Edge Davao Vol. 15 Issue 229 | Friday, January 13, 2023

Rodrigo Duterte II watches his son, Tres, interacts with other children during a gathering in Davao City in this undated photo. Rigo encouraged parents to prioritize the health of their children by getting them dewormed to prevent them from getting sick due to parasitic intestinal worms. Lean Daval Jr.

HEALTHIER KIDS

City steps up children’s health drive, Rigo enjoins parents to get kids dewormed

By MAYA M. PADILLO

Deworming helps prevent children from getting sick due to parasitic intestinal worms.

The month of January is National Deworming Month and the City Health Office (CHO) will be conducting deworming in

children aged one and half-year-old to 19 years old. The deworming will be conducted in the communities and different schools in Davao City.

“As a parent kahibaw ko sa importansiya nga mapurga ang atong anak.

Maayo ning deworming sa paghatag ug good health and nutrition sa atong mga anak labi natong mga nag-eskwela,” Rigo said.

Rigo added that deworming can help boost children’s immunity and prevent infections.

He also said that poor hygiene among children and consumption of con-

taminated food and water are potential sources of infections.

“Mao nang seguruhon pud sa mga ginikanan nga ang pagkaon nga ginapakaon sa ilang mga anak limpyo ug maligo adlaw adlaw ug maghugas ug kamot. Kabalo gyud ko ani kay ginikanan man pud ko ug ako gyud ng

TF Davao ties up with DepEd for Culture of Security Campaign

BY ARMANDO B. FENEQUITO JR.

Task Force Davao has linked up with the Department of Education (DepED) for the dissemination of Culture of Security information to elementary and high school students in the

city.

Task Force Davao commander Col. Darren Comia said during the weekly AFP-PNP Press Corps Southern Mindanao briefing at The Royal Mandaya Hotel, the move

is part of their intensification of their security campaign in the city.

“We have already talked with the different district supervisors of DepEd Davao City wherein we talked about the

Culture of Security and its propagation and advocacy to all elementary and high school students both public and private,” he said.

Comia said they are FTF, P6

PUV IDs now valid exactly one year after issuance

The Davao City Transport and Traffic Management Office (CTTMO) has removed the December 31st default expiration date for all Public Utility Vehicle (PUV) Driver’s ID issued in the city, making the renewal process easier and more convenient.

This means that PUV Driver’s identification issued on a specific date will no longer expire at the end of the year by default, but will instead be valid until the same date the following year.

Modifying the PUV Driver’s ID registration system in such a way will prevent an overwhelming number of PUV drivers looking to beat the December 31st expiration at the CTTMO registrations office. This new system also effectively cuts down the queuing process and ultimately reduce the wait time for PUV drivers, CTTMO Head Dionisio Abude said in an interview with the City Information Office on Wednesday.

“Halos mag-abot silang tanan kay the same ilang expiration. So gi-usab nato para kung nakapa-renew sila, kunyari, atong February so February next year na mag-expire. Dili na mag-clog up diri sa atong opisina (Almost all of them will converge since they all have the same expiration.

We changed it so, for instance, they had their IDs renewed in February then it will expire in February next year. Our office will not get clogged),” Abude said.

The issuance of the ID is still free, said Abude, citing City Ordinance No. 033412 which mandates all PUV drivers to acquire a PUV Driver’s ID and put it in full display.

Drivers who wish to acquire a PUV Driver’s ID will need to present their driver’s license, Official Receipt/Certificate of Registration (OR/CR) for operator-drivers, and a certificate from the PUV operator verifying the holder as the driver of the PUV unit. The same documents are required upon renewal.

In 2022, the CTTMO issued 17,804 PUV Driver’s ID. Of which 5,736 are for tricycle drivers, a total 5,707 for taxi drivers, while 5,451 are for jeepney drivers. Others are for drivers of passenger vans and bus units.

From January 1-11 this year, a total of 463 PUV Driver’s ID has been issued by the office.

Abude said PUV drivers operating their units without a PUV Driver’s ID or whose PUV Driver’s ID is expired will be fined P1,000.

He warned that operating with a fake PUV Driver’s ID is a criminal offense. CIO

Public Security and Safety Command Office (PSSCO) head Angel Sumagaysay discusses during this week’s I-Speak media forum the preparations that is being laid out by the city for this Sunday’s feast of Sto. Niño in Davao City. Lean Daval Jr.

Rodrigo “Rigo” Duterte II encouraged parents like him to prioritize the health of their children by getting them dewormed.

