocos Sur from December 17 to 21. Over 6000 delegates from 140 cities and municipalities nationwide competed in the 17 sporting disciplines for face-to-face and virtual competitions.

For Globe Mobile, TM and Home Prepaid WiFi users, register through https://new.globe.com.ph/ simreg.

The full name, date of birth, gender, and address of the end-user appearing in a valid government-issued identification document with photo such as passport, national ID, GSIS e-Card, digitized SSS ID, driver’s license, voter’s ID and senior citizen’s card among others, shall be required during registration.

The new law is a first step to fend off text scammers while guaranteeing utmost respect to fundamental human rights.

Authorities said any information obtained in the SIM registration will be treated with absolute confidentiality except in compliance with any law or court order authorizing the disclosure of personal information upon finding of probable cause. (PNA)

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cial GCash Help Center at https://help.gcash.com/ hc/en-us, message “Gigi” on the website and select, “I want to report a scam,” according to GCash.

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a bruised left thumb and scored 12 points.

Bulls: G Alex Caruso (concussion) missed his third consecutive game despite passing all protocols. The problem, according to coach Billy Donovan, is Caruso’s right shoulder sprain that has prevented him from performing contact drills on the court. ... G Javonte Green (right knee soreness) missed his fifth consecutive game after going through pregame work.

... F Derrick Jones Jr. (left ankle sprain) missed his third straight game.

Rockets: At Boston on Tuesday.

Bulls: Host Milwaukee on Wednesday.

Porter, Jalen Green shine as Rockets down Bulls

CHICAGO

— Kevin Porter Jr. scored a season-high 36 points and the Houston Rockets used a 17-1 run in the third quarter to beat the Chicago Bulls, 133-118, on Monday night (Tuesday, Manila time), snapping a five-game losing streak.

Alperen Sengun added 25 points and Jalen Green had 24 for Houston, which scored the first 10 points of the game but blew an 18-point lead before its

third-quarter spurt.

See Yet another close game for Heat as Strus leads way against Timberwolves DeMar DeRozan scored

31 for the Bulls, who won their previous three games. DeRozan passed George Gervin for 44th place on the career scoring list with 20,727 points.

After taking their first lead on a 3-pointer by Zach LaVine with 30 seconds left in the second quarter, the Bulls surged to a 7467 advantage early in the third before the Rockets regrouped.

Chicago cut the deficit to 109-100 early in the fourth,

but Porter countered with two consecutive 3-pointers. The Rockets made 50 of 90 shots and scored 60 points in the paint.

This marked the first time in five games that DeRozan, LaVine and Nikola Vucevic failed to score at least 20 points apiece. LaVine finished with 22 points and Vucevic had 10.

LaVine, who missed his first five shots and was assessed a technical foul with

2:18 left in the first quarter, helped spark a late second-quarter rally.

Coby White stole a pass, and his behind-the-back dribble near the sideline at midcourt enabled him to spot LaVine for a dunk that closed the deficit to 6159. Following a turnover, LaVine sank a 3 to put the Bulls in front.

Green countered with a 3-pointer, but Goran Dragic drained a 3 at the buzzer to give the Bulls

PSC fast tracking development in grassroots

Following President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr.’s hailing Filipino athletes as our new heroes, the 4th quarter of the year saw the Philippine Sports Commission (PSC) further sustaining its momentum with a newly chartered plan for Philippine Sports and fresh achievements both in the elite and grassroots sports.

PSC Chairman Jose Emmanuel “Noli” Eala began his stint conducting a very well-attended PSCNSA consultative meeting where he met with officials from 68 out of 74 national sports associations (NSAs) at the Philippine

International Convention Center (PICC) last October 13. The 11th chairman asserted the need for mutual respect between the agency and the NSAs, and responsible autonomy rooted in transparent management of government funds.

Aside from laying out the agency’s plans and programs, Eala also laid out the framework of his administration’s national sports agenda saying, “We will establish a pathway to success beginning with the “Duyan ng Magiting” or the “Cradle of the Brave” at the grassroots level leading to the tweaked

a 65-64 edge at halftime and cap a 39-point second quarter.

The Rockets scored the first 10 points, and Sengun sparked Houston to a 23-5 lead thanks to his 4-for-4 shooting and 11 points less than five minutes into the game. They scored 22 of their 36 first-quarter points in the paint.

Houston guard Eric Gordon returned after missing five games because of FPORTER, P10

and elite sports

PSC Chairman Jose Emmanuel “Noli” Eala attended the recent MOA signing for the Reserve Officers’ Training Corps (ROTC) Games at Camp Aguinaldo. Chairman Eala joined Samahang Kickboxing ng Pilipinas President, Brigadier General of the Philippine Army and Senator Francis “Tol” Tolentino along with the leaders of the Philippine Army.

Jalen Green of the Houston Rockets drive to the basket. Inline image

ON THE BRINK

Azkals fall to Thailand in AFF Mitsubishi Electric Cup

Thailand sent the Philippine Azkals to the brink of an early elimination from the AFF Mitsubishi Electric Cup after a 4-0 win on Monday night at the Thammasat Stadium in Rangsit, Thailand.

It was a Teerasil Dangda show for the Thais as they returned to action after taking the Friday night bye with yet another display of brilliance to keep hold of the top spot in Group A play.

Dangda began his late Christmas party with a third-minute header goal off a Theeraton Bunmathan free kick to put Thailand ahead.

Dangda successfully sent Julian Schwarzer in the wrong direction and nailed the 41st-minute penalty off an Amani Aguinaldo foul on Ekanit Panya inside the box for his brace.

With his brace, Dangda has tied Kenshiro Daniels, who was held scoreless on Monday night, and Malaysia’s Faisal Halim in the best scorer race with three goals each.

Dangda and Halim, however, will have a direct chance of overtaking Daniels as the Azkals will take their bye round on Thursday even as Malaysia will play Vietnam in Hanoi on Tuesday night in Group B action.

Dangda then assisted on Adisak Kraisorn’s 57th-minute goal before Suphanan Bureerat

iced the match with his goal in the 63rd minute.

The Azkals got their offense going in the final 10 minutes, but Ton Phuthawchueak went to work to keep the clean sheet.

Thailand remains perfect with two wins in as many matches for six points even as it holds the tiebreaker over Indonesia, a 7-0 winner over Brunei earlier Monday, for the top spot on goal difference.

The Azkals, meanwhile, fell to fourth place with three points off one win and two losses, conceding the goal-difference tiebreaker to Cambodia.

The Azkals could be eliminated if Indonesia and Thailand battle to a draw in Jakarta on Thursday.

The Azkals still have a mathematical chance of sneaking into the semifinals if Thailand demolishes Indonesia on the road.

But they need to score a blowout win at home against the same Indonesian side next Monday night and hope that Cambodia would not pull off a miracle and stun Thailand away from Phnom Penh on Jan. 2, 2023. (PNA)

Thais celebrate their 4-0 spanking of the Philippines.