Soldiers in Davao Region remain focused despite destab plot

Aboitiz Group commits to be Davao City’s reliable partner

Anton Perdices, senior vice president and chief operating officer (COO) of the AboitizPower Distribution Unit, said on Wednesday that the Aboitiz Group is commited to be a partner of the city government for growth development.

“We are committed to giving back to the community it serves towards the goal of a better world for all,” Perdices said in his message during the signing of the Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) with Mayor Sebastian “Baste” Duterte for the Project Bilis Davao on the digitalization of the business processes in Davao City on Wednesday at the Davao Light and Power Company, Inc. admin office.

Project Bilis Davao aims to provide ease of doing business with the city government of Davao to attract more investors, encourage new businesses, and promote economic growth.

“We are honored to partner once again with the Davao City LGU in streamlining its business processes under the project through the digitalization of the issuance of building permits and business permits, tax mapping, and the use of online payment channels,” Perdices said.

There’s also the ongoing underground cabling project of DLPC, which is under the City Ordinance 0177-14 Series of 2014 and has been benchmarked by the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) for replication in other parts of the country.

“This project is to help improve the façade and showcase the beauty of the city to make it more attractive to tourists and investors,” he said.

Rodger Velasco, president, and chief operating officer (COO) of DLPC said the whole stretch of Magsaysay Avenue is now 45 percent complete and it is

BY ARMANDO B. FENEQUITO JR.

Military personnel in Davao Region remain focused to their mandate despite rumors of alleged destabilization plot within the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) following its change of leadership and resignation of officials in the Department of National Defense (DND) over the last weekend.

told the press, said the rumors circulated on the alleged plot was not true since the source is still unknown.

Tito said their rank is busy focusing doing their job whoever leading the AFP.

“As a professional organization, we are focusing on our effort in protecting our people here in Southeastern Mindanao Region, ” he said.

Tito said the soldier’s loyalty will be on for the country and constitution and they will support whoever the leader that the president be appointed.

“We are united with our higher hedquarters,” he said.

The division’s public affairs office head also bared that the morale of the soldiers remained

FSOLDIERS, P6

Security plan for Sto. Niño feast in Shrine Hills in place

By MAYA M. PADILLO

Public Safety and Security Command Office (PSSCO) chief Angel Sumagaysay said the safety and security plan for the feast of the Holy Infant of Jesus of Prague on January 15, 2023 in Shrine Hills,

Davao City is already in place.

The feast of the young Christ is a popular event in Davao City whc attracts massive devotees and pilgrims. A large crowd usually gather at the shrine for the festivity in honor

of the Santo Niño.

“Okay na siya ug isa na sa ginatutukan na lang namo ug kung unsa pa ang kulang,” he said during I-Speak media forum on Thursday.

He said the safety and security cluster will

implement the same security plan as last year such as deploying security personnel in the venue and enforcement of the one-entrance and one-exit policy.

“Kupyahon lang nato

Anton Perdices, senior vice president and chief operating officer (COO) of the AboitizPower Distribution Unit, says the Aboitiz Group commits to be a reliable partner of the city government of Davao for its growth and development. Lean Daval Jr.

Speaking during the weekly AFP-PNP Press Corps Southern Mindanao Media Conference

at The Royal Mandaya Hotel, 10th Infantry Division Public Affairs Officer Capt. Mark Anthony Tito

Kabayan, Benguet - It was in the early 1990s when I first climbed Mount Pulag, which is considered as Luzon’s highest peak at 2,928 meters (9,606 ft) above sea level covering an area of 11,550 hectares (28,500 acres).

Mount Pulag is also the third highest mountain in the Philippines. next to Mount Apo (2,954 meters or 9,692 feet or asl). and Mount Dulang-dulang (2,941 meters or 9,649 feet asl).

It is a dormant volcano located on the triple border of the provinces of Benguet, Ifugao, and Nueva Vizcaya that meet at the mountain’s peak which is located in Kabayan, Benguet.

Mount Pulag was proclaimed a national park through Presidential Proclamation No. 75 on February 20, 1987 and is a National Integrated Protected Areas Programme (NIPAP) site.

Mount Pulag is inhabited by different ethnic groups such as the Ibalois, Kalanguya, Kankana-eys, Karao, and Ifugaos. It is considered as a sacred ground with the belief that they can speak to God because “it is close to heaven” and that a person’s soul goes to the mountains once he dies.

For mountain climbers, the montane forests and the grassland summit with its “sea of clouds” phenomenon are the major attractions. There are four major trails up the summit: the Ambangeg, Akiki, and Tawangan trails from Benguet and the Ambaguio trail from Nueva Vizcaya.

ATTY.

DENNIS R. GORECHO RES IPSA LOQUITOR

THE MYSTICAL LAKE TABEO OF BENGUET AND INDIGENOUS PEOPLE’S RIGHTS

Kabayan is approximately 335 kilometers north of Manila and 85 kilometers northeast from Baguio City. It is home of the Kabayan mummies.

The four mystical lakes- Lake Bulalacao or Bulalakao, Lake Incolos, Lake Tabeo, and Lake Letep-ngepos are located in Kabayan, Benguet, at the base of Mount Pulag.

Lake Tabeo is located within the residential area while the other three are located within the Mount Tabayoc , also known as the Junior Pulag.

We went car camping last December at Lake Tabeo instead of the regular climb to Mount Pulag’s peak.

Being the most accessible among the four lakes, Lake Tabeo is like a big fish pond surrounded by pine trees, vegetable farm lands, a few barns and village houses with the campsite just nearby the main road.

Mount Tabayoc serves as a backdrop with its pine and mossy forest with a few clouds kissing its steep slopes.

During our stay , I had the chance to talk to the owners of the campsite, the Pedro spouses.

They narrated that the area used to be their vegetable plantation but it became idle when it was submerged in water due to dike constructions.

After they decided to transform their property into a campsite, they initially received a letter from the government instructing them to cease and desist from

collecting camping fees for each person, vehicle, and tent. They were later allowed to continue charging the fees.

I told them that the issue is somewhat similar to the Supreme Court’s ruling in Sama vs People (G.R. No. 224469, January 05, 2021) wherein it ruled that Iraya-Mangyans should be acquitted of the crime charged for violating the Revised Forestry Code after they cut down a dita tree without a license or permit issued by the proper authority.

The Iraya-Mangyans invoked their Indigenous People (IP) right to harvest dita tree logs, which constitute a part of their right to cultural integrity, ancestral domain, and ancestral lands. They insist that the felled dita tree was planted in their ancestral domain, over which the Iraya-Mangyans exercise communal dominion.

The Indigenous Peoples Rights Act (IPRA), or Republic Law 8371, was enacted in 1997 to support the cultural integrity of IPs, the right to their lands, and the right to self-directed development of these lands.

My former UP Law professor and now Supreme Court Associate Justice Marvic Leonon underscored that the concept of ownership introduced by IPRA is distinct in the sense that, unlike the Civil Code which puts emphasis on individual and corporate holders, IPRA stresses the private but communal nature of ancestral domains.

IPRA recognizes that IPs have a claim of ownership, not only upon the ancestral domain but also on the resources found in them. It acknowledges that the ancestral domain and the resources located therein consti-

tute the IPs’ basis for their cultural integrity.

“The indigenous peoples’ struggle for their rights has long been enduring. Their struggle for the recognition of their rights to land and self-determination is rooted in their effort for cultural and human survival. We should honor the struggle of our people. This decision is the least we can do to correct a historical injustice.” Leonen said.

Leonen quoted Macliing Dulag’s famous quotes on the people’s reverence for the land, affirming their right to stay states: “You ask if we own the land and mock as saying, ‘Where is your title?... Such arrogance to speak of owning the land when we instead are owned by it. How can you own that which will outlive you? Only the race owns the land because the race lives forever. “

FRED C. LUMBA SPECKS OF LIFE

PUBLIC SAFETY IN

PERIL?

“Government big enough to supply everything you need is big enough to take everything you have. The course of history shows us that as a government grows, liberty decreases.” - THOMAS JEFFERSON.

*******

In the senate hearing precipitated by the messy airport snafu, aside from the technical “glitch,” another major reason advanced by those at the helm of the aviation authority was the departure of its most qualified personnel for work overseas, air traffic controllers included.

This so-called “brain drain” is not new, folks.

Every one of us always looks for greener pastures.

It has been going on since talented Pinoys discovered that working abroad nets them equal monetary returns - if not morethat satisfy their needs, their families and relatives.

Rich countries and governments who lack technical personnel to man essential posts in their respective bureaucracies look towards the Philippines because we have been known to be an excellent source of skilled workers and not only domestics.

(For a long while already, low salaried but highly qualified weathermen and forecasters at PAGASA have been moving out, attracted by huge compensation from countries that need their service.)

I am not only referring to the millions of OFWs that “roam” around the globe. We have talented inventors and scientists whose inventions were - and continue to be - purchased by multinational American corporations who then market the same world-wide for a huge profit.

So, if we accept the rationale of airport authorities about this brain drain even if it were so lame an alibi, the airport mess - fearfully - can happen again?

Hundreds of flights were inevitably canceled and thousands of passengers were stranded and rendered discomfortable.

The news spread like wildfire and that’s another blackeye our image abroad suffered. Thank God! What a blessing that no aircraft got involved in a mid-air crash.

Obviously, the government is at a big loss if it cannot prevent these guys from seeking greener pastures as the standard and cost of living is getting higher and higher.

What to do? “

We are not condemning anybody but it cannot be helped.

Somebody up there in the transportation department and in the CAAP must be responsible, administratively speaking.

This is negligence, pure and simple. Nobody is raising his hand for the mess. So nobody is responsibly in command?

Taking over a new office as sensitive as the aviation agency

needs a thorough review of its technical network and structure - and ensuring everything is A-okay.

The problem was that the new managers assumed that everything was running smoothly and fluid.

It is just like buying a used car.

The buyer test drives to get the “feel” of the engine. He gets a qualified mechanic to check the aircon, the clutch, brakes, oil, timing belt, spark plugs, etc.

Then whatever the mechanic suggests, the buyer complies to ensure the car he purchases runs with efficiency and does not conk out abnormally.

If this prudent review and examination of technical equipment (software and hardware) was effectively done, the so-called technical glitch or failure would have been prevented.

Again, this boils down to being proactive versus reactive.

Sometimes we resort to thanking the stars that our coun-

try belongs to the Third World category in that the sufferers of our public service inefficiency can excuse our mistakes as an integral part of a rustic, parochial and sub-standard environment.

However, in this age of global development and hi-tech consciousness, groping in the dark belongs to a school of thought that dates back to the dark ages.

The conclusion we can draw from this sorry situation is that mediocrity is being tolerated by the incumbent government where there should ideally be none.

Should the Filipinos allow this to pass by without finding out who is or are the responsible party/ies?

Both the Senate and the House of Representatives should get down to the bottom of this problem so that the necessary legislative remedy can be implemented soonest. (Email feedback to fredlumba@yahoo.com.) GOD

Medalla: ‘Worst is over’ as inflation likely to revert within target by Q3

Bangko

Sentral ng Pilipinas Governor Felipe Medalla on Thursday said the worst could be over for inflation as signs of depreciation are observed despite the consumer price index remaining high in December.

Inflation in December reached 8.1 percent due to higher prices for vegetables such as onions. But other price pressures earlier in 2022 have started to fade including supply shocks and the high prices of sugar and oil, Medalla said.

“I think the worst is over... We thought that the last bad month would be

October or November but that didn’t happen. We had another shock. But finally the December print, although the year-on-year is quite high, the month-onmonth is back to the normal 0.3 percent,” he said.

In a span of 6 months, the BSP raised the key interest rate to 5.5 percent from 2.25 percent to tame

inflation and to help stabilize the peso against the US dollar.

The dollar is now “not as strong as it used to” and US inflation, which is pushing the Federal Reserve to raise the interest rate, is “more under control,” Medalla said.

It is hard not to respond when the US raises its interest rate, Medalla said. The interest rate differential between the US and the Philippines must be kept at the current level or else investors would prefer US bond instead of peso-denominated bonds, he add-

ed.

“All of these together, we are hoping that by the third quarter of this year, inflation will be below 4 percent,” Medalla said.

The government inflation target is between 2 and 4 percent.

In terms of the economy, Medalla said the base line forecast is a growth of over 6 percent still buoyed by the pent-up demand.

“Major expenditures that were postponed for more than 2 and a half years that’s still not back yet, this year, we still have some of that,” he said.

BSP chief targets more than 6% growth for PH economy this year

An economist of HSBC forecasts a 75 basis points hike in the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas’ (BSP) key policy rates within the first half of this year even as the domestic inflation rate is projected to have peaked last December.

In a virtual briefing on Wednesday, HSBC economist for the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) Aris Dacanay said food inflation

continues to drive the rate of price increases but core inflation, which excludes volatile food and oil items, accelerated by 6.9 percent year-on-year last December, thus the expectations of additional hikes in the central bank’s key rates.

“We think BSP will hike rates by 25 basis points in each of the next three meetings of the Monetary Board,” he said, referring to the sev-

en-man policy making MB of the BSP.

The MB’s first three meetings this year have been scheduled for Feb. 16, March 23 and May 18.

Last year, the Board hiked the BSP’s key rates by a total of 350 basis points to help address the elevated inflation rate and ensure interest rate differential with the US.

This, as inflation was on the uptrend and breached the govern-

ment’s 2 to 4 percent target band in April 2022 when it accelerated to 4.9 percent.

Domestic rate of price increases further jumped to 8.1 percent year-onyear last December, from month-ago’s 8 percent, bringing the average for the year to 5.8 percent.

Dacanay said risks to inflation remain high due partly to supply constraints on several food items.(PNA)

FMIC sees 6% growth for PH economy in ‘23

The investment banking arm of the Metrobank Group expects the Philippine economy expanding by 6 percent in 2023 which continued to be fueled by strong domestic demand amid further economic reopening.

In a virtual briefing on Wednesday, First Metro Investment Corporation (FMIC) president Jose Patricio Dumlao said the country’s macroeconomic fundamentals remain strong given anticipated external headwinds –slower global growth, interest rates and inflation will remain elevated and volatility will persist– which will temper growth.

Dumlao said robust domestic demand boosted the economy which grew 7.6 percent in the first nine months of 2022 amidst the unexpected challenges in the global economy.

Economist Victor Abola from the University of Asia and the Pacific said the services sector will drive this year’s gross domestic product (GDP) growth.

Abola said economic growth is dependent on consumption and investment in government spending.

“On the investment side, there is going to be a strong recovery of infrastructure spending,” he said, identifying infrastructure as an “important ingredient” of growth.

The FMIC expects the reopening of the economy, removal of restrictions on people’s mobility and business operations to push household consumption, employment, services and government spending.

However, Abola identified food inflation as among the downside risks that can derail the economic recovery this year.

“Analysts are seeing (a) softening in oil prices. As we see, it’s having difficulty getting back to 80 dollars per barrel so I’m more concerned about possible persistence in food inflation in the local context,” he said.

The FMIC sees inflation will remain elevated at 4.5 percent as a result of higher oil prices globally affecting the local prices of food and commodities in the local market.

The country’s average inflation in 2022 reached 5.8 percent despite the faster pace in price increases in December.

Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas Governor Felipe Medalla, together with Mayor Sebastian Duterte, graces the launching of Paleng-QR Ph program in Davao City. Medall on Thursday said the worst could be over for inflation as signs of depreciation are observed despite the consumer price index remaining high in December. Lean Daval Jr.

5-year program to boost SME digitization launched

Vehicle assemblers surpass PH car industry target for 2022

The Chamber of Automotive Manufacturers of the Philippines, Inc. (CAMPI) and the Truck Manufacturers Association (TMA) reported that their combined sales in 2022 stood at 352,596 units from 268,488 vehicles sold in 2021, increasing by 31.3 percent.

In a statement Wednesday, CAMPI president Rommel Gutierrez said vehicle manufacturers have surpassed the overall target of the country’s automotive industry for 2022, which is at 336,000 units.

The group of vehicle importers has yet to report its total sales for 2022.

“With this, CAMPI-TMA sales alone has exceeded the total industry sales forecast of 336,000 units – strong evidence that the industry has recovered from the impact of the pandemic and other external challenges,” Gutierrez added.

Commercial vehicles supported the sales of local assemblers last year, which grew by 45.6 percent to 266,699 units from

183,228 units in 2021.

On the other hand, passenger car sales had an uptick of 0.7 percent, selling 85,897 units in 2022 from 85,260 units in its previous year.

“The continued expansion of the economy, creation of new jobs and opportunities is just as important as ensuring that no pandemic disruption occurs anew this year. Nonetheless, the industry will continue to capitalize on the growing market demand for new motor vehicles,” Gutierrez said.

Meanwhile, sales for December 2022 alone jumped by 33.8 percent to 37,259 units from 27,846 units in the same month in 2021.

“Meantime, it is worth mentioning that the 37,000-level figure was recorded back in 2017.

Achieving it again brings us renewed optimism for a better year ahead for the auto industry,” he added.

Both passenger car and commercial vehicle segments improved their sales by 2 percent and 47.7 percent, respectively.

The Philippine government and the United States Agency for International Development (USAID) launched Wednesday a five-year program that will accelerate and boost digitalization among Filipino small and medium enterprises (SMEs).

The USAID-funded Strengthening Private Enterprise for the Digital Economy (SPEED) targets to expand SMEs’ participation in the digital economy by helping them to innovate and adopt digital technology solutions that are safe, reliable and affordable.

SPEED also enjoins the

private sector, especially financial technology companies, to expand the use of e-payment systems.

It also aims to improve the integration of e-commerce platforms in the logistics supply chain.

During the SPEED launching in Makati City, Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) Secretary

Alfredo Pascual said the USAID program will support the agency’s goal of scaling micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs) by helping them overcome the constraints in accessing technology.

“Digitalized MSMEs can operate more efficiently, reduce costs, reach bigger markets and earn more profits,” Pascual said.

He added that DTI has been rolling out programs to support MSME’s digitalization, such as launching the e-commerce roadmap and working with the Department of Information and Communications Technology in building a

free e-commerce platform, among others.

DTI is also implementing the Big Brother-Small Brother Digitalization Project that digitalize supply chains including SMEs, with Nueva Vizcaya Agricultural Terminal Inc. (NVAT) as a pilot site to roll out the end-to-end e-commerce platform.

In the same event, Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP) Governor Felipe Medalla said the SPEED program will complement the central bank’s initiatives to facilitate MSMEs’ adoption of digital payments and financial services.

World Bank downgrades 2023 global growth forecast to 1.7%

Global economic growth is projected to slow to 1.7 percent in 2023, 1.3 percentage points below the forecast made in June last year, marking its third-weakest pace in nearly three decades, the World Bank Group said in its latest Global Economic Prospects released Tuesday.

Given such adverse shocks as high inflation, ris-

ing interest rates, sluggish investment and the Ukraine crisis, global growth has slowed “to the extent that the global economy is perilously close to falling into recession,” the report said.

The downgrade reflected “synchronous policy tightening aimed at containing very high inflation,” as well as deteriorating financial conditions, declining confidence

and energy supply disruptions, it said.

Noting that the adjusted global growth forecast is overshadowed only by the 2009 and 2020 global recessions, the report said in 2024, the global economy is on track to grow by 2.7 percent.

More specifically, the report said growth for advanced economies is projected to slow to 0.5 percent in

2023, 1.7 percentage points below the June forecast.

US economic growth forecast for this year has been downgraded by 1.9 percentage points to 0.5 percent, the weakest performance outside of recessions since 1970. The Eurozone economy is projected to grow at 0 percent, down 1.9 percentage points from the previous forecast.

The Chamber of Automotive Manufacturers of the Philippines, Inc. (CAMPI) and the Truck Manufacturers Association (TMA) report that their combined sales in 2022 stood at 352,596 units, an increase of 31.3 percent from the 268,488 vehicles sold in 2021. Lean Daval Jr.

HEALTHIER...

priority ang health sa akong anak,” he said.

Elizabeth Banzon, head of the Tropical and Nutrition Division of the CHO, said health centers are scheduled to conduct deworming in various barangays and schools in Davao City.

SOLDIERS...

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“Gina-awhag nato ang mga parents nga sa eskwelahan na ipa-purga nila ang ilang mga anak. Sa isa ka tuig ikaduha magpa purga January ug February,” she said during I-Speak media forum on Thursday.

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strong as they continue to work with their daily mandate.

He said right now, some of their units are going after the remaining one ‘weakened guerilla front’ of the New People’s Army (NPA) in the southern part of Bukidnon, which is the only armed unit of their group within their area of responsibility.

For his part, Task Force Davao commander Col. Darren Comia said whatever happened in its higher headquarters, it will not affect to their job on protecting their constituents.

“We are just doing our mandate here in Davao City,” he said.

Comia said they are also busy on intensifying the border security of the city even if there are not direct threats by any group to ensure that no one can make atrocities here.

He they will just abide whatever the decision coming their higher office as professional solidiers.

Reports bared, the destabilization plot rumor came after an alleged text message circulated that the police was on red alert after the reappointment of AFP Chief-of-Staff Gen. Andress Centino and the resignation of former DND officer-in-charge Jose Faustino Jr.and other officials of the department.

being targeted to be completed end of this year or the first quarter of next year and the next phases will be the Quirino Avenue part and C. Bangoy Sr. Street (formerly Ponciano Street) that will run three to four years.

The Aboitiz also renewed its partnership with the city government of Davao and the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) in 2019 in its advocacy to take care of the critically endangered Hawksbill Sea Turtle, which identified the Aboitiz Cleanergy Park as a pawikan rescue center in the Davao Region.

For the Aboitiz generation companies, Hedcor is supplying renewable energy being a hydropower plant while Therma South provides non-renewable energy from coal.

“Among the most important necessities to help in the growth of the city are power and water. For power, we always believe that a good mix of renewable energy and non-renewable energy is a great strategy for a more sustainable and efficient power at a reasonable cost,” Perdices said.

He also said that for

the water, the Davao City Bulk Water Project by Apo Agua Infrastructura, Inc. will soon be supplying bulk water for Davao City.

In 2002, DLPC and the city government of Davao entered into a joint endeavor when the Central 911 emergency response and central communication were set up to link the Dabawenyos to the nearest emergency responders to reduce crimes and immediately address emergencies.

In 1995, the Aboitiz Group through DLPC agreed with the city for the Streetlights Project where the city identified the communities, and the Aboitiz distribution utility company provided and installed the streetlights.

Currently, the Aboitiz is also in the process of converting the city’s streetlights from high-pressure sodium to LED under the LED Ordinance of Davao City in 2018 to align with the city’s goal to become a more sustainable and greener city.

“We look forward to more partnerships and projects with the city government of Davao,” Perdices said.

DECIDER...

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shooting from deep, the Dragons dominated the first 24 minutes of play, bringing an eight-point lead over to the final half.

Blankley and Powell scored 14 points each in

SECURITY...

the first half, highlighted by their combined 6-of-12 triples, with Kobey Lam, Yang and Zhu having their own conversions from the threepoint range.

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tung dati na security plan,” he said.

Meanwhile, the City Transport and Traffic Management Office (CTTMO) issued a traffic plan for all the pilgrims and devotees coming to the Shrine of the Holy Infant Jesus of Prague on the 15th.

The CTTMO will implement one-way vehicular traffic (from Pluto St. to ABS-CBN compound); corner C.P.Garcia Highway Shrine Hills Road will be Regulated No Entry; parking area will be at the designated parking area and private property vacant lots; regulated No Entry along Pluto St. going to Shrine from 3 p.m. or as necessary.

It will be deploying CTTMO personnel outside Shrine Hills during the activity.

On its Facebook Page, the Shrine of the Holy

Infant Jesus posted that there will be no procession on January 15, 2023.

“Nevertheless, the presentation of the Holy Infant Jesus of Prague image will be done (bringing out of the image from his altar) and the 9-hour novena before every mass will take place,” it said.

Last year, the Davao City Police Office (DCPO) has not allowed physical activities, and masses were held online for the devotees.

In 2021, the celebration was only highlighted with a Holy Mass due to the threat of the Covidsurge, and pilgrims aged below 18 and 65 and above, including persons with disability (PWDs), were not allowed inside the venue.

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hopping with the approval coming from DepEd Davao City Division and once approved his men will immediately start the campaign.

“If we get a nod from the said office within this week, by next week, we will go down to all elementary and high school students to propagate and advocate Culture of Security,” he said.

He said they come up with a five-minute video clip of the said campaign intended for these students and it will be given to the teachers and incorporate it in their lectures.

Comia said in the video they are asking the students to give their cooperation and support on the campaign to make safe.

“Because we believe in doing so, and as young as they are right now, they will be the future generation and it should be embeded to their mind, heart, and soul the importance of Culture of Security in Davao City,” he said.

“So that, later on as they grow old , as they handle their generation, it would be a great help on the maintainance of peace, security and order here in Davao City,” Comia added.

The Task Force Davao commander bared that their move include elementary and high school students on the said campaign is based on Executive Order No.41 Series of 2020 signed by former Mayor and now Vice President Sara Z. Duterte which stated that all sectors in the society including schools in propagating Culture of Security.

Tamayo joins Ryukyu Golden Kings

TheGilas Pilipinas forward has signed a contract to be the Asian quota player for the Ryukyu Golden Kings.

The club confirmed Tamayo’s signing on Wednesday, a day after the 21-year-old big man bid goodbye to the Fighting Maroons.

“Tamayo is a promising 21-year-old forward who will lead the next generation of the Philippine national team. He will start his profession-

al career with the Kings before graduating from college,” Ryukyu said in a statement.

“He can be expected to play an active role immediately, and his youthful and energetic play has attracted a lot of attention not only from Japan, but also for the Filipino people,” they added.

Osaka announces pregnancy and promises return in 2024

MIAMI -- Former world number one Naomi Osaka announced on Wednesday that she is pregnant and will be taking a break from tennis until 2024.

“I know that I have so much to look forward to in the future, one thing I’m looking forward to is for my kid to watch my matches and tell someone, ‘That’s my mom’ haha,” she wrote on Twitter, accompanied by a picture of a pregnancy scan.

“2023 will be a year full of lessons for me, and I hope I’ll see you guys at the start of the next one cause I will be back at the Australian Open 2024. Love you all infinitely,” she added.

The 25-year-old Osaka has not played a tennis match since September

and her withdrawal from the Australian Open, which starts next week, had puzzled many observers.

Osaka had not explained her absence until Wednesday.

Her last tournament appearance was at the Pan Pacific Open in Tokyo in September, where the home favourite withdrew before her second-round match, complaining of abdominal pain.

The top ranked player in the world in 2019, the Japanese player, who grew up in the United States, is now ranked 47th in the world.

Osaka has won four Grand Slam singles titles with triumphs in the Australian Open in 2019 and 2021 and the US Open in

2018 and 2020.

She was named the world’s top-earning female athlete for 2022 by Forbes, with reported earnings of $51.1 million.

Her commercial success was not reflected on the court last year however as she suffered first-round defeats at both the French and US Opens and withdrew from Wimbledon with an Achilles injury.

“These few months away from the sport have really given me a new love and appreciation for the game I’ve dedicated my life to. I realize that life is so short, and I don’t take any moments for granted; every day is a new blessing and adventure,” she wrote in her statement on Wednesday.

“I am honored and very excited to be part of this great organization, Ryukyu Golden Kings. I can’t wait to play with you guys, see you soon,” Tamayo said.

Tamayo was the UAAP Rookie of the Year in Season 84, and a part of the Mythical Team in Season 85. He helped the Fighting Maroons win the

championship as a freshman, where they ended a 36-year title drought.

In what turned out to be his final season with UP, the Fighting Maroons made it back to the finals but lost in three games to Ateneo de Manila University.

In Ryukyu, Tamayo joins a club that has a 21-7 win-loss record in the

2022-23 season. The Golden Kings previously hired veteran Jay Washington as an import before parting ways with him in early December.

Ryukyu features former Meralco import Allen Durham, who is averaging 15.9 points and 8.4 rebounds for the Golden Kings.

Carl Tamayo (33) of the UP Fighting Maroons.

The 25-year-old former world no. 1 Naomi Osaka has not played a tennis match since September and her withdrawal from the Australian Open, which starts next week, had puzzled many observers.

THE DECIDER

Dragons force winnertake-all Game 7

Powered up by the comebacking Powell, the Bay Area Dragons sent the Barangay Ginebra Kings to a deciding Game 7 with an 87-84 escape win before a fantastic crowd of over 22,000 at the Smart Araneta Coliseum Wednesday.

Once again back from the injured list, Powell played as if not coming from a layoff, providing lots of court smart, spark and firepower as the Dragons once again struck back at the Kings, thus, forging a 3-3 deadlock in the PBA Commissioner’s Cup best-of-seven title playoff.

They take one final breather then engage in a no-tomorrow showdown on Sunday at the Philippine Arena in Bocaue, Bulacan.

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Powell, a former Philadelphia Sixer in the NBA, had a big, big hand in this kind of finish in what had turned to be an incredible championship series.

The 6-foot-1 hotshot poured in 29 points in 35 minutes of ac-

tion off the bench and, with his all-around activity, made his teammates to play better.

He scored all of their last seven points, including two split charities in the dying seconds that made it 87-84.

As he attracted much attention on defense, the Dragons spread the floor and enjoyed the lead most of the way with a wondrous 17-of-36 three-pointers.

The Kings, on the other hand, bled from deep and eventually lost the game on missed three-pointers.

They went 0-of-7 from the arc in the payoff period, the last from Aguilar at the buzzer.

From a scrambling first half, the Kings came into life

and rolled ahead at 62-61 on a 16-point explosion by Justin Brownlee in the third period.

Brownlee went on to collect triple-double numbers with 37 points, 11 assists and 10 rebounds.

But that stats line wasn’t enough.

Powell proved unstoppable at the finish, thus, keeping the Dragons’ bid alive and preserving his clean record. Bay Area is 9-of-9 with Powell as import.

Hayden Blankley had his own great moments, firing away six triples and a total of 23 markers while Glen Yang and Songwei Zhu added 10 apiece.

Largely behind a torrid

Myles Powell poured in 29 points in 35 minutes of action off the bench and, with his all-around activity, made his teammates to play better.